Archived: Departmental Performance Report supplemental tables 2013-14, Environment Canada, chapter 6
Details of Transfer Payment Programs
- Contributions in support of Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat
- Contributions to support Climate Change and Clean Air
- Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk
- Grant to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for the Next Generation Biofuels Fund™ (NextGen Biofuels Fund™ or NGBF)
- Contributions in support of Sustainable Ecosystems
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:
- Individuals and organizations are increasingly engaged in priority activities related to the conservation of wildlife, in particular migratory birds and species at risk.
- 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 Fund for Species at Risk ($1.6 million annually).
- 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 centers across the country, which provide important data storage functions.
- 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.
- Factors limiting priority species at risk and migratory bird populations are mitigated or avoided by partners.
- There is increased collaboration within Canadian and international research and policy communities related to Environment Canada's biodiversity priorities.
- Compliance with the requirements of the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards is supported. Annual contributions of just over $241,946 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.
| 2011-12 Actual spending |
2012-13 Actual spending |
2013-14 Planned spending |
2013-14 Total authorities |
2013-14 Actual spending |
Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total contributions | 12.9 | 13.0 | 13.0 | 13.9 | 13.6 | (0.6) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total program | 12.9 | 13.0 | 13.0 | 13.9 | 13.6 | (0.6) |
Comments on variances: Not applicable
Audits completed or planned: The 2013 Fall Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development included performance audits on biological diversity, migratory birds, protected areas and species at risk.
Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation of the Protected Areas Program was completed in 2013-14. Evaluations of other specific programs are planned for 2014-15.
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.
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:
- New knowledge and data produced by collaborating organizations contribute to improved air quality and/or reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- Verification of environmental claims of Canadian technologies is carried out.
- Mentoring services are available to small and medium-sized enterprises producing environmental technologies.
- International organizations that promote the reduction of emissions of air pollutants and/or greenhouse gases are engaged.
- 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.
- Canada's environmental interests and priorities are addressed by international institutions.
- New information and analysis support the development of policy on sustainable development and the effective governance of environmental issues in Canada and internationally.
- The public has increased access to information and research findings pertaining to sustainable development and environmental governance.
| 2011-12 Actual spending |
2012-13 Actual spending |
2013-14 Planned spending |
2013-14 Total authorities |
2013-14 Actual spending |
Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total contributions | 7.2 | 39.0 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.5 | (0.2) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total program | 7.2 | 39.0 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.5 | (0.2) |
Comments on variances: Not applicable.
An increase in spending under Climate Change and Clean Air in 2012-13 was due to the Fast-start financing that the Department received in 2011-12 ($3.55 million) and 2012-13 ($31.9 million). The Fast start Climate Financing initiative ended as of March 31, 2013, and, as a result the overall program expenditures levelled off in 2013-14.
Audits completed or planned: An audit of grants and contributions was completed in 2012-13.
Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation of Environment Canada’s Contributions to support Climate Change and Clean Air will be completed by March 31, 2015.
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.
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 2013 to March 2014, 115 new projects and 48 previously approved multi-year projects, involving 132 funding recipients, contributed to the recovery of over 300 SARA-listed terrestrial and aquatic species across Canada. A total of $11.9 million in funding was awarded to these projects, and an additional $15.3 million was leveraged from partners, for a total investment of $27.2 million. These contributions provided support to stewardship efforts across Canada that resulted in the securement and protection of 139,823 hectares (ha) of land, including 4,168 ha through legally binding means, such as acquisition, conservation easements, convenants, servitudes and long-term (> 10-year) leases. Non-legally binding protection through the use of written conservation agreements with landowners accounts for 135,655 ha. The program also supported the improvement or restoration of 5,036 ha of land and 82 km of shoreline.
Since its inception, the HSP has contributed over $139 million to 2,297 projects, leveraging an additional $305 million in matching funds from project partners.
| 2011-12 Actual spending |
2012-13 Actual spending |
2013-14 Planned spending |
2013-14 Total authorities |
2013-14 Actual spending |
Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total contributions | 11.5 | 9.5 | 11.8 | 11.9 | 11.9 | (0.1) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total program | 11.5 | 9.5 | 11.8 | 11.9 | 11.9 | (0.1) |
Comments on variances: Variance results from funds being reprofiled from other initiatives to fund additional HSP projects.
Audits completed or planned: The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Office of the Auditor General conducted an audit in 2013 that examined Canada’s natural heritage. This audit sought, in part, to determine whether Environment Canada had fulfilled its responsibilities regarding the recovery of species at risk, including whether the Department was assessing the results of the funding programs it delivers that support the recovery of species at risk. The Habitat Stewardship Program was considered in the audit.
The audit concluded that Environment Canada has fulfilled its responsibilities for tracking the results of the three individual funding programs examined, especially in protecting habitat for species at risk and wildlife in general. Looking forward, Environment Canada will compile the results from the funding programs to determine their overall contribution to the implementation of actions identified in recovery documents for species at risk and use this information to inform assessments of its funding priorities.
