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Departmental Performance Report (2012-2013) - Supplementary Tables

Details of Transfer Payment Programs


Contributions in support of Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat

Start date: June 10, 2010

End date: Ongoing – Evaluation to be completed by March 31, 2015

Description: Contributions in support of Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat encourage and support individuals and organizations engaged in activities to maintain or restore wildlife populations, in particular migratory birds and species at risk, to target levels.

Strategic outcome: Canada's natural environment is conserved and restored for present and future generations.

Results achieved:

Projects under Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat addressed one or more of the following priorities related to biodiversity conservation:

  1. Individuals and organizations are increasingly engaged in priority activities related to the conservation of wildlife, in particular migratory birds and species at risk.
  2. There is increased Aboriginal participation in wildlife and habitat conservation. Key areas of focus in this respect include the provision of funding to the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk (almost $1 million annually), and to the Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk ($1.6 million annually).
  3. New knowledge and data produced by collaborating organizations contribute to the conservation of migratory birds, species at risk and their habitat. Activities undertaken by partners include monitoring priorities species (notably migratory birds) and supporting organizations such as the conservation data centres across the country that provide important data storage functions.
  4. Priority habitats for migratory birds and species at risk are conserved by partners through stewardship and protection. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan is a key partnership program that supports this activity. The $2 million in funding provided by the Department acts as leveraged funding that supports a much more substantive investment by federal and non-federal partners (in both Canada and the United States) in habitat conservation efforts.
  5. Threats limiting priority species at risk and migratory bird populations are mitigated or avoided by partners.
  6. There is increased collaboration within Canadian and international research and policy communities related to Environment Canada's biodiversity priorities.
  7. Compliance with the requirements of the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards is supported. Annual contributions of just over $250,000 are made to the Fur Institute of Canada in support of this result area.

This work has led to the participation of individuals and organizations in activities contributing to the achievement of shared and important environmental objectives in relation to biodiversity conservation in Canada.

Program: 1.1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat
($ millions)
 2010–2011
Actual
spending
2011–2012
Actual
spending
2012–2013
Planned
spending
2012–2013
Total
authorities
2012–2013
Actual
spending
Variance
Total grants000000
Total contributions15.212.915.313.613.02.3
Total other types of transfer payments000000
Total program15.212.915.313.613.02.3

Comments on variances: Not applicable

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of Species at Risk Program and Biodiversity Policy and Priorities was completed in 2012–2013. Evaluation of other specific programs are planned for 2013–2014.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Environment Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified on the basis of their unique ability to address targeted program results.

The Department employs one or a combination of the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable and useable manner: publicity in news media, information provided on the departmental website, letter-writing activities, and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

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Contributions to support Climate Change and Clean Air

Start date: June 10, 2010

End date: Ongoing – Evaluation to be completed by March 31, 2015

Description: The purpose and overall objective of contributions made under these terms and conditions are to encourage and support international organizations and foreign states engaged in activities that advance international action, improve Canadian air quality, reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and promote change towards sustainable environmental development and policies.

Strategic outcome: Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized.

Results achieved:

Projects under Climate Change and Clean Air addressed one or more of the following priorities:

  1. New knowledge and data produced by collaborating organizations contribute to improved air quality and/or reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Verification of environmental claims of Canadian technologies is carried out.
  3. Mentoring services are available to small and medium-sized enterprises producing environmental technologies.
  4. International organizations that promote the reduction of emissions of air pollutants and/or greenhouse gases are engaged.
  5. Partners, in particular the Canadian private sector, are engaged in projects that advance the role of clean technology in addressing emissions of air pollutants and/or greenhouse gases.
  6. Canada's environmental interests and priorities are addressed by international institutions.
  7. New information and analysis support the development of policy on sustainable development and the effective governance of environmental issues in Canada and internationally.
  8. The public has increased access to information and research findings pertaining to sustainable development and environmental governance.
Program: 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air
($ millions)
 2010–2011
Actual
spending
2011–2012
Actual
spending
2012–2013
Planned
spending
2012–2013
Total
authorities
2012–2013
Actual
spending
Variance
Total grants000000
Total contributions18.77.229.639.339.0(9.4)
Total other types of transfer payments000000
Total program18.77.229.639.339.0(9.4)

Comments on variances: Not applicable

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of Transportation Sector Emissions was completed in 2012–2013.  Evaluation of other specific program areas is planned for 2013–2014.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Environment Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified on the basis of their unique ability to address targeted program results.

