2026-2027 Departmental Plan
Supplementary information tables

From: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Details of transfer payment programs

Canada Nature Fund

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: April 1, 2018
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2026-27

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Contributions in support of the Canada Nature Fund
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; for-profit organizations; governments; international (non-government).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Natural habitat is protected and conserved
• Wildlife is recovered and maintained

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Conservation and Species

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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Migratory Birds Program

Conserving Nature

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: April 1, 2018
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2026-27

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Grants and Contributions in support of Conserving Nature
• Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

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).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Natural habitat is protected and conserved
• Wildlife is recovered and maintained

And potential projects that contribute to other concurrent departmental result(s):

• Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Conservation and Species

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:

• Percentage of Canadian areas conserved as protected areas and Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures
• Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges
• Percentage of species at risk for which changes in populations are consistent with recovery and management objectives

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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Migratory Birds Program
• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Oceans Protection Plan
  (Horizontal – led by Transport Canada)
• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund (including 2 billion Trees Program) (Horizontal – led by Natural Resources Canada).

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: April 1, 2017
• End date: March 31, 2029
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Contributions in support of the Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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, territorial, Indigenous, municipal, for-profit and not-for-profit 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: Governments; Indigenous recipients; not-for-profit organizations and charities; individuals and sole proprietorships; academia and public institutions; for-profit organizations.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Expected results: Continue to support collaboration and maintain momentum with provinces, territories, Indigenous organizations, 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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Core Climate Change Mitigation
• 2027-28: Evaluation of the Carbon Pollution Pricing Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC)

Preventing and Managing Pollution

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: April 1, 2018
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Grants and Contributions in support of Preventing and Managing Pollution
• Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to protect, conserve and have a positive impact on the environment.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; individuals and sole proprietorships; for-profit organizations; governments.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadians have clean air
• The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Environmental Pollution Management

Expected results:

• Percentage of the population living in areas where air pollutant concentrations are less than or equal to the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards
• Percentage of actions taken in a timely manner to protect Canada’s environment from chemicals found to be a risk to the environment

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy Initiative (Horizontal – led by ECCC).
• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Oceans Protection Plan (Horizontal – led by Transport Canada)
• 2030-31: Evaluation of the Pollution Enforcement

Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: April 1, 2018
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2026-27

Funding details

• Name of program in terms and conditions: Grants and Contributions in support of Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to promote change towards sustainable environmental and climate change development and policies.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; international (non-government); Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; for-profit organizations; governments.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced
• Canada moves towards clean growth and a low-carbon intensity economy
• Canadian communities, economies and ecosystems are more resilient to climate change
• Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
• Climate Change Adaptation
• International Environment and Climate Change Engagement

Expected results:

• Percentage reduction in Canada’s annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to 2005 (historical data)
• Reduction in emissions intensity of the Canadian economy relative to 2005 (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per gross domestic product (GDP)) (Mt CO₂ eq/$B GDP)
• Number of Canadians (individuals, businesses, and governments) accessing federal climate services
• Cumulative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions (Mt CO₂ eq) resulting from international initiatives funded by Canada

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Climate Change Adaptation (Horizontal – led by ECCC)
• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Census for Environment Program (Horizontal – led by Statistics Canada)
• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund (including 2 billion Trees Program) (Horizontal – led by Natural Resources Canada)
• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Core Climate Change Mitigation
• 2027-28: Evaluation of the Carbon Pollution Pricing Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC).

Assessed contribution for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 1997
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Assessed contribution for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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).

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Environment and Climate Change Engagement

Expected results: For the period of 2024-25 to 2025-26, the CEC is expected to advance trilateral cooperation between Canada, Mexico and the United States of America based on its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. 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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Assessed contribution to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 1975
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Assessed contribution to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Natural habitat is protected and conserved
• Wildlife is recovered and maintained

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Conservation and Species

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 2026-27, 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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Assessed contribution to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 1981
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions Assessed contribution to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Assessed contributions in 2024-2025 were 128,674 CHF, but changes are expected as there are changes to the list of Contracting Parties, updates to the scale of assessments, and a small increase in the Convention budget, as well as currency fluctuations. 

