Supplementary Information Tables 2022-2023
Table of contents
- Reporting on green procurement
- Details on transfer payment programs
- Gender-based analysis plus
- Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
- Response to parliamentary committees
- Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
- Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
- United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
Reporting on green procurement
This supplementary information table supports reporting on green procurement activities in accordance with the Policy on Green Procurement.
Context
Although Polar Knowledge Canada was not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act in 2022–23 and is not required to develop a full 2020–23 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS), Polar Knowledge Canada adheres to the principles of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) by complying with the Policy on Green Procurement.
The Policy on Green Procurement supports the Government of Canada’s effort to promote environmental stewardship. In keeping with the objectives of the policy, Polar Knowledge Canada supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision-making process through the actions described in the 2019 to 2022 FSDS “Greening Government” goal.
Commitments
Greening government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations.
| FSDS target | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions supporting the Greening Government goal and the Policy on Green Procurement | Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions |
|
|
Results: In 2022-23, common use procurement instruments which include environmental considerations were leveraged, where available and feasible. In 2022-23, all Polar Knowledge Canada contracting templates were reviewed. |
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions – including the purchase of vehicles and local goods — as well as asset management. These considerations motivate suppliers to “green” their goods, services, and supply chain. |
| Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees | Training on Green Procurement training through the COR405 | 100% trained | 100% trained | SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and it |
Report on integrating sustainable development
During the 2022–23 reporting cycle, Polar Knowledge Canada had no proposals that required a strategic environmental assessment, and no public statements were produced.
Details on transfer payment programs
Transfer Payments to support the Advancement of Northern Science and Technology - $5 million or more
Start date: June 2015
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contribution
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015-2016
Link to departmental result(s): Polar Knowledge Canada’s Transfer Payment Program supports all four of the Agency’s departmental results:
- Canada’s polar science and technology research is publicly available and being applied.
- Canada’s Arctic science includes Indigenous and local knowledge.
- Canada fosters domestic and international knowledge exchange and partnerships in polar science and technology.
- The next generation of Canadian polar researchers is developed.
Link to the department’s program inventory: Science and Technology
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: This program aims to anchor a strong research presence in Canada’s Arctic. It focuses on science, monitoring, and technology development and transfer. By partnering with key stakeholders and through its internal science and technology capacity, Polar Knowledge Canada will acquire the wide range of information needed to pursue effective solutions to polar issues, policy and program development, and advance Canada’s position as a leading Arctic nation. This program will create an environment in which Indigenous knowledge, local knowledge and science will inform Polar Knowledge Canada’s work to addressing challenges in the Arctic. This Transfer Payment program does not have provisions for repayable contributions.
Results achieved: In 2021-22 POLAR provided transfer payments totalling $7,388,143 in support of the expected results under this transfer payment program.
Through this funding, POLAR supported Indigenous organizations, students and academia, and northern communities and governments. Projects focused on ecosystem and wildlife research and science capacity building through contributions, and education and training opportunities with grants and scholarships.
POLAR’s transfer payment programs complement POLAR’s own research and science-based activities to further key objectives and support meeting results targets.
These projects were instrumental in POLAR achieving the following results in 2022-23:
- 45% of research publications were led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada that are available online to the Canadian public.
- 82% Arctic research projects led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada included indigenous or local knowledge.
- 78% led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada involved Northerners.
- 188 citations of research were led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada.
- 716 knowledge exchange activities or initiatives were led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada.
- 104% of investment was leveraged by Polar Knowledge Canada supported projects.
- 81% of projects led by Polar Knowledge Canada involved participation from external partners.
- 57% of Polar Knowledge Canada-led or supported projects involved youth or early career researchers.
Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: No audits have been completed.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: Polar Knowledge Canada successfully conducted an evaluation on its Transfer Payment Programs as part of the 5-year evaluation cycle. The following findings were gathered. The evaluation found that the Grants and Contributions help provide experience and increase knowledge of a range of individuals, including students, emerging researchers, and youth in the Northern communities. Projects funded by Polar Knowledge Canada also have impacts on ecosystems and communities in terms of developing scientific knowledge that is used for local decisions regarding infrastructure development, transportation, country foods, safety and health. In most projects, research benefits from both scientific and traditional knowledge.
