Supplementary information

September 28, 2017

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

Not applicable

Bridging Digital Divides

The program seeks to co-fund the development of new adaptive and assistive technology solutions for Canadians living with disabilities in order to increase accessibility to the Internet, remove barriers to employability, and enable greater participation in the digital economy.

Expected results include:

• Funding at least six projects per year, and up to 28 projects over five years;
• Commercialization of at least five new technology solutions over five years, and up to 28 by March 31, 2024;
• Reduction in percentage of persons with disabilities that require an additional assistive device by March 31, 2027; and
• Reduction in unemployment rate among persons with disabilities by March 31, 2024.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Not-for-profit organizations, for profit organizations and research institutes

The program has an engagement plan for stakeholders, clients, and potential applicants and actively seeks out clients and stakeholder groups by participating in meetings, workshops, events and seminars. Two application intakes are conducted per year.

Recipients are required to track progress through quarterly, annual and final project reports under their contribution agreements. Recipients are also regularly engaged by program officers to discuss projects, claims, and potential communications opportunities. Program officers also conduct regular site visits and a rotating schedule of recipient audits.

May 9, 2008

March 31, 2021; consolidated into SIF July 5, 2017

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016–17

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Innovation in Business

The Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF) supports strategic, large-scale research and development projects to develop innovative, greener and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Contributions provided by AIF encourage recipients to undertake research and development (R&D) activities in innovative technologies that would develop and build greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles and invest in state-of-the-art, energy-efficient assembly and powertrain facilities.

These investments help maintain a strong, competitive Canadian automotive industry that contributes to economic growth and job creation.

2017–18

Lessons learned to be considered in other programming

An evaluation of SIF is planned for 2020–21 and consultation of the Departmental Evaluation Plan will determine whether to scope in elements of the consolidated AIF.

Automotive manufacturers, including large parts suppliers

ISED maintains extensive engagements with industries, businesses and associations as well as with other federal departments and agencies, providing opportunities for feedback.

June 13, 2019

2021–22

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019–20

Canada has a highly skilled workforce that is equipped for jobs in an innovative economy

Talent Development

This TPP supports the Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), which conducts activities to enhance Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students in Canada.

BHER will coordinate and align stakeholder efforts and offer business tools to secure commitments from industry, across all segments of the economy, to create WIL placement for students.

This initiative offers non-repayable contributions only.

This TPP will promote the value of WIL to educators, businesses and students, build and maintain a network of partners to advance WIL and will secure industry commitments for 44,000 WIL opportunities per year by 2021–22 for Canadian students in all academic disciplines.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

This is a single recipient transfer payment program. BHER, a not-for-profit organization, is the only eligible recipient.

ISED maintains ongoing discussions with BHER to help solve emerging issues, leverage newly created federal opportunities, share information, and to help ensure that this initiative remains integrated with the Government's overall WIL strategy.

July 2, 1997

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Canada has world-leading research capacity

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and not-for-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

Through the activities supported by the program, the CFI is expected to enhance the capacity of research institutions to:

• attract and retain the world's top research talent;
• train the next generation of researchers;
• enable researchers to undertake world-class research and technology development that leads to social, economic and environmental benefits for Canadians; and
• support private sector innovation and commercialization.

2015–16

Continuation

2019–20

The CFI is a single recipient transfer payment program. The CFI, in turn, awards funds to not-for-profit organizations—specifically universities, colleges, research hospitals and not-for-profit research organizations ("ultimate recipients").

ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue with the CFI and monitors its progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreements.

1999

Ongoing

Contribution

Statutory – Canada Small Business Financing Act

Ongoing (Statutory program)

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Support and Financing for Small Business

The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) helps Canadian small businesses access financing that would not otherwise be available or would be available only under less favourable terms. It is a loan loss-sharing program involving partnerships with financial institutions. To be eligible, borrowers must be for-profit businesses with revenues of up to $10 million per year. Under the program, financial institutions can make term loans on real property, leasehold improvements and equipment. In the event that a registered loan defaults, the government pays 85 percent of net eligible losses. The CSBFP is a national program that operates in all provinces and territories.

The CSBFP is expected to provide access to financing to approximately 5,300 small businesses annually, and continue to facilitate access to roughly $1 billion in debt financing annually.

2014–15

Continuation

2019–20

Canadian small businesses

The CSBFP regularly engages with partnering financial institutions through the ongoing administration of the program. It will also leverage other federal government horizontal efforts to engage small businesses and continue to collaborate with lenders for the dissemination of information.

1986

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates for funding for the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research's (CIFAR) core activities; Statutory for funding that CIFAR receives for the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy

2018–19

• Canada has world leading-research capacity
• Canadian businesses invest more in research and development

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

CIFAR is a not- for-profit organization that supports networks of Canadian and international researchers who conduct long-term research on important scientific, social and economic issues. Promoting world-class research partnerships on these issues helps build research capacity in Canada. At present, CIFAR supports 12 research programs that engage over 300 researchers in a range of areas, including experience-based brain and biological development, nanoelectronics, and quantum information processing. CIFAR is also responsible for implementing the federal government's Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy announced in Budget 2017, with the aim to cement Canada's position as a world leader.

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, CIFAR is expected to achieve the following results:

• Highly qualified personnel, including post-doctoral fellows, develop and broaden their research capabilities through their participation on international, interdisciplinary research teams;
• Research is strengthened with the use of interdisciplinary models;
• Increased national and international research interactions and collaboration;
• Research knowledge is promoted, and disseminated; and
• Federal investment enables CIFAR to leverage research funding from other sources.

Through the activities undertaken with the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy contribution, CIFAR is expected to achieve the following additional results:

• Canada's international profile and visibility in AI research and training is enhanced;
• Increased productivity in deep AI academic research and enhanced capacity to generate world-class research and innovation;
• Increased collaboration across institute nodes and strengthened relationships with receptors of innovation across sectors;
• Attraction and retention of deep AI-talent in Canadian universities and industry;
• Development of AI research capabilities through a palette of training opportunities for highly qualified personnel; and
• The translation of AI research discoveries into application in the public and private sectors leads to socio-economic benefits.

Key performance indicators include:

• Number and description of active CIFAR research programs;
• Number of top in field fellows and advisors engaged;
• Number of national and international partners in CIFAR research activities;
• Number of CIFAR AI Chairs supported (attracted and retained); and
• Number and description of workshops, conferences and training sessions organized in AI and society.

2016–17

Continuation

2021–22

CIFAR is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As CIFAR is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement. ISED participates as an observer in quarterly CIFAR Board meetings for the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.

1993

March 31, 2020

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2014–15

Canada has world-leading research capacity

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

CANARIE is a not-for-profit organization established in 1993 to deliver Canada's only research and education network, allowing Canadians to engage in leading-edge research. CANARIE operates and develops the backbone of Canada's advanced, high-speed research network, and facilitates and supports publicly funded research and innovation. In partnership with regional advanced networks, the CANARIE network connects Canadian research facilities, universities, educational institutions, hospitals and other science facilities, as well as links them to their international peers. It is an essential tool for researchers, innovators and educators.

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, CANARIE is expected to achieve the following results:

• Enhanced opportunities for collaborative knowledge creation and innovation within Canada's research and education communities through the maintenance and development of the CANARIE Network and related tools and services;
• Expansion of the research and education community's access to and utilization of the CANARIE Network and the availability of tools and programming that increase the effectiveness of its use; and
• Enabling the creation of innovative information and communication technology products and services and the acceleration of their commercialization in Canada.

Key performance indicators include:

• Number of connected institutions;
• Annual traffic volume; and
• Number of projects funded to enhance or expand network infrastructure, redundancy, and capacity features.

2018–19

Continuation

2023–24

CANARIE is a single recipient transfer payment program.

ISED will maintain ongoing dialogue with CANARIE. Government officials regularly attend CANARIE meetings including both investment committee and Board of Directors discussions as observers. Under the Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) Strategy, ISED officials will also engage CANARIE through broad stakeholder meetings with other DRI organizations in order to coordinate joint activities. A review of CANARIE's transition plans for research software and data management activities to the recipient of the DRI contribution program is also expected. These consultations and activities will assist CANARIE in aligning with other DRI organizations to effectively contribute to increased research capacity and services.

June 1, 2017

March 31, 2021

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Canada has a highly skilled workforce that is equipped for jobs in an innovative and high-growth economy

Talent Development

CanCode supports the development of skills that Canada's youth and their teachers will need to participate in a digital economy by providing them access to coding education and experiences.

