Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy report: 2024-25

Support youth skill development in environmental sectors

Continue to support the creation of green jobs, through the Computers for Schools Intern (CFSI) Program as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

Program: Talent Development Program

Performance indicator: Number of green jobs created through the CFSI per fiscal year

Starting point:

• 187 (2022-23)
• 208 (2023-24)

Target:

• 118 per fiscal year(A-base target)
• 158 (2022-23)
• 148 (2023-24)
• 148 (2024-25)

The Computers for Schools Intern (CFSI) program is a companion program to the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program. It provides valuable internship opportunities to young Canadians by providing hands-on experience, in CFS+ workshops, refurbishing devices, developing and implementing social media plans, as well as other valuable workplace skills such as teamwork and communications skills. These internships are considered "green jobs" given the role played by CFS as a reuse organization. Reuse prolongs the useful life of technology; it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, preserves natural resources, and conserves more energy than recycling.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives

GIF target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

Indicator result: 189 green jobs created in 2024-25

Notes: The achieved indicator result surpassed the targeted 118  jobs for this fiscal year due to additional funding from the Fall Economic Statement 2022.

Continue to fund and support third-party organizations such as the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), which is advancing work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities with a focus on transitioning to a net zero economy, equity, diversity and inclusion, and northern, rural and remote communities

Performance indicator: Number of committed WIL experiences over three years (2022-2025)

Starting point: 7,968 (2022-23)

Target: A total of 22,307 WIL experiences committed over 2022 to 2025

ISED supports the BHER, a non-profit organization that works with business and post-secondary education sectors to build opportunities for young Canadians. In particular, ISED funding to BHER supports the creation and delivery of WIL opportunities in close collaboration with employers. This work contributes to supporting the skills development of post-secondary students, including from equity deserving groups and others facing systemic barriers to gaining meaningful work experience. BHER prepares students to successfully transition into the labour market, including in environmental and clean technology sectors.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives

GIF target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

Indicator result: Since 2022, BHER has delivered 17,655 WIL opportunities (3,753 completed in 22-23 and 13,900 completed in 23-24) and is on track to meet its target of 22,307 by 2025.

Notes: The achieved indicator result surpassed the targeted opportunities for the first two fiscal years combined (14,757).

Support the development and expansion of diverse scientific post-secondary talent pools through work integrated learning opportunities related to sustainable development^{Footnote 2}

Program: Talent Development Program

Performance indicator: Number of sustainable development related internships supported through the Mitacs Program

Starting point: 1,482 Mitacs cleantech internships and fellowships (2021-22)

Target: More than 1,482 internships are supported through the Mitacs Program annually

Through the Mitacs Program, Canada will continue to support talent development initiatives aimed towards developing and expanding the pool of qualified graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

Indicator result: In 2024- 2025, Mitacs surpassed the annual target and delivered over 2,546  internships.

Notes: The achieved result directly contributed to continued talent development towards clean technology adoption and innovation.

Provide information to help consumers make more sustainable choices

Provide consumers with the information and tools they need to practice informed sustainable consumption and support voluntary action to reduce environmental impacts through the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA).

Program: Marketplace Protection and Promotion Program

Performance indicator: Number of unique visitors accessing the "Be a green consumer" section of the OCA website.

Starting point: Fiscal year 2020-2021 was the baseline for reporting purposes with 10,519 unique visitors accessing the web offerings.

Target: 10,500 unique visitors to the "Be a green consumer" section of the OCA website per fiscal year.

In 2019, the Office of Consumer Affairs collaborated with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to create web content to help Canadians make informed choices about consuming products and services in a manner that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. As part of its ongoing commitment to provide consumers with the information they need to make sustainable choices, ISED's Office of Consumer Affairs continues to work with key partners to provide information to help consumers make more sustainable choices in the marketplace.

For example, in 2022, the OCA collaborated with the Competition Bureau to make important improvements to its Environmental labels and claims page. The guide, created for informational purposes, provides short descriptions of the common green labels and claims Canadians will see when participating in the marketplace and cautions consumers about greenwashing. GoC support for consumer advocacy work conducted by Canadian non profit organizations is enabled by the OCA's contribution program Canadian Consumer Protection Initiative. The Consumer Policy Research Database, which is accessible to Canadians via the OCA website, contains links to work funded by the CCPI on topics such as sustainable consumption and the circular economy. An example of a research project that was funded through a 2023-25 targeted call for the Initiative is a research project which will focus on finding innovative solutions in order to help Canadians access affordable, healthy and sustainable food, while ensuring that industry improves its social and environmental performance (Equiterre – Affordability of Canada's Food Guide Plate: The role of retailers and consumer empowerment).

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture's contribution to sustainable development

Indicator result: There were 8,543 unique visitors to the "Be a green consumer" section of the OCA website in fiscal year 2024-25.

Digital Literacy Exchange Program

The Digital Literacy Exchange Program (DLEP) supports not-for-profit organizations in the development and delivery of fundamental digital literacy skills training to Canadians who would benefit from increased participation in the digital economy. The program aims to equip Canadians with the necessary skills to use computers, mobile devices and the Internet safely, securely and effectively.

The DLEP contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
• CIF ambition: Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives
• Global indicator framework
• Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

Between April 1st 2024 and March 31,2025, the Digital Literacy Exchange Program has provided digital literacy training to 148,446 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, low-income individuals, residents of rural and remote areas, newcomers to Canada, and individuals from official language minority communities.

Cyber Security Innovation Network Program

The National Cybersecurity Consortium, the lead recipient of the Cybersecurity Innovation Network (CSIN) Program, is diversifying, deepening, and expanding Canada's cybersecurity pipeline of talent across the country.

The CSIN contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework
  • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

In 2024-25, the Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN) program helped increase skilled cyber security talent in Canada by supporting 309 post-secondary students and 30 professionals participating in cyber security training activities.. This includes participation from underrepresented groups.

Invest in women's skills, employment, and leadership

Continue to support women-led Canadian clean technology companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address environmental issues, such as climate change and air, water and soil pollution through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Program: Clean Technology and Clean Growth Program

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of SD Tech Fund-supported technologies of firms that are majority-led by women.

Starting point: 26% of firms approved for funding in 2021-2022 were led by women.

Target: 25% of SD Tech Fund-supported firms are majority-led by women every year.

Through SDTC, ISED will work to support women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses. This will contribute to the inclusion of women in the environmental and clean technology sector as well as their leadership within the fast-growing green economy.

Relevant targets or ambitions:

CIF ambition 5.2: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision making,

CIF target 5.2.1: Greater representation of women in leadership roles

CIF indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of leadership roles held by women

GIF target 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life

Indicator result: 8% of SD Tech Fund-supported firms approved for funding in 2024-25 were majority-led by women.

Notes: SD Tech Fund programming concluded in February 2025 and will be delivered under the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program's new Clean Technology Program beginning in 2025-26. As such, 2024-25 results reported for this performance indicator cover only the period of April 1 to December 31, 2024.

Due to a hold placed on new project funding approvals from October 2023 to June 2024, delays resulting from implementation of recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General and the transition of SD Tech Fund programming to the NRC, only 13 firms were approved for funding through the SD Tech Fund during the 2024-25 reporting period, one of which was majority-led by women.

Disaggregate data

Publish disaggregated macroeconomic data on the clean technology sector through the Clean Technology Data Strategy (CTDS) to enhance understanding of the social and economic context in which federal clean technology programs operate.

Program: Clean Technology and Clean Growth

Performance indicator: Release of data on the labour force characteristics of Canada's environmental and clean technology (ECT) sector as part of the CTDS.

Starting point: Data on the force characteristics of Canada's ECT sector has been published annually since 2021.

Target: Updated data on the labour force characteristics of the ECT sector is released through the Environmental and Clean Technology Products Economic Account (ECTPEA) Human Resources Module (HRM) by the end of each of 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years.

The Clean Technology Data Strategy (CTDS) is a joint initiative of ISED and NRCan that collects and publishes macroeconomic, industry (company-level) and public administrative data on Canada's ECT sector with a view of informing public and private sector decision making and supporting understanding of the ECT sector landscape and the impact of federal initiatives on Canada's social and economic priorities, including gender equality.

The ECTPEA measures the contribution of the ECT goods and services to the Canadian economy. The ECTPEA HRM provides additional insight into the sector's role in the economy by disaggregating labour force data (e.g. jobs, compensation) on the basis of diversity characteristics, including sex, Indigenous origin, education, and immigration status, among others.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF target 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life

GIF target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women

Indicator result: In 2023, 103,480 women worked in the ECT sector, up from 99,117 in 2022 and 94,527 in 2021. As a share of total employment, women comprised 29.2% of total employment in the sector, which is equal to the share in 2022 and an increase from 29% in 2021.

Notes: To date, the HRM module has released data on labour force statistics of Canada's environmental and clean technology (ECT) sector for 2023.

Other

Advance the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) to increase women entrepreneurs' access to the skills training, networking, financing and expertise they need to start up, scale up and access new markets. This will help Canada work toward gender equality in entrepreneurship. WES is open to women entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy

Program: Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs Program

Performance indicator: Number of participants receiving financial and non-financial support/services funded through the WES

Starting point: WES Ecosystem Fund: 6,800 women entrepreneurs across Canada (2020-21)

Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative: 2,279 women entrepreneurs across Canada (2023-2024)

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund: 185 loans to women entrepreneurs across Canada (2022-2023)

Target: 12,000 participants annually

By helping women entrepreneurs access business supports, Canada will reduce the gender disparity in entrepreneurship and champion gender equality. The WES contributes to improving women's economic empowerment and equal participation in economic life. The WES represents nearly $7 billion in investments and commitments from approximately 20 federal departments and agencies, and positions Canada as a world leader in women entrepreneurship.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF target 5.5:Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life

Indicator result: All pillars of the WES have contributed to the results as follows:

WES Ecosystem Fund, 2024-25:

• 45,127 women entrepreneurs received financial and non-financial support and services. This result shows a significant increase from last fiscal year due to increased program engagement, strategic outreach and promotion, and partnerships.

