2022-23 Departmental Results Report - Transfer payment programs
Atlantic Innovation Fund – Voted
Start date: May 10, 2001
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20
Link to departmental result(s): Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada
Link to the department’s program inventory: Research and Development, and Commercialization; Innovation Ecosystem
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) makes strategic investments in research and development (R&D) initiatives in natural and applied sciences as well as in social sciences, humanities, and arts and culture. Projects are expected to result in the successful adaptation, development or commercialization of technology-based products, processes or services.
Contributions to non-profit organizations are non-repayable. Contributions to for-profit businesses to fund R&D projects that involve the commercialization of a product, process, technology or service are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally.
Results achieved:
Investments resulted in increased activity in innovation and R&D, leading to technologies, products, processes, or services that contributed to economic growth in Atlantic Canada.
Program or initiative | Number of projects | Expenditures ($) | ACOA-approved costs ($) | Total project costs ($) | Leverage per ACOA dollar approved ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Atlantic Innovation Fund | 15 | 8,206,885 | 53,199,092 | 84,953,451 | 0.60 |
Results in this table are based on project activities in 2022-23, including the number of projects with expenditures during the fiscal year and their value based on approvals (ACOA expenditures and total costs). Amounts may span several fiscal years. |
Findings of audits completed in 2022-23:
No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2022-23.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:
No evaluations were completed during fiscal year 2022-23. However, an evaluation is under way and expected to be completed in 2023-24.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23:
ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the AIF) are designed, delivered, and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.
AIF information is shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and communications between AIF program delivery staff and clients.
Through Innovation Canada, access to information on funding programs has also increased. When potential applicants enter basic information via their website application, it generates targeted results of potential innovation programs, including the AIF.
Financial information (dollars):
Type of transfer payment | 2020-21 actual spending | 2021-22 actual spending | 2022-23 planned spending | 2022-23 total authorities available for use | 2022-23 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022-23 actual minus 2022-23 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 20,437,738 | 14,446,516 | 40,000,000 | 40,000,000 | 8,206,885 | (31,793,115) |
Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total program | 20,437,738 | 14,446,516 | 40,000,000 | 40,000,000 | 8,206,885 | (31,793,115) |
Explanation of variance:
In 2022-23, there was a lower level of activity than planned because no new projects were approved under the AIF, and many projects focusing on innovation were approved under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) Program. Furthermore, grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand. A significant portion of the unspent amount was transferred to the REGI Program to align with demand.
Business Development Program - Voted
Start date: July 25, 1995
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant and contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada, Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada, Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada
Link to the department’s program inventory: Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities; Research and Development, and Commercialization; Innovation Ecosystem; Business Growth; Trade and Investment; Policy Research and Engagement
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
Through the Business Development Program (BDP), the Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become more competitive. The Agency also works with communities to develop and diversify local economies and champions the strengths of the region in partnership with Atlantic Canadians.
The objectives of the BDP are as follows:
- Improve the growth and competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian SMEs.
- Provide for dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada.
- Provide for initiatives that strengthen the Atlantic region’s economy.
The BDP is used to deliver the Canada Coal Transition Initiative and its Infrastructure Fund (CCTI and CCTI-IF) which support efforts to diversify the economy of communities impacted by a transition away from coal-fired electricity. Impacted communities are in northern New Brunswick and eastern Nova Scotia. The CCTI focuses on economic diversification (e.g., tourism, start-ups, other industrial sectors); community infrastructure that enables new businesses and revenues; and green energy investments that create new skills and jobs.
The BDP is used to deliver the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF). The TRF helped position Atlantic Canada as a destination of choice as domestic and international travel rebounds by empowering tourism businesses to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors, and by helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by providing the best Canadian tourism experiences it has to offer the world.
The BDP is used to deliver the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports communities across Canada as they create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences.
The BDP is used to deliver the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF). The HFRF is a support measure to fill gaps for those who may not qualify under their insurance or existing federal and provincial support measures, such as their province’s disaster financial assistance.
