ARCHIVED - 2008-2009 DPRs - Up-Front Multi-Year Funding

Name of Recipient: Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI)

Start Date: December 14, 2006

End Date: March 31, 2022

Total Funding: $15.0M

Description: To encourage independent policy research benefitting the Canadian agricultural sector. The conditional grant for CAPI will ensure continued success in building an inclusive and forward looking dialogue on the future of Canadian agriculture, and provide a stable and sustained forum to discuss issues of importance to the industry.

Strategic Outcome(s): Security of the Food System

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

CAPI submitted their Business and Research Plans for 2008-09 but the annual report containing information on the results achieved relative to the 2008-09 Business and Research Plan is due July 31, 2009 under the agreement.

2007-08 Results
CAPI undertook major new projects in our three key thematic areas: health, sustainability, and competitiveness.

1. Retained a project team of experts to research examples of integrated health and food initiatives around the world. The team published its findings in a report called "Finding Common Ground: Food for a Healthy Population and a Healthy Agri-Food Sector."
2. Set up a project to encourage a renaissance in rural economies in Canada, both in the agri-food sector and other areas. The project was called "Growing Canada's Rural Economies."
3. Launched a project on the financial performance of farm businesses in Canada. The objective of the Farm Income Project was to determine which performance measures the government should develop and publish on a regular basis to provide an indication of the relative financial position of farmers.

Comments on Variance(s):
The CAPI agreement was signed on March 31, 2007 and the full amount was paid to the client in the 2006-07 fiscal year in the form of an endowment to be drawn down at the rate of $1 million per year for 15 years ending March 31, 2022. The CAPI Business and Research plan for 2009-10 will be received by the end of June 2009.

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL to Last Evaluation:
A Performance Evaluation will be done in 2010.

Significant Audit Findings and URL to Last Audit:
The annual audit for the year ending March 31, 2008 was received July 31, 2008, was reviewed by departmental experts and CAPI was provided comments.

URL to Recipient's Site

URL to Recipient's Annual Report:
2007-08 Annual Report
The 2008-09 Annual Report is due July 31, 2009.

Name of Recipient: Endowment Fund-Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities

Start Date: 2001-2002

End Date: Perpetual

Total Funding: $10 million

Description: Thanks to an endowment funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities was created in March 2002 for the purpose of becoming a national centre of expertise to better understand the challenges that official-language minority communities face as well as the trends in their environments. Although it is housed at the Université de Moncton, it has a national mission. It carries out activities related to official-language minority communities through revenues generated by the Endowment Fund and other revenues.

The goal of the Institute is to increase research on issues related to minority official-language communities. More and improved research will ensure that leaders of minority-language communities and officials responsible for developing public policy will have a better understanding of the issues that affect the development of Canada's Francophone and Anglophone minority communities.

Strategic Outcome(s): Canada is an inclusive society built on inter-cultural understanding and citizen participation.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

• Research capacity has increased nationally. Experts across Canada were connected to encourage collaboration, leading to an increased pool of researchers who study linguistic minorities. Ties between researchers were encouraged, and information on research opportunities communicated.
  
• The Institute's efforts in both academic and applied research are well recognized as quality work.
  
• Research results are recognized as pertinent and useful, especially in the field of education. In most cases, stakeholders have the impression that governments, communities and other researchers use the results.
  
• The Institute is very visible at seminars and conferences, and publishes its results in academic reviews at the national level.

Comments on Variance(s): No variance

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: A Formative Evaluation was conducted in 2008-2009, which examined many aspects of the Institute including governance, administration and communication. The evaluation also helped explore different options to improve the Institute's efficiency and capacities.

The evaluation demonstrated the relevance of the Institute's role as the national centre of expertise for research on linguistic minorities.

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available.

URL to Recipient's Site:www.icrml.ca

Name of Recipient: Global Centre for Pluralism

Start Date: 2006-2007

End Date: Perpetual

Total Funding: $30 million

Description: The Global Centre for Pluralism is a not-for-profit organization founded by the Aga Khan Development Network that addresses a global gap in institutions that advocate pluralism as a foundation for new governance, peace, and human development.

Strategic Outcome(s): Canada is an inclusive society built on inter-cultural understanding and citizen participation.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: The Centre reported on deliverables outlined in the funding agreement for the Global Centre for Pluralism, including the 2007-2008 Annual Report and its Corporate Plan. The activities of the Centre were focused on activating the Centre's governance structure and developing leadership capacity, opening a temporary office while beginning redevelopment work on the Centre's future home (at 330 Sussex Drive in Ottawa), and developing the Centre's program capacity.

Comments on Variance(s): No variance

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available.

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available.

URL to Recipient's Site:http://www.pluralism.ca.

Name of Recipient: Grant to the 2010 Games Operating Trust

Start Date: 2004-2005

End Date: Perpetual

Total Funding: $55 million

Description: In accordance with the Multi-Party Agreement (MPA), the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia each contributed $55 million to the Legacy Endowment Fund, which is managed by the 2010 Games Operating Trust. The 2010 Games Operating Trust Society is the legal entity that oversees the business activities of the 2010 Games Operating Trust. The Legacy Endowment Fund supports the maintenance and operating expenses of specific 2010 Winter Games sporting venues and of charitable and not-for-profit organizations conducting high-performance amateur sport and coach development programming at those venues and elsewhere in Canada. The three legacy facilities receiving funds are the Richmond Oval (Richmond, BC), Whistler Olympic Park and the Whistler Sliding Centre (Resort Municipality of Whistler, BC). This commitment by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia ensures that Canadians will continue to use the venues and benefit from sport programming well beyond 2010. (http://www.vancouver2010.com)

The Board of Directors of the 2010 Games Operating Trust Society consists of eight representatives from the signatories to the MPA (Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), the City of Vancouver, the City of Richmond, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler). The 2010 Games Operating Trust Society will oversee and manage this Trust until an agreed-upon future date or until the end of the Monarchy.