Note: The WES Ecosystem Fund provides funding to not-for-profit organizations that provide training, mentoring and other business support services to women entrepreneurs and business owners.

Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative (IWVCI), 2024-25:

• 5,330 women entrepreneurs received financial and non-financial support and services. This result shows a significant increase due to enhanced recipient focus on developing the deliverables, establishing partnerships and the creation of marketing tools to promote their projects.
• 3,206 women entrepreneurs connected with networking, matchmaking, mentorship or partnership opportunities.
• Note: The IWVCI provides funding to not-for-profit organizations that strengthen and build a more inclusive venture capital environment for Canadian women.

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, 2024-25:

• 501 loans for women entrepreneurs have been approved. The increase in the number of loans disbursed is attributed to the recipients' projects being well anchored from inception and the success rate since its launch.
• Note: The Loan Fund is administered through five delivery organizations.

Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), 2024-25:

• WEKH participated in, or partnered on more than 688 strategic engagements, connecting with over 45,764 participants. This increase in the number of participants can be attributed to WEKH's extensive communications and outreach efforts.

Standards Council of Canada's (SCC) Gender Strategy and Workplan

The SCC will continue to implement its Gender Strategy and Workplan, SCC annually assesses the representation of women on international technical committees, SCC has also begun conducting a sectoral comparison to assess the gender gap in standards development relative to the Canadian labour force. A voluntary member survey did not find gender differences in the satisfaction of men and women participating on technical committees.

SCC is leading international efforts to advance gender-responsive standards development. Within Canada, SCC has introduced a requirement for SCC-accredited standards development organizations (SDOs) to ensure that the standard they develop are gender assessed. With the new requirement SDOs shall include a statement in the standard to demonstrate if the standard has been gender assessed, limitations of data used, how data limitations were addressed, and how gender considerations were addressed if appropriate.

SCC's Gender Strategy and Workplan contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision making
  • CIF target: Greater representation of women in leadership roles"
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public

In Oct. 2023 SCC surveyed technical committee members and found that men and women reported similar levels of satisfaction with services received from SCC, nor were there significant gender differences on the likelihood of participants to recommend participation on mirror or governance committees to their organization or peers. (i.e. results were not statistically significantly different). 

In March 2024, SCC compared the gender composition of technical committees to the gender composition of the labour force by sector. Across 28 sectors, women's participation on technical committees was higher than in the labour force in 7 sectors, with the greatest discrepancy in forestry and wood products where women represent 41% of technical committee members compared to 21% of the labour force. For the remaining 21 sectors, women's participation on technical committees was less than in the labour force. The biggest discrepancy was in textile and clothing, where women comprise 60% of the labour force, but only 12% of technical committee members. The data provides information on where efforts should be concentrated to improve the representation of women.

In 2024, SCC published research which found a positive association between the participation of women on technical committees and the performance of the committee. The research supports previous research finding that gender diversity improves performance.

Internationally, SCC led the development of guidance on how to improve the participation of women on technical and governance committees. The research was published by the International Electrotechnical Commission in March 2025 and was shared with National Committees.

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) funds the development and demonstration of new technologies that address environmental issues such as climate change, and air, water and soil pollution. This includes technologies within the sectors of energy utilization, clean power generation and next generation biofuels.

SDTC contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition 7.1: Canadians reduce their energy consumption
  • CIF ambition 7.3: Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
  • GIF target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
  • GIF target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

SDTC identified and supported Canadian companies in developing and deploying globally competitive clean technologies that help promote access to affordable, reliable and clean energy for all. In 2024-25, SDTC announced investments of $51.5 million for new clean technology projects through the SD Tech Fund and disbursed $88.2 million to 107projects in the Fund's portfolio, which included globally recognized Canadian companies leading the clean energy transition.

SDTC's SD Tech Fund was wound up in February 2025. Federal funding for clean technology development and demonstration projects will be delivered under the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program's new Clean Technology Program beginning in 2025-26.

Strategic Innovation Fund Net-Zero Accelerator

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) provides transformative investments in all sectors (including clean technology and energy) of the economy to help Canada prosper in a global and knowledge-based economy. One of the initiatives of the SIF program is the Net Zero Accelerator (NZA). The NZA initiative invites forward-looking Canadian companies to contribute to Canada's global leadership efforts by meeting its ambitious target of reducing GHG emissions by 40 to 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. The NZA supports the Government of Canada's strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, to deliver a stronger economy that thrives in a low-carbon world to the benefit of all Canadians. With up to $8 billion in funding to support large-scale investments in key industrial sectors across the country, the NZA ensures that Canada remains competitive in a net-zero economy while also reducing GHG emissions.

The SIF NZA funds projects that are in alignment with a net zero economy by 2050 or will enable the transition to a net zero economy by 2050. This means that the SIF NZA could fund projects that generate electricity from non-greenhouse gas emitting sources (for example, electricity from hydrogen combustion rather than fossil fuels). At a program level, it is expected that the SIF/NZA will increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable and not-greenhouse gas emitting sources.

SIF NZA contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition 7.1: Canadians reduce their energy consumption
  • CIF ambition 7.3: Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
  • GIF target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
  • GIF target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
  • GIF target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

Projects under Pillar 1 of the NZA, such as Algoma Steel and ArcelorMittal, are expected to bring 7.2 MT in GHG reductions, while projects under Pillar 2 and 3, including General Motors, Rio Tinto, Svante, Air Products Canada and others, account for an estimated 4.3 MT in GHG reductions.

SIF also supports projects in the clean energy sector that will create either cleaner fuels or ones that generate electricity from renewable and non-greenhouse gas emitting sources. Examples include Moltex, Westinghouse, and Air Products Canada:

• Moltex is advancing emission-free energy production by recycling used nuclear fuel
• Westinghouse is developing a next-generation nuclear reactor aimed at providing a more accessible and transportable source of low-carbon energy
• Air Products Canada exemplifies a substantial investment in clean energy, focusing on producing hydrogen with carbon capture which will be used in the production of renewable diesel

These investments not only offer significant economic benefits to the Canadian economy but also bolster Canada's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In 2024, SIF released its first impact report, which contained results information about the Net Zero Accelerator. Please follow this link to read more: Impact report: Strategic Innovation Fund

Support job growth in the clean tech products sector

Continue to support Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address environmental issues, such as climate change and air, water and soil pollution through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Programs: Clean Technology and Clean Growth Program

Performance indicator: Number of jobs created by SD Tech Fund-supported technologies.

Starting point: 4,012 (2021-22)

Target: 1,500 jobs created by SD Tech Fund-supported technologies each year.

The Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) SD Tech Fund supports Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies, contributing to clean economic growth, the creation of jobs, and the transition to a low-carbon economy. As of March 31, 2023, SDTC has supported technologies supported $3.2B in revenues and nearly 24,500 jobs since the inception of the organization in 2001.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth.

CIF indicator 8.6.: Jobs in the clean technology products sector.

GIF target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

GIF target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead.

Indicator results: 901 jobs created by the SD Tech Fund-supported technologies in 2024-25.

Notes: SD Tech Fund programming was wound up in February 2025, and will be delivered under the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program's new Clean Technology Program beginning in 2025-26. As such, 2024-25 results reported for this performance indicator cover only the period of April 1 to December 31, 2024.

SDTC collected job creation data on the basis of funding recipient reporting and information in the public domain. Data collection activities were reduced in 2024-25 in light of work to transition SDTC programming to the NRC as soon as possible.

As of December 31, 2024, SD Tech Fund-supported technologies have created an estimated total of 26,986 jobs since its inception in 2001, increasing at an average rate of 2,081 jobs per year since 2016.

Invest in broadband capacity across Canada

ISED will continue to deliver programs that support projects to bring reliable, high-speed Internet to Canadians, especially in more rural and remote areas, to help businesses grow, create new jobs and connect more people to the resources, services and information they need to build a better future.

Program: Bridging Digital Divides

Performance indicator: Percentage of Canadian households with access to minimum Internet speeds of 50/10 Mbps.

Starting point: In 2019, 87.9% of Canadian households had access to minimum Internet speeds of 50/10 Mbps.

Target: 98% of Canadian households will have access to minimum Internet speeds of 50/10 Mbps by December 31, 2026, and 100% by 2030

Strong connectivity and access to high-speed Internet is necessary to live, study and work in today's digital world, but it is still lacking in many rural, northern and remote communities. Building on existing partnerships with the private sector, provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and official language minority communities, ISED will continue its leadership role under Canada's Connectivity Strategy to improve access to high-speed Internet services for all Canadians. One key component of the Connectivity Strategy is the Universal Broadband Fund. The Universal Broadband Fund will provide up to $3.225 billion over 7 years to support broadband projects across Canada. This includes funding for diverse projects, including large scale, high-impact projects as well as projects that provide mobile connectivity to benefit Indigenous peoples.

Relevant targets or ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure.

CIF target 9.3.1: By 2026, 98% Canadian homes and small businesses have access to Internet at speeds of 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload, with the goal of connecting all Canadians to these speeds by 2030

GIF target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

Indicator result: As a result of the UBF and other connectivity investments, 95.8% of Canadian households now have access to minimum Internet speeds of 50/10 Mbps * (a 7.9% increase against the 87.9% starting point).

