Supplementary Information Tables

Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 Million or More

• Contributions to Support Increased Aboriginal Participation in Commercial Fisheries, Cooperative Fisheries Management Arrangements and Consultations Respecting Aboriginal Fisheries Agreements
  • Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy
  • Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
  • Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
  • Northern 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
• Costal Restoration Fund
• Contribution Program to Support British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund
• Contribution Program to Support the Nature Legacy for Canada through the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species and Aquatic Habitat
• Contributions for Indigenous Participation in the Management of Fish and Fish Habitat
• Grant Program for the Disposal of Small Craft Harbours
• Contribution Agreements to Permit the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary 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, Cooperative Fisheries Management Arrangements and Consultations Respecting Aboriginal Fisheries Agreements (Voted)

Note: This includes the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy, the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative and the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative.

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:

• An increased number of Indigenous people employed in aquatic resource management and oceans or ecosystem science, with a target of 1,500 to 1,750 in AFS and the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program [AAROM] combined;
• An increased percentage of eligible Indigenous groups represented in collaborative management agreements, with an annual target of 80-100%;
• An increased number of Indigenous communities represented by collaborative fisheries management agreements, with a target of 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.

Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (Voted)

Start Date: 2007-08

End Date: Ongoing

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:

Commercial fisheries programs are available to Indigenous groups:

• Increased number of eligible indigenous groups accessing AICFI (Target: 33-34 groups)
• Increased number of business plans prepared by Indigenous groups accessing AICFI (Target: 30-33)

Improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous people:

• Number of indigenous people employed in commercial fisheries programs (AICFI & PICFI combined) (Target: 3,000 – 3,250 people)
• Percentage of eligible Indigenous groups represented in AICFI agreements (Target: 80-100%)

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2015-16

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2020-21

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.

Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (Voted)

Start Date: 2007-08

End Date: Ongoing

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:

Commercial fisheries programs are available to Indigenous groups:

• Increased number of eligible indigenous groups accessing PICFI (Target: 25 groups)
• Increased number of business plans prepared by Indigenous groups accessing PICFI (Target: 25 groups)

Improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous people:

• Number of indigenous people employed in commercial fisheries programs (AICFI & PICFI combined) (Target: 3,000 – 3,250 people)
• Percentage of eligible Indigenous groups represented in PICFI agreements (Target: 80 - 100%)

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2015-16

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020-21

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.

Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (Voted)

Start Date: 2017-18

End Date: Ongoing

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2009-10 (Integrated Aboriginal Contribution Management Framework)

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

Description: The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) will work with Indigenous communities to develop community-based commercial fishing enterprises (CFEs), build capacity and business management skills, train harvesters to fish safely, and facilitate the expansion and diversification of CFEs, while promoting strong corporate governance and results-based reporting back to the communities they represent.

Expected Results:

Commercial fisheries programs are available to Indigenous groups:

• Increased number of eligible indigenous groups accessing NICFI (Target: 4-10 groups)
• Increased number of business plans prepared by Indigenous groups accessing NICFI (Target: 4-10)

Improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous people:

• Number of indigenous people employed in commercial fisheries programs (AICFI & PICFI & NICFI combined) (Target: 3,000 – 3,250 people)
• Percentage of eligible Indigenous groups represented in NICFI agreements (Target: 80-100%)

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2020-21

General Targeted Recipient Group: Eligible participants of the program include Indigenous groups and communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Northern Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador, where DFO manages the fishery.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients:

Budget 2017 announced permanent funding for Indigenous integrated commercial fisheries programs (AICFI & PICFI), with expansion to the north under NICFI. Budget 2017 also announced increased permanent funding for collaborative programs (AFS & AAROM).

This presented a unique opportunity to collaborate with Indigenous groups in the co-development, co-design and co-delivery of programs. Indigenous Programs partnered with the National Indigenous Fisheries Institute (NIFI), an Indigenous-led technical organization, to design and deliver the IPR, which was launched in Autumn 2017.

The co-design of NICFI involved over 17 NIFI-led engagement sessions with more than 50 different communities, 17 groups and 143 participants, including government leaders and officials, hunters and trappers, fish harvesters, commercial fishing managers and association leads and community members. A final report recommending NICFI program design elements will be provided to the Department in early 2019. The recommendations in the final report will inform program guidance for DFO staff and applicant guides for recipients, for utilization during the first full year of NICFI implementation during the 2019-20 fiscal year.

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:

• 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

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2022-23

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 who wish to conduct scientific research and related science activities aligned with Departmental program areas.