Sustainable social, economic, cultural and sports benefits for Canadians are the overall strategic goal for hosting the Olympic Games. Beyond maintaining and operating the three principle venues, the 2010 Games Operating Trust will provide the needed funding to continue high performance programming for Canadian athletes at these venues and elsewhere in Canada.

Strategic Outcome(s): Canada is an inclusive society built on intercultural understanding and citizen participation.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

The growth of the Legacy Endowment Fund since its creation in 2004-2005 will ensure continued use of the venues and will support sport programming, leaving a sustainable legacy for all Canadians beyond 2010. The interest earned on this investment since 2004-2005 has been used to recapitalize on the Fund. The 2010 Games Operating Trust Society approved distributions for operational and capital maintenance costs from the Legacy Endowment Fund to the venue owners/operators starting in December 2007, when the first of the three legacy venues, Whistler Olympic Park, was officially opened and operational. During 2008, the remaining two legacy venues-the Whistler Sliding Centre and the Richmond Olympic Oval-were also officially opened. Sporting test events were held at all three legacy venues during 2008 to ensure they were competition-ready. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/athletes-and-sports/sport-events/-/56986/f896fm/index.html

The following tables outline the annual distributions approved by the 2010 Games Operating Trust Society from the Legacy Endowment Fund to the venue owners/operators and the fund balances as of December 31, 2008.

Comments on Variance(s): No variance.

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available.

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available.

URL to Recipient's Site: No URL site for the 2010 Operating Trust Society was known on the date of publication of this report; however, information on the Trust and Legacy venues can be found at: http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/-/32678/q0c15c/index.html

Name of Recipient: National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

Start Date: 2003-2004

End Date:2009-2010

Total Funding: $22 million

Description: The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) promotes the development and education of Aboriginal peoples and their professional advancement in Canadian society through the implementation of such initiatives as: Blueprint for the Future, Post-Secondary Education Program, the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, and Taking Pulse. Overall, the Foundation's programs are made possible through the support of the federal government, corporate sponsors, charitable foundations and individual donors.

The Foundation's core focus continues to be providing scholarships for Aboriginal students. NAAF is the largest supporter of Aboriginal education outside the federal government. In 2003-2004, Canadian Heritage provided a $12M endowment for the establishment of an Aboriginal Post-Secondary Scholarship Program. An additional endowment of $10M was approved in March 2007. Investment revenues of the endowment are used to award scholarships and bursaries to Aboriginal post-secondary students across Canada.

This Endowment Fund encourages higher levels of achievement in education to help Aboriginal Canadians gain the skills and learning needed to contribute fully to the economic life of their communities and Canadian society. More specifically, the scholarship program assists Status Indian, Non-Status Indian, Métis and Inuit post-secondary students engaged in fields of study that support and contribute to Aboriginal self-government and self-reliance goals.

Strategic Outcome(s): Canada is an inclusive society built on intercultural understanding and citizen participation.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: Investment revenues from the endowment in the amount of $550,000 provided funding for 261 bursaries to Aboriginal post-secondary students, which included 134 Métis, 122 First Nation, and 5 Inuit recipients.

Comments on Variance(s): No variance.

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available

URL to Recipient's Site: http://www.naaf.ca

Name of Recipient: The Trans Canada Trail Foundation

Start Date: December 2003

End Date: March 2010

Total Funding: $15 million

Description: The Trans Canada Trail Foundation leads an initiative based on widespread voluntary support to establish a national recreational trail that runs through every Canadian province and territory, linking hundreds of communities. The federal grant for this project is used solely to establish a fund to achieve the following objectives: to administer a program of grants to community-based groups in support of trail-building capital projects (thereby leveraging additional support from other sources); to provide planning for and coordinate development of the Trail; and to establish Trail Pavilions and signage along the route.

The Trail will connect Canadians from all regions of the country with each other, their environments, and with Canada's cultural and natural diversity.

Strategic Outcome(s): Canadians express and share their diverse cultural experiences with each other and the world.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: The Trail helps strengthen Canada's national tourism brand. Over 80% of Canadians live within 30 minutes of the Trans Canada Trail, and over 70% (more than 14,000 km) of the Trail is already built. The remaining 30% of the Trail to be completed is among the most complex development in the Trail's history. The status of the Trail for 2008-2009 is as following:

• Quebec is more than 95% completed;
• Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are 100% completed;
• Ontario has more than 60% completed;
• Manitoba and British Columbia are about 80% completed, while Yukon, Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Alberta are close to 60% complete.

Comments on Variance(s): The total grant of $15 million was paid to the Foundation in 2003-2004. No variance.

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: A performance evaluation is scheduled for May 2010.

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Not available.

URL to Recipient's Site: http://www.tctrail.ca/home.php?l=en

Name of Recipient: The Gairdner Foundation

Start Date: March 28, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2028

Total Funding: $20,000,000

Description: CIHR provided the Gairdner Foundation with a $20M grant in the form of an endowment to promote exceptional achievement in health research. In recognition of the significant endowment from the Government of Canada, the Gairdner Foundation renamed its awards as the "Canada Gairdner International Awards", helping to brand Canada internationally as a global leader in health research.

