ARCHIVED - National Research Council Canada

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

Start date: 1962-1963

End date: Ongoing

Description: NRC-IRAP provides customized value-added advice, information, referrals and financial assistance to Canadian SMEs and builds effective regional innovation system relationships for the benefit of SMEs. NRC-IRAP works with clients at all stages of the innovation-commercialization continuum, including: project development; access to technical assistance, financial, business, marketing or management advice; access to competitive technical information; patent searches; and access to local, regional, national or international linkages. NRC-IRAP works with organizations that receive NRC-IRAP contributions and others to facilitate the implementation of multi-sector, multi-partner initiatives that are relevant to SMEs regionally and nationally.

Strategic Outcome: An innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through research and development, technology commercialization and industry support.

Results Achieved:

Increased SME technical R&D capability and capacity – NRC-IRAP continued to support firms in hiring technical expertise such as engineers and scientists, as well as university and college graduates. In 2008-09, NRC-IRAP helped support 5,733 jobs within its SME clients and funded the employment of 540 youth graduates under the Federal Youth Employment Program.

NRC-IRAP co-located almost 75% of its Industry Technology Advisors (ITAs) in research centres, universities, and other industry association offices to help to facilitate SME access to technical assistance on a timely basis. NRC-IRAP contributed to firms technical capability by providing technical, research, and business assistance to Canadian SMEs (8,811 funded and non-funded firms). Field staff assisted SMEs to connect to a large network of diverse industry specific associations such as the Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation-West and the Board of Governors of Red River College's Advanced Transportation and Energy Centre (ATEC).

NRC-IRAP provided over $9 million in assistance to 142 non-commercial organizations to help them build their capacity to support SMEs. They in turn reached out to over 5,000 SMEs, providing them with, for example, access to research expertise, or equipment and facilities for testing their technology.

Increased SME management, marketing and finance capability and capacity – NRC-IRAP has a financial agreement with NRC-CISTI to ensure Program clients benefit from NRC-CISTI's Competitive Technical Information (CTI) services. In 2008-09, NRC-CISTI responded to 1,297 requests for user assistance, technical references, information reports, CTI briefs, CTI assessments, searches, training sessions and presentations.

Under a contribution agreement from NRC-IRAP, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) provided 98 custom management consulting services to SMEs across Canada. Client surveys indicate a high level of satisfaction, with 100% saying they would recommend the Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC-Canada)/NRC-IRAP Management Advisory Service to other small businesses.

Growth of firms as a result of technology development project support – A recent Evaluation of NRC-IRAP reported that its client firms experienced growth, both in real and comparative terms. Over the five year evaluation period (2002-2007), client firm sales grew on average by over 28%, overall firm employment grew by 30%, and company assets grew on average by 15%. NRC-IRAP clients on average have greater capabilities and capacity than non-client SMEs, and that the infusion of NRC-IRAP funds had the complimentary effect of inducing firms to increase their spending on R&D. (Source: 2007 Impact Evaluation report)

Enhanced SME connections to technology and business networks to source support – NRC-IRAP maintained local, regional, national and international networks of industry sector, government and community economic development groups, bringing the most appropriate expertise to its clients. NRC-IRAP also continued to support firms and organizations related to NRC technology clusters; and addressed SME needs in the bioproducts industry through techno-business meetings with over 72 participants that resulted in increased awareness of technology opportunities. Furthermore, NRC-IRAP worked with specific industry sectors and communities to join together by hosting events, technology workshops or training sessions that resulted in building strong technology clusters, and enhancing Canadian R&D and commerce presence.

NRC-IRAP has formal agreements with various Canadian institutions. For example, the NRC/NSERC/BDC Joint Strategy to accelerate the commercialization of publicly-funded research; and with NRC-CISTI to provide competitive technical information. An agreement with the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace (CRIAQ) increased the competitive capacity of Quebec SMEs in aerospace by offering their support in the development and adaptation of new technologies. An agreement with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) fostered the cooperation of Innovation-related activities in the Atlantic region.

The creation of Community of Interest groups, with membership from NRC-IRAP, other parts of NRC and external organizations has increased the sharing of information and creation of knowledge on industry and technology issues which ultimately has contributed to better client service.

