2023–24 Departmental Plan: Supplementary information

adMare BioInnovations (adMare) is a single recipient non-repayable contribution program. adMare is a not-for-profit organization, established in 2019, that works together as one with the NEOMED Institute and adMare Therapeutics to identify and de-risk promising discoveries in drug technology and create a sustainable life science and health technologies industry in Canada. adMare Therapeutics is a not-for-profit organization, established from the amalgamation of Vancouver-based Centre for Drug Research and Development and Accel-Rx Health Science Accelerator. Together, these organizations source therapeutically and commercially promising drug and pharmaceutical research from leading academic and biotech partners, train the next generation of science and business leaders, create new companies of scale and drive the growth of those companies to become Canadian anchors. Budget 2021 provided funding of $92 million over four years to adMare beginning in 2021–22.

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

• Canada's life sciences sector is strengthened through the creation and scale-up of life sciences companies in Canada;
• Promising research in the life sciences sector and health technology is de -risked, advanced and translated into commercial and therapeutics opportunities in Canada; and,
• Highly qualified personnel are trained with cross-disciplinary business and scientific skills to drive economic growth in Canada's life sciences sector.

Key performance indicators will include:

• Ratio of leveraged contributions from other sources;
• Number of cooperative students, interns, Post-Doctoral Fellows trained, and scientists;
• Annual number and annual total dollar value of funded collaborations;
• Annual number of SME-adMare collaborations; and,
• Number of new companies formed or scaled, and maintaining operations in Canada as a result of adMare's activities.

June 13, 2019

March 31, 2025

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019–20

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Talent Development

The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is a non repayable single recipient contribution program. It has the objective of leveraging the strengths of Canadian businesses, universities and colleges to deepen collaboration and improve opportunities for young Canadians. The only eligible recipient of this contribution is the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, a national not-for-profit organization. Budget 2019 provided BHER with $17 million between 2019-20 and 2021-22. An additional $17.1 million over three years was allocated to the program starting in 2022-23.

The current investment will be directed towards generating) new unsubsidized work-integrated learning (WIL) placements and strengthen BHER's role as a national convener in Canada's WIL ecosystem.

In 2023-24, BHER is expected to engage with approximately 2,000 employers to support the creation of over 7,000 WIL placements.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2023-24

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

BHER engages directly with a range of stakeholders from across the Canadian WIL ecosystem, including industry associations, employers/businesses, provincial government officials, and post-secondary institutions. Such engagement takes place in various forms,  including individual meetings.

ISED regularly engages with BHER and receives updates on progress towards deliverables and key performance targets, as well as the status of their activities (building tools, creating WIL placements, engaging partners, etc.).

March 3, 2022

March 31, 2025

Contribution – Stream 1

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy

Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

Grow Your Business Online is designed to support up to 90,000 consumer-facing businesses across Canada digitize and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.

It aims to help increase digital adoption for eligible small businesses by providing microgrants of up to $2,400 per business to help with the costs associated with the adoption of digital technologies related to e-commerce. It will also support up to 11,200 Canadian youth placements by hiring and training youth as e-commerce advisors, so that they can help these businesses assess their digital needs and develop their e-commerce strategy.

Grow Your Business Online is delivered by third party non-profit organizations who receive non-repayable contributions.

Grow Your Business Online – Expected Results:

Short-term: Canadian small businesses and entrepreneurs, including those in equity deserving groups, have access to programs and services to digitize their businesses.

Medium-term: Canadian small businesses and entrepreneurs, including those in equity deserving groups, receive support to digitize and develop ecommerce capabilities.

Long-term: Canadian small businesses and entrepreneurs, including those in equity deserving groups, are able to sustain and grow their businesses.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2024-25

Grow Your Business Online
Ultimate Recipients

Eligible ultimate recipients must be small businesses that meet all of the following criteria:

• A for-profit business (including for profit social enterprises and cooperatives)
• A registered or incorporated business;
• A consumer-facing business;
• A business that can be accessed by customers or provides in person services to customers;
• A business with a minimum of one employee (other than the owner) OR that had at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year;
• Recipients must commit to maintain digital adoption strategy for 6 months post intervention
• A business will be required to consent to participating in follow-up surveys, having their information shared with the Government of Canada (ISED and Statistics Canada), and having the name of their business published as a recipient of funding.

Transfer Payment Recipient

Must be Canadian incorporated (federally or provincially) not-for-profit organizations and may be:

• A business and entrepreneur support organization;
• A research/innovation hub;
• An Indigenous organization;
• A Provincial/Territorial Crown corporation, agency or other entity created by a provincial/territorial government or provincial/territorial ministry;
• A business accelerator or incubator; or,
• A consortia of non-profit and for-profit organizations/entities where the not-for-profit organization is the lead proponent (i.e. the holder of the contribution agreement).

Grow Your Business Online:

CDAP promotional resources (e.g. sample social media posts, sample graphics) are available on the CDAP web pages to help promote the program.

March 3, 2022

March 31, 2025

Contribution and Grant – Boost your Business Technology

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021-22

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Business Innovation

Canada Digital Adoption Program – Boost Your Business Technology stream supports Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises  who are looking to leverage new technology to improve productivity, increase efficiency and foster innovation. The program provides funding and expertise to businesses, as well as training and work placement opportunities for youth.

Boost Your Business Technology offers support in the form of grants to help SMEs offset the cost of retaining a Digital Advisor who will develop a digital adoption plan tailored to the business. The grant will cover up to 90% of the cost to develop the digital plan, up to a maximum grant value of $15,000.

To support the implementation of the plan, the SME will be able to apply for a zero-interest loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) (up to $100,000) as well as a wage subsidy up to $7,300 for a youth placement.

The program expects to achieve two sets of results:

For the SMEs:

SMEs use the CDAP business supports to adopt digital technology to improve their overall operations
Indicators:

• Number of SMEs that complete a digital needs assessment, and,
• Number of SMEs that complete a digital adoption plan.

For the Youth placement:

The youth placement component helps participating youth learn valuable work skills as well as provide SMEs with additional help through their digital transformation.

Indicators:

• Percentage of youth that report to have benefited from the youth placement, and,
• Percentage of SMEs that report to have benefited from the youth placement.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2024-25

Boost your Business Technology:

Canadian for-profit businesses with revenues between $500,000 and $100 million and between 1 and 499 FTEs.
The Boost your Business Technology stream supports small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that require more advanced technology, such as small manufacturing and food processing operations, among others. These businesses are able to access advisory expertise for digital adoption plans followed by zero-interest loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) for implementation. Boost your Business Technology also works with a third party intermediary to create opportunities for students and recent graduates to benefit from work placements in firms undertaking digital transformation.

The Boost your Business Technology stream has been undertaking digital marketing activities, including social media and paid advertising, to drive potential applicants to the CDAP website. Once there, visitors can access educational tools to learn about the benefits of adopting digital technologies and apply to the Boost Your Business Technology stream.

CDAP also participates in in-person events, to better leverage potential partnerships with key stakeholders and meet SMEs where they are. The program has developed and shared custom marketing materials with internal and external stakeholder groups across Canada and have resources available for download online, all designed to help amplify messaging, raise awareness, and increase programs uptake.

In addition, the program also offers regular webinars to the public, where participants can learn more about the program and ask questions about how they can benefit from CDAP – Boost Your Business Technology. The program has also built strategic relationships with peer programs and other stakeholders to support program delivery and awareness, including special efforts to reach equity-deserving groups.

July 2, 1997

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021-22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is a non-repayable recipient contribution program. Established by the federal government, it has the objective of funding research infrastructure in order to help attract and retain talent, train researchers, support private-sector innovation and commercialization, and enable researchers to undertake world-class research. The only eligible recipient of this contribution is the CFI, an independent not-for-profit corporation. Ultimate recipients are universities, colleges, hospitals, and not-for-profit research organizations that are situated in Canada and are capable of carrying on meaningful research. Budget 2018 set aside $763 million over five years for the CFI starting in 2018-19, and permanent funding at an ongoing level of $462 million per year by 2023-24. The maximum amount of contributions payable under this program will be the overall contributions approved through the Government of Canada budget decisions.