Most projects funded by Polar Knowledge Canada would have been cancelled or have been at a smaller scale in the absence of Polar Knowledge Canada funding. The incremental impact is lower among direct grants for students. Potential improvements that would enhance impacts include better linkages between Polar Knowledge Canada’s internal research and projects funded through Grants and Contributions; continued joint proposal calls; dissemination of results of previous projects and funding that is not based on project deliverables.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: Polar Knowledge Canada solicits proposals from potential applicants through open calls for proposals, as well as targeted calls for proposals. As part of its response to pandemic-related disruptions to northern research, Polar Knowledge Canada worked with funding recipients to adjust funding agreements and reporting plans accordingly. Polar Knowledge Canada monitors recipient compliance with the terms of active funding agreements through in-depth review of financial and project progress reports that are submitted in accordance with the approved project reporting 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 | 1,290,000 | 1,355,814 | 1,356,734 | 1,356,734 | 1,348,453 | 8,281 |
| Total contributions | 2,536,293 | 4,969,645 | 6,040,000 | 6,040,000 | 6,039,690 | 310 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 3,826,293 | 7,396,734 | 7,396,734 | 7,396,734 | 7,388,143 | 8,591 |
Explanation of variances
No significant variances.
Transfer Payments to support Research and Activities Relating to the Polar Regions– under $5 million
Start date: June 2015
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015-2016
Link to departmental result(s): Polar Knowledge Canada’s Transfer Payment Program supports all four of the Agency’s departmental results:
- Canada’s polar science and technology research is publicly available and being applied.
- Canada’s Arctic science includes Indigenous and local knowledge.
- Canada fosters domestic and international knowledge exchange and partnerships in polar science and technology.
- The next generation of Canadian polar researchers is developed.
Link to the department’s program inventory: Knowledge Management and Engagement
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The program aims to strengthen awareness and understanding of Arctic and Antarctic research, increase coordination and collaboration among the polar research community, and strengthen the next generation of polar researchers and highly qualified personnel, especially northern youth.
Results achieved: In 2022-23 Polar Knowledge Canada provided transfer payments totalling $395,179 support of the expected results under this transfer payment program.
Through this funding, Polar Knowledge Canada supported early career researchers, and Indigenous knowledge and Traditional Knowledge holders to undertake skills and knowledge development activities, and additional activities to support youth engagement in Arctic science.
Polar Knowledge Canada’s transfer payment programs complement Polar Knowledge Canada’s own knowledge mobilization, outreach and capacity-building activities to further key objectives and support meeting results targets.
These projects were instrumental in Polar Knowledge Canada achieving the following results in 2022-23:
- 45% of research publications were led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada that are available online to the Canadian public.
- 82% Arctic research projects led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada included indigenous or local knowledge.
- 78% led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada involved Northerners.
- 188 citations of research were led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada.
- 716 knowledge exchange activities or initiatives were led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada.
- 104% of investment was leveraged by Polar Knowledge Canada supported projects.
- 81% of projects led by Polar Knowledge Canada involved participation from external partners.
- 57% of Polar Knowledge Canada-led or supported projects involved youth or early career researchers.
Findings of audits completed in 2022–23: No audits have been completed.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23: Polar Knowledge Canada successfully conducted an evaluation on its Transfer Payment Programs as part of the 5-year evaluation cycle. The following findings were gathered. The evaluation found that the Grants and Contributions help provide experience and increase knowledge of a range of individuals, including students, emerging researchers, and youth in the Northern communities. Projects funded by Polar Knowledge Canada also have impacts on ecosystems and communities in terms of developing scientific knowledge that is used for local decisions regarding infrastructure development, transportation, country foods, safety and health. In most projects, research benefits from both scientific and traditional knowledge.