Evaluations completed or planned: Future evaluations of the HSP are to be included in evaluations of the Species at Risk Act implementation. The next scheduled evaluation will take place in the fiscal year 2015-16.
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.
Grant to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) 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 2014-15, with the last disbursement by SDTC by March 31, 2017)
Description: The NGBF supports the establishment of first-of-kind commercial-scale demonstration facilities for production of next generation renewable fuels. As sponsoring departments for the federal government, Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada provide federal oversight to ensure compliance with funding agreements and the founding legislation. Under the NGBF, SDTC provides funding 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.
Strategic outcome: Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized.
Results achieved: The Government provided SDTC with a series of grants for the NGBF between 2007-2010. SDTC has been disbursing those funds on an as-needed basis and provided $194,000 to project proponents in 2013. Demand for funding has been lower than expected largely due to a market in which next generation biofuels are not economically competitive.
| 2011-12 Actual spending |
2012-13 Actual spending |
2013-14 Planned spending |
2013-14 Total authorities |
2013-14 Actual spending |
Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Total contributions | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total program | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
Comments on variances: The $50 million variance represents the amount in unused appropriations returned to the Consolidated Revenue Fund by Environment Canada.
Audits completed or planned: There was no performance audit in fiscal year 2013-14, except for the standard financial audit required for the financial statements submitted yearly. A value-for-money (performance) audit may be conducted by the Government at least once every five years.
Evaluations completed or planned: The last evaluation of the NGBF was completed by Robinson Research and submitted to Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada on November 30, 2012. No evaluation was completed during the 2013-14 year. 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: Although global development and deployment of next generation biofuel technologies continues to be slow, SDTC continues to pursue opportunities for production of advanced biofuels and co-products in Canada.
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:
- integrated planning and decision making;
- action to improve the environment; and
- knowledge generation and assessment for decision making.
In 2013-14, Environment Canada worked with a wide range of recipients to carry out this work:
- Through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative, continued to engage citizens, scientists, and domestic and international partners in actions to restore the ecological health of Lake Winnipeg, reduce nutrient loading, and improve water quality. Scientists continued to implement 13 research and monitoring projects in Lake Winnipeg and its watershed, and conducted monitoring, surveillance, and modelling activities to fill Lake Winnipeg and watershed ecosystem health knowledge gaps. These actions increased the understanding of nutrient cycling in Lake Winnipeg as well as the fate and effects of nutrient loading in the watershed, and support Manitoba’s efforts to develop transboundary nutrient objectives.
- Continued to fund the co-ordination of Remedial Action Plan (RAP) implementation activities in Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC) which also included assessment and reporting on success actions and determining remaining actions required to remediate Canadian AOC; through the Great Lakes Action Plan V (GLAPV). For example, all restoration actions identified in the St. Lawrence River (Cornwall) AOC RAP were completed. GLAPV resources were also used to fund multi-stakeholder projects to restore beneficial uses of the ecosystem in Great Lakes AOC, via the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund (GLSF). In partnership with local and provincial stakeholders, GLSF funds were used to support projects in three key areas: (1) improving point and non-point source water quality; (2) rehabilitating and protecting fish habitat and wildlife habitat; and (3) characterizing contaminated sediment and developing contaminated sediment management plans in AOC.
- Committed $8.6 million, leveraging $15.4 million, to 26 community-based projects under the renewed and expanded Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund. These projects included activities to reduce phosphorus inputs to the watersheds from urban and rural point and non-point sources, restore and create aquatic habitat, and to support innovation and advance research into the water quality issues of South-eastern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe.
- Provided $1.2M in grants and contributions through the Atlantic Ecosystem Initiative to support 36 stakeholder projects aimed at conserving and restoring important habitat, improving water quality and addressing impacts of climate change. Projects bring together a diverse group of partners, including academic institutions, various levels of government (Canada and U.S.), and First Nations, to address priority issues in Atlantic Canadian ecosystems. In collaboration with the 20 non-governmental organizations that receive funding, 95% of priority environmental issues for targeted ecosystems have near-term objectives that are measurable and time bound as articulated in the management plans developed by these organizations.
| 2011-12 Actual spending |
2012-13 Actual spending |
2013-14 Planned spending |
2013-14 Total authorities |
2013-14 Actual spending |
Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total contributions | 7.9 | 8.1 | 11.7 | 11.7 | 11.7 | 0.0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total program | 7.9 | 8.1 | 11.7 | 11.7 | 11.7 | 0.0 |
Comments on variances: Not applicable
Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.
Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation of the Community Ecosystem Partnerships sub-sub program (1.3.4.5) by Environment Canada's Audit and Evaluation Branch was completed in March, 2014. The draft report is expected to be submitted for management response by end of June, 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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