Notes: Under the $3.225 billion Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) a total of nearly $2.5billion** has so far been announced. This includes investments under the UBF's $50 million Mobile Stream, supporting enhanced mobile wireless coverage projects which are primarily benefiting Indigenous peoples.

ISED is on track to exceed the target of 98% high speed connectivity by the end of 2026 and meet the target of 100% by 2030.

* % of Canadians currently with 50/10 service is based on 2023 actual values per CRTC Communications Market Reports.

** UBF public commitments are based on announced values including both announced projects and Memoranda of Understanding with Provinces and Territories.

Support workers, businesses and communities

Scale-up employer driven approaches to upskilling through the Upskilling for Industry Initiative (UII) that will help workers, including from underrepresented groups, connect with new job opportunities and transition into high growth sectors including clean technology.

Program: Talent Development Program

Performance indicator: Share of participating firms/employers reporting that trained employees have the skills to fill their business needs as a result of the program each fiscal year (by sector).

Starting point: New program (baseline to be established in 2023-24).

Target: 75% of participating firms/employers reporting that trained employees have the skills to fill their business needs as a result of the program by March 31, 2026

The UII is expected to support businesses in identifying the talent they need to adopt clean technologies and help workers connect with new employment opportunities. It directly supports the FSDS goal and SDG 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all).

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value

Indicator result: No data available at this time

Notes: The program is new and results will only be reported in the upcoming annual report.

Performance indicator: Share of participating firms/employers reporting business growth and/or other benefits each fiscal year (by sector).

Starting point: New program (baseline to be established in 2023-24).

Target: 75% of participating firms/employers reporting business growth and/or other benefits by March 31, 2026

Indicator result: No data available at this time

Notes: The program is new and results will only be reported on in the upcoming annual report.

Performance indicator: Number of upskilled workers supported by UII each fiscal year, disaggregated by high growth sector.

Starting point: New program (baseline to be established in 2023-24).

Target: 10-20% of 15,000 participants in the clean technology sector by March 31, 2026

Indicator result: No data available at this time.

Notes: The program is new and results will only be reported in the upcoming annual report.

ElevateIP

ElevateIP was launched in April 2022 and aims to help business accelerators and incubators (BAIs) support start-ups in better understanding and strategically leveraging their intellectual property (IP). Through the program, start-ups will receive expert IP services that will guide them in developing and implementing a tailored IP strategy. Recipient BAIs will also provide IP Awareness and Education activities to start-ups seeking to learn more about the value of IP.

ElevateIP contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth
• Global indicator framework
• GIF target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services

Indicator result: Through the end of 2024-25, the program leveraged its funding agreements with business accelerators and incubators to provide IP supports to over 6,800 start-ups nationally through education and awareness opportunities and support for the development and implementation of intellectual property strategies. Of the start-ups receiving services through ElevateIP, almost 40% or 2,815 start-ups are owned by under-represented groups.

Accelerated Growth Service

The Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) helps entrepreneurs and businesses navigate and access the support they need to grow and scale. Whether they are a start-up with a lot of potential or established and growing fast, AGS has various services to help growing firms. All entrepreneurs, including start-ups, can access the Business Benefits Finder, a self-service tool where they can find relevant support programs and services. Advisory Service helps businesses find the resources they need to grow, Growth Service helps high-growth businesses access the support they need to scale, and companies who are part of the Global Hypergrowth Project are supported by a Team Canada approach to fulfill the unique needs of later stage scaling firms to help accelerate their growth and global competitiveness.

AGS contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canadians have access to quality jobs
  • CIF ambition: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services

Indicator result: In 2024-25, AGS provided tailored assistance to an additional 41 high Canadian companies through its Growth Service, bringing the total number of firms supported via the Growth Service to 1,288 since the program's inception in 2016. This support accelerated growth and contributed to creating quality jobs for Canadians.

AGS caters to entrepreneurs across diverse industries, with 99% of its clientele composed of small and medium-sized enterprises. It primarily addresses needs related to funding, financing, exporting, and business advisory services.

Throughout 2024-25, clients of AGS successfully secured $107 million in funding from core government partners, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in enhancing business capabilities and expanding economic opportunities.

Strategic Innovation Fund

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) provides transformative investments in all sectors of the economy to help Canada prosper in a global and knowledge based economy.

One of the initiatives of the SIF program is the Net Zero Accelerator (NZA). With up to $8 billion in funding to support large-scale investments in key industrial sectors across the country, the NZA ensures that Canada remains competitive in a net-zero economy while also reducing GHG emissions. Projects funded under the SIF / NZA will create jobs in the clean technology sectors, contribute to higher levels of economic productivity, as well as encourage the growth of ecosystems of business that include micro, small and medium sized enterprises that form the basis of supply chains of larger projects and investments.

Another priority is to expand Canada's capacity to responsibly produce materials and products that add value to the economy and are needed for Government priorities and initiatives and grow Canada's critical minerals processing, recycling, and manufacturing capacity, and support domestic integration with the critical minerals value chain. Critical minerals projects create economic growth and jobs for Canadians, particularly in remote communities as many mineral rich soils are found in remote location in northern Canada. They will impact and stimulate Canadian GDP per capita through job creation and increased business activities.

SIF contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canadians have access to quality jobs
  • CIF ambition: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth
  • CIF indicator 8.6.1: Jobs in the clean technology products sector
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
  • GIF target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
  • GIF target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead

All NZA investments are fostering substantial economic growth. Since the launch of the NZA, companies have committed to create or maintain 50,164 jobs and create 20,630 co-op positions (values as of March 2025). NZA investments in ground-breaking transformational technology will help business and industrial sectors achieve our 2050 net-zero goals while creating well-paying jobs for Canadians.

Invest in the deployment and adoption of clean technologies

Support clean technology development and adoption through the innovation procurement programs like Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program.

Program: Business Innovation Program

Performance indicator: % of ISC awards that support clean technology.

Starting point: Since its launch in 2017, ISC has supported the development of over 150 early-stage projects and pilot demonstration projects in the field of clean technologies.

ISC has awarded a total of 131 awards, out of which 22% have been awarded to support Clen Technology.

Target: ISC aims for 20% of ISC awards that support clean technology^{Footnote 3}

ISED supports projects with a significant clean tech adoption or development component through the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program.

ISC, together with 21 federal departments/agencies, supports the scale-up and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by funding proposed solutions of early-stage and pre-commercial prototypes.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation

CIF indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of innovation in environment-related technology

Indicator result: In 2024-25, 15% of the projects funded under ISC fell under the Environmental (Clean) Technology sector compared to the 20% target. The requirement for departmental participation, and the associated 1% funding, was discontinued as part of broader government reductions. This has led to a shift in participation in the program, in particular by departments that provided leadership on environment and climate focused calls. Consequently program priorities shifted towards other areas including defence, security and AI, which may have contributed to the lower result of 15%

Examples of projects supported under ISC include: innovations for solar panel recycling, fuel efficient trailers for long haul trucking, battery materials for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Continue to support Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address environmental issues, such as climate change and air, water and soil pollution through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Program: Clean Technology and Clean Growth Program

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of SD Tech-Fund-supported technologies in the given fiscal year that are commercialized (revenue derived from project technology).

Starting point: As of March 31, 2022, 33% of SDTC's portfolio entered or was ready to enter the market.

Target: 30% of all SD Tech Fund-supported technologies are commercialized each year

By supporting Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies, SDTC's SD Tech Fund has contributed to clean economic growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy. As of March 31, 2023, SDTC has supported more than 750 clean technology projects with $1.6 billion, contributing to the deployment of 223 clean technologies.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation

CIF indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of innovation in environment-related technology

GIF target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

Indicator result: 37.7% of SD Tech Fund-supported technologies were commercialized in 2024-25

Notes: SD Tech Fund programming was wound up in February 2025 and will be delivered under the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program's new Clean Technology Program beginning in 2025-26. As such, 2024-25 results reported for this performance indicator cover only the period of April 1 to December 31, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, 223 SDTC-supported clean technologies were on the market and generated estimated annual revenues of $3.9 billion.

Invest in research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies

Continue to support Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address environmental issues, such as climate change and air, water and soil pollution through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Program: Clean Technology and Clean Growth Program

Performance indicator: Number of new clean technology projects approved for funding.

Starting point: 109 new clean technology projects approved (FY 2021-22).

Target: At least 100 new projects and major modifications to existing projects are approved annually

By supporting Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies, SDTC's SD Tech Fund contributes to clean economic growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy. As of March 31, 2023, SDTC has supported more than 750 clean technology projects with $1.6 billion, contributing to the deployment of 223 clean technologies.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation

CIF indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of innovation in environment-related technology

GIF target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

Indicator result: 13 new clean technology project approved for funding in 2024-25

Notes: SD Tech Fund programming was wound up in February 2025 and will be delivered under the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program's new Clean Technology Program beginning in 2025-26. As such, 2024-25 results reported for this performance indicator cover only the period of April 1 to December 31, 2024.

Due to a hold placed on new project funding approvals from October 2023 to June 2024, delays resulting from implementation of recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General and the transition of SD Tech Fund programming to the NRC, only 13 firms were approved for funding through the SD Tech Fund during the 2024-25 reporting period.

Performance indicator: Total funding allocated to sustainable development projects annually.

Starting point: $176 million (FY 2021-22)

Target: $190 million is allocated to approved projects annually

Indicator result: $51.5 million was allocated to newly approved projects in 2024-25

Notes: SD Tech Fund programming was wound up in February 2025 and will be delivered under the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program's new Clean Technology Program beginning in 2025-26. As such, 2024-25 results reported for this performance indicator cover only the period of April 1 to December 31, 2024.