Expected Results: The OFSCP was created to enable DFO Science to provide financial contributions for scientific research and related scientific activities relevant to Science priorities and to stimulate scientific research and related scientific activities aligned with Science priorities, thus resulting in a greater pool of knowledge to which DFO would have access. The expected results are:

• 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

The Performance indicators include the following:

1. Percentage of funded projects that generate, integrate and disseminate data and knowledge;
2. Percentage of funded project summaries made publicly available within 12 months following the end of funded projects;
3. Percentage of funded projects that can support scientific advice for regulatory decision making and policy development.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020-21

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 resource management and oceans or ecosystem science with a target of 1,500-1,750 between AAROM and the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy [AFS] combined;
• An increased number of eligible Indigenous communities represented by collaborative fisheries management agreements, with an annual target of 75-100 percent;
• An increased number of Indigenous communities represented by collaborative fisheries management agreements, with a target of 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: 2023-24

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.

Costal 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: During its initial call for proposals the program received 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The next public call for proposals for the program’s remaining $13.6 million closed December 27, 2018. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is currently assessing and prioritizing projects. It is anticipated that the project review will be completed by winter 2019.

It is anticipated that the program will allocate its remaining funds by the end of FY 2018-2019 to support projects that span the remaining length of the program. All performance measures and performance indicators are monitored and reported on in project annual reports.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2021-22

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.

Contribution Program to Support British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (Voted)

Start Date: 2019-20

End Date: 2023-24

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2018-19

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Fisheries Management

Description: The British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) is a new $142.85M joint Canada-BC Fund, for which the federal government is contributing 70% ($100 million) to help restore and protect vulnerable Pacific salmon species and habitat, and support the fish and seafood sector in BC to improve its long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

Expected Results: The BCSRIF and QFF align with DFO’s Departmental Results Framework (DRF) Result 1.1 that Canadian fisheries are sustainably managed, and that Canadian aquaculture is sustainably managed. They directly support the department’s core responsibility to “manage Canada’s fisheries, Indigenous fisheries programs, aquaculture activities and support commercial fishing harbours while applying relevant legislation”.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2022-23

General Targeted Recipient Group: First Nations communities, other Indigenous recipients and organizations, non-profit organizations

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Not applicable

Contribution Program to Support the Nature Legacy for Canada through the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species and Aquatic Habitat (Voted)

Start Date: June 2018

End Date: March 31, 2023

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2018

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Species at Risk

Description: The purpose of the Canada Nature Fund Contribution Program is to carry out the Government of Canada’s 2018 Nature Legacy for Canada, which includes supporting and leveraging efforts to protect and recover aquatic species at risk.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Align with the larger, coordinated, and integrated federal approach to conserving biodiversity (i.e., the Nature Legacy for Canada);
• Promote strategic and lasting collaboration with stakeholders;
• Leverage capacity, expertise and resources through collaboration and stakeholder engagement;
• Achieve outcomes that are transparent, measurable, timely, and align with the Government’s conservation policy priorities; and
• Support national reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Expected Results:

The expected results are:

• Increased stakeholder, public, and Indigenous awareness and engagement;
• Canadians become actively and concretely involved in stewardship projects; and
• Improvements (recovery, protection, etc.) for aquatic species and biodiversity.

Performance indicators will be based on data that is accurate, accessible and affordable and will be designed specifically to:

• Measure performance of the program in meeting its objectives over time;
• Provide performance feedback to support departmental decision making throughout the life of the program;
• Provide an integrated performance story for Parliamentarians and Canadians on the value and contribution of the program; and
• Support analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery.

The Program contributes to DFO’s “Aquatic Ecosystems” Results:

1. negative impacts on Canada’s oceans and other aquatic ecosystems are minimized or avoided; and
2. improved relationships with and outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2022-23

General Targeted Recipient Group:

Eligible recipients under the Fund include:

• Indigenous communities, groups and organizations in Canada; (e.g. Tribal Councils, Governments, watershed or conservation organizations, commercial enterprises, etc.);
• Canadian provincial, territorial, and municipal governments.
• Canadian non-governmental organizations, industry, and their associations;
• Community organizations and stewardship bodies (e.g. non-profit organizations situated in municipalities or regions);
• Post-secondary academic researchers and institutions.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients:

• Website
• Webinars
• Social media and news releases
• Ministerial announcement, local MP announcements
• Engagement sessions with Species at Risk Advisory Committee (SARNAC),National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk (NACOSAR) and First Nations Advisory Committee on Species at Risk (FNACSAR)

Contributions for Indigenous Participation in the Management of Fish and Fish Habitat (Voted)

Start Date: October 2018

End Date: March 31, 2023

Type of Transfer Payment: Contribution

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: 2018

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Fisheries Protection

Description: In 2019-20, DFO will create and administer a new Grants and Contributions program, entitled Indigenous Participation in the Management of Fish and Fish Habitat, with a commitment of $50 million over 5 years. This program will provide support for capacity building of Indigenous Peoples and facilitate greater participation in fish and fish habitat conservation and protection. The funding will also support the participation of Indigenous Peoples in consultations related to project decisions, including in the consideration of potential impacts on their Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

Expected Results:

Immediate Outcomes:
Interested Indigenous groups/communities participate in DFO-led engagement on regulatory, policy or program initiatives.

