Strategic outcome and program descriptions

Public Accounts of Canada 2018 Volume II—Top of the page Navigation

Department of Industry

Strategic outcome 1

Advancements in science and technology, knowledge and innovation strengthen the Canadian economy.

Program 1.1: Science, Technology and Innovation Capacity

This program sets the strategic direction for policies and programs that support and stimulate research, development and innovation in Canada. In collaboration with Industry portfolio partners, other government departments and external stakeholders from the private and public sectors, the program fosters an environment that is conducive to innovation and promotes scientific excellence.

Program 1.2: Industrial Research and Development Financing

This program helps Canadian businesses increase research and development activities by investing in innovative projects and collaborations through repayable and non-repayable contributions. Projects supported under this program are expected to produce benefits to Canada, including generating strategic Research and Development investment, developing new technologies and enhancing Canadian innovation capacity and expertise.

Strategic outcome 2

Canadian businesses and communities are competitive.

Program 2.1: Community Economic Development

This program advances the economic development of Northern Ontario communities in the same manner that regional development agencies support similar activities in other regions of Canada. Its main goal is to strengthen the Northern Ontario economy by providing financial support through contribution agreements for economic and community development projects led by the private, not-for-profit and public sectors, including support for official language minority communities. This program also contributes to improving the availability of broadband Internet access across Canada and provides computers for schools and not-for-profit organizations.

Program 2.2: Small Business Research, Financing and Services

This program enhances the growth and competitiveness of small business and encourages entrepreneurial activity across Canada. It raises awareness across government of the challenges facing small businesses and provides knowledge and expertise on small and medium-sized enterprises in a number of areas, including entrepreneurship, financing, innovation, and growth firms. It also addresses obstacles to growth such as paperwork burden and delivers programs that help support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Program 2.3: Industrial Competitiveness and Capacity

This program helps Canadian industries increase their competitiveness in global markets and improve their capacity for developing and marketing innovative products and services. The program develops expertise on Canadian firms and sectors through research and analysis and engagement with associations, governments and leading firms. It applies this expertise to develop and contribute to policy, legislation and regulations aimed at strengthening the contribution of industry to Canada's economic well-being. This program collaborates with the private sector on industry development; attracts investment and promotes Canadian expertise; and advances initiatives for increasing productivity and supporting growth.

Strategic outcome 3

The Canadian marketplace is efficient and competitive.

Program 3.1: Spectrum, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy

This program enables Canadians to benefit from a globally competitive digital economy that drives innovation, productivity and future prosperity. This includes developing and administering domestic regulations, procedures and standards that govern Canada's radiocommunication and telecommunications industries. The program sets legislative and policy frameworks to encourage competition, innovation, private sector investment in digital infrastructure, confidence in the online marketplace, and greater adoption of information and communications technologies by business. The program maximizes the public benefits of spectrum by managing it efficiently and effectively, through spectrum and radio licensing including auctions, compliance and enforcement. The program protects Canadian interests in the telecommunications industry globally and facilitates international online trade and commerce by negotiating international treaties and agreements. This program also performs research in advanced telecommunication and information technologies to promote innovation and assist in the development of policies, regulations and program delivery.

Program 3.2: Marketplace Frameworks and Regulation

This program regulates and provides oversight over a number of aspects of the Canadian marketplace, including trade measurement, insolvency, corporate governance including federal incorporation, competition, intellectual property, market access and consumer affairs. The program develops and administers framework statutes, regulations, policies and procedures; develops, sets and assures compliance with related regulatory reforms and standards; and consults with a variety of stakeholders and portfolio organizations. Overall, the program benefits Canadian businesses and consumers by ensuring the integrity of the marketplace.

Program 3.3: Marketplace Competition and Investments

This program applies federal laws relating to the investigation of anti-competitive conduct and the general regulation of trade and commerce in respect of business practices, including the review of mergers and significant foreign investments. It protects, promotes and advocates for efficient markets in a manner that encourages economic growth and innovation, providing consumers and businesses with competitive prices and increased product choices.