The program aims to equip Canadian youth, including traditionally underrepresented groups, with the skills they need to be prepared for further studies, including advanced digital skills and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses, leading to the jobs of the future. Canada's success in the digital economy depends on leveraging our diverse talent and providing opportunity for all to participate—investing in digital skills development will help to achieve this.

Expected results include:

• Students across Canada have access to coding and digital skills development opportunities;
• Canadian teachers have access to tools and training to give them the confidence and knowledge to engage K-12 youth in developing coding and digital skills;
• There will be more equity between genders enrolled in STEM fields in Canadian post-secondary institutions;
• There will be an increase in the proportion of the employed Canadian population with a post-secondary credential in STEM (bachelor degrees, diplomas); and
• Canadians will develop the talent and digital skills required of the workforce of tomorrow.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2021–22

Not-for-profit organizations

No additional applicant submission period is currently planned. Recipients are required to track progress through quarterly, annual and final project reports under their contribution agreements. Recipients are also regularly engaged by program officers to discuss projects, claims, and potential communications opportunities. Program officers also conduct regular site visits and a rotating schedule of recipient audits.

April 1, 2017

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

• Canada has world-leading research capacity
• Canadian businesses invest more in research and development

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2007 that works in partnership with academia, industry, government and foundations, to identify and de-risk promising discoveries in drug technology in order to stimulate increased private sector investment in the development and commercialization of related technologies. The CDRD links researchers from institutions across Canada and internationally, and provides researchers and entrepreneurs access to mentors, state-of-the-art expertise and infrastructure to facilitate drug discovery and development activities.

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, CDRD is expected to achieve the following results:

• Expand CDRD's reach to health researchers and entrepreneurs across Canada to accelerate drug development and commercialization;
• Increase CDRD's scale to expand the commercial benefits gained from investments in basic health research; and
• Create a robust pipeline of health technologies capable of achieving commercial success.

Key performance indicators include:

• Ratio of leveraged contributions from other sources;
• Number of cooperative students, interns and post-doctoral fellows trained;
• Annual number and annual total dollar value of funded collaborations;
• Annual number of CDRD collaborations with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
• Number of new companies formed and maintaining operations in Canada as a result of CDRD's activities.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2020–21

CDRD is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As CDRD is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement.

1986

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2010–11

Not applicable

Economic Development in Northern Ontario

The Community Futures Program is a national program administered by ISED in Northern Ontario and the regional development agencies in the rest of Canada. The ultimate objectives of the program are to foster economic stability, growth and job creation; help create diversified and competitive local rural economies; and help build sustainable communities. ISED provides financial support to 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northern Ontario that are incorporated, not-for-profit, community-based development organizations, each governed by a local volunteer board of directors. They offer a variety of products and services to support small business growth and community economic development, including access to capital, strategic community planning and socio-economic development; support for community-based projects and special initiatives; and business information, planning and support services. ISED provides financial contributions to support the ongoing operations of individual CFDCs through either one, three or five-year agreements.

Expected results include:

• Communities and businesses in Northern Ontario acquire the skills and capacity to respond to economic development opportunities; and
• Communities and businesses in Northern Ontario have access to financial resources to respond to economic development opportunities.

Performance measures/indicators include:

• Jobs created and maintained as a direct result of FedNor projects; and
• Amounts leveraged per dollar invested in community projects in Northern Ontario.

2018–19

Continuation

2023–24

Not-for-profit organizations (Community Futures Organizations including locally-based CFDCs, CFDC regional networks, and the provincial association).

FedNor will continue to work collaboratively with Community Futures Organizations, including CFDCs, their regional networks and provincial associations, through various activities including outreach/liaison, capacity building, program and policy development, referrals, compliance monitoring in regard to contribution agreements, and other collaborative activities.

1993

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019–20

Canadian communities are connected to and use digital infrastructure

Bridging Digital Divides

Through the Computers for Schools (CFS) program, donated surplus computer equipment and devices are refurbished by national, provincial and territorial program partners. Once refurbished, they are distributed to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income Canadians across Canada. Through this national partnership-based network, the program ensures improved access for Canadians to technology. The Technical Work Experience Program (TWEP), now known as the CFS Intern (CFSI) program, is also delivered by CFS recipients. Results stemming from CFSI are reported by Employment and Social Development Canada under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. CFSI is the in-house workforce for the refurbishment workshops.

The program aims to provide equitable opportunities for Canadians to acquire the equipment, skills and work experience needed to thrive in the digital economy. CFS also reduces the environmental impact of digital technologies.

Expected results include:

• Donations of surplus computer equipment which are received and refurbished;
• Distribution of 72,000 refurbished computer equipment per annum to schools, libraries, non- organizations, Indigenous communities, and to eligible low-income Canadians, which  will support and strengthen the national economy and competitiveness by building knowledge, skills, and work experience;
• Provision of up to 210 internships annually for development of advanced digital skills as well as general workplace skills;
• Enhancement of employability and marketability of youth (including those from underrepresented groups) through internships specifically targeted to develop expertise and skills needed to actively participate in the digital economy;
• Diverting digital devices from landfills or recyclers. In 2018–19, the CFS program diverted 800 tons of e-waste from landfills or recyclers;
• Government of Canada will maximize re-use of digital devices, and as one of the largest purchasers of these devices in Canada, will also reduce the environmental footprint and optimize the benefit and value for money for Canadians of these purchases;
• Government of Canada leadership in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development; and
• Engaging low-income Canadian households in the digital economy.

2016–17

Continuation

An evaluation on Skills and Access to the Digital Economy is planned in 2021–22 and will include CFS.

Not-for-profit organizations and provincial governments

The program holds an annual meeting with all CFS recipients to engage them on program objectives and strategic planning. Monthly and topic-specific teleconferences are scheduled throughout the year to monitor the program's progress and to ensure CFS recipients are kept apprised of policy updates. CFS recipients are also required, under their contribution agreement, to track progress through quarterly reports. In addition, recipients are engaged through their project officers and communications with the Department as a way to build and maintain strong relationships. Finally, there are regular site visits and a rotating schedule of recipient audits.

December 15, 2016

March 31, 2023

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016–17

Canadian communities are connected to and use digital infrastructure

Bridging Digital Divides

Connect to Innovate (CTI) is a $500 million program announced in Budget 2016 that aims to bring high-speed Internet to rural and remote communities across Canada by extending and enhancing high-capacity backbone infrastructure as well as to funding some last-mile infrastructure for underserved households, institutions and businesses. Budget 2019 announced an $85M top-up to the program, as part of new investments to deliver high-speed Internet to every Canadian home and business.

Expected results include:

• Increase in number of rural and remote communities with access to high-capacity infrastructure;
• Increase in number of anchor institutions with new access to high-capacity networks; and
• Increase in number of rural and remote households with access to high-capacity infrastructure.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

An evaluation on Broadband Programming is currently underway to be completed in 2020 and will include CTI.

Internet service providers, not-for-profit organizations, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous organizations or other groups interested in coordinating projects to serve rural, northern and remote areas of Canada.

Engagement initiatives include:

• Regular outreach with applicants on program development;
• Coordination with provincial/territorial and Indigenous peoples, partners and other government departments and agencies to leverage funding available for broadband;
• Website with interactive mapping tool;
• Sustained social media presence; and
• Site visits and audits.

September 28, 2017

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

Not applicable

Bridging Digital Divides

The program seeks to support not-for-profit organizations in the development and delivery of fundamental digital literacy skills training to Canadians who would benefit from increased participation in the digital economy.

The program aims to facilitate and encourage the participation of underrepresented groups in the digital economy by investing in initiatives that provide them with the necessary tools, access and skills to participate.

Expected results include:

• Improving access to digital literacy training for Canadians who are underrepresented in the digital economy (e.g., persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, those who do not speak English at home, those who have not completed high school, seniors);
• Increasing confidence and improving skills in using the Internet of Canadians who are underrepresented in the digital economy;
• Providing training to all provinces and territories by March 31, 2022; and
• Enabling a connected and digitally engaged society.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

An evaluation on Skills and Access to the Digital Economy is planned in 2021–22 and will include the Digital Literacy Exchange Program

Not-for-profit organizations

No additional applicant submission period is currently planned. Recipients are required under their contribution agreements to track progress through quarterly, annual and final project reports. Recipients are also engaged regularly by program officers to discuss projects, claims, and potential communications opportunities. Program officers also conduct regular site visits and a rotating schedule of recipient audits.

