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The original version was signed by
The Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
Section II – Analysis of Program Activities
Section III – Supplementary Information
Our government is committed to positioning Canada to exit the current downturn quickly and emerge stronger and more competitive
in the global economy. In doing so, Industry Canada and its Portfolio partners will continue to play their key roles in
increasing the country's capacity to create jobs and economic growth – for next year and the next decade
While the recession originated beyond our borders, it had real consequences for Canadians and Canadian business. And despite
improving conditions, there is work to be done. In 2010, a major focus will be completing the stimulus measures of
Canada's Economic Action Plan. Introduced in Budget 2009, the Plan's
full effect will be felt in 2010-11, and its measures will help solidify the recovery.
Over this period, Industry Canada and its Portfolio partners will work with industries and sectors hit hardest by the recession.
Initiatives will include activities to boost community economic development and to extend broadband infrastructure to underserved
or unserved areas across the country. To build on the momentum gained through our past investments in science and technology,
significant effort will be directed to shaping the knowledge-based economy.
Industry Canada will also focus on supporting business and industry to capitalize on emerging opportunities at home and
abroad. Getting our economic frameworks right, through forward-looking policies, is central to ensuring Canada's place in
the global marketplace. We remain committed to two-way trade and investment, which raises our capacity to create jobs and
economic growth and provides for sustainable prosperity.
In 2010-11, National Research Council Canada (NRC) will play
a critical role in sustaining the innovation activity of small and medium-sized businesses.
NRC's aim is to bring timely solutions to market in areas of
national importance: clean energy, health and wellness, and the environment.
NRC will continue to partner with Canadian firms to deliver
tangible, market-oriented results in high-impact and emerging industry sectors, such as the automotive sector.
I will work with my colleagues, the private sector and other governments to advance the recovery and build the foundation
for a strong, competitive economy.
It is my pleasure to present this year's Report on Plans and Priorities for the National Research Council
The Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
The National Research Council (NRC) is the Government of
Canada's premier organization for science, technology and innovation, and a key player in the development of Canada's science
and technology (S&T) infrastructure. Through its unique multidisciplinary
R&D, integrated S&T
solutions to market, industry support, and technology commercialization,
NRC is a substantial contributor to the improvement of the social
and economic well-being of all Canadians.
As Canada's largest federal research body, NRC is a critical
contributor to the federal S&T Strategy.
NRC focuses its research and competencies on addressing three
national priority areas – health and wellness, sustainable energy, and the environment – as well as in key sectors of the
economy where NRC can make the most significant contribution
for Canadians.
NRC creates value for Canada by transferring technology and
knowledge to industry, championing regional technology clusters, securing access to global research networks and facilities,
and enhancing opportunities for Canadian firms and technology products at home and abroad. Canadian companies and communities
from coast-to-coast benefit from NRC's research excellence,
state-of-the-art laboratories and commercialization capacity.
It is with pleasure and pride that I present our 2010-2011 Report on Plans and Priorities.
NRC's unique assets – multidisciplinary expertise, strong regional
presence, and emerging innovative partnership models – will make a strong contribution to Canada's economic growth for years
to come.
Dr. Pierre Coulombe
President
NRC is one of the nation's leading resources to help S&T in Canada keep pace with the changing innovation landscape, with a focus on improving socio-economic benefits for Canadians. With a presence in every province, NRC has a strong national foundation along with international linkages to help Canada remain competitive in the transitioning global economy. NRC's expertise and unique contributions strive to both generate and move ideas to the marketplace by: undertaking research and development (R&D) in areas critical to Canada's future; fostering industrial and community innovation and growth through technology and industry support; and providing, maintaining and advancing national infrastructure and information for the scientific and industrial community to help push innovation forward and keep Canada at the cutting-edge. NRC's approach is directly aligned to the Government of Canada's S&T Strategy and is underpinned by four key principles: excellence in research, focus on priorities for the short and long term, strong partnerships, and enhanced accountability.
Under the National Research Council Act, NRC's authorities include:
NRC is a departmental corporation of the Government of Canada, reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Industry. NRC works in partnership with members of the Industry Portfolio to leverage complementary resources to promote the innovation of firms, to exploit synergies in key areas of S&T, to promote the growth of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), and to contribute to the economic growth of Canadian communities. The NRC Council provides independent strategic direction and advice to the President and reviews organizational performance. The President provides leadership and strategic management and is responsible for the achievement of NRC's long-range goals and plans within the guidance of the NRC Council. Each of six Vice Presidents is responsible for a portfolio of Program Activities composed of research institutes, initiatives, centres and/or a corporate branch. Beneath senior management, 24 Directors General and various committees are responsible for executing against plans and priorities to ensure successful achievement of objectives.