Through the activities supported by the program, the CFI is expected to help 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.

Key performance indicators include the following:

• Researchers attracted and retained to the institution;
• Trainees (undergraduates, graduates, post-doctoral fellows) using CFI-funded infrastructure;
• New or improved public policies, programs or regulations;
• Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, books or reports;
• New or improved products, processes or services.
• Direct technology transfer (e.g., , intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, spin-off companies);
• Jobs created due to CFI-funded infrastructure.
• Matching funds from the private sector; and,
• CFI-funded infrastructure remaining state-of-the-art.

2020–21

Continuation

2024-25

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. An ISED official attends CFI board meetings as an observer.

March 26, 2001

2025-26

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2020-21

Canada has a clean and sustainable economy

Clean Technology and Clean Growth

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is a single recipient non-repayable contribution program. The only eligible recipient is SDTC. It has the objective of operating the Sustainable Development (SD) Tech Fund to fund development and demonstration projects that address climate change, air quality, clean air and clean soil. SDTC typically funds approximately 33% of eligible project costs and can fund up to 50% of the total project costs.  Funding is typically in the range of $50,000 to $20 million, with an increasing number of smaller investments of $50,000 under SDTC's Seed Fund. Eligible ultimate recipients are not-for-profit corporations, educational or research institutions, and individuals, that have expertise in sustainable development technology. The 2020 Fall Economic Statement, through Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan, provided funding of $750 million over five years (2021–22 to 2025-26). Prior to this investment, Budget 2017 provided funding of $400 million, which was allocated over three years (2018–19 to 2021–22).

To support its overall goal to advance clean technology innovation in Canada, SDTC is expected to undertake the following activities:

• Fund the development and demonstration of new sustainable development technologies related to climate change, clean air, clean water, and clean soil;
• Foster and encourage innovative collaboration and partnering amongst the private sector, academics and not-for-profit organizations to strengthen the Canadian capacity to develop and demonstrate sustainable development technologies; and,
• Enable the timely diffusion by the ultimate recipients of new sustainable development technologies in relevant market sectors throughout Canada, enabling Canadian entities to compete globally in the clean technology space.

SDTC will collect from the ultimate recipients qualitative and quantitative performance information that will allow it to measure the impact of its activities and the benefits to the Canadian economy and society. Key performance indicators include the following:

• Number of new clean technologies supported by SDTC under the SD Tech Fund;
• Amounts of co-funding leveraged by SDTC funded projects;
• Number of jobs created by SDTC-funded companies;
• Sales revenues of SDTC-funded companies; and,
• Annual reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases resulting from clean technologies funded by SDTC under the SD Tech Fund.

An evaluation is currently underway and will be completed in 2022-23.

Not applicable

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

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.

ISED maintains ongoing dialogue with SDTC and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report that SDTC submits each year to monitor progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement.

SDTC seeks to foster and encourage innovative collaboration and partnering amongst the private sector, academia, not-for-profit and other organizations with similar mandates to develop and demonstrate environmental technologies such as partnerships with Emissions Reduction Alberta, Alberta Innovates, British Columbia Innovative Clean Energy Fund, Ontario Centres of Innovation, Transition énergétique 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.

1999

Ongoing

Other

Statutory – Canada Small Business Financing Act

Ongoing (Statutory program)

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Support 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 businesses with revenues of up to $10 million per year. Under the program, financial institutions can make term loans to small businesses for  real property, leasehold improvements equipment, intangible assets and start-up costs as well as line of credit loans for day-to-day working capital costs. In the event that a registered loan defaults, the government pays 85% of net eligible losses. The CSBFP is a national program that operates in all provinces and territories.

The CSBFP is market-driven, and variations in its use reflect levels of supply by lenders and demand from small businesses. The CSBFP will continue to track and report the number, value, and incrementality of loans that help small businesses obtain financing from lenders, which would otherwise have been unavailable. 

2019–20

Continuation

2024–25

Canadian small businesses

Based on recommendations from the 2014-19 Comprehensive Review Report and announced in Budget 2021, the CSBFP will continue efforts to increase knowledge and awareness among lenders and borrowers regarding recent legislative and regulatory amendments that will allow more small businesses to apply for financing in the amounts and types that better reflect their needs.

1986

March 31, 2022 (CIFAR Core Budget 2017) and March 31, 2026 (CIFAR Core Budget 2021)

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021-22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

This program provides non-repayable contributions to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, known as CIFAR. The purpose of the CIFAR-Core component of the funding under this program is to advance interdisciplinary knowledge creation, support long-term growth of next-generation research leaders, and drive societal impact through knowledge mobilization. The recipient is a not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act that supports the advancement of science through international and interdisciplinary collaboration and high-impact research to address emerging fields of discovery and advance thinking on future-focused questions across the sciences and humanities.

Through activities supported by CIFAR Core contributions, the program is expected to achieve the following results:

• CIFAR supports advanced and interdisciplinary research and training and learning.
• CIFAR enables collaboration between researchers and non-profit, private, public sector and international organizations.
• CIFAR networks share and mobilize knowledge created by the CIFAR community.
• Researchers develop and broaden their research capabilities through their participation on international, interdisciplinary research teams.
• CIFAR approach accelerates knowledge advances with the potential to generate economic and social benefits.

Key results indicators include:

• Number of participants in CIFAR research programs.
• Number of early-career researchers participating in the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program.
• Total number of CIFAR Catalyst Grants awarded.
• Number of knowledge mobilization activities held, including by the AI & Society program.
• Total number of partnerships with governments, research organizations, industry, and foundations.
• Number of publications or projects produced by active CIFAR supported researchers.
• Number of CIFAR researchers who report co-authoring with other CIFAR researchers.
• Percentage of participants in CIFAR knowledge mobilization activities who plan to integrate new ideas gained through these activities into their work.
• Percentage of Canadian researchers reporting that participation in CIFAR activities has positively informed or impacted their research.

2022-23

Continuation

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

CIFAR is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As CIFAR is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews corporate plans, quarterly financial reports, and annual reports to monitor progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreements.

2017

March 31, 2026 (CIFAR PCAIS Budget 2017) and March 31, 2031 (CIFAR CPAIS Budget 2021)

Contribution

Statutory for CIFAR-PCAIS Budget 2017; appropriated annually through Estimates for CIFAR-PCAIS Budget 2021

2021-22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

This program provides non-repayable contributions to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, known as CIFAR. The purpose of the CIFAR-PCAIS component of the funding under this program, which is provided through the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS), is to support activities to retain and attract top academic talent in artificial intelligence (AI), increase the number of post-graduate trainees and researchers studying in AI, promote collaboration among Canada's main centres of expertise in AI in Montreal, Toronto-Waterloo, and Edmonton, advance understanding of the ethical, legal, political, and societal implications of AI, as well as position Canada as a world-leading destination for companies seeking to invest in AI and innovation. The recipient is a not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act that supports the advancement of science through international and interdisciplinary collaboration and high-impact research to address emerging fields of discovery and advance thinking on future-focused questions across the sciences and humanities.

Through activities supported by CIFAR PCAIS contributions, the program is expected to achieve the following additional results:

• CIFAR supports advanced and interdisciplinary research and training and learning.
• CIFAR enables collaboration between researchers and non-profit, private, public sector and international organizations.
• CIFAR networks, share and mobilize knowledge created by the CIFAR community.
• Canada produces highly qualified personnel in artificial intelligence.
• Canada's international profile, capacity and artificial intelligence research competitiveness is maintained.

Key results indicators include:

• Number of active Canada CIFAR Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) Chairs. Number of active research teams at the PCAIS national institutes.
• Total number of active research partnerships between CIFAR or PCAIS national institutes and industry.
• Number of knowledge mobilization activities held, including by the AI & Society program.
• Number of peer-reviewed publications across PCAIS national institutes.
• Number of collaborative projects and publications examining the societal implications of artificial intelligence.
• Number of CCAI Chair-supervised graduates, including Master and PhD students and Post-Doctoral Fellows.
• Canada's Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index rankings, relative to peer nations.
• Canada's Tortoise Global AI Index rankings, relative to peer nations.