Strategic Outcome(s): 2.0 People and Research Capacity

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: The first six Canada Gairdner International Awards (valued at $100,000 each) and the first ever Canada Gairdner Global Health Award (valued at $100,000) were issued to outstanding health researchers during the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Comments on Variance(s): N/A

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:

N/A

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:

N/A

URL to Recipient's Site: http://www.gairdner.org/

Name of Recipient: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Start Date: March 31, 2005

End Date: N/A

Total Funding: $50 million

Description: The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, created by an Act of Parliament in 1984, is an independent, not-for-profit think tank on Canada's relations with Asia. The Foundation functions as a knowledge broker, bringing together people and knowledge to provide current and comprehensive research, analysis and information on Canada's trans-Pacific relations. It promotes dialogue on economic, security, political and social issues, fostering informed decision making in the Canadian public, private and non-governmental sectors. The Foundation also provides grants to support policy research and informed discussion on Canada's relations with Asia. The Foundation is funded primarily by the proceeds of an endowment of $50 million from the Government of Canada.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Program Activity: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient

• Advanced policy issues related to the Asia Pacific Gateway through a number of research activities, publications and convening activities.
• Produced surveys and publications on Canadians living overseas.
• Issued a variety of publications on the Global Asia theme, focused in particular on bilateral educational partnerships with India and two-way economic ties with China.
• Disseminated research and analysis through a wide range of publications, roundtables and briefings.

Comment on Variance: N/A

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Evaluation(s)/Future Plans: A summative evaluation was completed and approved by the DFAIT Departmental Evaluation Committee on April 20, 2009. The evaluation's four main recommendations were:

1. Use Web and interactive tools to better position the Foundation in the competitive market of ideas on Asian policy.
2. Cooperate with other organisations to leverage limited resources.
3. Involve the Board of Directors more extensively in decision making and fundraising, and improve the composition of the Board.
4. Monitor the effectiveness of policy activities and whether the intended target audience is being reached.

The Foundation's management response to each of the above points was:

1. A new website has been launched.
2. Collaborative efforts with other organisations are already under way.
3. The Foundation is committed to greater involvement of the Board of Directors in the governance of the Foundation and to recruiting appointees from areas and specialties not currently represented on the Board.
4. The Foundation agreed to incorporate client feedback (e.g. survey results) in the design of programs and research projects.

Significant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s)/Future Plans: An audit of the management of the Foundation Fund (section 4 of the Conditional Grant Agreement) was performed by DFAIT's Inspection Division in 2008. The audit found that the Foundation has:

• managed the investment of the Endowment Fund in a prudent manner with the objective of preserving the principal amount over the long term;
• established an Investment Committee that overseas matters related to the investment management of the Fund;
• established a Statement of Investment Policy and not engaged in or invested in prohibited investments and trading activities as outlined in 4.10 of the Agreement; and
• appointed an independent investment firm to provide investment advice.

The audit recommended that:

• the maximum investment in bonds should be less than or equal to 88%; and
• the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures should be revised to ensure the preservation of the principal amount of the Fund.

The Foundation will undertake another compliance audit in FY 2009-10 to attest to the other sections of the Conditional Grant Agreement. The cost of the compliance audit will be $50,000.

As per the Conditional Grant Agreement, and to ensure compliance with that agreement, a compliance audit of the Foundation, at the expense of DFAIT, will be conducted in the last quarter of 2008-09. The audit will include environmental effects, a review of the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls, and verification of performance information, propriety, and compliance with this agreement and the Act.

The Foundation also undertakes independent audits as part of its annual reporting cycle.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.asiapacific.ca

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: www.asiapacific.ca/analysis/pubs/index.cfm#35

Name of Recipient: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Start Date: January 30, 2003

End Date: N/A

Total Funding: $30 million

Description: CIGI supports world-leading research in the area of global governance, particularly in the area of global economic and financial governance, and furthers Canada's interest in having a stable and well-governed global economic system by bringing together academics, policy analysts and researchers from around the world to discuss and carry out research on current topics and trends.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Program Activity: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: (from Annual Report 2008)

• Published 29 papers and reports and 11 books, and hosted 105 public events, workshops and conferences.
• Focused efforts on the food crisis, emerging powers such as China and India, the G8 and G20 summits and reform, and climate change.
• Further developed strategic global networks to raise the quality of CIGI policy research.

Comment on Variance: N/A

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Evaluation(s)/Future Plans: A positive evaluation, with main recommendations focused on the need for a strategic plan and improved management for results. This CIGI-funded evaluation is not posted online.

Significant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s)/Future Plans: N/A

URL to Recipient's Site: www.cigionline.org

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: www.cigionline.org/about/annual-report

Name of Recipient: Forum of Federations

Start Date: March 29, 2001

End Date: March 31, 2011

Total Funding: $30 million²

Description: The conditional grant provided by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) to the Forum of Federations provides concrete help to the Forum's efforts to promote programs of mutual cooperation and affords Canada the opportunity to play a more prominent role in shaping federalism worldwide. These programs are designed to help develop best practices in countries with federal systems of government, provide expertise and promote exchanges with other countries interested in federal approaches, and help Canada to assume an international leadership role on work related to federal political systems. The Forum's independence, and its ability to draw on both Canadian experience and international resources, is the best existing mechanism internationally to provide this exploration of federalism. This grant also covers Canada's annual $50,000 contribution as a member of the Forum's Strategic Council, an advisory body to the Forum's Board of Directors consisting of partner governments that have signed a framework arrangement with the Forum.

Funding of Forum activities reaffirms to the world Canada's commitment to the Forum, thus encouraging other governments to partner with the Forum, further promoting its internationalization. The drawdown nature of the grant anticipates an increase in funding from other partner governments that will diminish Canada's financial commitment in the future as the sole or principal source of funding, while concurrently sending a clear message to foreign governments that Canada supports the important work of the Forum and is committed to its becoming a global organisation. The pursuit of internationalization will help to further the Forum's reputation and prominence by integrating a broader base of federal experiences and continuing to attract high-quality international personnel.