Interested Indigenous groups/communities present plans to enhance their technical capacity.

Intermediate Outcomes:
Proposals for regulatory, policy or program initiatives address relevant input from Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous peoples participate with DFO in processes related to the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.

Ultimate Outcome:
Increased participation of Indigenous groups/communities in the management of fish and fish habitat

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2022-23

General Targeted Recipient Group: Indigenous peoples

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: Currently under development

Grant Program for the Disposal of Small Craft Harbours (Voted)

Start Date: April 1, 2001

End Date: Ongoing

Type of Transfer Payment: Grant

Type of Appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal Year for Terms and Conditions: Renewed and made ongoing as of April 1, 2012

Link to Department’s Program Inventory: Small Craft Harbours

Description: Small Craft Harbours operates a divestiture class grant program, which provides a one-time, lump-sum grant to eligible recipients who accept the harbour in “as is” condition. A grant is given in lieu of DFO’s repairing a harbour for divestiture and leaves repair decisions to the recipient. All DFO responsibilities for the divested harbour are assumed completely by the recipient at the time of transfer. The objectives of the Small Craft Harbours Class Grant Program are:

• to assist in achieving the 1995 Program Review decision to maintain, in the long run, only active core fishing harbours that are locally managed by a Harbour Authority in order to reduce liabilities for the Government of Canada and achieve cost savings. This is accomplished by divesting all recreational harbours and non-core (e.g. derelict / inactive / low activity) fishing harbours;
• to continue to provide service to Canadians by disposing of harbours to eligible recipients who wish to assume ownership of the harbour and keep it safe and accessible to the public for a minimum of 5 years;
• to provide payments to facilitate the disposal of Small Craft Harbours’ recreational harbours and non-core (e.g. derelict/inactive/low activity) fishing harbours that will allow the recipient to bring the harbour back to an acceptable condition; and
• to achieve disposals at the lowest overall cost for the federal government.

Expected Results: The Class Grant Program does not currently have performance measures or performance indicators for monitoring and reporting as part of its approved terms and conditions.

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2012-13

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2022-23

General Targeted Recipient Group: Provincial or municipal government or agency thereof, local non-profit organizations, local development associations, First Nations and First Nations-owned corporations (for profit and non-profit), or an amalgamation of such interested parties.

Initiatives to Engage Applicants and Recipients: There are no formal mechanisms to engage applicants and recipients for the Class Grant Program. Once a site has been deemed to be a surplus asset and is slated for divestiture, Small Craft Harbours Staff will engage with the aforementioned groups in the order listed above. Should a group express interest, Small Craft Harbours staff then engages in negotiation with that group to find a mechanism and the terms for the transfer that are satisfactory for both the identified group and the Government of Canada. A grant-in-lieu of repairs through the Class Grant Programs is one of the mechanism that can be identified to move forward with the transfer.

Contribution Agreements to Permit the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary 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: Historically, the CCGA has responded to approximately 25 percent of maritime search and rescue (SAR) incidents in Canada. The objective over the 2019-20 to 2021-22 period is to maintain or improve on the 25 percent performance standard.

Over the three year period spanning 2019-20 to 2021-22 the program will support the expansion of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) with a focus on increasing the participation of coastal Indigenous communities.

Performance indicators include:

• Percentage of maritime SAR incidents in which CCGA participated;
• Percentage of CCGA units that are properly trained and equipped; and
• The increase in CCGA Indigenous membership and participation in search and rescue activities including training and exercising. (NEW)

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: 2016-17

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2021-22

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 program does not have repayable contributions.

Expected Results:

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.

Outcome(s):

Operators in the Canadian Fishery and Aquaculture Sectors Implement Clean Technology

Performance indicators & Targets:

Fisheries Sector: 54 fishing vessels adopt clean technology by March 31, 2020.

Aquaculture Sector: 54 aquaculture sites adopt clean technology by March 31, 2020.

Data strategy: Final project reports

Long-Term (10 Years)

In the long-term, results are focused on measurable improvements to the 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.

Outcome(s):

Improved Environmental Performance of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors

Performance indicators & Targets:

% of stakeholders who report a reduction in environmental impact.: Baseline to be established in 2018-19 for target in 2021

# of additional fisheries/ aquaculture businesses or sites that adopt a technology funded by FACTAP, either through self-funding or other funding mechanisms.: Equal to the number of technologies funded under FACTAP by 2021

Data strategy: Final project reports & Survey of fisheries and aquaculture industry associations (Third party data)

Fiscal Year of Last Completed Evaluation: Not applicable

Decision Following the Results of Last Evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal Year of Planned Completion of Next Evaluation: 2020-21

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.