Strategic outcome 4

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 4.1: Internal Services

Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the Federal Government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal Services refer to the activities and resources of ten distinct services that support program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department. These services are: Acquisition Management Services, Communications Services, Financial Management Services, Human Resources Management Services, Information Management Services, Information Technology Services, Legal Services, Materiel Management Services, Management and Oversight Services, Real Property Management Services.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Strategic Outcome 1

A competitive Atlantic Canadian economy.

Program 1.1: Enterprise Development

Despite recent economic progress and some promising opportunities on the horizon (e.g. energy, shipbuilding), some significant challenges remain for the region to maximize positive growth. One of the most telling indicators of this is that, in a number of sectors, productivity remains significantly lower than in leading countries and other regions of Canada. The Agency works in partnership with Atlantic Canadian businesses, stakeholders, industry and institutions to improve the growth and productivity of Atlantic Canada's economy, leading to increased competitiveness, higher earned incomes and job creation. The Agency works to improve the capacity of Atlantic Canada's rural and urban areas for economic growth through a variety of strategically focused mechanisms: assisting businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones, to start, expand or modernize and to establish or expand export activities; partnering with universities and other institutions to increase the region's research and development capacity, commercialization and productivity; and promoting and participating in the region's transition to a knowledge economy.

Program 1.2: Community Development

The Atlantic economy is built on the region's many geographic, linguistic and cultural communities. From rural areas to larger urban centres, the opportunities and challenges vary significantly. Communities are the foundation of economic development and are critical for economic prosperity. The Agency recognizes the importance of communities and supports their efforts to develop the resources they need to contribute fully to their economic development. For those reasons, the Agency focuses community development efforts and strategies to create dynamic and sustainable communities with increased economic and business activities as well as quality public infrastructure. The Agency develops and delivers programming that meets the unique economic development needs of rural areas in Atlantic Canada and that contributes to a stronger region. The Agency collaborates with the private sector, other levels of government, other federal government departments, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and communities to leverage support, coordinate economic development, identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities and react to economic challenges across the region. This requires a flexible approach based on the realities of a given community's capacities, strengths and challenges.

Program 1.3: Policy, Advocacy and Coordination

The Agency's Policy, Advocacy and Coordination program is central to identifying and effectively responding to opportunities and challenges facing the regional economy. Policy, Advocacy and Coordination program provides intelligence, analysis and well-grounded advice on a broad range of issues and topics, and it informs and supports Agency and ministerial decision making. Policy, Advocacy and Coordination program helps carry the Agency's agenda forward and ensure that Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency overall remains relevant and responsive to the opportunities and challenges in Atlantic Canada by offering strategic, researched policy positions that reflect the region's potential, by influencing national policies and programs that affect Atlantic Canada's development and interests, and in coordinating other policies and programs within the region to form integrated approaches to development.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Strategic outcome 1

Developed and diversified territorial economies that support prosperity for all Northerners.

Program 1.1: Economic Development

The program supports economic development in Canada's three territories: Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon. Ensuring that the North is able to participate actively in the economy is essential to Canada's economic growth. Each territory has unique opportunities and challenges that require individual strategies to foster a sustainable, competitive and diverse economic development. Through funding support, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency strengthens and stimulates the northern economy by taking steps to advance private sector efforts, ranging from small and medium enterprises to large-scale industry. There is also a strong focus on creating the conditions to position individuals, including Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal northerners, communities, and business-related organizations for economic success.

Program 1.2: Policy and Alignment

This program supports research and analysis to guide programming and policy choices, the promotion of northern interests both inside and outside of the federal government, and the development of horizontal strategies, initiatives and projects to address economic development challenges and opportunities in the North.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Canadian Space Agency

Strategic outcome 1

Canada's exploration of space, provision of space services and development of its space capacity meet the nation's needs for scientific knowledge, innovation and information.

