2022-2023 Departmental Results Report: Details on transfer payment programs

2022-2023 Departmental Results Report
Details on transfer payment programs

From: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Assessed contribution to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Start date: 1997

End date: Ongoing/ Annual

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 Environment and Climate 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). There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: For the period of 2022-23 to 2024-25, the CEC is expected to deliver on the 2021-2025 CEC Strategic Plan.

The 2021-2025 CEC Strategic Plan serves to guide trilateral cooperation over the course of the next five years, and establishes 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 Results achieved for the period of 2022-23 to 2024-25 are as follows:

As 2023 Chair, Canada hosted Mexico and the United States at the 2023 Council Session in Victoria, BC, under the theme of Urban and Indigenous Approaches to Climate Adaptation.
The CEC successfully launched two initiatives at the 2023 Council Session: (1) Climate Adaptation Champions Initiative, which will design and launch a partnership of cities across North America to share knowledge and best practices on climate adaptation, and (2) the Reaching Horizon 2030, an Environmental Outlook for North American Cooperation that will identify emerging environmental challenges in the lead up to 2030.
The Secretariat successfully launched five trilateral projects, to be implemented over the two calendar years: (1) grasslands conservation; (2) implementation of CITES Appendix II; (3) recycling and solid waste management; (4) nature-based solutions to climate change; and (5) marine litter.
The Secretariat successfully launched two additional initiatives, which include support on Fast Mitigation Strategies to reduce short-lived climate pollutants and on Food Loss and Waste.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: As per Rule 9 of the CEC Financial rules, the CEC provides the Parties with audited financial accounts at the end of each Quarter. Canada has verified and accounted for these reports. Latest (July 2023).

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

Each year, ECCC uses a risk-based approach to develop its five-year evaluation plan. Based on the results of this analysis, this TPP was not selected for evaluation during this exercise for one of the following reasons:

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: n/a

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$6,595,320	$2,363,342	$3,460,777	$4,402,573	$4,402,573	$941,796
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$6,595,320	$2,363,342	$3,460,777	$4,402,573	$4,402,573	$941,796

Explanation of variances

For this agreement, the Department has the opportunity to prepay amounts for the coming fiscal year if funding is available. The variance is due to the variation between amounts prepaid year-to-year.

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 species at risk are recovered.

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 contribution. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The Terms and Conditions establish results and an indicator for Canada as a Party to the Convention as follows:

Expected Result: Canadian interests and priorities related to the international trade of endangered species are addressed by CITES.

Indicator: 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. Canada met its obligation to the Convention by paying it’s assessed annual contribution in 2022-2023 and, for 2022-2023 to 2024-2025, Canada will continue to meet its obligations to the Convention by paying its assessed annual contribution at the level agreed by the CITES Conference of the Parties (COP).

In November 2022, Canada successfully participated in CITES 19^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP19), submitting a species proposal and working document which were successfully adopted by the Parties. Additionally, Canada actively participated in the discussion of 52 species proposals and over 100 working documents.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: 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.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$418,177	$0	$220,000	$4,435	$4,435	-$215,565
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$418,177	$0	$220,000	$4,435	$4,435	-$215,565

Explanation of variances

The 2022-2023 assessed contribution was paid in the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

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 Parties. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: 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 2022-23, Canada met its obligations to the Convention by paying it’s assessed annual contribution at the level agreed by the Ramsar Convention Conference of the Parties.

In November 2022, Canada successfully participated in Ramsar COP14, supporting the 22 resolutions adopted by Parties.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a - No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a -No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

However, an evaluation of the Habitat Conservation Partnerships (HCP) is currently underway. The HCP program is evaluated on a recurring basis to provide managers and executives and in-depth understanding of its performance, including its relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency. The core components of the HCP program evaluation include Protected Areas (National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries), Ecological Gifts Program, North American Waterfowl Plan, participation in the Ramsar Convention, and participation in the Pathway National Steering Committee. A final report is scheduled to be completed by February 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages the recipient through established governance mechanisms.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$193,000	$200,000	$206,140	$0	$0	-$206,140
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$193,000	$200,000	$206,140	$0	$0	-$206,140

Explanation of variances

2022-2023 assessed contribution was pre-paid in 2021-2022.

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

Start date: 2017-18

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): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.

Link to the department’s program inventory: International Environment and Climate Action

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) is an intergovernmental 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. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: 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. Ongoing projects have led to policy outcomes for restoring degraded land and forest in Cameroon, increased resilience to climate change for small rural farmers in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, and enhanced climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits by developing inclusive and sustainable industrial and small and medium-sized enterprises’ bamboo value chains resulting in enhanced livelihood opportunities, food security, and environmental management in East Africa.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a - No audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a - No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: Through Canada’s Embassy in Beijing, where INBAR is headquartered, Canada participates in the Annual General Meeting and other regular meetings of the organization.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$37,921	$34,894	$38,000	$36,263	$36,263	-$1,737
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$37,921	$34,894	$38,000	$36,263	$36,263	-$1,737

Explanation of variances

Variance between actual spending and planned spending is due to the higher-than anticipated exchange rate over the past year.

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): Canadians have clean water; The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s program inventory: 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. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: 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 the latest meetings in November 2021 and March 2022, the COP agreed to the budget and programme of work for 2022 and 2023, including support for the first effectiveness evaluation of the treaty (a multi-year scientific and policy initiative undertaken by the COP to assess the success of the treaty), national reporting, and communication and outreach activities. A budget and programme of work for the 2024-2025 biennium will be discussed at the next COP meeting scheduled for October 2023. 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.
- Actual results: Target partially met. Canada’s assessed contribution for 2022 was paid on February 8, 2022, due to a delay in receipt of the invoice from UNEP. Canada’s assessed contribution for 2023 was paid well in advance of the target on November 28, 2022.
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.