NRC's aim is to create a sustainable advantage for Canadians through S&T leadership, which will contribute to improved economic competitiveness and social betterment for our nation. Through synergistic and complementary relationships with industry, government and academia, NRC works to align the strengths and critical mass required to achieve four of Canada's Strategic Outcomes: Strong economic growth; healthy Canadians; a clean and healthy environment; and an innovative and knowledge-based economy. NRC's Program Activities directly support the delivery of NRC's Strategic Outcomes, which in turn, are aligned to deliver against the above mentioned federal commitments. To better reflect this alignment, NRC's PAA was revised to highlight our pursuit to translate discoveries into technology-driven products and services to help Canadian industry be more competitive in the global marketplace and to address enduring challenges in substantial national and global issues. The approved 2010-11 NRC PAA structure, shown below, represents how activities are organized to achieve these desired results.
Canadian Strategic Outcome | NRC Strategic Outcome | NRC Program Activity1 | NRC Sub-Activity |
---|---|---|---|
Strong Economic Growth | Advancements in innovative technologies and increased innovation capacity in targeted Canadian industries and national priority areas | Manufacturing Technologies |
|
Information and Communications Technologies and Emerging Technologies |
|
||
Industrial Research Assistance | |||
Healthy Canadians | Health and Life Science Technologies |
|
|
Clean and Healthy Environment | Energy and Environmental Technologies |
|
|
Innovative and Knowledge-Based Economy | Canadians have access to research and development information and infrastructure | National Science and Technology Infrastructure |
|
Scientific, Technical and Medical Information |
1 Internal Services not shown
The table below represents a crosswalk between NRC's 2009-10 and 2010-11 PAAs.
2010-2011 Net Planned Spending3 ($ millions) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 PAA |
Manufacturing Technologies | ICT and Emerging Technologies | Industrial Research Assistance | Health and Life Science Technologies | Energy and Environmental Technologies | National Science and Technology Infrastructure | Scientific, Technical and Medical Information |
2009-10 PAA |
|||||||
Research and Development | 148.8 | 57.9 | 132.1 | 36.4 | 64.2 | ||
Technology and Industry Support | 266.0 | 43.6 | |||||
Total Department | 148.8 | 57.9 | 266.0 | 132.1 | 36.4 | 64.2 | 43.6 |
2 Figures have been rounded to the nearest millions of dollars. Due to rounding,
figures may not add to totals indicated.
3 Planned spending reflects best estimates of spending to year end.
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 |
---|---|---|
749.04 | 610.25 | 606.3 |
4 Includes $112.82 million of program and infrastructure stimulus funding from
Canada's Economic Action Plan.
5 Excluding stimulus funding, the difference between
FY10-11 to FY11-12 is approximately $26 million.
This difference is largely related to reductions in forecasted spending as a result of 2008 Program Review and collective
bargaining.
Except where noted otherwise, all financial results are reported on a cash accounting basis for historical comparability.
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 |
---|---|---|
3,675 | 3,511 | 3,465 |
6 All FTEs herein are calculated based on average salary.
Performance Indicator(s) | Target(s) |
---|---|
Average incremental number of new and improved client products as a result of NRC's R&D activities compared to non-clients | 0.6 by March 2012 |
Average incremental client R&D expenditures as a result of NRC's R&D activities compared to non-clients | $75,000 by March 2012 |
Average incremental client R&D full-time equivalents employed as a result of NRC's R&D activities compared to non-clients | 1.2 by March 2012 |
Program Activity | Forecast Spending ($ millions) 2009-10 |
Planned Spending ($ millions) |
Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
Manufacturing Technologies | 126.6 | 115.0 | 111.0 | 110.0 | Strong Economic Growth |
ICT and Emerging Technologies | 50.4 | 44.8 | 42.5 | 41.9 | Strong Economic Growth |
Industrial Research Assistance | 277.97 | 237.68 | 134.7 | 134.0 | Strong Economic Growth |
Health and Life Sciences Technologies | 138.6 | 102.3 | 105.1 | 104.4 | Healthy Canadians |
Energy and Environmental Technologies | 31.6 | 28.2 | 27.1 | 26.8 | A Clean and Healthy Environment |
Total | 625.1 | 527.9 | 420.4 | 417.1 |
7 Includes $127.5 million of program stimulus funding from Canada's Economic
Action Plan.
8 Includes $100.0 million of program stimulus funding from Canada's Economic Action
Plan.
Performance Indicator(s) | Target(s) |
---|---|
Proportion of surveyed S&T infrastructure users who report positively on the value of the NRC infrastructure used | 85% by March 2012 |
Program Activity | Forecast Spending ($ millions) 2009-10 |
Planned Spending ($ millions) |
Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
National Science and Technology Infrastructure | 51.8 | 49.7 | 47.6 | 47.2 | An Innovative and Knowledge-based Economy |
Scientific, Technical and Medical Information | 43.3 | 39.0 | 28.1 | 28.0 | An Innovative and Knowledge-based Economy |
Total | 95.1 | 88.7 | 75.7 | 75.2 |
Program Activity | Forecast Spending ($ millions) 2009-10 |
Planned Spending ($ millions) |
Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
Internal Services | 152.3 | 132.39 | 114.1 | 114.0 | N/A |
9 Includes $12.82 million of infrastructure stimulus funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Government of Canada recognizes the far-reaching implications of innovation and that Canada can and must do more to turn ideas into solutions that address substantial issues such as a cleaner environment and to improve our economic competitiveness. As a result, the government developed a S&T strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage that lays out a plan to develop three distinct Canadian advantages: an Entrepreneurial Advantage that encourages firms to be innovators; a Knowledge Advantage that puts Canadians at the forefront of research and discovery; and a People Advantage that helps build the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce. As Canada's largest federal research body, NRC plays a key role under each Advantage and works to contribute to successful progress against the federal S&T Strategy.
