2025-2026 Departmental Plan
Details on transfer payment programs
Canada Nature Fund
Start date: April 1, 2018
End date: March 31, 2026
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected
- Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
- Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Species at Risk and Habitat Conservation and Protection.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Nature Fund is a critical tool for advancing actions by, or in cooperation with, others that conserve and protect Canada’s habitat and biodiversity.
The Canada Nature Fund will conserve, establish and/or expand protected areas, secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species. It will support and enable others to undertake actions that conserve wildlife and protect and improve their habitat.
The objective of the Canada Nature Fund terms and conditions is to support the Government of Canada’s plan to protect 25 percent of Canada’s land and freshwater by 2025, lay a foundation towards 30 percent by 2030, and deepen protection for species at risk through an integrated approach to land conservation and species protection, in collaboration with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, private and non-profit sectors.
Expected results: The Canada Nature Fund will support and further collaboration and momentum for conserving Canada’s biodiversity and habitat and demonstrate the federal government’s leadership in enabling the establishment of protected and conserved areas, as well as preventing, protecting, and recovering species at risk.
Projects funded will contribute to the departmental core responsibility of Conserving Nature, and will contribute to the following key expected results:
- Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected.
- Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
- Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:
2024-25: Evaluation of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Indigenous Guardians Initiative
In addition, the Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC) and the Evaluation of the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC) are currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
Five evaluations are planned:
- 2024-25: Evaluation of the Migratory Birds and other Wildlife Program
- 2025-26: Evaluation of the Biodiversity Policy and Partnership Program
(Horizontal – led by ECCC). - Policy and Partnership Program including the Enhanced Nature Legacy Fund
(Horizontal – led by ECCC).
General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; for-profit organizations; governments; international (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through application processes related to specific program elements and single or named recipients identified based on their unique ability to achieve targeted program results. The Department employs one or a combination of the following strategies 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 improved through simplified agreement templates.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $309,608,419 | $286,603,496 | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $309,608,419 | $286,603,496 | $150,000 | $150,000 |
Conserving Nature
Start date: April 1, 2018
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected.
- Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
- Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.
And potential projects that contribute to other concurrent departmental results:
- Canada contributes to biodiversity conservation domestically and internationally.
- Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced; and
- Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory:
- Species at Risk
- Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
- Migratory Birds and other Wildlife
- Environmental Assessment
- Habitat Conservation and Protection
- Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to advance conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development. The overall objective of the Conserving Nature Program is to conserve, protect and recover Canada’s wildlife including species at risk and their habitat (including critical habitat), and healthy populations of migratory birds. Actions taken will also contribute to Canada’s biodiversity strategy and related domestic and international partnership interests, including the establishment and management of protected areas, other effective conservation measures, Indigenous protected and conserved areas and Indigenous people’s capacity and participation in conservation; and support actions to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas emissions.
Expected results: The Conserving Nature Program will support biodiversity conservation domestically and internationally. Specifically, projects funded will contribute to the departmental core responsibility of Conserving Nature, and will contribute to the following key expected results:
- Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected.
- Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
- Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.
Where applicable, projects funded will contribute to helping Canada achieve its 2030 and 2050 GHG reduction commitments by using nature-based solutions to sequester and store carbon to fight climate change, while achieving biodiversity and other co-benefits, including adapting, and building resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:
2024-25: Evaluation of the Conservation Exchange Pilot
2024-25: Evaluation of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Indigenous Guardians Initiative
In addition, the Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC) and the Evaluation of the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC) are currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
- 2025-26: Evaluation of the Migratory Birds and other Wildlife Program
- 2025-26: Evaluation of Biodiversity Policy and Partnership Program
(Horizontal – led by ECCC). - 2026-27: Evaluation of the Oceans Protection Plan
(Horizontal – led by DFO) - 2026-27: Evaluation of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund (including 2 billion Trees Program) (Horizontal – led by NRCan).
General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; individual or sole proprietorships; for-profit organizations; governments; international (non-government)..
