Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more
Name of transfer payment program: Atlantic Innovation Fund - Voted
Start date: May 10, 2001
End date: Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Strategic Outcome: A competitive Atlantic Canadian economy
Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: 1.1 Enterprise Development; 1.1.1 Innovation and Commercialization
Description: The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) focuses on research and development (R&D) projects in the areas of natural and applied sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts and culture where these are explicitly linked to the development and commercialization of technology-based products, processes or services.
Contributions to not-for-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.
Expected Results: Key expected results are listed below.
- Increase activity in and build capacity for innovation and R&D, which leads to technologies, products, processes or services that contribute to economic growth in Atlantic Canada (measured by indicators such as the dollar amount invested in R&D projects under this fund).
- Increase the capacity for commercialization of R&D outputs (measured by indicators such as dollar amount invested in commercialization projects and revenues resulting from commercialization).
- Strengthen the region’s innovation capacity by supporting research, development and commercialization collaboration as well as alliances among private-sector firms, universities, research institutions and other organizations in the Atlantic system of innovation, and by increasing their critical mass (measured by indicators such as the number of key collaborations created for technology development and commercialization).
- Maximize benefits from national R&D programs (measured by calculating funds invested in AIF projects by other national programs).
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Innovation and Commercialization sub-program, which includes an assessment of the Atlantic Innovation Fund: 2014-15 (pending)
Decision following the results of the last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2019-20
General targeted recipient group: The AIF entertains proposals from industry-related groups (e.g. for-profit businesses, airport authorities, specific industry sectors) and non-profit organizations (e.g. foundations, NGOs, universities, research institutions, health-related entities).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: It is part of the AIF process to engage potential applicants via information sessions outlining the AIF program requirements and addressing frequently asked questions. ACOA engages proponents and recipients on a regular basis, either one-on-one or via industry associations. The communication strategy also includes the use of social media to inform and engage applicants and recipients.
| Forecast Spending 2014-15 ($) | Planned Spending ($) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | ||||
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total contributions | 50,100,000 | 51,500,000 | 42,500,000 | 44,900,000 | ||
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total transfer payments | 50,100,000 | 51,500,000 | 42,500,000 | 44,900,000 | ||
Name of transfer payment program: Business Development Program - Voted
Start date: July 25, 1995
End date: Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Strategic Outcome: A competitive Atlantic Canadian economy
Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: 1.1 Enterprise Development; 1.1.1 Innovation and Commercialization; 1.1.2 Productivity and Growth; 1.1.3 International Business Development; 1.2 Community Development; 1.2.1 Community Investment; 1.2.2 Community-based Business Development; 1.3 Policy, Advocacy and Coordination; 1.3.1 Policy
Description: Through the Business Development Program (BDP), ACOA works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) become more competitive, innovative and productive. The Agency also works with communities to develop and diversify local economies, and it champions the strengths of the region in partnership with Atlantic Canadians.
The objectives of the BDP are to:
- improve the growth and competitiveness of Atlantic SMEs;
- provide for dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada; and
- provide for initiatives that strengthen the Atlantic economy.
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 not-for-profit organizations are generally non-repayable but are conditionally repayable if a project results in what would normally be considered a commercial activity.
Expected results: Key expected results under the three programs of ACOA’s program alignment architecture (PAA) are outlined below.
Enterprise Development – Improve growth and competitiveness of Atlantic SMEs through:
- strengthened innovation and commercialization capacity in Atlantic Canada (measured by indicators such as the amount leveraged per dollar invested by ACOA in innovation projects);
- enhanced productivity and growth capacity of Atlantic Canadian SMEs (measured by indicators such as the growth in sales of ACOA-assisted firms compared to unassisted firms);
- expanded export activity by SMEs in Atlantic Canada (measured by indicators such as the percentage of SMEs that expanded their international sales within 12 months of participating in an international business development activity); and
- new foreign direct investment opportunities in Atlantic Canada (measured by the number of foreign direct investment transactions completed where ACOA’s support contributed to bringing the project to fruition).