Program 1.1: Space Data, Information and Services

This program includes the provision of space-based solutions (data, information and services) and the progression of their utilization. It also serves to install and run ground infrastructure that processes the data and operates satellites. This program utilizes space-based solutions to assist Government of Canada organizations in delivering growing, diversified or cost-effective programs and services within their mandate, which is related to key national priorities, such as sovereignty, defence, safety and security, resource management, environmental monitoring and the North. It also provides academia with data required to perform its own research. The services delivered through this program are rendered, and the data and information are generated and processed, with the participation of the Canadian space industry, academia, Government of Canada organizations, national and international organizations, such as: foreign space agencies, not-for-profit organizations, as well as provincial and municipal governments. This collaborative effort is formalized under national and international partnership agreements, contracts, grants or contributions.

Program 1.2: Space Exploration

This program provides valuable Canadian science, signature technologies and qualified astronauts to international space exploration endeavours. This program contributes to the Government of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy. It fosters the generation of knowledge as well as technological spin-offs that contribute to a higher quality of life for Canadians. It generates excitement within the population in general and contributes to nation-building. This program appeals to the science and technology communities. It is targeted mostly towards Canadian academia and international space exploration partnerships. Canadian industry also benefits from the work generated within this program. This program is delivered with the participation of foreign space agencies and Government of Canada organizations. This collaborative effort is formalized under international partnership agreements, contracts, grants or contributions.

Program 1.3: Future Canadian Space Capacity

This program attracts, sustains and enhances the nation's critical mass of Canadian space specialists, fosters Canadian space innovation and know-how, and preserves the nation's space-related facilities capability. In doing so, it encourages private-public collaboration that requires a concerted approach to future space missions. This program secures the nation's strategic and ongoing presence in space in the future and to preserve Canada's capability to deliver internationally renowned space assets for future generations. It is targeted at Canadian academia, industry and youth, as well as users of Canadian space solutions (Government of Canada organizations) and international partners. This program is conducted with the participation of funding agencies, Government of Canada organizations along with government facilities and infrastructure, foreign space agencies, not-for-profit organizations and provincial governments. This collaborative effort is formalized under contracts, grants, contributions or national and international partnership agreements.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Canadian Tourism Commission

Strategic outcome 1

Canadian economy benefits from strong tourism demand from Canadian Tourism Commission's markets.

Program 1.1: Marketing and Sales

The Marketing and Sales Program focuses on three major geographical market segments—the Americas, Europe and Asia/Pacific, in addition to targeting tourism activities associated with meetings, conventions, and incentive travel. Marketing and sales efforts are based on three channels: 'direct to consumer' advertising and marketing; travel trade; and media and public relations. This program is fundamental to Canadian Tourism Commission's role as Canada's national tourism marketing organization and directly supports Canadian Tourism Commission's outcome of increasing awareness and consideration of Canada as a tourism destination in Canadian Tourism Commission markets and generating export revenues from the expenditures of international visitors to Canada.

Program 1.2: Tourism Research and Communications

The Tourism Research and Communications Program generates and communicates strategic business intelligence, market and consumer research, and tourism news and information that are vital to maintaining a competitive edge for Canada's tourism industry. This program is necessary as the Canadian Tourism Commission is legislated to "provide information about Canadian tourism to the private sector and to the government of Canada, the provinces and the territories" (Canadian Tourism Commission Act, section 5d).

Program 1.3: Experiential Product Development

The Experiential Product Development Program influences the quality and quantity of diverse and competitive tourism experiences in Canada. This program is necessary for the Canadian Tourism Small and Medium Sizes Enterprises, as it is the first point of entry for the small and medium sizes enterprises to develop Canadian-branded, export ready, consumer relevant product experiences that are used in Canadian Tourism Commission sales, marketing and media relations initiatives. Products and tools developed under this program, such as Experiences Toolkit (practical insight such as moving from a tourism product to an experience and customer trends), Brand Toolkit (an in-depth branding resource) and Digital Assets (videos, photos), are free for small and medium-sized enterprises use and help small and medium-sized enterprises increase their market readiness, viability and competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Copyright Board

Strategic outcome 1

Fair decision-making to provide proper incentives for the creation and use of copyrighted works.