Actual results: Target achieved. During the intersessional period between COP4 and COP5 Canada has participated on expert groups on mercury releases and mercury waste and has also been a member of the scientific group to support the first effectiveness evaluation of the treaty. Canada also submitted comments to the Secretariat of Minamata Convention on indicators to the effectiveness evaluation and on the national reporting guidance. Canada will participate in Minamata COP5 from October 30-November 3, 2023.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a -No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: 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.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$171,377	$100,421	$200,000	$148,823	$148,822	-$51,178
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$171,377	$100,421	$200,000	$148,823	$148,822	-$51,178

Explanation of variances

The Terms and Conditions for payment of Canada’s assessed contribution to the Minamata Convention on Mercury sets out a maximum funding allocation of $200,000 annually. UNEP does not send the invoice for the upcoming calendar year until the third quarter of the relevant fiscal year. As a result of this timing and the possibility of currency fluctuations due to the requirement to pay Canada’s assessed contribution in U.S. funds, it is difficult to avoid a variance in the forecasted amount versus actual amount spent. Program staff will do their best to ensure additional funds are released as soon as possible after the invoice is received and paid, so this money is available to fund other priorities.

Assessed contribution to the Organisation 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: 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. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: 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 members countries from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), leading to international harmonization and mutual acceptance of data.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: n/a

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$121,214	$106,001	$121,214	$120,841	$120,841	-$373
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$121,214	$106,001	$121,214	$120,841	$120,841	-$373

Explanation of variances

The variances are attributed to the following factors (which themselves fluctuate): Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), EURO-CAD exchange rate and interest rates. The formula to calculate assessed contributions to the OECD Chemicals Program is based on the number of contributing Members and on Members’ GDP. The amount is set in EUROS and adjusted to inflation.

Please note that the assessed contribution rose to $116,898 CAD in 2023 and is expected to rise again in 2024 consistent with Canada’s relatively strong economic performance and higher interest rates.

Assessed contribution to the World Meteorological Organization

Start date: 2010-11

End date: 2022-23

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 United Nations (U.N.) Scale of Assessments 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 in order to remain a member. Our contribution to WMO gives Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) access to global hydrometeorological data including observational, forecasting, warning, and research information, which is essential to produce and deliver hydrometeorological services and would be prohibitively expensive to achieve on our own. For example, without data obtained through WMO, it would be impossible for ECCC to issue weather forecasts beyond 1–2-day horizon. WMO membership also provides Canada with an opportunity to influence the establishment of international standards related to weather, water, and climate. Canada’s assessed rate is 2.59% of the WMO Budget, which is calculated as approximately CHF1,800,512 (Swiss Francs) annually.

The 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. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The associated Departmental result indicator for Weather is the index of the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather warnings on a scale of 0 to 10. The target of 8.4 was exceeded in 2022-23, with a result achieved of 8.7 (three-year rolling average).

WMO supports the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC), along with other National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) in their provision of vital weather, water, climate, and air quality information, and in meeting international commitments in the areas of disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: As a signatory to the WMO Convention, Canada is required to pay annually an assessed contribution in order to remain a member. Our contribution to WMO gives ECCC access to global hydrometeorological information, which is essential to improving domestic hydrometeorological services, and would be prohibitively expensive to achieve on our own. WMO membership also provides Canada with an opportunity to influence global standards that apply to NMHS.

Canada engages with the WMO at many levels, from technical experts to senior officials:

Canada’s Permanent Representative to WMO is an ECCC’s Assistant Deputy Minister, Diane Campbell, Head of MSC. As such, she represents Canada at the World Meteorological Congress every four years. ADM Campbell is also an active member of the Executive Council (EC), WMO’s highest governance body between sessions of Congress. Under EC, she sits on the Policy Advisory Committee and co-chairs the Panel on Polar and High Mountain Observations, Research and Services. ADM Campbell also regularly participates in meetings of the WMO Financial Advisory Committee.
In addition, Canada contributes leadership and technical positions in WMO’s Infrastructure and Services Commissions, Research Board, as well as in EC’s Audit and Oversight Committee. Overall, this includes the contribution of approximately 100 ECCC and other Canadian experts to various technical working groups.

This does not change on an annual basis.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending*	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$2,626,085	$5,005,706	$2,167,785	$0	$0	-$2,167,785
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$2,626,085	$5,005,706	$2,167,785	$0	$0	-$2,167,785

Explanation of variances

The main estimates list planned spending for 2022-23 as $2,167,785. The WMO agreement, however, allows ECCC to prepay for the following year if funding is available. ECCC prepaid the 2022-23 amount at the end of 2021-22, which explains the increased payment of approximately $5M in 2021-22 and $0 in actual spending for 2022-23.

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: 2021-22

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; Habitat Conservation and Protection

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

The Canada Nature Fund is a critical tool for advancing actions by 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% of Canada’s land and freshwater by 2025, lay a foundation toward 30% 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.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved:

The Canada Nature Fund supported and furthered collaboration and momentum for conserving Canada’s biodiversity and habitat in 2022/23. The fund demonstrated the federal government’s leadership in enabling the establishment of protected and conserved areas, and preventing, protecting, and recovering species at risk.

Projects contributed to the departmental core responsibility of Conserving Nature and contributed to the following key Results through two Streams: Spaces and Species.

Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected.
Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.