In general, contributions to for-profit businesses are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally. Under some of the BDP’s elements, non-repayable contributions to for-profit businesses may be permitted.
Contributions to non-profit organizations are generally non-repayable but are conditionally repayable if a project results in what would normally be considered a commercial activity.
Results achieved:
Through the BDP, the Agency supported Atlantic Canada’s economic growth and prosperity by helping SMEs compete and succeed in a global market, and by investing in the development of inclusive and diverse communities.
Program or initiative | Number of projects | Expenditures ($) | ACOA-approved costs ($) | Total project costs ($) | Leverage per ACOA dollar approved ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Business Development Program (BDP) | 239 | 15,138,473 | 63,792,466 | $126,926,723 | 0.99 |
Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) | 1 | 520,267 | 1,702,775 | 2,319,700 | 0.36 |
Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) | 1 | 170,176 | 500,000 | 12,121,000 | 23.24 |
Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) | 7 | 3,816,880 | 3,898,456 | 12,027,609 | 2.09 |
Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) | 371 | 31,944,025 | 42,514,725 | 91,808,551 | 1.16 |
Total | 619 | 51,589,821 | 112,408,422 | 245,203,583 | 1.18 |
Results in this table are based on project activities in 2022-23, including the number of projects with expenditures during the fiscal year and their value based on approvals (ACOA expenditures and total costs). Amounts may span several fiscal years. |
Projects included support to SMEs with high growth potential, the hiring of skilled and diverse personnel, the modernization and expansion of businesses, export preparedness, training, and the adoption of new technologies. BDP investments helped businesses and communities accelerate their transition to a cleaner, low-carbon economy through the adoption of clean technologies. The Agency also contributed to the development of dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada by investing in initiatives that fostered entrepreneurship, talent attraction, skills development, business growth and community vitality (e.g., tourism investments).
Findings of audits completed in 2022-23:
The Just Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy Report (Report) by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development was released on April 26, 2022. Paragraph 1.58 of the report, recommended that, to better integrate just-transition principles into federal programs, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada should work with Natural Resources Canada to establish the federal government’s approach, which could include the design of new federal programs and leverage existing mechanisms to support a just transition to a low-carbon economy that meets the diverse needs of affected workers and communities. Each entity agreed to the recommendation.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:
No evaluations were completed during fiscal year 2022-23. However, an evaluation is under way and expected to be completed in 2023-24. In addition, an evaluation of the CCTI and CCTI-IF programs is under way and expected to be completed in 2023-2024.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23:
ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the BDP) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve expected results. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions regarding the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations and evaluation practices. To ensure the ongoing relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, whether through information sharing, consultations, or collaborations.
ACOA engages the following stakeholders: the business sector; community-based economic development organizations and volunteer groups; universities and colleges; research institutes; other levels of government; First Nations communities; and official language minority communities.
Additionally, BDP information is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.
Financial information (dollars):
Type of transfer payment | 2020-21 actual spending | 2021-22 actual spending | 2022-23 planned spending | 2022-23 total authorities available for use | 2022-23 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022-23 actual minus 2022-23 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 437,272 | 240,189 | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | 497,432 | (1,002,568) |
Total contributions | 42,725,572 | 27,146,061 | 73,177,643 | 73,677,643 | 51,092,389 | (22,085,254) |
Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total program | 43,162,844 | 27,386,250 | 74,677,643 | 75,177,643 | 51,589,821 | (23,087,822) |
Explanation of variance:
Grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand and to reimburse amounts transferred temporarily in the previous fiscal year, as a cash management strategy. In addition, a significant portion from the Tourism Relief Fund was reprofiled to 2023-24. This amount would have otherwise lapsed under the BDP. A significant portion of the unspent amount was also transferred to the REGI Program to align with demand.