Due to a hold placed on new project funding approvals from October 2023 to June 2024, delays resulting from implementation of recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General and the transition of SD Tech Fund programming to the NRC, only 13 firms were approved for funding through the SD Tech Fund during the 2024-25 reporting period.

Continue to invest in research, development and demonstration of clean technologies through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Net-Zero Accelerator (NZA)

Program: Business Innovation Program

Performance indicator: Average percentage growth in R&D expenditures over pre-project baseline for SIF stream 1-3 recipients with NZA projects in their work phase^{Footnote 4}

Starting point: 22% growth in R&D expenditures, for SIF stream 1-3 recipients with NZA projects – baseline (pre-project) data (2021)^{Footnote 5}

Target: Greater than 22% growth in R&D expenditures, for SIF streams 1-3 recipients with NZA projects in the work phase

SIF provides transformative investments in all sectors of the economy to help Canada prosper in a global and knowledge-based economy. Key program objectives include:

• encouraging businesses to invest in research & development (R&D) activities that lead to technology transfer and commercialization of new products, processes and services accelerating the growth and expansion of innovative businesses in Canada
• attracting and retaining large-scale investments to Canada
• advancing networks of collaboration between the private sector, research institutions and non-profit organizations in key emerging technology sectors and in industrial R&D and commercialization

One of the initiatives of the SIF program is the Net Zero Accelerator (NZA). The NZA initiative invites forward-looking Canadian companies to contribute to Canada's global leadership efforts by meeting its ambitious target of reducing GHG emissions by 40 to 45% by 2030, and achieve net zero by 2050. The NZA supports the Government of Canada's strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, to deliver a stronger economy that thrives in a low-carbon world to the benefit of all Canadians.

All SIF / NZA funded projects require a level of innovation, including in environment-related technology and expenditure on R&D. SIF projects can also support infrastructures.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation

GIF target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

GIF target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

GIF target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

Indicator result: In 2023–24, the average percentage growth in R&D expenditures for SIF Stream 1–3 recipients with NZA projects in their work phase was 14.6%.

Notes: The initial target was established in 2021, and it was based on preliminary data from 6 NZA projects. Due to a one-year lag in the data, which is collected annually and reflects the performance of recipients from the previous fiscal year, results for the 2024–2025 period are currently being collected and will be available during the 2025–2026 reporting cycle.

Develop and implement climate-resilient codes and standards

The Standards Council of Canada will contribute to ensuring that Canadian infrastructure can weather the effects of climate change through the Standards to Support Resilience in Infrastructure Program (SSRIP).

Program: Standards to Support Resilience in Infrastructure Program

Performance indicator: Number of standardization strategies developed through the SSRIP.

Starting point: 42 standardization strategies were advanced from 2016-2021

Target: 86 standardization strategies to be advanced by 2028

The SSRIP supports the development of standardized tools to boost infrastructure resilience and support stronger communities in Canada through new or existing climate-resilient core public infrastructure and communities.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure

GIF target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

Indicator result:

In FY 2024-2025, 7 new standardization strategies were published, and 21 new standardization strategies were initiated in the fiscal year. To date, 53/86 standardization strategies have been advanced.

Notes: SCC's Standards to Support Resilience in Infrastructure Program (SSRIP) is developing standardization strategies (e.g., National Standards of Canada, Technical Specifications, National Workshop Agreements, etc.) across six priority areas: northern-specific solutions for communities facing permafrost thaw; strengthening assets against climate risks; and integrating risk management in infrastructure design, operation and retrofit; nature-based solutions; low-carbon building materials; and climate-resilient transportation infrastructure.

Continue to advance the administrative data component of the Clean Technology Data Strategy (CTDS).

Program: Clean Technology and Clean Growth Program

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of clean technology programs in scope whose data is consolidated into one database.

Starting point: 87% (2022-23)

Target: 90% annually by March 31, 2029

The Clean Technology Data Strategy aims to ensure data is available to understand the economic and environmental contribution of clean technologies in Canada. Better data improves the understanding of the emerging clean technology landscape, and ensures the creation of impactful policies and programs to support the production and adoption of clean technology.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation

Indicator result: 99% of the clean technology programs' data is consolidated into a Government of Canada database on clean technology in 2024-2025.

Increase awareness and effective use of intellectual property (IP) by Canadian innovators and businesses operating in the clean technology sector through targeted IP literacy initiatives under the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) IP Awareness and Education Program.

Program: Intellectual Property Program

Performance indicator:

• Number of seminars and webinars
• Number of events attended
• Number of one-on-one meetings with SMEs

Starting points: In 2019-20 FY:

• Presentations – 2
• Events – 3
• One-on-one meetings – 34

Target: Increase clean technology engagement to pre-pandemic levels in alignment with the CIPO 5 Year Business Strategy and IP Outreach budget augmentation. Target is to increase engagement by 25% by 2027

Through its IP Awareness and Education Program, CIPO will develop knowledge and understanding of the impact and benefits of clean technologies. CIPO supports the clean technology sector by providing specialized resources on how to leverage IP as part of their business and growth strategy. The program provides businesses with free access to: products and services to better acquire, manage and leverage their IP assets; a suite of seminars and training services for businesses and intermediaries; a network of supports that include online and in-person services. More specifically, CIPO has and will continue to develop fact sheets, checklists, web content, success stories, and presentations for the clean technology sector.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation

Indicator: Proportion of innovation in environment-related technology

GIF target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

Indicator result:

• 2 seminars and webinars
• 5 events attended
• 28 stakeholder meetings
• 46 one-on-one meetings with SMEs

Notes: In 2024-2025, CIPO's IP Awareness and Education Program continued to increase awareness and effective use of IP in the clean tech sector by providing sector specific IP resources. This included the delivery of 2 IP presentations on clean tech and IP, attending 5 events across the country and holding 46 one-on-one meetings with entrepreneurs. In addition, CIPO expanded its network of clean tech partners across Canada holding 28 stakeholder meetings and added new specialized online resources such as 4 new clean tech success stories.

Implement the National Standards Strategy

Focus and enhance the standardization system's readiness and responsiveness to emerging needs and government priorities in all areas related to sustainable development.

Program: Standards Council of Canada

Performance indicator: Number of National Standards Strategy implementation plans in areas that support the FSDS and DSDS and the SDGs.

Starting point: 0 (2022-23)

Target: 1 (one) implementation plan for the National Standards Strategy is developed by March 31, 2024

Through National Standards Strategy (NSS) standardization initiatives, the SCC will enhance Canada's response to climate change challenges and assist in meeting Canada's Paris targets.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure

GIF target 9.1:Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

GIF target 9.4:By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

Indicator result: Target Met – implementation plan for NSS finalized and approved in March 2025. In FY 24-25, SCC established its Climate Change & Sustainability Steering Committee to manage all sustainability activities across the organization.

Notes: In 2023-24 SCC developed and approved the Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Framework (CCSF), which provides a set of objectives for work to advance Canadian climate change and sustainability goals through standardization in the short and medium term. The CCSF's focus areas include:

• increasing Canada's climate resilience and sustainability
• enabling decarbonization and Canada's net zero transition
• advancing Canadian leadership on climate through international standardization

The Framework will guide SCC's standardization programming to deliver outputs and results that address relevant DSDS targets.

Support voluntary action to adopt clean technologies

Measurement Canada, in collaboration with other departments involved in the Zero-Emission Vehicle Strategy, will develop its technical expertise for the approval of new trade measurement technologies as well as implement a new inspection program for these devices to protect the interest of all Canadians.

Program: Marketplace Protection and Promotion Program

Performance indicator: Number of trade measurement charging and refuelling devices in use in Canada through temporary dispensation programs.

Starting point: Fall 2020 initiating Measurement Canada preliminary planning and technical needs for approval and inspection of ZEV measuring devices.

Target: To be determined based on funding and success of ZEV programs (Federal, Provincial) and deployment of ZEV into the Canadian marketplace

EV charging device type approvals and inspections of EV charging stations will protect Canadians and increase their confidence in marketplace transactions by establishing minimum levels of accuracy and compliance to which all EV charging station operators must comply. This will support consumer confidence and the growth of ZEV representation in the marketplace and reduction in greenhouse gases.

Measurement Canada in collaboration with industry stakeholders and other international jurisdictions has developed type approval requirements for level 1 and level 2 AC EV chargers and is currently developing requirements for level 3+ DC chargers. Temporary dispensation programs were also introduced to permit EV chargers to bill by the amount of energy (kWh) delivered during an EV charge

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF target 9.6.1: By March 31, 2024, a total of 1,000 EV Chargers, 22 natural gas stations, and 15 hydrogen stations along major highways, freight corridors and key metropolitan centres are under development and completed

CIF target 9.7.1: By March 31, 2026, 20,000 chargers in public places, on-street, at apartment buildings, retail outlets, and the workplace are under development and completed

CIF indicator 9.6.1: Number of low carbon recharging and refueling stations under development and completed along major highways, and in rural and urban areas across Canada

CIF indicator 9.7.1:Number of low carbon recharging and refueling stations under development and completed in public places, on-street, at apartment buildings, retail outlets, and the workplace

Indicator result: In 2024-25: 9971 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) were part of the temporary dispensation programs specifically:

• Level 2 AC (alternating current) Non-Commercial : 3528
• Level 2 AC (alternating current) Commercial : 1103
• Level 3 DC (direct current): 5340

Notes: Since 2021, Measurement Canada (MC) has been developing its technical lab infrastructure to have the capacity to test and approve Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). MC also developed and drafted the technical specifications for approval and verification of Level 1 and 2 AC (alternating current) EVSE and the same is underway for Level 3 DC (direct current) EVSE. In parallel, temporary dispensation programs for all EVSE that are already active in the market have been implemented.

Performance indicator: Number of trade measurement charging and refuelling devices evaluated in the Canadian marketplace.