Program 1.1: Copyright Tariff Setting and Issuance of Licences

The Board is an economic regulatory body empowered to establish, either mandatorily or at the request of an interested party, fair and equitable tariffs that remunerate rights owners for the use of copyrighted works, when the administration of such copyright is entrusted to a collective-administration society. The Board also has the right to supervise agreements between users and licensing bodies and issues licences when the copyright owner cannot be located.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Department of Western Economic Diversification

Strategic outcome 1

A growing and diversified western Canadian economy.

Program 1.1: Business Development and Innovation

Business development and innovation supports western Canadian businesses, industry, and research organizations to enhance business innovation, productivity, and global engagement. Value-added production is strengthened through the introduction of new products, technologies, or innovations to existing processes, as well as through efforts to pursue global markets and increase investment in Western Canada. Additionally, this program supports some members of the Western Canada Business Service Network and related partners to provide business services and access to capital in Western Canada in support of increased entrepreneurism. Transfer payments in support of this program are made under the authority of the Women's Enterprise Initiative and the Western diversification program. Funding support of the Canada Business Network is comprised of operations and maintenance funding.

Program 1.2: Community Economic Growth

Community Economic Growth involves economic development initiatives that support communities to advance their economies, adjust to changing and challenging economic circumstances, and recover from depressed economic circumstances. This is achieved through both direct funding of projects, as well as funding support of the Community Futures organizations. Additionally, this program assists communities to assess community strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential for new economic activity, and to develop and implement community plans. Transfer payments in support of this program are made under the authority of the Western diversification program and the Community Futures program.

Program 1.3: Policy, Advocacy and Coordination

Policy, Advocacy, and Coordination arises from the Western Economic Diversification Act (1985) and empowers the Minister to advance the interests of Western Canada through policies and programs and by establishing cooperative relationships with key stakeholders. Policy, advocacy and coordination efforts enable Western Diversification to: provide a strong voice for Western Canada, which results in effective strategies, policies, and programs that address economic development needs; lead federal and intergovernmental collaboration to pursue key opportunities for long-term growth and diversification in areas of federal or shared federal-provincial jurisdiction; and, enable economic analysis activities to be carried out, which ultimately assist with informing policy and program decisions. Transfer payments in support of this program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

Strategic outcome 1

Quebec's regions have a growing economy.

Program 1.1: Business Development

This program is designed to support enterprises development throughout their life cycle so as to sustain Quebec's economic growth. Enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, are an engine of economic development. They are recognized as generating a significant share of economic activity and creating employment in communities. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec contributes to the renewal of the pool of enterprises in Quebec by supporting the emergence of new small and medium-sized enterprises and business succession. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec also works to increase the competitiveness of existing enterprises and support their survival by enhancing their performance. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec does so by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises that modernize, expand, launch or extend their export activities, reinforce their innovation capability, commercialize, and establish partnerships. In this program, Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec mainly targets enterprises either directly or via non-profit organizations providing support for enterprises or entrepreneurs. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec promotes business development through a grants and contributions program, the Quebec Economic Development Program.

Program 1.2: Strengthening Community Economies

In addition to its regular programs, Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec develops, administers and implements Canada-wide programs or temporary and/or targeted initiatives. The common objective is "Strengthening Community Economies", in order to increase Quebec's economic growth. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec supports communities' economic development and ensures sound and effective management of infrastructure programs in Quebec. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec also supports economic activity in Quebec communities that are sustaining economic shocks, experiencing development challenges or where long term business opportunities exist. This program is directed at enterprises and non-profit organizations. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec intervenes in this program through Quebec Economic Development Program using different forms of financing: temporary additional funding, dedicated ongoing funding from the Canadian government, and specific funds allocated by Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec also contributes using a permanent fund dedicated to the Community Futures Program and acting as Infrastructure Canada's delivery partner for the administration of the Building Canada Fund (Communities and Large Urban Centres component) in Quebec.