On the domestic front, the Forum reflects a core value of our national political identity: Canada's commitment to open federalism. Now that the Forum has established its credibility on the international stage, we anticipate that its neutral status and expertise could continue to pave the way for further activities in the domestic arena, including as a source of ideas on flexible federalism through its new Canada Program.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Program Activity: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

Geographic Programming: North America: The Forum's Canada Program examined issues of federal-provincial/state governance related to internal markets and environmental assessment. The Forum continued its work with the Government of Mexico to develop a five-year plan, focusing primarily on the intergovernmental relations and public security sectors. Programming in the United States was limited in this period. South America: Cooperation with the Fiscal Forum of Brazilian States continued, with Brazil becoming an official partner government of the Forum in December 2008. The Forum focused its work with Argentina on issues of fiscal federalism, including revenue sharing, and the foreign relations of constituent units. The situation in Bolivia continues to be monitored. Europe: At the request of Germany, the Forum assisted government officials in benchmarking in federalist states. A joint partnership was established with Expo Zaragoza to co-host a meeting on water governance that was held in Spain in July 2008. In March 2009, the Forum organized a conference on intergovernmental relations and horizontal cooperation together with the Gimenez Abad Foundation, and partnered with the European Union to host a conference on foreign policy of regions and constituent units in Brussels. High-level meetings with government and parliamentary officials were held as part of an exploratory mission to Italy, and a similar mission to Russia was also undertaken. Asia: In Nepal, the Forum is implementing a multi-year program with Swiss and German funds to provide technical advice to the Constituent Assembly on how to design and implement federal government structures, and is providing "Federalism 101" (provision of documents, translations, etc.) support to civil society. The Forum pursued funding of work with civil society in Sri Lanka on "Federalism 101" and service delivery at the local government level, and has identified that engaging female politicians will be an important focus moving forward. The Forum participated in a Government of Canada-sponsored mission to Pakistan that has led to a request for a proposal from the German government; a multi-year program proposal has been submitted to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consideration. Pacific: A three-year program is being developed in Australia based on the new commonwealth government's priorities (including health care, Aboriginal issues and climate change). The Forum continues to monitor the situation in the Philippines, Micronesia, and Indonesia in order to identify potential program opportunities. Middle East: Work in Iraq continued. Africa: The Forum continued to pursue activity in its priority African states: Sudan (federal governance awareness and training, including technical support to the Fiscal and Financial Allocation and Monitoring Commission); Ethiopia (enhancing federalism, with a focus on fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations and conflict, through academic development, training and policy research, technical assistance and outreach); and Nigeria (intergovernmental relations and service delivery, fiscal federalism and constitutional review).

Global Dialogue Program: The 2008-09 Global Dialogue Program featured two themes: (1) "Diversity and Unity in Federal Countries" (international roundtable); and (2) "Intergovernmental Relations in Federal Countries" (country roundtables). Twelve countries were examined under both headings, including Canada, with the latter theme also including the European Union in its review. Highlights of the various exchanges have been incorporated into country chapters of Volume 7 of the Program's booklet series, entitled Dialogues on Diversity and Unity in Federal Countries, which was published in 2008.

Operations: Arrangements for the continuation of seconded personnel from Switzerland and Germany have been concluded. The German version of the Forum's Federations magazine was introduced in early 2008.

Comment on Variance: N/A

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Evaluation(s)/Future Plans: As outlined in the Grant Agreement, an independent third-party evaluation of the Forum's activities was undertaken in 2008. The purpose of this evaluation was to measure the overall performance of the Forum in achieving the outcomes outlined in the Agreement, and to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the grant and the fund as a longer-term financing mechanism. The release of the report, originally scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2008, was delayed until June 2008 due to the postponement of the Forum's Board of Directors meeting.

The evaluation was largely positive in tone, although general in scope of analysis. While the evaluation highlighted various ways in which the Forum has successfully broadened its international network and programming, developing a niche role as both a source and a centre for the exchange of knowledge and experience on federal governance, the evaluation failed to raise certain issues and challenges that are pertinent to the Government of Canada's ongoing relationship with the Forum (i.e. the Forum's ability to internationalize both its partnership and funding bases while also ensuring that current partner countries such as Canada are provided an adequate level of domestic programming).

Significant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s)/Future Plans: In consultation with the Office of the Inspector General, the Intergovernmental Relations and Domestic Outreach Bureau determined that an audit of the conditional grant provided to the Forum was not required in 2008-09.

The independent performance (value for money) audit required to ensure the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the Forum's activities has been scheduled for 2009-10. DFAIT had initially suggested that the Forum consider including this component in the third-party evaluation; however, no deadline was identified for this audit. Once completed, the report will be made public and a copy sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.forumfed.org

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: www.forumfed.org/en/about/annualreports.php

1. Name of Recipient: Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

2. Start Date: March 2001 (Sustainable Development Technology Fund) and April 2007 (NextGen Biofuels Fund)

3. End Date: June 2015 (Sustainable Development Technology Fund) and September 2027 (NextGen Biofuels Fund)

4. Total Funding: $1.05 billion (Environment Canada's share is $525 million)⁵

5. Description

• Sustainable Development Technology Fund: To stimulate the development and demonstration of Canadian technologies aimed at climate change, clean air, clean water and clean soil
• NextGen Biofuels Fund: To establish first-of-kind, large, demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels

6. Strategic Outcome(s): Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

7. Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2008, under the Sustainable Development Technology Fund, SDTC announced that 34 projects were approved for funding in 2008, with SDTC providing $105 million or 30 percent of the total eligible project value of $355 million. Since its inception, SDTC has provided $376 million for 154 projects, with a total project value of $1.3 billion and the potential for 5 to 12Mt of CO2 emission reductions annually by 2012. Under the new NextGen Biofuels Fund, SDTC received one formal application in 2008 and expects four more in 2009. Currently, SDTC is tracking 100 companies as potential applicants, but there were no allocations in 2008. As expected, project disbursement payments from the Sustainable Development Technology Fund are projected to increase as the number of completed projects increases. Disbursement payments are projected to be $85 million in 2010 and $60 million in 2009, compared to $41 million in 2008 and $28 million in 2007. As of December 2008, $126 million has been disbursed under the Sustainable Development Technology Fund. As required by legislation, SDTC submitted its annual report documents on time to both Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada and posted these on the SDTC website, making them available to the public.

