research funding canada

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As the Government of Canada's health research investment agency, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) supports excellence across all four pillars of health research: biomedical ; clinical ; health systems services ; and population health .

As stated in the CIHR Act , CIHR's mandate is to "excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system."

Funding support for researchers

CIHR invests approximately $1 billion each year to support health research. Learn about how CIHR's grants and awards (G&A) expenditures were disbursed in 2021-22 .

CIHR Institutes

CIHR is comprised of 13 Institutes that set research priorities and support a broad spectrum of research in their respective areas. Rather than brick-and-mortar buildings, these "virtual" Institutes are located within research institutions throughout Canada.

Each of CIHR's 13 Institutes is led by a Scientific Director .

College of Reviewers

Through the College of Reviewers , CIHR is building a stable base of peer reviewers from Canada and around the world that is helping to strengthen the health research enterprise.

Applying for funding

CIHR accepts applications for funding support that fall within its mandate, subject to agency policies and the specific requirements of the applicable funding opportunity.

For more information, please see the list of current funding opportunities .

Equitable funding in health research

CIHR is committed to ensuring that its programs, funding opportunities, and evaluation systems result in the fair treatment of all participants. Learn about our approach to funding equity , including data analyses of our programs.

Service standards

CIHR is committed to providing high-quality, professional, client-centered services to the research community, partners and stakeholders, and to the general public. For more information, please refer to the applicable service standards below:

• Contact Centre service standards
• Service standards for CIHR transfer payment programs (Funding opportunities)
• Service standards for CIHR’s online application systems

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National Research Council Canada

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Please note changes to the following research centres, effective April 1, 2024:

The Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre will become the Clean Energy Innovation Research Centre. This reflects a commitment to accelerating Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy, built on clean energy and decarbonized industries.

The Advanced Electronics and Photonics, Nanotechnology, and Security and Disruptive Technologies research centres will merge into the new Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre to enhance our capabilities in quantum technologies, photonics, electronics and nanomaterials.

We are working diligently to update our web content accordingly.

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Support for technology innovation.

Get funding and advice from the Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

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Learn about our broad expertise, research and testing facilities, collaborations, technical services and intellectual property

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Industry partnerships to advance high-risk, high-reward research that address Canadian priorities

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Find the complete list of calls for proposals and expressions of interest currently available

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• Adsorbate-dependent electronic structure descriptors for machine learning-driven binding energy predictions in diverse single atom alloys: a reductionist approach
• Models and data used to predict the abundance and distribution of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) in North America: a scoping review
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Research in canada.

With a highly educated workforce, world-class academic and research institutions, and robust start-up ecosystems across the country, Canada is the perfect place to grow your ideas, forge partnerships and take on some of the world’s biggest challenges through research.

Learn about the work we’re doing, both in Canada and internationally, to build an outstanding research system that supports creative ideas, advanced infrastructure, multidisciplinary collaboration and an inclusive science culture.

Partner with Canada

Apply for research funding, explore the research landscape.

Our research community is working to solve some of the world’s toughest problems, and Canada is dedicated to training and recruiting top talent at all levels.

At the doctoral and postdoctoral levels, federal scholarships are available for Canadian and international students:

• The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for doctoral students
• The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship for postdoctoral students
• The CIHR Fellowship for postdoctoral students

To support the work-life balance of early career researchers , Canada has expanded parental leave coverage from 6 to 12 months for students and postdoctoral fellows.

Finished your studies? Learn how you can stay in Canada after you graduate .

Canada also has excellent support programs for both Canadian and international researchers:

• The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program
• The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program

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Taking on the world’s biggest challenges requires science, innovation and collaboration. Canada has a variety of organizations to support partnerships and help you connect with the people and funding you need to turn your ideas and research into solutions for a healthier, more sustainable world.

Canada Foundation for Innovation : ensuring that Canadian researchers have the tools they need to push the frontiers of knowledge in all disciplines and to contribute to the full spectrum of research—from discovery to technology development.

EduCanada : providing information on international scholarship opportunities for non-Canadians.

Grand Challenges Canada : funding bold ideas with big impact that integrate science, technology, social and business innovation in low- and middle-income countries and Canada.

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) : offering grants, funding and awards to researchers and institutions to find solutions for global development challenges.

Mitacs Accelerate International : supporting bilateral research collaborations between interns, universities and industry partners, both in Canada and abroad.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada : supporting students in their advanced studies, promoting and supporting discovery research, and fostering innovation.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada : promoting and supporting postsecondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences.

New Frontiers in Research Fund, International stream : supporting international collaborations and positioning Canadian researchers as strategic partners at the international level.

Research in Canada benefits not only from a diverse talent pool, skilled staff and well-equipped facilities, but also from the support of universities, research institutes, companies and government institutions. Find out more about Canada’s major research facilities and how Canada collaborates with research partners around the world.

Canada’s international gateway : a hub of information on how Canada is working with the world, including foreign policy, trade agreements and funding.

Government of Canada : carrying out four principal functions in Canada’s science and research ecosystem: 1) providing funding; 2) performing research through 13 science-based departments and agencies; 3) promoting science; and 4) collaborating globally.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada : working with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada’s innovation performance, increase Canada’s share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. ISED is responsible for supporting Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters , the National Quantum Strategy , the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy and the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy , among others.

Canada Foundation for Innovation Research Facilities Navigator : a directory of research facilities in public research institutions across Canada. Find research facilities in universities, colleges, hospitals and federal government departments and agencies across Canada that are open to working with you on your research and innovation needs.

Canada Research Coordinating Committee : advancing federal research priorities and the coordination of policies and programs of Canada’s federal research funding agencies and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Canadian Light Source (CLS): enabling scientists from Canadian academic institutions and other countries to publish scientific papers highlighting discoveries in a wide variety of fields, in over 1,000 international scientific collaborations. The CLS is the brightest light in the country— millions of times brighter than even the sun—and is used by scientists to get incredibly detailed information about the structural and chemical properties of materials at the molecular level.

Federal research facilities : a directory of research facilities located across the country, with many opportunities to partner with and access these facilities for your research.

Genome Canada : addressing Canada’s greatest challenges and opportunities through research and innovation in genomics and associated biosciences.

National Research Council Canada : collaborating with research institutes and advanced centres of science and technology around the world.

Ocean Networks Canada : monitoring the west and east coasts of Canada and the Arctic to continuously deliver data in real time for scientific research that helps communities, governments and industry make informed decisions about our future.

Ocean Tracking Network : deploying Canadian-made acoustic receivers in key ocean locations and inland waters, and linking them through a shared data system with thousands of compatible receivers operated by national and international partners.

Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada : providing science advice to government, ensuring openness and accessibility of research, and promoting science with the public, both nationally and internationally.

Perimeter Institute : a leading centre for scientific research, training and educational outreach in foundational theoretical physics.

TRIUMF : Canada’s particle accelerator centre, which is pushing frontiers in research to advance science, medicine and business.

U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities : 15 of Canada’s most research-intensive universities dedicated to helping advance research and innovation policies and programs for the benefit of all Canadians.

Universities Canada : the voice of Canadian universities, at home and abroad, providing online information on university study and offering scholarships on behalf of private sector companies.

Through calls for research proposals, we fund projects that aim to foster climate-resilient food systems, global health, education and science, democratic and inclusive governance, and sustainable and inclusive economies in developing countries. Gender equality and inclusion are also central to our strategy and the research we support.

Browse our open calls and learn about the experiences of some of our past  Research Awardees , or browse our rich portfolio of active and completed  research projects  to learn more about the work we do.

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Closed Calls

Archived calls, which offer a sense of the types of calls IDRC manages, are kept on the site for one year. 

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Federal Funding Sources

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are referred to collectively as the Tri-agency. They are the main sources of Canadian Federal research funding.

R+I provides a wide range of services and resources to support applications from McGill researchers to Tri-agency funding programs and other special programs designed for institutional and strategic initiatives.

The  Canadian Institutes of Health Research  (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency responsible for funding health research in Canada.

The  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council  (NSERC) is the Canadian federal funding agency that promotes and supports basic university research and partnered-project research in the natural sciences and engineering.

The  Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council  (SSHRC) is the Canadian federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences.

The Tri-agency offers special programs that are administered by the SSHRC on behalf of the three federal research funding agencies: CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. The  Canada Research Coordinating Committee  (CRCC) provides strategic oversight for those programs and approves awards. The Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS) provides administration.

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NSERC website will be unavailable for a few hours on Saturday, March 23. The tri-agency Financial Data Submission and Reconciliation System (FDSR) will also be unavailable during that time. We expect service to resume the same day.

Breakthrough answers to timeless questions

Learn how NSERC supports AI research

The Government of Canada supports interdisciplinary research centres to address global challenges through the bioeconomy

A partnership to celebrate women in STEM

Latest updates on covid-19, government of canada invests in 7,700 world-class researchers and projects across the country, march 13, 2024, nserc showcases investments in diverse partnerships to advance research and innovation through its alliance program, latest cohort of tri-agency scholars is strengthening research capacity across canada, a statement from canada's federal research funding agencies on international women's day 2024, march 8, 2024, funding opportunity for life sciences research via the human frontier science program, february 13, 2024, canada research coordinating committee welcomes alejandro adem as chair, february 1, 2024, research stories.

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The salt used to de-ice our roads does not reduce the effectiveness of the plants used in bioretention areas, according to a new study by henry beral, a ph.d. student at the université de montréal..

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The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is a non-profit corporation that invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions.

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Research Support Fund

Research security

On this page.

Overview Objective Eligibility Value and duration Application form Application instructions Payment Use of funds Reporting Accountability and public acknowledgment Questions

The Government of Canada introduced new funding through the Research Support Fund (RSF) in Budget 2022 to further support the activities related to the indirect costs of research security and to support the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships .

The investments in research security will provide $125 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, and $25 million ongoing per year, in addition to the existing investments for the RSF and Incremental Grant Projects (IPGs).

Research security is categorized as a fifth priority area of the IPGs . These investments are aligned with the RSF ’s objectives to help Canadian postsecondary institutions ensure their federally funded research projects are conducted in world-class facilities with the best equipment and administrative support available. By directing funds to specific investments and to annual or multiyear projects initiated by institutions, research security funding will help to build capacity within postsecondary institutions to identify, assess and mitigate the potential risks to research security.

Eligibility

Funding for research security is for eligible institutions receiving $2 million or more in eligible RSF direct research funding. Eligibility for research security funding is assessed against this threshold each year.

Institutions with less than $2 million in eligible direct research funding are not eligible for research security funding, but continue to benefit from the current progressive RSF funding formula.

Value and duration

Research security funding is calculated as a percentage of each institution’s eligible direct research funding amounts above $2 million. Funding is awarded for one year only. Institutions must re-apply each year and meet all terms and conditions to continue receiving funds.

Research security funding will be calculated and dispersed to institutions separately from the RSF and IPG allocations.

Application form

Applying for research security funding is part of the  RSF  application process. If your institution is eligible, you must also complete the research security application sections. This section asks for additional information about the proposed use of the research security funds, including details of the project(s) for which you are requesting research security support. This includes:

• a description and costing of proposed investments for the research security priority area, including any other funds supporting the projects;
• expected timelines;
• expected outcomes; and
• a strategic vision for the use of research security funds.

Policies governing the  RSF concerning forfeiture of funds, failure to comply with the deadline and requests for extensions also apply to research security applications and awards. See the  Apply to the program page  for more details.

Application instructions

The research security application is part of the RSF  application on the  Convergence Portal . If your institution is eligible for this funding, it must complete the research security portion of the application and submit the full application before the deadline.

Eligible institutions will receive funds according to the  RSF payment schedule .

Use of funds

The funds granted to institutions should be used to build capacity to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks to research security, in support of the full implementation of the National Security Guidelines on Research Partnerships . Institutions must spend the funds in the year of the award and report on the use of these funds annually.

Research security funds can be used to support multiyear projects whose outcomes will be available only at the end of a longer period of up to three years. The application allows your institution to apply for funding for the next phase of the project, provided the institution continues to meet reporting and eligibility requirements.

Research security funding is subject to the same reporting requirements as the  RSF . Institutions must provide clear, reportable evidence of the results and impacts of grants awarded.

Institutions are also required to complete a statement of account reporting on the total value of the research security award. See the  Statement of account section  for instructions on how to complete and submit this required report.

Accountability and public acknowledgment

Institutions will be required to submit accountability and public acknowledgment requirements and/or provide outcomes reporting for research security funds awarded in 2022-23. The program will communicate further on these requirements in the next fiscal year.

If you have questions about research security funding, contact  [email protected] .

For more information on research security:

• Safeguarding Your Research
• Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

Science funding in Canada – Statistics

(Last updated – October 2023)

Fundamental research funding in Canada is viewed in a positive light by Canadians, who understand its importance for their health and well-being, and by the current government.  However, despite the re-investments in the Canadian funding agencies announced in 2018, research funding in Canada remains low when compared to that of other countries.

CIHR statistics

Compiled by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience from data available on the CIHR website.

Project grants granted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research are the core funding mechanism for biomedical research in Canada.  Unfortunately, success rates in recent competition have been dwindling (Figure 1).  The success rates for funding applications at CIHR has steadily declined since 2005, from a 31% success rate to a success rate below 15% in 2018 (less than one in six successful applications). Current success rate levels are too low to maintain a diverse and flourishing research environment, as many excellent research programs go unfunded due to lack of available funds. Success rates under 20% means that researchers spend countless hours writing grant applications, while their chance of being successful are too low to be sustainable. In addition, it should be noted that the current funding level is only achieved by making drastic cuts to the budgets of all project grants (often >25%), which further highlights the lack of sufficient funding for this competition.

CIHR Grant application success rates 2000-2021

Data source available here (xls format)

CIHR budget 2000-2023

Year 2020-2021 included Statutory Authorities $203.6M time-limited funding for COVID-19 research (Pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act). As this funding is a one-time addition to the CIHR budget not dedicated to the regular programs, it is indicated as extra data points (in yellow and orange in the graph)

https://can-acn.org/docs/cihr_nserc_statistics_2000-2023.xlsx

Comparison with the NIH budget

The NIH’s 2020-2021 budget was $41.5 billion USD (approx. $55.7 billion CAD), compared to CIHR’s $1.44 billion CAD (which includes one-time investments in COVID-19 research). This represents a 39-fold difference in funding support for CIHR , which contrasts with the nine-fold difference in population between the United States and Canada.

View data sources

NSERC Statistics

Nserc budget 2007-2023.

SSHRC statistics

Sshrc budget 2006-2021.