Program 1.3: Regional Economic Development

This program is intended to strengthen the regions' economic base so as to sustain the growth of Quebec's economy. Quebec's regions differ in, among other things, their industrial structure, and some are more sensitive to economic fluctuations. Quebec's prosperity depends on the participation of the different regions in the economy to their full potential. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec wishes to contribute to building strong and competitive regions. It does so by supporting local communities as they take charge of their economic development and by stimulating investment in all Quebec regions. In this program, Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec intervenes primarily through non-profit organizations active in economic development. Canada Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec acts on regional economic development through its grants and contributions program, the Quebec Economic Development Program.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Strategic outcome 1

A competitive Southern Ontario economy.

Program 1.1: Technological Innovation

This program is intended to support the southern Ontario economy to be more innovative by creating new products, services, processes and/or markets so as to contribute to the region's competitiveness. This will be achieved by focusing on key emerging sectors and by strengthening linkages between the region's businesses and its post-secondary institutions to support clusters, economic spillovers and/or common platforms to spur the advancement of technologies and innovation. By facilitating these strategic partnerships, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario aims to improve (along with others), the region's productivity and competitiveness in the context of a global economy. Investments through this program will support large-scale, incremental, and transformative activities that increase productivity and market diversification. While available to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, project funding will be business-facing, meaning that activities will be linked to the needs of businesses rather than pushing public research into the market. Transfer payments in support of this program will be delivered through the administration of contribution agreements with businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and post-secondary institutions.

Program 1.2: Community Economic Development

This program supports the 288 communities (small and large, rural and urban, Francophone and Aboriginal) in southern Ontario that are home to 12.7 million residents. These communities are key to enhancing the economic competitiveness and long-term prosperity of the region. Southern Ontario depends on communities that can attract the best talent and compete for investment as dynamic centres of commerce and learning. Strong, safe and modern communities that are economically diverse are essential building blocks for the region's competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will continue to invest strategically to address the unique challenges facing eastern Ontario communities; maintain the economic vitality of official language minority communities; and advance regional diversification efforts to promote economic development. Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will also continue to work with others, including Infrastructure Canada, the Province and municipalities, to support infrastructure needs within southern Ontario. Through programming aimed at addressing the distinct needs and circumstances across southern Ontario communities, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will work to identify local solutions to local challenges and opportunities. Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will support this program through the administration of contribution agreements with businesses, not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions and municipalities.

Program 1.3: Business Development

This program supports the 360,000 businesses (especially small- and mediums-sized enterprises) in southern Ontario in their efforts to drive competitiveness by providing support to: encourage the growth of early-stage companies through business services and counselling; access capital; help existing businesses expand domestically and globally; help companies/sectors improve productivity; facilitate linkages and collaborations between businesses; and help southern Ontario aerospace and defence-related firms respond to economic opportunities from Canada's defence procurements. This program, which includes services through Canada Business Ontario, provides targeted efforts to businesses across Ontario along a life-cycle continuum: from entrepreneurship to expansion. Transfer payments in support of this program will be delivered through the administration of contribution agreements with businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

National Research Council of Canada

Strategic outcome 1

Canadian businesses prosper from innovative technologies.