15. Comments on Variance(s): The above financial data pertain to the NextGen Biofuels Fund only. The variance is due to a statutory payment of $19.0 million issued over and above the planned $12.5 million included in Environment Canada 's Main Estimates. The last payment to SDTC for the Sustainable Development Technology Fund occurred in 2005.

16. Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan: As per Funding Agreement Three for the Sustainable Development Technology Fund, SDTC has engaged an independent third party to conduct its second interim evaluation. The evaluation report will be submitted by June 20, 2009, for operations up to December 31, 2008, and will assess whether the Fund is meeting its purposes and objectives, and whether adjustments to the program can and should be made. The "Evaluation by Canada" is optional at any time. There was no evaluation in 2008 of the NextGen Biofuels Fund, since it is new. The first of three interim evaluations for that fund is required in November 2012.

17. Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan: There was no performance audit in 2008, except for the standard financial audit required for the financial data in the SDTC annual report. However, the "Value-for-money (Performance) Audit" for the Sustainable Development Technology Fund will be initiated in the 2009-2010 fiscal year (which is equivalent to once every five years, as per Funding Agreement Three).

18. URL to Recipient's Site: www.sdtc.ca

1. Name of Recipient: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund (GMF); formerly known as the Green Municipal Enabling Fund and the Green Municipal Investment Fund

2. Start Date: February 2000

3. End Date: In perpetuity

4. Total Funding: $550 million (Environment Canada's share is $275 million)

5. Description: The intent of the GMF is to encourage investment in environmental municipal infrastructure. Specifically, the priorities of the fund are to have a positive impact on the health and quality of life of Canadians by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving local air, water and soil quality, and promoting renewable energy by supporting environmental studies and projects within the municipal sector.

The GMF is co-funded equally by Natural Resources Canada and Environment Canada, which manage the fund at arm's length, creating a strong partnership between the FCM and the Government of Canada. The FCM Board of Directors, formally designated as the decision-making body for the funds, is advised by a 15-member council that includes five federal appointees. The council plays a key role, supported by the FCM Secretariat and the GMF Peer Review Committee.

Created in Budget 2000 with an endowment of $125 million, the Green Municipal Enabling Fund and Green Municipal Investment Fund were doubled in Budget 2002 with an additional $125 million.

The $50 million Green Municipal Enabling Fund provided grants to support feasibility studies to increase municipal expertise and knowledge of leading-edge environmental technologies and practices. The $200 million Green Municipal Investment Fund has provided loans and loan guarantees to leverage municipal investment in innovative environmental infrastructure projects.

Budget 2005 announced $300 million of additional funding for the 2004-2005 fiscal year.

With Budget 2005, the two funds were merged into one fund known as the Green Municipal Fund, combining the $250 million from the old funds with the new $300 million into a revolving fund. This fund supports grants, loans and loan guarantees, and is consistent with the purpose and intent of the original agreements. Of the total amount in this fund, $150 million is to be used exclusively to provide loans for the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields.

The amount of GMF financing available to municipalities is directly related to the environmental benefits and/or innovation of the projects undertaken, with grant-loan combinations of up to 80 percent of eligible costs available for projects with exceptional environmental benefits.

6. Strategic Outcome(s): Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

7. Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: Findings on the results achieved by the recipient are available in the recipient's annual report.

15. Comments on Variance(s): The Green Municipal Fund is administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as per the Funding Agreement (2005).

16. Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan: N/A

17. Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting year and Future Plan:

• A progress report was provided to the Green Municipal Fund Council on June 12, 2009, regarding the status of the performance audit (section 11.07) and review (section 11.05). The final report will be provided to Council for approval in September 2009.
• In section 11.05 of the Funding Agreement, it stipulates that the FCM agrees to obtain and make public and forward to each Minister, for tabling in Parliament, an independent review using recognized evaluation standards on the following timelines: an initial review within six months following March 31, 2009, and subsequent reviews every five years from the date of the first review.
• In section 11.07 of the Funding Agreement, it stipulates that the FCM agrees to have carried out an independent performance (value-for-money) audit to ensure the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which funds have been used. An initial audit must be carried out within six months following March 31, 2009, with subsequent reviews every five years from the date of the first review.

18. URL to Recipient's Site: www.fcm.ca

1. Name of Recipient: Nature Conservancy of Canada

2. Start Date: March 2007

3. End Date: In perpetuity (until the total funding is expended)

4. Total Funding: $225 million

5. Description: The Nature Conservancy of Canada works to ensure the long-term protection of biodiversity by placing funds into a stewardship endowment to support the ongoing management and restoration of habitat and the recovery of species at risk. The Conservancy focuses on working with private landowners to secure ecologically significant lands that have been identified as priorities for conservation action. To that effect, the Conservancy acquires and preserves land through one of four methods: land purchase, land donations, conservation easements or relinquishment of rights. The goal of the program is to secure 200,000 hectares of private land for conservation.

6. Strategic Outcome(s): Canada's natural capital is restored, conserved and enhanced

7. Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: A statutory payment was issued to the Nature Conservancy of Canada as per the Government's commitment in the 2008 Budget. As of the end of March 2009, the Conservancy has drawn $116 million under the federal allocation. To date, the Conservancy has raised more than $90 million in matching funds and pledges from private and other public sources, and received donations of conservation lands and easements valued at $88 million from private landowners, for a total of $178 million. The organization is on track to more than match the federal investment of $225 million over the life of the program. The Conservancy and its partners have now secured more than 102,000 hectares of land, through more than 324 land transactions. These lands are found in every province and provide habitat for at least 74 species at risk.