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through application processes related to specific program elements and single or named recipients identified based on their unique ability to achieve targeted program results. The Department employs one or a combination of the following strategies 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 improved through simplified agreement templates.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $147,966,304 | $147,833,096 | $185,788,946 | $184,295,591 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $147,966,304 | $147,833,096 | $185,788,946 | $184,295,591 |
Low Carbon Economy Fund
Start date: April 1, 2017
End date: March 31, 2029
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-2019
Link to departmental result(s): Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) is a critical tool for advancing incremental domestic mitigation action under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan (SCP), and the Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP). The LCEF supports the implementation of Canada’s climate plan by helping transition Canada to a low carbon economy and working towards meeting or exceeding commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The LCEF supports provincial and territorial mitigation action in the context of the ERP. Specifically, the LCEF supports actions that materially reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) which includes actions that tangibly increase removal where relevant and are incremental to current plans and achieve significant reductions in support of Canada Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. In addition, where possible, resources will be allocated towards those projects that yield the greatest absolute greenhouse gas reductions.
Expected results: Continue to support collaboration and maintain momentum with provinces and territories, as well as other partners, while also demonstrating the Government’s leadership in addressing climate change; and effectively implementing proposals approved for funding under the LCEF to contribute to Canada’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable.
The evaluation of the Low Carbon Economy Fund is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
- 2027-2028: Evaluation of the Low Carbon Economy Fund including the Canadian Climate Institute
General targeted recipient groups: Governments; Indigenous recipients; not-for-profit organizations and charities; individuals and sole proprietorships; academia and public institutions; for-profit organizations.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: For the Leadership Fund, ECCC conducted face-to-face meetings with all provinces and territories to provide clarification on the program and discuss initial proposals. ECCC also responded to applicant questions via email throughout the Challenge, Champions, and Partnerships stream application processes.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $2,500,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $226,993,665 | $247,100,297 | $222,510,356 | $102,486,151 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $229,493,665 | $247,100,297 | $222,510,356 | $102,486,151 |
Preventing and Managing Pollution
Start date: April 1, 2018
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canadians have clean air.
- The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Air Quality; and Aquatic Ecosystems Health, Substances and Waste Management
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to protect, conserve and have a positive impact on the environment.
Expected results:
- Reduce releases and monitor levels of contaminants in air, water, and soil.
- Promote and enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
- Develop and administer on the ground projects that have positive impacts on the environment, environmental standards, guidelines, regulations, and other risk management instruments by collaborating with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, community-based groups, and other stakeholders.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:
2024-2025: St. Lawrence Action Plan Program (Joint with the QC Government), 2016 to 2022
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
- 2024-25: Evaluation of the Water Quality and Ecosystem Partnerships Program
- 2024-25: Evaluation of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion – Terrestrial Cumulative Effects Initiative
- 2024-25: Evaluation of the Enforcement Modernization Initiative
- 2026-27: Evaluation of the Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy (Horizontal – led by ECCC).
- 2026-27: Evaluation of the Community and Sustainability Program
- 2026-27: Evaluation of the Oceans Protection Plan (Horizontal – led by TC)
- 2028-29: Evaluation of the Air Quality Program
General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; individuals and sole proprietorships; for-profit organizations; governments.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: recipients through application-based process, and/or recipients based on 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; email correspondence with targeted interest groups; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| Total contributions | $46,669,664 | $12,658,127 | $11,441,146 | $4,590,704 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $46,669,664 | $12,908,127 | $11,691,146 | $4,840,704 |
Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Start date: April 1, 2018
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced.
- Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change.
- Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.
- Canadian communities, economies, and ecosystems are more resilient.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation, International Climate Change Action, and Climate Change Adaptation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to promote change towards sustainable environmental and climate change development and policies.
Expected results:
- Support and coordinate the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF) and Canada’s climate plan.
- Increase awareness on climate and climate change initiatives.
- Increase youth, students, and Indigenous participation in climate change initiatives.
- Support actions that reduce Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Develop regulatory instruments.
- Support businesses and Canadians to adapt and become more resilient to climate change.
- Contribute to international climate change actions to increase global benefits.
- To support the Net Zero Advisory Body’s (NZAB) work and recommendations to help Canada develop pathways for emissions reduction for the 2030 and 2050 target.