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation – Voted
Growth through Regional Innovation Program (GRIP) (known as the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation [REGI] Program)
REGI was used to deliver the following initiatives:
- Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP)
- Canada Coal Transition Initiative and its Infrastructure Fund (CCTI and CCTI-IF)
- Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund
- Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI)
- Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)
- Prince Edward Island Potato Stabilization Innovation Initiative (PSII)
REGI was used to deliver the following expired COVID-19 relief and other temporary programs:
Start date: October 18, 2018
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20
Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada, Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada, Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada
Link to the department’s program inventory: Business Growth; Innovation Ecosystem; Trade and Investment; Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities; Research and Development, and Commercialization
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The REGI program builds on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan. Its goal is to provide streamlined, nationally coordinated yet regionally tailored support for business productivity and scale-up, particularly for SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and other under-represented groups, as well as assist the enhancement of regional industrial and technology clusters and regional innovation ecosystems.
The program provides assistance through two streams:
- Business Scale-up and Productivity – Invest in and support businesses, including high-growth firms, at various stages of development to accelerate their growth and assist them in scaling up as well as enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
- Regional Innovation Ecosystems – Create, grow, and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.
Initiatives delivered through REGI:
- REGI was used to deliver BEP, which supports not-for-profit, Black-led business organizations across the country in their capacity to provide support, mentorship, financial planning, and business training for Black entrepreneurs.
- REGI was used to deliver WES, which provides nationally coordinated, regionally tailored investments to help women entrepreneurs and supports regional innovation ecosystems. The WES Ecosystem Fund is a five-year program to help non-profit, third-party organizations deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem.
- REGI is used to deliver the CCTI including its Infrastructure Fund, which supports efforts to diversify the economy of communities impacted by a transition away from coal-fired electricity. Impacted communities are in northern New Brunswick and eastern Nova Scotia. The CCTI focuses on economic diversification (e.g., tourism, start-ups, other industrial sectors); community infrastructure that enables new businesses and revenues; and green energy investments that create new skills and jobs.
- REGI is used to deliver the PSII, which supports projects in Prince Edward Island’s potato sector and its supply chain. This measure, announced in Budget 2022, is part of the Government of Canada’s response to the ongoing market disruption from the detection of potato wart in fall 2021 to help secure the sector now and set it up for future growth.
COVID-19 recovery programs delivered through REGI:
- The ARRI provided support to SMEs to green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices, to improve productivity, and to strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.
- The JGF helped job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs in every corner of the country.
COVID-19 relief programs delivered through REGI:
- The RATI helped Atlantic Canada’s air transportation ecosystems affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19. This support will enable the ecosystems to remain operational through these difficult times and continue to support the economic growth of our region.
- REGI is used to deliver the Rediscover Main Streets Initiative. This initiative helps non-profit organizations team up to generate new ideas that inspire locals and tourists alike to rediscover all that their main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods have to offer. And that supports a strong, resilient economy.
Contributions issued under the REGI Program and its initiatives may be unconditionally or conditionally repayable, or non-repayable. Contributions issued under WES and the BEP are non-repayable.
Results achieved:
Projects supported under the REGI Program aimed to accelerate the growth of firms and to assist with the adoption of new, innovative technologies, the scale-up and productivity improvement of SMEs, and the development of and entry into new markets.
The REGI Program also funded projects that supported the growth and development of a strong and inclusive regional ecosystem to foster the entrepreneurial environment necessary for more innovative regional economies and to increase the competitiveness of SMEs, women entrepreneurs and under-represented groups.
