Details of Transfer Payment Programs (TPPs)

Name of Transfer Payment Program 1: Contributions to International Astronomical Observatories Program

Start date: 1978

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal Year for Ts & Cs: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canadians have access to research and development information and infrastructure.

Program: National Science and Technology Infrastructure

Description: Astronomy has become a global science. The increasing cost of leading-edge observatories and the scarcity of ideal observation sites have led to a greater focus on international collaboration for large-scale astronomy projects which lead to advances in our knowledge and understanding of the universe.

NRC, in collaboration with other international bodies, provides financial contributions to support the management and operations of offshore ground-based observatories and their related facilities, such as the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT, commissioned in 1979), the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT, 1987), the twin telescopes of the Gemini Observatory (GEMINI, 1993), and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA, 2008). NRC also participates in the oversight and direction of these facilities and their research capabilities. NRC represents Canada in the SKA consortium for the pre-construction phase of the telescope.

International agreements governing these observatories are long-term commitments that specify contributions to support preconstruction design and development, construction, operation and maintenance, capital improvements (e.g., development of new astronomical instruments and other facility upgrades) and decommissioning of the international ground-based observatories and their related facilities. In addition, they include commitments to support the partner user communities to ensure a fair and progressive use of these observatories. NRC participates in the governance of these international facilities on behalf of the Canadian astronomy research community and provides appropriate support, including sophisticated data management services and instrumentation. Through NRC’s financial contribution and other in-kind contributions, the Canadian astronomy community is assured merit-based access to these facilities with appropriate support.

Expected Results:

• Canadian astronomers have access to leading-edge facilities and technology.
• Qualified students and post-doctoral researchers have access to facilities to advance their training.
• Canada plays a prominent role in international scientific endeavours.
• Scientific benefit of telescopes to the Canadian and the global community is maximized through progressive science programs using leading-edge instrumentation.
• Canadian industry has increased opportunities to participate in advanced scientific projects and increased opportunities to benefit from contracts and technology development.

Program Activity ($ millions)

	Forecast Spending 2012‑13	Forecast Spending 2013‑14	Planned Spending 2014‑15	Planned Spending 2015‑16
Total Grants
Total Contributions	10.7	10.0	10.0	10.0
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Transfer Payments	10.7	10.0	10.0	10.0

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2011-12

Decision following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2016-17

General Targeted Recipient Group: Foreign states or intergovernmental organizations that have entered into international agreements with Canada (NRC) to support costs related to ground-based astronomical observatories.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: NRC manages observatories on behalf of the Government of Canada for the benefit of the Canadian astronomy research community, aligning its contributions to the priorities of the community’s Long Range Plan for Astronomy and Astrophysics. NRC participates on the Boards which oversee the observatories to ensure that the science directions and programs of the facilities reflect Canadian strengths and interests. In addition, NRC ensures that these activities increase opportunities for Canadian researchers and firms to develop relevant instrumentation for the observatories. To carry out its roles effectively, NRC provides current information about each observatory to community-based committees of scientists which, in turn, provide expert advice on observatory operations and development.

NRC provides support to the user community through numerous services extending from administering the time allocation process for Canadian researchers through to delivery of science-ready data to the research community (through its Canadian Astronomy Data Centre). NRC ensures that the Canadian astronomy and astrophysics community is provided with merit-based access to the observatories in the program.

In addition, NRC runs outreach activities geared to young people and the general public to increase their interest in science and, in particular, astronomy. The Centre of the Universe is an interpretive centre that provides both scientific and historical information to school groups in the greater Victoria area. Its staff also serves in leadership roles for regional and national outreach activities, such as National Science and Technology Week, science outreach to First Nations, and student science contests. NRC staff participates in outreach activities of the individual observatories of which Canada has a share, engaging broader communities including groups local to the telescopes.

Name of Transfer Payment Program 2: Contributions to TRIUMF

Start date: April 1, 1977

End date: March 31, 2015

Fiscal Year for Ts & Cs: 2010-11

Strategic Outcome: Canadians have access to research and development information and infrastructure.

Program: National Science and Technology Infrastructure

Description: TRIUMF is Canada's national laboratory for nuclear and particle physics, and one of Canada's key investments in large-scale research infrastructure. It provides world-class facilities for research in sub-atomic physics, life sciences, nuclear medicine and materials science. A consortium of eleven Canadian universities own and manage the operations of TRIUMF in conjunction with six associate member universities. TRIUMF receives its federal funding in five-year allocations via a Contribution Agreement from NRC, which plays an important oversight and stewardship role for TRIUMF on behalf of the Government of Canada. TRIUMF received funding of $222.3M for the 2010-15 period of its new plan.