Program 1.1: Technology Development and Advancement

This program develops and advances technologies to enhance the prosperity of Canadian industries in support of federal priorities such as the federal science and Technology Strategy. This includes national-scale flagship technology-development initiatives having sufficient critical mass to contribute demonstrably to national prosperity. To bring new and innovative products and processes to the marketplace, companies must advance the emerging and maturing technologies embodied in applied developments and prototypes to a level where the risk is sufficiently understood to be accepted from the business, investment, and regulatory perspectives. The program bridges this critical technology gap through mission-oriented research and development services, and specialized technical services such as custom design and fabrication, testing, prototyping, up-scaling, and demonstration in specialized facilities.

Program 1.2: Industrial Research Assistance Program

The program contributes to the growth and prosperity of Canadian small and medium sized enterprises by stimulating innovation, adoption and/or commercialization of technology-based products, services, or processes in Canada. This is done through: 1) technical and related business advice and networking facilitated by a cross-Canada network of field professional staff; 2) cost-shared merit-based contributions; and 3) contributions supporting employment of post-secondary graduates. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Contributions to Firms; Contributions to Organizations; Youth Employment Program; Contributions to the Canadian HIV Technology Program, Business Innovation Access Program and Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program.

Strategic outcome 2

Research and Development infrastructure for an innovative and knowledge-based economy.

Program 2.1: Science Infrastructure and Measurement

This program manages national science facilities and infrastructure critical to research, development and innovation by Canadian scientific and technological communities. This includes operating and administering Canada's astronomical observatories. It also fosters development and maintenance of Canada's metrological infrastructure system that provides industries and researchers access to reliable measurements that are traceable to recognized national standards maintained by the program. The program helps clients make the most of this infrastructure by facilitating access to a wide range of Canadian and international user communities and by participating in networks. In addition, the program provides stewardship of the Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics sub-atomic research facility. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: TRIUMF (Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics).

Strategic outcome 3

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 3.1: Internal Services

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council

Strategic outcome 1

Canada is a world leader in advancing, connecting and applying new knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering.

Program 1.1: Discovery: Advancement of Knowledge

This program supports the creation of new knowledge and maintenance of a high quality Canadian broad-based research capacity in the natural sciences and engineering through grants to researchers. The advancement of knowledge generated by these grants is necessary to fuel a strong research and innovation system in Canada that is globally competitive. Academic researchers receive funding to carry out research, to support the timely acceleration of research programs, to purchase or develop research equipment, or to facilitate their effective access to major and unique research resources.

Program 1.2: Innovation: Research Partnerships

This program fosters partnerships in the natural sciences and engineering and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and skills to the user sector through awards that support research projects and network activities intended for socioeconomic impact. The partnerships encouraged and enabled by these awards increase the commercialization of Canada's excellent research into new products, services and processes for the benefit of all Canadians.

Program 1.3: People: Research Talent

This program supports the attraction, retention and development of highly qualified people in the natural sciences and engineering in Canada through Chairs programs, fellowships, scholarships and stipends. These activities are necessary to build the human capital required to enable a strong, globally competitive research and innovation system in Canada. Researchers, students and young people benefit from the grant funding which supports university research and outreach activities at universities, museums, science centres and community-based organizations.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Strategic outcome 1

Canada is a world leader in social sciences and humanities research and research training.

Program 1.1: Talent: Attraction, Retention and Development of Students and Researchers in the Social Sciences and Humanities

This program provides support to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the form of fellowships and to research chairs in postsecondary institutions that cover salary and research funding. This program is necessary in order to attract, retain and develop talent in the social sciences and humanities, to cultivate leaders within academia and across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, and to build centres of world-class research excellence at Canadian postsecondary institutions. The program brands Canada as a top destination for research and research training.

Program 1.2: Insight: New Knowledge in the Social Sciences and Humanities

This program provides grants to support research in the social sciences and humanities conducted by scholars and researchers working as individuals, in teams, and in formal partnerships among the academic, public, private and/or not-for-profit sectors and to support the building of institutional research capacity. This program is necessary to build knowledge and understanding about people, societies and the world, as well as to inform the search for solutions to societal challenges. The objectives of the program are to build knowledge and understanding from disciplinary, interdisciplinary and/or cross-sector perspectives; support new approaches to research on complex and important topics; provide a high-quality research training experience for students; mobilize research knowledge to and from academic and non-academic audiences; and build institutional research capacity. Research supported by the program has the potential to lead to intellectual, cultural, social and economic influence, benefit and impact and increased institutional research capacity. International research initiatives that offer outstanding opportunities to advance Canadian research are encouraged. Partnerships can include both Canadian and international partners.