Program or initiative | Number of projects | Expenditures ($) | ACOA-approved costs ($) | Total project costs ($) | Leverage per ACOA dollar approved ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) | 1,275 | 155,368,074 | 381,955,529 | 904,416,878 | 1.37 |
Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) | 9 | 2,847,166 | 6,098,000 | 11,028,608 | 0.81 |
Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) | 2 | 1,034,814 | 5,890,000 | 5,890,000 | 0.00 |
Canada Coal Transition Initiative and Infrastructure Fund (CCTI / CCTI-IF) | 10 | 6,235,499 | 12,689,848 | 29,475,367 | 1.32 |
Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) | 130 | 29,532,533 | 61,847,397 | 204,563,698 | 2.31 |
Potato Stabilization and Innovation Initiative (PSII) | 23 | 7,340,383 | 9,719,785 | 21,943,866 | 1.26 |
Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) | 1 | 119,421 | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | 0.00 |
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) | 4 | 3,242,117 | 8,585,628 | 8,585,628 | - |
Rediscover Main Streets Initiative | 125 | 8,688,600 | 9,755,935 | 12,618,310 | 0.29 |
Total | 1,579 | 214,408,607 | 498,042,122 | 1,200,021,355 | 1.41 |
Results in this table are based on project activities in 2022-23, including the number of projects with expenditures during the fiscal year and their value based on approvals (ACOA expenditures and total costs). Amounts may span several fiscal years. |
Findings of audits completed in 2022-23:
The Just Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy Report (Report) by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development was released on April 26, 2022. Paragraph 1.58 of the report recommended that, to better integrate just-transition principles into federal programs, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada should work with Natural Resources Canada to establish the federal government’s approach, which could include the design of new federal programs and leverage existing mechanisms to support a just transition to a low-carbon economy that meets the diverse needs of affected workers and communities. Each entity agreed to the recommendation.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:
No evaluations were completed or planned during fiscal year 2022-23. However, an evaluation of the REGI Program is under way and expected to be completed 2023. In addition, an evaluation of the WES, CCTI and CCTI-IF programs are under way and expected to be completed in 2024.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23:
ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the new REGI Program) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve expected results. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions regarding the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations and evaluation practices. To ensure the ongoing relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, whether through information sharing, consultations or collaborations.
ACOA engaged with other regional development agencies and the following stakeholders: the business sector; community-based economic development organizations and volunteer groups; universities and colleges; research institutes; other levels of government; First Nations communities; and official language minority communities.
Additionally, information regarding the REGI Program is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.
Financial information (dollars):
Type of transfer payment | 2020-21 actual spending | 2021-22 actual spending | 2022-23 planned spending | 2022-23 total authorities available for use | 2022-23 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022-23 actual minus 2022-23 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 343,916 | 178,012 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 439,232 | (560,768) |
Total contributions | 304,340,844 | 254,487,286 | 142,103,086 | 166,403,086 | 213,969,375 | 71,866,289 |
Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total program | 304,684,760 | 254,665,298 | 143,103,086 | 167,403,086 | 214,408,607 | 71,305,521 |
Explanation of variance:
Grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand and to reimburse amounts transferred temporarily in the previous fiscal year, as a cash management strategy. A significant portion of unspent amounts from other transfer payment programs were transferred to the REGI Program to align with demand.
Community Futures Program - Voted
Start date: May 18, 1995
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada
Link to the department’s program inventory: Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The program’s purpose is to help communities develop and implement local solutions to local problems. It provides non-repayable contributions to community futures organizations – known in Atlantic Canada as Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) – and their associations. Community-based governance is at the heart of the Community Futures Program (CFP). CBDCs are legally incorporated, non-profit, autonomous organizations managed by local volunteer boards that make decisions that shape these organizations, affect the lives of entrepreneurs and impact their communities. They provide financial and technical support to SMEs and social enterprises in rural areas.
Results achieved:
CBDCs provide an essential source of investment capital focused on rural businesses as well as business counselling and skills development. The Agency maximized the use of funds available to CBDCs as recipients of CFP funding in accordance with the Community Futures of Tomorrow model. ACOA continued to collaborate with the CBDC network in providing business counselling and support to enhance the business skills of local entrepreneurs.