2025-2026 contribution was prepaid in 2024-2025.  

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Natural habitat is protected and conserved
• Wildlife is recovered and maintained

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Conservation and Species

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 2026-27, 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.

Evaluations

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Assessed contribution to the Minamata Convention on Mercury

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: January 1, 2018
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Assessed contribution to the Minamata Convention on Mercury
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Environmental Pollution Management

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 November 2025, the COP agreed to the budget and program of work for 2026 and 2027, including ongoing support for the first effectiveness evaluation of the treaty, national reporting, publications and communication and outreach activities. A budget and program of work for the 2028-29 biennium will be discussed at the next COP meeting scheduled for June 2027.

Under ECCC’s Departmental Plan the following performance indicators and results are expected for Minamata:

Indicator #1: Canada pays its assessed contributions on an annual basis.

• Expected Result: Canada pays its annual assessed contributions 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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Assessed contribution to the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 2017-18
• End date: Dec 31, 2027
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Assessed contribution to the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government)

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Environment and Climate Change Engagement

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.

Evaluation 

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Assessed contribution to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 1994
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Assessed contribution to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives 

• 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. The OECD is a strategic partner for Canada 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (inter-governmental)

Departmental Results Framework 

Link to departmental result(s):

• The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Environmental Pollution Management

Expected results: The assessed contribution is expected to advance 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, it will contribute to  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. In particular, the assessed contribution will back the development of New Substances Approach Methods (NAMs) directly supporting the implementation of Canada’s Strategy to Replace, Reduce and Refine vertebrate animal testing – a key initiative under the modernized Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Evaluation  

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Assessed contribution to the World Meteorological Organization

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 2010-11
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Assessed contribution to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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 2.50 percent of the WMO Budget for the 2026-2027 biennium, which is calculated as approximately CHF 1,734,500 (Swiss Francs) per year.

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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadians use authoritative meteorological, hydrological, and related information to make decisions about their health and safety

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Meteorological Services
• Hydrological Service.

Expected results:  The associated Departmental result indicator is “Percentage of the population of a warned area who report having seen or heard a recent weather warning and who took actions in response” with a target of at least 40% for 2026-27.

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 other environmental information such as air quality, and to meet international commitments in the areas of disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 2018-19
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Funding detail

• Name of program terms and conditions: Contributions in support of Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; international (non-government); Indigenous recipients; academia and public institutions; individual or sole proprietorships; governments.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadians use authoritative meteorological, hydrological, and related information to make decisions about their health and safety
• Canadian public authorities use authoritative meteorological and related information to make decisions about the health, safety, and prosperity of Canadians

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Meteorological Services
• Hydrological Service.

Expected results:

• Percentage of the population of a warned area who report having seen or heard a recent weather warning and who took actions in response
• Percentage of program partners rating their satisfaction with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s hydrological services as 8 out of 10 or higher
• Percentage of public authorities agreeing that the weather and related information provided met their needs with respect to decision-making

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Oceans Protection Plan (Horizontal – led by Transport Canada).
• 2026-27: Evaluation of the Climate Change Adaptation (Horizontal – led by ECCC)

Contributions in support of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory System

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: April 2024
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Contributions in support of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory System
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

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).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadians have clean air
• The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Environmental Pollution Management

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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2026-27: Evaluation for the Impact Assessment and Regulatory Regime Program (Horizontal – led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada).

Grant for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 1994-95
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Grant for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
• Type of transfer payment: Grants
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose of the Grant is:

1. to pay up to 20% of Canada’s mandatory annual contribution to the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF); and
2. 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: International (non-government).

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Environment and Climate Change Engagement

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. From 2025-26 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).
• 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.

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable

Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 2010-11
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions Grants in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians
• Type of transfer payment: Grants
• Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-profit organizations and charities; academic and public institutions; individual or sole proprietorships; government.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadians use authoritative meteorological, hydrological, and related information to make decisions about their health and safety

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Meteorological Services

Expected results: For the 2026-27 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)

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable.

Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund

Timeframe of the transfer payment program

• Start date: 2022
• End date: March 31, 2030
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

Funding details

• Name of program terms and conditions: Contributions in support of the Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund
• Type of transfer payment: Contributions
• 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.

