Details on transfer payment programs

6.1 Naval and Army Bases, Air force Wings enable military operations and defence activities

6.2 Defence infrastructure is well-managed throughout its lifecycle

The Department of National Defence (DND) uses the CAP to optimize its infrastructure by seeking cost-effective solutions with eligible recipients who have the mandate and capacity to operate and maintain the infrastructure and who may also benefit from joint use opportunities. Contributions are made to:

• Upgrade infrastructure (e.g. roads, sidewalks, and sewers in residential quarters; water treatment plants and water distribution systems that serve operational and non-operational requirements) after it has been transferred from DND to the eligible recipient;
• Expand and/or upgrade existing local infrastructure to better support DND requirements (e.g. water treatment plants, water distribution systems, airport runway extensions, roads); and/or
• Construct new local infrastructure, such as:
  • Community-oriented facilities for shared use by the Base/Wing and local authorities (e.g. arenas, gymnasiums, swimming pools, community centres);
  • Infrastructure to support non-operational requirements such as for residential accommodation (e.g. roads, sidewalks, sewers); and
  • Infrastructure to support operational requirements (e.g. new access to the Base/Wing).

The immediate expected result is:

• Collaborations with local authorities to upgrade/expand/construct and own and operate public infrastructure and services that DND requires.

The intermediate results are:

• Reduced DND non-core infrastructure;
• Cost-effective development and maintenance of infrastructure, which involves one of the following:
  • reduced operating/capital costs;
  • or cost avoidance;
  • or minimized DND liability; and
• Improved/new/maintained infrastructure for use by DND members and their families.

The final expected results are:

• The optimization of DND infrastructure to support the evolving force structure; and
• Enhanced quality of life in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Program 1.4 - Global Engagement

Program 1.3 - International Operations

Expected results of this contribution program are to:

• Enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation among Canada’s partners to lessen the operational burden on Canada;
• Expand and reinforce Canadian bilateral defence relations with countries of strategic priority and those of diplomatic opportunity;
• Promote Canadian democratic principles, including civilian and democratic oversight of defence institutions, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and respect for diversity and gender equality in the international arena;
• Achieve influence in areas of strategic interest to Canada;
• Build partner capacity at the defence institution and security force levels; and,
• Administer enhanced military assistance during times of crisis when instructed by Cabinet and/or the Prime Minister.

The Government of Ukraine has sought assistance to allow it to defend itself against the invading Russian force, and to better support its own troops. The Government of Canada has made a commitment to support Ukraine in many ways, including through the provision of military equipment. As part of that commitment, the Department of National Defence (DND) is sourcing both lethal and non-lethal equipment on behalf of the Government of Ukraine, primarily through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and with international partners. The objective of this initiative is to enter into an arrangement with recipients for the provision of lethal and/or non-lethal equipment to the Government of Ukraine.

Funding for the program has been allocated by the Supplementary Estimates process. The program may evolve in response to the changing political landscape under the direction of the Government of Canada.

The delivery of lethal and non-lethal equipment will contribute to the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s capacity to defend the people, territory, and related interests of Ukraine in the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and in doing so, will contribute to the re-establishment of peace and security in Europe.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine

As part of Canada’s assistance to Ukraine, DND is engaging in sourcing equipment on behalf of the Government of Ukraine.

The purpose of the IDEaS Grants and Contribution Program is to support and increase the research and development (R&D) community capacity external to the Department of National Defence (DND) that can generate new ideas and formulate solutions to Canada’s current and future defence and security requirements. This will be achieved by funding R&D initiatives that are in line with defence and security R&D priority areas.

The objectives are as follows:

• Support basic and applied research, analysis, technology development and knowledge transfer leading to innovative solutions to key R&D challenges for defence and security identified by DND and the Public Safety Portfolio;
• Mobilize, engage and support national academic, public and industry researchers to advance innovation toward R&D challenges for defence and security; and
• Encourage, enhance, sustain and support innovation networks and collaborations between other levels of government, industry, and academia to help build a critical mass of expertise, knowledge and solutions for the defence and security of Canada

Short-term: For DND to develop effective mechanisms to engage innovators, solicit ideas, and initiatives to address defence and security challenges. This will be measured by the percentage of posted R&D challenges that succeed in soliciting responses from innovators.