NRC will work to continue to contribute to Canada's leading edge in innovation and make an impact in the needs of today, and anticipate and provide solutions for the challenges of the future. Accordingly, NRC's operational priorities are directly aligned to achieve NRC's Strategic Outcomes, which in turn, are aligned to contribute to the achievement of the government's economic and social objectives in: strong economic growth; health and wellness for Canadians; a clean and healthy environment; and an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada.
Operational Priority | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
1. To contribute to the global competitiveness of key industrial sectors and to support the economic growth and development of communities across Canada. | Ongoing | SO1 |
Why is this a priority?
Plans for meeting the priority
|
Operational Priority | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
2. To support and conduct R&D in areas of national importance such as healthy Canadians, sustainable energy and a clean environment. | Ongoing | SO1 |
Why is this a priority?
Plans for meeting the priority
|
Operational Priority | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
3. To provide integrated support that engages key players across government, academia, and industry. | Ongoing | SO2 |
Why is this a priority?
Plans for meeting the priority
|
Management Priority | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
To ensure effective program management for a sustainable organization. | Ongoing | SO1 SO2 |
Why is this a priority?
Plans for meeting the priority
|
NRC's operating environment is scientific and technical in nature, combined with a supporting infrastructure of corporate and business/entrepreneurial expertise to meet industry needs for technology transfer and commercialization. To be valued as the world's best national organization for research and innovation, as defined by NRC's vision, highly qualified scientific and technical personnel, state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities, and an innovative work environment that supports a network of national and international collaborations are crucial elements, particularly in today's environment of open innovation.
NRC's most recent Corporate Risk Profile for 2009-10 highlighted an increasingly competitive global R&D environment with significant investments by foreign governments into science and technology relative to Canada (e.g., $21.5 billion federal investment in R&D as part of the economic stimulus package in the United States); a mobile R&D workforce that is more and more concentrated in areas outside of North America, such as China and India; and a local and global economy still recovering from the economic downturn (including NRC partners and clients). Some of the highest risks facing NRC relate to: a) funding and financial pressures related to uncertainties around funding renewal for major initiatives, increasing operational costs, and a static core budget; b) increasing competition for HQP which is linked to other high risk areas such as succession planning and leadership development; and c) limited awareness of NRC impacts by some stakeholders.
Looking at the interrelations between the highest risks, NRC's Senior Executive Committee and the NRC Council have agreed upon priority areas in the coming year to commit to action. These are issues that most significantly affect other high risks: 1) Strategic Leadership – including the need to continue strengthening decision-making and priority-setting mechanisms and structures; 2) Stakeholder Relationships – including the development and implementation of an effective and targeted communications, marketing and stakeholder relations strategy; and 3) Financial Sustainability – including the implementation of a series of short-term and long-term measures to ensure the success and viability of NRC Program Activities. Senior executive leads have been identified to further develop the details of the action plan around each area to ensure that NRC can continue to deliver on its operational and management priorities via the most effective program management, while mitigating identified risk areas.
At the same time, the current turbulent environment is creating opportunities where NRC can play a substantial role and accelerate progress against objectives. Some of these relate to: 1) Emerging national issues (for example in the Arctic and sustainable energy) where NRC can leverage its cross-Canada presence and multidisciplinary expertise to help provide solutions; 2) The growing need for innovative partnership models where NRC can leverage its strong regional presence and relationships with local governments/universities/industry; and 3) Economic stresses for SMEs where NRC has a growing recognition and role for the NRC Program Activity, Industrial Research Assistance.
NRC's forecast spending for 2009-10 is $872.7 million. Over
the past three years (fiscal years 2006-07 to 2008-09), actual spending has averaged $757.1 million. The increase of $115.6
million (or 15%) over the average spending in fiscal 2009-10 is due primarily to the funding received for Canada's Economic
Action Plan. The planned spending for fiscal years 2010-11 to 2012-13, as indicated in the Spending Trend graph, reflects
an overall decline in the budget. The decline is due to the sun-setting of the Cluster Initiatives, TRIUMF and a permanent
reduction related to 2008 Program Review exercise. NRC is currently
seeking renewal of the Cluster Initiatives and TRIUMF and until they are renewed, these items cannot be included in Planned
Spending.