- To support the Canadian Climate Institute’s (CCI) work to generate, communicate and mobilize independent and trusted information, policy advice and best practices related to clean growth and climate change.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2022-2023: Evaluation of Core Climate Change Mitigation. In addition, the Evaluation of the International Climate Finance Program is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
- 2025-26: Evaluation of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services Program
- 2026-27: Evaluation of the Adaptation to Climate Change - Roll-up
(Horizontal – led by ECCC) - 2026-27: Evaluation of the Core Climate Change Mitigation
- 2026-27: Evaluation of Carbon Pollution Pricing (Horizontal – led by ECCC).
- 2026-27: Evaluation of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund (including 2 billion Trees Program) (Horizontal – led by NRCan)
- 2027-28: Evaluation of the Low Carbon Economy Fund including the Canadian Climate Institute.
General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; international (non-government); Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; for-profit organizations; governments.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Environment and Climate Change 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 based on 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.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $3,650,000 | $2,050,000 | $2,050,000 | $1,400,000 |
| Total contributions | $32,253,411 | $31,720,576 | $26,858,826 | $24,158,826 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $35,903,411 | $33,770,576 | $28,908,826 | $25,558,826 |
International Climate Finance Program
Start date: 2021-22
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22
Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Climate Change Action
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to promote climate change actions and policies in developing countries.
Expected results: In 2021, Canada announced its $5.3 billion climate finance commitment over five years to support developing countries to combat climate change, while striving to address biodiversity loss around the world. Canada’s climate finance programming is being implemented by ECCC and Global Affairs Canada. ECCC’s portion of the program is $160 million over the five years. The expected result of the program is to contribute to international climate change action to support global transition to low-carbon and climate resilient economies.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:
2021-2022: Horizontal Evaluation of International Climate Change Cooperation (led by ECCC).
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: The Evaluation of the International Climate Finance Program is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
General targeted recipient groups: For-profit organizations; Not-for-profit organizations and charities; Academia and public institutions; Indigenous recipients; Government; International (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ECCC engages with recipients to ensure project development and disbursement of funds are in-line with strategic and policy objectives. Activities were implemented in-line with planned activities outlined in the Departmental Plan.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $23,460,000 | $14,870,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $22,000,000 | $22,250,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $45,460,000 | $37,120,000 | $0 | $0 |
Assessed contribution to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Start date: 1997
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09
Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Climate Change Action
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To enable Canada’s obligation to cost share, alongside the US and Mexico, the core/projected expenses of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
Expected results:
- For the period of 2024-25 to 2025-26, the CEC is expected to advance trilateral cooperation between Canada.
- CEC is expected to implement a variety of initiatives to support the following areas of mutual interest: (1) Clean Air, Land, and Water; (2) Preventing and Reducing Pollution in the Marine Environment; (3) Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials Management; (4) Shared Ecosystems and Species; (5) Resilient Economies and Communities; and (6) Effective Enforcement of Environmental Laws. The CEC is also expected to effectively manage the submission on enforcement matters at outlined in Chapter 24 of the Canada, United States and Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Currently 25 trilateral initiatives are underway, at different stages.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21 Horizontal Evaluation of International Climate Change Cooperation (led by ECCC). In addition, the Evaluation of the International Climate Finance Program is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not available
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Not applicable.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $3,460,777 | $3,460,777 | $3,460,777 | $3,460,777 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $3,460,777 | $3,460,777 | $3,460,777 | $3,460,777 |
Assessed contribution to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Start date: 1975
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental result(s): Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected, Canada’s species at risk are recovered and Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada is a signatory to this convention and is thus bound by the requirements of the international convention, including the obligation to pay the assessed contributions.
Expected results: As established under the Terms and Conditions for assessed contributions to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the expected result is:
Canadian interests and priorities related to the international trade of endangered species are addressed by CITES.
The indicator is:
- Percentage of Canadian interventions and/or negotiating positions, which are adopted by the Conference of the Parties.
To achieve these results, Canada maintains membership in the Convention and the associated obligations. As such for 2025-26, Canada will continue to meet its obligations to the Convention by paying its assessed annual contributions at the level agreed by the CITES Conference of the Parties.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018-19: Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program (led by ECCC). The Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC) is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
- 2025-2026: Evaluation of the Biodiversity Policy and Partnership Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC).
