2022-23 Departmental Plan - Transfer payment program

Transfer payment programs with total planned spending of $5 million or more

3-year plan for the Atlantic Innovation Fund – Voted

Start date: May 10, 2001

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental results: Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Research and Development, and Commercialization; Innovation Ecosystem

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Atlantic Innovation Fund makes strategic investments in research and development (R&D) initiatives in the area of natural and applied sciences, as well as social sciences, humanities, and arts and culture. Projects are expected to result in the successful adaptation or development as well as the commercialization of technology-based products, processes or services.

Contributions to non-profit organizations are non-repayable. Contributions to for-profit businesses to fund R&D projects that involve the commercialization of a product, process, technology or service are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally.

Expected results:

• Increase activity in and build capacity for innovation and R&D, which leads to technologies, products, processes or services that contribute to economic growth in Atlantic Canada.
• Increase capacity for the commercialization of R&D outputs.
• Strengthen the region’s innovation capacity by supporting research, development and commercialization collaboration, as well as alliances among private-sector firms, universities, research institutions and other organizations in the Atlantic system of innovation, and by increasing their critical mass.
• Maximize benefits from national R&D programs.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Innovation Programming, 2019-20

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2022-23

General targeted recipient groups:

• For-profit organizations; and
• Not-for-profit organizations and charities.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

ACOA engages proponents and recipients on a regular basis, either one-on-one or via industry associations. The communication strategy also includes the use of social media to inform and engage applicants and recipients.

Financial information (dollars)

3-year plan for Business Development Program – Voted

Start date: July 25, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Link to departmental results: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada; Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada; and Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities; Research and Development, and Commercialization; Innovation Ecosystem; Business Growth; Trade and Investment; Policy Research and Engagement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Through the Business Development Program (BDP), ACOA works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) become more competitive, innovative and productive. In addition, the Agency works with communities to develop and diversify local economies. It also champions the strengths of the region, in partnership with Atlantic Canadians.

Budget 2018 introduced a new innovation program for ACOA: the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) Program. All new innovation-related projects that were historically funded through the BDP are now funded through the REGI Program, except to implement special initiatives at Cabinet direction, such as the Linguistic Duality Economic Development Initiative.

The objectives of the BDP are to:

• improve the growth and competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian SMEs;
• provide for dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada; and
• provide for initiatives that strengthen Atlantic Canada’s economy.

In general, contributions to for-profit businesses are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally. Under some of the BDP’s elements, non-repayable contributions to for-profit businesses may be allowed.

Contributions to non-profit organizations are generally non-repayable but are conditionally repayable if a project results in what would normally be considered a commercial activity.

Expected results:

Improve the growth and competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian SMEs through the following:

• strengthened innovation and commercialization capacity in Atlantic Canada
• enhanced productivity and growth capacity of Atlantic Canadian SMEs
• expanded export activity by SMEs in Atlantic Canada
• new foreign direct investment opportunities in Atlantic Canada

Provide for dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada with increased economic and business activity through the following:

• improved community capacity, including that of official language minority communities, to respond to economic and business development opportunities and challenges
• strengthened and expanded businesses

Provide for policies and programs that strengthen Atlantic Canada’s economy. This is done through well-informed policy decisions reflecting opportunities and challenges of the Atlantic region’s economy while considering enterprise and community development potential.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluations: Collectively, the evaluations listed below represent 100% coverage of the BDP.

• Evaluation of ACOA’s Communities and Inclusive Growth Programming, 2018-19
• Evaluation of ACOA’s Innovation Programming, 2019-20
• Evaluation of ACOA's Business Growth and Trade and Investment Programming, 2020-21

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluations: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2022-23

General targeted recipient groups:

• For-profit organizations;
• Not-for-profit organizations and charities;
• Government; and
• Aboriginal organizations.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the BDP) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain citizen- and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions for the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations. To ensure the continued relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, through either information sharing or consultations and collaborations. Additionally, BDP information is continuously shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.

Financial information (dollars)

3-year plan for the Growth through Regional Innovation Program (known as the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation [REGI] Program) – Voted

This includes the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund, the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund, and the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI).