Species Stream
- Under the Priority Species Initiative, $38.6 million was invested in 96 projects that supported the protection and recovery of priority species, as well as the implementation of Species at Risk Act Section.
- 11 conservation agreements with provinces and territories. 21 projects addressed six priority species: Boreal Caribou, Peary Caribou, Barren-ground Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, Greater Sage-grouse, and Wood Bison; while the remaining 63 projects addressed twenty-three other priority species including: multiple migratory birds, bats, Polar Bear, Spotted Owl, and Western Chorus Frog.
- Under the Priority Places Initiative, $14.8M was invested in 117 projects in 11 federal-provincial-territorial Priority Places that advanced collaborative multi-species and ecosystem-based conservation action planning and implemented early priority actions on-the-ground.
- Additionally, $5.9M was invested in 18 complementary Community-Nominated Priority Places for Species at Risk projects to support multi-partner initiatives in Priority Places across Canada, where there are opportunities to protect and recover species at risk and their habitat through multi-species and ecosystem-based conservation action.
- Under the Priority Sectors Initiative, $1.8M was invested in 14 projects to promote strategic approaches to species at risk conservation through natural capital valuation, fiscal incentives, knowledge transfer, integration of conservation targets into existing sector management and regulation, as well as participation in development of conservation action plans with the sectors.
- Under the International Threats Initiative, $860,000 was invested in 14 international projects that addressed threats outside of Canada to the recovery of migratory birds that spend part of their annual life cycle in Canada. Results include outreach to landowners, local communities, and hunters, development of communication and outreach products, training of local individuals and community leaders, identifying key sites for protection, and habitat conservation planning.
- Under the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative over $21.9M was invested in 104 projects that supported Indigenous leadership in species at risk conservation and enhancing relationships with Indigenous peoples. Projects supported Priority Species recovery (e.g., caribou and wood bison); wildlife health monitoring; involvement of Indigenous priorities in multi-species conservation planning; and capacity support to meet Environment and Climate Change Canada’s consultation and cooperation obligations for species at risk. The funding also supported mapping, stewarding, and restoring species at risk and their habitats on Indigenous lands in ways that consider existing and future interests of Indigenous peoples.
Spaces Stream
- Under the Indigenous Guardians Initiative, $19.7M was invested in 82 projects that provided First Nations, Inuit, and Métis with greater opportunity to exercise responsibility in stewardship of their traditional lands, waters, and ice.
- Under the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and other Protected and Conserved Areas Initiative:
  - $83.8M was invested in 71 Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation and Target 1 Challenge projects to advance the establishment of protected areas or other effective conservation measures in Canada. This land securement contributes to Canada’s area-based conservation target of 30% of lands and freshwater conserved by 2030.
  - $5M was provided to the Province of British Columbia to establish the to establish an Old Growth Nature Fund and undertake the protection of old growth forests at risk of deforestation from commercial logging.
  - $1.15M was provided to 4 projects in British Columbia to support the securement of over 300 hectares, develop mapping datasets; and undertake land use planning and resource management across valuable habitat to support discussions and negotiations between the Government of British Columbia and Environment and Climate Change Canada towards a Nature Agreement that will contribute to the federal target of protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and freshwater by 2030.
- Under the Indigenous distinctions-based Nature Tables Initiative, $4.1M in contributions were provided to Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Métis National Council and Governing Members to support the operationalization of the distinction-based Indigenous Nature Tables.
- Under the Natural Heritage Conservation Program Initiative, $25M was invested in the Nature Conservancy of Canada to work with regional and local land trusts and non-profits to secure over 95,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive private lands,
- Under the Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECM) Initiative, $15.8 M was invested in 54 projects to support the creation and effective management of protected areas; to restore habitats and reconnect Canadians to nature at select National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs); to implement conservation measures on Biosphere Reserves; and to support Key Biodiversity Areas identification, tools and database infrastructures.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: 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 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 addressed through simplified agreement templates.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$166,613,783	$163,288,963	$288,720,096	$293,355,922	$243,135,370	-$45,584,726
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$166,613,783	$163,288,963	$288,720,096	$293,355,922	$243,135,370	-$45,584,726

Explanation of variances

New funding in 2022-2023 for BC Old Growth and a reprofile of 22/23 Enhanced Nature Legacy funding to future years, internal reallocations to fund priorities, normal program operational slippage and the withdrawal or cancellation of some projects in the fourth quarter account for the variance.

Canada’s International Climate Finance Program

Start date: FY 2021-2022

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: FY 2021-2022

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 Environment and Climate Action

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to promote change towards addressing climate change and policies in developing countries. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: 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, as well as a number of initiatives supported under the commitment. Canada’s climate finance programming is being implemented by ECCC and Global Affairs Canada. ECCC disbursed $28,000,000.00 in climate finance in FY2022-23, in line with the funding profile.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: ECCC engaged with recipients to ensure appropriate disbursement of funds in-line with strategic and policy objectives. Activities were implemented in-line with planned activities outlined in the Departmental Plan.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$6,175,000	$10,282,500	$11,282,500	$11,282,500	$1,000,000
Total contributions	$0	$0	$16,000,000	$31,450,000	$31,450,000	$15,450,000
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$0	$6,175,000	$26,282,500	$42,732,500	$42,732,500	$16,450,000

Explanation of variances

Variances for 2022-23 equal to in-year transfers: $11,000,000 - memorandum of understanding with Global Affairs Canada (Supps C), $1,000,000 - MSC contribution ICF funding to ICF TPP (Supps B), $4,200,000 – International Affairs Branch (IAB) Opportunities (International Plastics Treaty & UNEP), $250,000 IAB internal transfer.

Conserving Nature

Start date: April 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: 2018-19

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.
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; and Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife

Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation; International Environment and Climate Action; Climate Change Adaptation

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 (GHG) emissions. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The Conserving Nature Program supported biodiversity conservation domestically and internationally. Specifically, in 22/23, projects funded contributed to the departmental core responsibility of Conserving Nature, and to the following key Results:

Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected.
- The Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures Initiative provided $1.M to 23 projects to support creating and effectively managing marine protected areas, and to connect Canadians to nature at select National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries
- $285,000 in contributions were provided to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity to continue the work of the Convention and advance Canada’s priorities, including the development and adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and hosting of the COP15 in Montreal. Canada’s funding contributed to the participation of some 700 delegates from developing countries.
- $2.5M in contributions were collectively provided to 7 different partners to support delivery of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Partners leveraged this funding into a substantive investment by other federal and non-federal partners (in both Canada and the United States) for wetland and upland habitat conservation efforts.
- A $1.46M in contributions were provided to Wildlife Habitat Canada to support its conservation grant program including managing the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Initiative. The Initiative enabled partners to support waterfowl and migratory birds by conserving or restoring 10,135 hectares of habitat across Canada and engaging over 29,000 Canadians in conservation and stewardship activities.
- $2,072,500 was provided under the Bird Monitoring and Conservation Initiative to engage more than 10 000 Canadians in Citizen Science projects such as breeding bird atlases, marsh bird monitoring, eBird, migration monitoring, Christmas Bird Counts etc., leading to the availability of hundreds of thousands of new data records on bird distribution and movement in open databases to support decision making.
Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
- The Habitat Stewardship Fund awarded over $6.3M in funding to 120 projects to support terrestrial stewardship projects for the recovery of species at risk. More than 100 species at risk were targeted in efforts to protect, secure, or improve their habitat, abate threats to their populations or individuals, conduct inventories and monitoring, and educate targeted audiences. 38% of the projects also acted to engage Indigenous peoples in conservation.
- The Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Lands Initiative invested over $2.4 million in two new projects and 17 previously approved multi-year projects to conserve and protect species at risk on agricultural lands. The projects contributed to increasing capacity for farmers and ranchers to integrate conservation into farm-level operations through strategic and farm-level conservation action planning, and the implementation of beneficial habitat management practices, as well as piloting innovative approaches to habitat conservation such as tax incentives and term conservation easements.
- $1.1M was provided to NatureServe Canada tor work with provincial and territorial Conservation Data Centres to collect, manage and disseminate information on species of conservation concern in Canada. These data have been used to support Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife (COSEWIC) status assessment and recovery planning under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.
- The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk awarded over $1.2 million to 27 new projects to support the development of Indigenous capacity to participate in the implementation of SARA, and to support and promote the conservation, protection, and recovery of SARA-listed and/or COSEWIC-assessed species, including culturally significant species, and their habitats on Indigenous lands or territories.
- $450,000 was invested in 6 Métis organizations/governments under the Powley Initiative in order to support capacity building in the collection and sharing of migratory game bird harvest data.
- $250,000 in contributions were provided to 2 Nations (Gwa’sala ‘Nakwaxda’xw and Haida) under the Oceans Protection Plan’s Community-based Partnerships Initiative to establish relationships that will support the co-development of marine bird monitoring programs
- $193,500 in contributions were provided to the Canadian Wildlife Federation for the Hinterland Who’s Who program. Select PSAs on freshwater turtles and the wolverine were translated and produced in select Indigenous languages.
- $934,288 in contributions were provided to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated via the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in the Nunavut Settlement Area to support ecotourism and enable participation in protected areas co-management committees.

Projects funded also contributed 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.

$40.1M was invested across Canada in 39 place-based Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the protection, enhanced management, and restoration of ecosystems.
$3.5M was invested in 22 Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund sector-based policy projects to engage the forestry, agricultural, urban development, mining, oil and gas sectors in updating, developing and/or implementing policies and tools to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.
$3.6M was invested in 14 Nature-Smart Climate Solutions Fund indigenous led project to support Indigenous organizations and communities to lead capacity building activities and on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration, improved land management, conservation of wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands, and forests. Projects resulted in reduced GHG emissions, and maximized co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency and human well-being.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$25,575,962	$57,103,485	$75,760,916	$74,615,667	$73,674,268	-$2,086,648
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$25,575,962	$57,103,485	$75,760,916	$74,615,667	$73,674,268	-$2,086,648

Explanation of variances

New funding in 2022-23 for the Ocean’s Protection Plan and COP15, decreased revenue from the sale of the Migratory Game Bird Hunting permit and its associated habitat conservation stamp, reallocations of funds to the Canada Nature Fund Transfer Payment Program to fund priorities, normal program operational slippage, and the withdrawal or cancellation of some projects in the fourth quarter account for the variance.

Contributions in support of Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Start date: 2018-19

End date: Includes Treasury Board Submissions for the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) Renewal and Hydrological (both sunset in 2022-23); as well as ongoing A-Base funding.

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. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The expected results are linked to the Departmental Result that Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.

The associated Departmental result indicator (DRI) for Weather is the index of the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather warnings on a scale of 0 to 10. The target of 8.4 was exceeded in 2022-23, with a result achieved of 8.7 (three-year rolling average).

The associated DRI for Hydro is the percentage of program partners rating their satisfaction with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s hydrological services as 8 out of 10 or higher. The target of 80% partner satisfaction was not met in 2022-23, with a result achieved of 69%. The justification for this was that the provincial and territorial partners identified that National Hydrological Service (NHS) continues to experience backlogs in approved historical data, which is limiting satisfaction despite other areas of strength. As it was the largest issue contributing to partner dissatisfaction, NHS will focus efforts on work to optimize data approval/upload process and increased focus on working to eliminate data approval backlogs. In addition, the NHS will renew its focus on client relationships, particularly with those that have expressed dissatisfaction with the services provided. This year the number of survey responses was low, in future reporting years, the NHS will focus on sending out surveys earlier to allow for greater time to provide responses.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: No internal audit related to the Weather and Hydro programs was completed in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: An evaluation of the National Hydrological Services program has been completed during Spring 2023 and has been published in July 2023, with one recommendation for the Program to address by end of 2024-25.

No evaluation related to the Weather program was completed in 2022-23. The next Weather evaluation (Weather and Environmental Services Program) is planned to start in 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: ECCC is a mix of directed and application based. MSC is committed to explore opportunities for innovative approaches to delivering the Grants & Contributions and explore novel projects, including the engagement of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$1,866,553	$2,209,475	$4,945,753	$3,784,638	$3,784,638	$1,161,115
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$1,866,553	$2,209,475	$4,945,753	$3,784,638	$3,784,638	$1,161,115

Explanation of variances

There is a variance of 1.2M under Predicting Weather due to a transfer of 1M to a different grant - International Climate Finance under “Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change”. The balance of 161K (98K under the Meteorological Service of Canada and 63K under Science and Technology) was lapsed due to cancelled/ amended agreements.

Contributions in Support of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory System

Start date: April 2019

End date: Treasury Board Submission funding sunsets in 2022-23.

