Supplementary information tables

Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 Million or More

• Contributions to Support Increased Aboriginal Participation in Commercial Fisheries Management Arrangements and Consultations Respecting Aboriginal Fisheries Agreements
  • Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy
  • Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
  • Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
• Contribution Program to Support Atlantic Canada’s Fish and Seafood Sector
• Ocean and Freshwater Science Contribution Program
• Contributions under the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program
• Coastal Restoration Fund
• Contributions to Support the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program
• Contribution Agreements to Permit the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) Associations to Carry Out Authorized Activities Related to Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations, SAR Prevention and Other Safety Related Activities
• Contributions to Support the Adoption of Clean Technology within the Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry Through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program

Contributions to Support Increased Aboriginal Participation in Commercial Fisheries Management Arrangements and Consultations Respecting Aboriginal Fisheries Agreements (Voted)

Note: This includes the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy, the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, and the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, which were reported separately in the past.

Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (Voted)

Start Date: 1992

End Date: Ongoing

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2009-10

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Aboriginal Programs and Treaties

Description: Launched in 1992, the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) provides for negotiated arrangements with Indigenous groups around the harvesting, use and management of Indigenous food, social and ceremonial fisheries and, where applicable, communal commercial fisheries.

In 1994, Fisheries and Oceans Canada introduced a commercial access component to the AFS programs, the Allocation Transfer Program (ATP). Fisheries and Oceans Canada introduced the ATP to facilitate the voluntary retirement of commercial fishing licenses and the issuance of communal licenses to eligible Indigenous groups in a manner that does not add to the existing effort on the resource.

Budget 2017 allotted new funding to the AFS program in order to make strategic investments in the core capacity of Indigenous partners, focusing on the effective management of food, social and ceremonial (FSC) fisheries through enhanced monitoring, reporting, and enforcement activities, as well as increasing the level of program participation. Over a 5-year period, a total of $32,427,760 will be added to existing AFS funding allotments ($42,886,123 in ongoing funds).

Provisions of negotiated fisheries agreements under the AFS may include:

• a harvest allocation to the Indigenous group for food, social and ceremonial purposes;
• terms and conditions pertaining to communal fishing licenses;
• enforcement provisions, including the training and engagement of Aboriginal Fisheries Guardians;
• arrangements for the co-management and stewardship of fisheries resources and their supporting habitats, including the restoration and protection of species at risk;
• co-management projects for the improvement of the management of fisheries generally, such as scientific research, stock assessment, fish enhancement and habitat management; and
• communal commercial fishing arrangements including the transfer of vessels and gear, as well as support for fisheries-related economic opportunities (e.g., demonstration fishery projects, aquaculture development, business planning support).

The AFS applies where Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages the fishery and where land claims agreements have not already put in place a fisheries management framework.

Expected Results:
Improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous peoples, through increasing the number of Indigenous people employed in aquatic ecosystems and oceans science (1,600 in AFS and the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program (AAROM) combined), and an increased percentage of eligible Indigenous groups represented in agreements, with a target of 90%.

An increased number of Indigenous groups participating in collaborative management activities, with the number of eligible Indigenous communities represented by collaborative fisheries management agreements targeted at 147 agreements covering 240 groups by 2027.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2013-14

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2018-19

General Targeted Recipient Group: First Nations communities and other Indigenous recipients and organizations

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Through Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s transfer payment programs, most of which are targeted at Indigenous participation in fisheries, the Department is able to build productive relationships with Indigenous groups to further the goals of sustainability and prosperity, resulting in fishing industries operating in a well-managed integrated commercial fishery with a stable fisheries management regime, and common and transparent rules for all.

Following the adoption of the revised Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments, the Department brought its Indigenous programs under a single set of Terms and Conditions, with a renewed emphasis on results-based management. This prompted the design of new tools to enhance accountability and reduce administrative burden, notably a Common Contribution Agreement Template and a Recipient Capacity Assessment Tool. Indigenous recipients were involved in focus groups, training, and discussion sessions across Fisheries and Oceans Canada regions. These tools help streamline administrative practices, and improve the quality and consistency of results reporting and financial accountability across all programs. In addition, the recipient capacity assessment implements the risk-based approach to setting flexible terms and conditions for agreements resulting in an increasing number of multi-year agreements and more streamlined reporting for the organizations, demonstrating improved accountability.