2022-23

Continuation

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

CIFAR is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As CIFAR is a single recipient transfer payment program, ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue and reviews corporate plans, quarterly financial reports, and annual reports to monitor progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreements.

The department participates as an observer in quarterly board meetings related to the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

1993

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2014–15

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

CANARIE is a non-repayable single recipient contribution program.  It has the objective of providing ultra high-speed networking capability to enable researchers to exchange large volumes of data obtained through the use of high-performance computing resources. CANARIE also supports private firms in advancing innovation and commercialization through the use of network technologies. ISED contributed $105 million (plus an approx. $8 million top up) to CANARIE from 2015-2020. ISED will be contributing $137 million from 2020-2024. The contribution amount is required by CANARIE to ensure that it can complete its proposed activities.

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.

Government officials regularly attend CANARIE Board and executive committee meetings including, both Investment Committee and Executive Committee, as observers. The Recipient is also engaged through communications with their project officers and the Department on a regular and ad hoc basis as a means of building and maintaining collaborative relationships.

June 1, 2017

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018-19

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Talent Development

CanCode 3.0 is a non-repayable contribution program. It has the objective of delivering new or expanded digital skills and coding initiatives for youth to prepare them for participation in the digital economy, and for teachers to increase their comfort level in introducing coding concepts into the classroom. Students will learn digital skills, including coding, web development and data analytics.

Budget 2021 is investing $80M, over three years, to continue to support training for students and teachers.

CanCode 3.0 is expected to provide three million student training opportunities in coding and digital skills. Targets for the program include 50% girls, 7% Indigenous youth, 17% youth located in rural remote and Northern communities, and 1% youth with disabilities.

CanCode 3.0 is also expected to provide 120,000 teachers with access to tools and training to teach digital skills and coding to K-12 students.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2023–24

Eligible recipients are not-for-profit organizations that are incorporated in Canada.

A community of practice with the recipients will be created.

Recipients are engaged through regular outreach on project development and quarterly monitoring and reporting of projects. Based on ongoing feedback received from recipients during these engagement processes, program procedures are adapted, resulting in improved program delivery and more streamlined claim and risk analysis processes.

A not-for-profit organization or a for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada, a Canadian provincial, territorial or municipal entity, a Band Council, an Indigenous government authority, a non-federal public sector body or a partnership of any of the entities listed above. Individuals and federal entities are excluded from applying to the program.

Engagement activities include: regular outreach with applicants on project development; coordination with provincial/territorial and First Nations groups, partners and other government departments and agencies to leverage funding available for broadband; sustained social media presence; and ongoing interaction and monitoring of project recipients.

December 22, 2022

March 31, 2026

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

No Terms and Conditions

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Business Innovation

The CAN Health Network (CHN) brings together health-care organizations from across Canada to conduct joint technology demonstration/validation projects and to create an environment where these organizations can leverage their purchasing power to issue joint procurement opportunities for successful participating Canadian businesses.

The CHN was established as a pilot project led by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and funded via their Regional Economic Growth program. Since 2019, the CHN has received a total of $12,450,000 in support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) and Prairies Economic Development Canada.

Budget 2022 announced $30 million over four years, starting in fiscal year 2022-23, to build upon the success of the CHN, and expand it nationally to Quebec, the territories, and Indigenous communities. This expansion will support the growth, commercialization and adoption of Canadian health-care solutions, helping ensure that Canada is prepared for future threats to our health-care system.

It is expected that the expansion of the CAN Health Network will continue to have positive impacts in supporting the scale-up of Canadian companies and adoption of made-in-Canada innovative health technologies, enhancing Canada's domestic health-care capacity. Expanding the CAN Health Network and its purchasing power potential to Quebec and the territories will contribute to facilitating more robust responses to Canada's health-related priorities and health emergencies. To accomplish this, the Network is expected to achieve on the following:

Ecosystem Building:
The Network will build and strengthen partnerships among health care organizations across provinces, expanding to Quebec and the Territories.

Management of Projects:
The Network will facilitate joint procurement processes among Edges.

Network Sustainability Plan:
A Sustainability Plan will be developed and approved by the CAN Health Network Board. It will lay out the strategy to become financially viable and operate the Network beyond the Work Phase.

Expansion of Activities:
Expand the number of projects being carried out in existing regions (Ontario, Prairies and Atlantic provinces) and launch projects in Quebec and the Territories.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, will continue to monitor as required under the Policy on Results.

Canadian business with a focus on SMEs.

The CAN Health Network is building a pan-Canadian presence from West to East, and has already begun their engagement to expand their operations in the Territories (Yukon General Hospital) and the Quebec Edge (CHUM Montreal). An Edge is a hospital or health authority who participates with the Network.

The CAN Health Network is responsible for engaging with member Edges, the recruitment of new Edges, and launching Calls for Innovation (COI) to attract Canadian companies to undertake the project activity under each COI.

Each project has their own governing board (Project Advisory Board) that set strategic engagement points throughout a project, and appropriately leverage expertise and drive adoption on Network engagement from the very beginning. The Project Advisory Boards are engaged throughout the lifecycle of the project, but primarily through the following five points:

• Company Selection
• Project Design
• Project Updates (x2)
• Project Spotlight

At project close, the CAN Health team holds a 45-minute targeted opportunity—The Deeper Dive—for the company and Edge to co-present and share the project's outcomes. Invites to these sessions are further extended to end-users and decision-makers within the Edges so they may see first-hand how the project has succeeded. The host Edge is also encouraged at this stage to put out a 'Call to Action' expressing that they will be moving forward with procurement, and inviting other Edges to join or get in touch to learn more.

April 1, 2005

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

The Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides science-based, expert assessments for federal departments and agencies to inform public policy development in Canada. Additionally, the CCA also conducts assessments for the private sector and other levels of government on a cost-recovery basis. ISED has funded the CCA since 2005, through federal budgets, in the amount of $3 million per year.

Through the activities supported by the program, 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:

• Number of completed assessments; and Quality of assessment reports and their direct and indirect impact on policy.

2017–18

Continuation

Not applicable, will continue to monitor as required under the Policy on Results.

The CCA is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As the CCA 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.

June 28, 2022

March 31, 2026

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2020-21

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing.

Business Innovation

Budget 2019 provided $80 million over four years to support three or more Canadian cyber security centres across Canada that are affiliated with post-secondary institutions to address the growing need for Canada to:

• enhance and expand cyber security research and development;
• increase commercialization; and develop skilled talent.

The Lead Recipient of the program is the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC), a not-for-profit organization federally incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and located in Canada.

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, the following results are expected to be achieved:

• Industry and academia collaborate to promote research and development, commercialization and training in the field of cyber security;
• Students and workers receive training to develop cyber security-related skills and knowledge;
• Funded eligible projects lead to new or improved cyber security products and knowledge;

Key performance indicators include:

• Number of funded collaborative R&D, commercialization and skills projects;
• Number of post-secondary students participating in cyber security training activities (courses, programs, co-op,  and/or Work-Integrated-Learning (WIL) programs;
• Number of professionals participating in cyber security training, reskilling and upskilling activities;
• Number of IP filings and number of other IP (i.e., any IP not formally filed) generated as a result of network R&D and commercialization activities;

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2025-26

Not-for-profit organizations and charities.

As the Cyber Security Innovation Network program is a single recipient contribution, ISED will maintain an ongoing dialogue with the National Cybersecurity Consortium, attend Board of Director meetings as an observer and review 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.

September 28, 2022

March 31, 2027

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2022-2023

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

Through a contribution to the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (DRAC), ISED will provide $39 million in funding announced in Budget 2021 to provide dedicated computing capacity for Artificial Intelligence (AI) researchers as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. DRAC will provide funding to ultimate recipients for the procurement and operation of AI computing infrastructure, which will be spread across three national AI host sites, namely; the University of Laval, the University of Alberta, and the University of Toronto.