15. Comments on Variance(s): This conditional grant was fully accounted for in the 2006-2007 fiscal year. Payments made under the grant are based on the Conservancy's fiscal year, which commences on July 1, 2009. Installments under the grant were $70.2 million in 2007-2008 and $46.1 million in 2008-2009.

16. Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan: No program evaluation has been conducted to date. The first annual progress report spanning April 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008, was received from the Conservancy on May 14, 2009, and was deemed to be satisfactory. Program evaluations are to be carried out no less frequently than every five years from the date of the agreement and when the fund has been expended.

17. Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan: A financial audit, dated June 30 2008, was conducted by Ernst & Young to inform the first annual progress report on the program, spanning April 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008. The auditor's report indicated that "...the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as at June 30, 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the fifteen-month period then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles … except for the effect of adjustments, if any, which we might have determined to be necessary had we been able to obtain detailed supporting documentation for expenses incurred by Ducks Unlimited Canada" as per the sub-agreement between the Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited Canada. (Note: Ducks Unlimited Canada employs a "pooling and deeming" accounting process to allocate funds and track the progress of their various programs. Since the Natural Areas Conservation Plans Annual Progress Report, Environment Canada has indicated "acceptance as appropriate" of Ducks Unlimited's pooling and deeming system, therefore allowing the auditor's disclaimer about Ducks Unlimited to become a non-issue. This has been reviewed by Environment Canada's Finance and Audit and Evaluation branches.)

18. URL to Recipient's Site: www.natureconservancy.ca/site/PageServer

1. Name of Recipient: Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences

2. Start Date: February 2000

3. End Date: March 2011

4. Total Funding: $110 million (a one-time $60 million grant to be disbursed over six years was received in 2001; a second grant of $50 million to be disbursed by the end of March 2011 was received in 2004)

5. Description: To invest strategically in excellent university-based research in climate and atmospheric sciences to do the following:

• provide relevant scientific information to support federal policymaking;
• generate better knowledge of climate change and its impacts on the natural environment;
• provide results to help Canada respond to its international environmental commitments; and
• ensure a supply of skilled human resources to meet future environmental challenges.

6. Strategic Outcome(s): Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians

7. Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2008-2009, the Foundation assessed 73 requests for short-term research projects and nine requests for network supplements. It funded 29 projects for two years, for an application success rate of 40 percent. Seven network supplements were approved, to enhance the outreach, research integration and coordination, and data management and communications activities of existing networks. The competition addressed priorities outlined in the Government's Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, and other federal policy documents. The competition also encouraged interdisciplinary projects associated with northern climate, water resources, extreme weather, ice and snow, and air quality. In accordance with the Foundation's communications strategy, staff worked with university offices to optimize publicity on grants.

15. Comments on Variance(s): N/A

16. Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan: Mandatory evaluation of the Foundation is planned for 2010.

17. Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan: The Foundation tracks the progress, management and outputs of networks and projects through meetings, reports and audits. During 2008, the Foundation received independent performance audit reports on one project and one network, and commissioned two more.

18. URL to Recipient's Site: www.cfcas.org/

1. Name of Recipient: Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

2. Start Date: February 2000

3. End Date: In perpetuity

4. Total Funding: $12 million (Environment Canada does not report on the financial activities of the Trust.)

5. Description: To create an endowment fund for the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust—the cornerstone of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Trust will use the income from the endowment fund to support local research, education and training in the Biosphere Reserve region.

6. Strategic Outcome(s): Canada's natural capital is restored, conserved and enhanced

7. Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: Findings on the results achieved by the recipient are available in the recipient's Funded Project Archives.

15. Comments on Variance(s): The Fund is administered by the Trust

16. Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan:

• Trust core priorities were identified and reaffirmed during this reporting period to increase the Trust's overall focus: Connecting People and Place, a Biosphere Centre and Practising Sustainability. Signature projects were identified in relation to specific priorities.
• The Trust secured two funding agreements as a result of intensified fund development efforts.
• Evaluations of community events and initiatives supported by the Trust over this period indicated a high level of community awareness of the Trust and satisfaction with activities undertaken.
• Changes to internal policy and procedures were introduced to address perceived deficits in project tracking and reporting processes, resulting in more accountability and efficiencies.

17. Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient During the Reporting Year and Future Plan:

• Erosion of the Trust's principal as a result of poor market performance and fund withdrawals has resulted in plans for significant reduction in operating budgets and intensified revenue generation. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Society, which is required under the Funding Agreement to maintain the original value of the Trust, as adjusted using the Canadian Consumer Price Index, is taking steps to rectify the situation.
• Canada Revenue Agency revoked the Trust’s charitable status, which meant the Trust no longer complied with the Funding Agreement. The Trust appealed the Canada Revenue Agency decision and proposed revisions to the CBT’s Constitution to clarify the purpose and activities of the Society and assist with the reinstatement of charitable status. The Society’s Board of Directors voted to make the changes and was subsequently advised that Canada Revenue Agency has retroactively reinstated the Society’s charitable status based on these changes. 

18. URL to Recipient's Site: www.clayoquotbiosphere.org/

Name of Recipient: The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation

Start Date: Royal Assent June 18, 1998

End Date: 2010

Total Funding: $2.5 billion

Description: The endowment is managed in accordance with the Funding Agreement between the Foundation and the Government of Canada, as represented by the Ministers of Finance and Human Resources and Skills Development.

The objective of the foundation is to increase access to post-secondary education so that Canadians can acquire the skills needed to participate in a changing economy and society by granting scholarships to students who are in financial need and who demonstrate merit.