Canada's Economic Action Plan: Budget 2009 allocated funds to the
NRC's Program Activity, Industrial Research Assistance (NRC-IRAP)
to provide temporary expansion of the support, advisory and financial assistance that is provided to
SMEs. NRC-IRAP directly received $200 million over two years, plus indirect
funding through the Community Adjustment Fund and the Federal Economic Development Agency for for Southern Ontario to expand
its initiatives for SMEs. This more than doubles the Program's contribution to firms funding and will help companies hire
post-secondary graduates. In addition, NRC received infrastructure
stimulus under the Modernizing Federal Laboratories initiative ($19.07 million) to address deferred maintenance issues and
to modernize facilities that support research in areas of national importance, and under the Accelerated Federal Contaminated
Site Action Plan ($4.84 million) to remediate contaminated areas in an effort to clean up the environment and improve safety.
For more information on NRC's planned activities as part of
Canada's Economic Action Plan, please refer to Section 2.3.
Vote # or Statutory Item (S) | Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording | 2009-10 Main Estimates |
2010-11 Main Estimates |
---|---|---|---|
55 | Operational expenditures | 397.6 | 361.3 |
60 | Capital expenditures | 42.2 | 48.1 |
65 | Grants and contributions | 140.6 | 213.0 |
(S) | Contributions to employee benefits plans | 45.7 | 45.6 |
(S) | Spending of revenues pursuant to paragraph 5(1)(e) of the National Research Council Act | 79.0 | 80.9 |
Total | 705.2 | 749.0 |
Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add to total shown.
Budgetary ($ millions) |
Loans, Investments and Advances ($ millions) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009-10 | 2010-11 | Net Increase (Decrease) |
2009-10 | 2010-11 | Net Increase (Decrease) |
705.2 | 749.0 | 43.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 |
Advancements in innovative technologies and increased innovation capacity in targeted Canadian industries and national priority areas.
The federal S&T Strategy commits to translating discovery into innovative,
technology-driven products and services in national priority areas as well as improving the innovation capacity of industry.
NRC's Strategic Outcome 1 is aligned to help deliver on these
commitments. Long-term and short-term deliverables include: technological solutions to national challenges in health and
wellness, sustainable energy and the environment; activities and resources in key sectors of Canadian industry to help
SMEs increase their innovation capacity and compete more effectively
in world markets; and strengthening Canada's innovation system by increasing technology transfer and commercialization,
striking new partnerships with key players, providing technical and financial assistance to those with the potential to
lead in a new area of technology, and supporting community-based technology clusters.
For a list of performance indicators for Strategic Outcome 1, please refer to
Section 1.2.3.
Description: This program performs multidisciplinary research and development in consultation with industry, universities, government departments and other key innovation players to improve the global competitiveness of Canadian industry by transforming knowledge and innovation into real economic value and by transferring technologies into industrial solutions for the marketplace. Companies have coordinated access to NRC's multidisciplinary research expertise and state-of-the art facilities to ensure they are at the leading edge of innovation. This includes a facility that transforms concepts into custom precision mechanical prototypes for research applications.
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
852 | 115.0 | 805 | 111.0 | 793 | 110.0 |
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Manufacturing industries in Canada have coordinated access to NRC's multidisciplinary research expertise and state-of-the art facilities to ensure they are at the leading edge of innovation | Percentage of surveyed clients who report that NRC's manufacturing technologies research and facilities helped advance their innovation capacity | 75% by March 2012 |
Planning Highlights: To remain competitive in today's global market, Canadian manufacturers must reduce
costs, improve products and minimize environmental impact. NRC's
state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in product design and manufacturing processes helps Canadian manufacturers address
these areas and advances Canadian innovation, which is key to Canada's competitiveness. To address these challenges, this
Program Activity plans to provide targeted support and services to high-impact industry sectors such as Automotive, Aerospace,
and Construction. By collaboration with industry to develop new products and processes and providing access to
NRC's multidisciplinary research expertise and facilities, this
Program Activity contributes to the achievement of NRC's operational
priority 1 and NRC's Strategic Outcome 1.
The Manufacturing Technologies Program Activity plans to provide Canadian manufacturing industries with technology solutions
to address economic, environmental and regulatory challenges. In 2010-11,
NRC will focus on three areas to address these challenges of
key manufacturing industries for sustained competitiveness: green and lightweight materials; environmental performance,
safety and productivity; and support to the creation and growth of companies.
Benefits to Canadians:
The Canadian manufacturing industry employs 2 million or 12% of Canadians in jobs, which pay 25% above national average12. This is the single largest business sector in Canada; it directly
accounts for 21% of Canada's economic activity. However, from 2004 to 2008, Canada lost 322,000 manufacturing jobs, representing
a decline of 14%13. This decrease in employment is a common trend in
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries as governments struggle to mitigate
the long-term structural change of industries. It is expected that the structural change will not solely result in the replacement
of manufacturing with value added services, but that Canadian manufacturers will be operating in a more globalized world,
increasing their need for a competitive advantage. NRC's plans
and priorities under this Program Activity allow Canadian industry to enhance its competitiveness through initiatives in
targeted areas of research, which will have the greatest economic impact for our country. Canadian firms are seeking market-oriented
innovations but have limited capacity to invest in R&D. Further, Canada's
SMEs have limited national or international outreach.