Purpose and objectives

• 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.

Recipients

General targeted recipient groups: Jurisdictions subject to the federal Output-Based Pricing System.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Expected results: ECCC has concluded bilateral FEF funding agreements with Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick, which would see over $640 million in OBPS proceeds returned through the program.  ECCC has concluded 47 funding agreements under DIP with a combined contribution value of $174 million.  

Evaluation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

• 2027-28: Evaluation of the Carbon Pollution Pricing Program (Horizontal – led by ECCC)

Up-Front Multi-Year Funding

General information on upfront multiyear funding to Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Recipient information: For more information, please visit the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust site.

Start date: February 2000

End date: In perpetuity

Link to departmental result(s): The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances

Link to department’s program inventory: Environmental Pollution Management

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Creation of an endowment fund for the CBT, which is the cornerstone of the Clayoquot Sound United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve. The CBT will use the income from the endowment fund to support local research, education, and training in the Biosphere Reserve region.

Total funding approved (dollars): $12 million

Total funding received (dollars): $12 million (in 2000)

Planned funding in 2026-27 (dollars): $0

Planned funding in 2027-28 (dollars): $0

Planned funding in 2028-29 (dollars): $0

Summary of recipient’s annual plan: During 2026-27, the CBT will focus on the following objectives and deliverables:

• deliver a range of grants for regional initiatives in the areas of research and environment, arts and culture, community development, youth and education, and conservation action
• host a public engagement on Climate Planning and build partnerships towards a regional climate adaptation project at the regional scale
• proceed with the construction of the Biosphere Centre - a social purpose, mixed-use building to serve as a permanent office for the CBT and a regional hub for communities, organizations, and researchers
• host two regional stewardship and restoration forums with a focus on environmental research, stewardship, restoration, and sustainable development
• support Indigenous-led stewardship and restoration projects that meaningfully contribute to the conservation of biodiversity
• seek climate action training and build partnerships towards creating a climate action statement, plan, or program at the regional scale
• host a 25th anniversary celebration of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Bioshpere in partnership with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

General information on upfront multiyear funding to Green Municipal Fund

Recipient information: For more information, please visit the Green Municipal Fund site.

Start date: February 2000

End date: In perpetuity

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced
• Canadian communities, economies, and ecosystems are more resilient to climate change

Link to department’s program inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) was established as part of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to enhance the health and the quality of life of Canadians. Currently, the GMF focuses on accelerating the transformation of municipalities into sustainable, resilient, net-zero communities. The Fund supports renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change adaptation, and a variety of other sustainability projects to achieve these goals. To meet its objectives, the GMF provides financial and operational support for feasibility studies, pilot projects, capital projects, and capacity development activities.

Between 2000 and 2018, the Government of Canada endowed the FCM with $675 million in funding to administer a revolving endowment fund providing grants, loans, and loan guarantees for municipal environmental projects. Of this amount, $337.5 million was provided through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). As per Budget 2019, the Government of Canada, through Natural Resources Canada, transferred an additional $950 million to the GMF.

In April 2024, the Government of Canada, through ECCC, provided an additional $530 million in up-front multi-year funding to expand the GMF and establish the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) initiative. This transfer brought the total amount to $2.155 billion. The LLCA helps municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change through three distinct components: (1) Climate-Ready Plans and Processes, to integrate climate resilience into municipal plans, processes, and management systems; (2) Adaptation through Action, to accelerate the implementation of equitable adaptation action in communities; and (3) Financing Adaptation, to pilot innovative financing mechanisms to attract greater private sector participation in adaptation.