Starting point: Fall 2020 initiating Measurement Canada preliminary planning and technical needs for approval and inspection of ZEV measuring devices.

Target: To be determined based on funding and success of ZEV programs (Federal, Provincial) and deployment of ZEV into the Canadian marketplace.

Indicator result: In 2024-25: number of post-market inspection done

Level 2 AC (alternating current) Commercial: 504

Notes: In 2024-25, MC continued its work on clean fuels, developing specifications for hydrogen metering and evaluating refueling equipment, and engaging Canadian stakeholders (manufacturers, industry) and international organizations

Other

Continue to implement the Clean Growth Hub's mandate to help clean technology stakeholders navigate federal programs and initiatives that support innovation

Program: Clean Technology and Clean Growth Program

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of surveyed Clean Growth Hub clients satisfied with the quality of the Clean Growth Hub's service

Starting point: 70%

Target: 70% by the end of 2026

Together, NRCan and ISED co-lead the Clean Growth Hub, made up of 17 departments and agencies, to provide a single point of contact for clean technology innovators and adopters. By helping clean technology stakeholders understand the federal system of supports and services, the Clean Growth Hub supports innovative technologies from the laboratory to markets.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation

GIF target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

Indicator result: 70% in 2024-25

Notes: Target achieved

Results were collected from the Clean Growth Hub's 2024 Client Satisfaction Survey.

Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete by 2050

The Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete and Action Plan to 2030 were developed through a joint industry-government working group, co-led by ISED and the Cement Association of Canada. The Roadmap describes immediate and longer-term decarbonization actions to reduce emissions across the cement and concrete value chain and sets out a sector commitment to achieve, cumulatively, 15 million tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in Canada by 2030, with ongoing additional reductions of over 4 million tonnes in GHG annually thereafter, attributable to specific core decarbonization activities. The Roadmap's Action Plan sets out Government of Canada and industry actions that aim to:

• drive Canadian market development
• drive innovation and transition within industry
• position Canada as a world leader

Implementation of the Roadmap Action Plan to 2030 contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation
  • CIF indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of innovation in environment-related technology
  • CIF indicator 9.2.1: Gross domestic expenditure on research and development intensity
  • CIF indicator 9.5.1: Greenhouse gas emissions per dollar of value-added from the production of infrastructure assets
• Global indicator framework
• GIF target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries acting in accordance with their respective capabilities

In 2024-2025, there have been significant advancements in the objectives of the Roadmap's Action Plan. To drive Canadian market development, the Government of Canada has accelerated the standard development cycles to support more rapid deployment of low-carbon products, formalized Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCFDs), which enshrine future price levels between the Government of Canada and low-carbon project investors, and developed life-cycle assessment tools to make carbon footprint data and benchmarking available to industry, and support the development of regionally-specific EPDs.

The Government of Canada continues to fund programs that support clean technology companies bring new innovations to market, as well as make investments in large industrial decarbonization projects with the support of investment tax credits. Canada is also leveraging the buying power of the Government to lower GHG emissions through green procurement policies such as TBS Standard on Embodied Carbon.

The Roadmap objectives continue to be actively advanced through multilateral collaborations for decarbonizing the sector, including on international fora such as the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough, which ISED co-chairs, positioning Canada as a global leader in cement decarbonization.

Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN) Program

The National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC), the lead recipient of the Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN) program, is expanding cyber security research and development and increasing commercialization of cyber security products, services and/or processes.

The CSIN contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

CSIN does not specifically report on or contribute to clean tech or sustainable development. There are no results to report at this time.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) GREEN Network

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) will continue to collaborate with WIPO GREEN to promote innovation and the diffusion of green technologies, CIPO will contribute to clean growth by buttressing the Canadian clean technology presence in the WIPO GREEN network. The WIPO GREEN network facilitates commercial relationships and transactions by connecting green technology providers and seekers through its online database and matchmaking initiatives.

CIPO collaboration with WIPO Green contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation
  • CIF target 9.1.1: Proportion of innovation in environment-related technology
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

WIPO GREEN is an initiative by the World Intellectual Property Organization that has been fostering the innovation and diffusion of environmentally friendly solutions worldwide for a decade. It serves as a marketplace for green technology, connecting providers and seekers to promote sustainable development.

As a WIPO GREEN Partner, CIPO actively continued its engagement with the program's initiatives, including expanding the partner network and taking part in key events such as the International Seminar on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, hosted by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property in April 2025. During the seminar, CIPO presented at a roundtable discussion, spotlighting Canada's intellectual property policies for clean energy and highlighting its green sustainability efforts.

Canadian Intellectual Property Office

CIPO will improve understanding of the clean technology landscape by publishing a blog on the National Research Council (NRC) Materials for Clean Fuels (MCF) Challenge on CIPO's website, including a patent search strategy. This report presents the Canadian and global patenting trends by international and Canadian institutions for two research thrusts, CO₂ conversion and hydrogen production, over a 20-year timeframe (2001-2020). CIPO will also continue to improve its understanding of the clean technology landscape in Canada by developing metrics related to sub-technologies of interest to the Government of Canada.

CIPO's work to develop understanding of Canada's clean technology landscape contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

CIPO has completed the development of an IP analytics study on clean technologies in collaboration with the NRC. The study's findings were presented at CIPO's 5th Annual IP Data & Research Conference as well as at Natural Resources Canada on World IP Day 2022 to highlight the importance of IP management among employees for their clean technologies' stakeholders. The study was published on June 20, 2025.

Some of the key findings from the blog include:

• Institutions globally patented close to 4,000 inventions for H2 production between 2001 and 2020 whereas the count for CO₂ conversion was significantly lower with 623 patented inventions
• The higher worldwide count for patented inventions coupled with its stagnant year-over-year growth suggests that H2 production has a relatively more mature research thrust from an innovation standpoint. In contrast, CO₂ conversion appears to be still emerging due to its significant growth in the latter years
• Globally, Japanese institutions lead in terms of patented inventions pertaining to H2 production, while American institutions are the leaders for CO₂ conversion. Canadian institutions account for approximately 2-3% of the global patented invention counts for both research thrusts
• Within Canada, most of the patented inventions were concentrated in western Canada with Saskatchewan and British Columbia respectively being the leaders for H2 production and CO₂ conversion

Canadian Intellectual Property Office

Continue to advance the implementation of the Advanced Examination of Patent Applications Related to Green Technology through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

This initiative accelerates the patent examination process for inventions that promote environmental sustainability. It aims to support the development and commercialization of innovative green technologies by expediting patent applications, providing inventors with faster access to intellectual property protection. As part of Canada's broader strategy to foster sustainable industries and reduce environmental impacts, the program plays a key role in encouraging the growth of eco-friendly technologies.

The Advanced Examination of Patent Applications Related to Green Technology through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
• CIF ambition: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation
• Global indicator framework
• GIF target 9.5:Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development

The number of patents granted with the designation for 2024–2025 is currently unavailable due to CIPO's ongoing transition to the Next Generation Patent system. The data is anticipated to be accessible by the end of fiscal year 2025-2026.

Since this is a responsive program, no specific targets or performance measures are associated with Green Technology for CIPO. Instead, the performance indicator is the number of patents that received designation.

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Promote a more inclusive IP system for Indigenous Peoples as part of UNDA Action Plan Measure 101 in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples

Program: Intellectual Property Program

Performance indicator: Number of engagements or consultations with Indigenous Peoples.

Starting point: 0 (2023)

Target: 1-3 consultations by the end of 2025

ISED is committed to reconciliation, a recognition of Indigenous rights and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which includes a review of national intellectual property regimes.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced

GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

GIF target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality

Indicator result: Engagements have been conducted by ISED on disclosure requirements related to traditional knowledge and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources as contemplated in recent World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties, and by Heritage Canada on inauthentic and fraudulent Indigenous-style artistic works, offensive use and

unauthorized copying. Additional results will be available as engagements continue in 2025-26.

Notes: ISED and Heritage Canada are currently working in partnership to develop a strategic plan to support consultation and cooperation in 2025-26 on developing priorities for Action Plan Measure 101. 

Promote a more inclusive intellectual property (IP) system for Indigenous Peoples by raising awareness about IP through the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP)

Program: Intellectual Property Program

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of available funding distributed through the IIPP annually

Starting point: 98% (2022-23)

Target: 95% of available IIPP funds are distributed each fiscal year

The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) grant is designed to support increased engagement in the intellectual property (IP) system by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The grant funds eligible Indigenous organizations to support participation in World Intellectual Property Organization sessions, small-scale initiatives and projects related to intellectual property, Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Cultural Expressions.

The IIPP is part of the broader Intellectual Property Strategy under the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan and builds on commitments to reconciliation, a recognition of Indigenous rights and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced

GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

GIF target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality

Indicator result: A total of $150,000 in grants were awarded to 4 Indigenous organizations, representing 100% of available funds in 2024-2025.