The objective of this project is to provide dedicated computing capacity for Canadian Institute of Advanced Research (CIFAR)'s AI Chairs at the national artificial intelligence institutes in Edmonton, Toronto, and Montréal. DRAC, in collaboration with CIFAR, the AI institutes, the Regional Organizations, and the Host Sites will acquire, deliver, and support three new dedicated compute systems designed and dedicated for AI research integrated into the National DRI platform.

By providing dedicated computing capacity for AI research, this project will support talent and expand research capacity in Canadian AI.

The funding is expected to increase processing power, allowing more researchers to pursue more complex research projects. There is a projected procurement of approximately 7250 GPUs (graphical processing units, essential to AI research and use), which would be more than three times the 2300 AI GPUs currently available. The first round of procurement and installation is planned to occur in 2023-24.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

An evaluation of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2.0 is planned for 2025-26.

DRAC is the recipient of this funding. The AI computing program is a single recipient transfer payment program. DRAC flows funding to the three host sites listed above.

Government officials regularly attend DRAC Board and other meetings specific to AI computing, as observers. DRAC also engages with project officers at the host sites and ISED on a regular and ad hoc basis as a means of building and maintaining collaborative relationships and assessing the success of program implementation.

September 28, 2017

March 31, 2025

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017-18, amended 2022-2023

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy

Bridging Digital Divides

The Digital Literacy Exchange Program is a contribution program that 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 Digital Literacy Exchange Program (DLEP) was renewed in Budget 2022 for $17.6 million over 3 years starting in 2022-2023.

By March 31, 2025, DLEP is expected to provide digital literacy training to 100,000 Canadians from underrepresented groups across Canada including persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, individuals who do not speak English or French at home, individuals aged 65 or older, individuals who have not completed high school, individuals who have low-income, residents of rural and remote areas, newcomers to Canada, and individuals from official language minority communities.

2021-22

Continuation

Not applicable, will continue to monitor as required under the Policy on Results.

Eligible recipients are not-for-profit organizations that are incorporated in Canada.

Recipients are engaged through regular outreach on project development and quarterly monitoring and reporting of projects. Based on ongoing feedback received from recipients during these engagement processes, program procedures are adapted, resulting in improved program delivery and more streamlined claim and risk analysis processes.

March 21, 2019

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018-19

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

The Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) Contribution Program is a non-repayable single recipient contribution program. It has the objective of providing funding for Advanced Research Computing (ARC), Research Software (RS), and Data Management (DM), to support the work of Canadian researchers and scientists. The eligible recipient is  the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (DRAC) (formerly New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization (NDRIO)), a not-for-profit organization federally incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and located in Canada. This recipient will implement a national strategy for ARC, RS, and DM. The maximum contribution payable under this program will be the overall contribution approved through Government of Canada budget decisions.

Under the DRI Strategy, the Advanced Research Computing (ARC) Expansion Program sought to immediately increase ARC resources across Canada's five national ARC host sites to meet the computing needs and requirements of researchers across the country. ARC is a non-repayable contribution program. The eligible recipients are five national Advanced Research Computing (ARC) sites (University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, the University of Waterloo, the University of McGill and the University of Toronto). The Minister may enter into contributions up to a maximum amount of $50M. The maximum contribution payable under this program will be $60M. The ARC Expansion Program is set to wind down in 2022-23.

Through the contribution with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (DRAC) (formerly the New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization (NDRIO)) and the eligible activities expected to be completed under it, the DRI Strategy is expected to achieve the following results through the 2022-23 to 2024-25 period:

• 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; and
• DRI funding is leveraged by other investments to provide greater value for money.

Key performance indicators include: 

• Available ARC capacity;
• Number of data sets available to Canadian researchers through nationally-accessible platforms;
• Number of research software tools and platforms developed and reused; and
• Increased awareness of DRAC and ability to meet needs of diverse users located across Canada.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2023–24

The DRI Strategy is a single recipient transfer payment program.

Government officials regularly attend NDRIO Board and other meetings as observers. The recipient is also engaged through communications with their project officers and the Department on a regular and ad hoc basis as a means of building and maintaining collaborative relationships.

December 11, 2017

March 31, 2025

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2020-21

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Talent Development

Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), 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.

DS4Y was extended for an additional year, having received $10.8 million from Budget 2021 to support up to 360 youth interns for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. In the Fall Economic Statement 2022, two years of additional funding were announced for the YESS.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2024–25 (led by Employment and Social Development Canada)

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 regular outreach on project development and quarterly monitoring and reporting of projects. Based on ongoing feedback received from recipients during these engagement processes, program procedures are adapted, resulting in improved program delivery and more streamlined claim and risk analysis processes.

April 2021

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Annually through estimates

2021-22

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy.

Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneur

The 50 – 30 Challenge Ecosystem Fund provides funding to successful organizations, known as Ecosystem partners, to help 50 – 30 Challenge participants meet the diversity and inclusion goals.

The Ecosystem partners support participants by linking them to best practices and tools, providing guidance and advising on other diversity supports specific to each organization's unique needs. The Ecosystem partners also promote the What Works Toolkit, and report on the progress of 50 – 30 participants to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Ecosystem partners are awarded a three year, non-repayable Contribution Agreement with a minimum value of $3 million and a maximum value of $10 million.

The 50 – 30 Challenge will report the following results:

• Challenge Participants respond by applying National Standard to accurately increase diversity in their organizations;
• Canadian organizations have the resources and capacity to improve their responsiveness to the needs of equity-deserving groups; and,

• Challenge participants can access or receive training and mentorship packages and respond by integrating diversity and inclusion practices into their management policies and practices.

Canadian organizations have a measurable increase to the diversity of their Boards of Directors and senior management teams.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, will continue to monitor as required under the Policy on Results

Contributions may be provided to the following eligible recipients:

• Canadian associations, not-for-profit organizations, and registered charities;
• Non-governmental organizations and Canadian public institutions such as academic institutions, colleges and universities, and health care institutions;
• Organizations representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, and band councils;
• Private sector organizations (applications from the private sector must be made jointly with one or several not-for-profit partner organization(s); and,
• A coalition or consortium of multiple Canadian organizations comprised of public and/or private, not for profit and/or for profit organizations and/or any others listed above.

These Ecosystem Partners will provide supports and services to all organizations participating in the 50-30 Challenge:

• Large corporations;
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME); and,
• Post-secondary institutions, not-for-profits (including hospitals), charities, and agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs).

ISED sends a monthly newsletter to all 50 -30 Challenge participants. In addition, ISED will coordinate meetings among Ecosystem partners and other key contributors to the 50 -30 Challenge.

March 30, 2022

March 31, 2026

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021-2022

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Business Innovation

ElevateIP is a non-repayable contribution program. It's purpose is to help Business Accelerators and Incubators (BAIs) and BAI networks provide start-ups with access to professional intellectual property (IP) supports. ElevateIP will help BAIs provide the tools Canadian start-ups need to protect, strategically manage and leverage their IP.

ElevateIP aims to meet the following program objectives:

• facilitate IP supports by BAIs to start-ups at key junctures in the entrepreneurial process to enable the rapid scaling, growth and sustainability of start-ups in Canada
• help increase the IP capacity of the BAI ecosystem in Canada by enabling IP education for BAIs and their start-up members, facilitating the exchange of best practices, encouraging collaboration, and providing greater access to IP advice and support as an integrated component of general business supports offered by BAIs enable BAIs to provide targeted supports, supports that are customized to the unique requirements of each start-up, to help start-ups secure and maintain IP rights, while enabling longer-term IP benefits to be delivered through the BAI ecosystem

ElevateIP aims to meet the following expected results:

• IP capacity amongst BAI's and start-ups is increased as a result of IP educational activities;
• start-ups supported by Recipient organizations will have access to high quality IP services from qualified and experienced personnel;
• Services offered by Recipient organizations will be accessible and inclusive;
• start-ups supported by Recipient organizations will make use of IP through the development of IP strategies, and by seeking and obtaining formal IP protections; and,
• Start-ups supported by Recipient organizations develop the tools and expertise necessary for sustainable expansion and growth.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, will continue to monitor as required under the Policy on Results.

Canadian not-for-profit BAIs and Canadian not-for-profit organizations that represent networks of BAIs.