Total funding approved (dollars): $867,500,000

Total funding received (dollars): $867,500,000

Planned funding in 2026-27 (dollars): $0

Planned funding in 2027-28 (dollars): $0

Planned funding in 2028-29 (dollars): $0

Summary of recipient’s annual plan: For more information see: Sustainable Communities, Stronger Canada GMF Annual Report 2024-2025

The GMF’s Annual Report 2024-25:

• advocates for strategic investments in community infrastructure, to grow local economies and secure economic prosperity for Canadians in a sustainable manner
  • The Report emphasizes that environmental sustainability and economic prosperity are deeply interconnected and mutually beneficial
• celebrates the launch of both the $530 million Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) initiative, and the $291 million Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) program
  • The Report also celebrates the GMF's approval of $311 million in new projects across all its programs
• notes the successes of the Community Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Affordable Housing initiatives. These initiatives were established through funding provided to GMF in 2019
• outlines GMF’s continued commitment to reconciliation and anti-racism, equity and inclusion (AREI) and efforts to secure private sector investment to address sustainability challenges

General information on upfront multiyear funding to the Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence Initiative

Recipient information: Our Land for the Future Trust

Start date: April 1, 2025^{Footnote 1}

End date: March 31, 2040

Link to departmental result(s):

• Natural habitat is protected and conserved

Link to department’s program inventory:

• Conservation and Species

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Creation by the Our Land for the Future Trust (OLFT) of an endowment fund ($90,000,000) and spend down fund ($210,000,000) for further disbursement of funds to Indigenous partners to support the conservation actions in the Northwest Territories and the ongoing administrative costs for operations of the OLFT. The vision and mandate of the Trust is to support Indigenous-led stewardship of lands and waters in the Northwest Territories and to make a substantial contribution to meeting Canada's global commitments to protect and conserve more lands and waters. Its objectives are to protect the land and water, preserve biodiversity, support thriving cultures, build community capacity, and contribute to healthy and equitable economies. The grant funding will contribute to the OLFT’s aim for the conservation and stewardship of up to 379,390 square kilometers of lands and inland waters in the Northwest Territories, seeking to protect more than 2% of Canada in new terrestrial areas over the longer term.

Total funding approved (dollars): $300,000,000

Total funding received (dollars): $300,000,000

Planned funding in 2026-27 (dollars): $0

Planned funding in 2027-28 (dollars): $0

Planned funding in 2028-29 (dollars): $0

Summary of recipient’s annual plan:

The OLFT’s Annual Summary Corporate Plan is due to be shared with the Government of Canada by February 2026 and has not yet been received.

Based on the implementation plan presented by the Trust at the last Partners Table meeting, in 2026-27, the Trust will continue to focus on the following objectives and deliverables:

• finalizing the establishment of the OLFT operations, ensuring all governance, operational and disbursement systems are fully underway
• review and approve comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework
• provide funding to eligible Indigenous partners for projects focusing on three key areas of core activities:
  1. area-based conservation
  2. Indigenous stewardship and Guardians
  3. land use planning

In 2026-27 and beyond, the Trust will continue supporting partners’ delivery of the core activities and outcomes outlined in the OLFT Agreement, including those related to area-based conservation, stewardship and Indigenous Guardians programs, land use planning, and other conservation-related activities. This will include:

• working towards initial expected results of protecting up to 77,000 km² of new areas for addition to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD) by 2028, equivalent to 6% of the Northwest Territories
• initiating work towards advancing up to an additional 50,000 km² reported to CPCAD by 2035

Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects

The Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects focuses on the federal efforts needed to accelerate regulatory efficiency for clean growth projects. It is intended to help get clean growth projects built faster by accelerating decision-making related to these projects.

Section 1. Overview of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Role in Supporting Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has authorities over regulatory processes as well as permitting, licencing, and regulatory authorization (hereinafter referred to as ‘permits’) processes for impacts within federal jurisdiction resulting from infrastructure, large-scale energy development, natural resource extraction and other major development projects. The Department, as a Federal Authority, is also responsible for providing specialist or expert information or knowledge within its possession to support federal environmental assessments of projects when requested by the authority responsible for the assessment.