March 21, 2019

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Canada has world-leading research capacity

Higher Education Science and Research

Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) is an essential foundation for modern science and research and includes advanced research computing (ARC) used for big data analysis and processing; research software (RS) used to access, share and utilize data; and data management (DM) tools used to manage and preserve datasets to enhance research quality and promote data sharing and reuse. Following the Budget 2018 commitment to implement a DRI Strategy to improve access to these digital tools and services for academic researchers across Canada, this contribution program will support a new, not-for-profit organization in providing national coordination, investments and services for ARC, DM and RS.

Through the activities undertaken with the contributions, the DRI Strategy is expected to achieve the following results:

• Increased technological capacity in the DRI ecosystem across ARC, RS and DM;
• Canada's researchers have improved skills and more training provided;
• DRI resources are safeguarded;
• Increased awareness of the national not-for-profit DRI governing corporation and national ARC, RS and DM platforms and tools; and
• DRI funding is leveraged by other investments to provide greater value for money.

Key performance indicators include:

• Available ARC capacity;
• Number of ARC machines in the top 250 globally;
• Number of data sets available to Canadian researchers through nationally-accessible platforms; and
• Number of research software tools and platforms developed and reused.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

DRI was launched in 2019–20 and will be included in the 2019–20 Departmental Evaluation Plan update to confirm the timing and scope of the evaluation.

The DRI Strategy is a single recipient transfer payment program.

ISED will maintain ongoing dialogue with the new DRI organization (NDRIO) and other implicated DRI organizations. Throughout the transition period, officials will engage through quarterly meetings to discuss progress in transitioning existing activities to NDRIO by March 31, 2022. Government officials will also regularly attend NDRIO meetings including but not limited to NDRIO's Board of Directors discussions as observers. Under the DRI Strategy, ISED officials will also engage NDRIO through broad stakeholder meetings with other DRI organizations, such as CANARIE, in order to coordinate joint activities. These consultations and activities will assist NDRIO in aligning with other DRI organizations to effectively contribute to increased research capacity and services.

December 11, 2017

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

Canada has a highly skilled workforce that is equipped for jobs in an innovative and high-growth economy

Talent Development

Digital Skills for Youth is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, intended to support recent and underemployed post-secondary graduates with valuable and practical work experience and additional training that will help them improve their employability and use their talent to their full potential so they can succeed in the digital economy.

The program will contribute to increasing the employability of youth in Canada (equipped with integrated digital and soft skills) so they can succeed in the digital economy.

Expected results include:

• The program aims to fund approximately 600 underemployed post-secondary graduates per year;
• Participants receive practical work experience and opportunities to upskill;
• Small organizations are supported and are better positioned to succeed in the global knowledge-based economy;
• Participants enhance their employability;
• Internship outcomes of continued benefit to the employers; and
• Fostering a Canadian workforce that is the most talented, skilled, creative and diverse in the world.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2019–20

Note: Part of Employment and Social Development Canada-led horizontal evaluation of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.

For-profit organizations and not-for-profit organizations including associations, community-based organizations, educational institutions, Chambers of Commerce or Boards of Trade, economic development corporations; provincial, territorial or municipal governments and their agencies; Indigenous governments, Band Councils and other not-for-profit groups representing Indigenous peoples; provincial and territorial crown corporations.

Recipients are engaged through communications with their project officers and the Department, as well as site visits, as a means of building and maintaining strong relationships.

April 1, 2017

31, March, 2024

Non-repayable Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Canada's entrepreneurs represent all segments of Canadian society

Entrepreneurship Policy

Futurpreneur Canada supports young Canadian entrepreneurs aged 18–39 who see entrepreneurship as a viable career option and want to start their own businesses but who would not typically be supported by traditional lending institutions. Futurpreneur provides loans of up to $20,000 and up to two years of mandatory mentoring. Futurpreneur also provides business-planning support.

The expected results and outcomes of funding to Futurpreneur Canada is the creation of viable businesses by young entrepreneurs.

Futurpreneur Canada will collect the following performance indicators in a manner appropriate to the Recipient's data management practice which includes surveys, sampling and other methods:

• Number of young entrepreneurs accessing financial and mentorship support, overall and by target group (women, Indigenous, newcomers);
• Number of Indigenous youth engaged by Futurpreneur's outreach activities;
• Percentage of participants stating they felt well prepared to start and grow a business;
• Percentage of participants stating they felt that mentors shared valuable business knowledge and advice;
• Number of applications received by Futurpreneur Canada;
• Number of jobs created;
• 5-year survival rate of Futurpreneur Canada businesses;
• Number and percentage of young entrepreneurs offered growth information and/or support services;
• Number and percentage of Futurpreneur Canada businesses exporting; and
• Revenue growth of Futurpreneur businesses.

2018–19

Continuation

2023–24

Young Canadian entrepreneurs from ages 18–39

To seek out applicants for Futurpreneur's loans and mentoring programs, Futurpreneur has a website, blog, electronic newsletter, LinkedIn group (Entrepeer Hub) and toll-free telephone number. Futurpreneur is active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

Futurpreneur holds events for young entrepreneurs (e.g., Action Entrepreneurship Canadian Summit and mentoring meetups) and is the coordinator for Global Entrepreneurship Week events across Canada.

Futurpreneur partners with a range of organizations and institutions, including accelerators, universities, entrepreneurship organizations and small business organizations. Futurpreneur's partners include MaRS, BDC, CFIB, Enactus, StartUp Canada, Communitech, and the National Angel Capital Association. Futurpreneur gets financial and/or in-kind support from and has relationships with financial institutions and other private sector organizations, universities and business schools, and other federal government organizations.

In addition to the Start-up Program, Futurpreneur Canada engages youth across Canada through outreach and events, bringing awareness to entrepreneurship as a viable pathway and highlighting the tools available to pursue it. Futurpreneur Canada holds information sessions, webinars and workshops that are open to the general public on entrepreneurship, business and financial planning, often in partnership with other organizations.

Futurpreneur Canada's Start-up Program is currently available to young Indigenous entrepreneurs. Regarding entrepreneurial awareness, through outreach and events, Futurpreneur Canada will target and engage Indigenous youth to ensure they are aware of entrepreneurship as a viable career and existing supports to launch businesses. In addition, Futurpreneur Canada will continue to connect the entrepreneurship community by identifying key organizations within the Indigenous community to collaborate with to support young Indigenous entrepreneurs.

March 27, 2000

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Contribution, Statutory Contribution, Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016–17

• Canadian businesses invest more in research and development
• Canada has world-leading research capacity

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

Genome Canada is a not-for-profit corporation that supports six independently incorporated regional Genome Centres across Canada. With the Genome Centres and other partners, Genome Canada invests in large-scale research projects, leading-edge technology platforms, and translation of research into applications in key areas such as health, agriculture, the environment, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, mining and energy. Genome Canada also supports research projects aimed at studying and analyzing the ethical, environmental, economic, legal, and social issues related to genomics.

Through the activities undertaken with the contributions, Genome Canada is expected to achieve the following results:

• Increased breadth and depth of knowledge in genomics, including knowledge related to the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social issues of genomics;
• Canada has a solid base of researchers that are trained to undertake future genomics research;
• The translation of research discoveries into application in the public and private sectors leads to socio-economic benefits either directly or through development toward, for example, commercialization;
• Canadian genomics research is enabled through the provision of leading-edge genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics technologies; and
• Canada's international profile and visibility in genomics research is enhanced.

Key performance indicators include:

• Annual number and value of large-scale genomics research projects, technology platforms, translational research projects supported;
• Annual number of Highly Qualified Personnel and students involved in projects; and
• Annual number of international projects led by Canadian researchers.

2015–16

Continuation

2019–20

Genome Canada is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As Genome Canada is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding agreements. An ISED official attends as an observer Genome Canada quarterly board meetings.

October 18, 2018

REGI – ongoing

WES–Women Entrepreneurship Fund – March 31, 2021

WES Ecosystem Fund – March 31, 2023

REGI – Grant and Contribution

WES – Contribution

Annually through Estimates

2019–20

Canada's entrepreneurs represent all segments of Canadian society

Economic Development in Northern Ontario

ISED through FedNor and in collaboration with other regional development agencies, will deliver the REGI initiative, which builds on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan. The goal of REGI is to provide streamlined, nationally consistent and yet regionally tailored support for business productivity and scale-up, particularly for SMEs and women entrepreneurs and other underrepresented groups, and assist the enhancement of regional industrial and technology clusters and regional innovation ecosystems.