Data points 2006 to 2019-2020 are actual spending, as reported in the SSHRC annual reports.

Four data points are reported for 2020-21 – the bottom two represent planned spending, while the upper two data points represent actual spending, and includes significant time-limited funding for COVID-19 research (Pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act)

Student stipends

More support is required to maintain Canada’s attractiveness for the next generation of researchers. Trainees that successfully compete for Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master’s program; CGS-M), receive an $17.5K CAD per year award, an amount that has not kept up with inflation and is stagnant since 2003. This is below the low-income level cut-off of $22k CAD for a person living alone in a major Canadian city. The NSERC website states that “ This support allows these scholars to fully concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields ”. This is no longer accurate, and disheartening for students, who must now face rising housing costs and inflation rates. Academia is viewed as an uphill battle, with no clear indication that the situation will improve, which is a daunting prospect for trainees.

Paying students a living wage is the base for equity, diversity and inclusion, and absolutely required if we are to attract the brightest minds from diverse backgrounds and not only those who are independently wealthy.

Update – August 2022: the Support our Science Campaign website: https://www.supportourscience.ca/ presents more data on funding of trainees by NSERC.

The Fundamental Science Review Report (2017)

The Advisory Panel on Federal Support for Fundamental Science was appointed in June 2016. Their mandate entailed a review of the federal system of supports for research conducted by scientists and scholars employed outside of federal, provincial, or territorial government departments and agencies. The Fundamental Science Review, also known as the Naylor Report, made important recommendations to improve the Canadian Research Ecosystem.

The Panel’s single most important recommendation (R6.1) is that the federal government should rapidly increase its investment in independent investigator-led research to redress the imbalance caused by differential investments favouring priority-driven targeted research over the past decade.  (Investing in Canada’s future – Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research: Canada’s fundamental Science Review, page xviii http://www.sciencereview.ca/eic/site/059.nsf/vwapj/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf/$file/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf )

In response to the publication of the Fundamental Science Review, the Federal budget of 2018 announced a historic investment in science. However, examination of the recommendations of the Naylor report and the investments announced in 2018 shows that full implementation of the recommendations of the Naylor report has not been achieved.

The Fundamental science review report proposed investments in Investigator-led direct project funding over 4 years of $1215 Millions, while $689 Millions were included in the same four year period in budget 2018, or 56.7%.

Source: Report of the Fundamental Science Review, p. 154 http://www.sciencereview.ca/eic/site/059.nsf/vwapj/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf/$file/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf

and Budget 2018 Chapter 2 p. 122—Progress millions of dollars – Investing in Canadian Scientists and Researchers: Granting Councils (https://www.budget.gc.ca/2018/docs/plan/toc-tdm-en.html)

OECD Statistics

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. The OECD collects data and publishes statistics on a wide range of range of social, economic and environmental challenges. Here we present a collection of graphics on science performance, science funding and the number of researchers in Canada. Canada is compared to the other countries of the G7.

Gross domestic spending on Research and Development

The following figure shows that Canada is the only country in the G7 in which Gross domestic spending on R&D has been going down since 2001.

Canada is now second to last in the G7 in this metric.

Direct link:  https://data.oecd.org/chart/6atc

Researchers

The following figure shows that the number of researchers per 1000 employed as compared to the average number for OECD countries

Youth science performance

Research-driven innovation is one of the pillars of today’s knowledge-based economy. The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is committed to advocating for increases in the total budget of the three main granting councils of Canada, CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC.

Invitation to write to the Minister of Finances

We invite you to write to the Minister of Finances, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, to remind her and her team of the importance of investing in scientific research as they work on the 2024 Canadian budget.

CAN has drafted a sample letter, you can dowload here: CAN letter to Freeland (more…)

Urgent appeal to recapitalize the Canada Brain Research Fund

We invite you to read a letter calling for urgent recapitalization of the Canada Brain Research Fund we recently sent to

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks , Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of Canada The Honourable Mark Holland , Minister of Health of Canada The Honourable Chrystia Freeland , Minister of Finances of Canada The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau , Prime Minister of Canada

Read the letter here: CAN-Brain-Canada-support-letter-2024

Read CAN’s submission to the 2024 Pre-budget consultations

Investing in science will create new jobs and build a greener, more competitive, more innovative, more inclusive, and more resilient canada..

Read our main recommendations here:

(more…)

2023 CAN Parliament Hill Day

CAN held its second in-person Parliament Hill Day in Otttawa on November 7, 2023. This presented an exceptional opportunity for a team of CAN advocates to meet face-to-face or virtually with members of Parliament, Senators, Parliamentary staff members and important senior civil servants to advocate for a increased support for the major federal funding agencies in Canada (Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and graduate student and postdoctoral fellowships and for making research on Brain and Mental Health a national priority. (more…)

ThinkSci Outreach Program wins a CAN Advocacy Award

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is proud to announce its support of the ThinkSci Outreach Program with a 2023 CAN Advocacy and Outreach award.

The “ThinkSci Outreach Program” is a workshop-based initiative organized and led by undergraduate and graduate students, with the goal of immersing high school seniors and 1st year CÉGEP students into the world of neurophysiology. Its long term goal is to reach local, regional and national underrepresented student communities in Canada. (more…)

Investing in science will benefit all Canadians.

CAN is sharing with you the brief we have submitted to the House of Commons Finance (FINA), which is currently holding its consultations in advance of federal budget 2024. – our three recommendations are

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience recommends the following: Recommendation 1: That the government double the budgets of the three main federal funding agencies : Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for the benefit of all Canadians. This recommendation aims to bring Canadian investment in scientific research to a level commensurate to that of other G7 countries. Recommendation 2: That the government of Canada double support for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows by increasing both the value and number of fellowships awarded in the next budget. In conjunction with Recommendation 1, this recommendation will ensure our next generation of scientists have the means to participate fully in Canada’s knowledge economy. Recommendation 3: That the government of Canada make research on the Brain and Mental Health a national priority by investing in research to understand the brain through well-established and trusted organizations in the field.

Read our full submission for the FINA pre-budget submission here: (more…)

Brief submitted to study on Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programs

Read the brief submitted by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research study on “ Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programs ”.

Canada needs to stop the brain drain

Advocacy opportunities – june 2023.

Please find below several opportunities to provide written submissions to various studies being undertaken at Committee’s in the House of Commons. Providing a written submission to a study is a great opportunity to build awareness for the important work you are doing, and the need for the government to continue investing in science and research. Submissions should be no more than 2,000 words, including footnotes, graphs, and images. While CAN provides written submissions on behalf of the organization to many of these studies, individual scientists and researchers are welcome to do the same. (more…)

CAN-ACN’s response to the 2023 budget

Response to the budget tabled March 28, 2023

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience joins its voice to the rest of the scientific community in expressing disappointment in the lack of support for science, research, and students in Budget 2023.

There are some questions left unanswered following this budget:

How can the government fail to recognize that fundamental research drives innovation and economic growth?

Two members of parliament visit the trudeau lab at université de montréal.

Dr. Louis-Eric Trudeau, neuroscientist at the Université de Montréal and his research team hosted on April 4 two federal MPs, M. Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, and M. Maxime Joncas-Blanchette MP for the Rimouski region and in charge of science issues at the Bloc. The goal was to discuss the funding of neuroscience and biomedical research in Quebec and in Canada and also the challenges of sharing research discoveries in French. Both expressed strong support for increased federal funding for research.

Lab visits are a great way to engage with elected officials and promote science in Canada – Congratulations Dr. Trudeau!

Get in touch if you have any questions or comments:

[email protected]

Quick reads on Canadian topics

Home › Economics and finance › Federal Funding for Health Research in Canada

Federal Funding for Health Research in Canada

By loprespub on November 22, 2021

Disponible en français.

Sources of Health Research Funding in Canada

Health research refers broadly to all research related to health, health systems or health care delivery. Sources of funding for health research include the federal government, provincial/territorial governments, higher education institutions such as universities, industry, including stakeholder businesses, and non-governmental organizations such as health charities. This HillNote provides an overview of federal sources of funding for health research in Canada.

Sources of Federal Funding in Canada for Health Research

Federal granting bodies.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the primary source of federal funding for health research. CIHR provides funding for biomedical, clinical, health system services and population health research. Figure 1 outlines CIHR funding by primary research theme from 1999–2000 to 2020–2021.

Figure 1 – Canadian Institutes of Health Research Funding by Primary Research Theme, 1999–2000 to 2020–2021 ($ millions)

CIHR, through its 13 virtual institutes , has discretion over funding for research projects, which consist of investigator-initiated research and priority-driven research identified by the federal government. The organization also provides funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows . Figure 2 shows CIHR funding for health research by funding type between 1999–2000 and 2020–2021.

Figure 2 – Canadian Institutes of Health Research Funding, by Funding Type, 1999–2000 to 2020–2021 ($ millions)

CIHR’s budget increased significantly in 2020–2021 following the increased need for priority-driven research related to the COVID-19 pandemic. CIHR has funded more than 400 COVID-19-related research projects totalling $250 million since March 2020 to develop diagnostics, treatments, public health measures and communication strategies. Specific areas of investment include Indigenous communities’ experience with COVID-19; mental health and substance use during the pandemic; safety in long-term care homes; and prescribing and dispensing guidelines for opioids.

Some of the CIHR budget includes funding envelopes established by the federal government and provided to CIHR for tri-agency programs and for Government of Canada priorities over which CIHR has very limited discretion in allocating.

In February 2021, CIHR released its strategic plan for 2021–2031 . The organization’s focus over that period will be on developing a more inclusive vision for health research in five priority areas:

• advancing research excellence in all its diversity;
• strengthening Canadian health research capacity;
• accelerating the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in health research;
• pursuing health equity through research; and
• integrating evidence in health decisions.

While CIHR is the largest contributor to federal health research funding, there are other federal granting agencies and foundations that also contribute. The tri-agency funding programs include programs run collaboratively by CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. All three granting agencies focus entirely on funding extramural research (research conducted outside of the agency) defined by their legislated mandates. Two of the largest of these tri-agency programs are the Canada Research Chairs Program and the New Frontiers in Research Fund. A new tri-agency program, the Canada Biomedical Research Fund, is to be launched in 2022–2023 with a budget of $250 million over four years. It will fund high-risk applied research, training and talent development in support of domestic biomanufacturing capacity.

Other Departments and Agencies

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) conducts intramural (research conducted in-house) research within 14 research centres and also participates in some collaborative projects. Several of their research programs relate to health and are primarily carried out at two of its research centres: the Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre (which includes several facilities) and the Medical Devices Research Centre. The NRC also provides small grants for extramural, technology-driven research by small- and medium-sized businesses through its Industrial Research Assistance Program.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) investigates existing and emerging infectious diseases. NML researches the characteristics of pathogens, including how they are transmitted and ways to detect infection (i.e., diagnostics), and develops treatments and vaccines. PHAC and Health Canada are also involved in intramural research, extramural research in collaboration with external researchers, research conducted by unaffiliated researchers using Health Canada or PHAC premises, and external research that has been contracted out.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, was announced in Budget 2017 to simplify and consolidate existing innovative technology programs. The SIF supports large-scale, transformative and collaborative projects, which include the category of health and biosciences.

Not-for-Profit Corporations

Genome Canada was established in 2000 to fund genomics-related research. The organization co-funds large-scale applied, leading-edge technology and translation research projects through six regional genome centres across the country, with additional funds coming from provincial governments and other stakeholders. Genome Canada provides funding for genomics-related health research and research in the agriculture and agri-food, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, environment, energy and mining sectors.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), created in 1997, funds research infrastructure such as the laboratories, equipment, buildings and databases required to conduct research. Similar to Genome Canada’s funding, CFI funding is not limited to health and includes a broad range of applications. Budget 2021 announced a new investment of $500 million over four years, beginning in 2021–2022, for CFI to launch the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF). The BRIF will provide funding in support of post-secondary and research hospital bioscience infrastructure needs.

A Comparison of Spending on Health Research in Canada and Selected Countries

Statistics Canada provides total federal spending on science and technology by socio-economic objectives, one of which is health (see Figure 3). While this data collection does not include health research beyond science and technology, for example health policy research, it does capture most health-related research and development spending.

Figure 3 – Federal Spending on Health-Related Research and Development, 2015–2016 to 2019–2020 ($ millions)

The World Health Organization’s Global Observatory on Health R&D analyzes international data collected by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to identify health research and development priorities based on public health needs. Figure 4 reveals the amount of annual biomedical research grants provided by the principal public funders of health research in selected jurisdictions. Even after accounting for population differences among countries and regions, the United States (U.S.) is the largest public funder of health research globally. The data also suggest that Canada, in comparison to other countries and regions and taking into account population size, is a major public funder of health research.

Figure 4 – Annual Grants for Biomedical Research by Funder in Selected Jurisdictions, 2018 (US$ millions)

International Collaboration on Health Research

The World RePORT is “an interactive, open-access database and mapping of global research investments from some of the world’s largest biomedical funding organizations” housed at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. A review of the database reveals that many investments involve global collaborations. For example, in 2019, CIHR funded projects involving partnerships across all continents. The proportion of CIHR grants (both in number and funding) with international linkages has been increasing since the organization’s creation in 2000 and now makes up almost 15% of the total number of grants. CIHR explains that international collaboration promotes access for Canadians researchers to international expertise, technologies and facilities, while global health research focuses on topics such as the health implications of globalization, health equity of marginalized populations, neglected conditions affecting disadvantaged populations and transnational health risks and opportunities.

Additional Resources

Canadian Association for Neuroscience, Science Funding in Canada – Statistics , 2020.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, CIHR COVID-19 Investments: By the Numbers .

Government of Canada, Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy .

Author: Sonya Norris, Library of Parliament

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It is our pleasure to present the 2024–25 Departmental Plan for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which lays out the key priorities the Department is working to advance for the benefit of all Canadians.

In 2024–25, ISED will continue working with the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Portfolio and other federal partners to bolster Canadian innovation by fostering competitive, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

As Canada transitions to a net-zero economy, ISED has entered into special agreements with industry partners such as NextStar Energy, Volkswagen PowerCo, and Northvolt Batteries North America to increase Canada's production of lithium battery cells and electric vehicles (EVs). To help ensure Canada's economy remains a competitive destination for investment following the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States, these unprecedented agreements will advance the country's position as an EV manufacturer. To complement these efforts and support Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy, the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) will also invest in projects that will prioritize the manufacturing, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.

Recognizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI), ISED will seek to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of AI by investing in the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS). In 2024-25, the PCAIS will provide funding of up to $20 million to institutions in across the country to advance AI innovations and research. Further advancing the PCAIS, ISED's Advanced Manufacturing Global Innovation Cluster, led by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, will provide $19 million in funding for 12 AI projects in Canada's manufacturing sector. These projects are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturing through the commercialization of Canadian AI innovations, while increasing manufacturing capacity in the country.

The new National Quantum Strategy (NQS), in turn, will continue to ensure Canada's leadership in quantum technology. Under the NQS, the Department, in collaboration with key partners including the regional development agencies, will continue to support the development of Canada's quantum research and the commercialization of quantum-ready technologies through the Quantum Industry Canada program.

The Department's Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) will continue to support the expansion of broadband, connecting underserved rural, remote, and Indigenous communities with access to high-speed Internet. The Government of Canada, in partnership with other orders of government and private sector stakeholders, has leveraged UBF to secure high-speed internet access for 93.5 percent of Canadian households and is on track to exceed its goal of connecting 98 percent of Canadian households by 2026 and 100 percent by 2030.

Supporting fundamental research continues to be a priority for ISED. The Department is working to promote a strong, vibrant science and research community across Canada, anchored by a diverse pool of world-class researchers. Through the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, ISED is looking to grow a strong, competitive domestic life sciences sector, with cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities, which will create good jobs for Canadians and ensure Canada is prepared for future pandemics and health emergencies. Specifically, the Department is investing $225 million in AbCellera—the Canadian biotech company that helped develop the first antibody therapy treatment for COVID-19—to fund research and clinical trials projects, and to build a new manufacturing plant that will produce anti-body therapies for clinical trials.

In addition, scientific excellence will be supported through the Strategic Science Fund. Contribution agreements are being finalized with a diverse portfolio of organizations selected for funding by an independent expert panel. The funding will support of the organizations in advancing program objectives to support research, talent, knowledge mobilization and science culture. To help post-secondary institutions maintain and enhance security posture and support them in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to research security, ISED will continue to fund the Cybersecurity Initiatives Program.

In 2024–25, ISED will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) —the backbone of the Canadian economy. In addition to the Department's ongoing support for women-owned and Black-owned businesses—through their respective entrepreneurship strategies, ISED will continue to eliminate barriers to access for under-represented entrepreneurs by providing support through the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. The program will deliver critical business advice, create resources, provide mentorship, and will collect the data needed to better understand the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and the challenges they face. Additionally, the Canada Digital Adoption Program will continue to support SMEs to modernize their operations and adopt e-commerce technologies, bolstering their growth and competitiveness.

Finally, ISED will support tourism in Canada by delivering on the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which includes targeted actions to help the Tourism sector recover from the pandemic and grow the Indigenous tourism industry. Specifically, the Department will strengthen economic reconciliation through the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund, which will support the scale-up of signature Indigenous tourism experiences and help build the capacity of micro and/or small Indigenous tourism businesses.

Funding from Budget 2023 will support additional tourism programming including $50 million to Destination Canada to attract major international conventions, conferences, and events to Canada; and $108 million to the Regional Development Agencies to support communities, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in developing local projects and events. With the goal of positioning Canada as a premier outdoor, nature-based destination, ISED will also leverage the country's natural landscape and network of trails in developing a new Trails Tourism Strategy.

We invite you to read this report to learn more about how ISED, along with its portfolio partners, is working with Canadians of all backgrounds and in all regions—urban and rural—to position Canada as a leader in the global economy.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

The Honourable Mary Ng Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Honourable Rechie Valdez Minister of Small Business

Plans to deliver on core responsibilities and internal services

Core responsibilities and internal services, description, quality of life impacts, results and targets, plans to achieve results, snapshot of planned resources in 2024-25, related government priorities, program inventory.

Provide support to help grow small, medium and large Canadian businesses into globally competitive, high-impact firms; ensure a fair and competitive marketplace; promote the conditions that support competitive prices and product choices, including in the telecommunications sector; simplify government programming, promote efforts to reduce red tape for businesses, putting in place the right conditions for market-driven innovation and promoting growth and an economy that works for everyone; reduce barriers to the movement of goods, services, capital and labour; grow Canada's tourism sector.

The Companies, Investment and Growth core responsibility is most closely related to the "Prosperity" domain of Canada's Quality of Life Framework, but it also touches on the "Good Governance" and "Environment" domains.

The "firm growth", "gross-domestic product per capita", and "investment in in-house research and development" indicators under the "Prosperity" domain are directly related to this core responsibility, for which the key outcome is to provide support to small, medium and large Canadian businesses to innovate and grow. To assess this outcome, ISED tracks the revenue growth rate and value of business expenditures on research and development (BERD) of the firms it supports.

Additionally, the "Good Governance" domain measures Canadians' confidence in institutions. Several entities under ISED's Companies, Investment and Growth core responsibility, including Measurement Canada, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Corporations Canada, the Competition Bureau and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, focus on fostering conditions for market-driven innovation and creating a fair and competitive marketplace for businesses, investors and consumers.

Under the "Environment" domain, the "greenhouse gas emissions" indicator relates to the following departmental results indicator: "annual incremental reductions in GHG emissions attributable to ISED-supported technologies".

The following tables show, for each departmental result related to Companies, Investment and Growth, the indicators, the results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates approved for 2024–25.

Table 1: Indicators, results, and targets for departmental result: Canada has a clean and sustainable economy.

Table 2: indicators, results and targets for departmental result: canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing., table 3: indicators, results and targets for departmental result: businesses, investors and consumers are confident in the canadian marketplace, including the digital economy..

The financial, human resources and performance information for ISED's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase Footnote i .

Departmental Result: Canadian businesses and industries are innovative and growing

Innovation and adaptation on the part of Canadian enterprises—from start-up to scale-up—are vital to success in job creation, economic productivity, and trade. To spur creativity in support of Canada's economic recovery, growth, and competitiveness, ISED will continue to work closely with entrepreneurs, businesses and industry sectors to build on areas of traditional Canadian advantage while also capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Innovation and adaptation on the part of Canadian enterprises—from start-up to scale-up—are vital to success in job creation, economic productivity, and trade. To spur creativity in support of Canada's economic recovery, growth, and competitiveness, ISED will continue to work closely with entrepreneurs, businesses and industry sectors to build on areas of traditional Canadian advantage while also capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

Growing Canada's innovation ecosystems

Innovation Canada Footnote ii offers programs and services to help Canadian businesses innovate and grow by accessing client-centered, simplified support to advance research and the development and commercialization of innovative technologies and products. Flagship programs like the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), the Global Innovation Clusters (GICs) and Innovative Solutions Canada are instrumental in fostering industrial innovation and growth while advancing other governmental priorities like reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). With renewed funding of $750 million from Budget 2022, the five GIC's will continue their efforts to advance Canada's innovation ecosystems, promote investments in innovation and commercialization, expand their national and global presence, deepen their collaborations, and support the growth and scale-up of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2024–25, the GIC program will increase industry co-investments by raising the industry match ratio to $1.50 for every dollar committed by non-GIC partners by 2028. In addition, the program is expected to establish new collaborations involving funding partnerships for the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS) and Canada's National Quantum Strategy. For instance, as part of the PCAIS, the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster Footnote iii launched the AI for Manufacturing funding challenge, calling on companies to submit project proposals focused on commercializing AI or machine learning solutions in manufacturing. As a result, NGen, the organization leading the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster, will provide $19 million in funding for 12 AI projects in Canada's manufacturing sector. These projects are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturing through the commercialization of Canadian AI innovations while building manufacturing capacity in the country.

In 2024–25, SIF will continue to support industrial transformation and growth, building on its $17 billion in research and development (R&D) investments to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canadian businesses in key industrial sectors including automotive, critical minerals and batteries, life sciences, semiconductors, aerospace, natural resources, and agri-food.

Through the Net Zero Accelerator Initiative, SIF will support Canada's goal of becoming a leader in clean technologies and help advance Canada's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. For instance, SIF will advance the development of the battery innovation ecosystem by providing funding for the construction of E-One Moli's new $1 billion battery manufacturing and R&D facility in British Columbia, to support the production of lithium-ion batteries for industrial and consumer applications. SIF will also invest in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing projects such as those by Volkswagen PowerCo, NextStar Energy and Northvolt Batteries North America, which will help reduce GHG emissions, decarbonize the transportation sector and strengthen Canada's domestic manufacturing capacity. ISED's partnership with Northvolt, in particular, will support the construction of its new EV battery manufacturing facility in Quebec—a $7 billion dollar investment—that will produce some of the greenest batteries in the world given its low carbon footprint. These investments in clean technology solutions demonstrate ISED's ongoing work toward meeting Canada's ambitious emissions reductions targets and securing Canada's battery supply chain. Supported by these investments, Canada ranked first in Bloomberg NEF's 2023 Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking.

Under Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy, in 2024–25, SIF will use targeted funds to accelerate investments in critical mineral projects, specifically prioritizing advanced manufacturing, processing, and recycling applications. To meet the rising demand for critical minerals and related manufactured products, ISED's investments will increase the supply of responsibly sourced critical minerals, while promoting innovation and sustainable practices across domestic and global critical minerals value chains. Since Canada is a leading global producer of many minerals, including nickel, potash, aluminum and uranium, investments in critical minerals have the potential to spur economic growth and manufacturing capabilities both domestically and internationally. Through ISED's expected  $551.3 million contribution to Umicore, a circular materials technology company, the federal government, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, will support Umicore's decision to build a new manufacturing facility in Loyalist Township, Ontario, to produce essential EV battery components using critical minerals such as nickel, lithium, and cobalt. This facility, the first of its kind in North America, will strengthen Canada's domestic EV and battery supply chain.

Supporting the industrial transformation of key sectors

Since March 2020, more than $2.1 billion has been invested in rebuilding Canada's vaccines, therapeutics and biomanufacturing capacity. In alignment with the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, ISED will support a $61 million project by Edesa Biotech—a biopharmaceutical R&D company focused on developing and commercializing novel clinical-stage drugs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ISED is also investing through SIF to support a $119.3 million project by Pharmascience Inc. to expand its facility in Candiac, Quebec, by 2,500 square metres, increasing its capacity to produce sterile injectables. Both projects will be instrumental in increasing innovation in the life sciences sector, contributing to Canada's talent pipeline by creating new jobs, and developing world-class expertise and infrastructure to build a competitive biomanufacturing and life sciences industry.

Budget 2022 announced $30 million over four years to expand the CAN Health Network across Canada. By connecting health organizations with Canadian companies from coast-to-coast-to-coast, the Government of Canada's investment in expanding the CAN Health Network will support innovation in the health technology sector, grow businesses, create good well-paying jobs and generate prosperity for Canadians.

SIF will continue to provide targeted support to the aerospace industry—one of the most innovative and export-driven sectors in Canada, contributing close to $27 billion and more than 210,000 jobs to the economy. The SIF investment of $350 million to support the new Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology— a pan-Canadian, industry-led aerospace network focused on funding collaborative R&D projects with companies of all sizes across the Canadian supply chain—will help accelerate the green industrial transformation of the aerospace industry, generate high-value jobs, strengthen the sector's supply chains, and position Canada as a global leader in sustainable aviation.

Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy Value Proposition (NSS VP), the department will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Canadian marine industry by requiring that shipyards with large vessel contracts support investments in three key areas—human resources development, technology investment and industrial development—that are equal to 0.5% of the value of the contracts they receive. For 2024–25, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards have forecasted more than $41 million in combined NSS VP investments in Canada's marine industry.

Helping businesses navigate government support

Connecting businesses with government programs and supports at the federal and the provincial, and territorial level to facilitate growth and innovation remains a key priority for ISED. In 2024–25, ISED will liaise with government partners to optimize service provided through the Business Benefits Finder, a platform that uses a client-centred approach to streamline the process of connecting businesses with the services and programs they need to bolster their performance. ISED's Accelerated Growth Service, which helps entrepreneurs and businesses innovate and scale up through its advisory and growth services, will complement the Business Benefits Finder by assisting existing, innovative businesses in accessing government programs and services.

Similarly, the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) will support businesses in scaling-up and growing by convening various federal, provincial, and broader ecosystem partners to identify programming gaps and opportunities for Canadian companies. Announced in July 2023, the GHP will help businesses develop into anchor firms, which are responsible for creating business clusters and incubating other businesses, by assisting them in navigating complex regulatory regimes, expanding to new markets, and acquiring the right talent. To achieve these goals, eight Canadian businesses have been selected to receive tailored support through the project, including Clarius Mobile Health Corp. With help from the GHP, Clarius will be able to propel its growth and make its innovative portable hand-held ultrasound imaging device available to more clinicians around the world.

In 2024–25, ISED's national BizPaL office will continue supporting cross-jurisdictional partnerships focused on helping Canadian businesses find and access business licences and reducing the burden of duplication for businesses to meet regulatory, permitting and licensing requirements. The program will help users navigate Canada's regulatory landscape via an interactive artificial intelligence interface, improving access to timely, complete information and analytics through an Open Service Platform and the Service for Regulators project.

Increasing access to capital for Canadian businesses

ISED, through the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP), will continue increasing the availability of financing for Canadian small businesses looking to start up, expand, modernize, and innovate. In 2024–25, the CSBFP will gather information to support and inform a statutory comprehensive review report assessing the extent to which the program has met its goals over the last five years, including examining the provisions and operations of the Canada Small Business Financing Act . The report will propose recommendations to ensure that the CSBFP continues to adapt to meet the current economic conditions and future needs of small businesses.

As announced in Budget 2021, ISED's Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI), managed by the Business Development Bank of Canada, will support innovation and job creation in Canada by increasing the availability of private sector capital for Canadian entrepreneurs with high-growth potential, particularly for those in the life sciences sector and those belonging to under-represented groups. VCCI will accomplish this through three streams: $350 million for funds-of-funds, a $50 million for supporting VC investments in life science technologies, and a $50 million for an inclusive growth stream dedicated to increase access to VC programs for underrepresented groups. In 2024–25, funding recipients for the second intake of the inclusive growth stream and will invest up to $25 million in five Canadian VC funds through this stream. Through VCCI's inclusive growth stream, ISED aims to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Canadian VC ecosystem by providing additional capital to invest in innovative under-represented entrepreneurs.

Supporting a modern telecommunications network

As the demand for spectrum and telecommunications services continues to grow, ISED will continue to advance Canada's position as a global centre for innovation and world-class wireless infrastructure. In 2024–25, the department will launch a new Non-Competitive Local Licensing framework, offering 80 MHz of mid-band spectrum, which will provide users— including wireless Internet service providers, vertical industries, and Indigenous communities—with localized access to shared 5G spectrum.