Most projects funded by Polar Knowledge Canada would have been cancelled or have been at a smaller scale in the absence of Polar Knowledge Canada funding. The incremental impact is lower among direct grants for students. Potential improvements that would enhance impacts include better linkages between Polar Knowledge Canada’s internal research and projects funded through Grants and Contributions; continued joint proposal calls; dissemination of results of previous projects and funding that is not based on project deliverables.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23: Polar Knowledge Canada solicits proposals from potential applicants through open calls for proposals, as well as targeted calls for proposals. As part of its response to pandemic-related disruptions to northern research, Polar Knowledge Canada worked with funding recipients to adjust funding agreements and reporting plans accordingly. Polar Knowledge Canada monitors recipient compliance with the terms of active funding agreements through in-depth review of financial and project progress reports that are submitted in accordance with the approved project reporting 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 | 336,571 | 399,266 | 399,266 | 399,266 | 395,179 | 4,087 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 336,571 | 399,266 | 399,266 | 399,266 | 395,179 | 4,087 |
Explanation of variances
No significant variances.
Gender-based analysis plus
Section 1: institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity
Governance
Polar Knowledge Canada prioritizes the integration of a Gender-Based Analysis Plus and diversity perspective in the development and assessment of programs, processes, and procedures. This commitment ensures that our organization considers the diverse needs and considerations of our workforce while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and corporate responsibility.
Capacity
At Polar Knowledge Canada, our commitment to enhancing corporate responsibility and fostering inclusivity is evident. While we are currently in the process of developing an Employment Equity Plan within the Human Resources department, we recognize that additional measures are required to bolster our Gender-Based Analysis Plus capacity more comprehensively.
As part of our ongoing initiatives, we are continuously working towards incorporating an Inuit Employment Plan and Employment Equity Plan to further advance our Gender-Based Analysis Plus capabilities and promote diversity and inclusivity within our organization. These plans will focus on leveraging a diversity lens to identify and dismantle barriers to employment for the four designated groups outlined in the Employment Equity Act, namely Women, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities, and Indigenous Peoples.
However, our commitment extends beyond mere employment equity and staffing considerations. We acknowledge the necessity of expanding our intersectional data and Gender-Based Analysis Plus capacity to address potential disparities or obstacles in other programs and practices at Polar Knowledge Canada that may impact employees beyond the scope of the four designated groups outlined in the Employment Equity Act.
By continuously striving to strengthen our Gender-Based Analysis Plus framework and fostering an inclusive workplace environment, we aim to promote equal opportunities for all individuals within Polar Knowledge Canada, ensuring a culture of diversity, equity, and growth.
Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program
Core responsibility: Polar Science and Knowledge
Program name: Science and Technology
Program goals: This program aims to anchor a strong research presence in Canada’s Arctic. It focuses on science, monitoring, and technology development and transfer.
Target population: Northern-based, Indigenous, Early Career Researchers, Technicians/Support Staff and Youth
Distribution of benefits
| Distribution | Group |
|---|---|
| By gender |
|
Specific demographic group outcomes
Specific regions: Northerners
With limited degree-granting post-secondary institutions located in the northern Territories, investments for northern research are predominantly made through academic institutions in the provinces. Polar Knowledge Canada is providing opportunities for northerner participation and leadership in research. Training opportunities for northerners are increasing workforce capacity in the research sector, but women are under-represented.
- Percentage of Polar Knowledge Canada-led and supported Arctic projects led by Northerners: 78%
- Percentage of Polar Knowledge Canada-led and supported Arctic projects that involve Northerners: 70%
- Percentage of instances of participation of Northern men who received training or employment: 59%
- Percentage of instances of participation of Northern women & non-binary individuals who received training or employment: 41%
Indigenous women and men
Indigenous knowledge and worldviews are underrepresented in research fields. Polar Knowledge Canada is creating opportunities for Indigenous people and their knowledge to participate in many facets of research, including informing research design. However, women are still under-represented in this domain.
- Percentage of Arctic research projects led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada that include Indigenous or local knowledge: 82%
- Percentage of instances of participation by Indigenous men and boys: 64%
- Percentage of instances of participation by Indigenous women and girls: 36%
Women in the research sector
Women have traditionally been underrepresented in academic and research sectors broadly, and arctic research in particular. Polar Knowledge Canada has achieved near general balance in project leadership as well as for support and technical roles. Female early career researchers (ECRs) outnumber their male peers 2:1. Youth are the future leaders. Polar Knowledge Canada has achieved relative gender parity in youth engagement.