Program or initiative | Number of projects | Expenditures ($) | ACOA-approved costs ($) | Total project costs ($) | Leverage per ACOA dollar approved ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Community Futures Program (CFP) | 47 | 14,630,531 | 49,189,653 | 94,266,444 | 0.92 |
Results in this table are based on project activities in 2022-23, including the number of projects with expenditures during the fiscal year and their value based on approvals (ACOA expenditures and total costs). Amounts may span several fiscal years. |
Findings of audits completed in 2022-23:
No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2022-23.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:
No evaluations were completed or planned during fiscal year 2022-23.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23:
The Agency continued to engage with and align its support to the CBDC network as part of the implementation of the Community Futures of Tomorrow model under a collaborative joint oversight committee. This maximized all available resources, including the funds provided by the CFP. With a view to maintaining the long-term viability of the program, the committee acts as a governance body by ensuring that the model’s objectives are managed collaboratively among individual CBDCs, the Atlantic Association of CBDCs, and ACOA.
As part of its due diligence process and accountability to Parliament, the Agency has a responsibility to ensure that appropriate governance practices are in place with respect to organizations to which it provides operational support. ACOA continues to collaborate with the CBDC network and individual organizations to enhance governance practices, where required, and provide ongoing training to board members to ensure a continued understanding of effective governance and the importance of achieving desired results the right way.
ACOA continues to work with other federal regional development agencies, the Community Futures Network of Canada (CFNC) and the CBDCs to increase the integrity and consistency of performance results, improve the collection of data, and implement the Community Futures Program’s performance measurement strategy. In collaboration with other federal government departments responsible for the management of the program, ACOA presents performance results for 2022-23 and continues to engage the CFNC in refining the collection and use of performance information needed by all stakeholders, including the CBDCs.
Financial information (dollars):
Type of transfer payment | 2020-21 actual spending | 2021-22 actual spending | 2022-23 planned spending | 2022-23 total authorities available for use | 2022-23 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022-23 actual minus 2022-23 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 94,325,024 | 27,058,199 | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | 14,630,531 | 1,988,531 |
Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total program | 94,325,024 | 27,058,199 | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | 14,630,531 | 1,988,531 |
Explanation of variance:
Grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand.
Innovative Communities Fund - Voted
Start date: April 1, 2005
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada, Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada, Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada
Link to the department’s program inventory: Diversified Communities; Inclusive Communities; Innovation Ecosystem
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) is designed to make non-repayable contributions to strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada’s communities. The ICF focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities. Urban initiatives that stimulate the competitiveness and vitality of rural communities may also be considered on a select basis.
The ICF is used to deliver the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The CCRF supports non-profit organizations, municipalities and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities, to build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets; bring people back to public spaces safely as health measures ease; and create jobs and stimulate local economies.
The ICF was used to deliver the CEF, which supports communities across Canada as they create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences.
The ICF is used to deliver the CCTI including its Infrastructure Fund, which supports efforts to diversify the economy of communities impacted by a transition away from coal-fired electricity. Impacted communities are in northern New Brunswick and eastern Nova Scotia. The CCTI focuses on economic diversification (e.g., tourism, start-ups, other industrial sectors); community infrastructure that enables new businesses and revenues; and green energy investments that create new skills and jobs.
The ICF is also used to deliver the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF). The HFRF is a support measure to fill gaps for those who may not qualify under their insurance or existing federal and provincial support measures, like their province’s disaster financial assistance.
Results achieved:
The ICF capitalizes on the strengths of Atlantic communities and provides them with the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth. The overall expected result is to build dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada while focusing on increased economic and business activity. ACOA continued to work with communities and stakeholders on strategic projects related to economic development capacity as well as business-sector development.