NRC's nationwide capability allows it to conduct research that
not only meets this need, but also provides opportunities for even further innovation by Canadian industry. The plans above
will allow NRC to further contribute to the competitiveness
of Canadian industry by enabling the innovation system to create compelling market solutions.
10 Industry Canada
11 Statistics Canada
12 Statistics Canada
13 Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association
Description: In support of the federal S&T Strategy, this Program mobilizes and partners with key university, government and private sector players and forms major research collaborations to develop integrated research solutions in the areas of information and communications technologies and emerging technologies for the economic benefit of industrial sectors and Canadians generally. Areas of research focus include photonics, molecular science, information technology and enabling sustainable development.
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending14 ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
363 | 44.8 | 337 | 42.5 | 330 | 41.9 |
14 Due to the cross-functional nature of this Program Activity, planned resources do not reflect other activities occurring across NRC that contribute to expected results.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Advancements in innovative technology solutions in emerging and ICT sectors | Revenue from service contracts and successful Intellectual Property (IP) transferred to emerging industry sectors | $1.5 million by March 2011 |
Percentage of clients reporting positively on the impact of NRC R&D on client growth | 85% by March 2012 |
Planning Highlights: Globally, information and communications technologies change at an astonishing
pace. NRC is keeping Canada competitive in the information revolution
by developing IT systems and hardware, finding new ways to use the technology
in a variety of applications, and supporting innovation that will benefit Canadians. By supporting industry and the advancement
of innovative technology solutions in emerging and ICT
sectors, this Program Activity contributes to the achievement of NRC's
operational priority 1 and NRC's Strategic Outcome 1.
The ICT and Emerging Technologies Program Activity
aims to strengthen Canadian leadership in ICT, molecular
and nanotechnologies, enablers that are pervasive in today's society, underpinning everything from research applications
to "smart" consumer products. NRC will build new relationships
with stakeholders in this sector, anticipate the needs of Canadian industry and respond to industrial imperatives by building
competencies to develop next-generation technologies.
Benefits to Canadians:
ICT and emerging technologies are enablers that will
have impacts on a wide range of applications. NRC's projects
in emerging technologies are engaging industrial partners early in order to assure receptor capacity for the technologies
under development. This technology transfer will in turn allow Canadian industry to access windows of opportunity for new
technologies underpinned by appropriate metrology, permitting Canadian industry to access future and emerging global markets.
By focusing on energy, the environment and ICT,
NRC is also helping to create solutions in areas of major importance
to Canadians, including the monitoring of air quality and clean sources of energy. Developments in nanotechnology are predicted
to be the next revolution in manufacturing. Nanotechnology investments globally exceed $10 billion annually and the nanotechnology-enabled
economy is forecasted to exceed $1 trillion by 201515.
NRC invested early in this transformational technology and continues
to play a key role to ensure that Canada will continue to benefit from nano-enabled advances.
15 National Science Foundation
Description: This program provides a range of technical and business-oriented advisory services, as well as financial support for small and medium-sized (SME) Canadian businesses engaged in research and development of technological innovations. The program is important for enabling enterprises to generate significant economic activity for Canadian industry by augmenting the capacity and capability of enterprises to innovate and commercialize. Financial support is provided through a transfer payment program delivered by a cross-Canada network of more than 250 professionals, including over 230 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs), and located in approximately 100 communities. The field staff of professionals, recognized for their scientific, technical, engineering, business expertise, and knowledge of SMEs, provides clients with customized value-added advice, information, referrals and financial assistance. They work 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 Innovation Network Advisors (INAs) represent and promote NRC-IRAP in the community innovation system and build effective regional innovation system relationships for the benefit of SMEs. This includes working with organizations that receive NRC-IRAP contributions as well as with other organizations to facilitate the implementation of multi-sector, multi-partner initiatives that are relevant to SMEs regionally and nationally. As well, the program supports the placement of graduates in SMEs through its participation in the delivery of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
467 | 137.616 | 435 | 134.7 | 426 | 134.0 |
16 Does not include stimulus funding for NRC-IRAP from Canada's Economic Action Plan (details provided in Section 2.3).
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
SMEs in Canada have merit-based access to effective and efficient innovation support resulting in increased wealth | Return on investment to the Canadian economy (X:1) as a measure of NRC's effectiveness and efficiency | 7 by March 2013 |
Number of firms assisted | 510 by March 2011 | |
Number of graduates placed | 166 by March 2011 |
Planning Highlights: For more than 60 years, NRC's
Industrial Research Assistance Program has adapted and redefined
itself to meet the needs of Canadian SMEs. With a broad suite
of services, NRC is able to customize its offerings to meet
the immediate and emerging needs of the SMEs today and help
them prepare for the future. By providing SMEs in Canada with
merit-based access to innovation support resulting in increased wealth, the Industrial Research Assistance Program Activity
contributes to the achievement of NRC's operational priority
1 and NRC's Strategic Outcome 1.