With a commitment to fostering greater universal connectivity, ISED will implement a new Access Licensing Framework in 2024–25 to facilitate greater access to unused licence spectrum in rural and remote areas, including supporting the expansion of broadband services. Under this framework, ISED will also consult on and implement an Indigenous Priority Window, which will allow Indigenous-led businesses and Indigenous service providers access to spectrum that strengthens their Internet connectivity, improves access to emergency response services, and establishes reliable cell service.

Reinvigorating tourism in Canada

Building on the progress made last year, ISED will continue to implement new strategies to advance the long-term growth of the tourism sector. In 2024–25, under the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy (FTGS), the department will coordinate and promote measures to support the growth of Canada's tourism industry, particularly positioning Indigenous communities as attractive tourist destinations, by continuing to implement the $108 million Tourism Growth Program, through the regional development agencies, to deliver key tourism projects.

As part of the FTGS, ISED will collaborate with its federal, provincial, and territorial partners, industry stakeholders and Indigenous people to ensure that the needs of tourism businesses are being served. The FTGS is based on five strategic priorities: investing in tourism assets, embracing recreation and the great outdoors, partnering to grow Indigenous tourism, attracting more international events, and improving coordination through a Ministerial Tourism Growth Council. ISED will also provide $50 million to Destination Canada, with the expectation of hosting more business events in Canada and invest in maintaining Canada's network of trails and outdoor spaces through the Trails Tourism Strategy.

Indigenous tourism is a key segment of the industry that differentiates Canada as a premier tourist destination. ISED's continued support of this segment through the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF), announced in Budget 2022, will help rejuvenate the Indigenous tourism industry and ensure long-term, sustainable growth for Indigenous businesses and communities. As a component of the ITF, the department is collaborating with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to roll out the first $10 million of the Micro and Small Business Stream, which will provide financial assistance, specifically non-repayable contributions of up to $25,000, to support export-ready micro and small Indigenous tourism businesses.

Developing talent for the digital economy

As Canada's key industrial sectors continue to evolve and digitize, ISED remains committed to equipping youth, students, graduates, and mid-career workers with industry-relevant experience to enhance their professional experience and preparedness.

In 2024–25, ISED will continue to administer programs aimed at increasing digital skills and employment experience among Canadian youth, including the Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program, the Computers for Schools Internship program (CFSI), and the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER). Through DS4Y, which connects post-secondary graduates with internships in small businesses and not-for-profit organizations, nine not-for-profit organizations have been selected to provide 179 internships that will equip youth with the skills and experience needed to transition to career-oriented employment. In 2024–25, the CFSI will provide 148 internships to help young people develop digital skills through paid, on-the-job experience refurbishing digital devices, which will increase their employability and marketability to prospective employers. Likewise, the BHER will seek to help emerging talent develop skills that will prepare them for the labour market and support business innovation and growth. It will aim to create over 7,500 work integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students in 2024–25.

Launched in 2022–23, the Upskilling for Industry Initiative (UII) has committed $125 million in 2024–25 to support employers and SMEs, in better identifying their skills needs and develop new upskilling programming to meet them. Through Palette Skills Inc., the selected lead delivery participant , Footnote iv UII will continue to support demand-driven short-cycle programs to meet the needs of employers in six high-growth sectors: digital technology, cybersecurity, agriculture technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology and biomanufacturing. ISED expects to connect 15,000 Canadians, including those from under-represented groups, with new work opportunities by March 31, 2025, creating a responsive pipeline of upskilled workers for Canadian industry.

Departmental Result: Businesses, investors, and consumers are confident in the Canadian marketplace, including in the digital economy.

Creating equitable market conditions is critical to Canada's economic growth on the global stage. Through a focus on modernizing key regulatory frameworks and intellectual property products and services, ISED will continue its progress towards leveling the playing field for businesses, investors, and consumers, creating a robust and fair marketplace that balances economic growth with national security considerations.

Modernizing Canada's marketplace regulatory frameworks

In 2024–25, the Competition Bureau will support the government's efforts to modernize and update the Competition Act Footnote v to promote and strengthen competitive markets. The Affordable Housing and Groceries Act received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023. Among other measures to make life more affordable for Canadians, the Act empowers the Bureau to take action against collaborations that stifle competition and consumer choice, in particular situations where large grocers prevent smaller competitors from establishing operations nearby. It also removed the efficiencies defence, which allowed anti-competitive mergers to survive challenges if corporate efficiencies offset the harm to competition, even when Canadian consumers would pay higher prices and have fewer choices. With a modernized Competition Act, the Bureau will be better able to protect and promote competition in Canada leading to lower prices, while stimulating innovation and economic growth. The Bureau will also continue its work with regulators and policymakers to assess the impact of new or existing policies on competition, championing the essential role of competition in the economy. Through the Canadian Digital Regulators Forum, the Bureau will strengthen information sharing and collaboration on digital markets and artificial intelligence (AI) with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. To ensure that anti-competitive behaviour is detected and deterred, the Bureau will continue to implement proactive monitoring and enforcement measures in areas such as deceptive marketing practices, cartels, problematic mergers, and digital services.

To protect the integrity of the Canadian insolvency system, ISED's Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) will continue to modernize its directives, regulations, and IT systems in 2024–25 to reduce unnecessary burden on those it regulates and support confidence in the Canadian marketplace. Through its newly launched Debtor Compliance Management System, the OSB will leverage AI capabilities to detect and address debtor non-compliance.

In 2024–25, Measurement Canada, which has the legislative mandate to approve and oversee all measuring devices used in Canadian financial transactions, will prioritize modernizing and renewing legislation governing trade measurement, especially the approval and inspection of electric vehicle charging devices.

Through legislative amendments to the Investment Canada Act , ISED will continue to strengthen Canada's reputation as the world's top destination to invest . The amendments propose new regulatory measures for foreign investments that aim to improve compliance and information sharing with international counterparts concerning foreign investment reviews and national security assessments. Additionally, the amendments will grant the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry the authority to impose interim conditions during a national security review of investments and accept binding undertakings from investors to mitigate any national security risks. These measures will not only foster a stronger investment climate but also grant ISED greater authority in reviewing any national security threats from foreign investments. Through timely processing of foreign investment reviews under the Act, ISED will assess foreign investments in Canada for likely net economic benefits and potential national security injury as well.

Promoting compliance among federally incorporated businesses

In 2024–25, ISED will notify corporations of the new reporting requirements under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA), whereby federally incorporated businesses must proactively submit information on their beneficial owners or individuals with significant control of their business. The publicly accessible beneficial ownership registry, governed under the CBCA, will provide information about the ownership and control of Canadian corporations governed under the CBCA to help reduce the misuse of these corporations and strengthen the detection of tax evasion and fraudulent activities through improved transparency of beneficial ownership.

Promoting and protecting consumer interests

As consumer spending patterns and trends change because of inflation and rising food prices, ISED will continue to ensure that the voice of the consumer is represented through the Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations. In 2024–25, the department will provide $1.7 million to consumer advocacy organizations in Canada to conduct research projects, addressing issues such as digital consumer protection, systemic barriers to vulnerable consumers, affordability, and sustainable consumption. The program will also receive a $3.3 million budget increase to strengthen support for consumer advocacy, with a particular focus on areas where consumers have expressed great concern, including retail practices and rising grocery prices.

Advancing inclusive economic growth through intellectual property

In 2024–25, ISED will work toward making Canada's intellectual property (IP) system more inclusive, with a particular focus on the intersection of IP and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions.

IP protections, services and resources remain widely underutilized by Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs in Canada as they face barriers to accessing Canada's IP system. As a result, the Canadian marketplace has been flooded with fraudulent imported Indigenous arts and goods, posing a threat to the economic viability of Indigenous communities. To address these barriers and support the protection of Indigenous IP, ISED will provide $150,000 in grants to Indigenous organizations through Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) grants. The program will fund both small scale Indigenous-led projects, up to $15,000, and larger, more complex projects up to $50,000. The IIPP grants will also fund representatives from Indigenous organizations, up to $5,000, for their participation in World Intellectual Property Organization events and negotiations related to intellectual property, Indigenous knowledge, and Indigenous cultural expressions policy.

Through the IP Clinics Program—a grant program designed to foster the development of future IP experts by increasing university students' exposure to IP issues—ISED will provide $400,000 to eligible projects with a commitment to improving the understanding of IP and increasing access to IP services, including for women and Indigenous-led businesses. In support of the Government of Canada's Intellectual Property Strategy, the program will continue to deliver low cost or free IP services and resources to promote inclusive access.

In an effort to provide quality, timely IP services and resources to innovators, as well as safeguard IP rights, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), an agency under ISED, will continue optimizing turnaround times and enhancing client services through new technologies. Specifically, CIPO will continue implementing its Trademark Recovery Plan to reduce application backlogs by increasing examination capacity to restore turnaround times to internationally comparable standards by 2026.

As part of the National IP Strategy, CIPO will continue to advance IP awareness among Canadian entrepreneurs and innovators through the IP Awareness and Education Program. In 2024–25, CIPO will offer a number of training opportunities and information resources on IP, developed in partnership with Indigenous organizations, government departments, businesses, academia, and regional offices. For instance, through the IP Village—a collaboration between Canada's leading IP organizations—ISED will deliver a range of targeted educational resources and tools to support SMEs and women, Indigenous and Black entrepreneurs in managing and levering IP assets as part of their business and growth strategies.

Departmental Result: Canada has a clean and sustainable economy.

As Canada transitions to a cleaner, more sustainable economy, ISED remains committed to supporting the development of a globally competitive clean technology sector that addresses environmental challenges and provides high quality jobs for Canadians. Through the provision of key supports to researchers and businesses to develop and adopt clean technologies and products, ISED will contribute to Canada's annual incremental reductions in GHG emissions and the number of clean technology projects underway, helping Canada progress towards its net-zero emissions goal by 2050.

Helping to grow the clean technology sector

In 2024–25, ISED will support project proponents that have the potential to transition the Canadian economy toward a net-zero future and seek to deploy clean technology in economic sectors and technology areas such as carbon capture and storage, agriculture, electricity, and clean fuels, including hydrogen. The department will continue offering services and resources to Canadian companies to facilitate the development and financing of transformative projects in Canada's industrial sectors, while helping Canada achieve its 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets and its transition toward a competitive, low-carbon economy. These activities include acting as a central point of contact in the government for project proponents; coordinating and identifying funding opportunities, in partnership with key federal departments and their funding programs; and working with companies to position high-potential project concepts for success. 

Leveraging improved data on clean technologies

As the federal focal point for clean technology, ISED's Clean Growth Hub—an inter-departmental initiative co-led by ISED and Natural Resources Canada and in partnership with 16 other departments and agencies—will continue to ensure that clean technology stakeholders are better equipped to make decisions related to clean technology innovation and deployment.

In 2024–25, the Hub will address emerging needs of clean technology stakeholders, including: leveraging government procurement to support clean technology development, facilitating stronger collaborations between clean technology innovators and adopters; strengthening awareness of unique regional clean technology needs, and leveraging new digital resources to improve client experience. It will also play an important role as a focal point in facilitating connections, coordinating leading clean tech companies across Canada, and providing assistance to new or existing clients, ranging from young clean tech innovators with high potential for disruption to large firms in high-emitting industries. Through the implementation of its strategy and action plan to advance reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, which seek to better understand and address the needs of under-represented groups in the clean tech sector, the Hub will proactively leverage existing government efforts to increase inclusion and provide targeted support to these groups.  

In parallel, ISED, in collaboration with Statistics Canada and Natural Resources Canada, will publish macroeconomic, industry and administrative data related to Canada's cleantech sector to help support private and public sector decision making. The Clean Growth Hub, which is the only source of authoritative data on Canada's clean tech sector, will conduct an analysis of economic trends and policy impacts on the sector. The Hub will further publish data measuring the contribution of Canada's cleantech sector to the Canadian economy— including data on employment and disaggregated data on the basis of labour force characteristics— and measure various economic, social, environmental and governance indicators. With the aid of the administrative data pillar of the Clean Tech Data Strategy, the Hub will work with federal programs in improving the consistency of data collection on federal cleantech investments and will lead an annual data collection exercise on these investments, which will allow for deeper analysis and understanding of federal programs that support clean technology.

Canada, like many other countries, is dependent on global markets for its supply of critical minerals and lithium batteries. This reliance on external supply chains, combined with a lack of global market share in this industry, creates a risk that Canada will not be able to successfully transition to a low-carbon economy. Additionally, as the battery market is already very competitive, there is a risk that firms receiving funding will not be able to compete in the global market. To mitigate these risks, Canada will continue to strengthen its domestic supply chain through the Government of Canada's recently announced special agreements with industry partners—NextStar Energy, Volkswagen PowerCo, and Northvolt Batteries North America— to anchor the production of lithium batteries in Canada, helping to develop more resilient supply chains. These three major investments will help solidify Canada's position in the global supply chain and attract the business of automotive manufacturers and critical minerals suppliers, thereby creating a sustainable domestic ecosystem.

Additionally, in light of increasing interest rates and inflation combined with budgetary constraints , there is a risk that some programs, such as the Strategic Innovation Fund, the Global Innovation Clusters and the Accelerated Growth Service may be unable to deliver the planned level of activities and projects in 2024–25. In response, ISED has implemented several measures to minimize disruptions to funding and planned activities. For example, ISED is developing strategies to manage potential project cancellations or delays, including project pipelines that can be leveraged to reinvest this funding. The department is also conducting forecasting exercises with funding recipients to ensure that their spending is on track and that potential lapses are identified and addressed as early as possible. Furthermore, ISED will implement quarterly results monitoring and reporting, through committee reviews, and improve strategies for recipient selection to ensure that the expected results of projects are met.

Snapshot of planned resources in 2024–25

• Planned spending: $4,279,156,052
• Planned full-time resources: 4,352

In 2024–25, ISED will continue to ensure that its programs, policies, and initiatives are responsive, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse experiences and realities of Canadians in order to address inequities and barriers. For example, several Innovation Canada programs now require recipient organizations to develop inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility strategies outlining how they will ensure fair and equitable access for applicants and highlighting targeted initiatives to address barriers and gaps for under-represented groups. In addition, the ElevateIP program will establish partnerships with organizations representing equity-deserving groups to develop more inclusive programming.