Annual Reporting through the use of surveys to Applicant and program recipients. ISED maintains extensive engagements with industries, businesses and associations as well as with other federal departments and agencies, providing opportunities for feedback.

April 1, 2017

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2020-21

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy

Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

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 for Futurpreneur are :

Short-term

• Provide mentorship to at least 1,000 youth annually; and,
• Increase the percentage of women entrepreneurs receiving financial support and accessing mentorship by 2%, to 400 (from an average of 392 from 2015-2017) young women per year by 2024-25.

Medium-Term

• By March 31, 2024, 70% of Futurpreneur's survey participants state they felt well prepared to start and grow a business; and,
• By March 31, 2024, 70% state they felt that mentors shared valuable business knowledge and advice.

Long-Term

• By March 31, 2024 Futurpreneur is expected to have engaged with 7,250 Indigenous youth via outreach activities;
• By March 31, 2024, an additional 175 Indigenous youth are expected to have accessed Futurpreneur's loan and mentorship services;
• Futurpreneur is also expected to maintain a 55% five-year survival rate; and,
• Futurpreneur supported businesses are expected to grow faster than the national average of youth owned SMEs.

ISED received quarterly and annual reports from the recipient organization, which is used to monitor these indicators.

2018–19

Continuation

2023–24

Young Canadian entrepreneurs from ages 18-39

Futurpreneur Canada is the sole recipient of funding from this named contribution program.

March 27, 2000

March 31, 2027

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

Genome Canada is a non-repayable single recipient contribution program, under which Genome Canada is the only recipient. Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization created in 2000 that supports six independently incorporated regional Genome Centres, located in British Columbia, Alberta, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. With the Genome Centres and other partners, including a number of provincial governments and the private sector, Genome Canada invests in and manages large-scale genomics research projects, technology platforms, and the translation of new discoveries into application at Canadian post-secondary institutions, research hospitals and not-for-profit research institutions. Budget 2019 provided $100.5 million over five years starting in 2020–21, and Budget 2021 provided $136.7 million over five years beginning in 2022–23.

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 will include:

• Annual number and value of large-scale genomics research projects, technology platforms, and translational research projects supported;
• Annual percentage of projects supported that have end-user partners;
• Annual number of highly qualified personnel and students involved in projects;
• Annual number of international projects led by Canadian researchers;
• Number of invention disclosures, patents and licenses; Number of prototypes, early-stage products, tools and process emanating from genomics research; and,
• Number of companies enhanced, advanced, or created

2019–20

Continuation

2025–26

Genome Canada is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As Genome Canada 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 funding agreements. An ISED official attends Genome Canada quarterly board meetings as an observer.

May 24, 2017

March 31, 2028

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017-18

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Business Innovation

The Global Innovation Clusters (GIC) initiative (renamed in Budget 2022)  is a non-repayable contribution program. Its objective is to support the acceleration of world-leading innovation clusters in Canada that translate the country's strengths into new commercial opportunities for Canadian firms. Eligible recipients are industry-led incorporated not-for-profit organisations. Funding for this program was provided by Budget 2016 and 2017, and consists of a total of $950 million over five years. An additional $60 million was provided to the Clusters in Budget 2021. The program was renewed in Budget 2022 with an investment of $750 million over the next six years.

The GIC's expected results for the 2023–24 to 2025–26 period include:

• Developing ecosystems that create a global advantage for Canada by attracting investment, developing a global profile, and collaborating on projects at a national scale.
• Accelerating the scale-up of SMEs in cluster projects by fostering collaboration and integration into emerging value chains, in order to drive international opportunities, expand market share, and grow revenues.
• Strengthening connections and collaborations between private, public and academic organizations to drive impactful commercialization outcomes and develop domestic capacity.
• Addressing skills gaps, act as a magnet for global talent, collaboration, and skills and talent development, and foster opportunities for equity-seeking groups to benefit from connections, in order to drive innovation and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

The following indicators are monitored and reported publicly:

• Number of approved projects;
• Number of organizations participating in projects/ percentage of business partners that are small and medium sized-enterprises (SMEs);
• Dollar value of investment in projects (from Cluster program and all other sources);
• Number of Cluster member organizations; and,
• Innovation: Number of new IP rights generated.

2021-22

Continuation

2026-27

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

The program has generated support from industry by engaging more than 7,500 members across all five Clusters, with a strong representation of small and medium-sized enterprises and post-secondary institutions. Through the Clusters' collaborative projects, more than 2,320 partners have been brought together, with over 50% of these partners being small and medium-sized enterprises.

April 1, 2014

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is a cross-disciplinary institute, based at the University of Waterloo, that specializes in quantum information science (QIS) and quantum technologies. Its mandate is to engage in quantum research, training, educational outreach, and device fabrication, with the aim of positioning Canada as a global leader in quantum.

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

• Increase knowledge in quantum information science and technology.
• Support and create opportunities for students to learn and apply new knowledge.
• Increase awareness and knowledge of quantum information science and technology and the IQC in both the scientific community and amongst Canadians more generally.
• Position Canada to take advantage of economic and social benefits of research by seizing opportunities and commercializing breakthrough research.
• Brand Canada as a place to conduct research in quantum information science and technologies.

Key performance indicators include:

• Number of IQC faculty.
• Number of citations on IQC researcher papers.
• Annual number of scientific visitors to the IQC.
• Annual number of funded collaborations.
• Annual number of graduate students in training.
• Number of new spin-off quantum information companies created.

2020–21

Continuation

2025–26

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, 2015

March 31, 2022

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2020-21

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Talent Development

Let's Talk Science (LTS) is a national, not-for-profit and charitable organization that offers programs, services and resources to help promote youth engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, Let's Talk Science is expected to achieve the following results:

• Increase youth participation in STEM and awareness of related career paths;
• Increase capacity of educators to support youth STEM engagement; and
• Increase professional skills (leadership, communications, budgeting, etc.) and employability of LTS postsecondary volunteers.

Key performance indicators include:

• Number of youth participants reached, including underrepresented groups (across LTS program areas);
• Percentage of youth participants indicating increased interest in STEM;
• Percentage of youth participants considering careers in STEM;
• Number of schools and community sites visited;
• Number of educators participating in LTS professional learning initiatives;
• Percentage of participating educators who indicate improved capacity to support youth in STEM;
• Number of postsecondary volunteer participants in LTS professional development initiatives (e.g. training conference and outreach activities); and,
• Percentage of volunteer participants who indicate improved career readiness competencies.

2021–22

Continuation

2026-27

Let's Talk Science is a single recipient transfer payment program.

As Let's Talk Science 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.

April 1, 2012

March 31, 2026

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

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. Mitacs also provides entrepreneurs opportunities to connect with potential international clients and investors through internships in post-secondary-linked incubators operating in partner countries.

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

• Students, graduates, and start-ups have access to work-integrated learning opportunities through Mitacs;
• Participation in Mitacs programs fosters the potential for collaboration between academia and industry, and across sectors;
• Scientific knowledge and investments in research and development are enhanced as a result of the internship;
• Post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows who have completed an internship improve their skills and on-the-job experience;
• Educated professionals pursue science and technology-related jobs in Canada; and,
• Participating organizations innovate and grow.

Key performance indicators include:

• Number of work-integrated learning opportunities (internships) funded;
• Percentage of new and returning host organizations;
• Percentage of firms planning increased overall investment in research and development;
• Percentage of host organizations reporting increases in intern professional skills development and experience as a result of the internship;
• Percentage of interns who are working in Canada after graduation; and,
• Percentage of organizations that developed, or anticipate developing, a new or enhanced process, product or service because of the project.

2022–23

Not applicable

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

Mitacs Inc. is a single recipient transfer payment program.

ISED maintains an ongoing dialogue with Mitacs and reviews the Corporate Plan and Annual Report that Mitacs submits each year to monitor progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding agreements. An ISED official attends Mitacs Board of Directors meetings as an observer.