In 2010-11, this Program Activity will focus on:
Benefits to Canadians:
This Program Activity supports the Government of Canada priorities to position Canada in the leading group of innovating
countries. NRC provides business and technical advisory services
and financial support to SMEs to help them build their innovation
capacity in the competitive, global knowledge economy. Through contributions to organizations that provide innovation assistance
services to SMEs,
NRC also plays a role in bringing together diverse players and
more than 100 of Canada's leading public and private research and technology based organizations in the Canadian innovation
system for the benefit of SMEs. Since
SMEs in Canada account for 98 percent of businesses and employ
one in every six Canadians, their success is critical for Canada's future growth.
Description: In support of the federal S&T Strategy, this Program mobilizes and partners with key university, government and private sector players, and forms major research collaborations to develop integrated research solutions for complex health and related life science issues for the benefit of Canadians. Areas of research focus include age-related and infectious diseases, human health and wellness, and the prevention, early diagnosis and improved treatment of diseases such as cancer.
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
675 | 102.3 | 681 | 105.1 | 673 | 104.4 |
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Canadian health and life science industries have greater access to effective and innovative technology solutions | Revenue from successful IP transferred to Health & Life Science industries | $5 million by March 2012 |
Percentage of respondents from the health and life science industrial collaborators who respond positively on value of NRC innovative contributions | 85% by March 2012 |
Planning Highlights: NRC is co-leading and
partnering with other government departments, industry and universities – combining strengths and capacities through a multidisciplinary
approach – to build the critical mass needed to address substantial and enduring issues of national importance in Health
to support the federal priority of "Health and Related Life Sciences Technologies". By providing Canadian health and life
science industries with greater access to effective and innovative technology solutions, this Program Activity is contributing
to the achievement of NRC's operational priority 2 and
NRC's Strategic Outcome 1.
The Health and Life Science Technologies Program Activity will continue to focus its efforts on
R&D related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular,
neurological and infectious diseases. Increased emphasis will be placed on the development of integrated technological solutions
for medical conditions facing our aging population. By bringing together competencies in marine-based bioproducts, neurosciences,
glycosciences, immunomodulaton, bacterial pathogenesis, antibody engineering, genomics, proteomics, combinatorial chemistry,
structural biology and bioinformatics with strengths in engineering and the physical sciences,
NRC will develop innovative and integrated approaches for the
diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human disease. Furthermore, the impact of climate change; productivity; health and
safety; and regulatory issues related to genetically-modified and novel plants are some of the key challenges facing Canada's
agriculture industry. NRC has a strong
Agriculture key sector under this Program Activity
that will work with partners in industry, government and academia to achieve competitiveness and increase the value of Canada's
agriculture output.
Knowledge and technology developed from this Program Activity will be commercially exploited to ensure a positive impact
on the health and wellness of Canadians, to help reduce costs associated with health care, and to develop a thriving Canadian
health-care and agricultural industry.
Benefits to Canadians:
NRC's Health and Life Science Program Activity focuses on the
health of Canadians, one of the top priorities for NRC and for
Canada. As our population ages, and health care costs increase, it will become an even more critical issue.
NRC's leading research and integrated technological solutions
will help prevent, diagnose, and treat both chronic and infectious diseases. At the same time,
NRC supports key industrial activities in the biopharmaceutical,
medical device, agricultural, functional foods, and bioproducts sectors. In 2007, Canada's bio-based economy was valued
at ~$79 billion – equivalent to 6.4% of our total GDP – and provided employment
for more than 103,000 Canadians17. The biopharmaceutical component
in particular, is one of the most R&D intensive in Canada, employing
highly skilled workers who earn almost twice the average Canadian salary.
NRC's expertise and infrastructure will continue to contribute
to the development and growth of Canada's bio-economy, today and into the future.
17 Pellerin William. Measuring Canada's Bio-Based Economy, BIOTECanada, Fall 2008.
Description: This Program is carried out in partnership with other government departments, universities and industry and brings together the knowledge and expertise needed to make an impact on areas of critical importance to Canada in environmental and sustainable energy. The challenge is to reduce energy consumption while developing clean, sustainable energy alternatives. NRC is working to help alleviate the environmental impacts of activity in the energy, resources, transportation, construction and agri-food industry sectors. NRC performs R&D to develop processes and technologies for environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending18 ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
216 | 28.2 | 204 | 27.1 | 201 | 26.8 |
18 Due to the cross-functional nature of this Program Activity, planned resources do not reflect other activities occurring across NRC that contribute to expected results.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Collaborative contributions on improving sustainability of Canada's natural resources and protection of Canada's environment through innovation | Percentage of responding collaborators who respond positively on the value of NRC contributions to natural research sustainability and environmental protection innovations | 85% by March 2012 |
Planning Highlights: NRC is co-leading and
partnering with other government departments, industry and universities – combining strengths and capacities through a multidisciplinary
approach – to build the critical mass needed to address substantial and enduring issues of national importance and to support
federal priorities within "Natural Resources and Energy" and "Environmental Science and Technologies". By building
S&T capacity, creating new opportunities in environment and energy-related
sciences and accelerating commercialization through NRC technology
clusters, this Program Activity contributes to the achievement of NRC's
operational priority 2 and NRC's Strategic Outcome 1.