Following ISED's commitment to producing more inclusive outcomes for women and under-represented groups, gender and diversity plans are now mandated for all recipients of Strategic Innovation Fund support. The program requires recipient organizations to develop a comprehensive gender and diversity plan at the start of their projects in an effort to ensure that they are actively cultivating environments that are more equitable, inclusive and accessible. Similarly, under the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, firms bidding on applicable defence procurements are required to describe their approach to increasing gender equity and diversity in their corporate structure and broader supply chains in Canada. A key component of developing an effective GBA Plus framework is identifying how initiatives can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the people most impacted. Programs such as the Global Innovation Clusters will be implementing a series of measures creating opportunities specifically for Indigenous peoples, for example—to provide meaningful work experience for people from equity-deserving groups. The clusters are also offering workshops and formal training in response to the industry's need for members to develop their talent, gain knowledge or learn new skills. Under each Cluster, the program also promotes the 50 – 30 Challenge that strives for gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people) and significant representation (30%) of members of under-represented groups, on its board of directors.

ISED will continue applying a GBA Plus lens to its intellectual property programming as well. The IP Clinics and Patent Collective programs specifically support recipients from traditionally under-represented groups, such as women and Indigenous entrepreneurs, in need of network development and funding support for IP advice. CIPO, in general, will continue its collaboration with the international IP community to develop a stronger understanding of GBA Plus and address the existing gender gaps in the innovation ecosystem.

In 2024–25, the department will conduct various educational and awareness raising activities aimed at encouraging greater participation of equity deserving groups. For example, ExploreIP will be targeting underrepresented groups, including Indigenous, Black, women, 2SLGBTQI+, disabled and other diverse entrepreneurs, to increase program awareness and will highlight the importance of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility among staff as they pertain to their duties. Corporations Canada at ISED will continue its broad and inclusive digital awareness campaign on how to effectively access information and resources, ensuring program requirements are accessible, reliable and not impeded by technological barriers.

ISED is committed to advancing Canada's efforts toward developing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While ISED is a strong proponent for all 17 SDGs, its policies, programs, and initiatives mostly advance actions on SDG 9—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure to "build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation." The department's key programs, such as the Strategic Innovation Fund, Canada's five Global Innovation Clusters and Innovative Solutions Canada will support work in: research and development, technology adoption, investments in science and research, efforts to attract anchor firms through foreign investment and measures to create innovative ecosystems. ISED will also contribute to this SDG through Canada's Intellectual Property Strategy, as Canadian innovators and businesses will continue to protect and leverage their IP. In terms of promoting green infrastructure as part of the SDG, SIF's Net-Zero Accelerator initiative, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and ISC will be supporting clean technology innovation and Canada's clean growth policies.

ISED is also a key contributor to the following SDGs: SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 —Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production; and SDG 13 —Climate Action. Since the department is a strong advocate for Canada's climate commitments, the SIF's NZA and SDTC provide targeted investments in projects advancing SDG 7 and SDG 13— such as ones focused on developing clean technologies, batteries, critical minerals and electric vehicles— and support for initiatives promoting globally competitive clean technology solutions that will help Canada achieve its net-zero target by 2050. In addition to these flagship ISED programs, the Business Benefits Finder, the Accelerated Growth Service, and the Upskilling for Industry Initiative will be advancing SDG 8 as well. These programs will encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth by connecting Canadians with relevant government programs, and funding employer driven-approaches to redeploying workers in high-growth sectors.

More information on ISED's contributions to Canada's Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in ISED's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy . Footnote vi

Companies, Investment and Growth is supported by the following programs in the program inventory:

• Business Innovation
• Spectrum and Telecommunications
• Digital Service
• Economic Outcomes from Procurement
• Support for Small Business
• Talent Development
• Intellectual Property
• Competition Law Enforcement and Promotion
• Marketplace Protection and Promotion
• Clean Technology and Clean Growth

Supporting information on planned expenditures, human resources, and results related to ISED's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase . Footnote vii

Science, Research, Technology and Commercialization

Support and enable business-led investment and strategic collaborations for leading- edge technology development and commercialization; maintain and strengthen Canada's research excellence, including support for fundamental science, experimentation, and exploration to address global challenges.

The Science, Technology, Research and Commercialization core responsibility aligns with the "Prosperity" domain of the Quality of Life Framework. The program within this core responsibility focuses on maintaining and strengthening Canada's research excellence, including support for fundamental science, experimentation, and exploration to address global challenges.

Under the "Prosperity" domain, the "investment in in-house research and development" indicator aligns with ISED's departmental results indicator, "percentage of Canada's higher education research and development funded by business." Both indicators recognize the importance of investments in research and development to support innovation and the commercialization of new products, services, and technologies. ISED also tracks Canada's rank among OECD nations on the average relative citation (ARC) score of science and research publications. Key initiatives under this core responsibility focus on the transfer of knowledge within the Canadian research ecosystem.

The following tables show, for each departmental result related to Science, Technology, Research and Commercialization, the indicators, the results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates approved for 2024–25.

Table 4: Indicators, results, and targets for departmental result: Canadian science, technology and innovation (ST&I) research contributes to knowledge transfer.

The financial, human resources and performance information for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase . Footnote viii

Departmental Result: Canadian science, technology and innovation (ST&I) research contributes to knowledge transfer.

ISED aims to foster an innovative economy, improve the health and well-being of Canadians, and optimize federal investment in ST&I. To achieve these goals, in 2024–25 ISED will continue working with various third-party organizations (TPOs) to advance federal research priorities and fill ecosystem gaps—primarily through the newly established Strategic Science Fund (SSF). The Department will continue to promote collaboration between domestic and international research organizations, support the development of pan-Canadian science and research-related strategies, and provide the Prime Minister and Cabinet with advice related to key scientific issues through the Office of the Chief Science Advisor. ISED will also provide policy advice on cyber security and research security considerations for international research and development (R&D) investments in academia through the implementation of the Government of Canada's Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy.

Supporting coordinated federal investments

The government allocates funding to TPOs that play an important role in the Canadian science and research ecosystem by seizing unique opportunities, filling gaps in federal programming in areas of priority to the government, providing services nationally, or deriving advantages from ST&I activities being delivered at arms-length from the federal government. TPOs are independent, not-for-profit organizations that have highly diverse mandates and areas of expertise and cover a wide spectrum of ST&I activities.

In response to the need for greater transparency and accountability related to funding decisions, Budget 2019 established the SSF, administered jointly by ISED and Health Canada. This new competitive approach to investing in TPOs affirms the importance of a credible, principles-based merit-review process informed by the advice of independent external experts chosen based on high ethical standards, expertise, and diversity of perspectives. This approach was recommended by an independent advisory panel and external monitoring of this approach will ensure that it is fair and appropriately targeted.This marks a foundational change in how funding is provided to organizations in the science and research ecosystem. Through this coordinated approach, ISED and Health Canada are better equipped to make funding decisions and assess where there may be gaps in the ecosystem.

The SSF will act as a key funding vehicle for the science and research community and will ensure clear alignment with program objectives and expected outcomes. Activities funded under the SSF are expected to enhance internationally competitive, leading-edge research in areas critical to the health, and the economic and social well-being of Canadians; to develop, attract and retain world-class research and innovation talent in scientific areas that are aligned with Canada's priorities; to accelerate the exchange of research results and the translation of this knowledge into action in Canada and abroad; and to strengthen evidence-based decision making, innovation skills development and science culture.

Following a competitive process, 24 successful applicants have been selected Footnote ix to receive funding through the SSF in 2024-25, pending the finalization of contribution agreements. This first year of a five-year cycle of funding under the SSF will allow the government to provide direct financial support for organizations to advance both fundamental and applied research. ISED, in partnership with Health Canada, will work closely with SSF recipient organizations in 2024–25 to ensure their activities are aligned and positioned to meet expected program outcomes.

Accelerating the adoption and commercialization of artificial intelligence

In 2024-25, the Department will continue to support research and development in key emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) through the ongoing implementation of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS).

The PCAIS aims to drive the adoption of AI across Canada's economy and society. Through the three pillars—commercialization, standards, and talent and research, the PCAIS seeks to connect Canada's world-class talent and research capacity with federal programs that facilitate commercialization and technology adoption in order to ensure that Canadian ideas and knowledge are mobilized and commercialized domestically.

In support of the commercialization and talent and research pillars of the PCAIS, the $60 million fund for the national AI institutes —Amii in Edmonton, Mila in Montréal, and the Vector Institute in Toronto— aims to help translate research in AI into commercial applications and increase the capacity of Canadian businesses to adopt these new technologies. These three not-for-profit corporations are each receiving funding of up to $20 million over five years to support the advancement of AI research, training, and innovation. For example, Amii will advance leading-edge research in AI by funding academic research and encouraging industry leaders to invest in Alberta's world-leading talent and expertise. In 2024‒25, contributions to these institute will support capacity-building among business, health, and not-for-profit partners.

In 2024‒25, ISED will continue to monitor and support the ongoing implementation of the Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) Strategy, to ensure Canadian researchers have the tools they need to conduct leading-edge research. Under the strategy, ISED is providing funding to the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (DRAC) for the planning, procurement, installation, operation and allocation of computing infrastructure to increase computing capacity for AI researchers. In 2024‒25, DRAC will continue to coordinate and deliver national services in advanced research computing, research data management and research software, while also promoting innovation and expanding the network of support and resources that are available to academic and research communities.

CANARIE, the Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research, Industry and Education (CANARIE) will advance the DRI Strategy by funding initiatives such as the expansion and maintenance of the National Research and Education Network (NREN)—which connects more than 750 Canadian universities, colleges, cégeps, research hospitals, government research labs, school boards, business incubators and accelerators. Specifically, through the Digital Accelerator for Innovation and Research (DAIR) program, CANARIE will continue to accelerate innovation and the commercialization of products and services by providing Canadian start-ups with free cloud resources and access to expertise in next generation technologies.

Enhancing Canada's research ecosystem and leading-edge technology development in quantum science

In 2024–25 the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) Secretariat will continue to oversee the coordination and integration of quantum R&D in Canada, guiding investments through the strategy's three pillars: quantum research, talent and commercialization. To do so, the secretariat will continue to work with key partners such as the Quantum Advisory Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the National Research Council of Canada, Mitacs, Canada's Global Innovation Clusters, Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC), and ISED's Regional Development Agencies to look for solutions in several quantum technology areas such as computing, software, communications and sensors.

Additionally, under the NQS, ISED will provide another year of funding to Quantum Industry Canada, a consortium of Canadian quantum technology industries, which will increase internal capacity and improve the effectiveness of knowledge transfer between key groups to support the development, scaling and commercialization of innovations.

In 2024–25, work will continue developing of the Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy in partnership with the NRC, taking into consideration the 'What We Heard' report published in the spring of 2022, which underscored Canada's potential in genomics with existing strengths in genomics research.

Canada has a small number of lab-to-market programs that aim to increase commercialization awareness and skills among early researchers and students. Budget 2022 provided funding for a national lab-to-market platform for students and researchers at post-secondary institutions to explore the commercial potential of their work, with the aim of filling gaps in funding to support post-secondary institutions in creating or expanding lab-to-market programming. In 2024-25, ISED will work with program delivery partners to launch the new national lab-to-market platform whereby successful post-secondary institution applicants will receive funding to develop shared training curriculum, leverage respective areas of sectoral or technology specialization, and engage in cross-promotion and networking as they build and expand their lab-to-market program offerings. A new annual survey, to be launched in fall 2024, will assess how knowledge created at Canada's universities, colleges and research institutes generates commercial outcomes, as well as broader social and economic benefits for Canadians.

Strengthening international scientific collaboration

In 2024–25, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, ISED will be joining Horizon Europe, the world's largest collaborative science, research and innovation program. As a result, Canadian researchers and innovators will be able to access a broader range of research opportunities in areas such as health; culture, creativity and inclusive society; civil security for society; digital, industry and space; climate, energy and mobility; and, food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture & environment. The benefits of association to Horizon Europe include the ability to lead projects, receive direct funding and collaborate with European partners and other associated countries in various research and innovation areas.

Investing in Cybersecurity

In 2024–25, the Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN) program will seek to enhance R&D, increase commercialization, and further support the development of skilled cyber security talent across Canada. ISED's role is to implement, oversee and monitor the CSIN program, as well as provide funding for the selected successful projects. The CSIN program will help foster a strong national cyber security ecosystem and position Canada as a global leader in cyber security.

As the program's lead, the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) launched an initial call for proposals in April 2023, which led to a partnership between telecommunications company Ericsson, and researchers from Concordia University, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Manitoba for a project to investigate the security of 5G networks. The project will receive $1 million in funding from the NCC over three years and aims to design and implement technologies that can prevent, predict, detect, and mitigate cyber threats in 5G networks using machine learning and AI. In 2024–25, a second national call for proposals will be launched to continue to support the growth of a comprehensive and collaborative Canadian cyber security innovation ecosystem through academia-industry collaboration.

Due to the sensitive nature of cyber security R&D and the innovation activities undertaken by the NCC in leading the CSIN, the network may be targeted for its data and intellectual property. While Canada maintains an open and collaborative research environment, it has increasingly been the target of foreign interference activities that, pose a threat to Canada's research ecosystem, and to as national security.

To mitigate the risk of targeted espionage, in collaboration with national security and intelligence organizations and Canada's granting agencies, ISED will continue with the phased implementation of the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships in 2024–25. These guidelines are used to assess whether aspects of a research project pose unacceptable risks to national security and if these risks cannot be mitigated, the project will not be funded. The guidelines already apply to the Alliance Grant program and the Canada Biomedical Research Fund.

• Planned spending: $969,539,190
• Planned full-time resources: 114

Barriers to access and to participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for women and other equity-deserving groups have led to an under-representation in these fields. ISED and its partner organizations work toward reducing and eliminating barriers to participation in several ways, with the goal of creating a diverse talent pool and inclusive industries.

One way to address this issue is by applying a GBA Plus lens when selecting funding recipients and embedding GBA plus requirements into funding agreements. For example, in 2024–25, the NCC will implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework with GBA Plus considerations. The framework will outline actions the NCC will adopt to identify and remove barriers regarding the participation of individuals from underrepresented groups in network governance, operations, and activities. This includes developing EDI objectives, actions, data collection methods, and performance metrics to measure progress.

Similarly, contribution agreements with science research organizations require that recipients provide details of their planned activities to advance EDI on an annual basis, including updates on progress in their annual report. These activities can include setting representation or diversity-related targets for the governance and administration of scientific review committees; collecting self-identification data for EDI performance tracking; working towards a better understanding of program impacts on underrepresented groups; and embedding EDI values in hiring and training processes. At the initial phase of selecting funding recipients and negotiating agreements, GBA Plus is also applied.