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): 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: Environmental Assessment; Habitat Conservation and Protection; Species at Risk; Migratory Birds and other Wildlife

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The overall objective of these terms and conditions is to advance ECCC’s contribution to the “Cumulative Effects, Open Science and Evidence” approach. This includes the development of an open science and data platform; supporting regional assessments; conducting strategic assessments, including ones on climate change and biodiversity; and coordinating departmental, federal, and inter-jurisdictional efforts to implement the proposed approach to addressing the cumulative effects of natural resource development. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Reduced environmental impact from projects subject to IA:

Regional Assessment – Newfoundland Offshore

In 2022-23, under the Impact Assessment - Cumulative Effects Initiative, $500,000 was invested in seven projects in Atlantic Canada for the following recipients: Nunatsiavut Government ($100,000), Queen’s University ($70,000), Birds Studies Canada ($40,000), Innu Nation ($40,000) Miawpukek First Nation ($82,500), NunatuKavut Community Council ($85,000), and Qalipu First Nation ($82,500). These projects supported Indigenous capacity to contribute to the Newfoundland offshore regional assessment, contribute to key research on impacts of light pollution on migratory seabirds to inform mitigation measures, and build enhanced regional capacity for conservation planning for Leach’s Storm Petrel, a species that was recently assessed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

Regional Assessment – Ring of Fire (ON)

In 2022-23, for the Ring of Fire Regional Assessment, $288,000 was invested in three contribution agreements with Indigenous communities and organizations to develop and implement Indigenous-led biodiversity surveys, assemble Indigenous traditional knowledge and identify ecosystem values related to caribou and other species in the Ring of Fire region of Ontario’s Far North.

Cumulative Effects – Open Data

In 2022-23, funding was provided to three recipients: Birds Canada (BC) ($550,000); NatureServe Canada (NSC) ($885,000); and Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) ($439,000). This was the 5th year of funding out of 5-year agreements with each recipient. All funds were fully expended as allocated. Collectively, these three recipients manage or coordinate some of the most important collections of wildlife data in Canada, for migratory birds (BSC and ABMI) and for species of conservation concern (NSC), including species listed under the Species at Risk Act. Funding was used to develop platforms that allow for better management of these data and openly displaying these data at appropriate levels of resolution to match the sensitivity associated with the data. Specifically, the funds have supported development of the NatureCounts platform to display and manage migratory bird data (BC); WildTrax for managing data collected with a variety of sensors, including acoustic recorders and camera traps that can be used by many different users including government, environmental non-governmental organizations, private citizens, and industry proponents (ABMI), and NatureServe Explorer 2.0 which allows sharing of data on species of conservation concern from all of the Conservation Data Centres in Canada in ways that support decision making for conservation planning and impact assessment (NSC). All platforms are now operational, and in use by a wide range of users from Citizen Scientists to scientists to industry proponents. Additional development of new features, improved linkages with other platforms, and enhanced decision-support tools will continue over the next 5 years with renewed funding.

Cumulative Effects – Research

In 2022-23, under the Impact Assessment – Cumulative Effects Initiative, the Science Policy Branch-Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate invested $470,000 (Actual spent: 453,539 Lapsed 16,861= (9,900 lapsed and 6,961 returned to accounts)) in Grants and Contributions (G&C) projects that supported research that contributes scientific information to inform cumulative effects assessment on wildlife and habitat. The following G&C projects were approved for 2022-23.

Trent University: (GCXE22S093: $110,000.00). Implementing genomics-based monitoring to assess the impact of proposed mining activities in the Far North region of Ontario. This project conducted genomic profiling on Ontario caribou in anticipation of questions for the Ring of Fire Regional Assessment about baseline conditions and the cumulative effects of the proposed mining activities. This project was extended for an additional 2 years to fund the analysis of more samples, collected over a larger geographical area. Results will be used for population and demographic analyses, and to assess feasibility of assigning individual caribou to their respective Designatable Unit (DU) (Boreal Caribou vs Eastern Migratory Caribou).

Wilfred Laurier University (GCXE22S048: $80,000.00). Assessing and projecting cumulative effects of anthropogenic and natural disturbance on vegetation and wildlife in the Ring of Fire area. This project contributed to a multi-departmental effort to model cumulative effects, in anticipation of questions about baseline conditions and the cumulative effects of human activities and natural disturbance on wildlife that will likely be asked in the Ring of Fire Regional Assessment. Initial work (FY 2020-2022) highlighted errors and inconsistencies in available vegetation and fire maps, and important limitations of the existing SpaDES/SyncroSim model of forest change and associated caribou and land bird responses for projection of cumulative effects of disturbance on wildlife in the region. Thus, work in FY 2022-2023 focussed on coordination with partners to build on ongoing non-invasive wildlife monitoring efforts (i.e., camera traps, autonomous recording units) in the region to acquire and analyze baseline data for before, after, impact, control studies. Outcomes include partially completed analysis of camera trap and vegetation photos from a network of plots spanning >54,000 km2 and four degrees of latitude along the transition between the Western James Bay Lowlands and the Boreal Shield, and an Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance grant to support integrated analysis of co-located soil carbon, vegetation and wildlife plot data (FY 2023-2028).

University of Guelph: (GCXE22S047: $55,400.00) Spent 55,000.00 and lapsed $400.00 Prioritizing ethical space to support engagement among scientists and Indigenous communities in the Ring of Fire and beyond. This project aimed to explore the meaning of ethical space for Indigenous communities in the Ring of Fire and elsewhere in Canada and use this knowledge to establish best practices for scientists engaging with Indigenous communities regarding cumulative effects, thus supporting the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples to which the Government of Canada is committed. Initial conversations with Matawa Four Rivers Environmental Services clarified that FY 2022-2023 was not a good time for in person interviews in the region, particularly given the short duration of this project. Thus, the project focussed on analysis of case studies from a systematic review of examples of bridging Indigenous knowledge systems and Western sciences in terrestrial wildlife research, monitoring and management in Canada and Alaska. The outcome is a draft manuscript intended for peer reviewed scientific publication that aims to provide scientists and practitioners with practical advice on how they can collaborate in good and ethical ways with Indigenous communities, respecting the integrity of Indigenous knowledge systems in the research processes. Specifically, the manuscript describes twenty-six possible actions and a reflective tool to support ethical collaboration and reconciliation in wildlife research.

Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute: GCXE22S045: $45,000: Spent: $40,500: Lapsed: $4,500) Study of supplemental feeding as a short-term management action for caribou. Caribou declines across Canada have been attributed to cumulative effects of habitat alteration and climate change, including climate-driven food limitation. This project is testing the effectiveness of supplemental caribou feeding as a potentially effective management lever to sustain small/declining populations until habitat improves. This project was extended for an additional year. Initial trials conducted in 2022-23 in collaboration with the local Indigenous community (Simpcw First Nation) were useful to prioritize the placement and distribution of feeders to maximize access by caribou, and ultimately were successful in attracting caribou to feed without any negative impacts observed. The extension of funding will cover a second year of feeding trial, to allow further refinement of feeding supplementation and observation of impacts.

Mount Allison – (GCXE23S014: $50,000.00: Spent: $38,039: Unspent 6,961 returned to accounts: Lapsed: $5,000) Scientific data to support the management of cumulative effects on migratory waterbirds through the identification and protection of climate-resilient breeding colonies. This project aimed to develop an analytical framework and geospatial database to support the identification of climate-resilient islands that will, if protected, enable breeding populations to relocate as needed in response to multiple future stressors (e.g., sea-level rise, increased shipping and resource development). Funding was used for salaries and wages, travel, materials, and supplies expenditures, communication, and printing, overhead and contractors.

University of Guelph: (GCXE23S015: 50,000.00) Characterization of ecohydrological-carbon relationships and surface-carbon ecosystem service bundles in northern peatlands in the Central Hudson Bay region. This project focused on analysis of ~100 samples of surface-carbon stocks from a network of plots spanning >54,000 km2 and four degrees of latitude along the transition between the Western James Bay Lowlands and the Boreal Shield, and development of a conceptual framework that identifies key feedbacks that regulate vegetation, hydrology, and carbon dynamics to better anticipate how northern peatland systems will respond to the direct and cumulative impacts of disturbance. Outcomes include: a draft manuscript developed using a combination of literature review and expert input; partially complete analysis of surface-carbon samples; and an NSERC Alliance grant to support additional deep carbon sampling and integrated analysis of co-located soil carbon, vegetation, and wildlife plot data (FY 2023-2028).

River Institute – (GCXE23S016: $80,000.00) A project to establish techniques for cumulative effects assessments using wildlife indicator species in support of the St. Lawrence River Regional Assessment was completed. The project was extended for an additional year to completed additional analyses. The project involved the development of a list of Valued Ecosystem Components and a list of suitable bioindicator species that will be useful for monitoring the state of the St. Lawrence River and providing cumulative effects information for the St. Lawrence River Regional Assessment. A report was submitted, The Great River Rapport. In the second year of the project the species and indicator lists will undergo further review, including peer review.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a - No internal audit completed in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: A horizontal evaluation of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory Processes Initiative was completed in 2022-23. The evaluation made five recommendations, three of which apply to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and its partner departments and agencies, and two of which apply just to IAAC.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: Reduced environmental impact from projects subject to IA:

Some G&C funds were used to support an academic institution (GCXE23S018: Mikisew Cree First Nation (University of British Columbia) in engaging three First Nations (Kitasoo Xai’xais, Nuxalk, and Wuikinuxv Nations). Engagement activities included meetings in communities to establish trust and co-develop research priorities with the First Nations’ Stewardship Authorities, community visits to engage Knowledge Holders, trauma-informed facilitations training for Stewardship staff, virtual workshops and in person workshops with Knowledge Holders, as well as meetings to share project outcomes and results. Regional Assessment

Newfoundland Offshore – For work related to Indigenous Partner led projects and training. Continued activities will include quarterly virtual or in-person (per request) meetings to discuss progress, new project ideas and field component logistics, in-person training, data collection and monitoring work, on site field project support from ECCC and community engagement sessions are expected to resume.
Ring of Fire – For work related to Indigenous Partner led projects and training. Continued activities will include regular virtual or in-person (per request) meetings to discuss progress, new project ideas, field component logistics, virtual or in-person training, data collection and monitoring work.

Open data

The project manager within the Monitoring, Assessment and Information Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), met regularly (approximately monthly) by video conference with each of the Recipients of the Cumulative Effects and Open Data funding stream to discuss progress, accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities related to the activities being supported under these agreements.

Cumulative Effects – Research

The project managers of various contribution agreements met regularly by video conference with each of the Recipients of the Cumulative Effects funding stream on research projects to discuss progress, accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities related to the activities being supported under these agreements.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$2,783,255	$3,127,400	$2,970,400	$3,382,400	$3,382,400	$412,000
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$2,783,255	$3,127,400	$2,970,400	$3,382,400	$3,382,400	$412,000

Explanation of variances

Mount Allison University (G&C: GCXE23S014): The Recipient suffered unexpected health concerns and went on medical leave during the project, resulting in a variance of $-11,861.00 for FY 22-23 out of $50,000 total project funds for number years.

For WSTD: Recipient Mikisew Cree First Nation (GCXE23S018) decided not to proceed with invoicing for their agreement because expected results were not able to be achieved, due to significant challenges including the inability to access needed industry data, and slow ethics approval from collaborators.

Variances for FY 2022-23 are due to reallocations of funds from other Initiatives to provide additional funds to the projects under 4101 fund priorities, and the withdrawal or cancellation of some projects in the fourth quarter.