Increased adoption/commercialization/collaboration with respect to international endeavours – Two new International Agreements were signed by NRC-IRAP in 2008-09. An agreement with OSEO, the French Agency for Innovation, was established to foster and facilitate close and frequent contact between NRC-IRAP and OSEO to promote the creation of technological partnerships between Canadian and French SMEs; and a collaborative R&D and Technology Partnership with CDTI of Spain. NRC-IRAP has formal and active arrangements with Spain, Ireland, India, China, France, as well as many established relationships with several other countries such as the US, the Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands and the European Union. NRC-IRAP collaborates with these countries on a reciprocal basis to support of SME growth, technology transfer and technology development for the purpose of generating economic benefits. These agreements are an opportunity to build greater partnerships among Canadian, international firms and research institutions.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance of $6.4 M includes $5.5 M transfer from NRC-IRAP to NRC-HIA in support of the Telescope Initiative, the remaining $0.9 K is the year-end surplus returned to the NRC Finance Branch.

Audit completed or planned: NRC-IRAP Audits of Recipients have started for 2009/10.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Tri-University Meson Facility (TRIUMF)

Start date: 1976

End date: Ongoing

Description: TRIUMF, Canada's national facility for research in subatomic physics, is located on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. It has been operated since 1968 by a consortium of four Western universities - the University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia - under a joint venture agreement. A fifth university, Carleton, joined the consortium on April 1, 2000 and the University of Toronto became the sixth member in April 2005. Seven additional universities (Regina, Manitoba, Guelph, McMaster, Queen's, St. Mary's and Montreal) are associate members.

TRIUMF functions as a national laboratory and as Canada's gateway to international subatomic physics. It houses a particle accelerator that produces energetic beams of mesons and other subatomic particles required for fundamental research in nuclear and particle physics by Canadian and foreign researchers. This research lays the foundation for new technologies in the physical and life sciences and the facility is a major contributor to advanced materials research in Canada and abroad.

Strategic Outcome: An innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through research and development, technology commercialization and industry support.

Results Achieved:

General

• 2,102 visitors including 622 scientists visiting TRIUMF one or more times
• 157 publications in scientific journals
• Provided training and employment opportunities for 105 graduate and undergraduate students
• TRIUMF Accelerator Scientists began teaching a graduate accelerator science course at UBC. Plans are underway to extend the opportunity to other Canadian universities
• The TRIUMF Five-Year Plan report won the Tom Fairley award for book editing from the Editors' Association of Canada.
• TRIUMF's main cyclotron was maintained as one of the most reliable in the world at 90% availability
• TRIUMF received significant publicity during the year, including articles in the Globe and Mail, CBC interviews, a Nature Essay and numerous articles in the CanWest newspaper groups. TRIUMF outreached by delivering community lectures, hosting 8 conferences for 1,159 delegates, producing 5 educational videos, and by hosting a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology to advance Canadian competitiveness in particle and nuclear physics and nuclear medicine.

Nuclear Science
Conducted experiments that were possible nowhere else in the world; setting new world records for accuracy and precision. For example:

• The DRAGON facility undertook the world's first precision measurement of a nuclear reaction rate that is critical for understanding how stars produce chemical elements. This is important for producing long-lived radioisotopes
• TRIUMF's Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC) facility developed the world's most intense accelerated isotope beam. The TUDA experiment used this beam to investigate nuclear reactions occurring in novae. The results aided in understanding satellite gamma-ray observatories such as the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST)
• TRIUMF's TITAN facility set world records by performing precision mass measurements of atoms of isotopes shorter-lived and lighter-weight than ever before including the most exotic isotope on earth: Helium-8
• The ISAC facility accelerated a beam of Rhubidium-80 ions – a world first. ISAC is one of only three facilities in the world with this capability
• Canadian scientists studied heavy hydrogen and made the first measurement of its chemical reaction rate

Nuclear Medicine

• A lung cancer hypoxia study patient was scanned for the first time ever in Canada in 2008 at the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) using an innovative radiotracer developed at TRIUMF. This clinical trial has potential to dictate cancer treatment methods with much improved accuracy.
• TRIUMF supplied medical isotopes to the BCCA and the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre.