The Energy and Environmental Technologies Program Activity will continue to focus on developing technologies that will address
substantial issues such as water scarcity; treating contaminated effluents; effective waste management; the battle against
global warming; eco-efficiency; and the need for alternate energy sources. Additional opportunities for multidisciplinary
approaches to challenges important for Canada in this Program will be identified early in 2010.
Benefits to Canadians:
This Program Activity addresses challenges our country faces: clean water, clean air, healthy soil, healthy oceans, sustainable
energy and environmentally friendly technologies for industrial processing and for extracting natural resources, particularly
those that are located in Canada's arctic. Developing and commercializing technologies in these areas will help Canadian
companies to compete successfully in growing global markets. It will further help Canadians in their quest to deal with
the challenges they face because of climate change, and to seize economic opportunities emerging from the changes. Energy
consumption has had an effect on the world climate, causing extreme weather events globally, which in turn, have economic
consequences. The development of clean energy alternatives will not only open new market opportunities but will also have
an effect on human health and on the environment for the benefit of future generations, but also may lead to leaner, more
efficient industries which will provide economic benefits to Canada.
Canadians have access to research and development, information and infrastructure.
NRC plays a vital role in Canada's innovation system by providing,
maintaining, and advancing critical national infrastructure that underpins innovation. Through
NRC, Canadian firms can access an array of national facilities
and programs designed to help them conduct fundamental research as well as take new products and technology innovations
to market. Programs conduct R&D for ongoing advancement of leading-edge
infrastructure and provide access to scientific and medical information, a fundamental requirement for achieving an innovative
and knowledge-based economy. As mandated by the National Research Council Act, this program also provides access
to astronomical observatories in addition to maintaining measurement standards in support of domestic and international
trade.
For a list of performance indicators for Strategic Outcome 2, please refer to
Section 1.2.3.
Description: This Program manages national science and engineering facilities for Canadian scientific and technological communities. Facilities include astronomical observatories, the laboratory for national measurement standards, the TRIUMF sub-atomic research facility, and a suite of neutron-scattering spectrometers at Chalk River Laboratories.
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
277 | 49.7 | 260 | 47.6 | 255 | 47.2 |
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Canada's national science and technology facilities are up-to-date and accessible to Canadians in accordance with federally legislated and assigned mandate and/or evolving national needs | Percentage of surveyed clients reporting positively on their perceived value of NRC R&D infrastructure used | 85% by March 2012 |
Number of Canadian users of major NRC science infrastructure | 1,200 by March 2012 |
Planning Highlights: NRC provides critical S&T infrastructure to support Canadian excellence in R&D for today and into the future (e.g., facilities, equipment, scientific and technical information, and more). Beyond supporting industry S&T through its current efforts within key industrial sectors and communities, NRC plays a role in ensuring that Canada looks ahead to develop and put in place the technology platforms that will provide our country with the necessary innovative capacity for remaining leading-edge and providing continued leadership on the future global R&D stage. NRC will continue to work with academic, industry and government partners in Canadian communities to ensure that national S&T facilities remain up-to-date and accessible to Canadians in accordance with federally legislated and assigned mandate and/or evolving national needs. Such work and expected results will contribute to the achievement of NRC's operational priority 3 and NRC's Strategic Outcome 2.
Benefits to Canadians:
Canada is amongst the global leaders in areas such as metrology, building codes and standards, astronomy, and sub-atomic
research. The plans and priorities under this Program Activity enable Canada to contribute to long-term competitiveness
and participate with international thought-leaders. NRC conducts
world-class R&D that positions Canada on the world stage, not only in
terms of R&D but also by obtaining access for Canadian industry to a
broader market and broader capabilities and expertise. These plans will allow
NRC to further contribute to the advancement of Canadian
R&D by providing, maintaining and advancing critical national infrastructure
and activities that underpin innovation.
Description: This Program operates and maintains the national science library, specifically holding the national collection of Scientific, Technical and Medical (STM) information. The program provides Canada's research and innovation communities with access to global STM information, to facilitate knowledge discovery, cross discipline research, innovation and commercialization.
Human Resources19 (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
114 | 39.0 | 105 | 28.1 | 105 | 28.0 |
19 Reflects planned numbers and is not based on an average salary calculation.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
High value information that advances research and innovation in the areas of science, technology and health/medicine | Percent access to information services via alternative service delivery mechanisms where feasible | 100% by March 2011 |
Planning Highlights: This Program Activity supports
NRC's operational priority 3 and
NRC's Strategic Outcome 2 by providing access to high-value
information and services that advance research and innovation in the areas of science, technology and health/medicine.