The Department employs one or a combination of the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable and accessible manner: publicity in news media; information provided on the departmental website; letter-writing activities; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

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Contributions in support of Sustainable Ecosystems

Start date: June 10, 2010

End date: Ongoing – Evaluation to be completed by March 31, 2015

Description: Contributions under Sustainable Ecosystems encourage and support individuals and organizations engaged in activities to manage ecosystem resources in a manner consistent with ecosystem sustainability.

Strategic outcome: Canada's natural environment is conserved and restored for present and future generations.

Results achieved:

Projects under Sustainable Ecosystems addressed one or more of the elements of an ecosystem approach:

  1. integrated planning and decision making;
  2. action to improve the environment and
  3. knowledge generation and assessment for decision making.

Environment Canada (EC) worked with a wide range of recipients to carry out this work.

Several agreements (34 with associated EC spending of $2.7 million) advanced the objective of engaging government, citizens and stakeholders in the management and implementation of ecosystem-based management plans such as those for the Great Lakes (Remedial Action Plans in Areas of Concern and Lakewide Management Plans) and for the St. Lawrence (St. Lawrence Action Plan and the Areas of Prime Concern (ZIP) Program).

Another set of agreements (86 with associated EC spending of $4.6 million) supported projects that were directed to implementing environmental remediation, protection and conservation projects required to meet the goals and objectives identified in ecosystem-based management plans or to achieve ecosystem objectives. These were carried out across the country, often by community groups. The main programs, the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, the St. Lawrence Plan Community Interaction Program and the Atlantic Coastal Action Program were all successful in achieving environmental benefits such as fish and wildlife habitat rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, contaminated sediment assessment and remediation, improvements in municipal wastewater effluent quality or nearshore water quality, better understanding the impacts of climate change on coastal zones and sustainable uses of the ecosystem.

A few other agreements focused on the improvement of ecosystem and wildlife science or on Ecosurveillance and education.

This work has led to the participation of individuals and organizations in activities contributing to the achievement of shared and important environmental objectives in key ecosystems in Canada.

Program: 1.3 Sustainable Ecosystems
($ millions)
 2010–2011
Actual
spending
2011–2012
Actual
spending
2012–2013
Planned
spending
2012–2013
Total
authorities
2012–2013
Actual
spending
Variance
Total grants000000
Total contributions6.97.97.98.68.1(0.2)
Total other types of transfer payments000000
Total program6.97.97.98.68.1(0.2)

Comments on variances: Not applicable

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation is planned for 2013–2014.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Environment Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified on the basis of their unique ability to address targeted program results.

The Department employs one or a combination of the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable and accessible manner: publicity in news media; information provided on the departmental website; letter-writing activities; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

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Contributions to support Weather and Environmental Services

Start date:  June 10, 2010

End date: Ongoing – Evaluation to be completed by March 31, 2015

Description: Contributions in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians are proposed in order to encourage and support individuals and organizations engaged in activities to enable Canadians to access, understand and use information on changing weather, water, climate and air quality conditions.

Strategic outcome: Canadians are equipped to make informed decisions on changing weather, water and climate conditions.

Results achieved: New knowledge and data were produced by collaborating organizations contributing to improved accuracy of weather, climate and air quality information available to Canadians; collaboration increased within the meteorological community in Canada and internationally, with access to foreign meteorological observations and related products; and Canada’s interests and priorities with respect to atmospheric and oceanographic science were addressed by international institutions.

Program: 2.1 Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians
($ millions)
 2010–2011
Actual
spending
2011–2012
Actual
spending
2012–2013
Planned
spending
2012–2013
Total
authorities
2012–2013
Actual
spending
Variance
Total grants000000
Total contributions5.12.12.215.014.90.0
Total other types of transfer payments000000
Total program5.12.12.215.014.90.0

Comments on variances: The variance is due to fast-start financing under the auspices of the WMO (Haiti, Global Framework for Climate Services) that was not included in planned spending.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation is planned for 2013–2014.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Environment Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified on the basis of their unique ability to address targeted program results.

The Department employs one or a combination of the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable and useable manner: publicity in the news media, information provided on the departmental website, letter-writing activities, and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

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Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk

Start date: August 20, 2000

End date: Program is ongoing. March 2015 is the end date for a portion of the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk funding ($4 million).

Description: The purpose of the HSP is to contribute to the recovery of Endangered, Threatened, and other Species of Concern, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern, by engaging Canadians in conservation actions to benefit wildlife. The HSP fosters partnerships among organizations interested in the recovery of species at risk and provides funding for implementing activities that protect or conserve habitats for species at risk. The Program enables non-governmental organizations, landowners, the private sector, Aboriginal organizations, educational institutions, community groups and other levels of government to plan, manage and complete projects that will achieve the program goal.

Strategic outcome: Canada's natural environment is conserved and restored for present and future generations.