Foster diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the federal public service

Continue to apply an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lens to CIPO's People Management Strategy to ensure employment equity (EE) groups, including women and other groups, are reflected at all levels in the organization and representative of the Canadian population CIPO serves

Program: Intellectual Property Program

Performance indicator: Increased EE workforce representation, specifically women, Indigenous people and persons with disabilities

Starting point:

EE representation at CIPO as of Q4-2022-23:

• Women: 49.5%
• Indigenous People: 1.4%
• Persons with disabilities: 4%

Target: Meet Labour Market Availability (LMA) quarterly

Q3 2024-2025 Labour Market Availability:

• Women: 56.0 %
• Indigenous People: 2.6%
• Persons with disabilities: 9.0 %
• Racialized Persons: 16.5 %

Q3 2024 – 2025 Results:

• Women: 53.4.%
• Indigenous People: 1.9%
• Persons with disabilities: 6.6%

Racialized Persons: 29.7%

CIPO's People Management Strategy supports a more equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace through adopting a no-barrier recruitment approach to improve EE representation and to provide employees from EE groups with equitable leadership development opportunities.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced

GIF targets 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality

Indicator result: EE representation at CIPO as of Q4-2024-2025:

• Women: 52.7%
• Indigenous People: 2.3%
• Persons with disabilities: 6.5%

Notes: CIPO continued to advance efforts and make significant strides in applying an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lens to CIPO's People Management Strategy. This ongoing commitment ensures that employment equity (EE) groups, including women and other under-represented communities are adequately represented across all levels within the organization. Our aim is to mirror the diversity of the Canadian population that CIPO serves.

Support economic development and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities

Provide support to the Indigenous tourism industry to recover from the pandemic and position itself for long-term, sustainable growth through the Indigenous Tourism Fund.

Program: Tourism Program

Performance indicator: Value of investment in Indigenous tourism businesses and Indigenous tourism projects.

Starting point: New program (2023-24)

Target: $17.5 million by the end of 2024-25 fiscal year

The Indigenous Tourism Fund

aims to support the recovery and growth of the Indigenous tourism industry beyond pre-pandemic levels, while advancing reconciliation.

The performance indicators for this initiative focus on measuring program results related to Indigenous communities and businesses' access to the program, and post-pandemic economic recovery and growth of the Indigenous tourism industry. This action contributes to the economic development and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

Indicator Result: By the end of 2024-25, $20 million was invested through the Indigenous Tourism Fund, $17.5 million of which was provided directly to Indigenous tourism businesses. It was delivered through two $10 million streams:

• the Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS) administered by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
• the Signature Indigenous Tourism Stream (SITES) administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association

Performance indicator: Number of Indigenous tourism businesses and projects that receive funding through the Indigenous Tourism Fund.

Starting point: New program (2023-24)

Target: 320 over 2023-24 and 2024-25

Indicator result: By the end of 2024-25, the Indigenous Tourism Fund supported 337 Indigenous tourism businesses across the country, exceeding this performance indicator target.

Notes:

Both streams of the Indigenous Tourism Fund contributed to economic self-determination of Indigenous communities and supported economic development and entrepreneurship. Indigenous tourism is a powerful tool in Canada's reconciliation efforts. It provides economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and enables them to uphold their inherent rights while sharing their cultures, histories and stories in an authentic, respectful manner with Canadians and international visitors.

Implement the 50–30 Challenge

Harnessing the power of Canada's diversity and supporting organizations in building a more equitable and inclusive workforce through the 50 – 30 Challenge

Program: Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs Program

Performance indicator: Number of organizations (based on size, geography, sector) that sign up to the 50–30 Challenge.

Starting point: 2,138 organizations have signed on to support the 50 – 30 Challenge (since December 2020)

Target: n/a^{Footnote 6}

The departmental action offers tangible actions, strategies, and recommendations for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian organizations and overall reducing inequality in Canada.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced

CIF indicator 10.1.1: Gini Coefficient^{Footnote 7}

GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

Indicator result: 408 organizations signed up for the 50-30 Challenge in FY 2024-25.

Notes: As of March 31, 2025, the 50-30 Challenge has sunset.

2,907 total organizations signed up to the 50-30 Challenge from December 2020 to the planned program end date in March 2025. The breakdown of participants by size geography and sector was as follows:

By size:

• 1-99 employees: 2,539
• 100-499 employees: 203
• Over 500 employees: 165

By geography:

• Ontario: 1,473
• Pacific: 455
• Prairies: 406
• Quebec: 356
• Atlantic: 219

By sector:

• Business: 1,508
• Non-profit: 1,243
• Academia: 1057
• Other: 51

Note: Through tools, online resources, and one-on-one support, the 50-30 Challenge aimed to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups on the boards and/or senior-management of organizations across Canada.

Support entrepreneurship and community development in Black communities

Through the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), ISED and regional development agencies will help Black business owners and entrepreneurs grow their businesses and succeed now and into the future.

Program: Support for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs Program

Performance indicator: Number of Black entrepreneurs and business owners receiving financial and non-financial services funded through the BEP.

Starting point: The BEP loan fund disbursed over $13 million in support of 152 loans (2023-24). The Ecosystem Fund, administered by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) invested $100 million in support of forty-four (43) not-for-profit organizations across the country, that provided services to almost 16,000 Black entrepreneurs across the country, as of March 31, 2024.

Target:

Loan Fund

• Value of loans disbursed through the Loan Fund
• $10M by March 31, 2023

Ecosystem

• Number of businesses receiving services from Black-led support organizations
• At least 15,000 by March 31, 2025

By providing targeted support to help Black entrepreneurs and business owners access capital and business support services, Canada will reduce the systemic barriers faced by this target group, while enhancing overall sustainability and broader economic and social benefits. The BEP is aimed at providing targeted support to help Black entrepreneurs and business owners access capital and business support services, while laying a foundation to conduct research on the state of Black entrepreneurship in Canada.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

Indicator result:

BEP Loan Fund

154 loan recipients were approved for a total amount of $14M in 2024-25 of which $12 M was disbursed to support 131 loans

Note: The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is administered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE).

BEP Ecosystem Fund

• 7,942 businesses in 2023-2024

8,031 businesses were supported in 2024-25

Note: The BEP Ecosystem Fund is delivered by the Regional Development Agencies that provide funding to not-for-profit Black-led organizations to provide training, mentorship and other business support services to Black entrepreneurs and business owners.

The Black Entrepreneur Program also reaches entrepreneurs through the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH). For example, in 2024-25, the BEKH launched the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Mapping Project, designed to help Black entrepreneurs and business owners access resources, and boost their profile among investors and customers. Over 50,000 black entrepreneurs were reached via community engagement by the Knowledge Hub. The Knowledge Hub is led by Carleton University's Sprott School of Business and Dream Legacy Foundation.

Accelerated Growth Services

The Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) helps entrepreneurs and businesses navigate and (access the support they need to grow and scale. Whether they are established and growing fast, or a start‑up with a lot of potential – the Business Benefits Finder and AGS's Innovation Advisors can help them find, and take advantage of, everything that government can do for them – from research support to financing to foreign market expertise. While AGS is available to all Canadian scaling business, AGS is undertaking some activities to target women-owned businesses or businesses owned from other underrepresented groups.

AGS contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

In 2024–25, AGS actively supported 41 innovative firms as new clients. Further advancing at least 37% of these new clients were business that were owned or led by under-represented groups (based on EDI self-identification). This included 22% women-owned/led firms, 24% owned/led by members of under-represented groups, and 10% falling into both categories.

Additionally, AGS provided advisory services to 788 Canadian SMEs, achieving a minimum EDI impact of 22%, including 14% women-owned/led, 12% owned/led by under-represented groups, and 4% overlapping both.

Maximize diversion of waste from landfill

ISED will continue to divert waste from landfills through implementation of the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) Program.

Program: Bridging Digital Divides

Performance indicator: Number of refurbished computers distributed.

Starting point:

• 58,972 (2022-23)
• 75,167 (2023-24)

Target: ^{Footnote 8}

• FY 2023-24: 60,000
• FY 2024-25: 60,000
• FY 2025-26: 60,000
• FY 2026-27: 60,000

The CFS+ Program cooperates with partners across Canada to extend the useful lifespan of federal government and other donors' assets through refurbishment and redistribution to schools, libraries, not-for-profits, Indigenous communities and low-income Canadians. Extending the usable lifespan of devices reduces the environmental footprint of the federal government and its donating partners. Furthermore, where refurbishing is not feasible, the program facilitates the recycling of computers through approved recycling organizations, which reduces the use of landfill space, creates less toxic chemical emissions and encourages the reuse of raw materials for other products, thus reducing the environmental footprint of the federal government. The CFS+ program contributes to Canadian and global climate action targets and goals, as extending the usable lifespan of devices is the most effective way to reduce their overall impact on the environment. CFS+ is also providing computers through the Connecting Families initiative.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner

GIF target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

Indicator result: Number of refurbished devices (including computers) distributed: 78,286 (2024–25)

Notes: The program surpassed its target of 60,000 computers

Performance indicator: Tonnage of computers, laptops, monitors, printers and other equipment that is reused in the refurbishment process

Starting point:

• 341 tonnes (2022-23)
• 347 tonnes (2023-24)

Target: 1,300 tonnes over 4 years (2023-24 to 2026-27)^{Footnote 9}

Indicator result: Amount of waste diverted from landfills because of devices, including tonnage of computers, laptops, monitors, printers and other equipment being refurbished and reused: 793,469 lbs or 397 tons (2024–25)

Notes: The program is on track to achieve its four year target of 1,300 tonnes diverted.

Maximize diversion of waste from landfill

Construction and demolition waste (where applicable) from the decommissioning of ISED's remote spectrum monitoring sites will be diverted away from landfill sites where practically and economically feasible

Program: Spectrum and Telecommunications Program

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) by weight of construction and demolition waste diverted from decommissioning of spectrum monitoring sites

Starting point: 0%^{Footnote 10}

Target: By 2030, ISED will divert from landfill at least 90% by weight of all construction and demolition waste

Requirements for diversion will be published in appropriate tenders with bidders required to respond to how much waste they will be able to divert and how they will accomplish this.

The target of diverting at least 90% by weight of all construction and demolition waste from landfills and striving to achieve 100% by 2030 minimizing environmentally harmful and hazardous chemicals and materials used and disposed of in real property operations.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

GIF Target 12.5 : By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

Indicator Result: 100% of the (construction and demolition waste (radio frequency cables) was diverted which contributed to meeting the performance indicator target.