April 19, 2021

March 31, 2026

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

Contributions to the National Artificial Intelligence Institutes is a named recipient, non-repayable contribution program. An initiative of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS), the program's objectives are to:

• accelerate the translation of artificial intelligence research into commercial or other innovations;
• grow the capacity of Canadian businesses, not-for-profit organizations, health providers including hospitals, or other public corporations and agencies to develop, adopt, use, or commercialize artificial intelligence; and,
• encourage the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence based in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation and economic growth.

There are three eligible recipients of funds under the program: Amii in Edmonton, Alberta;  Mila in Montreal, Quebec; and the Vector Institute in Toronto, Ontario. Each recipient is a not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act that supports the advancement of artificial intelligence research, training, and innovation.

In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada provided funding for the program in the amount of $60 million over five years, starting in 2021–22, with a maximum allowable contribution of $20 million to each eligible recipient.

Through activities supported by contributions, the program is expected to achieve the following results:

• Canada's national artificial intelligence institutes support capacity-building engagements with businesses, health and not-for-profit partners.
• Engagements create new innovations.
• Engagements increase the capacity of partnering organizations to develop, adopt, use or commercialize artificial intelligence technologies.
• Partnering organization employees develop new skills and are better able to develop, adopt, use or commercialize artificial intelligence technologies.
• Engagements generate economic and social benefits.

Key results indicators include:

• Percentage of partners which report that their organization is better equipped to develop, adopt, use or commercialize artificial intelligence technologies as a result of their engagement.
• Percentage of  people who participate in institute-offered training who indicate that they have developed new skills or knowledge as a result of participation in engagements.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2025-26

Contributions to the National Artificial Intelligence Institutes is a named recipient transfer payment program with three named recipients: the Mila Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute in Montreal, Quebec, the Vector Institute in Toronto, Ontario, and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute in Edmonton, Alberta.

The department maintains an ongoing dialogue with each recipient and reviews the corporate plans and annual reports that they submit each year to monitor progress towards the achievement of expected results and compliance with the terms and conditions of funding agreements. An ISED official participates as an observer at recipient board meetings.

April 1, 2007

July 31, 2024

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (Perimeter Institute) is an independent, not-for-profit, research institute devoted to foundational issues in theoretical physics. Its mandate is to create and sustain a world leading centre for research, graduate training, and educational outreach in theoretical physics. 

Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, PI 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.
• 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 include:

• Number of joint faculty employed between the Institute and partner institutions.
• Number of postsecondary students trained.
• Number of teachers trained through Institute workshops.
• Viewership of the Institute's YouTube channel, and in-person attendance at Perimeter Public Lectures.
• Number of Institute papers rated as having a great or very great scientific importance in its applicable Institute field.
• Number of Institute papers rated as having a great or very great scientific importance in its applicable Institute field.
• Percentage of the Institute's postdoctoral alumni that obtain faculty positions in Canada or abroad.
• Canada's ranking internationally in physics research citation impact.

2020–21

Continuation

2025–26

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 1, 2022

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Annually through Estimates

There are no terms and conditions; the Contribution Agreement itself serves as the mechanism to govern the contribution.

Canadian science, technology and innovation research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research (Department of Industry).

The purpose of the contribution is to provide financial assistance to the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute for the purpose of increasing collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation and care, and accelerate the translation of discoveries and best practices into improved treatments.
Objectives include :

• developing and enhancing knowledge and skills on spinal cord injury;
• producing and using scientific research on spinal cord injury;
• academic, public, and private sector collaboration on spinal cord injury projects;
• new or innovative products, tools and processes, and the development / retention of highly qualified personnel result from funded spinal cord injury research projects; and,
• scientific research and innovation on spinal cord injury produces socio-economic benefits.

Expected results are as follows:

• scientific knowledge and skills on spinal injury are developed or enhanced;
• scientific research outputs on spinal cord injury are produced and utilized;
• academic, public, private sector, and research institutions collaborate on spinal cord injury projects;
• funded spinal cord injury research projects and innovation programs lead to new or innovative products, tools and processes;
• funded spinal cord injury research projects and innovation programs contribute to the development and retention of highly qualified personnel; and,
• scientific research and innovation on spinal cord injury produces socio-economic benefits.

Key performance indicators include:

• number of individuals who have developed new skills;
• number of articles on spinal cord injury published in peer-reviewed journals;
• number of research and development collaborations supported;
• number of patents or licenses which result from supported projects;
• number of jobs created for highly qualified personnel; and,
• number of products, processes, services or technologies ready for use, including, for example, novel devices, therapeutics, services or other technologies supported that enter the Canadian market.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

Not applicable, will continue to monitor as required under the Policy on Results.

Praxis is a single recipient transfer payment program

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

2021-22

2025-26

Non-repayable contributions

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2021-22

People and communities from all segments from Canadian society participate in the economy

Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

The SBEDP aims to break down barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada, particularly equity deserving groups, to start, maintain, and grow a business, by providing targeted support to enhance overall sustainability, and drive growth, competitiveness, innovation, and productivity toward broader economic and social benefits. Initiatives under the SBEDP will align to one or more of the following objectives:

• Strengthen Canada's entrepreneurship ecosystem to be more accessible for small businesses and entrepreneurs, including those owned by equity deserving groups;
• Increase opportunities for SMEs to start, scale, grow, and maintain a business and/or adjust to new economic realities; and,
• Build awareness of issues faced by entrepreneurs, particularly equity deserving groups, to improve coordination of supports and close gaps in service.

Assistance for the SBEDP will be in the form of non-repayable contributions.

The terms and conditions under the SBEDP are designed to support a broad array of SME programming. Leveraging these terms and conditions, it is expected that Canadian small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly equity deserving groups:

Short-term: have access to programs and services to start, maintain and grow their businesses, and are aware of the supports and partnerships available to them;

Medium-term: receive support to start and grow their businesses; and,

Long-term: sustain their businesses, and an overall increased participation of entrepreneurs from equity deserving groups in entrepreneurship and SMEs.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2025-26

Not-for-profit organizations and charities.

ISED will engage with applicants and recipients of the program to determine feasibility of projects submitted for funding and/or to monitor progress of funded projects.

July 22, 2016

March 31, 2025

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

Canadian science, technology and innovation (STIn) research contributes to knowledge transfer

Science and Research

The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a single recipient non-repayable contribution program, under which SCN is the only recipient. SCN is a national not-for-profit corporation dedicated to enabling the translation of regenerative medicine and stem cell research into clinical applications, commercial products and public policy by funding research projects in Canadian universities and hospitals, and partnering with international collaborators from institutions around the world. It was first established in 2001 as one of the Networks of Centres of Excellence. The contribution to SCN is non-repayable. Budget 2021 provided funding of $45 million over three years to SCN beginning in 2022–23.

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

• National and international partnerships are created and/or strengthened for continued advancements in regenerative medicine;
• Scientific knowledge and outputs related to regenerative medicine are produced;
• Regenerative medicine research is translated into clinical application and commercial products, leading to the development of  innovative made-in-Canada therapies and technologies;
• Canada has a diverse base of HQP trained in regenerative medicine and its translation who are able and ready to bring forward Canadian regenerative medicine solutions; and,
• Advancements in regenerative medicine research create economic, social and health benefits for Canadians.

Key performance indicators will include:

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

2020–21

Continuation

2025–26

The SCN 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 businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Business Innovation

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is a mixed contributions program and is comprised of 5 different streams: R&D and commercialization, firms expansion and growth, investment attraction and reinvestment, collaborative technology development and demonstration, and advancement of national innovation ecosystems to drive business scale-up, technology development and commercialization.

Eligible recipients can be corporations incorporated in Canada, and consortia of such entities, depending on the stream. The contributions can be repayable, non-repayable, or conditionally repayable depending on the stream. Through various additional top ups, including , including $7.2B announced in Budget 2021 and $1.04B announced in Budget 2022, SIF now has funding of $18B over 13 years. The maximum contribution amount is $500M for an eligible project.

To date, in 2022–23, 10 contribution agreements have been signed, for a total of 106 active agreements. These agreements will result in tangible benefits to Canadians such as maintaining and creating jobs and leveraging further investments in the Canadian economy. These projects represent a variety of sectors across Canada, including digital industries, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and clean resources. Through these projects, companies will advance inclusive business and hiring practices.