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Canadian officials engage in determining the activities of the Convention through existing governance mechanisms, notably participation in the Conference of the Parties and its negotiations on budget.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $245,000 | $245,000 | $245,000 | $245,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $245,000 | $245,000 | $245,000 | $245,000 |
Assessed contribution to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)
Start date: 1981
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected.
- Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
- Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada has been a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention since 1981.
Annual membership dues are an obligation of the Parties based on terms agreed to at the Convention of the Contracting Parties.
Current assessed contributions are 128,674 CHF. Amounts may change based on exchange rates and any increase in assessed contributions that may be approved at Ramsar’s COP15 (July 2025).
Expected results:
As established under the Terms and conditions for assessed contribution to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), the expected result is Canada’s interests and priorities related to wetlands are addressed by the Ramsar Convention.
The indicator is:
- Percentage of Canadian interventions and/or negotiating positions, which are adopted by the Conference of the Contracting Parties.
In 2024-25, Canada will continue to meet its obligations to the Convention by paying its assessed annual contributions at the level agreed by the Ramsar Convention Conference of the Parties and fulfilling its responsibilities as the North American Regional Representative on Standing Committee.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017-2018: Evaluation of the Habitat Conservation Partnerships Program. In addition, the evaluation of the Habitat Conservation and Partnerships Program is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
- 2025-2026: Evaluation of the Biodiversity Policy and Partnership Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC).
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages the recipient through established governance mechanisms.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023–24 forecast spending |
2024–25 planned spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $206,140 | $206,140 | $206,140 | $206,140 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $206,140 | $206,140 | $206,140 | $206,140 |
Assessed contribution to the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Start date: January 1, 2018
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18
Link to departmental result(s):
- The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Aquatic Ecosystems Health, Substances and Waste Management
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada is a Party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (the Convention). The Convention is a multilateral treaty to protect human health and the environment from emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds resulting from human activities. The payment is made to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to support the programme of work under the Convention.
Expected results: As a Party, Canada is responsible for paying its annual assessed contributions which fund activities under the Convention agreed to at the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings. At meetings in October 2023, the COP agreed to the budget and programme of work for 2022 and 2023, including support for the first effectiveness evaluation of the treaty, national reporting, publications and communication and outreach activities, including a new digital strategy. A budget and programme of work for the 2026-2027 biennium will be discussed at the next COP meeting scheduled for November 2025.
Under ECCC’s Departmental Plan the following performance indicators and results are expected for Minamata:
Indicator #1: Canada pays its assessed contribution on an annual basis.
- Expected Result: Canada pays its annual assessed contribution in full by the January 31 due date.
Indicator #2: Canadian interests and priorities with respect to the global control and reduction of mercury are considered.
- Expected Result: Canada actively participates in Minamata Convention work to ensure that our views are considered during the intersessional period and during COP meetings.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable. This is not a departmental priority. It is low risk, low materiality. The five-year average annual G&C amount is below the threshold as per the Policy on Results.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The funds are paid to UNEP and dispersed to the Convention Secretariat in accordance with the budget agreed to at the previous meeting of the COP.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $200,000 | $200,000 | $200,000 | $200,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $200,000 | $200,000 | $200,000 | $200,000 |
Assessed contribution to the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)
Start date: 2017-18
End date: Dec 31, 2027
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18
Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Climate Change Action
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) is a multilateral organization dedicated to improving the social, economic, and environmental benefits for producers and users of bamboo and rattan, while maintaining a sustainable resource base by supporting innovative research and development.
Expected results: The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan promotes the use of bamboo as an available, scalable nature-based solution and a tool for climate change mitigation in line with ECCCs core responsibility to take action on clean growth and climate change and conserve nature. The preservation and sustainable management of bamboo can be a critical way for countries to reach carbon neutrality, and to achieve related goals: reversing biodiversity loss, land degradation and deforestation.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government)
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Through Canada’s Embassy in Beijing, where INBAR is headquartered, Canada participates in the Annual General Meeting and other regular meetings of the organization.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $38,000 | $38,000 | $38,000 | $38,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $38,000 | $38,000 | $38,000 | $38,000 |
Assessed contribution to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
Start date: 1994
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental result(s): The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Aquatic Ecosystems Health, Substances and Waste Management
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada is a signatory to this organization and is thus bound by the requirements of the international convention, including the obligation to pay the assessed contribution. The assessed contribution also represents Canada’s support of the OECD’s Chemicals Programme given its strong alignment in objectives, including innovation, knowledge synthesis and mobilization, research capacity building to address gaps in the science ecosystem, and open science. Funding will be used to support numerous activities related to chemical management within the OECD and the Secretariat responsible for overseeing and managing international collaboration on chemicals.