Notes: The decommissioning of a remote spectrum monitoring site in 2024-25 resulted in the removal of approximately 650 ft of radio frequency cables that was diverted from landfills through recycling.

Transform the federal light-duty fleet

100% of ISED's new light-duty fleet purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs)^{Footnote 11}

Program: Internal Services Corporate Finance Systems Procurement Branch Contract and Materiel Management

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of ISED's light duty vehicles that are ZEVs.

Starting point: 11.4% (April 1, 2023)

Target: 100% of ISED light duty fleet be ZEVs by 2030.

Performance indicator: Annual Percentage (%) of new light duty vehicles purchases that are ZEVs1

Starting point 2: In FY 2022-23, 100% of new light duty purchases were ZEV (April 1, 2023)

Target 2: 100% of ISED's annual light duty vehicle purchases are ZEVs

ISED's Green Land Vehicle Policy, outlines the requirements for all new light duty vehicle purchases to be ZEV's. This supports FSDS Goal 12 and the Net-Zero Procurement Target. The Policy also aligns with the federal Greening Government Strategy, which mandates that the government will prioritize zero-emissions options for all new vehicle and mobile equipment purchases where suitable options are available and considering operational feasibility; and starting in 2025, 100% of new light-duty fleet vehicle purchases will be ZEVs with the objective that the government's light-duty fleet comprise 100% ZEVs by 2030.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians consume in a sustainable manner

GIF target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Indicator result: 100% of new light duty vehicles purchased in 2024-25 were ZEVs.

As of 2024-25, 48.3% of ISED's light duty fleet vehicles are ZEVs.

Notes: ISED achieved the target, all 18 light duty vehicles purchased in FY 2024-25 were ZEVs. Additionally, Messurement Canada (MC) acquired 3 Heavy-Duty (HD) ZEVs to replace 3 diesel-powered HD trucks.

ZEVs represent 32.3% of the total operational fleet across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Strengthen green procurement criteria

Require all contracting and purchasing authorities to take Green Procurement Training through the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS).

Program: Internal Services Corporate Finance Systems Procurement Branch Contract and Materiel Management

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of new employees who take Green Procurement Course COR405 (or legacy course C215 from the CSPS

Starting point: 100% (March 31, 2015)

Target: 100% of ISED procurement and materiel management specialists will be required to complete the Green Procurement Course COR405 (or legacy course C215) from the CSPS, prior to receiving S.41 delegation (FAA). Compliance with this requirement will be validated twice annually to ensure training targets are met.

By requiring employees to take green procurement training, support for green procurement will be strengthened.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians consume in a sustainable manner

GIF target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Indicator result: In FY 2024-25, 100% of new ISED procurement and material management specialists have completed the green procurement training offered by the Canada School of Public Service.

Engage key stakeholders to develop green procurement criteria for future ISED issued (non-Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) or Shared Services Canada (SSC)) procurements, for inclusion during the bid solicitations and evaluation stages. ISED will assess to determine if a method to report on the performance indicator is viable

Program: Internal Services Corporate Finance Systems Procurement Branch Contract and Materiel Management

Performance indicator:

Year 1: Establishment of green procurement criteria for future ISED issued procurements (excluding PSPC or SSC-issued contracts)

Year 2 and 3: Percentage (%) of ISED-issued contracts that include green procurement criteria annually.

Starting point: No green procurement criteria is currently included in ISED issued contracts (April 1, 2023).

Targets:

Year 1 (Planning Phase – FY 2023-24): By March 31, 2024, ISED will complete the planning phase for green procurement criteria, including engagement with key stakeholders and the development of a reporting methodology to support data collection.

Years 2 and 3 (Implementation Phase : FY 2024-25 & FY 2025-26): Starting April 1, 2024, ISED will develop green procurement criteria to be suggested for use in the procurement of goods, where applicable.

Including green procurement criteria for future ISED-issued (non PSPC or SSC) procurements2 will strengthen green procurement and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) for goods and services that have a high environmental impact. This departmental action aligns with the federal Greening Government Strategy, which provides that the Government of Canada will aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy through green procurement that includes life-cycle assessment principles and the adoption of clean technologies and green products and services by including criteria that address GHG emissions reduction, sustainable plastics and broader environmental benefits into procurements by departments for goods and services that have a high environmental impact.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition:Canadians consume in a sustainable manner

GIF target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Indicator result:

Year 1: The establishment of green procurement criteria for future ISED issues procurements (excluding PSPC or SCC-issued contracts) will be finalized and approved by all key stakeholders by March 31, 2024.

Note: Additionally, ISED will incorporate any future standard environmental clauses provided by PSPC for goods contracts issued under its authority when PSPC's tools are not being used.  

Year 2 and 3: While ISED has not yet established formal, quantifiable metrics to measure the inclusion of green procurement criteria, notable progress has been made in integrating environmentally responsible practices into our procurement activities. For instance, environmental packaging clauses are now included in all relevant ISED-issued contracts for goods, where applicable. These clauses encourage the use of recyclable or minimal packaging materials, supporting broader waste reduction objectives.

In addition, ISED ensures that all competitive procurement requirements use the most current procurement templates provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). By doing so, ISED benefits from PSPC's ongoing efforts to embed green procurement principles into standardized solicitation documents. This approach ensures that any environmental clauses or evaluation criteria developed by PSPC are reflected in ISED's procurement processes, reinforcing our alignment with Government of Canada sustainability priorities.

Work with partners in the transportation sector

Support the development of a domestic zero-emission and battery ecosystem in Canada, through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Net-Zero Accelerator (NZA)

Program: Business Innovation Program

Performance indicator: Average year-over-year employment growth for Strategic Innovation Fund Streams 1-3 funding recipients with battery and zero-emission vehicles projects in the work phase exceeds average pre-project year-over-year employment growth rate baseline.

Starting point: 6.2% year-over-year employment growth rate (2021)^{Footnote 12}

Target: Greater than 6.2% year-over-year employment growth for SIF streams 1-3 recipients with battery and zero-emission vehicles projects in the work phase

SIF provides transformative investments in all sectors of the economy to help Canada prosper in a global and knowledge based economy. One of the initiatives of the SIF program is the Net Zero Accelerator (NZA). The NZA initiative invites forward-looking Canadian companies to contribute to Canada's global leadership efforts by meeting its ambitious target of reducing GHG emissions by 40 to 45% by 2030, and achieve net zero by 2050.

Another priority is to support the creation of a domestic battery ecosystem and supply chain in Canada. Leveraging Canada's advantage in abundant critical minerals and a strong automotive sector, SIF's investments are laying the foundation for a domestic zero-emission vehicles and battery manufacturing capacity in Canada.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner

CIF target 12.1.1: Zero-emission vehicles represent 10% of new light duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040

Indicator result:

In 2023–24, the average year-over-year employment growth for SIF Streams 1–3 recipients with battery and zero-emission vehicle projects in their work phase was 6.2%.

Notes This result meets the targeted 6.2% average year-over-year employment growth baseline, which was established in 2021. Due to a one-year lag in the data, which is collected annually and reflects the performance of recipients from the previous fiscal year, results for the 2024–2025 period are currently being collected and will be available during the 2025–2026 reporting cycle.

Competition Bureau

The Competition Bureau uses enforcement and promotion to inform Canadian consumers about greenwashing and environmental claims, and businesses about their obligations under the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and the Textile Labelling Act in relation to these topics.

The Bureau publishes social media posts featuring specific examples supporting sustainable consumer choice, such as examples of what greenwashing can look like, what to watch out for in specific industry sectors, and how consumers can leverage pro-competitive policies, such as the "right to repair". The Bureau also publishes social media posts aimed to businesses to promote their compliance with the laws enforced by the Bureau concerning environmental claims.

The Competition Bureau contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • CIF ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Competition Bureau published a total of 72 social media posts related to greenwashing (60) and right to repair (12) across its accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. This represents a 148% increase in the total number of posts from the previous fiscal year related to these topics (29).

These 79 posts generated a total 48,439 impressions (number of times the content appeared on user's screens), and users engaged with this content 10,172 times. This engagement includes likes, reactions, shares, and comments.

Continue to implement Canada's climate plans and actions

Continue to support Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies that address environmental issues, such as climate change and air, water and soil pollution through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Program: Clean Technology and Clean Growth Program

Performance indicator: Annual incremental reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributable to SD Tech Fund-supported technologies.

Starting point: 22.6 megatonnes estimated reduction in GHG emissions attributable to SD Tech Fund-supported technologies (March 31, 2022).

Target: Increase of 1 megatonne in GHG reductions each year.

By supporting Canadian companies in their efforts to develop and demonstrate new environmental technologies, SDTC's SD Tech Fund has contributed to clean economic growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Specifically, SDTC supported technologies are reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 24.7 megatonnes of CO₂e annually as of March 31, 2023 (an increase of 2.1 megatonnes) Continued support will contribute to Canada's 2030 and 2050 climate objectives.

Relevant targets or ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadian Ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,

CIF target 13.1.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

CIF indicator 13.1.1: Greenhouse gas emissions

GIF target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Indicator result: 25.5 megatonnes CO₂e reduction in GHG emissions attributable to SD Tech Fund-supported technologies in 2024-25

Note: SD Tech Fund programming was wound up in February 2025, and will be delivered under the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program's new Clean Technology Program beginning in 2025-26. As such, 2024-25 results reported for this performance indicator cover only the period of April 1 to December 31, 2024.

Estimated GHG reductions attributable to SD Tech Fund-supported technologies have increased by an average of 1.71 megatonnes CO₂e annually since 2016.