Medium-term: Canadian innovators will be engaged in solving defence and security challenges. This will be measured by evaluating the percentage of posted defence and security problems or questions that result in projects or initiatives addressing them.

Long-term: Canadian R&D networks in defence and security are sustained and primed to develop advice and innovative solutions to protect, secure and defend Canada and its citizens.

2025-26

Eligible recipients for funding are:

• Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada;
• Incorporated Canadian not-for-profit organizations or associations;
• Provincial/territorial or municipal government organizations;
• Incorporated Canadian for-profit companies, organizations or associations; and
• Any group, cluster or consortium composed of eligible recipients, and their researchers and professionals, including their international S&T collaborators. All eligible recipients must possess the legal status necessary to enter into a Contribution Agreement.

Federal and provincial crown corporations are not eligible for funding under the Grants and Contribution Program.

The IDEaS program strives to communicate to its stakeholders effectively, through a wide range of products and to a number of different audiences across Canada. Program applicants are supported through a dedicated program website (www.canada.ca/defence-IDEaS) and provides access to calls for proposals, program guides, eligibility requirements and program administration contact details (DND.IDEaS-IDEeS.MDN@forces.gc.ca).

Calls for proposals were widely advertised through public press releases, email distribution lists, and liaison with a wide range of associations, other government departments, and other stakeholders. For example, since the launch of the program, the program has held more than 40 information sessions, presentations and discussions with thousands of innovators in various forums across Canada, including conferences, discussion panels, information sessions and meetings with companies and associations that are interested in IDEaS.

The program continues to engage with innovators to ensure it disseminates information that is coherent, relevant and results oriented.

Respond to Department of National Defence (DND)/ Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) needs for timely advice from defence and security experts; foster the next generation of defence and security experts and scholars; support a strong Canadian knowledge base in contemporary defence and security issues relevant to Canada’s defence policy; and, contribute to the Canadian public’s understanding of defence and security issues.

The expected results of the program are to:

• Ensure development of effective mechanisms to engage academics and other defence and security experts.
• Address Defence and security challenges through innovative solutions and/or expert advice.
• Foster next generation of Defence and Security experts.
• Increase Canadian public understanding of defence and security issues.

2026-27

• For-profit organizations;
• Not-for-profit organizations and charities;
• Academia and public institutions;
• Aboriginal recipients;
• International recipients (non-government);
• Individual or sole proprietorships; and
• Others in compliance with MINDS Terms and Conditions.

There are plans to follow-up via telephone or email on questions from applicants and recipients. Where appropriate, in person meetings are conducted with recipients to discuss their project and application process. These consultations will inform on the program’s process and identify potential areas for improvement, both in the delivery and evaluation of MINDS. 

The Department of National Defence (DND)’s share of common funding contributions help to pay for NATO military resources that benefit all Allies and NATO partners.

DND’s NATO Military Budget contributions support the operating and maintenance costs of NATO’s military headquarters and activities, including:

• International Military Staff;
• NATO’s Command Structure, made up of bases and facilities across Europe and in the United States;
• NATO’s key air fleets: NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS); and
• NATO operations and missions which include Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployments under Operations IMPACT (NATO Mission Iraq), KOBOLD and REASSURANCE

Canada’s financial contributions to the Alliance help to ensure Canadian security and provide leverage and influence within the multi-national body. They also provide access to military capabilities which Canada can leverage.

The contributions further serve to help protect and strengthen the freedom and security of all Alliance members by political and military means in accordance with the North Atlantic Treaty and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The benefits of Canada’s investment in NATO include access to strategic information, intelligence, capabilities, interoperability with allied forces and an equal voice in high-level decisions affecting Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

There is no planned internal evaluation. The Treasury Board (TB) Policy on Results exempts assessed contributions to international organizations from the five-year reviews required under section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

At the end of 2022-23, the 2022 financial statements will be presented for verification by the International Board of Auditors for NATO (IBAN).

This program has only one recipient, thus the engagement process is done directly through the ongoing relationship.

The Department of National Defence (DND)’s share of common funding contributions help to pay for NATO military resources that benefit all Allies and NATO partners.