- Percentage of instances of leadership participation by Northern Males: 53%
- Percentage of instances of leadership participation by Northern Females: 47%
- Percentage of instances of leadership participation by Male Technicians or Support Staff: 51%
- Percentage of instances of leadership participation by Female Technicians or Support Staff: 49%
- Percentage of instances of participation by ECR Men: 36%
- Percentage of instances of participation by ECR Women: 62%
- Percentage of instances of participation by ECR and non-binary individuals: 2%
- Percentage of instances of leadership participation boys: 47%
- Percentage of instances of leadership participation by girls: 52%
Key program impacts* on gender and diversity
Key program impact statistics
| Statistic | Observed results* | Data source |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of instances of participation by Gender |
|
Polar Knowledge Canada annual results survey |
| Gender distribution of northern residents in project leadership roles |
|
Polar Knowledge Canada annual results survey |
| Gender distribution of technical and support staff in Polar Knowledge Canada projects |
|
Polar Knowledge Canada annual results survey |
| Gender distribution of Indigenous participation in Polar Knowledge Canada projects |
|
Polar Knowledge Canada annual results survey |
| Gender distribution of Early Career Researchers involved in Polar Knowledge Canada projects |
|
Polar Knowledge Canada annual results survey |
| Gender distribution of recipients of training and employment initiatives |
|
Polar Knowledge Canada annual results survey |
| Gender distribution of youth participants |
|
Polar Knowledge Canada annual results survey |
*2022–23 or most recent
Other key program impacts
In 2022-23, Polar Knowledge Canada supported a cohort project through the Canada Inuit Nunagat United Kingdom Research Program. Selection criteria required all projects to identify an Inuit co-principal investigator and speak to a proposed approach to equity, diversity and inclusion. These program design increased directly increased participation in northern research leadership.
Funding calls launched in 2022-23 in Yukon and Northwest Terrirories included fully northern northern steering and review committees, with significant Indigenous representation, again directly increasing northern and Indigenous participation in the research sector.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Annual project results surveys are distributed to project leads for both internally led projects and for externally funded projects.
Scales
Gender scale
- First group: predominantly men (80% or more men)
- Second group: 60% to 79% men
- Third group: broadly gender-balanced
- Fourth group: 60% to 79% women
- Fifth group: predominantly women (80% or more women)
Income-level scale
- First group: strongly benefits low-income individuals (strongly progressive)
- Second group: somewhat benefits low-income individuals (somewhat progressive)
- Third group: no significant distributional impacts
- Fourth group: somewhat benefits high-income individuals (somewhat regressive)
- Fifth group: strongly benefits high-income individuals (strongly regressive)
Age-group scale
- First group: primarily benefits youth, children or future generations
- Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors
- Third group: primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation
Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
Response to parliamentary committees
There were no parliamentary committee reports in 2022–23 requiring a response.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
There were no audits in 2022–23 requiring a response.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
There were no audits in 2022–23 requiring a response.
United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
Polar Knowledge Canada
| UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | 2022‒23 planned initiatives | Associated domestic targets or “ambitions” and/or global targets | 2022‒23 results |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all |
|
to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives” and UN Global Indicator Framework targets 4.4 “Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship” and 4.7 “Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development... appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development” |
Polar Knowledge Canada hosted a STEM camp in partnership with NTI to introduce indigenous youth to careers in STEM |
| SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries | Provided funding to Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) for strategic planning and support for northern research | Provided funding to Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) for strategic planning and support for northern research | Enabled training of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) and learning between researcher and northern community |
| SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts | Funded the monitoring of Inuit-led peer review of wildlife data research project | This strategy contributes to advancing Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 13.3 "Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change" | Recorded the northward migration of species that are new to Nunavut |
| SDG 14: Conserve and protect the oceans, seas and marine resources |
Antarctic Doctoral Scholarship to study how an endemic green alga survive in cold and polar winter darkness |
This strategy contributes to advancing UN Global Indicator Framework target 14.a “Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity... to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity” | Published a peer-reviewed article which Improved the understanding of an Antarctic Lake ecosystem and the environmental conditions for this green algae species to survive |
| SDG 15: Conserve and protect the oceans, seas and marine resources |
|
This strategy contributes to advancing Canadian Indicator Framework ambitions 15.1 and 15.2 “Canada ensures all species have healthy and viable populations” | Cultural camp held to monitor the health of Narwhales in Marralik area through non-invasive practices with 50 youth including elders and knowledge keepers to record biodiversity on land with SIKU project |
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