The program will provide assistance through two new program streams:

• Business Scale-up and Productivity Stream (BSP): Invest in and support businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms to accelerate their growth and assist them in scaling up, enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
• Regional Innovation Ecosystems Stream (RIE): Create, grow and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.

The WES provides nationally coordinated, regionally tailored investments to help women entrepreneurs and supports regional innovation ecosystems through two program streams:

• WES Ecosystem Fund: A five-year program to help not-for-profit, third-party organizations deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem.
• Pilot Contribution Program (Women Entrepreneurship Fund): A two-year program completed in 2019–20 that invests directly in women-owned or women-led businesses to help them grow and reach new markets.

Contributions issued under REGI may be unconditionally or conditionally repayable, or non-repayable. Contributions issued under the WES are non-repayable only.

Businesses are adopting innovations and commercializing innovative products or services

Regional Innovation Ecosystems are expanding the number of supported businesses

WES: Women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2023–24

Note: two separate evaluations planned for REGI and WES.

Incorporated for-profit companies, not-for-profit organizations, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous organizations, business accelerators, incubators, women-led businesses, angel networks, social enterprises, a group of eligible recipients such as an industry association or consortium, a municipality and all other municipal-type organizations, and a federal or provincial crown corporation / organization or any other entity created by the provincial government or a provincial department.

FedNor collaborates with its partners and engages key stakeholders in discussions regarding economic development and business growth to ensure that FedNor's investments respond to the needs of SMEs. Key partners and stakeholders may include other levels of government, community leaders, financial institutions and private-sector organizations. Furthermore, information on the REGI initiative as well as the WES is shared with applicants and recipients through FedNor's website.

May 24, 2017

March 31, 2023

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

World-leading superclusters are grown in Canada

Innovation Superclusters Initiative

The Innovation Superclusters Initiative (ISI) supports the acceleration of world-leading innovation superclusters in Canada that translate the country's strengths into new commercial opportunities for Canadian firms.

Expected results include:

• Number of new firms created in target areas exceeds overall national average (March 31, 2023);
• Number of anchor firms in selected clusters increase by 10% set from the finalization of membership lists at the application phase (March 31, 2023); and
• 1.2 dollars leveraged for each ISI dollar invested (March 31, 2023).

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2021–22

Business-led consortia of firms, post-secondary and research institutions, and innovation intermediaries

Provide ongoing support and guidance to the five not-for-profit Supercluster Entities to ensure compliance with contribution agreements, give advice on issues that may arise and leverage federal resources.

April 1, 2014

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

• Canada has world leading research capacity
• Canadian businesses invest more in research and development

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is a research institute based at the University of Waterloo. The IQC's mission is to be the world leader in the development of quantum technologies, and its objective is to create a supportive environment for physicists, mathematicians, engineers and computer scientists to advance the fields of quantum information science.

2013–14

Continuation

2020–21

The IQC is a single recipient transfer payment program. The funding flows from ISED to IQC through a funding agreement with the University of Waterloo.

As IQC is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement. ISED officials also conduct site visits and attend IQC events.

April 1, 2012

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2012–13

Canada has a highly skilled workforce that is equipped for jobs in an innovative and high-growth economy

Talent Development

Mitacs Inc. (Mitacs) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality research and innovation by building linkages between academia and industry, and strengthening linkages between researchers and students in Canada and abroad across all academic disciplines. This is done by providing postsecondary students and postdoctoral fellows with work-integrated learning opportunities to develop their professional skills and apply their expertise to business-related research challenges.

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, Mitacs is expected to achieve the following results:

• Increased annual number of Mitacs work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows to 10,000 per year by 2021–22;
• Increased collaboration and knowledge transfer between academia, and industry across a wide range of sectors of the Canadian economy;
• Enhanced skills of funded interns achieved through Mitacs work-integrated learning; and
• Increased number of overseas internship opportunities available to Canadian employees of start-ups housed in university-linked incubators.

Key performance indicators include:

• Number of work-integrated learning opportunities (internships) funded;
• Percentage of funded interns who acquire new skills;
• Annual number of international incubators internships supported;
• Number of Canadian start-ups in university-linked incubators who took part in an international incubators internship; and
• Number of countries hosting international incubators internships.

2016–17

Continuation

2021–22

Mitacs Inc. is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As Mitacs is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement. ISED participates as an observer in quarterly Mitacs Board meetings.

April 1, 1996

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2011–12

Not applicable

Economic Development in Northern Ontario

The Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) is administered by FedNor. The NODP's objective is to promote economic development, economic diversification, job creation and sustainable, self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario. This is achieved by providing financial support, through transfer payments, to SMEs and not-for-profit organizations, including municipalities, municipal organizations, community development organizations and research institutions, in three priority areas: community economic development, business growth and competitiveness, and innovation.

Expected results include:

• Communities and businesses in Northern Ontario acquire the skills and capacity to respond to economic development opportunities; and
• Communities and businesses in Northern Ontario have access to financial resources to respond to economic development opportunities.

Performance measures/indicators include:

• Jobs created and maintained as a direct result of FedNor projects; and
• Amounts leveraged per dollar invested in community projects in Northern Ontario.

2016–17

Continuation

2020–21

Eligible recipients for NODP include not-for-profit and for-profit organizations (small and medium-sized enterprises), including community development organizations, Indigenous organizations, municipalities and municipal organizations, Indigenous peoples and post-secondary institutions.

FedNor will continue to work collaboratively with Northern Ontario stakeholders, applicants, recipients and partners through outreach and liaison activities with communities and small and medium-sized enterprises, assistance with project development and referrals, compliance monitoring in regard to contribution agreements, and other collaborative activities with other federal departments and Ontario provincial ministries.

January 16, 2019

March 31, 2023

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Intellectual Property

The Patent Collective Pilot Project is a time-limited project that will lead to the creation of a not-for-profit patent collective serving the Intellectual Property (IP) needs of an IP-intensive market vertical, including a strong focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The collective will report to ISED on the use of the funds and on progress toward objectives, namely increased freedom to operate and strategic use of IP by firm members.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

An evaluation of the Intellectual Property Strategy is planned for 2022–23 (the Patent Collective Pilot Program could be scoped into that evaluation, but future Departmental Evaluation Plan consultations will inform scope).

Any organization or group of organizations that is identified through a selection process demonstrating a sufficient level of IP expertise and a capability for implementing and reporting on the Patent Collective Pilot Program, including one or more businesses, entities, or individuals.

The Department conducted consultations in the lead-up to the launch of the IP Strategy and its initiatives, including the Patent Collective Pilot Program. Applicants were engaged during the application process, which called for interested parties to submit proposals on the administration of the collective.

April 1, 2007

July 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

Canada has world-leading research capacity

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (Perimeter Institute) is a not-for-profit, research institute devoted to foundational issues in theoretical physics. The Perimeter Institute pursues scientific research and engages in educational outreach activities, bringing together international scientists to push the limits of understanding of physical laws and develop new ideas about the essence of space, time, matter and information. The Perimeter Institute provides a multi-disciplinary environment to foster research in cosmology, particle physics, quantum foundations, quantum gravity, quantum information, superstring theory and related areas.

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, the Perimeter Institute is expected to achieve the following results:

• Strengthen the capacity of the Institute to undertake world-class research;
• Expand the capacity of the Institute to attract and train the next generation of researchers in theoretical physics; and
• Enhance and expand the Institute's capacity to advance the Canadian public's level of literacy and interest in the value of science, physics and innovation through its outreach activities.

Key performance indicators will include:

• Number of joint faculty members employed between the Institute and partner institutions;
• Number of postsecondary students trained;
• Number of teachers trained through Institute workshops; and
• Number of Institute papers rated as having a great or very great scientific importance in its applicable Institute field.

2016–17

Continuation

2020–21

The Perimeter Institute is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As Perimeter Institute is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement. ISED officials also conduct site visits and attend Perimeter Institute events.

April 14, 2016

December 31, 2021

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016–17

Canada has world-leading research capacity

Higher Education Science and Research

The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund's (PSI-SIF) objective is the acceleration of strategic construction, repair and maintenance activities at universities and colleges across Canada to generate direct economic activity and to enhance the research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions to strengthen capacity for research and innovation and industry-related training and to support environmental sustainability.

All projects are expected to be completed by December 31, 2021.

2018–19

While the program is ending, the lessons learned resulting from the evaluation will be considered in other programming.