Comment(s) on Variance(s):

Audit completed or planned:

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Contributions to International Telescope Programs - Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), Gemini Telescopes, Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA)

Start date: 1978

End date: Ongoing

Description: NRC, in partnership with other international bodies, provides financial contributions that support the management and operations of these telescopes and their related facilities and participates in the oversight and direction of the facilities and research. Astrophysics research and development requires large, costly and very precise telescopes and related instruments situated in areas that will provide ideal viewing conditions. It is beyond the capacity of individual firms or even countries to support the costs of developing and maintaining the facilities required for astrophysics research, thus it is necessary for public sector organizations, through international partnerships, to support this R&D.

Strategic Outcome: An innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through research and development, technology commercialization and industry support.

Results Achieved:

NRC maintained critical astronomical infrastructure within Canada and contributed to three major international facilities providing Canadian researchers access to forefront research opportunities in the optical and sub-mm spectral windows. In 2008, NRC underwent an international Peer Review in astronomy that concluded that NRC's role is world-class, and establishes Canada as a leading force in both science and technology related to astronomy and astrophysics.

Canadian Astronomy Data Centre – The CADC was integrated into the operations of all the offshore telescopes that NRC operates. During 2008 CADC delivered 1.62 M files comprised of 117 TB of data to 2,772 users.

Canada France Hawaii Telescope – 2008 was the second consecutive year that more than 100 scientific papers were published as a result of research done at this facility. Canadians led three of four new "Large Programmes" approved by the CFHT.

Gemini – Led by NRC's Dr. Christian Marois, a team including several Canadian astronomers used the Gemini Observatory and Marois's novel technique to discover and photograph three planets around HR8799, a nearby star. Dr. Marois was named Scientist of the Year by Radio-Canada and received an NRC Outstanding Achievement Award for his work. Canada enjoyed the highest fraction (>70%) of proposals shared with astronomers from another Gemini partner country. A user survey revealed high satisfaction with support provided to Canadian astronomers by NRC, as well as insight into how both NRC and the Gemini Observatory could improve.

Composite Applications for Radio Telescopes Project (CART) – In three years, NRC developed a leading candidate technology for the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA) world observatory: low-cost, high-performance parabolic reflectors made using composite materials. By September 2008 a production-friendly reflector with improved surface accuracy was ready. It was used to test another novel SKA technology: a custom digital camera for radio imaging. These contributions position Canada among the top technology providers for the SKA.

Comment(s) on Variance(s):

Audit completed or planned:

Name of Horizontal Initiative: Genomics R&D Initiative (GRDI)

Name of Lead Department(s): National Research Council Canada

Lead Department Program Activity: Research and Development

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1999

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 2011

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $234.1 M

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement): The Genomics R&D Initiative was established to build and maintain genomics research capacity in government departments. As an enabling technology, genomics provides powerful tools and precise information to support operational mandates and upon which policy and regulatory decisions can be based. Federal science-based departments and agencies (see part 10 below for listing) interact with partners, stakeholders and clients and link these enabling tools and technologies to value-added applications that enable Canada to respond to national priorities, deliver on government mandates and support the development of wealth for Canadians.

These applications range from international requirements for genomics enabled testing required for exports; the ability to interpret and assess genomics information submitted with product information for regulatory oversight; the development of assays and products using genomics approaches for enhancing Canadian's lives, the environment and sustainability of human activities; socio-economic and ethical considerations related to the use and integration of genomics in health care, environmental sustainability activities, and consumer and industrial products and applications; as well as facilitating Canadians' access to accurate and understandable information concerning genome sciences.

Shared Outcome(s): Enhanced quality of life for Canadians in terms of health, safety, environment, and social and economic development by building and maintaining genomics research capacity in support of key federal public policy objectives; in particular: a) to strengthen innovation and ensure sustainability for the benefit of all Canadians by focusing research in strategic areas of national interest from an economic and social perspective (i.e. health, environment, natural resources and energy, safety and security); b) to promote global competitiveness and expand Canada's international influence by increasing commercialization outcomes of research activities and by improving regulatory efficiency and effectiveness; c) to grow economic opportunities through R&D by building collaborations that involve business, academia and public sectors, in Canada and internationally.