Expected results: Advanced Canada’s management of chemicals through strengthened knowledge networks, improved efficiency by avoiding duplicative work and cost savings through leveraging policy, scientific and technical expertise of other developed nations in areas of mutual interest. More specifically, the assessed contribution supported the development of tools and methodology for chemicals testing to be adopted by all OECD countries, leading to international harmonization and mutual acceptance of data.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2023-24: Evaluation of the Chemicals Management Plan (Horizontal led by Health Canada)
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government)
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Not applicable.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $121,214 | $121,214 | $121,214 | $121,214 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $121,214 | $121,214 | $121,214 | $121,214 |
Assessed contribution to the World Meteorological Organization
Start date: 2010-11
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental result(s): Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada has been a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) since 1950 as one of the initial signatories to the convention. The annual assessed contribution is based on the U.N. Scale as agreed to every three years by the U.N. General Assembly and adapted, as is normal practice, to accommodate the varying membership of U.N. organizations.
As a signatory to the WMO Convention, Canada is required to pay an assessed contribution to remain a member. Our contribution to WMO gives Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) access to global meteorological observations and research, which is essential to improving domestic meteorological services, and would be prohibitively expensive to achieve on our own.
Canada's assessed rate is 2.59 percent of the WMO Budget, which is calculated as approximately CHF 1,800,500 (Swiss Francs) per year over the WMO’s 19th four-year financial period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027.
The expended amount in Canadian dollars is based on current exchange rates. It should be noted that, as exchange rates fluctuate, the amount provided in Canadian funds will also fluctuate.
Expected results: The associated Departmental result indicator is the index of the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather warnings on a scale of 0 to 10, with a target of 8.4 for the 2022-23 to 2024-25 period.
The WMO facilitates international collaboration and the exchange of essential data across member nations that is critical for the Meteorological Service of Canada (along with other National Meteorological and Hydrological Services) to provide vital weather, water, climate, and air quality information, and to meet international commitments in the areas of disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021-22: Evaluation of the Weather Observations, Forecasts and Warnings Program.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27: Evaluation of the Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings.
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: As a signatory to the WMO Convention, Canada is required to pay an assessed contribution to remain a member. Our contribution to WMO gives ECCC access to 1) global meteorological, hydrological and climatological observations and other information which are essential to provide domestic hydrometeorological services; and 2) expertise and research results, which would be impossible to generate or prohibitively expensive to achieve on our own.
Additionally, Canada engages with the WMO at many levels:
- Canada’s Permanent Representative to WMO is from ECCC.
- Canada is a member of WMO’s Executive Council, as well as the Services and Infrastructure Commissions and the Research Board.
- ECCC is also a member of the WMO’s Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and actively participates in sessions of the Financial Advisory Committee (FINAC), providing a window into the risks for WMO and to be part of developing strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure WMO’s financial position remains strong; and
- ECCC has numerous staff participating at the “expert level” in various expert teams, working groups, etc.
This does not change on an annual basis.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $2,567,785 | $2,567,785 | $2,567,785 | $2,567,785 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $2,567,785 | $2,567,785 | $2,567,785 | $2,567,785 |
Contributions in support of Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions
Start date: 2018-19
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19
Link to departmental result(s): Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings (Weather); Hydrological Services (Hydro)
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to encourage and support individuals and organizations engaged in activities that enable Canadians to access, understand, and use information on changing weather, water, climate, and air quality conditions.
Expected results: Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:
- 2022-2023: Evaluation of National Hydrological Services
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:
- 2026-27: Evaluation of the Oceans Protection Plan (Horizontal – led by Transport Canada).
- 2026-27: Evaluation of Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings.