Expected Results:

• The maintenance of a national facility for sub-atomic physics in a safe, secure and reliable manner and an ongoing experimental program
• Excellent Canadian sub-atomic physics research, which includes innovative research in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, materials science and life sciences
• Continuing Canada's connection with international particle physics research facilities in order that Canadian scientists may be involved in research programs at the forefront of particle physics
• Important opportunities for Canadian university research and attracting scientists from the international community to Canada
• Economic benefits of the TRIUMF program research to Canadian companies through technology transfer activities, contracts and procurement policies.

Program Activity ($ millions)

	Forecast Spending 2012‑13	Planned Spending 2013‑14	Planned Spending 2014‑15	Planned Spending 2015‑16
Total Grants
Total Contributions	44.0	44.3	45.0	19.3
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Transfer Payments	44.0	44.3	45.0	19.3

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2008-09

Decision following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2014‑15

General Targeted Recipient Group: TRIUMF

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: NRC chairs the Agency Committee on TRIUMF, which includes all the federal agencies that provide funding to activities at the facility. The Committee, when needed, may invite TRIUMF management with the opportunity to update the Committee on progress and discuss future directions for the facility.

The Advisory Committee on TRIUMF assesses and validates the scientific research being performed by TRIUMF and provides advice and input to NRC on TRIUMF’s management and on the key research areas that underpin TRIUMF’s role as a national facility in the field of sub-atomic physics. Composed of international experts, the Committee considers all aspects of TRIUMF’s research programs including the scientific and technological achievements and the maintenance of infrastructure to ensure the relevance, impact and world class standing of TRIUMF Science and Technology programs.  NRC is an ex officio member on TRIUMF’s Board of Management, which oversees TRIUMF’s operations and direction and similarly on the Board’s Audit Committee which assesses TRIUMF’s financial management and reporting.

By means of its participation in these committees and bodies as well as through regular interactions with TRIUMF management, during the life cycle of the contribution agreement, NRC obtains feedback on the contribution management processes to improve program delivery on a continuous basis.

These mechanisms ensure that appropriate dialogue is maintained between NRC as a funder and the recipient to ensure that investments made by the Government of Canada are optimal.

TRIUMF has a staff of approximately 340 scientists, engineers, and technicians, and a further 140 postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and co-op students, thereby training the next generation of leaders. As a natural magnet for young minds, TRIUMF has designed numerous programs aimed at young people, students, teachers and the general public, to ensure that as many as possible benefit from the scientific program and the excitement that exists within one of Canada’s premier laboratories.

Name of Transfer Payment Program 3: Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

Start date: April 1, 1965

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal Year for Ts & Cs: 2007‑08

Strategic Outcome: Advancements in the development and deployment of innovative technologies in targeted Canadian industries and national priority areas in support of federal priorities in innovation and science and technology.

Program: Industrial Research Assistance

Description: This program provides a range of technical and business-oriented advisory services, as well as financial support for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Canada engaged in research and development of technological innovations. The program is important for enabling enterprises to increase their innovative capability from the idea stage (technology development) up to the commercialization stage. The Program is delivered by a network of more than 250 professionals, including over 200 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) located across the country – serving clients directly, regardless of the client’s geographic location. ITAs provide innovation-related advice, information, referrals, and make recommendations for limited cost-shared financial contributions to SMEs in support of technology development and in support of key elements required to reach the commercialization stage (skills, knowledge, linkages, business capabilities, financial investment and other environmental factors that enable innovation and the Firm’s sustainability and growth). With the view to establishing and maintaining an NRC-IRAP-client relationship, a lead ITA is assigned to each client Firm. The ITAs may draw upon resources from within NRC to assist them with specific scientific expertise needed by clients.

The uniqueness and strength of NRC-IRAP stems from its technical competencies to help SMEs in all industrial sectors and regions of Canada and to address industry needs in a flexible and responsive fashion.

Through its Canadian HIV Technology Development (CHTD) component, NRC-IRAP supports SMEs that participate in the development of an HIV vaccine and other technologies related to the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of HIV. As well, NRC-IRAP 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).

Expected Results:

• Stimulation of wealth, growth and technical innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada which leads to wealth creation for Canada.

Program Activity ($ millions)

	Forecast Spending 2012‑13	Planned Spending 2013‑14	Planned Spending 2014‑15	Planned Spending 2015‑16
Total Grants
Total Contributions	179.6Table 3 note 1	184.9Table 3 note 1	179.4Table 3 note 1	179.4Table 3 note 1
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Transfer Payments	179.6Table 3 note 1	184.9Table 3 note 1	179.4Table 3 note 1	179.4Table note 1

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2012‑13

Decision following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2017-18

General Targeted Recipient Group: SMEs and Not-for-Profit Organizations

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: NRC-IRAP is a national program managed on a regional basis with over 200 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) located in approximately 100 communities across the country, who provide customized advice to technologically innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ITAs are engaged with client SMEs throughout the entire contribution management process, from building project proposals through to project completion.