Each year, in delivering its Indigenous programs, the Department concludes approximately 165 contribution agreements with Indigenous groups — typically 135 with individual groups and 30 with aggregate groups. Recipients are engaged from the outset to determine the objective and scope of the work that they propose to undertake, and further on the specific work plans and budgets, leading to the conclusion of the agreements. Engagement continues throughout the year with the monitoring of work progress by departmental staff, including on-site visits, as well as discussions with recipients about their reports on results and expenses. The Department continues to work with Indigenous organizations to refine the efficiency of these practices.

Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (Voted)

Start Date: 2007-08

End Date: March 31, 2016 (Funding for the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries initiative was scheduled to expire in 2016-17. However, funding for this initiative was made permanent through the budget allocation process for 2017-18.)

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2007-08/2009-10: Implementation of the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries initiative (PICFI) was originally carried out using the established Terms and Conditions for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (Negotiation and Implementation of Fisheries Agreements and Allocation Transfer Program) and Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management program. In 2009, a review of all Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aboriginal contribution based programs, including the PICFI, has culminated in the development of the Integrated Aboriginal Contribution Management Framework, which includes the recently approved Integrated Aboriginal Contribution Management Framework Terms and Conditions, under which the PICFI now operates.

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Aboriginal Programs and Treaties

Description: On July 16, 2007, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced the PICFI, which is designed to support increased First Nations participation in integrated commercial fisheries, where all commercial harvesters fish under common and transparent rules, a higher standard of accountability for all resource users, and strengthened collaboration and cooperation amongst all fishery interests.

The PICFI was initially launched as a five-year $175 million program to lay the foundation for an integrated, stable and prosperous fishery in British Columbia, where all commercial harvesters, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, operate under common and transparent rules. The initiative received one-year extensions from 2012 to 2014 ($22.5 million and $22 million respectively). Budget 2014 announced a two-year ($44.1 million) renewal of the initiative ($22.1 million in 2014-15 and 2015-16). An additional one-year extension of PICFI ($22.5 million – 2016-17) was announced in Budget 2016. Budget 2017 announced that PICFI would be funded on an ongoing basis (A-based) at $22.5 million per year.

The initiative includes the following four distinct yet integrated elements:

• increased First Nation participation in integrated commercial fisheries, British Columbia-wide, in advance of treaties, through the voluntary relinquishment of commercial licenses and quota to support First Nations self-sufficiency through economic development, building a foundation for future treaties, and bringing First Nations more fully into integrated management processes;
• First Nation capacity building to support the development of First Nations commercial fisheries enterprises so that the commercial fishery access provided is effectively utilized and managed;
• fisheries accountability measures to support enhanced fisheries monitoring, catch reporting, and greater enforcement, to enable the development of a traceability system, and to ensure all fishery participants are confident that integrated management plans are being respected and that the fisheries resource is being managed in a sustainable manner; and
• new Pacific co-management models to establish new mechanisms for increasing the collaboration of resource users in commercial fisheries decision making, to facilitate joint problem-solving among interested groups, and to better achieve sustainable resource management approaches that meet conservation goals.

Expected Results: Improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous people through an increased number of eligible Indigenous groups accessing PICFI (with a target of 25 groups); through an increased number of business plans prepared by Indigenous groups accessing PICFI (with a target of 25); a target of 2,950 Indigenous people employed in commercial fisheries programs between PICFI and the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) combined; and with a target of 85 percent of eligible Indigenous groups represented in PICFI agreements.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2015-16

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: An evaluation of PICFI will be conducted on relevance and effectiveness no later than 2020-21, in accordance with Section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

General Targeted Recipient Group: The Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries initiative supports the development of British Columbia First Nation-owned and operated Commercial Fishing Enterprises at an aggregate level.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients:
To support ongoing advancement with Pacific commercial fishery reforms, the PICFI focuses on the following themes:

• advancing collaborative fisheries management in order for all harvest sectors, including First Nation Commercial Fishing Enterprises, to effectively engage in planning and management processes;
• supporting First Nation fisheries enterprise development focuses on stabilizing access for harvest groups through investment in commercial fishing, Commercial Fishing Enterprises capacity building and capital (licenses, quota, vessels and gear, etc.) and at the same time advance on broader government objectives related to First Nation community economic self-sufficiency; and
• through enhanced accountability and other improved fisheries management measures, the PICFI is creating the conditions for increased compliance with fishing rules and greater confidence in catch statistics.