GBA Plus also means ensuring inclusive outcomes for all Canadians through inclusive program design and implementation. For example, the NQS's broad community-based approach encourages youth from under-represented groups, such as girls, Indigenous youth, disabled youth, at-risk youth, and youth living in rural or remote locations, to develop life-long learning habits and curiosity toward STEM fields such as quantum science and technologies. Additionally, by expanding NREN into Nunavut through an agreement with Nunavut Arctic College, CANARIE will continue to reduce the digital divide for rural and northern communities.

Lastly, Genome Canada maintains a strong commitment to action on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) by embedding policies and practices enterprise-wide across its programs. It will continue collaborating with all equity-deserving groups for input on investment prioritization and delivery of challenge-driven initiatives. Specifically, Genome Canada has engaged with a wide range of Indigenous leaders across sectors and supports Indigenous-led programs, such as Silent Genomes and the Summer internship for Indigenous Peoples in Canada (SING Canada). They are working with Indigenous partners to co-develop an Indigenous truth, reconciliation and engagement strategy to elevate Indigenous genomics leadership in Canada. Through continued partnerships in activities such as the Black Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine/Health (BE-STEMM) event, Genome Canada provides research and career opportunities to Black Canadian scholars, with a focus on removing barriers and boosting retention.

For details on ISED's contributions to various UN Sustainable Development Goals please see the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals section under the People, Skills and Communities, and Companies, Investments and Growth core responsibilities.

Additionally, more information on ISED's contributions to Canada's Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in ISED's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy . Footnote v

Science, Technology, Research and Commercialization is supported by the following program in the program inventory:

• Science and Research

Supporting information on planned expenditures, human resources, and results related to ISED's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase . Footnote x

Support the creation, transfer and diffusion of knowledge to ensure that Canadians, including under-represented individuals, are equipped with the skills and tools to participate in an innovative, high-growth economy; advance a culture of innovation where Canadians are driven to address local, regional, national and/or global challenges; benefit from growth of the middle class across communities; have increased access to affordable broadband and mobile Internet, including in rural and remote regions; and are protected and informed consumers.

The People, Skills and Communities core responsibility aligns with the "Prosperity" domain of Canada's Quality of Life Framework, with its focus on improving participation in the Canadian economy for various segments of the population, particularly the emphasis on broadband access. For example, one of the indicators in the "Prosperity" domain is "access to high-speed Internet," measured by the proportion of households that have access to high-speed Internet services, which is also one of ISED's Departmental results indicators.

This core responsibility also aligns with the inclusion lens of the Quality of Life Framework, as several of ISED's programs focus on reducing barriers and enhancing access to financial and non-financial supports for entrepreneurs from various equity-deserving groups, including women, racialized people, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

The following table shows, for each departmental result related to People, Skills and Communities, the indicators, the results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, and the targets and target dates approved for 2024–25.

Table 5: Indicators, results, and targets for departmental result: People and communities from all segments of Canadian society participate in the economy.

The financial, human resources and performance information for ISED's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase . Footnote xi

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

In 2024–25, ISED will continue to provide people from all regions of the country with the necessary access, tools, and skills to participate in the digital economy. In support of Canada's Connectivity Strategy, ISED will continue to advance connectivity and bring reliable high-speed Internet access to households and businesses across Canada through the $3.225 billion Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). For instance, ISED will continue to roll out UBF projects across Canada to further advance connectivity in rural and remote areas of the country, such as in the example of Saskatchewan, where the UBF brought fibre-optic Internet to the communities of Thode and Shields, allowing nearly 350 households and other local businesses (e.g., those in the tourism industry) to benefit from access to remote schooling, work, healthcare and connecting with loved ones. These efforts will support our goal of 98% of Canadian households having access to high-speed internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030.

To provide high-speed Internet service to the hardest to reach households, the Government of Canada has entered into a $600 million agreement with Telesat to secure capacity on its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Telesat Lightspeed. Through Telesat Lightspeed, Internet service providers (ISPs) will be able to offer services to Canadian households at a reduced rate, bringing Canada closer to meeting its 2030 100% connectivity target. ISED will continue to monitor Telesat's progress towards a 2026 launch and 2027 service date, working with Telesat to connect a total of 40,000 rural , remote and Indigenous households in satellite-dependent communities, including in the Far North.

Through the Connecting Families Initiative (CFI), ISED will continue to promote affordable Internet access for low-income families and seniors who face affordability barriers. In partnership with ISPs, ISED will continue to facilitate access to affordable Internet plans for the hundreds of thousands of households that need it most. Specifically, in 2024–25, ISPs will provide the newest service package of 50/10 Mbps Internet speeds for $20 per month, along with the previous package (10/1 Mbps) at $10 per month.

To enhance awareness and access among those who are eligible , the CFI will be promoted through mailouts to eligible individuals and households, inviting them to register through the program's web portal. Working with the Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development Canada, ISED will explore additional means beyond mailouts to reach the target population, potentially through emails. A social media campaign, coupled with other social media engagement strategies and webinars with community-based partner organizations, will also help broaden awareness of the CFI. These efforts will serve to provide more information about the program and support organizations in helping those who have language barriers or digital literacy challenges to register and to participate in the CFI.

In addition to improving Internet access, ISED, through the Digital Literacy Exchange Program (DLEP), will continue to support not-for-profit organizations in developing and delivering digital literacy skills training for those who face barriers to participating in the digital economy. The program's second phase, DLEP 2.0, aims to provide digital literacy training to 100,000 individuals, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, individuals who do not speak English or French at home, seniors, individuals who have not completed high school, individuals with low-income, residents in rural and remote areas, newcomers to Canada, and individuals from official language minority communities.

Through these collective efforts and their focus on tackling systemic barriers to economic participation, the Department will help foster an increasingly accessible, and inclusive digital economy by providing everyone in Canada with the access, tools, skills, and affordable services they need.

Diversifying Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem

As Canada's entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, various groups, including women, Indigenous people, and other racialized minorities, remain under-represented in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2024–25, ISED's programs will continue to dismantle the barriers faced by these groups by providing access to financing, business tools and support services so that all equity-deserving groups have equal access to the resources needed to start and grow their businesses. By investing in diverse entrepreneurs, ISED will unlock new and existing potential in the business community, making Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem more accessible by providing opportunities and support for individuals from equity-deserving groups to start, scale, grow, and maintain their businesses.

Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the Black Entrepreneurship Program, and the newly established 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, ISED will continue to facilitate access to financing, networks, mentorship, and business supports, such as financial planning services and training, for under-represented entrepreneurs across Canada.

In 2024-25, the WES Ecosystem Fund will continue to strengthen capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and offer business supports to diverse women entrepreneurs, as well as those in rural and remote areas. An investment of $65 million will fund 24 projects led by not-for-profit organizations to offer supports such as training, mentorship and financial literacy. Furthermore, the WES Ecosystem Fund will continue to strive to serve at least 12,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada annually. The WES Ecosystem Fund will support the École des entrepreneurs du Québec FAIR.E project, which will deliver three transformational learning programs—free-of-charge—to help women entrepreneurs launch, boost and grow their businesses. The project will serve up to 1,800 women in six provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Finally, financing and access to capital will be offered to women entrepreneurs through the $55 million Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which provides individual loans of up to $50,000.

To bolster the representation of under-represented groups in Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the $160 million Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (BELF)—made up of $30 million from the Government of Canada and $130 million from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)—will continue to provide individual loans of up to $250,000 for Black business owners and entrepreneurs. The BELF administrator, the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE), in partnership with BDC, has approved over 500 applications, representing more than $46 million in loans. In 2024-25, the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund will continue to support 43 not-for-profit organizations across the country, in providing training, mentorship, networking and financial literacy services to Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Entrepreneurs who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or other sexually or gender diverse people) make sizable contributions to the Canadian economy, yet they continue to face systemic barriers to starting and growing their businesses. Through the 2SLGBTQI+ Business Scale-Up program, totalling $13.5 million in funding, and in partnership with Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), ISED will help 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada grow their businesses by implementing a national mentorship program, improving access to corporate procurement opportunities, and helping 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and businesses become export ready. The Business Scale-Up program plans to support 250 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by March 31, 2025, including 55 SMEs owned and managed by 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who also identify as members of another equity-deserving group.

Within the venture capital (VC) ecosystem, women entrepreneurs continue to face systemic barriers to accessing venture capital funding. To address these barriers and build a more inclusive risk and venture capital environment for women in Canada, the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will continue to increase women entrepreneurs' access to VC funding, contribute to increasing the representation of women in the VC industry, and help ensure that the VC industry is sensitive to gender and potential unconscious bias. VCCI's projects seek to facilitate capacity building and skills development opportunities as they relate to training and education, mentorship and coaching, and advisory services.

Additionally, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Program (SBEDP) General Fund received $101.4 million, as announced in Budget 2021, to support national/pan-Canadian not-for-profit organizations into assisting SMEs across Canada, including those led or owned by members of equity-deserving groups, to develop and grow. The SBEDP General Fund has been used to support several entrepreneurship initiatives, including the $25 million 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program and the renewal of the Trade Accelerator Program

The Department will also continue to build knowledge and collect data on under-represented entrepreneurs to create a more inclusive and supportive business environment through the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), and the 2SLGBTQI+ Knowledge Hub, which conduct research on the state of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for each group. To provide evidence-based research to inform the design and delivery of targeted supports for women entrepreneurs, the WEKH, led by Toronto Metropolitan University, will continue to publish the State of Women's Entrepreneurship annual report, as well as reports and articles on women entrepreneurs across a variety of sectors, such as cleantech, agriculture, arts and culture, and procurement. To further dismantle the barriers experienced by women entrepreneurs, the WEKH will continue to add more women entrepreneurs to its See It. Be It. database of over 1,800 diverse Canadian women entrepreneurs.

The BEHK, administered by Carleton University's Sprott School of Business and the Dream Legacy Foundation, will continue to work with community partners to advance research on the state of Black entrepreneurship in Canada and help identify barriers to success, as well as opportunities for growth, for Black entrepreneurs. To support this work, the BEKH will conduct a range of research activities. BEKH will also continue to convene Black Entrepreneurship Program stakeholders, building on the successes and lessons learned from its annual symposiums in 2022 and 2023. Similarly, the 2SLGBTQI+ Knowledge Hub will conduct research and collect data to create a clearer picture of the entrepreneurship landscape for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and the challenges 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs face.

In 2024–25, ISED will continue to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups in senior leadership positions through the 50 – 30 Challenge, which aims to achieve gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people) and significant representation (30%) of members of other equity-deserving groups on Canadian boards and/or in senior management. The five Ecosystem Partners — Colleges and Institutes Canada, UN Global Compact Network Canada, the Ted Rogers School of Management's Diversity Institute, the Women's Economic Council and Egale Canada— will continue to support challenge participants by delivering tools, services and resources to help them meet the 50 – 30 Challenge objectives.

Bolstering the digital presence of Canadian businesses

ISED is committed to helping Canadian businesses, especially SMEs and businesses owned by under-represented entrepreneurs, take advantage of digital technologies. Through the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), ISED will provide funding opportunities and expert advice to help SMEs digitalize their operations. In 2024–25, the Department will continue to help SMEs establish a digital presence and to provide job opportunities to youth—by hiring and training them as e-commerce advisors—through CDAP.

Through its Grow Your Business Online component, CDAP will continue to provide eligible businesses with micro-grants of up to $2,400 for costs associated with the adoption of digital technologies and with assistance and e-commerce advisory services. By focusing on awareness-building activities and user-centric enhancements, CDAP will continue to increase its uptake to maximize the value and impact of the program for participating businesses.

Through CDAP's Boost Your Business Technology component, additional incentives will be offered in the form of interest-free loans through BDC and individual wage subsidies of up to $7,300 for youth employment placements, to support SMEs in implementing their digital adoption plans to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

ISED, through the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), will continue to help SMEs take advantage of international market opportunities by increasing their exporting capabilities. TAP is delivered by six regional chambers of commerce across Canada and will support these organizations in guiding participating SMEs to achieve an increase in the value of their exports over the course of their participation in the program through access to networks, training and advice from Canada's top export advisors.

Due to ongoing procurement and supply chain challenges, labour shortages, and inflation, combined with unexpected events such as extreme weather and wildfires, there is a risk of delays and cost overruns for some projects under the UBF and Telesat's LEO satellite constellation. ISED will continue to monitor the progress of these projects and to work closely with funding recipients to mitigate risks on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the programs remain on track to meet the government's connectivity targets.

Given the systemic barriers that people from under-represented groups continue to face in accessing financial and non-financial support services, there is a risk of insufficient program uptake or use by eligible recipients. In addition, there is a risk that ISED's programs may not sufficiently address the needs of their target populations because of the changing economic climate, the evolving needs of SMEs and entrepreneurs, and the limited availability of data on the specific entrepreneurship barriers that some equity-deserving groups face. To mitigate these risks, ISED will undertake targeted outreach and engagement activities to ensure that programs reach their audience and that eligible individuals benefit from key services. ISED will also continue to leverage research and data from the various knowledge hubs and work closely with community-based organizations to co-develop services and supports, such as training, to ensure that programming is relevant, useful and culturally appropriate for the target audience.

• Planned spending: $703,840,962
• Planned full-time resources: 178

ISED will continue to foster an inclusive and representative modern digital economy by focusing on closing gaps in connectivity and Internet access for Canadian households, improving digital literacy skills, and providing financial and business supports to under-represented entrepreneurs.

Certain groups may face barriers to accessing DLEP and CFI services—for instance, those with limited access to technology due to financial constraints, lack of access to the Internet to register for the program, language barriers, lack of transportation or lack of awareness of the program. To address these limitations, the programs will continue to target low-income families, seniors, and official language minority communities. DLEP will continue to offer services free of charge, support multilingual training and translation, offer training in various facilities, and provide transportation to individuals in need. In partnership with the YWCA, the CFI will continue to offer services in multiple languages and to train staff in non-profit organizations that support low-income families and seniors on how to assist eligible participants with program registration.

Programs committed to closing the connectivity gap such as the UBF, will continue to work towards providing households in rural and remote and Indigenous communities with access to high-speed Internet. The UBF will continue to target under-served communities, including Indigenous communities.in order to bridge the digital divide by bringing reliable Internet access to these regions and groups.