Community Development – Provide for dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada with increased economic and business activity through:
- improved community capacity to respond to economic and business development opportunities and challenges (measured by indicators such as the amount leveraged per dollar invested by ACOA in community investment projects).
- strengthened and expanded businesses (measured by indicators such as the growth in sales and employment growth of CBDC-assisted firms compared to unassisted firms).
Policy, Advocacy and Coordination – Provide for policies and programs that strengthen the Atlantic economy through:
- well-informed policy decisions reflecting opportunities and challenges of the Atlantic region’s economy while considering enterprise and community development potential (measured by indicators such as the extent to which policy analysis and research, economic analysis and engagement activities are useful and provide input into decision making with respect to Atlantic Canadian regional economic development).
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: ACOA evaluations are conducted according to the PAA (not the transfer payment program). Collectively, the evaluations listed below represent 100% coverage of the Business Development Program.
- Evaluation of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Trade and Investment Program Sub-Activity: 2010-11
- Evaluation of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Financing Continuum Program Sub-Activity: 2010-11
- Evaluation of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Entrepreneurship and Business Skills Development Program Sub-Activity: 2010-11
- Evaluation of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Policy, Advocacy and Coordination Program Activity: 2011-12
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Business Skills Development Evaluation: 2011-12
- Evaluation of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Community Mobilization and Community Investment Sub-Programs: 2013-14
- Evaluation of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Community-based Business Development Sub-Program: 2014-15
- Evaluation of the Innovation and Commercialization Sub-Program: 2014-15 (pending)
- Evaluation of the International Business Development Sub-Program: 2014-15 (pending)
- Evaluation of the Atlantic Policy Research Initiative: 2014-15 (pending)
Decision following the results of the last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluations:
- Evaluation of Productivity and Growth: 2015-16
- Meta Evaluation of Tourism: 2015-16
- Evaluation of Community Investment: 2017-18
- Evaluation of Community-based Business Development: 2018-19
General targeted recipient groups: Eligible recipients for the BDP include commercial and non-commercial entities such as industry-related groups (e.g. for-profit businesses, specific industry sectors); non-profit organizations (e.g. universities and research institutions, health-related entities); municipalities and local organizations (e.g. economic development associations); Crown corporations; First Nations communities; and other Aboriginal recipients and organizations.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the BDP) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain citizen- and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions for the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations. To ensure the ongoing relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, whether through information sharing or consultations and collaborations.
In ensuring that the BDP’s elements (e.g. business establishment and expansion, innovation, commercialization, skills development and trade activities) are designed for continuous improvement to support expected outcomes, ACOA will continue to engage the following stakeholders:
- the business sector
- community-based economic development organizations and volunteer groups
- universities and colleges
- research institutes
- other levels of government
- Aboriginal communities
Additionally, BDP information is continuously shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.
PAA program: Enterprise Development
| Forecast Spending 2014-15 ($) | Planned Spending ($) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | ||||
| Total grants | 185,600 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
| Total contributions | 98,766,100 | 92,385,256 | 100,518,087 | 101,085,228 | ||
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total for Program | 98,951,700 | 93,385,256 | 101,518,087 | 102,085,228 | ||
PAA program: Community Development
| Forecast Spending 2014-15 ($) | Planned Spending ($) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | ||||
| Total grants | 309,600 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
| Total contributions | 22,858,000 | 25,905,734 | 26,162,301 | 26,349,503 | ||
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total for Program | 23,167,600 | 26,905,734 | 27,162,301 | 27,349,503 | ||
PAA Program: Policy, Advocacy and Coordination
| Forecast Spending 2014-15 ($) | Planned Spending ($) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | ||||
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total contributions | 3,758,600 | 1,604,000 | 1,553,000 | 1,602,000 | ||
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total for Program | 3,758,600 | 1,604,000 | 1,553,000 | 1,602,000 | ||
| Total transfer payments | 125,877,900 | 121,894,990 | 130,233,388 | 131,036,731 | ||
Name of transfer payment program: Community Futures Program - Voted
Start date: May 18, 1995
End date: Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Strategic Outcome: A competitive Atlantic Canadian economy
Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: 1.2 Community Development; 1.2.2 Community-based Business Development
Description: 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 (CFOs), also 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, and the CBDCs, managed by local volunteer board members who make decisions that shape these organizations, affect the lives of entrepreneurs and impact their communities. CBDCs are legally incorporated, not-for-profit, autonomous organizations that make decisions at a local level. They provide financial and technical support to SMEs and social enterprises in rural areas. More information on services provided through the CBDCs can be found on ACOA’s website.