- 2026-27: Evaluation of the Adaptation to Climate Change Roll-up (Horizontal – led by ECCC)
- 2028-29: Evaluation of the Air Quality Program.
General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; international (non-government); Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; individual or sole proprietorships; governments.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: This Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) contribution program includes a mix of directed and application based recipients. ECCC is committed to explore opportunities for innovative approaches to delivering the grants and contributions and explore novel projects, including the engagement of Indigenous peoples and communities..
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $3,671,753 | $3,646,378 | $3,730,128 | $3,030,128 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $3,671,753 | $3,646,378 | $3,730,128 | $3,030,128 |
Contributions in support of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory System
Start date: April 2024
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25
Link to departmental result(s): Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation; Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected; Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Environmental Assessment; Species at Risk; Migratory Birds and other Wildlife; Habitat Conservation and Protection.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to advance the implementation of a new Impact Assessment System in Canada and an approach to addressing Cumulative Effects.
Expected results: Advance ECCC’s contribution to the “Cumulative Effects, Open Science and Evidence” approach through the development of the open science and data platform; supporting regional assessments; conducting strategic assessments; and coordinating departmental, federal, and inter-jurisdictional efforts to implement the proposed approach to addressing the cumulative effects of natural resource development.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2022-23: A horizontal evaluation of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory Processes Initiative (led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada).
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027-28: Evaluation for the funding for Impact Assessment and Regulatory Regime Implementation (Horizontal – led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada).
General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations; For-profit organizations; Indigenous recipients; Academia and public institutions; International (non-government); Government; Individuals; Other (Indigenous non-profit organizations).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: recipients through application-based process, and/or recipients based on 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; email correspondence with targeted interest groups; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $3,350,400 | $3,350,400 | $3,050,400 | $3,050,400 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $3,350,400 | $3,350,400 | $3,050,400 | $3,050,400 |
Grant for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer
Start date: 1994-95
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19
Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Climate Change Action
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose of the Grant is:
- to pay up to 20% of Canada’s mandatory annual contribution to the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF); and
- to reimburse the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for the differential administrative costs associated with locating the MLF Secretariat in Montreal as compared to UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi. The MLF assists developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol. Global Affairs Canada pays the remaining 80% of Canada’s contribution.
Expected results: The MLF will continue to assist developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol with a view to reducing emissions of ozone-depleting and/or global-warming substances. In this way, from 2024-25 to 2027, the main expected results are the continued gradual elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and the gradual reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in developing countries. This will be measured in relation to the Montreal Protocol’s HCFC phase-out and HFC phase-down targets during this period, namely:
- A 67.5% reduction in consumption and production of HCFCs by 2025, relative to each country’s baseline for compliance (average 2009-10 consumption and production).
- A freeze in consumption and production of HFCs by 2024 and progress towards a 10% reduction by 2029 for Group 1 countries, relative to these countries’ baselines for compliance (average 2020-22 consumption and production).
- Progress towards a freeze by 2028 in consumption and production of HFCs for Group 2 countries, relative to these countries’ baselines for compliance (average 2024-26 consumption and production).
With respect to Canada hosting the MLF Secretariat in Montreal, it is expected that paying the differential administrative costs will ensure the efficient functioning of the Secretariat, continue to contribute to demonstrating Canadian leadership on environment and climate change, as well as Montreal’s global reputation as an international city, and generate benefits to the Canadian economy flowing from the activities of the Secretariat’s staff and from frequently holding Montreal Protocol-related international meetings in Montreal.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable.
2021-22 - Evaluation of the International Climate Change Cooperation Program. In addition, the Evaluation of the International Climate Finance Program is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable
General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: There are no applicants. The grant is paid to UNEP as host and administrator of the MLF.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $3,740,000 | $3,600,000 | $2,800,000 | $2,800,000 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $3,740,000 | $3,600,000 | $2,800,000 | $2,800,000 |
Grants in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians
Start date: 2010-11
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental result(s): Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to encourage and support individuals and organizations engaged in activities that enable Canadians to access, understand, and use information on changing weather, water, climate, and air quality conditions.