DND’s NATO Security Investment Program (NSIP) contributions support the capital costs for major infrastructure improvements, including:

• Airfield, fuel systems and harbor facilities to support deployed forces;
• Air command and control systems;
• Automated information systems; and
• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

NSIP funds projects that meet NATO’s essential purpose, which is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means in accordance with the North Atlantic Treaty and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The benefits of Canada’s investment in NATO include access to strategic information, intelligence, capabilities, interoperability with allied forces and an equal voice in high-level decisions affecting Euro-Atlantic security and stability. It also includes a potential return on some of Canada’s eligible infrastructure projects in support of NATO operations.

There is no planned internal evaluation. The Treasury Board (TB) Policy on Results exempts assessed contributions to international organizations from the five-year reviews required under section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

At the end of 2022-23, the 2022 financial statements will be presented for verification by the International Board of Auditors for NATO (IBAN).

International organizations and foreign countries.

This program has only one recipient, thus the engagement process is done directly through the ongoing relationship.

The Policy Framework for Shared-Responsibility Contaminated Sites Project Funding is a cost-shared contribution program that supports federal departments, agencies and consolidated Crown corporations to consider requests for funding a portion of the costs of the remediation or risk management activities of certain contaminated sites on non-federal lands. The program is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan Secretariat, with support from Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

The purpose is to set out the terms and conditions for Department of National Defence (DND)’s contribution to the Province of Quebec for the remediation of former Mid-Canada Line radar sites.

The expected result is that contamination will be remediated by the Province of Quebec to acceptable levels thereby improving human health and the environment in the local affected areas.

There is no planned DND evaluation. ECCC’s Audit and Evaluation Branch is responsible for any reviews of the Policy Framework for Shared-Responsibility Contaminated Sites Project Funding, in accordance with section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act or with the Treasury Board Policy on Results.

DND and the Province of Quebec will establish a Monitoring Committee to monitor the implementation of the contribution agreement. The monitoring committee will meet at least once per year.

The Policy Framework for Shared-Responsibility Contaminated Sites Project Funding is a cost-shared contribution program that supports federal departments, agencies and consolidated Crown corporations to consider requests for funding a portion of the costs of the remediation or risk management activities of certain contaminated sites on non-federal lands. The program is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan Secretariat, with support from Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

The objective is to set out the terms and conditions for Department of National Defence (DND)’s contribution to the City of North Bay for the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the North Bay airport lands.

The expected result is that PFAS contamination on the North Bay airport lands will be remediated by the City of North Bay to acceptable levels, to be determined through the contaminated site management process in accordance with Ontario Regulation 153/04.The remediation will thereby assist in minimizing risk of adverse effects to human health and the environment in the local affected areas.

There is no planned DND evaluation. ECCC’s Audit and Evaluation Branch is responsible for any reviews of the Policy Framework for Shared-Responsibility Contaminated Sites Project Funding, in accordance with section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act or with the Treasury Board Policy on Results.

DND and the City of North Bay will meet at least twice a year, and on an as required basis to review the progress of the remediation.

• Support basic and applied research, analysis and knowledge transfer that can inform the development of military concepts and doctrine necessary to implement the Vancouver Principles (VP).
• Mobilize, engage and support national academia and non-government organizations in advancing the adoption and implementation of the VP, with the aim of establishing the VP as a set of international norms.
• Encourage, enhance, sustain and support collaborations between government, national academia and non-government organizations to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers and ensuring United Nations (UN) peacekeepers are held accountable for meeting the highest standards of conduct.

The Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has effective means to engage academics and other experts on issues addressed in the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.

DND/CAF has access to expert advice and guidance to inform doctrine, training and education to ensure their effectiveness with respect to child soldiers, including the prevention of the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

3.2 The health and well-being of the Defence team is well supported

3.4 Military families are supported and resilient

The Expected Results are identified through the Program Outcomes. The following are shared outcomes under Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence:

Short/Medium-term Outcomes:

• Intervention participants access information, training, and support.
• Projects funded by the Program reach the local CAF community.
• Sexual Assault Centres (SACs) are more integrated within the CAF network of support services to survivors of sexual assault.
• CAF community members who are affected by sexual assault are able to access a wider range of specialized support services.