Not applicable, PSI-SIF is a time-limited program that is winding down in 2020–21.

Ultimate recipients of the PSI-SIF program are accredited post-secondary institutions, Indigenous-controlled post-secondary institutions, and affiliated organizations. The majority of projects are funded through contribution agreements with provincial and territorial governments.

The program is no longer accepting applications. Ongoing monitoring and reporting activities continue with provinces and territories for the remaining active projects.

July 22, 2016

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016–17

Canadian businesses invest more in research and development

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a national not-for-profit corporation dedicated to enabling the translation of stem cell research into clinical applications, commercial products and public policy. It was first established in 2001 as one of the Networks of Centres of Excellence. SCN links to 27 Canadian universities and hospitals, and international collaborators from 39 institutions in eight (8) countries. The contribution to SCN is non-repayable.

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, SCN is expected to achieve the following results:

• Canada's international profile and visibility in stem cell research and clinical trials is enhanced.
• Translation of stem cell research into clinical application and commercial products;
• Increase networking and collaboration among researchers from Canada and abroad;
• Canada has a solid base of researchers that are trained to undertake future stem cell research; and
• Increased breadth and depth of knowledge related to the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social issues of stem cells.

Key performance indicators include:

• Number of research projects supported;
• Number of SCN supported researchers involved in international collaborations;
• Number of highly qualified people trained;
• Number of clinical trials supported; and
• Amounts of cash and in-kind partner contributions leveraged.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2020–21

Stem Cell Network is a single recipient transfer payment.

As SCN is a single recipient contribution, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement.

July 5, 2017

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Innovation in Business

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) attracts and supports high-quality business investments in Canada's most dynamic and innovative sectors. This fund helps innovative businesses scale up, while supporting research and development, technology demonstration and high-growth industries.

Expected results include:

• Job maintenance and creation;
• Increased investments in R&D; and
• Increased collaboration between universities, colleges, research institutes, not-for-profit organizations and the private sector.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2020–21

Industry-related (private sector companies in all sectors)

networks led by Canadian not-for-profit organizations and consortia led by Canadian companies.

ISED maintains extensive engagements with industries, businesses and associations as well as with other federal departments and agencies, providing opportunities for feedback.

April 2, 2007

March 31, 2023; consolidated into SIF July 5, 2017

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016–17

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Innovation in Business

The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) encourages the development of innovative products, processes and services; enhances the competitiveness of Canadian aerospace, defence, space and security (A&D) firms; and fosters collaboration among research institutes, universities, colleges and the private sector. SADI is a component of the government's strategy to mobilize science and technology to Canada's competitive advantage. SADI acts as a catalyst for new A&D investments by providing repayable contributions to Canadian A&D companies for strategic industrial research and pre-competitive development.

Expected results include:

• New and innovative products, services and processes are commercialized by Canadian Businesses;
• Investment in leading-edge R&D in the Canadian aerospace and defence sector; and
• Collaboration between private sector and universities, colleges and affiliated research institutes.

2016–17

Lessons learned to be considered in other programming

An evaluation of SIF is planned in 2020–21 and will scope in elements of the consolidated SADI.

Private sector companies in the aerospace, defence, space and security industries

ISED maintains extensive engagements with industries, businesses and associations as well as with other federal departments and agencies, providing opportunities for feedback.

March 26, 2001

2025-26

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Canada becomes a global leader in clean technologies

Clean Technology and Clean Growth

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) supports the development and demonstration of innovative Canadian technological solutions that address climate change, clean air, clean water and clean soil. This transfer payment program provides non-repayable contributions.

Through the activities undertaken with the contributions, SDTC is expected to achieve the following results:

• SDTC supported projects make advancements towards commercialization; and
• Investment in sustainable development technologies that produce economic and environmental benefits.

Key performance indicators include:

• Annual reductions of greenhouse gases resulting from environmental technologies funded under the SD Tech Fund;
• Other environmental impacts of SD Tech Fund-supported technologies; and
• Dollars leveraged by private and other public funders.

2017–18

Continuation

2022–23

SDTC Tech Fund is a single recipient transfer payment program. Funding provided is intended to help firms with sustainable development technology projects make progress towards commercialization.

SDTC seeks to foster and encourage innovative collaboration and partnering amongst the private sector, academia, not-for-profit and other like-mandated organizations to develop and demonstrate environmental technologies such as partnerships with Emissions Reduction Alberta, Alberta Innovates, British Columbia Innovative Clean Energy Fund, Ontario Centres of Excellence, Transition energetique Quebec, Nova Scotia's Innovacorp and the federal Clean Growth Hub. STDC is focused on efficient operations to provide high quality support to new applicants and current portfolio companies. In the past year, the organization has also been working with accelerators and incubators across the country to provide seed funding to Canadian clean technologies.

September 4, 2013

March 31, 2024; consolidated into SIF July 5, 2017

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016–17

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Innovation in Business

2018–19

Lessons learned to be considered in other programming

An evaluation of SIF is planned for 2020–21 and will scope in TDP.

Original Equipment Manufacturers, Tier 1 integrators, SMEs, universities, colleges, and technical research institutes carrying out work in Canada.

ISED maintains extensive engagements with industries, businesses and associations as well as with other federal departments and agencies, providing opportunities for feedback.

September 28, 2017

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019–20

Canadian communities are connected to and use digital infrastructure

Bridging Digital Divides

The Connecting Families initiative is closing the gaps in internet affordability and accessibility across the country. The initiative brings to low-income Canadians a computer and a low-cost Internet connection. In addition, the funding allows the existing Computers for Schools program to manage the distribution of an incremental 50,000 computers over 5 years to the eligible families.

This program aims to help bridge the digital divide for Canadians who may struggle to afford access to home Internet.

Expected results include:

• Reduce the cost associated with purchasing technology by refurbishing 12,500 surplus computers per annum; and
• Increase the number of Canadians that have access to the Internet at home.

Not applicable, new program and under $5 million in annual program spending

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Computers for Success Canada Inc. (not-for-profit organization), Computers for Schools recipients

The program holds monthly and topic-specific teleconferences throughout the year to monitor the program's progress. Recipients are also required to track progress through quarterly reports as required under their contribution agreement. In addition, recipients are engaged through their project officers and communications with the Department, as a way to build and maintain strong relationships.

June 3, 2015

March 31, 2021; consolidated into SIF July 5, 2017

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2015–16

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Innovation in Business

The Automotive Supplier Innovation Program (ASIP) is a five-year, $100 million program that provides non-repayable contributions to support technology demonstration and prototyping activities of Canadian-based suppliers developing innovative products and/or processes in the automotive sector.

Expected results include:

• stronger capacity for the Canadian automotive industry to develop innovative technologies, products and processes;
• improved productivity;
• enhanced employment prospects for Canadians; and
• increased R&D investment within Canada's automotive supplier sector.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

An evaluation of SIF is planned for 2020–21 and consultation of the Departmental Evaluation Plan will determine whether to scope in elements of the consolidated ASIP.

Automotive parts suppliers, especially SMEs.

ISED maintains extensive engagements with industries, businesses and associations as well as with other federal departments and agencies, providing opportunities for feedback.

April 1, 2005

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2015–16

Canada has world leading research capacity

Higher Education Sector Science and Research

To provide independent, authoritative and evidence-based expert assessments of the current state of knowledge across a broad spectrum of sciences, which include the natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, social sciences and the humanities.

Through the activities supported by the program, Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) is expected to produce independent, authoritative and evidence-based expert assessments that inform public policy development in Canada through the following results:

• Develop and provide, on a timely basis, a line of services that responds to the needs of assessment sponsors;
• Attract funding from other sources;
• Maintain and enhance standards for scientific excellence and high-quality services; and
• Increase visibility and awareness of CCA's work to further its impact.

Key performance indicators include:

• Ability to leverage expert volunteer time in support of evidence-based public policy;
• Number of completed assessments; and
• Quality of assessment reports and their direct and indirect impact on policy.

2017–18

Continuation

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

The CCA is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As the CCA is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report submitted each year to track progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement.

2008–09

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2011–12

Not applicable

Economic Development in Northern Ontario

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) aims to facilitate sustainable growth in official language minority communities by encouraging them to acquire new skills through innovation, diversification and partnerships, and providing increased support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Expected results include:

• Communities and businesses in Northern Ontario acquire the skills and capacity to respond to economic development opportunities; and
• Communities and businesses in Northern Ontario have access to financial resources to respond to economic development opportunities.