Strategic Outcome(s): Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

• Awarded 88,858 bursaries averaging $3,000 to post-secondary students based on financial need.
• In 2008, 3,198 millennium excellence entrance and national in-course excellence awards were awarded, valued at $4,000 or $5,000, depending on the type of award.
• Continued implementation of program improvements recommended as a result of the Foundation's mid-term review. In 2008, some 28,688 access bursaries were awarded with a cumulative value of $50.4 million.
• Research program into the determinants of access to higher education and the effect of current student financial assistance programs on students' behaviour - completed the following in 2008:
  • Continuation of Millennium Research Series and other publications;
  • Implementation of seven Millennium Pilot Projects (longitudinal research projects on means to improve access and persistence).

Comments on Variance(s): The majority of the conditional grant variance is accounted for by withdrawals of students in the bursary program and some under spending in access. The balances are transferred to the following year’s program allocations.

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: N/A

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:
The Foundation's annual audit was conducted in the first quarter of 2009.
The Office of the Auditor General conducted an audit of the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation and of the Canada Student Loans Program in 2007. They found that the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation's bursary programs are well managed and that the Foundation has the necessary controls in place to ensure that eligibility for bursaries is assessed correctly and that payments are issued in the right amounts to the right people. They also found that the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation obtains reasonable assurance that the provinces and territories are fulfilling their responsibilities in delivering the programs. Furthermore, the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation was found to collect adequate information to report its achievements against objectives and meet its obligation to report the results of its activities to Parliament.
URL to Auditor General:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_lpf_e_19300.html
URL to Treasury Board Evaluation of Foundations:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/report/orp/2007/ef-fe/ef-fe_e.asp

URL to Recipient’s Site:
http://www.millenniumscholarships.ca
http://www.millenniumscholarships.ca/en/aboutus/AnnualReport.asp
Comment: Figures based on calendar year.

Name of Recipient: Canadian Council on Learning

Start Date: March 30, 2004

End Date: March 31, 2010¹

Total Funding: $85 million ¹

¹ A one-time grant was provided to CCL in fiscal year 2004-2005. All funds are to be dispersed by March 31, 2009. The mandate was extended to March 31, 2010 with no additional funding.

Description: To promote and support evidence-based decision making in all areas of lifelong learning by informing Canadians regularly on Canada's progress on learning outcomes, and promoting knowledge and information exchange among learning partners.

Strategic Outcome(s): Policies and programs that meet the human capital and social development needs of Canadians.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In support of its mandate to promote knowledge exchange and inform Canadians on learning issues and outcomes, the Canadian Council on Learning in 2008/09 accomplished the following:

Informing Canadians

• Released its third “State of Learning Report”, encompassing chapters on learning in early childhood, secondary and post-secondary school, through adulthood, in the workplace and for Aboriginal Peoples, with a special feature on literacy.
• Published an extensive survey of Canadian Attitudes Towards Learning (SCAL).
• Released the third edition of the internationally recognized pan-Canadian Composite Learning Index (CLI), which tracks progress in learning at the community and national levels.
• Released the third issue of their comprehensive report on the Post Secondary Education (PSE) sector.
• Increased the accessibility of information on learning through innovative use of new media technologies, such as a regular electronic publication, Lessons in Learning, as well as an e-bulletin (The Learning Link), serving a rapidly growing audience as measured by internet traffic and document downloads from the Canadian Council on Learning website.

Knowledge Mobilization and Exchange

• Supported the five national Knowledge Centres, which brings together leading academics, practitioners and stakeholders to engage in knowledge exchange and dissemination of exemplary practices in the following areas: Aboriginal Learning, Adult Learning, Early Childhood Learning; Health and Learning; and Work and Learning.
• Sponsored national and provincial knowledge exchange initiatives (symposia, conferences, roundtables, workshops) on key learning issues.
• Maintained the on-line peer-reviewed journal: Journal of Applied Research on Learning (JARL). [ URL: http://www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/Reports/Journal/Journal.htm ]
• Released the ECHO - a new online application that allows users to create and store cognitive assessments (including literacy and problem-solving) and survey information. (Used by Ontario as part of CCL’s evaluation of the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Student Success/Learning to 18 Strategy.)
• Fostered the development of knowledge on learning through its adjudication and support of research projects, the establishment of a research-in-residence program, and publication of a catalogue of provincial/territorial data on learning as a resource for research.

Comments on Variance(s): N/A

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: In accordance with CCL's funding agreement with the Department, CCL engaged an independent external agency to conduct a summative evaluation of CCL’s achievements since its inception in 2004. The evaluation found that: CCL has successfully identified knowledge gaps, creating knowledge exchange networks, created partnerships, and improved the volume, quality and relevance of research and information on learning; and that CCL operates in a cost-effective manner, complementing the work of other organizations. The evaluations also noted a number of challenges to CCL’s success such as effectively engaging various stakeholders such as provincial and territorial governments as well as clearly articulating its mandate, role and responsibilities to stakeholders and Canadians. A full copy of the evaluation is available at: http://www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/AboutCCL/CorporateReports/SummativeEvaluation.htm

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: No audit was performed in 2008-2009

URL to Recipient’s Site:
http://www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/AboutCCL/CorporateReports?Language=EN

Name of Recipient: Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Green Municipal Fund (GMF)

Start Date: Budget 2000

End Date: In perpetuity

Total Funding: $550M*

Description:

The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), a non-profit organization, with $550 million* to establish the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to provide a long-term, sustainable financing for municipal governments and their partners. The GMF invests in plans, studies and projects that provide the best examples of municipal leadership in sustainable development and that can be replicated in other Canadian communities.

The intent of the GMF is to encourage investment in environmental municipal infrastructure. Specifically, the priorities of the fund are to have a positive impact on the health and the quality of life of Canadians by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving local air, water and soil quality and promoting renewable energy by supporting environmental studies and projects within the municipal sector. Additional considerations include the potential for economic and/or social benefit.