2021–22

Continuation

2026-27

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.

The $3.2 billion Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) will support high-speed Internet projects across the country over seven years. It has been designed to fund broadband infrastructure projects that will bring high-speed Internet at 50/10 Megabits per second (Mbps) to rural and remote communities. In addition to funding a diversity of high-speed Internet projects to connect Canadians, there is:

• up to $50 million available to support mobile Internet projects that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples, including projects along highways and roads where mobile connectivity is lacking;
• up to $750 million available for large, high-impact projects; and,
• a Rapid Response Stream for shovel-ready projects that can be completed quickly.

The UBF is part of the Government of Canada's coordinated plan to connect all Canadians, as outlined in Canada's Connectivity Strategy. It is also consistent with the Government's roadmap for supporting strong and resilient rural communities.

In fall 2022, the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) received a top-up of $475 million, to bring the total funding envelope to $3.2 billion. This additional funding will help connect another 60,000 households to high-speed Internet, and help ensure that the government achieves its targets of connecting 98% of households by 2026, and all households by 2030.

By early 2023, decisions on UBF projects selected under current funding will have been made. Projects will continue to roll-out throughout 2023-24. The vast majority of Rapid Response Stream projects are already complete, however a small number that have experienced delays will be complete in 2023-24.

The next UBF program target is 98% of households served by high-speed Internet by 2026. The program is on track to achieve that target.

Businesses in high growth industries, including SMEs, will be the ultimate UII beneficiaries. Through the UII, employers will be positioned to identify and fill their skills gaps, and ultimately have access to the skilled workforce necessary to continue to growth and innovate.

Mid-career workers, including those that are part of underrepresented groups, that are looking for better career opportunities in high-growth industries, will be the targeted participants.

UII recipients and their partners will engage business associations, sector leads and local communities to identify employers skills needs and implement plans for meeting them, including through identifying and developing programs with private training providers and/or post-secondary institutions that are aligned with those needs.

ISED will regularly engage with the lead recipients to foster partnerships, receive key updates on the progress towards deliverables and performance targets and the status of activities.

October 18, 2018

WES Ecosystem Fund — March 31, 2025

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund – March 31, 2024

Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative – March 31, 2025

WES — Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021–22

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy

Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

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

• WES Ecosystem Fund: A program designed to help not-for-profit, third-party organizations deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem. In addition to an initial $100 million Ecosystem investment in 2018 and 2020, through Budget 2021, the WES Ecosystem Fund received $65 million in additional funding (through the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Program - SBEDP) to further address gaps in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Total program investment since 2018 is $165 million.
• Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund: This $55 million program is designed to provide affordable financing in smaller amounts for women entrepreneurs, and address under-served, diverse women entrepreneurs.
• Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative: This $15 million initiative is designed to strengthen and build a more inclusive venture capital environment for Canadian women, especially for diverse, intersectional and/or under-served women.

Programs under the WES will contribute to the following outcome: women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses have access to programs and services to start, maintain and grow their businesses and are aware of the supports and partnerships available to them.
WES Ecosystem Fund:

• Funding received through Budget 2021, delivered through ISED, is helping additional non-profit, third-party organizations strengthen capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and offer business supports under two calls.
• The first call ($25 million) is supporting new projects responding to systemic barriers and gaps for diverse, intersectional and/or under-served women.
• The second call ($40 million) is supporting business support projects focused on sectors and in areas of strength for women entrepreneurs (including in the care economy, retail and service sectors), as well as those which provide services to women entrepreneurs in rural, remote and northern areas of the country.
• It is anticipated that contribution agreements for both calls will be signed in early 2023-24. Project activities will begin in 2023-24 once contribution agreements are signed.

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund:

• This program will provide an additional source of affordable financing for women entrepreneurs (loans up to $50,000), particularly those from diverse or under served groups as well as start-ups and sole proprietorships. All loan administrators will be offering loans in 2023-24.

Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative:

• Projects will work to build a more inclusive venture capital environment, and could include initiatives that aim to: strengthen the capacity of women entrepreneurs to access venture capital funding; contribute to increasing representation of women in the venture capital industry; and initiatives that ensure that the venture capital industry is sensitive to gender and potential unconscious bias in their operations.
• It is anticipated that contribution agreements will be signed in early 2023-24. Project activities will begin in 2023-24 once contribution agreements are signed.
• Key performance indicators measured by projects may include, but are not limited to:
  • Number of clients who receive support to sustain or grow their business;
  • Number of clients who receive training/capacity building/outreach sessions;
  • Percentage of small and medium sized enterprises supported that are majority-owned by equity deserving group
  • Reported investments in women and/or diverse women entrepreneurs and their businesses; and,
  • Adoption of measures to support women entrepreneurs.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2023-24 – Budget 2018 WES initiatives (Women Entrepreneurship Fund, 2018 WES Ecosystem Fund)

2024-25 – Budget 2021 WES initiatives (Ecosystem Fund, IWVCI, WES Loan Fund, WEKH)

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.

For new Ecosystem Fund recipients as well as Loan Fund delivery organizations and Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative recipients, ISED will regularly engage recipient organizations on funding delivery, reporting requirements and the evaluation of program activities as per the results framework.

ISED has regular and ongoing discussions with the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) on a variety of topics including review of research paper drafts (prior to publication), gaps or issues identified within the ecosystem, planned/proposed areas of research and annual conference planning. These discussions enable WEKH to best target resources and ISED to consider areas for future program/policy development.

September 28, 2017

March 31, 2024

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017-18 / amended 2022-23

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy

Bridging Digital Divides

The Accessible Technology  Program is a non-repayable contribution program. It has the objective of developing assistive technologies to enable Canadians living with disabilities to participate more fully in the digital economy and increase accessibility to the Internet.

The Accessible Technology Program (ATP) was renewed in 2022 for $5.8 million for two years, starting in 2022-23. By March 31, 2024, the program is expected to fund five new projects and four commercially available solutions.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Eligible recipients are Canadian legal entities, including for-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and research institutes.

Recipients are engaged through regular outreach on project development and quarterly monitoring and reporting of projects. Based on ongoing feedback received from recipients during these engagement processes, program procedures are adapted, resulting in improved program delivery and more streamlined claim and risk analysis processes.

The not-for-profit recipient is engaged through regular monitoring and reporting to ISED. The transfer payment program recipient participates in regular meetings with ISED and the participating ISPs. ISED conducts site visits of the recipient on occasion and holds regular discussions with the recipient to discuss potential issues, trends and the future of the program.

Low income families and seniors who are eligible for the program receive a letter from the Government of Canada inviting them to participate. The program works through partnerships with community-based organizations that have  trusted relationships with the eligible population to raise awareness of the benefits of the program and help these individuals register and participate in the initiative.

November 30, 2020

March 31, 2024

Non-repayable contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2020-21

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy

Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), through its three initiatives, aims to break down systematic barriers to start, maintain, and grow a business among Black entrepreneurs by providing targeted support to enhance overall sustainability, and drive growth, competitiveness, innovation, and productivity toward broader economic and social benefits.

The Loan Fund will help Black business owners and entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses now and into the future. The Loan Fund is delivered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) in partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada, and provides loans of up to $250,000 for Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada.

The Knowledge Hub will increase the research and data on Black entrepreneurship in Canada through the creation of a Hub that will advance evidence-based research, identify critical gaps, and strengthen coordination of support for Black entrepreneurs.

The BEP Ecosystem Fund, managed by Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), will provide financial support to Black-led support organizations who provide business advisory services to Black entrepreneurs, allowing them to increase their existing offerings and grow the number of businesses they support.

The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund targets the following objectives:

• More of Black businesses will receive support to grow their businesses, as evidenced through loans delivered to businesses majority-owned by Black Canadians, as well as Black women-owned businesses, and businesses owned by Black youth and newcomers; and,
• There will be more Black businesses in the Canadian economy, as evidenced through increased number of businesses majority-owned by Black Canadians, as well as Black women-owned businesses, and businesses owned by Black youth and newcomers.