Expected results: For the 2025-26 period, we expect young Canadians to be encouraged and supported through this program to study and pursue potential careers in the atmospheric sciences, a field of expertise which is central to ECCC.
We anticipate full spending of $44,000 allocated for this purpose each year ($1000/each for qualified undergraduate applicants; $5000/each for postgraduate applicants)
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021-2022: Evaluation of the Weather Observations, Forecasts and Warnings Program.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27: Evaluation of the Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings Program.
General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; academic and public institutions; individual or sole proprietorships; government.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:
- This ECCC Grant Program supports applicants undertaking ECCC’s Atmospheric and Meteorological Graduate and Undergraduate research projects. Applicants review the criteria on the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Website, where they can determine their eligibility. In addition, contact details to directly interact with a Departmental Representative for application submissions, or for questions, concerns, issues, or clarification of the process are available.
- Director General-Level Notification letters are drafted to inform the applicants of their grant award along with other relevant paperwork (Vendor Template, Direct Deposit).
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $44,000 | $44,000 | $44,000 | $44,000 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $44,000 | $44,000 | $44,000 | $44,000 |
Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund
Start date: 2022
End date: March 31, 2030
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Statutory Funding through the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA), Carbon Pricing Proceeds Return: Output Based Pricing System (OBPS). Reported through annual report to Parliament.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2029-30
Link to departmental result(s):
- Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
- Greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The federal carbon pollution pricing system returns proceeds collected to jurisdictions of origin, including proceeds collected from the OBPS. Participating provincial and territorial governments that have committed to addressing climate change by voluntarily adopting the federal system can receive these proceeds directly from the Government of Canada. In the remaining provinces where the federal price on carbon pollution is in effect, the Government of Canada returns the proceeds through several mechanisms, including the OBPS Proceeds Fund.
The OBPS Proceeds Fund will facilitate the return of OBPS proceeds collected from jurisdictions where the federal OBPS has been applied and not requested (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick) and will support the long-term decarbonization of Canada’s heavy industry sector through clean technology implementation projects and large-scale clean electricity initiatives. The fund is comprised of two streams: the Future Electricity Fund (FEF) and the Decarbonization Incentive Program (DIP). There are no repayable contributions.
Expected results: ECCC has concluded bilateral FEF funding agreements with Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick, which would see over $614 million in OBPS proceeds returned through the program. ECCC has concluded 30 funding agreements under DIP with a combined contribution value of $134 million.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: N/A
Decision following the results of last evaluation: N/A
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: N/A
General targeted recipient groups: Jurisdictions subject to the federal Output-Based Pricing System.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ECCC officials engage with applicants through targeted correspondence, public webinars, generic programming inboxes, publicized communications materials, and through direct conversations with provincial and territorial officials, including through Ministerial correspondence.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $261,198,459 | $202,080,199 | $75,555,093 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $0 | $261,198,459 | $202,080,199 | $75,555,093 |
Fuel Charge Proceeds Fund for Indigenous Governments
Start date: December 17, 2024
End date: March 31, 2026
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Statutory Funding – authorized under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25
Link to departmental result(s): Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose of the Fuel Charge Proceeds Fund for Indigenous Governments (FCPFIG) Program is to allow the Government of Canada to fulfill its commitment under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) to return proceeds collected from the federal carbon pollution pricing system to the jurisdictions of origin. Specifically, this program would return a portion of proceeds collected from jurisdictions where the federal fuel charge is in effect to Indigenous governments, as specified to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (the Minister) by the Minister of Finance.
The overall objectives of the FCPFIG Program are to:
- Meet the Government of Canada's legislative responsibility under the GGPPA to return carbon pollution pricing proceeds to jurisdictions of origin where the federal fuel charge applies, in accordance with specifications by the Minister of Finance to return a portion of the proceeds to Indigenous governments; and
- Return proceeds to Indigenous governments in recognition of the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities.
- Advance the Government of Canada’s commitment to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis by returning proceeds in a way that supports their self-determined priorities including climate action
Expected results: Returning fuel charge proceeds to Indigenous governments allows the Government of Canada to fulfil its legislative requirements under the GGPPA. A key principle of Canada’s carbon pollution pricing system is to return all direct proceeds to the jurisdiction of origin.