Through Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Transfer Payment programs, most of which are targeted at Indigenous participation in fisheries, the Department is able to build productive relationships with Indigenous and other groups to further the goals of sustainability and prosperity, resulting in fishing industries operating in a well-managed integrated commercial fishery with a stable fisheries management regime and common and transparent rules for all.

Following the adoption of the revised Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments, the Department brought its Aboriginal programs under a single set of Terms and Conditions, with a renewed emphasis on results-based management. This prompted the design of new tools to enhance accountability and reduce administrative burden, notably a Common Contribution Agreement Template and a Recipient Capacity Assessment Tool. Indigenous recipients were involved in focus groups, training, and discussion sessions across Fisheries and Oceans Canada regions. These tools help streamline administrative practices and improve the quality and consistency of results reporting and financial accountability across all programs. In addition, the recipient capacity assessment implements the risk-based approach to setting flexible terms and conditions for agreements resulting in an increasing number of multi-year agreements and more streamlined reporting for the organizations, demonstrating improved accountability.

Each year, in delivering its Indigenous programs, the Department concludes approximately 165 contribution agreements with Indigenous groups — typically 135 with individual groups and 30 with aggregate groups. Recipients are engaged from the outset to determine the objective and scope of the work that they propose to undertake, and further on the specific work plans and budgets, leading to the conclusion of the agreements. Engagement continues throughout the year with the monitoring of work progress by departmental staff, including on-site visits, as well as discussions with recipients about their reports on results and expenses. The Department continues to work with Indigenous organizations to refine the efficiency of these practices.

Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (Voted)

Start Date: 2007-08

End Date: Ongoing (Funding for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative was scheduled to expire in 2016-17. However, the funding for this initiative was made permanent through the budget allocation process for 2017-18.)

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2007-08/2009-10: Implementation of the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) was originally carried out using the established Terms and Conditions for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (Negotiation and Implementation of Fisheries Agreements and Allocation Transfer Program) and Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management program. In 2009, a review of all Fisheries and Oceans Canada Aboriginal contribution-based programs, including AICFI, has culminated in the development of the Integrated Aboriginal Contribution Management Framework, which includes the recently approved Integrated Aboriginal Contribution Management Framework Terms and Conditions, under which AICFI now operates.

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Aboriginal Programs and Treaties

Description: The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) was initially launched in 2007, as a five-year, $55.1 million program set to expire on March 31, 2012. The 2012 and 2013 Federal Budgets provided identical one-year $11.02 million extensions of the program. Budget 2014 provided an additional $22.04 million for the two-year renewal of the initiative ($11.02 million in 2014-15 and 2015-16) and Budget 2016 renewed the program at $11.02 million for 2016-17. Budget 2017 announced that AICFI would be funded on an ongoing basis at $11.02 million per year.

The long-term goal of the AICFI is to continue to create positive conditions towards concluding longer-term Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada-led arrangements for Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations in the Maritimes and Gaspé Québec to:

• enhance capacity in governance and management of Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations commercial fishing enterprises;
• develop effective participation in sustainable, integrated commercial fisheries with a greater role in fisheries management; and
• help diversify existing fishing enterprises to support the full realization of economic potential of existing fishing licenses.

The AICFI has been developed to proceed along two separate paths of deployment. The first is through individual Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations where the individual First Nations can apply for funding for components of the initiative provided they have completed the prerequisite planning as per component requirements. This will allow First Nations the ability to personalize their development to their own needs and development schedule.

The second path of deployment is through associated aggregate bodies which may apply for funding to proceed with the development of the Commercial Fishing Enterprise Business Development Unit as well as co-management and various training and mentoring projects. Aggregate bodies will develop expertise that can be shared with individual First Nations which will provide smaller First Nations a larger voice within the commercial fishery and provide a higher value for dollar on mentoring and training sessions.