Barriers to accessing financial and non-financial support services are further amplified for entrepreneurs with multiple intersecting identities (i.e., those who identify as belonging to more than one under-represented group). With a reduced awareness of these programs or a lack of knowledge in navigating government resources, these entrepreneurs may not benefit from federal supports. Entrepreneurs from equity-deserving groups and/or those in rural, remote, and northern communities may also face additional barriers to growth due to small local markets, remoteness, and infrastructure challenges. Furthermore, individuals who do not wish to identify as a member of an equity-deserving group may not benefit from ISED's programs and services.

To dismantle these barriers, ISED will ensure that the self-identification process in applications is secure and confidential and will enhance its outreach and communication activities —through platforms like the Business Benefits Finder, for example—to build awareness of all entrepreneurship programs. Furthermore, disaggregated data collected on diverse groups will be used to fuel research on Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem and to improve programming for under-represented groups. The Department will also encourage recipient organizations to refer clients and to share information with eligible applicants to bolster the reach of their programs. In addition, ISED will continue to assess recipient organizations' projects to ensure that those benefitting individuals with intersecting identities and living in rural and remote communities are prioritized.

ISED is a strong supporter of Canada's efforts to develop and implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While ISED supports multiple SDGs, its programs and initiatives under the People, Skills, and Communities core responsibility primarily advance action on SDG 9—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure to "build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation." ISED's programs and initiatives in support of this SDG include Canada's Connectivity Strategy, the Universal Broadband Fund, Connect to Innovate), and the Canada Digital Adoption Program.

ISED's People, Skills, and Communities programs also advance other SDGs, such as:

• ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all; and
• promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

More information on ISED's contributions to Canada's Federal Implementation Plan for the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in ISED's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy . Footnote v

People, Skills, and Communities is supported by the following programs in the program inventory:

• Support for Under-represented Entrepreneurs
• Bridging Digital Divides

Supporting information on planned expenditures, human resources, and results related to ISED's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase . Footnote xii

Internal services are the services that are provided within a department so that it can meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. There are 10 categories of internal services:

• management and oversight services
• communications services
• legal services
• human resources management services
• financial management services
• information management services
• information technology services
• real property management services
• materiel management services
• acquisition management services

Our Workplace

In 2024–25, ISED will continue to ensure that its workspace, tools, and technology are accessible, and that they continue to evolve to meet changing needs of employees in the hybrid work environment. The Department will continue to modernize the built environment to meet GC Workplace standards, and to remove barriers identified in ISED's 2023-2025 Accessibility Plan. In 2024‒25, employees will see the creation of a variety of accessible spaces within the workplace including community boardrooms, multi-faith prayer rooms and reflection rooms. ISED will also continue to increase the number of all-access and gender-neutral washrooms that are available to employees. Finally, ISED will continue to equip its boardrooms with hybrid meeting technology and will continue to ensure Wi-Fi access in regional offices.

In many cases, the delivery of projects in the built environment are dependent on external partners such as building management companies, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Shared Services Canada, among others. As such, there is a risk that projects could be delayed if project stakeholders are unable to align with ISED's timelines. To mitigate this risk, ISED will continue to monitor its progress and reprioritize investments as required to responsibly manage its funds and continue to deliver on its requirements.

ISED's Future of Work Office (FOWO) has been critical to the Department's successful transition to the hybrid work environment. FOWO will continue to ensure that all employees have signed telework agreements and will monitor ISED's compliance with the Direction on Prescribed Presence in the Workplace to meet the reporting requirements set out by Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS).

Our Workforce

ISED is committed to being a leader in anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and fostering organizational well-being. ISED's 2023-2025 Employment Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy emphasizes equity by providing fair opportunities and access, while also highlighting accountability and reporting mechanisms to ensure effective behaviors and tangible results across the organization. As an integral part of the strategy, ISED is piloting a new corporate onboarding program designed to develop a greater sense of belonging within the organization. This program will offer new employees personalized resources, tailored onboarding as well as the opportunity to engage in specialized networking events with ISED's various employee networks.

Through the 2023-2025 Accessibility Plan, ISED is working to identify, remove and prevent barriers not only in the built environment, but also in the areas of culture, employment, accessibility, and communication, with the aim to combat ableist attitudes, enhance inclusive hiring practices, and improve accessibility. To improve the accommodations process, ISED will empower managers to autonomously handle accommodation issues, when possible, provide support when needed and continue to foster awareness, and encourage the pursuit of innovative, inclusive solutions. ISED will continue to implement its 2023-2026 Official Languages (OL) Strategy, incorporating OL policy into departmental strategies, promoting collective leadership, and integrating planned OL improvements to foster linguistic duality within ISED.

In 2024‒25, ISED will implement its updated 2023-2026 Mental Health Strategy which aims to improve psychological health and safety in the workplace; prioritize employee well-being, leading to a healthier and more productive workforce. The strategy also seeks to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, emphasizing their critical role in creating a supportive work environment where every individual is acknowledged, respected, and valued.

To further support employee mental health and well-being, the Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace will continue to offer mental health workshops to ensure managers and employees are aware of the tools and services available to support mental health in the workplace, including but not limited to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

In addition to EAP, ISED also offers Ombuds Services and Information Conflict Management Services (ICMS). This year, ISED will work to ensure that its services are accessible and inclusive, and that members of underrepresented groups feel safe and secure in accessing them. Specifically, the Office of the Ombud will reach out to all internal EDI networks to answer questions, address concerns, identify any potential barriers to access, and establish ways to overcome them. The goal of this work is to ensure that employees can discuss any issue—including racism, inclusion, equity, discrimination, or accessibility—in complete confidence and without fear of reprisal.

This year, ISED will undertake a three-year review of the Harassment and Violence prevention program, with a focus on preventative measures and program improvements and to assess program effectiveness. At the same time, the Department will continue to offer employee support regarding harassment, violence, and discrimination issues, including sessions on addressing microaggression while preserving positive working relationships. Additionally, ISED will facilitate safe space discussions with executives, so that they are equipped to facilitate conversations on EDI, harassment, and discrimination with their own teams.

Over the past two years, ISED has implemented phases I and II of its Financial Management Modernization Initiative, to improve financial stewardship and optimize financial management practices as well as to improve access to timely and effective financial management information to support decision making and risk management. To date, ISED has also reinforced accountabilities within the Department and centralized key functions to ensure better alignment under the Chief Financial Officer model. In 2024‒25, ISED will focus on optimizing the model to ensure maximum benefit for the organization. This will be especially important as the Department moves to a risk-based approach to better manage the variety and scope of its Grants and Contributions programs.

ISED will also transition to multi-year budget planning to ensure the Department is well positioned to achieve the Government of Canada saving targets announced in Budget 2023. ISED's finance and human resources teams will work together closely to maximize savings from attrition and realign resources to ensure ongoing program delivery.

To support the advancement of departmental and government priorities across Canada, ISED's regional offices will continue to serve as ISED's ambassadors across the country, providing substantial support to the Department's five ministers by organizing and executing ministerial visits. Regional offices will also continue to gather critical regional intelligence, facilitate relations with ISED's key regional partners, and conduct policy analysis to support the delivery of ISED's programs and services across the country.

In 2024‒25, ISED will continue to modernize and improve its Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) infrastructure, tools and services to improve users' digital experience, while maintaining a secure technical environment. In alignment with ISED's recently developed Service & Digital Strategy and Service Improvement Road Map, the Department will continue to monitor service criteria such as online end-to-end access, real-time performance measures, accessibility, service improvement based on client feedback and performance against service standards.

ISED will continue monitoring its cloud-based landscape to ensure that all internal and external services, databases and platforms remain available to users and function without interruption. To enhance its security posture, ISED will continue to advance its detection and response capability, ensuring that the organization is able to respond to cyber threats, and minimize any related impacts.

There is a strong demand within the organization to build a data pipeline and create tools for ISED's programs to enable evidence-based program delivery. Building on the successful development of Power BI dashboards for CDAP, ISED will continue to develop data visualization tools that put real-time program information in the hands of ISED's decision makers. To further support the management and utilization of organizational data, ISED will continue to implement data standards and data integrity measures to ensure the reliability of its data, improve digital information management practices, and manage information sprawl across the organization.

• Planned spending: $182,467,251
• Planned full-time resources: 1,651

Planning for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

To achieve and exceed the 5% Indigenous procurement targets and meet our economic reconciliation obligations, ISED continues to take the following actions:

• Communicate ISED's Indigenous Procurement Policy and related processes to advocate and encourage procurement with Indigenous businesses;
• Impose mandatory training for Procurement Functional Specialists, Acquisition Cardholders, and staff with low-dollar procurement delegations;
• Conduct ISED's Annual Procurement Planning exercise to enable early client engagement with key department officials to maximize opportunity with Indigenous businesses;
• Publish Requests for Information to determine if Indigenous capacity exists, as needed;
• Apply Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB) and include evaluation criteria in solicitation documents to maximize opportunity for Indigenous businesses to the greatest extent possible;
• Award sole source contracts under $40K to Indigenous businesses where capacity and market presence exists and above $40K direction to Indigenous businesses is encouraged.
• Unbundle larger contracts when Indigenous capacity exists;
• Attend Indigenous job expos to better understand the market and help Indigenous businesses navigate procurement within the federal government; and
• Utilize corporate controls and reporting to monitor compliance and achieve the targets.

ISED's targets were determined by analyzing past contracting data. Using this information, procurement opportunities were identified, and ambitious targets were established. 

ISED reviews purchasing activity and compares it with the Indigenous Business Directory (IBD). Where no capacity exists, ISED established exempted commodities, for Deputy Minister (DM) approval. ISED annually reviews the Indigenous Business Directory IBD to determine if updates to the exemptions apply.

The potential challenges in meeting the minimum 5% target for ISED's commonly purchased commodities include lack of competitive pricing, limited capacity and gaps in expertise.

In 2024–25, ISED plans to establish a means to report acquisition card purchases with Indigenous businesses with the goal of increasing ISED's procurement results.

Planned spending and human resources

This section provides an overview of ISED's planned spending and human resources for the next three fiscal years and compares planned spending for 2024–25 with actual spending from previous years.

Table 6: Actual spending summary for core responsibilities and internal services ($ dollars)

The following table shows information on spending for each of ISED's core responsibilities and for its internal services for the previous three fiscal years. Amounts for the current fiscal year are forecasted based on spending to date.

Table 6 Notes

The variance primarily reflects actual spending under the Universal Broadband Fund, which was lower in 2022–23 as a result of the proposal assessment process and contribution agreement negotiations.

Also reflected is the funding profile for the Canada Digital Adoption Program: Stream 1.

Return to table 6 note 1 referrer

The increase reflects the actual spending related to the implementation of the Strategic Science Fund and the National Quantum Strategy.

Return to table 6 note 2 referrer

The increase in actual spending primarily reflects the funding profiles of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the Canada Digital Adoption Program: Stream 2 and the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology.

Return to table 6 note 3 referrer

The variance in actual spending primarily reflects spending to support various departmental initiatives such as Diversity & Inclusion, Workload Migration and Future of Work.

Return to table 6 note 4 referrer

Table 7: Budgetary planning summary for core responsibilities and internal services (dollars)

The following table shows information on spending for each of ISED's core responsibilities and for its internal services for the upcoming three fiscal years.

Table 7 Notes

The variance in planned spending reflects a fluctuation in the approved funding profile of the Universal Broadband Fund, offset by the end of funding for several programs such as the Canada Digital Adoption Program: Stream 1, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Program and the Women's Entrepreneurship Program.

Return to table 7 note 1 referrer

The variance in planned spending primarily reflects a decrease in the approved funding profile of the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy. Also reflected is the winding down of several programs such as Genome Canada, adMare Bioinnovations, Stem Cell Network.

Return to table 7 note 2 referrer

Planned spending primarily reflects new funding announced in Budget 2023 for the Strategic Innovation Fund to support battery manufacturing in Canada. Also reflected is the end of temporary funding for several programs such as the Canada Digital Adoption Program: Stream 2, Upskilling for Industry Initiative, New Generation Wireless Technology Initiative, Zero Emissions Vehicles and Fuels Regulatory.

Return to table 7 note 3 referrer

The budget reduction related to the Refocusing Government Spending is reflected among all core responsibilities, to reach $191.6 million by 2026–27.

Return to table 7 note 4 referrer

Table 8: 2024–25 budgetary gross and net planned spending summary (dollars)

The following table reconciles gross planned spending with net planned spending for 2024–25.

ISED's 2024-25 Budgetary Planned Gross Spending is $6.5 billion, which includes $374.4 million in vote netted revenues, accounting for total planned net spending of $6.1 billion.

The ISED vote netted revenue authorities are those referred to in paragraph 29.1(2)(a) of the Financial Administration Act (i.e. revenue received by the department in a fiscal year through the conduct of its operations, which the department is authorized to expend in order to offset expenditures incurred in that fiscal year) from the following sources:

• the provision of internal support services under section 29.2 of that Act, and the provision of internal support services to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office;
• activities and operations related to communications research at the Communication Research Centre;
• services and insolvency processes under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act at the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy;
• activities and operations carried out by Corporations Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Boards of Trade Act, the Canada Cooperatives Act and the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act; and
• services and regulatory processes for mergers and merger-related matters, including pre-merger notifications, advance ruling certificates and written opinions, under the Competition Act at the Competition Bureau.

The following graph presents planned spending (voted and statutory expenditures) over time.

The variance in future years is primarily related to the fluctuations in the cashflow profiles of transfer payment programs.

Estimates by vote

Information on ISED's organizational appropriations is available in the 2024–25 Main Estimates . Footnote xiii

The future-oriented condensed statement of operations provides an overview of ISED's operations for 2023–24 to 2024–25.

The forecast and planned amounts in this statement of operations were prepared on an accrual basis. The forecast and planned amounts presented in other sections of the Departmental Plan were prepared on an expenditure basis. Amounts may therefore differ.

A more detailed future-oriented statement of operations and associated notes, including a reconciliation of the net cost of operations with the requested authorities, are available at ISED's website . Footnote xiv

Table 9: Future-oriented condensed statement of operations for the year ending March 31, 2025 (dollars)

The expected variance in total expenses year-over-year is mainly attributable to increases in transfer payments, particularly in the Strategic Innovation Fund, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy and the Universal Broadband Fund. Given the complexity of some of ISED's programming, and the requirement to align the funding profile with the recipients forecasted spending, further changes to the 2024–25 planned results could occur during the fiscal year.

Total revenues (net of those earned on behalf of government) are projected to increase year-over-year, mainly as the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)'s revolving fund expects to collect higher revenues due to fee increases and increased examination capacity.

Table 10: Actual human resources for core responsibilities and internal services

The following table shows a summary of human resources, in full-time equivalents (FTEs), for ISED's core responsibilities and for its internal services for the previous three fiscal years. Human resources for the current fiscal year are forecasted based on year to date.