Long-term Outcome:

• Those impacted by or at risk of Gender-Based Violence, including survivors, are better supported across the justice and social sectors.

The main expected result is to continue the support of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) SAR operations. Performance measurements/indicators will be taken from the number of missions that CASARA has effectively supported. Also, the number of training events and flying hours that CASARA has flown to remain operationally effective to support CAF operations.

CASARA’s new SAR initiatives have modernized the SAR efforts combining traditional search methods with the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and software to detect search object color and parameters. Further modernization of the organization includes electronic training, tracking, digital publications, financial auditing and ensuring organizational accountability. 

Immediate Outcome: to evaluate the results of IRP as an effective mechanism to better engage with Indigenous people, communities, and organizations on areas of common interest.

3.2 The health and well-being of the Defence team is well supported

3.4 Military families are supported and resilient

Program 3.3  Total Health Care

Program 3.4.7 Foster a Climate of Dignity and Respect

Increase accessibility to support services for those impacted by sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), through the provision of financial support to community-based service providers, including sexual assault centres, across Canada.

The objectives for this program are to: increase the range of services available for survivors of sexual misconduct in the wider CAF community; and, increase the collaboration between community-based and CAF service providers.

The Expected Results are identified through the Program Outcomes.

Immediate:

• Projects and services funded by the program will reach the local CAF community.
• Participants are able to access information, training and support.
•  To make sure Sexual Misconduct Response Centre has effective mechanisms to support community-based supports for those impacted by sexual misconduct within the CAF.

Intermediate:

• Support is provided to those impacted by CAF sexual misconduct, through innovative service delivery.
• Those impacted by or at risk of Gender-Based Violence, including survivors, are better supported across the justice and social sectors.

Ultimate:

• Those impacted by CAF sexual misconduct are better supported through access to community-based programming.
• Community based service providers are more integrated within the CAF network of support services to survivors of sexual misconduct.

Not Applicable

Recipients are not-for-profit Canadian, community-based service providers (e.g., sexual assault centres, online platforms, mental health providers, etc.), that have the capacity and expertise to provide services and initiatives for survivors and those impacted by sexual misconduct in the wider CAF community.

• Employers are compensated for operational losses when Reservists take time away from work to serve on military operations;
• Enhance relationships with civilian employers; and,
• Strengthen Internal and external stakeholder capabilities to support Reservists.

Not Applicable

Civilian employers of reservists, and self-employed reservists, within the following sectors: Non-profit organizations, Provinces and Territories, Industry-related, employers of Primary reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Note: The program does not apply to civilian employers of reservists from the Federal Government, Federal Agencies and Crown corporations.

• Information provided on CANADA.CA website
• CERP promoted on Facebook and LinkedIn
• Briefings to reservists / employers at every opportunity

Expected results are as follows:

• Participate in the mutually concurred consultative framework through attendance and participate in national forums (such as the National Cadet Council), regional forums (such as the Regional Cadet Advisor Groups), and community-level forums (such as the Community Coordination Committees);
• Supervise and assist local committees;
• Support the Cadet Program by providing facilities, material, transportation and financial resources when not provided by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF);
• Support communication activities and engage with private industry, non-government organizations and provincial, territorial and municipal governments;
• Provide awards, recognition, bursaries and grants to Cadets and Cadet Corps and Squadrons.

• NATO’s Centres of Excellence, such as the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.
• NATO’s Naval Forces Sensor and Weapons Accuracy Check Sites (FORACS).
• NATO’s Rapidly Deployable Corps Headquarters.
• NATO Production and Logistics Organizations (NPLOs), such as the NATO Support and Procurement Organization (NSPO) and NATO Communications and Information Organization (NCIO).

Expected results are based on the activities that Canada choose to participate:

Expected results of these activities are to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Canadian forces engagement with NATO and to enhance the interoperability capabilities with other NATO member forces.

There is no planned internal evaluation. The Treasury Board (TB) Policy on Results exempts assessed contributions to international organizations from the five-year reviews required under section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

At the end of 2021-22, the 2021 financial statements will be presented for verification by the International Board of Auditors for NATO (IBAN).