Expected Results:
Improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous people, through an increased number of eligible Indigenous groups accessing AICFI (with a target of 33 to 34 groups); through an increased number of business plans prepared by Indigenous groups accessing AICFI (with a target of 30 to 33 groups); a target of 2,950 Indigenous people employed in commercial fisheries programs between AICFI and the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI) combined; and a target of 97 percent of eligible Indigenous groups represented in AICFI agreements.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2015-16

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of AICFI will be conducted on relevance and effectiveness no later than 2020-21, in accordance with Section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

General Targeted Recipient Group: First Nations Communities. The 34 Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé Region of Québec affected by the 1999 Supreme Court of Canada Marshall Decision, are eligible to receive funding.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative supports the 34 Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations to help build their capacity to manage successful Commercial Fishing Enterprises and to participate effectively in an integrated commercial fishery along with other commercial harvesters. Through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations receive advice, direction and financial support in four program components designed to follow stages of business development:

• Governance Structure Enhancement – to help the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations with activities that support increased accountability, transparency, and well-managed/operated Commercial Fishing Enterprises;
• Management Practices Enhancement – to assist the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations with activities that support preparation/upgrading and implementation of Business Development Plans and implementation of the Fisheries Management System;
• Collaborative Management – to foster the development and implementation of processes to enable the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations to build the capacity to successfully participate individually and collectively in the collaborative management of the integrated commercial fishery; and
• Business Development – to provide funding for participating Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations to diversify their fishery by improving or replacing vessels, equipment and on-shore infrastructure, and other fisheries-related business development opportunities.

Through Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s transfer payment programs, most of which are targeted at Indigenous participation in fisheries, the Department is able to build productive relationships with Indigenous and other groups to further the goals of sustainability and prosperity, resulting in fishing industries operating in a well-managed integrated commercial fishery with a stable fisheries management regime, and common and transparent rules for all.

Following the adoption of the revised Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments, the Department brought its Aboriginal programs under a single set of Terms and Conditions, with a renewed emphasis on results-based management. This prompted the design of new tools to enhance accountability and reduce administrative burden, notably a Common Contribution Agreement Template and a Recipient Capacity Assessment Tool. Indigenous recipients were involved in focus groups, training, and discussion sessions across Fisheries and Oceans Canada regions. These tools help streamline administrative practices and improve the quality and consistency of results reporting and financial accountability across all programs. In addition, the recipient capacity assessment implements the risk-based approach to setting flexible terms and conditions for agreements resulting in an increasing number of multi-year agreements and more streamlined reporting for the organizations, demonstrating improved accountability.

Each year, in delivering its Indigenous programs, the Department concludes approximately 165 contribution agreements with Indigenous groups — typically 135 with individual groups and 30 with aggregate groups. Recipients are engaged from the outset to determine the objective and scope of the work that they propose to undertake, and further on the specific work plans and budgets, leading to the conclusion of the agreements. Engagement continues throughout the year with the monitoring of work progress by departmental staff, including on-site visits, as well as discussions with recipients about their reports on results and expenses. The Department continues to work with Indigenous organizations to refine the efficiency of these practices.

Contribution Program to Support Atlantic Canada’s Fish and Seafood Sector (Voted)

Start Date: 2017-18

End Date: March 31, 2024

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2017-18

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Fisheries Management

Description: The Contribution Program to Support Atlantic Canada’s Fish and Seafood Sector, also known as the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), is a seven year, $325 million contribution program to assist in transitioning the fish and seafood sector in Atlantic Canada and support the sector across Canada to capitalize on upcoming free trade agreements and achieve sustainable Canadian fisheries in economic and environmental terms. The objectives of the AFF are to:

• Increase productivity, competitiveness, quality, and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector;
• Enhance capacity to adapt to and address ecosystem shifts and their impacts on the fish and seafood sector, including shifts related to climate change; and
• Increase recognition of Canadian fish and seafood products as market-leading in terms of quality and sustainability.

In addition, the AFF is a federal/provincial cost-shared program with a 70/30 funding ratio over the life of the program.

Expected Results: The AFF program is expected to achieve the following results:

• Incremental economic growth will be realized;
• The fish and seafood sector will be recognized as a global leader in providing high-quality, sustainably sourced fish and seafood;
• Access to new markets and/or enhanced existing markets, globally;
• Value-added, quality, and sustainable fish and seafood products will be provided to markets globally;
• The fish and seafood sector will respond to market demands through innovative processes and products;
• The fisheries sector will be understanding of and adaptable to transitioning ecosystems impacted by climate change; and
• Critical infrastructure will be adapted to respond to changing conditions.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable; new program

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: An evaluation will be conducted on relevance and effectiveness no later than 2023-24, in accordance with Section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

General Targeted Recipient Group: The following are eligible recipients under the Innovation, Infrastructure, and Science Partnerships pillars of the program and must reside in a participating province or territory and be active in or support activities (such as research and development or science) related to the fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture sectors:

• Commercial enterprises, which include:
  • Sole proprietorships;
  • Partnerships (non-incorporated business owned by more than one individual);
  • Co-operatives; or
  • An incorporated entity.
• Non-commercial organizations, which include:
  • Industry associations;
  • Post-secondary institutions;
  • Research and innovation institutions;
  • Academics;
  • Provincial crown corporations; and
  • Indigenous organizations or groups other than commercial enterprises.