Table 10 Notes

The increase in actual and forecast FTEs is due to new temporary employees in support of the implementation of the Canada Digital Adoption Program: Stream 1 and the Universal Broadband Fund.

Return to table 10 note 1 referrer

The increase in actual and forecast FTEs is due to the implementation of the Strategic Science Fund Program and the launch of the National Quantum Strategy.

Return to table 10 note 2 referrer

Table 11: Human resources planning summary for core responsibilities and internal services

The following table shows information on human resources, in full-time equivalents (FTEs), for each of ISED's core responsibilities and for its internal services planned for 2024–25 and future years.

Table 11 Notes

The decrease is due to the winding down of funding for the Canada Digital Adoption Program: Stream 1 and the Universal Broadband Fund.

Return to table 11 note 1 referrer

The decrease is due to the winding down of funding for the Canada Digital Adoption Program: Stream 2 and the funding for the Budget 2021 measures entitled Charging and Fueling Zero Emission Vehicles; and Supporting the Production and Use of Clean Fuels.

Return to table 11 note 2 referrer

FTE totals may not add due to rounding.

Return to table 11 note 3 referrer

The reduction in Full Time Equivalent related to the Refocusing Government Spending, which will be achieved by not backfilling certain positions as they vacate through attrition, is reflected among all core responsibilities, to reach 94 FTE by 2026–27.

Return to table 11 note 4 referrer

Return to table 11 note 5 referrer

Appropriate minister(s):

Minister of innovation, science and industry.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

The Honourable Mary Ng, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, P.C., M.P.

Opportunities Agency

Minister of small business.

The Honourable Rechie Valdez, P.C., M.P.

Deputy ministers:

Simon Kennedy

Francis Bilodeau

Ministerial portfolio:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Footnote xv

Enabling instrument(s):

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's founding legislation is the Department of Industry Act , S.C. 1995, c.1. Footnote xvi

Year of incorporation / commencement:

Mailing address:.

Corporate Management Sector Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 235 Queen Street 2nd Floor, East Tower Ottawa, ON K1A 0H5

613-954-5031

1-866-694-8389

613-954-2340

ic.info–info.ic@ised–isde.gc.ca

Website(s):

https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en

The following supplementary information tables are available on ISED's website:

• Details on transfer payment programs
• Gender-based analysis plus
• Horizontal initiatives
• Up front multiyear funding

Information on ISED's departmental sustainable development strategy can be found on ISED's website . Footnote x

ISED's Departmental Plan does not include information on tax expenditures.

Tax expenditures are the responsibility of the Minister of Finance. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for government‑wide tax expenditures each year in the Report on Federal Tax Expenditures . Footnote xvii

This report provides detailed information on tax expenditures, including objectives, historical background and references to related federal spending programs, as well as evaluations, research papers and gender-based analysis plus.

For the purpose of the 2024–25 Departmental Plan, government-wide priorities are the high-level themes outlining the government's agenda in the 2021 Speech from the Throne: building a healthier today and tomorrow; growing a more resilient economy; bolder climate action; fighter harder for safer communities; standing up for diversity and inclusion; moving faster on the path to reconciliation and fighting for a secure, just, and equitable world.

An initiative in which two or more federal organizations are given funding to pursue a shared outcome, often linked to a government priority.

Net outlays and receipts related to loans, investments and advances, which change the composition of the financial assets of the Government of Canada.

What an organization did with its resources to achieve its results, how well those results compare to what the organization intended to achieve, and how well lessons learned have been identified.

The articulation of strategic choices, which provides information on how an organization intends to achieve its priorities and associated results. Generally, a plan will explain the logic behind the strategies chosen and tend to focus on actions that lead up to the expected result.

For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to those amounts presented in the Main Estimates.

A department is expected to be aware of the authorities that it has sought and received. The determination of planned spending is a departmental responsibility, and departments must be able to defend the expenditure and accrual numbers presented in their Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports.

Individual or groups of services, activities or combinations thereof that are managed together within a department and that focus on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.

An inventory of a department's programs that describes how resources are organized to carry out the department's core responsibilities and achieve its planned results.

An external consequence attributed, in part, to an organization, policy, program or initiative. Results are not within the control of a single organization, policy, program or initiative; instead, they are within the area of the organization's influence.

Expenditures that Parliament has approved through legislation other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose of the expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made.

A measurable performance or success level that an organization, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period. Targets can be either quantitative or qualitative.

Expenditures that Parliament approves annually through an Appropriation Act. The vote wording becomes the governing conditions under which these expenditures may be made.

Research team awarded $900,000 to study effects of milk and yogurt consumption on

An interdisciplinary University of Saskatchewan (USask) research collaboration may provide a basis for developing targeted health initiatives for Canadians and advancing knowledge on potential disease prevention strategies

Jason Belhumeur Mar 19, 2024

USask researchers have been awarded $900,000 by Dairy Farmers of Canada (Dairy Research Cluster 4) and Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada (AAFC) to investigate the role of milk and yogurt supplementation in the development of osteoporosis and obesity.

The research team, co-led by Dr. Hassan Vatanparast (College of Pharmacy and Nutrition; School of Public Health), Dr. Phil Chilibeck,  PhD, (College of Kinesiology), and Dr. Sandra Clarke,  PhD, (AAFC) along with co-investigators Dr. Adam Baxter-Jones,  PhD, (College of Kinesiology), Dr. Marta Erlandson,  PhD, (College of Kinesiology), Dr. Walter Siqueira,  PhD, (College of Dentistry), and Dr. Ginny Lane,  PhD, (University of Idaho; Family and Consumer Sciences), will conduct a two-year randomized controlled trial where Canadian adults aged 19-30 years old will be asked to consume either 1.5 daily servings of milk , two daily servings of yogurt , or be part of the control group.

The research team will assess bone health by measuring parameters and hormonal indices related to bone metabolism through blood and saliva tests; examine body composition; and analyze the number and composition of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. 

This research is expected to yield valuable insights into the effects of milk and yogurt consumption on health, providing a basis for developing targeted health initiatives for Canadians and advancing knowledge on potential disease prevention strategies.

Dr. Hassan Vatanparast  has made substantial contributions to health research, significantly impacting health status in Saskatchewan and extending his influence beyond. Since 2009, he has maintained joint appointments in the University of Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and the School of Public Health. His extensive and varied research portfolio not only includes nutritional epidemiology studies based on national survey datasets and research on migration health but also encompasses a keen interest in bone health. Dr. Vatanparast's studies  are mainly focused on populations at risk such as immigrants, refugees, and indigenous people.  (Photographer: Debra Marshall)

Examples of his work in this area include the Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study (PBMAS), which assesses bone accrual and explores the influence of physical activity and nutrition on the development of bone mass throughout the lifespan. These studies  started in 1990-1991 and the last round of data collection ended in 2018. Dr. Adam Baxter Jones is the director of that study, and Dr. Vatanparast was involved in that study from 2002 as a PhD student, and PI for the last round of data collection. 

Vatanparast was the nominated PI for the Nutrition and Growth Study (NGS), focusing on the role of dairy food consumption in the optimal growth and development of Canadian children, with  Dr. Adam Baxter Jones as the co-PI using a unique mixed-method longitudinal study. Dr. Marta Erlandson is also a co-PI for the project, along with team members Dr. Walter Siqueira and Dr. Ginny Lane. 

Beyond these, Dr. Vatanparast has been instrumental in building health research collaborations with universities in 13 countries and working towards improving the food offerings available in Saskatchewan’s recreation facilities. His dedication and diverse research endeavors have been pivotal in advancing the field of health research, showcasing a profound commitment to enhancing health outcomes both locally and internationally.

Dairy products can provide numerous important nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and high-quality protein, which contribute to optimal health. However, the impact of long-term supplementation with fermented (e.g., yogurt) and non-fermented (e.g., milk) dairy product consumption on bone health, body composition (e.g., fat and muscle mass), and gut health in young adults remains unknown. Furthermore, the recent declines in dairy product consumption among many Canadians and the recent controversies surrounding dairy consumption motivated the researchers to pursue this line of work.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector through initiatives that promote innovation and competitiveness. 

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is a non-profit organization, funded by dairy farmers across Canada and representing Canada’s dairy farms. DFC plays a leadership role on behalf of the industry in several important areas, including funding and support of research in dairy production and in human nutrition and health. DFC has a long-standing commitment (over 30 years) of investing in research to drive innovation and ensure a sustainable future for the dairy sector.

Together, we will undertake the research the world needs. We invite you to join by  supporting critical research  at USask.

Article re-posted on Mar 20, 2024 2:03:17 PM . View original article.

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How 'social financing' could help fund higher education for under-represented students in Canada

by Shelley Legin and Heather M Hachigian, The Conversation

Canada's new international student cap will likely have a significant impact on universities, which are already facing financial pressures and other challenges related to artificial intelligence and climate change—all while attending to calls for equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Among these issues, one priority is including under-represented learners in higher education. There is risk that the revenue loss from this cap will undermine progress made in recent years towards the inclusion of under-represented and equity-seeking learners in higher education .

This decline could worsen if universities compensate for this loss by reducing investment in much-needed supports for under-represented learners .

The participation rates of immigrants, rural youth, people with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples in higher education lag far behind Canada's overall rate .

Of the 7.7 million job openings forecast from 2022 to 2031, more than two-thirds are expected to require post-secondary education. Given these educational demands, we need to increase participation equity to address broader societal inequities.

The social finance solution

Research and experience both show that increasing the participation of under-represented learners requires more than offering waived tuition—it requires comprehensive, wrap-around supports.

The current funding model , which relies on a mix of tuition, fees, grants and donations, is failing under-represented learners.

Beyond financial and non-financial supports, a systemic approach is needed to transform education. Publicly funded grants and corporate or charitable donations are poorly suited to this task on their own. Social finance presents an alternative approach.

Unlike philanthropic contributions or traditional scholarships where donors provide funds that programs can invest or disburse, social finance involves private money being used to finance programs that create positive social or environmental impacts .

Social finance funding is repayable with interest, often at or below market terms. Lower returns are acceptable because of the positive impacts generated by these programs. Often, governments will cover the initial investment and financial return in hopes of reaping later benefits through things like future tax revenue from employed graduates.

Social finance is also unique because the invested money is repayable with interest based on outcomes of the program. Firms that supply this funding are motivated to work with organizations like universities to achieve these desired outcomes which, in turn, trigger the repayment and financial returns alongside positive social impacts.

The supply of possible social finance funds is estimated at over $1 billion in Canada. To boost the social finance market even further, the Canadian Federal Government recently launched a $755 million Social Finance Fund .

But social finance has faced slow uptake in sectors usually funded by governments like higher education, with the exception of a few pilots .

Barriers to social finance

To find out why social finance isn't widely used to fund higher education in Canada, Shelley Legin, the lead author of this article, conducted research involving 25 in-depth interviews with leaders in the higher education and social finance sectors.

The data showed two key barriers to the use of social finance in higher education. First, leaders in higher education expressed a lack of familiarity with social finance. Secondly, there has been limited pressure to explore innovative financing approaches.

On the social finance side, there is a lack of exposure to the issue of participation inequity. This is in part from the myth that opportunity exists for all with the delivery of a public good .

Adding to the challenge is that, until recently, public funding of higher education has not been a household topic. During interviews, one university president said,

"The university sector is not well understood, particularly the funding model. And that is why you do not see a lot of impact investment."

In addition to creating awareness and providing education about the opportunity among the sectors, there is a need to connect the vast supply of capital with demand.

But this first requires growing demand for social finance in higher education. Colleges and universities do not have the capacity or expertise to do it on their own and existing social finance experts do not understand the complexities of higher education.

It is clear that a specialized intermediary is needed who knows both higher education and social finance. As one interviewee said,

"You have a supply and demand thing here, but there's no one in the middle. And in the absence of that, there's no one to bridge these worlds."

A scalable opportunity

To substantially increase investment activity social finance interviewees believed that this would require creating new investable products. These products would be designed to specifically address the lower participation rates of under-represented learners.

One example could be a program designed to financially support under-represented students in pursuing in-demand degrees. This investment could be backed by philanthropy or governments to repay the principal and provide a financial return. The return would be outcomes-based, such as the number of degrees awarded or time to employment.

However, there is a risk that such prescribed programs would stream under-represented populations into strictly defined occupations and reduce the chance for them to explore education more.

With this risk in mind, the success of any such programs would hinge on funders and educational institutions working together. This collaboration would serve to meet the needs of beneficiaries and help achieve positive outcomes.

There is a real opportunity for institutions to create products that could be offered at many institutions and at scale to investors. This would solve a significant problem facing impact investors by having a deal size large enough to cover transaction costs.

With social finance, hundreds of millions of dollars could be deployed to intentionally increase participation equity. Higher education institutions and social finance leaders need to work together. When they do, they will open doors to a promising future for the under-represented.

Provided by The Conversation

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Canada Bids Farewell to Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

The casket of late former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is carried by pallbearers to his state funeral at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada March 23, 2024. REUTERS/Evan Buhler

By Blair Gable

MONTREAL (Reuters) - Canada's dignitaries, political elite, and other well-wishers gathered at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica on Saturday to pay final respects at the state funeral of former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney, who died on Feb. 29 at age 84.

Mulroney's casket, draped in the Canadian flag, arrived at the Notre-Dame Basilica in a procession that included members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the armed forces, and the Mulroney family. His body had laid in repose at the nearby Saint Patrick's Basilica for public visitation since Thursday.

Born on March 20, 1939, in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, Mulroney became Canada's 18th prime minister when he led the center-right Progressive Conservatives to a historic win in 1984 and served for almost nine years in that post.

Highlights of his tenure included a free trade deal with the United States and the introduction of a goods and services tax, which although unpopular helped fix the government's finances.

In attendance at Saturday's ceremony were Canada's Governor General Mary Simon, current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Quebec Premier Francois Legault, business mogul Pierre Karl Peladeau, as well as actor Ryan Reynolds.

"It's the end of the evening for a giant but the music continues in his memory," Trudeau told the gathering.

A corporate lawyer turned businessman, Mulroney had a broad smile and booming voice, and was known for his charm. He and his wife Mila had four children.

"My dad held an audience in the palm of his hand. Speeches were such a major part of his life that he told us that when it was his turn to go up to what he called - that great political rally in the sky - he wanted us to bury him with his podium," his daughter Caroline Mulroney said in an eulogy.

Mulroney will be buried in a private ceremony in Montreal.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil and Divya Rajagopal; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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