In alignment with the Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects, ECCC contributes by:

• collaborating with other federal departments, Indigenous partners, provinces, and territories to identify opportunities for efficiency and to streamline regulatory processes
• ensuring environmental assessments and permitting processes are conducted efficiently and are integrated where possible while maintaining robust environmental protections and respecting Indigenous rights
• ensuring permitting decisions are provided in a timely manner, based on robust science and information including Indigenous knowledge, due diligence, and respect for Indigenous rights
• engaging with proponents to provide timely guidance and support for major projects and Projects of National Interest
• providing risk-based advice in the context of federal impact assessments to support streamlined assessments in a manner that also contributes to Canada’s domestic and international commitments on biodiversity (e.g., Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy, Federal Sustainable Development Strategy)
• digitally enabling regulatory compliance through the Regulatory Services Modernization initiative, including permitting, authorizations and notifications, particularly those with higher volumes or priorities under the Clean Growth Agenda

Section 2. Results for Thematic Areas of the Cabinet Directive

Theme 1: Strengthening service standards

Planned results:

ECCC will:

• refine internal processes and structures to reduce duplication, enable meaningful consultations with Indigenous groups and proponents, and accelerate decision-making for Clean Growth projects
• develop internal guidance for environmental assessment and permit reviewers to ensure consistency across regions, and provide clear external guidance to improve proponent understanding and predictability

Planned results: Strengthen service standards associated with environmental assessment and permitting processes.

• continue to analyze internal processes and structures to identify efficiencies, reduce duplication, support meaningful Indigenous and proponent engagement, and shorten timelines for informed decisions on major projects and Projects of National Interest
• establish a coherent, standardized one-window governance approach to enable timely, consistent, and well-supported decisions
• strengthen digital capacity to better track projects, improve transparency, and support assessments
• negotiate and formalize agreements with federal partners and within ECCC to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and resource sharing
• support the Government of Canada’s review of policies, regulations and legislation to make changes to achieve a two-year timeline for all federal decision-making for major projects
• advance “one project, one review” through cooperation agreements with willing provinces

Theme 2: Providing timely guidance to proponents

Planned results:

ECCC will continue to

• work to finalize and publish the tri-departmental policy on permitting under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), to enhance predictability and transparency for project proponents
• adopt a service-oriented approach to deliver early permitting guidance and streamline information exchanges with proponents
• provide clear, accessible external guidance to improve proponent understanding and process predictability

Theme 3: Coordinating consultation with Indigenous Peoples

Planned results:

ECCC will work with:

• the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and other federal authorities to identify efficient structures for Coordinated Crown Consultations (CCC), providing advice based on ECCC’s experiences and expertise
• IAAC and other federal authorities to formalize CCC early in the lifecycle of project and regulatory action planning

ECCC will:

• implement integrated environmental assessment (EA) and permitting processes for key permits, combining consultation activities to reduce duplication while maintaining quality, and improving broader Crown Consultation across departments
• coordinate SARA-related engagements with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada, adhering to SARA timelines and ECCC policies
  • The Department will engage Indigenous Peoples promptly, identify affected First Nations and Wildlife Management Boards, and align with bilateral agreements and Indigenous preferences for engagement timing

Planned results: Coordinate efforts of consultation with Indigenous Peoples.

• support a coordinated approach to proactive Indigenous engagement in collaboration with IAAC
• develop best practices to support effective and respectful Indigenous consultations, ensuring timely, transparent decisions that integrate Indigenous Rights, interests, knowledge, and address cumulative effects

Horizontal initiatives

Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada

The Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada Horizontal Initiative Supplementary Table is undergoing final review and confirmation across implicated federal departments. The table will be published on this web page as soon as it is finalized. Please check here later for further updates, or reach out to Sarah Fiset (sarah.fiset@ec.gc.ca) for more information.

Climate Change Mitigation

The Climate Change Mitigation Horizontal Initiative Supplementary Table is undergoing final review and confirmation across implicated federal departments. The table will be published on this web page as soon as it is finalized. Please check here later for further updates, or reach out to Danielle Lafontaine (Danielle.Lafontaine@ec.gc.ca) for more information.

Climate Change Adaptation

The Climate Change Adaptation Horizontal Initiative Supplementary Table is undergoing final review and confirmation across implicated federal departments. The table will be published on this web page as soon as it is finalized. Please check here later for further updates, or reach out to Danielle Lafontaine (danielle.lafontaine@ec.gc.ca) for more information.

Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan

The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan Horizontal Initiative Supplementary Table is undergoing final review and confirmation across implicated federal departments. The table will be published on this web page as soon as it is finalized. Please check here later for further updates, or reach out to pascf-fcsap@ec.gc.ca for more information.