The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub is expected to increase the understanding of Black entrepreneur-ship in Canada, through events and research products on Black entrepreneurs in Canada.

Ecosystem Fund:

This component of the program is managed by RDAs, who will report on results.

Not applicable, new program

Not applicable

2024–25

Eligible recipients include not-for-profit Black-led support organizations who demonstrate:

• They are Black-led support organizations:
  • the leadership positions (Directors, Founders, etc.) are primarily occupied by people who self-identify as Black (minimum two-thirds);
  • the governance structure (volunteer committee, advisory board, eldership circle, etc.) is primarily composed of people who self-identify as Black (minimum two-thirds);
  • their mandate, activities and outcomes are focused on supporting members of Black communities; and,
  • their ability to deliver business support services and to reach the Black community.

Knowledge Hub:

• The Knowledge Hub will be administered through a collaboration between a not-for-profit Black-led support organization(s) and an academic institution(s).

Between 2022 and 2024, regular reporting from recipient organizations on funding delivery, evaluation of program activities as per results framework, ongoing engagement with ecosystem on program feedback will be held.

For the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, ISED receives quarterly progress reports from the Federation of African Canadian Economics and ISED officials are in regular communication with FACE.

Between 2022 and 2024, FACE will continue to provide regular reports on the delivery of the project and will also undertake a wide range of activities to engage with the Black Canadian community.

1993

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2020-21

People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy

Bridging Digital Divides

Through the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program, donated surplus computer equipment and devices are refurbished by youth interns hired by the program's national, provincial and territorial program partners. Once refurbished, the computer equipment and devices 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 CFS+ program has a target of delivering 70,000 computers each fiscal year and the program expects to achieve that target in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

An evaluation of Computers for School Plus is currently underway and will be completed in 2022-23.

Not applicable

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

Eligible recipients for the donated computers are not-for profit organizations, schools, libraries, Indigenous communities and low income Canadians. Eligible participants in the CFSI program are youth aged 15-30 who are eligible to work in Canada and are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.

Recipients are engaged through regular monitoring and reporting. All recipients participate in monthly teleconference meetings, site visits and an annual meeting to discuss potential issues, trends and the future of the program.

1997

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019–20

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Talent Development

Through the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program, donated surplus computer equipment and devices are refurbished by youth interns hired by the program's national, provincial and territorial program partners. Once refurbished, the computer equipment and devices 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 CFSI program has a target of 160 internships for the 2022-23 fiscal year and a target of 118 internships for the 2023-24 and the 2024-2025 fiscal years. In the Fall Economic Statement 2022, two years of additional funding were announced for the YESS.

An evaluation of Computers for Schools Intern Program is currently underway and will be completed in 2022-23.

Not applicable

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

The CFSI program seeks to enhance the employability and marketability of youth through internships specifically targeted to develop expertise and skills needed to actively participate in the digital economy. CFSI helps young Canadians of diverse backgrounds and genders gain work experience and develop a variety of advanced digital skills and important soft-skills such as project management, teamwork, and communications.

Recipients are engaged through regular monitoring and reporting. All recipients participate in monthly teleconference meetings, site visits and an annual meeting to discuss potential issues, trends and the future of the program.

January 16, 2019

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Businesses, investors and consumers are confident in the Canadian marketplace, including the digital economy

Intellectual Property

As part of the Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy, the Indigenous IP Program (IIPP) grant seeks to support Indigenous Peoples' IP awareness and capacity building, and enabling participation of Indigenous representatives in the development and implementation of policy and programs at both the domestic and international level relating to the relationships between the IP system and the protection of Indigenous knowledge (IK) and Indigenous cultural expressions (ICEs). The program grant seeks to improve the inclusiveness of the IP system in Canada by funding Indigenous communities, governments, companies, associations, and other eligible organizations. Budget 2018 provided funding in the amount of $1 million over five years (2018–19 to 2022–23) and $200,000 ongoing – with the majority of funds provided through the IIPP grants ($125K in 2019–20 and 2021–22 and $150,000 in 2018–19 and 2020–21, 2022–23 and ongoing) and the remaining funds used for engagement, research, and other operational activities to support the delivery of the IIPP initiatives.

The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) initiatives aims to promote a more inclusive IP system for Indigenous Peoples, through initiatives focused on education, awareness raising and capacity building.

ISED is committing to provide up to $150,000 in 2023-24, in grants, to support Indigenous organizations' capacity building and awareness raising projects related to intellectual property, Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous cultural expressions. This may include participation in ongoing World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) discussions as well. 

An evaluation of the Intellectual Property Strategy is currently underway and will be completed in 2023-24.

Not applicable

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

WIPO, Indigenous organizations.

ISED will take stock of the first three years of the IIPP grant by engaging with the National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs) who received funding under the grant. ISED will also engage with external Indigenous advisors on how to improve the design and delivery of the program, including relevant cultural considerations and pursuing a distinctions-based approach.

December, 2017

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017-18

Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Business Innovation

Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) is a research and development (R&D) procurement program that supports the growth, scale-up, and commercialization objectives of innovative Canadian firms. ISC consists of two funding streams, Challenge and Testing, focused on early and late-stage research and development respectively. The program has five core objectives:

• Fuel the development and adoption of technological innovation in Canada;
• Support the growth of Canadian companies and commercialization of Canadian innovation through direct funding to support early-stage and late-stage prototypes;
• Encourage the procurement of technologies developed by companies led by underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous, youth, disabled individuals, LGBTQ2+ 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 advance government priorities.

Renewed in 2022, ISC established its integrated performance measurement framework with the following expected outcomes:

Short-term:

• Canadian SMEs, including those that are led or majority-owned by underrepresented groups, are aware of, and participate in, the program;
• Public sector institutions collaborate to promote innovation; and,
• Canadian innovators are supported.

Medium-term:

• Canadian SMEs develop their innovative solutions;
• New and innovative products, technology and services are commercialized in Canada; and,
• Funded projects lead to the creation of new jobs by, and increased diversity of, Canadian SMEs.

Long-term:

• Supported Canadian SMEs grow and contribute to Canadian economic growth.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable, will continue to monitor as required under the Policy on Results.

Canadian business with a focus on SMEs.

• Continue to establish and enhance its digital presence (build awareness with subscribers, followers on social media, virtual sessions);
• Conduct targeted outreach to increase participation and drive quality applications to the program;
• Website with success stories, annual reports, applications, etc;
• Publish an annual report in both official languages that meets accessibility requirements.
• Conduct feedback surveys with companies participating in the program; and,
• Develop and implement an outreach strategy for the program.

January 16, 2019

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018–19

Businesses, investors and consumers are confident in the Canadian marketplace, including the digital economy

Intellectual Property

The Intellectual Property (IP) Legal Clinics Program, one of the elements of the IP Strategy, is a grant program intended to encourage the establishment or enhancement of IP legal clinics within Canadian law schools. The objectives of the IP Legal Clinics Program are to enable law students to learn more about IP, help businesses get a sense of their IP needs;. and facilitate access to the professionals that can provide quality IP advice. By supporting the provision of free or low-cost access to basic IP advisory services, the IP Legal Clinics Program helps Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs better understand, protect, and commercialize IP. In addition, by increasing the exposure of university students to IP issues, it fosters the development of future IP experts.

ISED will maintain the Intellectual Property (IP) Clinics Program to further advance the Government of Canada's IP Strategy by:

• Encouraging the establishment or enhancement of IP legal clinics within Canadian law schools to support the provision of free or low-cost access to basic IP advisory service;
• Foster the development of future IP experts; and,
• A key commitment is to improve the understanding of IP and increase access to IP services for SMEs, women, and Indigenous innovators.   

An evaluation of the Intellectual Property Strategy is currently underway and will be completed in 2023-24.

Not applicable

To be determined in accordance with the Departmental Evaluation Plan.

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

The Department plans to continue consulting with past recipients on benefits achieved and results obtained from past funded projects under the IP Legal Clinics Program. In addition, the Department will also continue consulting with all eligible applicants for next fiscal year, i.e. all Canadian university law schools, on funding possibilities to enhance an existing legal clinic or establish a new one.