Fund large-scale projects in key industrial sectors through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that Canada is competitive in the net-zero future.

Program: Business Innovation Program

Performance indicator: Capital expenditures directly related to SIF-funded clean technology adoption projects^{Footnote 13}

Starting point: $11M in on-project CAPEX spending, on average across NZA projects in the work phase (2021)^{Footnote 14}

Target: Greater than $11M in on-project CAPEX, on average across NZA projects in the work phase

The Strategic Innovation Fund's Net Zero Accelerator Initiative's mandate is to reduce emissions by 2030 and to support the transformation of the Canadian economy towards carbon neutrality by 2050. This program contributes to Canada's goal of reducing GHG emissions and integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions

CIF target 13.1:By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions

CIF ambition:Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change

Indicator result: In 2023-24, the on-project CAPEX spending, on average across NZA projects was $137M.

Notes: This result significantly exceeded the targeted $11M on-project CAPEX spending, on average set in 2021. Due to a one-year lag in the data, which is collected annually and reflects the performance of recipients from the previous fiscal year, results for the 2024–2025 period are currently being collected and will be available during the 2025–2026 reporting cycle.

Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations

Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ISED's light duty fleet.

Program: Internal Services Corporate Finance Systems Procurement Branch Contract and Materiel Management

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) reduction in fleet emissions relative to 2005-06

Note: GHG emissions from fleet are measured in ktCO₂e.

Starting point: GHG emissions from ISED's fleet in fiscal year 2005–06 baseline: 1,767 ktCO₂e

Target: Reduce GHG emissions from ISED's fleet (MC, STS, SIPS, CRC, CMS, OCS) by 40% below 2005 levels by 2025 and 90% below 2005 levels by 2050

ISED's Green Land Vehicle Policy, outlines the requirements for all new light duty vehicle purchases to be ZEV's. This supports FSDS Goal 13 and the Net-Zero Carbon Operations Target and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The Greening Government Strategy mandates that the Government of Canada's operations must be net-zero emissions by 2050, and will enhance its climate resilience by 2035, while also reducing environmental impacts beyond carbon, including on waste, water and biodiversity. To implement net-zero fleet operations, the Government of Canada will reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 40% by 2025 and by at least 90% below 2005 levels by 2050. On this emissions reduction pathway, the government will aspire to reduce emissions by an additional 10% each 5 years starting in 2025.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gases

CIF target 13.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions

Indicator result: Percentage change in GHG emissions compared to fiscal year 2005-06 is a 63.6% reduction.

The GHG emissions results achieved for ISED's fleet in 2024-25 fiscal year = 0. 643 ktCO₂e.

Notes: ISED's GHG emissions increased slightly from the previous fiscal year, driven by a 9% rise in fleet usage as operations normalized post-COVID-19. Emissions are expected to decline in the coming years as newly acquired ZEVs are upfitted and deployed, reducing reliance on internal combustion engine vehicles and overall fuel consumption.

Reduce risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations

Ensure that all departmental and sector Business Continuity Plans include mitigation measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations.

Program: Business Continuity Management

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of ISED's Business Continuity Plans that include climate change considerations via an all-hazards approach.

Starting point: Since 2018-19, ISED has incorporated climate change considerations in its business continuity planning guidance.

Target: 100% every year

The ISED Business Continuity Plan is developed comprehensively to provide reasonable assurance that in the event of any type of disruption, include climate-related, the department can maintain an acceptable level of delivery of critical services and activities, and can achieve the timely recovery of other services and activities. To ensure that ISED is ready for any eventuality, business continuity management is conducted from an all-hazards approach.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change

GIF target 13.2:Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Indicator result: 100% of ISED Business Continuity Plans included climate change considerations via an all-hazards approach in 2024-25.

Notes: The primary BCP for the department has included an all-hazards category that considers climate change. Sector BCPs are required to capture categories indicated in the departmental BCP and specify needs pertaining to them. As such, all BCP plans have an all-hazards category included within ISED.

Conduct Building Condition Assessmentsand complete Climate Resiliency Reports for all ISED, Shirleys Bay Campus building assets.

Program: Real property Management

Performance indicator: Number of ISED Custodial building assets that have a Building Condition Assessment and Climate Resiliency Report.

Starting point: Starting in 2021, 26 of 28 (93%) ISED buildings have undergone an assessment and have a report in place.

Target: By March 2026, a Building Condition Assessment and a Climate Resiliency Report will be available for all 30 ISED Custodial buildings

The Treasury Board Secretariat's Policy on Managing Real Property identifies sound stewardship for all federal buildings including Climate Resiliency Reports. Climate Resiliency Reports support ISED's commitment to the Government of Canada's Greening Government Strategy.

Relevant targets and ambitions:

CIF ambition: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change

GIF target 13.1:Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Indicator result: 28 [93%] of ISED's Shirleys Bay Campus buildings have undergone a Building Condition Assessment and Climate Resiliency Report in 2024-2025.

Notes: By end of Fiscal-Year 2025-26, it is planned that 100% of ISED buildings at the Shirleys Bay Campus (30 of 30) will have a Building Condition Assessment and Climate Resiliency report prepared.

Global Centre of Excellence for Methane Detection and Elimination

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Natural Resources established the Methane Centre of Excellence in support of Canada's commitment to the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030 and its national commitment to reduce methane emissions by 75% below 2012 levels by 2030 from its oil and gas sector.

The Global Centre of Excellence for Methane Detection and Elimination will contribute to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • Canadian ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
  • Target 13.1.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions
• Global indicator framework
  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

On March 11, 2024, Natural Resources Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, launched the Methane Centre of Excellence. The Centre supports an improved understanding and mitigation of methane emissions in Canada. It will accelerate methane measurement and mitigation through increased government-led research efforts, project funding for Canadian innovators and by connecting Canadian experts to exchange knowledge and expertise. The Centre focuses on key data needs and technology development for the measurement, reporting, verification and mitigation of methane emissions within the energy sector. By innovating solutions and connecting expertise, the Centre will support Canada's action on methane mitigation. To date, the Centre has launched the Methane Measurement and Mitigation Call for Proposals under NRCan's Energy Innovation Program, connected federal methane science experts through an internal working group, hosted a virtual methane speaker series, funded two "CanCH4 Symposiums," and delivered an international business development event for Canadian methane technology vendors at CERAWeek 2025.

Advance International Collaboration in Critical Minerals

ISED, under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, is supporting Natural Resources Canada to grow the global supply of sustainably produced critical minerals to strengthen critical mineral supply chains in collaboration with other government departments and key allies, which will contribute to mutual objectives that align with the SDGs, including climate action, clean growth, economic security, and supply chain resiliency. The Minerals Security Partnership; Canada-U.S. Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals; Canada-U.S. Supply Chains Working Group; North American Leaders' Summit; Canada-EU Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials; various bilateral memoranda of understanding/ cooperation would support Canada's bilateral engagement across international fora in support of sustainable critical minerals industries and the development of resilient critical minerals supply chains.

The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • Canadian ambition: Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs
• Global indicator framework
• GIF target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development
  • GIF target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

The status of this work is now out of date and no longer relevant as current deliverables has shifted as NRCan adjusts bilateral engagement under the mandate of the new federal government and the polices of the US Administration. The activities for Goal 17 have been put on hold and sidelined under the US Administration, including by the imposition of US tariffs on Canadian critical minerals products. NRCan/LMS is currently developing the next iteration of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy with new engagement US engagement priorities and objectives, which will shift activities under Goal 17.

Canadian climate leadership in the International Standardization Organization

The Standards Council of Canada is the representative for Canada at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), where Canada is leading efforts to align global standards frameworks on ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and allow comparability between them. Canada:

• holds the Chair for ISO Technical Committee (TC) 207 Environmental Management, and recently assumed responsibility for the committee Secretariat
• holds the Chair and is Committee Manager for ISO TC 207/SC 7, the Sub-committee for Greenhouse Gas, Climate Change Management and Related Activities
• provides the secretariat for ISO's Climate Change Coordinating Committee (CCCC)
• has played a key role in establishing ISO's London Declaration on Climate Change
• is active in numerous technical and governance positions to help shape and advance climate action through international standards
• is a founding member of the Our2050World partnership which aims to boost ambition and coordinate action on international standards to address climate change

Canadian climate leadership in the ISO contributes to:

• Canadian indicator framework
  • Canadian ambition: Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs
• Global indicator framework
  • GIF target 17.13: Enhance global macroeconomic stability, including through policy coordination and policy coherence

Advanced 1 international standardization strategy in 2024-2025:

• ISO International Workshop Agreement (IWA) 48: 2024 Framework for implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles

Notes: The Standards Council of Canada is the representative for Canada in the International Standards Organization (ISO), where Canada:

• holds the Chair for ISO Technical Committee (TC) 207 Environmental Management, and is responsible since 2020 for the committee Secretariat
• holds the Chair for ISO TC 207/SC 7, the Sub-committee for Greenhouse Gas, Climate Change Management and Related Activities and is responsible since 2020 for the committee Secretariat
• preparing to host the 2025 plenary meetings of ISO/TC 207 and all six of its subcommittees in Toronto for October 2025
• SCC provides the secretariat for ISO's Climate Change Coordinating Committee (CCCC)
• Co-convenorship of ISO's Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG) Coordination Committee (ESG CC) and member of the TMB ESG Technical Strategy Task Force
• is active in dozens of technical and governance positions to help shape and advance climate action through international standards
• is a founding member of the Our 2050 World partnership which aims to boost ambition and coordinate action on international standards to address climate change; which is advancing standard to support the global net zero transition, and supporting efforts to align global standards frameworks on ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) to enhance their impact, enable comparability, and support organizations to participate and enhance their sustainability performance