Results achieved: From April 2012 to March 2013, the HSP contributed $9.3 million to 131 new projects, and 50 previously approved multi-year projects, addressing terrestrial and aquatic species at risk issues in all provinces and territories. The HSP directed $33 million (program plus matching funds) to projects addressing both habitat conservation and threat mitigation issues. These stewardship activities benefited more than 300 Species at Risk Act (SARA)-listed or Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)-assessed species through increased awareness of species at risk and through the development of strategies, guidelines and practices or the completion of monitoring, surveying and inventorying studies. A total of 400 landowners participated in conservation activities. These activities led to the securement of 5,398 ha of habitat through legally binding measures, and to the protection of an additional 7,561 ha through newly established non-binding agreements and 3,543 ha through renewed, non-binding measures. Nearly 3,400 ha of habitat and 284 km of shoreline were improved through vegetation planting, alien species removal and other habitat improvement activities.

Overall, since its inception in 2000, the HSP has contributed over $126 million to 2,178 projects, leveraging an additional $307 million in matching funds from project partners.

Program: 1.1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat
($ millions)
 2010–2011
Actual
spending
2011–2012
Actual
spending
2012–2013
Planned
spending
2012–2013
Total
authorities
2012–2013
Actual
spending
Variance
Total grants000000
Total contributions12.011.57.811.89.5(1.7)
Total other types of transfer payments000000
Total program12.011.57.811.89.5(1.7)

Comments on variances:

Receiving the renewed $4 million in sun-setting funds through Supplementary Estimates B in fall, 2012 led to delays in the approvals process of some projects.

Additional variance results from normal program operational slippage and the withdrawal or cancellation of some projects in the fourth quarter due to delayed approvals, so that final expenditures can vary yearly.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: The HSP was incorporated into the larger SARA Evaluation completed in 2012–2013.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Environment Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified on the basis of their unique ability to address targeted program results.

The Department employs one or a combination of the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable and accessible manner: publicity in news media; information provided on the departmental website; letter-writing activities; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

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Grant to the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology for the Next-generation Biofuels Fund™ (NextGen Biofuels Fund™ or NGBF).

Start date: July 30, 2007

End date: September 30, 2027 (the last appropriation by Parliament will be in fiscal year 2014–2015, with the last disbursement by SDTC by March 31, 2017)

Description: The $500-million NGBF is one of two funds managed by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). It supports the establishment of first-of-kind large demonstration-scale facilities for production of next-generation renewable fuels. As sponsoring departments for the federal government, Environment Canada (EC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) provide federal oversight to SDTC to ensure that it complies with the funding agreements and the founding legislation. Under the NGBF, SDTC provides grants with conditional repayment terms to eligible recipients for the establishment of facilities that involve both non-conventional technologies and non-traditional feedstocks, and that are built in Canada using representative Canadian feedstock. Selection is based on the technology's (rather than the plant's) potential for environmental and other benefits (social or economic).

Of the $500 million in total funding, $200 million is statutory and $300 million is appropriated funding that is spread over 7 fiscal years, beginning in 2008–2009 and ending in 2014–2015. The funding is equally divided between EC and NRCan.

Strategic outcome: Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized.

Results achieved: SDTC is currently supporting 3 projects under contract with $2.45 million approved to date. An amount of $114,000 was disbursed for projects in 2012.

Program: 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air
($ millions)
 2010–2011
Actual
spending
2011–2012
Actual
spending
2012–2013
Planned
spending
2012–2013
Total
authorities
2012–2013
Actual
spending
Variance
Total grants*0062.562.5062.5
Total contributions000000
Total other types of transfer payments000000
Total program0062.562.5062.5

* All amounts in this table represent the amounts transferred to SDTC by EC based on cash flow statements received from the Foundation. An equivalent amount was transferred by NRCan.

Comments on variances: The amount of $62.5 million in 2012–2013 planned spending was not reprofiled to future years because progress in the commercialization of next-generation biofuels projects has been slower than expected worldwide.

Audits completed or planned: There was no performance audit in fiscal year 2012–2013, except for the standard financial audit required for the financial data in the annual report. A value-for-money (performance) audit may be conducted by the government at least once every five years.

Evaluations completed or planned: The first of three interim evaluations that SDTC is required to conduct according to the NGBF funding agreement was officially completed by Robinson Research and was submitted to EC and NRCan on November 30, 2012.

The federal government may choose to evaluate the Foundation at any time to determine whether it is meeting its objectives.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The funds that have been approved to date are for early project development, well before the construction phase. SDTC is currently supporting 3 projects under contract with $2.45 million approved to date. Should all  projects be approved for full investment, this would represent a $320.9 million SDTC contribution.

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