At the end of their funded project, recipients are required to complete an online Post-Project Assessment. This assessment captures information on the recipient’s experience with NRC-IRAP and, along with published service standards, is used by the program to develop continuous program improvements.

NRC-IRAP has an Advisory Board composed of 10 to 12 members from the industry sector and industry associations. This Board provides advice to NRC-IRAP management and brings an external perspective on the strategic directions and management of the program.

NRC-IRAP is actively engaged with Treasury Board Secretariat Grants and Contributions Reform. Participation in workshops and constant alignment with recent Treasury Board Secretariat policy and guidelines has enabled the program to steadily move toward principles such as a Recipient Engagement Strategy.

Name of Transfer Payment Program 4: Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP)

Start date: December 1, 2011

End date: March 31, 2014

Fiscal Year for Ts & Cs: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome:Advancements in the development and deployment of innovative technologies in targeted Canadian industries and national priority areas in support of federal priorities in innovation and science and technology.

Program: Industrial Research Assistance

Description: DTAPP is a three-year pilot program aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in SMEs through advisory and financial support to SMEs and related partner organizations as part of the Government of Canada’s Digital Economy Strategy.

Through DTAPP, NRC-IRAP is directly involved in supporting and increasing the adoption of digital technologies in SMEs and building their digital skills. NRC-IRAP offers assistance to SMEs in the following ways:

• Providing advisory services to SMEs;
• Providing contribution funding to eligible SMEs for digital technologies adoption projects; and
• Engaging colleges and other organizations to provide SMEs with access to expertise in the digital technology adoption field and working with other government organizations to leverage the synergies of all available Digital Economy Strategy resources.

DTAPP is promoted to all industry sectors across Canada. Any firm considered an SME (1‑500 employees) from any sector or location in Canada can come forward for assessment and advice.

DTAPP builds upon NRC-IRAP’s existing delivery capacity, including its structures, processes, and resources, but broadens its focus to include non-traditional firms The knowledge gained from this pilot program will be a critical tool to educate and encourage prospective adopters of digital technologies and will continue to impact the potential productivity growth of the Canadian economy well into the future.

Expected Results:

• Improve the rate of digital technology adoption by SMEs.
• Improve the understanding of the link between digital technologies and productivity.
• Raise awareness of the benefits and importance of adopting digital technologies.

Program Activity ($ millions)

	Forecast Spending 2012‑13	Planned Spending 2013‑14	Planned Spending 2014‑15	Planned Spending 2015‑16
Total Grants
Total Contributions	24.9	34.7Table 4 note 1	0	0
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Transfer Payments	24.9	34.7Table 4 note 1	0	0

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: N/A

Decision following the Results of Last Evaluation: N/A

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2013‑14

General Targeted Recipient Group: SMEs and Not‑for‑Profit Organizations, including colleges

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: DTAPP is a national pilot program delivered by Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) in more than 100 communities across the country who provide customized service to all DTAPP clients.

As a pilot, DTAPP allows NRC-IRAP to discuss aspects of program delivery and client needs that will feed into operational and educational practices. DTAPP clients work closely with an assigned ITA to build their digital technology adoption plan. ITAs are engaged with DTAPP clients throughout the entire adoption process on a one-on-one basis.

To raise awareness of this new program, NRC-IRAP employs the use of promotional materials (including a web site) and works with industry associations, public events and conferences.

Disclosure of TPPs under $5 million

Disclosure of TPPs under $5 million

Name of TPP	Main Objective	End Date of TPP	Type of TP	Planned Spending for 2013‑14 ($ thousands)	Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation	General Targeted Recipient Group
International Affiliations Program	Canada’s membership in international S&T organizations promotes international market-oriented research and innovation, networking, advocacy, leadership and benchmarking opportunities as well as access to research and benchmarking possibilities, enabling Canadian science, technology, and industry to remain competitive.	N/A	Grant	560	2010-11	Foreign recipients which are international scientific and technological (S&T) organizations having two or more states as members. As well, non-foreign recipients are non‑governmental Canadian delegates who attend related meetings hosted by these foreign recipients.
Assessed Contribution to the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)Table 5 note 1	By representing Canada on the international metrology stage through its affiliation with the BIPM, NRC is able to more effectively and efficiently respond to NRC’s mandated responsibility for maintenance of national measurement standards, as articulated in the NRC Act and the Weights and Measures Act.	N/A	Contribution	659	2010-11	Bureau international des poids et mesures (BIPM) is an annual assessed contribution reflecting Canada’s status as a State Party to the Metre Convention Treaty since 1907.