The Scientific and Medical Information Program Activity (NRC Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (NRC-CISTI)) underwent significant changes in
2009-10, including the implementation of new service delivery models for many elements of the program. Plans and priorities
for fiscal year 2010-11 will focus on the following areas:
Benefits to Canadians:
This Program Activity is critical to ensuring that Canadian researchers and entrepreneurs in all sectors have access to
the STM information needed to support their research and innovation
activities that are essential to a vibrant Canadian economy. NRC
contributes to Canada's S&T Strategy by providing fast and comprehensive
access to Canadian and global science in the priority areas of environment, natural resources and energy, health and life
sciences, and information and communications technologies. Through services such as
NPArC and PMC
Canada, NRC also ensures that a record of Canadian science is
available for use by current and future generations of Canadian researchers, thus supporting the translation of research
into accessible knowledge that industry and other research partners can use.
The Government of Canada recognizes the role that science and technology plays in providing solutions to Canada's economic, social and environmental challenges. That is why Budget 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan is designed to provide over $5 billion in new S&T investments, one of the most substantial S&T investments in Canadian history. Through these investments, not only is the government strengthening the economy but also is building the future of Canadian S&T and advancing our national position amongst global innovation leaders. The initiatives funded below will contribute to Canada's long-term competitiveness and improved quality of life for Canadians.
2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 |
---|---|---|---|
145.0 | 100.0 | 0 | 0 |
Performance Indicator(s) | Target(s) |
---|---|
Number of firms assessed | 1,360 by March 2011 |
Number of graduates placed | 1,000 by March 2011 |
2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 |
---|---|---|---|
8.710 | 10.360 | 0 | 0 |
Performance Indicator(s) | Target(s) |
---|---|
Program completion for FY10-11 | Approx. 80 projects by March 2011 |
Number of jobs created | The benchmark for general construction contracts is comprised of 50% labour and 50% material. Therefore, the $19.07 million in stimulus from 2009-10 to 2010-11 represents approx. 145,000 hours of labour. |
2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 |
---|---|---|---|
2.380 | 2.455 | 0 | 0 |
Performance Indicator(s) | Target(s) |
---|---|
Program completion for FY 2010-11 | Approx. 13 projects (assessment, remediation, risk management) by March 2011 |
Number of jobs created | The type benchmark for soil remediation type construction contracts where soils are removed from a contaminated site is comprised of 20% labour and 80% soil disposal fees. Therefore, the $4.84 million in stimulus from 2009-10 to 2010-11 represents approx. 15,000 hours of labour. |
NRC is currently managing the risks associated with the implementation of these initiatives by allocating the necessary in-house resources while engaging the appropriate private sector resources where in-house resources are not available.
Description: Internal Services (IS) are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and Oversight; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services. IS include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |||
FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending | FTEs | Planned Spending |
711 | 119.520 | 684 | 114.1 | 682 | 114.0 |
20 Does not include infrastructure stimulus funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan (details provided in Section 2.3).
Planning Highlights
Governance and Management Support
Resource Management Services
Asset Management Services
The following tables are located on the Treasury Board Secretariat's:
NRC Council Members
NRC Council Members provide strategic direction and advice to
the President and monitor progress against strategic plans. The Minister of Industry can also consult the
NRC Council for advice on matters affecting
NRC and of importance to science and technology in Canada. It
usually meets three times a year and has three standing committees: the Executive Committee, the Human Resources Committee,
and the Finance Committee. The Council is chaired by the President of
NRC and the other members are appointed by the Government of Canada for three-year terms. Current members are:
Pierre Coulombe,
President (and Chair of Council), National Research Council,
Ottawa, Ontario
Dennis Anderson,
Management Consultant,
Libau, Manitoba
Jacques Beauvais,
Vice Provost of Research, Université de Sherbrooke,
Sherbrooke, Québec
Paul Clark,
Former Vice-President, Research and Technology, NOVA Chemicals Corporation,
Calgary, Alberta
Peter Frise,
Scientific Director and CEO, Auto 21, University of Windsor,
Windsor, Ontario
John Harker,
President, Cape Breton University,
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Alexandre Jodoin,
Materials and Structures Engineer, BMT Fleet Technology Limited,
Manotick, Ontario
Jay Josefo,
Lawyer,
Toronto, Ontario
Raymond Leduc,
Director and Senior Location Executive, IBM Bromont,
Bromont, Québec
Margaret Lefebvre,
Executive Director, Canadian Association of Income Funds,
Montréal, Québec
Kellie Leitch,
Assistant Dean (External), Chief/Chair of Paediatric Surgery and Assistant Professor, Paediatric Orthopaedics, University
of Western Ontario,
London, Ontario
Douglas MacArthur,
President, MacArthur Group, Inc.,
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Eva Mah Borsato,
President, Intellectual Capital Corporation Inc.,
Edmonton, Alberta
Cecil H. Rorabeck,
Professor of Surgery, University of Western Ontario,
London, Ontario
Leo Steven,
Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,
Cardigan, Prince Edward Island
Howard Tennant,
President Emeritus, University of Lethbridge,
Lethbridge, Alberta
Normand Tremblay,
Strategic Management Consultant, Normand Tremblay and Associates,
Montréal, Québec
Allan Warrack,
Professor of Business Emeritus, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta
David Wood,
Head of Finance and Corporate Development, Secretary and Treasurer, Celator Pharmaceuticals Inc.,
Vancouver, British Columbia