The following are eligible recipients under the Canadian Fish and Seafood Program pillar and must reside in a participating province or territory and be involved in or represent the fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture sectors:

• Not-for profit organizations operating on a national or sector-wide basis in the fish and seafood sectors;
• Not-for-profit industry organizations operating on a regional basis in the fish and seafood sectors that represent the majority of production within that sector and can demonstrate their ability to deliver a project from a national perspective;
• Marketing alliances and technical marketing organizations.

All eligible recipients must possess the legal capacity necessary to enter into a contribution agreement.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Since the AFF program was announced by the Minister in March 2017, the following initiatives were undertaken to engage applicants and recipients:

• Outreach with interested recipient groups including industry, associations, and Indigenous communities;
• Participation/presentations at fish and seafood industry conferences;
• Participation in DFO- or industry-led round tables, etc.;
• Meetings with other federal departments with grant and contribution programs to discuss the AFF program and how it may be able to leverage other grant and contribution programs;
• DFO website specific to the Atlantic Fisheries Fund including program details, application forms, etc.;
• Toll-free telephone line for inquiries;
• Internal DFO presentations to other sectors and units;
• One-on-one consultation with applicants and/or potential recipients and an AFF Program Officer, Manager or Director;
• Joint applicant-requested meetings with provincial representatives.

Ocean and Freshwater Science Contribution Program (Voted)

Start Date: May 2016

End Date: Ongoing

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2016-17

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Aquatic Animal Health; Aquatic Invasive Species; Biotechnology and Genomics; Fisheries Protection; Hydrographic Services, Data and Science; Oceans Management; Species at Risk, Aquaculture Management, Aquatic Ecosystem Science, Oceans and Climate Change Science, Aquaculture Science, Fisheries Management

Description: The Ocean and Freshwater Science Contribution program allows the Department to provide financial assistance to organizations that wish to conduct scientific research and related science activities aligned with Departmental program areas.

Expected Results:

• Scientific information and knowledge for evidence-based policy development and decision making relating to Canada’s oceans and aquatic ecosystems; and
• Increased research capacity for the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable; new program

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation will be conducted on relevance and effectiveness no later than 2020-21, in accordance with Section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

General Targeted Recipient Group: Canadian post-secondary academic institutions, Canadian non-governmental organizations, Indigenous groups, Canadian provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, businesses and industry, including associations, community groups, foreign governments and international non-governmental organizations and foreign universities.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Applicants and recipients are engaged through proposals solicited individually or in response to a formal call for proposals.

Contributions under the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program (Voted)

Start Date: 2005-06

End Date: Ongoing

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2009-10

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Aboriginal Programs and Treaties

Description: Launched in October 2004, the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) program provides for capacity building and collaborative management initiatives that support the involvement of Indigenous groups, working together, to obtain access to technical, scientific and administrative expertise in order to facilitate their participation in multi-stakeholder and other decision-making processes used to manage aquatic resources and ocean spaces.

Budget 2017 allotted new funding to the AAROM program in order to make strategic investments in the capacity of aggregate Indigenous organizations, focusing on expanding coverage of the AAROM platform as a means of supporting the objectives of member communities and engaging them in the delivery of departmental or inter-departmental initiatives that require ongoing collaboration with Indigenous partners. Over a 5-year period, a total of $25,312,237 will be added to existing AAROM funding allotments ($23,041,996 in ongoing A-Base funds).