Program 1.3: Connection: Mobilization of Social Sciences and Humanities Knowledge

This program provides funding (grants and operational) to support the multidirectional flow, exchange and co-creation of knowledge in the social sciences and humanities among researchers and diverse groups of policy makers, business leaders, community groups, educators and the media working as individuals, in teams, in formal partnerships and in networks. This program is necessary to help stimulate leading edge, internationally competitive research in areas critical to Canada, build multi-sectoral partnerships and accelerate the use of multidisciplinary research results by organizations that can harness them for Canadian economic and social development. The program increases the availability and use of social sciences and humanities research knowledge among academic and non-academic audiences; supports the building of reciprocal relationships, networks and tools designed to facilitate scholarly work; and makes such networks and tools more accessible to non-academic audiences. The funding opportunities offered in this program are intended to complement activities funded through the Talent and Insight programs.

Strategic outcome 2

Canada has the institutional capacity to enable research and research-related activities in social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering and health.

Program 2.1: Indirect Costs of Research

This program provides support to institutions in the form of grants in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering and health. This program is necessary to build institutional capacity for the conduct of research and research-related activities to maximize the investment of publicly-funded academic research. This program helps to off-set the central and departmental administrative costs that institutions incur in supporting research, which are not attributable to specific research projects, such as lighting and heating, maintenance of libraries, laboratories and research networking spaces, or for the technical support required for an institution's website or library computer system, ultimately helping researchers concentrate on cutting-edge discoveries and scholarship excellence, and ensuring that federally-funded research projects are conducted in world-class facilities with the best equipment and administrative support available. The program is administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council hosted Canada Research Chairs secretariat on behalf of the three research granting agencies. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Indirect Costs of Research.

Program 2.2: Canada First Research Excellence Fund

The program provides financial support in the form of grants to Canadian universities and colleges to excel globally in research areas that create long-term economic advantages for Canada. The program helps competitively-selected institutions implement ambitious and focused strategies to attract and retain talent, develop partnerships across sectors nationally and internationally, and undertake cutting-edge research. Consequently, the program will contribute to enhancing Canada's competitiveness in the global, knowledge-based economy, improving Canadians' health, and enriching our social and cultural life. The program is administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council on behalf of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

Program 2.3: Internal Services

Standards Council of Canada

Strategic outcome 1

Canada has an effective and efficient National Standards System.

Program 1.1: Standards Program

The Standards Council of Canada accredits standards development organizations in Canada. The Standards Council of Canada determines conformity to accreditation requirements by performing oversight activities such as document review and on-site assessment. Standards Council of Canada also reviews standards submitted by standards development organizations for approval as National Standards of Canada, a designation that indicates a standard is the official Canadian standard on a particular subject. National Standards of Canada may be developed in Canada or adopted, with or without changes, from international standards. Through its member program, Standards Council of Canada facilitates and coordinates Canadian participation in national, regional and international standards development and conformity assessment organizations. Through this program, Standards Council of Canada recruits individuals and organizations to participate in standards activities on Canada's behalf, in organizations such as: the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission, two of the world's largest voluntary standardization bodies. Standards Council of Canada also provides orientation, training and recognition for Canadian participants. Participation in these organizations provides Canadian government, industry and consumers with a competitive advantage.