The FCPFIG Program provides grant payments to eligible Indigenous governments (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) in recognition that Indigenous communities experience disproportionate impacts of climate change considering remote locations, vulnerability of communities to climate related emergencies, loss of traditional food sources, and relationships with the land, waters and ice. These factors cause climate change impacts to be more acute and disruptive in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and increases the costs they face in responding to the climate crisis.
The FCPFIG Program will be assessed according to the following performance indicators:
- Percentage of specified fuel charge proceeds to be returned to eligible Indigenous governments that are returned, by distinction and jurisdiction.
- The total number of eligible Indigenous governments that received a direct payment of fuel charge proceeds, or who were allocated a share of proceeds through a First Nations representative organization acting on their behalf.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: N/A
Decision following the results of last evaluation: N/A
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: The activities related to this initiative have not yet been included in the department’s program evaluation plan and may be considered in the context of ECCC’s annual evaluation planning exercise or in scoping the evaluation of Carbon Pollution Pricing scheduled for 2026-27.
General targeted recipient groups: Indigenous recipients
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Since 2021, ECCC officials have engaged with First Nations and Métis partners in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario on returning fuel charge proceeds in a way that supports self-determined priorities, including climate action. In July 2023, after the federal fuel charge took effect in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, ECCC initiated engagement on the return of proceeds with First Nations in these provinces as well as with the Nunatsiavut Government in Newfoundland and Labrador. ECCC conducted formal engagement from April to September 2024 on the proposed approach to allocate fuel charge proceeds to eligible Indigenous governments. No new engagement is planned for this initiative. Environment and Climate Change Canada will work to support eligible recipients to access their respective allocation through the FCPFIG as quickly as possible and is hosting information sessions with eligible recipients to provide more details on how to access funding.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $466,490,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $0 | $466,490,000 | $00 | $0 |
Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
Start date: 1997
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019
Link to departmental result(s): Preventing and managing pollution
Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Community Eco-Action
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) manages Science Horizons Youth Internship Program (Science Horizons). It is funded through the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Programs under the YESS aim to demonstrate federal leadership by investing in the skills required to meet the needs of the knowledge economy, facilitate the transition of skilled young people to a rapidly changing labour market, and promote the benefits of advanced studies.
Science Horizons is designed to increase youth employment in the environmental field across Canada. Science Horizons provides a wage subsidy of up to $25,000 and an additional financial support of up to $5,000 in skills development, training, and wraparound services to eligible employers to hire a recent Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) graduate. Two-year contribution agreements are currently in place (2023-2025) for four delivery organizations, who administer the program, including all activities related to matching eligible employers and interns.
Expected results: Create up to 581 internships in 2023-24 and 581 internships in 2024-25 and have 86 percent of past interns either obtain employment or return to advanced-level studies in STEM fields.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019-20: Horizontal Evaluation of the Youth Employment Strategy - Career Focus Stream. In addition, the Evaluation of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (Horizontal - led by Employment and Social Development Canada) is currently underway and planned to be completed by March 31, 2025.
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable.
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.
General targeted recipient groups: For-profit organizations; not-for-profit organizations; governments; Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: On November 16, 2022, ECCC initiated a call seeking proposals (via internet and social media) from potential recipients to collaborate in the delivery of Science Horizons for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years and concluded on January 6, 2023.
Each recipient targets a specific market segment within environmental and clean technology sectors to leverage their own network of organizations and educational institutions to promote Science Horizons. This includes promoting the program through their networks, attending career or job fairs, and participating in conferences and networking events with organizations in the environmental and clean technology industry.
In addition, ECCC promotes the program annually to applicants (both employers and interns) through Ministerial Announcements in coordination with social media communications and the program’s departmental internet site to share success stories on employers and interns who have benefitted from the program. On July 25, 2023, ECCC officially launched their 2023-24 program cycle through a Ministerial Announcement held in Ottawa, Canada.
| Type of transfer payment | 2024–25 forecast spending |
2025–26 planned spending |
2026–27 planned spending |
2027–28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $18,071,803 | $17,941,464 | $3,069,000 | $3,069,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $18,071,803 | $17,941,464 | $3,069,000 | $3,069,000 |