Expected results: The ultimate outcomes under the program are:
- economic stability, growth and job creation (measured by employment growth variance within CFO regions);
- diversified and competitive local rural economies (measured by the percentage of businesses funded by industry and the percentage of employed persons working in various industry sectors); and
- economically sustainable communities (measured by the survival rate variance of rural businesses).
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Community-based Business Development sub-program, which assessed the Community Futures Program: 2014-15
Decision following the results of the last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2018-19
General targeted recipient groups: Eligible recipients for this program include non-profit organizations (authorized by the minister responsible for the CF program to constitute a community for participation under the CF program) and other groups such as special-purpose entities or provincial, regional or national associations of CFOs.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Agency will continue to engage with and align its support to the CBDC network as part of the implementation of the Community Futures of Tomorrow (CFoT) model under a collaborative joint oversight committee. This will maximize all resources available, including the funds provided by the CF program. With a view to maintaining the long-term viability of the CF program, the committee acts as a governance body by ensuring that the model’s objectives are being managed collaboratively among individual CBDCs, the Atlantic Association of CBDCs, and ACOA. As part of ACOA’s due diligence processes and its 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 will continue 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 continuous understanding of effective governance and the importance of achieving desired results the right way.
ACOA will continue to work with the other federal regional development agencies and the CBDCs to increase integrity, consistency and the collection of performance results, and will continue to implement the CF program’s performance measurement strategy. In collaboration with other federal government departments responsible for the management of the program, ACOA will present performance results for 2015-16 and will continue to engage the CBDCs in refining the collection and use of performance information needed by all stakeholders.
| Forecast Spending 2014-15 ($) | Planned Spending ($) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | ||||
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total contributions | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | ||
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total transfer payments | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | 12,642,000 | ||
Name of transfer payment program: Innovative Communities Fund - Voted
Start date: April 1, 2005
End date: Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Strategic Outcome: A competitive Atlantic Canadian economy
Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: 1.2 Community Development; 1.2.1 Community Investment; 1.2.2 Community-based Business Development;
Description: 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.
Expected results: 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. This will be measured by assessing the percentage of community development projects that meet expected results.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: ACOA evaluations are conducted according to the PAA (not the transfer payment program). Collectively, the evaluations listed below represent 100% coverage of the ICF.
- Evaluation of Community Mobilization and Community Investment: 2013-14
- Evaluation of Community-based Business Development: 2014-15
Decision following the results of the last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:
- Meta Evaluation of Tourism: 2015-16
- Evaluation of Community Investment: 2017-18
- Evaluation of Community-based Business Development: 2018-19
General targeted recipient groups: Eligible recipients for the ICF include municipalities and local organizations; First Nations communities; industry-related groups (e.g. industry/sector associations); and non-profit organizations.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ACOA continues to collaborate proactively with its partners to identify strategic community projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Each ACOA regional office continues to focus on higher-impact investments in rural communities. This is done through an investment strategy document, by collaborating with municipal and provincial governments on priority sectors, or by undertaking policy research to identify the prominent sectors in a region.
| Forecast Spending 2014-15 ($) | Planned Spending ($) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | ||||
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total contributions | 40,663,100 | 36,208,465 | 36,756,518 | 37,177,762 | ||
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total transfer payments | 40,663,100 | 36,208,465 | 36,756,518 | 37,177,762 | ||