Under the GMF agreement, the Government of Canada (represented by NRCan and Environment Canada) participates in governance of this revolving fund, along with representatives from the public and private sectors, including municipal officials and technical experts, through a Peer Review Committee and an advisory Council. The FCM Board of Directors approves projects based on the Council's recommendations.

*NRCan's share is $275M

Strategic Outcome(s): Canada is a world leader on environmental responsibility in the development and use of natural resources.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: As of March 31, 2009, the GMF had approved over $402 million for 735 plans, studies and projects with a total project value of $2.6 billion.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:

URL to Recipient's Site: http://sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: http://sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/About_Us/Annual_Reports

Name of Recipient: Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

Start Date: April 2002

End Date: June 2015

Total Funding: $550 million

Description: To stimulate the development and demonstration of Canadian technologies aimed at climate change, clean air, clean water and clean soil.

Strategic Outcome(s): Canada is a world leader on environmental responsibility in the development and use of natural resources

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: (within departmental overall plans):

Since 2001, SDTC's mandate has been expanded twice, and the foundation now manages two separate funds. The original fund, called the Clean Tech Fund, received a total federal endowment of $550M to provide funding for the development and demonstration of technologies focussing on climate change, clean air, water and soil (of which at least $50 million will be directed at hydrogen technologies and $50 million at clean fossil fuel projects). In 2007, a new $500M NextGen Biofuels Fund was established to provide capital support for next-generation renewable fuel facilities, reported separately.

NRCan is not responsible for reporting specifically on SDTC progress and results. However, as the designated minister under the SDTC Act, the Minister of NRCan tables the SDTC annual report in Parliament. This report is available at the SDTC website at http://www.sdtc.ca/en/index.htm. The following is a general summary of SDTC accomplishments. Further details will be available once the 2008 Annual Report is published.

To date, the SD Tech Fund has allocated $376 M in funds towards 154 projects. The fund has dispersed $126 M and to date 24 have been completed. The Latest information on projects is available from the 2008 Annual Report that can be found on its website per the link below.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:

URL to Recipient's Site: http://www.sdtc.ca/en/index.htm

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: http://www.sdtc.ca/en/news/annual_reports.htm

** NRCan share only

Name of Recipient: Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for the NextGen Biofuels Fund™

Start Date: April 1, 2007

End Date: Agreement ends Sept 30, 2027; last disbursement of funds to SDTC by March 31, 2015

Total Funding: $500M ***

Description:

SDTC is managing the NextGen Biofuels Fund™, which will support up to 40% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $200M per project for the establishment of first-of-kind, large-scale demonstration next-generation renewable fuel production facilities to encourage the future sustainability and success of renewable fuels. Next-generation renewable fuels are derived from non-traditional renewable feedstocks, such as forest biomass, fast-growing grasses, and agricultural residues, and are produced with non-conventional conversion technologies.

Since next-generation technologies are capital equipment intensive, they constitute a greater debt financing risk. The support provided by the NextGen Biofuels Fund™ will encourage the retention and growth of technology expertise and innovation capacity for next-generation renewable fuels production in Canada.

Of the $500M in total funding, $200M is statutory and the remaining $300M is appropriated funding.

*** The funding is equally divided between NRCan and Environment Canada.

Strategic Outcome(s): Canada is a world leader on environmental responsibility in the development and use of natural resources.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

SDTC Corporate Plans for each year released in October of preceding year. Executive summaries are posted on the website below.

To date, SDTC has received one formal Application for Funding (AFF) under the NextGen Biofuels Fund (NGBF). At this time SDTC is tracking approximately 100 companies as potential applicants both from Canada and abroad. Of these, four have expressed a strong interest in submitting an application in 2009.

The NextGen Biofuels Fund adopted a Project Assurance Process based on best practices used by multi-national companies. From end to end, there are seven phases and five decision gates. The NGBF also assembled a roster of biofuels Experts to assist with the in-depth due diligence exercises required to assess applications for funding. A Project Review Committee was also created in order to support the review of applications for funding. The SDTC Board of Directors approved the NextGen Biofuels Fund Evaluation Framework.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: Three interim evaluations will be performed by an independent 3^rd party (Nov 30, 2012, Nov 30, 2017 and Nov 30, 2022); a final evaluation by Sept 30, 2027. Canada may choose to evaluate the Foundation at any time over the life of the agreement to determine whether it is fulfilling its objectives.

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan: The agreement with SDTC requires the Foundation to hire an auditor to audit the accounts and financial statements and appoint an Audit Committee to oversee the financial management of the Foundation. It also stipulates that Canada or the Auditor General may undertake a compliance audit at any time over the life of the Fund.

URL to Recipient's Site: http://www.sdtc.ca

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: http://www.sdtc.ca/en/news/annual_reports.htm

Name of Recipient: Primrose Lake Economic Development Corporation

Start Date: March 30, 2007

End Date: March 31, 2027

Total Funding: $15,000,000

Description: Create a community controlled trust fund for economic development

Strategic Outcome(s): SO 2 - Economically viable communities in Western Canada with a high quality of life.

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: Over the past year the Board was active at getting organized and completing the research and payout of the Elders component of the parallel agreement with the province. By year end a total of 192 Elders or their estates were recognized through this process. The Board also continued building Board capacity through providing governance training for its members, and began developing a policy framework to guide operations. All interest earned in the trust was re-invested in the trust at year-end or directed towards outstanding legal obligations associated with the establishment of the non-profit corporation and negotiations with the federal government.

Comments on Variance(s): Not applicable

Significant Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:
WD agreement requires that an evaluation be completed by March 2012.

Significant Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year and future plan:
No audits performed to date. Date for an audit in the future has not yet been identified.

URL to Recipient's Site: Not applicable