Program 1.2: Conformity Assessment Program

Through its conformity assessment program, the Standards Council of Canada provides accreditation services for: testing and calibration laboratories; management systems certification bodies; personnel certification bodies; product and service certification bodies; greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies; and inspection bodies. Through assessments, audits and follow-up visits, Standards Council of Canada ensures that these conformity assessment organizations are competent in meeting the requirements of a particular standard, for a product, service or system. Accreditation by Standards Council of Canada can increase an organization's competitiveness and ensure safer and more efficient methods and products are used in the Canadian marketplace. Standards Council of Canada's accreditation programs are based on internationally recognized guides and standards. Standards Council of Canada is also a member of several organizations that are developing agreements to ensure conformity assessment results are accepted internationally.

Program 1.3: Standards and Conformity Assessment Policy

The Standards Council of Canada advises federal, provincial and territorial governments, industry organizations, and nongovernmental bodies on standards- and conformity assessment-related aspects of trade and regulatory policy. Through input and review of standardization issues in trade agreements, the Standards Council of Canada, is a significant contributor to expanding international trade for Canada. Incorporating standardization practices into regulatory policy provides an added measure of protection for the health and safety of Canadians. Standards Council of Canada offers governments, businesses and consumers the latest and most comprehensive information on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment in Canada and around the world through its web site, Information and research service and technical document centre. As the World trade organization North American free trade agreement/enquiry point, Standards Council of Canada serves as the central point of contact in Canada for World trade organization member countries to obtain information on standardization-related market entry requirements.

Strategic outcome 2

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 2.1: Internal Services

Statistics Canada

Strategic outcome 1

Canadians have access to timely, relevant and quality statistical information on Canada's changing economy and society for informed debate, research and decision making on social and economic issues.

Program 1.1: Censuses

Through the Census programs, Statistics Canada provides information on changes in the Canadian population, in demographic characteristics, and in the agricultural sector. This information serves as a basis for public and private decision making, and research and analysis in areas of concern to the Canadians. The program includes the Census of Population (including the National Household Survey) and the Census of Agriculture. Both the Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture are mandated by the Statistics Act; the Census of Population is also mandated in the Constitution Act.

Program 1.2: Economic and Environmental Statistics

Through the Economic and Environmental Statistics program, Statistics Canada creates a trusted, relevant and comprehensive source of information on the entire spectrum of Canada's economy to inform public debate on economic issues; support economic policy development, implementation and evaluation; and guide business decision making. These statistics support various agreements and statutory requirements specified by legislations or regulations in such areas as taxation.

Program 1.3: Socio-economic Statistics

Through the Socio-economic Statistics program, Statistics Canada provides integrated information and relevant analysis on the social and socio-economic characteristics of individuals, families, and households, as well as on the major factors that affect their well-being. This information is used to inform public debate on socio-economic issues; to support social policy development, implementation and evaluation; and to guide public and private decision making. These statistics support requirements specified by legislation or regulations in such areas as labour, immigration, official languages and employment equity.

Program 1.4: Statistical Infrastructure

Through the Statistical Infrastructure program, Statistics Canada administers activities and services that support a strong statistical system. These activities and services include development of sound statistical methodology, standardized concepts and classifications, development and provision of information about the agency's surveys and statistical programs; and the development and maintenance of registers of enterprises and addresses for statistical purposes. The activities and services also include data-collection for Statistics Canada's surveys, the production of Statistics Canada's catalogued publications, online databases; and the dissemination of Statistics Canada's official release vehicle. As well as the co-ordination of those aspects of the agency's Integrated Strategic Planning Process, which ensures the continuity and quality maintenance of programs.

Strategic outcome 2

Specific client needs for high-quality and timely statistical services are met.

Program 2.1: Cost-recovered Statistical Services

Through the Cost-recovered Statistical Services program, Statistics Canada produces on-demand, high-quality, cost-recovered statistical services that meet specific needs of federal, provincial and territorial institutions and other clients that are not met by the core statistical program.

Strategic outcome 3

The following program supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

Program 3.1: Internal Services

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Date modified:: 2018-11-06