Provisions of Contribution Agreements under AAROM may include:

• establishing AAROM collaborative management structures or bodies;
• accessing skilled professional, administrative, and technical expertise from within the Indigenous community or other external sources but excluding public office holders;
• participating in aquatic resource and oceans management planning through the development of resource and oceans management plans and the coordination of community input into the development of plans;
• developing or providing input into the development of models, structures and processes to guide the interactions of external bodies and agencies with the respective Indigenous group;
• planning and holding consultation sessions with member communities on AAROM-related issues;
• participating in various government technical committees and other multi-stakeholder fora;
• developing, implementing and monitoring the AAROM capacity-building strategies;
• developing enforcement capacity including Aboriginal Fishery Officers and upgrading the skills of Aboriginal Fisheries Guardians;
• collaborating in scientific research efforts related to aquatic resource and oceans management;
• participating in and providing input to various aquatic and oceans resource policy and management processes;
• undertaking scientific research activities to support appropriate watershed/ecosystem-based management efforts, including the collection and gathering of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge;
• conducting community outreach, stewardship, and awareness activities;
• conducting liaison activities with other relevant, interested parties;
• developing protocols on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, dealing with new and innovative approaches to collect, analyze, and integrate this information into environmental and habitat assessments and management practices;
• ongoing program planning, administration, and reporting activities of the AAROM Collaborative Management body; and
• negotiations and implementation of related AAROM agreements (and associated protocols) for which Fisheries and Oceans Canada is a signatory.

The AAROM program is applicable in areas where Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages the fishery, and where land claim agreements addressing those matters covered under the AAROM program are not in place. Where the Indigenous group has signed a comprehensive land claims agreement, and one or more of the matters covered by the AAROM program are not dealt with in the agreement, the group would be eligible to apply for support in those matters not covered.

Expected Results: Improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous peoples through an increased number of Indigenous people employed in aquatic ecosystems and oceans science (with a target of 1,600 between AAROM and the Atlantic Fisheries Strategy), and a target of 78 percent of eligible Indigenous groups represented in agreements.

An increased number of Indigenous groups participating in collaborative management activities through an increased number of eligible Indigenous communities represented by collaborative fisheries management agreements (with a target 39 agreements covering 320 groups by 2027).

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2013-14

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2018-19

General Targeted Recipient Group: First Nations communities and other Indigenous recipients and organizations

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Through Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Transfer Payment programs, most of which are targeted at Indigenous participation in fisheries, the Department is able to build productive relationships with Indigenous and other groups to further the goals of sustainability and prosperity, resulting in fishing industries operating in a well-managed integrated commercial fishery with a stable fisheries management regime, and common and transparent rules for all.

Following the adoption of the revised Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments, the Department brought its Indigenous programs under a single set of Terms and Conditions, with a renewed emphasis on results-based management. This prompted the design of new tools to enhance accountability and reduce administrative burden, notably a Common Contribution Agreement template and a Recipient Capacity Assessment tool. Indigenous recipients were involved in focus groups, training, and discussion sessions across Fisheries and Oceans Canada regions. These tools help streamline administrative practices, and improve the quality and consistency of results reporting and financial accountability across all programs. In addition, the recipient capacity assessment implements the risk-based approach to setting flexible terms and conditions for agreements resulting in an increasing number of multi-year agreements and more streamlined reporting for the organizations, demonstrating improved accountability.

Each year, in delivering its Indigenous programs, the Department concludes approximately 165 contribution agreements with Indigenous groups — typically 135 with individual groups and 30 with aggregate groups. Recipients are engaged from the outset to determine the objective and scope of the work that they propose to undertake, and further on the specific work plans and budgets, leading to the conclusion of the agreements. Engagement continues throughout the year with the monitoring of work progress by departmental staff, including on-site visits, as well as discussions with recipients about their reports on results and expenses. The Department continues to work with Indigenous groups to refine the efficiency of these practices.

Coastal Restoration Fund (Voted)

Start Date: April 6, 2017

End Date: March 31, 2022

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2017-18

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Fisheries Protection

Description: The Coastal Restoration Fund (CRF) contributes to the development and implementation of coastal restoration plans, supports the identification of restoration priorities, and assists actions to address threats to marine species located on Canada’s coasts. The aquatic habitat restoration projects contribute to the mitigation of stressors (such as contaminants, grounding, noise, erosion, and habitat degradation) affecting marine life and their habitats and engages Indigenous groups, resource users and local groups and communities in undertaking restoration activities.

The program does not have repayable contributions.