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: 2022-23

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 Environment and Climate 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 Programme (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.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The MLF continued 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, the main expected results are the continued gradual elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and the gradual reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in developing countries. Based on latest MLF progress report available, to date the MLF has supported the elimination of 292,086 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances consumption, 521,729 mtCO2eq of HFC consumption, and 205,377 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances production, the MLF has also supported positive change in national policies, legislation, and regulatory systems, and contributed to substantial global-scale environmental, human health and climate change mitigation impacts. Canada’s contribution has also allowed the MLF Secretariat to operate successfully in Montreal since the Fund’s inception. With respect to Canada hosting the MLF Secretariat in Montreal, paying the differential administrative costs ensured the efficient functioning of the Secretariat, continued to contribute to demonstrating Canadian leadership on environment and climate change, as well as Montreal’s global reputation as an international city, and generated 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.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a - No internal audit was completed in 2022-23. Grant is not subject to auditing requirements.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a -No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: There are no applicants. The grant is paid to UNEP as host and administrator of the MLF.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$2,553,643	$2,849,912	$3,517,500	$3,517,500	$3,517,500	$0
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$2,553,643	$2,849,912	$3,517,500	$3,517,500	$3,517,500	$0

Explanation of variances

Not applicable

Grants in support of Innovation Solutions Canada (ISC)

Start date: 2018-19

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23 to 2027-28

Link to departmental results: The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Substance and Waste Management

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Incentivize clean technology development and innovation to reduce plastic waste and pollution. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: In 2022-23, ECCC continued support of three (3) Phase 2 grant recipients (prototype development), GreenMantra Recycling Technologies project on recycling construction waste, Axipolymer project on creating a recyclable multi-layer film used for food packaging, and Magemi Mining Inc. for their project on graphene-reinforced recycled paper as a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. All three Phase 2 projects were completed successfully. ECCC also awarded three Phase 1 grants (proofs of concept) for projects to mitigate the release of microplastics from tire wear.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) conducted an internal review of ISC program design and implementation to determine its effectiveness in supporting program delivery, covering period from the launch of the program in 2017 to July 2021. No internal audits related to this program were completed by ECCC as the program is managed by ISED.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a -No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: ECCC continued to engage with three Phase 2 recipients of the 3 ongoing Challenges that ended in 2022-23, this included monthly meetings as well as final reports describing results achieved. ECCC evaluated 12 Phase 1 proposals for the Tire Wear Challenge and 3 grant agreements were awarded in March 2023 for delivery in 2023-24.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$2,096,212	$400,000	$700,000	$1,080,000	$1,024,148	$324,148
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$2,096,212	$400,000	$700,000	$1,080,000	$1,024,148	$324,148

Explanation of variances

An additional amount was processed through Supps B for the ISC grant authority to secure enough funding to complete all the projects with signed grant agreements with expenditures in 2022-23.

Grants in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Start date: 2010-11

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

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

Results achieved: For the 2022-23 to 2024-25 period, we expect ECCC to directly benefit from these supplements because they are low risk, and they encourage and help foster young Canadians to study and pursue careers in the atmospheric sciences.

In total 9 application were received during the 2022-23 fiscal year. Following an internal assessment of the 9 applications, four were selected to receive the Undergraduate supplement, valued at $1,000 and two applications were selected to receive the Post Graduate supplement of $5,000.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: No internal audit related to this subject were completed in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a - No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

This ECCC Grant Program assists the applicants with undertaking the projects that will connect to ECCC’s Atmospheric and Meteorological Graduate and Undergraduate supplements. 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 questions, concerns, issues, or clarification 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).
An insufficient number of successful applicants prevented the program from utilizing the full 2022-23 planned spending amount of 44K.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$21,000	$23,000	$44,000	$18,000	$18,000	-$26,000
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$21,000	$23,000	$44,000	$18,000	$18,000	-$26,000

Explanation of variances

The grant is funded at $44K each year. Following an internal assessment of the nine applications received, four applications were selected to receive the Undergraduate supplement, valued at $1,000 and two applications were selected to receive the Post Graduate supplement of $5,000. As a result of the total number of applicants, $14K was spent for fiscal year 2022-23 (4K was used to correct an Accounts Payable error from 2021-22). Remaining surplus funds were reallocated to other Branch Priorities.

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) and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. 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 strengthened climate action. Specifically, the LCEF supports actions that materially reduce greenhouse gas emissions (includes actions that materially increase removals where relevant), are incremental to current plans, and achieve significant reductions within the period of Canada’s first Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. Also, where possible, resources will be allocated towards those projects that yield the greatest absolute greenhouse gas reductions for the lowest cost-per-tonne.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Continue to support collaboration and maintain momentum with provinces and territories that are signatories to the PCF, 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 in order to contribute to Canada’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a - No internal audit completed in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a - No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: 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 Champions and Partnerships streams application processes. ECCC also engaged applicants across all LCEF program streams to negotiate and execute funding agreements.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$2,500,000	$2,500,000	$0	-$2,500,000
Total contributions	$280,907,138	$243,351,621	$291,034,709	$349,760,922	$190,825,185	-$100,209,524
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$280,907,138	$243,351,621	$293,534,709	$352,260,922	$190,825,185	-$102,709,524

Explanation of variances

Authorities available for use exceeded actual spending because recipients were unable to spend as much as expected under their funding agreements due to various factors including implementation delays from continued supply chain interruptions. In addition, delays were experienced in the execution of new funding agreements in fiscal year 2022-23. Furthermore, grants funding was not spent due to adjustments in program design and approach.

ECCC is seeking to reprofile funding from FY 2022-23 to future fiscal years to provide recipients and successful applicants with additional time to implement their projects and achieve GHG reductions.

Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund

Start date: 2021-2022

End date: March 31, 2026

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: Terms and conditions approved in 2022 and will expire in 2025/26.

Link to departmental result(s): OBPS Proceeds Fund falls under the Core Responsibility “Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change” and will contribute to the achievement of the Departmental Result “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 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 and will support the long-term decarbonization of Canada’s heavy industry sector through clean technology implementation projects and large-scale clean electricity initiatives.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Proceeds from the 2022 compliance year are not yet available. A funding agreement was signed with Saskatchewan to return $173,872,000 from OBPS proceeds collected from the 2019, 2020 and 2021 compliance years under the Future Electricity Fund. Funding agreements were signed with seven recipients, returning $9,481,000 in OBPS proceeds collected from the 2019 and 2020 compliance years under the Decarbonization Incentive Program.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a – No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: 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.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$12,050,308	$12,050,308	$0
Total program	$0	$0	$0	$12,050,308	$12, 050,308	$0

Explanation of variances

No variance

Preventing and Managing Pollution

Start date: April 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: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have clean air; Canadians have clean water; The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Air Quality; Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships; Community Eco-Action; 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. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved:

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.

Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships:

In 2022–23, ECCC continued to focus effort on improving, restoring, and protecting the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Lake Winnipeg and other large lakes and rivers that are among Canada’s most important freshwater resources. The Department also continued to increase public engagement in conservation and restoration through citizen science, and to fund water conservation and protection activities through various ecosystems initiatives, such as:

$440,000 in funding from the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiative for three new projects to directly address water quality issues in the Wolastoq [Wəlastəkw]/Saint John River watershed.
An investment of more than $3.9 million over three years in thirty-nine new projects in Ontario through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, part of the Government of Canada’s Freshwater Action Plan
Ongoing work to implement the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin, under which efforts continued with Indigenous and other partners to reduce nutrient loadings in the Basin. In 2022-23, Canada invested $1.6M in stakeholder led actions to support nutrient reduction, advance science, and support Indigenous engagement and collaboration.
In 2022-2023, ECCC distributed $431,046 in funding for 10 projects under the Community Interaction Program. These projects involved riverside communities, including First Nations. Specifically, the projects funded were intended among others to protect important ecological systems (i.e., wetlands, rivers, coastal environment) and restore aquatic and riparian habitats. A supplementary 2022-2023 budget of 500K$ under the Freshwater Action Plan also allowed four community projects aiming at reducing non-point source pollution from agricultural activities, among other through revegetation. The projects involved 42 partners (among which municipal and agricultural organizations) who leveraged $147,383 in additional investments for improving water quality. This is part of Investments of $41,239 million and $23,15 million over five years by the governments of Canada and Québec, respectively, under the St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011–2026.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit undertaken in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: In 2020-2021, the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) was subject to an evaluation of the design and delivery of the Program in ECCC. Conducted from June 2020 to April 2021, the evaluation examined design and delivery aspects of the EDF in ECCC from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2020. The evaluation was approved in June 2022 and was published on the ECCC website in both official languages. The evaluation found that some of the EDF’s generic templates and processes are not necessarily adapted to the flexibilities available to a specified purpose account. As a result, some of the existing EDF procedures, guidance documents and tools have challenged the Program’s ability to effectively disburse funds and absorb the pressures created by the recent growth in the number and value of awards. In turn, this has created an unnecessary administrative burden for the EDF. The evaluation also found that there are opportunities to integrate more guidance in program procedures, guidance documents and tools around engagements with Indigenous communities.

Departmental priorities represented in the Departmental Results Framework and those related to conservation, protected species, and Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) will also be represented in EDF policies where appropriate.

As a result of the evaluation, EDF has initiated a review of all program policies and templates to maximize effectiveness, transparency, and engagement and partnerships with Indigenous communities and subject matter experts across the country.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: 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: social media; information provided on the departmental website; email correspondence with targeted interest groups; and meetings with targeted recipient communities.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$24,049,566	$26,521,747	$27,518,487	$44,327,967	$33,930,857	$6,412,370
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$24,049,566	$26,521,747	$27,518,487	$44,327,967	$33,930,857	$6,412,370

Explanation of variances

The EDF is not a Grants and Contributions program. It is a Specified Purpose Account that receives variable funding amounts per year from environmental offences. EDF funding does not lapse, and can be carried over into future fiscal years, which contributes to expenditure variances.

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: 2016-17

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have clean air; Canadians have clean water; The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

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 Career Focus stream of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Programs under the Career Focus stream 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 wrap-around services to eligible employers to hire a recent Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) graduate. Two-year contribution agreements are currently in place (2021-2023) for six delivery agents, who administer the program, including all activities related to matching eligible employers and interns. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Create up to 578 internships in 2022-2023, 581 internships in 2023-2024 and 581 internships in 2024-2025 and have 80% of past interns either obtain employment and 6% return to advanced-level studies in STEM fields.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: n/a – No internal audit was planned in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: n/a - No evaluation undertaken in 2022-23.

No regulatory requirements apply;
The evaluation has been conducted recently or is planned for a subsequent year, or;
The program is not a priority at the moment.

This program will continue to be considered in the context of the Department’s annual risk-based analysis.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: In November 2022, ECCC initiated a call for proposals (via internet and social media) from potential recipients to collaborate in the delivery of the Science Horizons Program for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years.

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. Official quarterly program updates are conducted by the Science Horizons team to the recipients to address irregularities and issues arising with any employers/ interns, update on the outreach plan and targets, and any organization updates.

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.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment	2020–21 actual spending	2021–22 actual spending	2022–23 planned spending	2022–23 total authorities available for use	2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2022–23 actual minus 2022–23 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$2,909,000	$36,331,487	$14,129,000	$14,337,000	$14,337,000	$208,000
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$2,909,000	$36,331,487	$14,129,000	$14,337,000	$14,337,000	$208,000

Explanation of variances

The variance of $208,000 relates to an oversubscription of the program, which resulted in additional wage subsidy required to cover the cost of additional internships.

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2023-11-09

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2022-2023 Departmental Results Report: Details on transfer payment programs

2022-2023 Departmental Results Report
Details on transfer payment programs

Assessed contribution to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation

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

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

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

Assessed contribution to the Minamata Convention on Mercury

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

Assessed contribution to the World Meteorological Organization

Canada Nature Fund

Canada’s International Climate Finance Program

Conserving Nature

Contributions in support of Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Contributions in Support of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory System

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

Grants in support of Innovation Solutions Canada (ISC)

Grants in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund

Preventing and Managing Pollution

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Page details

2022-2023 Departmental Results Report: Details on transfer payment programs

2022-2023 Departmental Results Report Details on transfer payment programs

Assessed contribution to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation

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

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

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

Assessed contribution to the Minamata Convention on Mercury

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

Assessed contribution to the World Meteorological Organization

Canada Nature Fund

Canada’s International Climate Finance Program

Conserving Nature

Contributions in support of Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Contributions in Support of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory System

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

Grants in support of Innovation Solutions Canada (ISC)

Grants in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund

Preventing and Managing Pollution

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Page details

2022-2023 Departmental Results Report
Details on transfer payment programs