Governance Structure(s): To ensure value for money, the Genomics R&D Initiative established a governance framework to strengthen accountability and to ensure that investments deliver on the promise of making a difference in the lives of Canadians. An interdepartmental Genomics R&D ADM Coordinating Committee was established to oversee the collective management and coordination of the Initiative. The Committee ensures that effective priority setting mechanisms are established within departments and that investments are focused and strategic.

The Committee also ensures that common management principle are implemented and horizontal collaborations between organizations are pursued wherever relevant and possible. The Committee includes members from each of the organizations receiving funding, as well as a representative from Industry Canada.

An Interdepartmental Working Group (WG) supports the work of the Committee. The mandate of the WG is to provide recommendations and advice to the ADM Coordinating Committee regarding strategic priority setting and overall management of the Genomics R&D Initiative. The WG also supports evaluation and reporting requirements related to the Initiative. The NRC, as the lead agency for the Initiative, chairs the ADM Coordinating Committee and the Working Group.

Comments on Variances:

The discrepancy was due to the fact that funds were not cash managed in advance of the approval of the TB Submission (in September), and funds did not get transferred from Health Canada to PHAC until December 2008. Hence, all PHAC projects were only initiated in January 2009 (3 months of activity and not 12). However, these funds will not be lost as they are being recovered through the annual carry-over allotment for PHAC of 5%, bringing the Year 1 expenditures to 93.2%. Expenditures in Year 2 will be for the Year 1 and Year 2 totals.

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable): N/A

Contact information:

Gary Fudge, P. Eng.
Director, Life Sciences Horizontal Initiatives
National Research Council
613-949-0542

Has the department incorporated environmental performance considerations in its procurement decision-making processes?

Summary of initiatives to incorporate environmental performance considerations in procurement decision-making processes:

Green Procurement and environmental performance considerations are evolving and being implemented at NRC. Green procurement has been discussed and reviewed with procurement officers. Green procurement reporting has been developed and implemented in NRC's SAP business system. Procurement officers have access to and use PWGSC-established Green Standing Offers for various commodities.

In addition, in 2008/09 NRC made major capital environmental investments in its facilites, has conducted environmental reviews of facilities and lands, completed storage tank replacements, implemented environmental action in its reprographic operations, addressed cleaning contract products, and fluorescent tube recycling.

Results achieved:

1. NRC has made major capitalization investment in our facilities across Canada, including $2.6 million on building envelope improvement, and $0.6 million on upgrading control systems and $0.7 million on upgrading building chiller systems. These have improved energy efficiency in our facilities, thereby reducing green house gas and ozone depleting substances and emissions;
2. NRC is conducting environmental operational reviews and site assessments at all major facilities and land uses to ensure compliance with envirnmental regulations and to identify potential environmental liabilities;
3. NRC completed the final phase of replacing underground storage tank systems. NRC has completed a compliance audit of all federal regulated tank systems to ensure compliance with the new regulations;
4. NRC's reprographic operations has initiated use of vegetable based inks, used paper with post and pre consumer waste where possible, initiated a recycling program for metal plates, initiated a chemical recycling unit on the plate processor, and has installed a silver recovery and pH neutralizer system on the plate processor;
5. NRC has initiated cleaning contracts that require environmentally friendly products;
6. NRC has streamlined the Fluorescent Tube Recycling Program in the NCR;
7. Converted printed engineering drawings for the government tendering process to electronic format;
8. Vehicle replacements and purchases were made earlier in the fiscal year to ensure vehicle availablity that meets the intended use, has acceptable service costs and fuel efficiency.

Contributions to facilitate government-wide implementation of green procurement:

NRC's procurement management has participated in meetings at PWGSC's Client Advisory Board and with the OGGO to stay abreast of developments in green procurement and to develop improved green procurement plans and reporting. At a recent national materiel management (MM) meeting of procurement and MM staff, a green procurement session was facilitated with the aim of developing a comprehensive program including training, reporting and enhanced environmental considerations in the 4 phases of life cycle management of materials.

Has the department established green procurement targets?

For 2008/09, NRC reported that this was "In progress". Specific targets were not established but various initiatives had been planned, some of which were identified in the Results Achieved section above.

Are these green procurement targets the same as those identified in your Sustainable Development Strategy?

Summary of green procurement targets:

Not applicable, as NRC reported these as being "In progress"

Results achieved:

Not applicable