Expected Results: Over the prescribed timeframe it is expected that the program will support additional coastal restoration projects from coast to coast to coast for the mitigation of stressors affecting marine life and their habitats. The performance indicators for the program are as follows:

• Number of partners engaged;
• Number of geographic areas restored as a result of the projects under the CRF;
• Number of Coastal restoration activities that mitigate marine stressors;
• Number of projects that target benefits for endangered and threatened species; and
• Total funding distributed under this program.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable; new program

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation will be conducted on relevance and effectiveness no later than 2021-22, in accordance with Section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

General Targeted Recipient Group:

• Indigenous organizations (Indigenous communities, Tribal Councils, Governments of self-governing First Nations, Indigenous conservation groups);
• Community-based organizations;
• Non-profit organizations including environmental non-governmental organizations and stewardship bodies; and
• Academic researchers or institutions across the country.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Webpages specific to the CRF were added to the departmental website and include general program information, criteria for CRF projects, regional contact information, and the program’s application form and supporting application guidelines. The content of the webpages and documents are maintained on a regular basis to respond to departmental needs and changes to the program. Various communication methods, including social media (e.g., facebook, twitter) and WebExes, are used to engage proponents, particularly during the program application windows.

The website also includes an interactive map that showcases where CRF projects are located as well as providing an overview of the initiative. Once annual project reports are received the website will reflect all project updates as well as provide photos and video where applicable.

In addition, a communication strategy has also been developed that includes a social media strategy, a process for Ministerial announcement of all projects, and media kits for Ministers of Parliament.

Contributions to Support the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (Voted)

Start Date: June 6, 2013

End Date: March 31, 2019

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2013-14

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Fisheries Protection

Description: The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships program (RFCPP) promotes multi-partner initiatives and supports projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations, aimed at improving Canada’s recreational fisheries. These groups have established expertise and collaborative approaches in fisheries conservation and are well positioned to deliver habitat restoration projects that benefit recreational fisheries.

Program funding allows recipients to take action to restore, rebuild and rehabilitate compromised or threatened fisheries habitat in areas that are important to the sustainability and productivity of Canada’s recreational fisheries. For example, the RFCPP funds groups to deliver activities such as making in-stream and streamside habitat improvements, removing barriers to fish migration, stabilizing riverbanks or reducing erosion, and re-vegetating shorelines or enhancing structures to allow the free passage of fish to natural habitats.

The RFCPP focuses primarily on funding small and medium size projects (i.e., in the $20,000 to $100,000 range) but has a maximum contribution limit of $250,000 per project per year. Canadian government (i.e., federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) support cannot exceed 75% of total project expenditures, while federal support cannot exceed 50% of total project expenditures.

Expected Results: The RFCPP will sunset in 2018-19 and the program will continue to support multi-partner initiatives led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations, aimed at improving Canada’s recreational fisheries.

The key performance indicators for this program during this timeframe are:

• investments in habitat restoration; and
• improvements to fisheries habitat.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2016-17

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: Not applicable as an evaluation has recently taken place and the program will sunset in 2018-19.

General Targeted Recipient Group: Recreational fishing and angling groups, conservation organizations, and Indigenous organizations or groups.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Webpages specific to the RFCPP were added to the departmental website and include general program information, frequently asked questions and regional contact information, as well as the program’s application form and supporting application guidelines. The content of the webpages and documents is maintained on a regular basis to respond to comments and questions submitted by applicants and recipients. Various communication methods, including tweets and WebExes, are used to engage proponents, particularly during the program application windows.

The website also includes the RFCPP project success stories as a way to promote proponent achievements and to share project activities and results with other applicants and recipients across the country.

In conjunction with the opening of an application window, a call letter is broadly distributed to potential program applicants. Once funding decisions have been made, each applicant receives a tailored response in regards to the project proposal submitted. Successful applicants are notified of next steps specific to the application or proposed project submitted. Applicants whose proposed projects were not accepted are provided with a rationale for why their proposal was not accepted, and suggestions are included regarding how to improve their likelihood of success in future applications.

As part of standard project monitoring, departmental personnel engage recipients on a regular basis while also soliciting and responding to comments and questions related to program design and delivery. As such, ongoing program improvement forms a part of the standard recipient engagement process.

Contribution Agreements to Permit the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) Associations to Carry Out Authorized Activities Related to Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations, SAR Prevention and Other Safety Related Activities (Voted)

Start Date: April  1, 2013 (renewed contribution agreements)

End Date: March 31, 2023

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: Signed in 2012-13, amended in 2015-16

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Search and Rescue

Description: The program provides funding to eligible Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) organizations to supplement the response efforts of the Canadian Coast Guard. The CCGA is an integral part of the national Search and Rescue program.