Program or initiative | Number of projects | Expenditures ($) | ACOA-approved costs ($) | Total project costs ($) | Leverage per ACOA dollar approved ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) | 225 | 27,976,852 | 84,507,799 | 245,974,018 | 1.91 |
Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) | 516 | 29,693,107 | 47,656,290 | 105,005,268 | 1.20 |
Canada Coal Transition Initiative and Infrastructure Fund (CCTI / CCTI-IF) | 13 | 3,419,634 | 10,138,388 | 33,510,942 | 2.31 |
Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) | 6 | 245,731 | 1,316,149 | 2,134,391 | 0.62 |
Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) | 1 | 678,761 | 1,395,810 | 2,405,000 | 0.72 |
Total | 761 | 62,014,085 | 145,014,436 | 389,029,619 | 1.68 |
Results in this table are based on project activities in 2021-22, including the number of projects with expenditures during the fiscal year and their value based on approvals (ACOA expenditures and total costs). Amounts may span several fiscal years. |
Findings of audits completed in 2022-23:
No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2022-23.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:
No evaluations were completed during fiscal year 2022-23. However, an evaluation is under way and expected to be completed in 2023-24.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23:
Eligible recipients for the ICF include municipalities and local organizations, First Nations communities, industry-related groups (e.g., industry or sector associations) and non-profit organizations.
Under the ICF, the Agency continues to proactively engage with its partners and stakeholders, including community organizations, educational institutions, official language minority communities, First Nations communities and other levels of government, through discussions regarding strategic community development opportunities. These discussions ensure that the Agency’s investments continue to respond to the evolving economic needs and priorities of Atlantic Canadian communities. In addition, ICF information is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website.
Financial information (dollars):
Type of transfer payment | 2020-21 actual spending | 2021-22 actual spending | 2022-23 planned spending | 2022-23 total authorities available for use | 2022-23 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022-23 actual minus 2022-23 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 33,217,223 | 39,842,568 | 86,438,555 | 86,438,555 | 62,014,085 | (24,424,470) |
Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total program | 33,217,223 | 39,842,568 | 86,438,555 | 86,438,555 | 62,014,085 | (24,424,470) |
Explanation of variance:
Grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand and to reimburse amounts transferred temporarily in the previous fiscal year, as a cash management strategy. In addition, a significant portion from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund was reprofiled to 2023-24. This amount would have otherwise lapsed under the ICF.
Atlantic Policy Research Initiative – Voted
Start date: July 1, 2000
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada, Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada, and Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada
Link to the department’s program inventory: Policy Research and Engagement
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:
The Atlantic Policy Research Initiative (APRI) is the primary funding instrument through which ACOA supports policy research. The program provides non-repayable contributions.
The objectives of the program are to:
- generate and disseminate knowledge that enhances policy knowledge, considering regional economic opportunities and challenges.
- support and influence the policy research priorities that impact the Atlantic region, particularly those directly related to economic development; and
- establish and promote networks among stakeholders.
Results achieved:
APRI helped fund research to support well-informed policy decisions reflecting opportunities and challenges of the Atlantic region’s economy while considering enterprise and community development potential.
Program or initiative | Number of projects | Expenditures ($) | ACOA-approved contributions ($) | Total project costs ($) | Leverage per ACOA dollar approved ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Atlantic Policy Research Initiative (APRI) | 11 | 536,564 | 1,136,689 | 1,600,773 | 0.41 |
Findings of audits completed in 2022-23:
No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2022-23.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:
No evaluations were completed or planned during fiscal year 2022-23.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23:
On a regular basis, ACOA meets with regional stakeholders and eligible applicants to discuss Government of Canada priorities and policy research opportunities. Regional program officers frequently refer eligible applicants looking to conduct policy research on diverse topics.
Financial information (dollars):
Type of transfer payment | 2020-21 actual spending | 2021-22 actual spending | 2022-23 planned spending | 2022-23 total authorities available for use | 2022-23 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2022-23 actual minus 2022-23 planned) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total contributions | 370,851 | 565,380 | 600,000 | 600,000 | 536,564 | (63,436) |
Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total program | 370,851 | 565,380 | 600,000 | 600,000 | 536,564 | (63,436) |
Explanation of variance:
In 2022-23, actual spending fell slightly short of planned spending due to lower-than-anticipated costs on several projects.
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