Performance measures/indicators include:

• Jobs created and maintained as a direct result of FedNor projects; and
• Amounts leveraged per dollar invested in community projects in Northern Ontario

2016–17

Continuation

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Eligible recipients for EDI include small and medium-sized for-profit and co-operative businesses and not-for-profit organizations including municipalities, municipal organizations, community development organizations and research institutions within official language minority communities.

FedNor collaborates with its partners and engages key stakeholders in discussions regarding economic development and business growth to ensure that the Agency's investments respond to the needs of the Official Languages Communities. Key partners and stakeholders may include other levels of government, community leaders, financial institutions and private-sector organizations.

January 16, 2019

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

• Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth
• Canadian innovators have simplified access to tools and support

Intellectual Property

Contribute to a more inclusive Intellectual Property (IP) system by supporting Indigenous IP awareness and capacity building and enabling Indigenous participation in the development and implementation of IP policy and programs as they relate to the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions – both domestically and internationally.

Key expected results:

• Increase participation of Indigenous peoples in the development and implementation of domestic and international IP policy and programs;
• Enhance Canada's reputation in international fora, including United Nations bodies, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); and
• Increased use of the IP system by Indigenous peoples.

Key performance indicators that will be assessed during the lifecycle of the program will include:

• Increased understanding of the use of Canada's IP system by Indigenous peoples in Canada;
• Number of Indigenous representatives from Canada participating in meetings related to the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore;
• Number of Indigenous representatives from other countries participating in the WIPO IGC funded through Canada's grants to the WIPO Voluntary Fund; and
• Number of Indigenous participants in outreach activities focussed on IP and the protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs).

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

WIPO, Indigenous organizations.

ISED will conduct engagement with recipients and applicants about the Indigenous IP Program grant for the 2022–23 evaluation of the IP Strategy.

December 14, 2017

March 31, 2022

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017–18

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Innovation in Business

The objectives of the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program are to:

• Fuel the development and adoption of technological innovation in Canada;
• Grow Canadian companies through direct funding to support early stage, pre-commercial research and development, late stage prototypes, and to accelerate commercialization;
• Encourage procurement from companies led by under-represented groups, such as women, Indigenous, youth, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ and others;
• Foster greater industry-research collaboration through the release of challenges for solutions that address key Government of Canada priorities; and
• Provide federal departments and agencies with opportunities to develop new capabilities to meet their research and development needs and thereby advance government priorities.

Through activities undertaken with funding, ISC is expected to help support the following:

• Generation of new Intellectual Property;
• Research collaborations to improve innovation procurement from small businesses;
• Small businesses attract venture / patient capital;
• Commercialization of early stage R&D/Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) by small businesses;
• Employment of highly skilled workers in the Canadian innovation ecosystem; and
• Small businesses grow in the Canadian innovation ecosystem.

Short and medium-term key performance indicators that will be assessed during the lifecycle of the program include:

• Number of new products, processes and services developed as a result of the ISC program;
• Number of participating firms achieving high growth; and
• Value of goods and services commercialized following a contract with the Government.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Canadian small businesses that meet all of the following criteria:

• For profit;
• Incorporated in Canada (either federally or provincially);
• 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees;
• Have research and development activities that take place in Canada;
• 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada;
• 50% or more of FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work; and
• 50% or more of senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence.

All applicants receive correspondence from the program upon submitting an application. Eligible proposals are evaluated and provided with a debrief based on the outcomes of the evaluation.

Recipients are notified by the ISC Secretariat and move forward with the grant funding agreement. Progress reports from recipients are required throughout the project period.

Recipients are required to respond to requests from the Minister or equivalent to participate in business surveys for up to 5 years after completion of the project.

ISC has an outreach and engagement team that promotes the program to innovators across Canada through:

• Email marketing to ISC's 7000+ subscribers;
• In person events at incubators, conferences and tradeshows; and
• Social media marketing through Facebook and LinkedIn (coming soon).

January 16, 2019

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

• Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth
• Canadian innovators have simplified access to tools and support

Intellectual Property

Increased funding for university-based Intellectual Property (IP) Legal Clinics, which provide IP information to businesses and individuals and familiarize students with practical IP-related issues.

It is expected that the IP Legal Clinic Program will lead to:

• Improvement in the understanding of IP by those served by these clinics; and
• Increased access to IP services for SMEs, women, and indigenous innovators.

Indicators include:

• Successful delivery of new offerings by clinics; and
• Additional clients served by these clinics.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Legal clinics affiliated with a Canadian law school accredited by the relevant provincial body.

The Department engaged in consultations in the lead up to the launch of the IP Strategy and its initiatives, including the IP Legal Clinic Program. Calls for applications were held in 2018–19 and 2019–20. Department officials monitor progress, including through reports on the benefits and results of the grants to recipients.

2000–01

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2015–16

Not applicable

Business Policy and Analysis

ISED provides a grant to the Internal Trade Secretariat Corporation (ITSC) to cover 50% of its operating costs, up to a maximum of $550,000, in accordance with Canada's obligations under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). The remaining 50% of the ITSC's operating costs are covered by the provinces and territories, which contribute in proportion to their respective populations. The budget of the ITSC is controlled by a Board of Directors composed of one seat for the federal government and one for each of the provinces and territories.

In early 2015, ISED's annual grant to the ITSC was renewed for another 5 years from 2015–16 until 2019–20. The specific amounts required by the ITSC vary from year to year depending on the activities in a given year. The ITSC often underspends its available budget, rebating or refunding any unspent funds to the contributing Parties in the following fiscal year.

The ITSC provides operational and administrative support to the Committee on Internal Trade, the Internal Trade Representatives, all other CFTA committees and working groups, as well as the Agreement's dispute settlement processes. Although ISED provides this grant to the ITSC on behalf of the federal government, the Privy Council Office supports Minister LeBlanc, who was given responsibility for internal trade in the summer of 2018.

Not applicable.

2015–16

Continuation

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Not-for-profit organization that supports the CFTA.

The ITSC is a single recipient transfer payment program.

1932–33

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2010–11

Canadian businesses are globally competitive and achieve high growth

Spectrum and Telecommunications

To allow ISED to achieve results internationally across a broad range of issues affecting radiocommunication, telecommunication standardization and development.

ISED leads the Government of Canada's engagement in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).  ISED coordinates Canada's participation and membership in the ITU in order to facilitate the continued growth, innovation and nternational competitiveness of Canada's telecommunication sector.

Over the next 3-year period, ISED-led delegations will actively participate in ITU meetings and conferences to advance Canadian interests, and endeavour to reflect them in the meeting outcomes. Canadian interests and priorities are established in consultation with other government departments, Canadian private industry and other telecommunication and information and communication technology stakeholders. The ultimate objective is to promote and protect Canadian public and private sector interests.

For each conference & meeting, pre-meeting documentation identifies high priority Canadian positions. Delegation reports prepared following the meetings convey ITU meeting outcomes. ISED Heads of Delegation complete a performance measurement template after the meeting to report on the % of high priority Canadian positions reflected in the meeting outcomes. The target for these indicators is to be within the 80-100% range. [Other performance indicators for the ITU program, which do not have associated targets include: tracking the number of frequency assignments recorded in the Master Register by the ITU, tracking the number of satellite coordination agreements obtained to protect already registered assignments, and tracking the incidence of harmful interference to determine if interference is stable, increasing or decreasing over time].

Some of the key meetings during this period:

• At the treaty-binding 2022 Plenipotentiary Conference, the ISED-led delegation will work to ensure that the ITU remains within its core mandate—particularly on Internet and cybersecurity-related matters, strengthen the ITU's accountability and transparency in the administration of financial and human resources, and advance Canada's candidacy for re-election to Council.
• An ISED-led delegation will participate in the 2020 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-20) with a goal of defining the next 4-year study period for the Telecommunication Standardization Sector, in alignment with Canadian priorities.
• At the 2021 World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-21), ISED will advance Canadian priorities and positions, including on telecommunication, Internet policy and technology issues.

2015–16

Continuation

2019–20

The ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), is the sole eligible recipient.

Canada is an elected member of the ITU Council.  In this capacity, Canada is well positioned to influence the governance of the organization, and how the budget of the Union is managed. As a UN organization, the ITU is subject to review by both an Internal and External Auditor. In addition, there is an Independent Management Advisory Committee that serves in an independent expert advisory capacity to assist the Council and the Secretary-General in exercising their governance responsibilities for financial reporting.