This program is not a repayable contribution as the CCGA corporations are federally incorporated non-profit organizations.

Expected Results: The Search and Rescue (SAR) and CCGA program Performance Measurement Strategy was revised and approved in 2015. CCGA is required to collect and report on existing and any new performance indicators and service standards requested by the Coast Guard to demonstrate that the objectives of the program are measured and achieved.

As per the 2015 SAR Performance Measurement Strategy, the continuation of the CCGA program will directly result in reduced loss of life, reduced loss and/or damage to property, and reduced number and severity of maritime SAR incidents.

The immediate outcome of the program is that CCGA members are prepared and available to respond to authorized SAR events.

The ultimate outcome of the CCGA program is to ensure safe and secure Canadian waterways.

The main indicator for this outcome is:

• The percentage of maritime SAR responses by Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary relative to the total number of maritime SAR incidents.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2016-17

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: An evaluation will be conducted on relevance and effectiveness no later than 2021-22, in accordance with Section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

General Targeted Recipient Group: Non-profit organizations. The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary associations are incorporated under Part II of the Canada Business Corporations Act or the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, 2009:

• Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary National Inc.;
• Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (Pacific);
• Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Central & Arctic) Inc.;
• Garde Côtière Auxiliaire Canadienne (Québec) Inc.;
• Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Maritimes) Inc.; and
• Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Newfoundland & Labrador) Inc.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients:

• SAR (SAR Response; towing of disabled vessels; fire fighting to save lives; provision of humanitarian assistance);
• Training (participation in international SAR competitions and training activities; participation in training exercises; familiarization patrols);
• Administration (attendance at CCGA meetings and meetings of other organizations, travel to CCGA-authorized activities, conference attendance, recruitment activities);
• SAR system awareness activities (presentations, staffing booths at boat conference trade shows, demonstrations of SAR equipment).

Contributions to Support the Adoption of Clean Technology within the Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry Through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (Voted)

Start Date: December 18, 2017

End Date: March 31, 2021

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2017-18

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Fisheries Management

Description:

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Program (FACTAP) aims to encourage the Canadian fisheries and aquaculture industries to use clean technologies and measures, without incurring large financial risks. The long-term goal is to reduce the potential environment impacts of their activities.

FACTAP offers funding to assist the adoption of market-ready clean technologies, processes, and sustainable practices in the day-to-day operations of aquaculture facilities and wild capture harvesting.

The contributions are non-repayable.

Expected Results:

Short-Term (1 Year):

In the short term, the key results are mainly focused on the establishment and implementation of the program itself and the disbursal of available funding through signed contribution agreements. These agreements may be multi-year as some larger projects may take longer to implement. The short-term target for the Program is based on previous experience with the delivery of the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP, 2008-2013).

Medium-Term (3 Years):

The medium-term program results are measured by the number of operators in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors that adopt market-ready clean technologies. For the aquaculture sector, the medium-term targets for the Program are based on previous experience with the delivery of the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP, 2008-2013). For the fisheries sector, there is no previous program history, and the target is based on anticipated outcomes and efforts that will be made to ensure an equitable distribution of funding between the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Long-Term (10 Years):

In the long-term, results are focused on measurable improvements to environmental performance across the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. These outcomes are directly related to the purpose and objective of the Program in terms of improved environmental performance for both the aquaculture and fisheries sectors in Canada and the wider adoption of clean technologies in these sectors.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation will be conducted on relevance and effectiveness no later than 2021-22, in accordance with Section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act.

General Targeted Recipient Group:
Eligible recipients include individuals (self-employed), companies, indigenous organizations (groups, associations, or communities) and industry or professional associations currently active in or supporting activities related to the fish and seafood sectors including:

• harvesting
• aquaculture
• processing

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: The FACTAP website inviting expressions of interest or full project proposals went live as of December 18, 2017 in concert with Ministerial announcement of the new program. Regional leads serving as ambassadors and coordinators for the program were set up in Atlantic, Central and Pacific regions. Employees from Fisheries and Oceans Canada are serving as departmental representatives on the newly established Government of Canada Clean Tech Hub which is soliciting and directing potential applications for FACTAP program support.