1997 (in its current form)

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Not applicable

Consumer Affairs

The program aims to strengthen the consumer's role in the marketplace through the promotion of sound research and analysis and by encouraging the financial self-sufficiency of consumer and voluntary organizations.

Expected results include:

• Strengthened consumer's role in the marketplace;
• Consumer interest represented in the decision-making process;
• Improved capacity of consumer groups to contribute to decision making; and
• Voluntary consumer organizations continue to operate, and expand.

2014–15

Continuation

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Consumer-interest organizations that are incorporated as non-profit corporations in Canada.

The program frequently communicates with its recipients and stakeholders, which provides ongoing opportunities to receive feedback about the program and its delivery.

ISED's Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), along with some of its federal partners, hosts a meeting with consumer interest organizations to discuss emerging consumer trends and issues, and how to most effectively respond. Discussions from these sessions help to inform program and policy priorities.

The OCA leads a federal-provincial-territorial forum, the Consumer Measures Committee, that meets approximately 2-3 times a year and serves as a forum for national cooperation to improve the marketplace for Canadian consumers.

2009–10

2023–24

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2009–10

• Supporting a competitive and knowledge-based Canadian economy
• Positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation

Horizontal Science, Research and Technology Policy

The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Grants Program provides authority to fund specific OECD research projects that advance the mandate priorities of the Department. It allows ISED to influence the scope of projects, leveraging OECD expertise and resources to:

• Respond to specific economic and policy analysis gaps;
• Provide a better understanding of Canada's positioning within a global context by ensuring Canada is represented in OECD datasets and economic trend analysis; and
• Target longer-term research on emerging trends and persistent economic challenges.

The OECD Grants Program supports international collaboration to advance the mandate priorities of the Department. It allows ISED to influence the scope of OECD projects, leveraging OECD expertise and resources to: respond to specific economic and policy analysis gaps; provide a better understanding of Canada's positioning within a global context by ensuring Canada is represented in OECD datasets and economic trend analysis; and target longer-term research on emerging trends and persistent economic challenges.

2012–13

Continuation

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

The OECD Grants Program is a single recipient program, with all grants going to the OECD.

The OECD Grants program is a single-recipient program.

Circa 1944

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Not applicable

Spectrum and Telecommunications

To enable the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) to provide advice and make recommendations on the technical standards for radiocommunication and telecommunication apparatus.

Expected results include:

• the RABC providing broadly-based, unbiased and technically-expert advice to the Department on technical issues related to radio communications (short-term outcome);
• the RABC contributing to a regulatory environment that supports effective and efficient radio spectrum use for Canadians (medium-term outcome);
• the RABC contributing to the access of radio spectrum without system interference for Canadian clients (medium-term outcome); and
• the economic and social benefits that Canadians derive from the use of the radio frequency spectrum resource are maximized (long-term outcome).

2014–15

Continuation

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

The RABC, a not-for-profit association, is the sole eligible recipient of grants under the program.

The RABC is the sole, eligible recipient of this grant. The Department works with RABC through the participation of an ex officio board member, co-leading technical working groups, and participation in quarterly meetings.

August 14, 2017

2021–22

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Canada's entrepreneurs represent all segments of Canadian society

Entrepreneurship Policy

The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub will serve as a one-stop source of knowledge, data and best practices for women entrepreneurs. It will deliver a number of activities intended to support the advancement of women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds throughout the innovation ecosystem, such as:

• Report on the progress of women entrepreneurs in Canada, including a measure or review of the entrepreneurship ecosystem supports for women in Canada;
• Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information;
• Advancing research on women's entrepreneurship; and
• Supporting and sharing best practices and knowledge among women business support organizations.

The recipient will collect the following performance indicators in a manner appropriate to the Recipient's data management practice which includes surveys, sampling and other methods:

• Number of stakeholder organizations engaged using the Knowledge Hub's communications strategy (i.e. outreach);
• Number of business support organizations who work with the Knowledge Hub;
• Percentage of business support organizations for women entrepreneurs which indicate that they have modified their programming and/or services to reflect information and resources produced by the Knowledge Hub;
• Number of Government bodies who receive new information about women's entrepreneurship from the Knowledge Hub; and
• Number of private financial institution representative bodies that receive new information about women's entrepreneurship from the Knowledge Hub.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

Not-for-profit organizations

This is a single recipient transfer payment program. The recipient is in contact with program staff on a regular basis, submits quarterly and annual reports and engages in regular teleconferences with ISED staff and project partners.

March 25, 2008

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019–20

Canadian companies are globally competitive and achieve high growth

• Support and Financing for Small Business
• Tourism Policy
• Business Policy and Analysis

ISED is occasionally presented with the opportunity to support strategic initiatives that are relevant to the aim of various sectors in the Department. As such, ISED requires a program to support such ad hoc initiatives that are consistent with the Department's mandate.

The flexibility of the Strategic Activities Program (SAP) will enable ISED to develop and maintain strong working relationships with groups offering small proposals that can contribute to achieving departmental objectives. SAP will provide financial support towards small, ad hoc initiatives that aim to help Canadians contribute to the knowledge economy and improve productivity and innovation performance.

Not applicable, under $5 million in annual program spending

Not applicable

Not applicable, five-year average actual expenditures of less than $5 million per year

The potential recipients of SAP contributions include research institutions and organizations, legal entities including incorporated entities, partnerships, cooperatives, trusts, associations and not-for-profit corporations.

Program managers monitor and track the effectiveness of the SAP partnerships with groups that share common goals and objectives with the Department. ISED maintains relevant information on the collaborations, including the extent to which they participated in the projects.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) recognizes the value that gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) provides in the development and implementation of effective policies and programs that meet the needs of diverse groups of Canadians.

At ISED, we consider GBA+ as a policy innovation tool that supports innovation in policy development and program design as it helps identify opportunities to do new and creative activities that address needs across various population groups and regions. At ISED we recognize that GBA+ makes just good policy sense and supports good due diligence practices.

ISED has a departmental GBA+ advisor, housed with the Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector, to review and approve all GBAs completed with the Department and Portfolio. Since the launch of a new GBA+ questionnaire at ISED in February 2015, it has become mandatory for the GBA+ advisor to review and approve all GBA+ questionnaires completed by the Department and portfolio. Responsible programs must also attest that the GBA+ is complete and the results have been integrated into the proposal, as well as monitor implementation. In addition, the Director General responsible for the proposal must attest that the GBA+ is complete and the results have been integrated in the proposal prior to delivery to the Minister.

The Cabinet Affairs unit at ISED also serves as a check point to ensure all required steps are completed before a document is sent to PCO. ISED also has a GBA+ sector advisors network to help increase awareness about the value of GBA+ at the departmental sector level.

Together, this governance system ensures:

• GBA+ systems and processes are fully integrated into policy development and decision making processes at ISED, and GBA+ analysis must be conducted for all Memoranda to Cabinet and Treasury Board Submissions; 
• GBA+ indicators consider results and delivery to facilitate monitoring and reporting to ensure that policies and programs are assessed; and
• The GBA+ Champion plays a role in providing leadership and coordination in the implementation and monitoring of GBA+ activities at ISED.

ISED has a Director General level GBA+ Champion who is responsible for leading many GBA activities across the Portfolio. ISED's Champion is also active in the GBA+ Champions community to share best practices and set common goals.

ISED launched a GBA+ sector advisors network to help increase awareness about the value of GBA+ at the departmental sector level. There are 20 GBA+ sector advisors who are responsible for providing guidance on the GBA+ process.

• The Gender Focal Point in the Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector is dedicated to reviewing and approving all GBA+ documents as well as training and supporting ISED members.

A great deal of work still needs to be done to narrow gaps that exist not only between women and men, but also among historically underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. The diversity in Canadian society is a source of strength and a key driver of economic growth. Making policy decisions that help vulnerable Canadians learn new skills, participate in the economy, or improve their health and well-being leads to positive outcomes for everyone.

Programs are developed in a way to ensure diversity and inclusion. This diversity and inclusion is not just in terms of gender, but also Indigenous, youth, Canadians with disabilities, rural and remote communities and income.

Some examples include:

CanCode aims to equip Canadian youth, including traditionally underrepresented groups, with the skills they need to be prepared for further studies, including advanced digital skills and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses, leading to the jobs of the future. Canada's success in the digital economy depends on leveraging our diverse talent and providing an opportunity for all to participate. CanCode has a focus on reaching girls, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities, and youth living in rural, remote and northern communities to increase their representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics training. Additionally, by ensuring that all CanCode programs are free to participants, CanCode helps to reduce income-based barriers to participation.

Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) connects underemployed post-secondary graduates with small to medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations where they can gain meaningful work experience to help them transition to career-oriented employment. Program participants are able to use the skills acquired during their studies and apply them in a professional setting. Moreover, they will be able to upskill if required to better meet the demands of the labour market. DS4Y is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), a horizontal initiative involving 11 federal departments and agencies. The YESS program provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help youth overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge in order to participate in the current and future labour market. Support will be tailored to the needs of youth facing barriers to employment.

The Connect to Innovate program is bringing high-speed Internet to over 975 rural and remote communities in Canada, including 190 Indigenous communities. In these communities, challenging geography and smaller populations present barriers to private sector investment in building, operating and maintaining infrastructure. This program supports new "backbone" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals with a portion of funding for upgrades and "last-mile" infrastructure to households and businesses. Canadians will have the opportunity to innovate and participate in our economy, democracy and way of life using new digital tools and cutting-edge services like tele-health and tele-learning.

The Accessible Technology Program is investing in hardware and software solutions that help Canadians with disabilities overcome barriers that come in the way of their full participation in the digital economy. The program co-funds innovative projects led by research institutes, private sector companies and not-for-profit organizations to develop innovative assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies for persons with disabilities.

The Digital Literacy Exchange program aims to facilitate and encourage the participation of underrepresented groups in the digital economy by investing in initiatives that provide them with the necessary digital tools, access and skills development opportunities. While 91% of Canadians use the Internet (Canadian Internet Use Survey 2018), there are still groups who are newly involved with, or haven't fully discovered the benefits of being online. It is important to support these groups to ensure no one is left behind in the digital economy.

The Connecting Families initiative (CFi) aims to help bridge the digital divide by connecting low-income Canadian families with participating Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offering low-cost home Internet services in their area. CFi also leverages the Computers for School (CFS) program's network of affiliates and its infrastructure to deliver up to 50,000 refurbished computers to eligible families at no cost. These efforts will ensure that more Canadian families and youth have access to the valuable resources available on the Internet and give them access to the tools they need to be successful and thrive.

The Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations provides organizations with funding to undertake research on emerging consumer issues of national importance, as well as to support the financial self-sufficiency of non-profit consumer and voluntary organizations. The program's most recent call for proposals encouraged applicants to apply a GBA+ lens to ensure findings are geographically representative and considerate of Canada's diverse socio-cultural population. As part of the proposal assessment process, applicants who demonstrated their projects included GBA+ factors were given higher consideration.

Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) is a whole-of-government approach to help women grow their businesses through access to financing, talent, networks and expertise. Through over 15 different federal government departments, agencies and crown corporations, the WES provides nationally coordinated, regionally tailored investments to help women entrepreneurs and support regional innovation ecosystems through two program streams. The Women Entrepreneurship Fund is a $30-million program that invests directly in women-owned or women-led businesses to help them grow and reach new markets. The WES Ecosystem Fund is an $85-million investment to help not-for-profit, third-party organizations deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem.

Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) aims to improve financing opportunities for women and other under-represented groups. The government is investing $450 million in five large national funds-of-funds as well as in a unique portfolio of venture capital funds representing emerging and diverse managers, underserved regions and sectors, alternative fund structures and clean technology funds which have already reached a close and are beginning to invest in high growth potential Canadian companies. All applicants were required to submit gender balance strategies demonstrating how they will enhance diversity and increase the participation of women across the venture capital ecosystem and are required to report on statistics relating to the number of women fund managers and entrepreneurs supported.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) supports innovation projects in Canada, while also ensuring that the funded projects generate not only innovation and economic benefits, but also social benefits. Contribution agreements contain commitments by recipients to develop and implement gender and diversity plans that reflect the specific context of projects and companies.  SIF tracks the progress against these commitments including through its Annual Projects Benefits Report.

Innovative Solutions Canada is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada's innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. Twenty participating federal departments and agencies will set aside a portion of funding to support the creation of innovative solutions by Canadian small businesses. One of its objectives is to encourage procurement from companies led by under-represented groups, such as women, Indigenous, and youth.

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are helping to create a culture of innovation, with a strong foundation for sustained and inclusive regional economic growth. The Innovation and Skills Plan takes into account regional priorities and needs through $511 million allocated over five years for the six RDAs, located across the country. The RDAs are adopting a simplified program structure by channelling support through the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation (REGI) program, and the development of new regional growth strategies. The RDAs are a mechanism for delivering tailored support to women- and Indigenous-owned firms. In 2017–18, RDAs approved approximately $94 million in funding for Indigenous economic development projects. RDAs are also developing regional growth strategies that reflect their unique regional circumstances and context while aligning with the targets and goals of the Innovation and Skills Plan. This includes adopting a whole-of-government approach to achieve outcomes in priority areas, such as economic development and job creation for Indigenous peoples.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Indigenous Banking Unit provides financing and consulting services, including the Aboriginal Business Development Funds, in partnership with community organizations, to increase access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs who may not normally qualify for a loan; and Indigenous Entrepreneur Loans of up to $250,000 for both businesses and start-ups. Through the BDC's alliance with Canadian Executive Service Organization Aboriginal Services, loans come with ongoing mentoring and business management advice for the first two years following loan approval.

The Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) conducts activities to increase Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students. BHER convenes partners, coordinates and aligns stakeholder efforts across Canada, and offers business tools and solutions to secure commitments from industry, across all segments of the economy, to create an additional 44,000 WIL placements for students from all academic disciplines by 2021–22. As a condition of their funding, BHER is engaging diverse employers to encourage them to hire students from diverse segments of the population. This initiative is expanding Canada's WIL ecosystem and will benefit individuals from a wide-range of socio-economic statuses, ethnicities and identities, as well as increase their workplace readiness and early productivity potential.

The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy is Canada's primary tool for leveraging economic benefits from defence procurement. In April 2018, Gender and Diversity Plans were made a mandatory requirement of a bidders Value Proposition on defence and major Canadian Coast Guard procurements to which the ITB Policy is applied. Bidders are required to provide, at bid time, a plan that describes their approach to achieving gender balance and increasing diversity within their corporate structures and broader supply chains in Canada. Examples include efforts to increase the senior management and workforce participation of designed groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act, bidder's corporate anti-discrimination policies, or to integrate businesses predominantly led by designated groups into supply chains. All submitted Gender and Diversity Plans are reviewed as part of ISED's effort to gain a better understanding of gender and diversity within the defence industry.

New diversity disclosure within boards and senior management by publicly-traded corporations about their approach to improving overall diversity amongst board directors and members of senior management. Starting January 1, 2020, publicly-traded corporations under the Canada Business Corporations Act will be required to disclose their diversity policies if they have one in place, or if they do not have such diversity policies, they will be required to explain why under what is called the "comply or explain" model. The objective is to encourage an open conversation about good corporate governance between companies and their shareholders. This is intended to, over time, increase diversity among boards of directors and senior management with regard to representation, at minimum, of women, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and members of visible minorities. The diversity information is to be presented annually to the corporation's shareholders as well as sent to Corporations Canada.

Bridging Digital Divides 

1. Computers for Schools

DATA FORMAT: Captures population-level data. Delivery partners report on the type of organizations (school, library, not-for-profit) and population groups (youth, senior, official languages, disabilities, Indigenous, new Canadians) that received computers.

2. Connecting Canadians

DATA FORMAT: Captures data on households in rural and remote regions, including Indigenous communities.

3. Connect to Innovate

DATA FORMAT: Captures data on rural and remote regions, including Indigenous communities.

4. Connecting Families initiative

DATA FORMAT: Connecting Families captures the number of families currently benefitting from $10/month Internet or that have received a free computer through the initiative (by province). Demographic data about the eligible families that have been invited to participate in the initiative is also captured on a yearly basis through online, telephone and paper questionnaires (e.g., gender, disability, ethnicity, education and employment).

5. Digital Literacy Exchange

DATA FORMAT: Delivery partners provide demographic data: senior, new Canadians, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, income level (targeting low-income Canadians), language minority groups and geographic locations (northern and rural communities).

6. Accessible Technology

DATA FORMAT: Captures demographic data on people with disabilities.

2020–21 REPORT: Canadian Internet Usage Survey and Canadian Disability Survey

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

March 31, 2002

Ongoing endowment in perpetuity

Higher Education Sector Science and Technology Research

125,000,000

125,000,000

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