Start date: October 18, 2018

End date: REGI Program – Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: REGI Program – Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated Annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental results: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada; Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada; and Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Business Growth; Innovation Ecosystem; Trade and Investment; Inclusive Communities; Research and Development, and Commercialization

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The REGI initiative builds on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan. The goal of the REGI Program is to provide streamlined, nationally coordinated yet regionally tailored support for business productivity and scale-up, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurs and other under-represented groups, and assist the enhancement of regional industrial and technology clusters and regional innovation ecosystems.

The program provides assistance through two streams.

• Business Scale-up and Productivity Stream: Invest in and support businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms, to accelerate their growth and assist them in scaling up, enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
• Regional Innovation Ecosystems Stream: Create, grow and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.

The REGI Program also includes temporary funding streams for the JGF, the CCRF, the TRF, the ARRI, the WES Ecosystem Fund, the BEP Ecosystem Fund, and the CCTI.

• Jobs and Growth Fund – to provide funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth.
• Canada Community Revitalization Fund – to help communities across Atlantic Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Tourism Relief Fund – to support tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public-health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.
• Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – to support small and medium-sized firms in improving productivity, strengthening commercialization, and greening their operations and products.
• Black Entrepreneurship Program National Ecosystem Fund – to strengthen capacity among Black-led non-profit business organizations.
• Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund – to address gaps and build capacity in the entrepreneurship ecosystem for women.
• Canada Coal Transition Initiative – to support a just and sustainable transition away from coal-powered plants in affected rural communities.

Contributions issued under the REGI Program may be unconditionally or conditionally repayable, or non-repayable.

Expected results:

• Businesses adopt innovations and commercialize innovative products or services.
• Regional innovation ecosystems expand the number of supported businesses.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluations: Collectively, the evaluations listed below represent 100% coverage of the REGI Program.

• Evaluation of ACOA’s Innovation Programming, 2019-20
• Evaluation of ACOA’s Business Growth and Trade and Investment Programming, 2020-21

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

• Horizontal Evaluation of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program, 2023-24
• Horizontal Evaluation of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, 2023-24

General targeted recipient groups:

• For-profit organizations;
• Not-for-profit organizations;
• Academia and public institutions;
• Aboriginal organizations; and
• Government.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

ACOA collaborates with its partners and engages key stakeholders in discussions regarding economic development and business growth to ensure that the Agency’s investments respond to the needs of SMEs. Key partners and stakeholders may include other levels of government, community leaders, financial institutions and private-sector organizations. Furthermore, information on the REGI Program as well as WES is shared with applicants and recipients through the Agency’s website.

Financial information (dollars)

3-year Plan for the Community Futures Program – Voted

Start date: May 18, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10

Link to departmental results: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Inclusive Communities

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The program’s purpose is to help communities develop and implement local solutions to local problems. It provides non-repayable contributions to community futures organizations, also known in Atlantic Canada as Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), and their associations. Community-based governance is at the heart of the Community Futures Program. CBDCs are legally incorporated, non-profit, autonomous organizations managed by local volunteer board members who make decisions that shape these organizations, affect the lives of entrepreneurs and impact their communities. They provide financial and technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises in rural areas. More information on services provided through the CBDCs can be found on ACOA’s website.

The RRRF is a national lifeline for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that are unable to access other federal pandemic support programs. ACOA and the Atlantic Association of CBDCs are distributing the RRRF in Atlantic Canada.

Expected results:

The ultimate outcomes under the program are as follows:

• COVID-19 relief to support SMEs;
• economic stability, growth and job creation;
• diversified and competitive local rural economies; and
• economically sustainable communities.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Horizontal Evaluation of the Community Futures Program, 2018-19

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Horizontal Evaluation of the Community Futures Program, 2023-24

General targeted recipient groups:

• Not-for-profit organizations and charities; and
• Other.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

The Agency will continue to engage with and align its support to the CBDC network as part of the Community Futures of Tomorrow model under a collaborative joint oversight committee. This will maximize all resources available, including the funds provided by the Community Futures Program. With a view to maintaining the long-term viability of the program, the committee acts as a governance body by ensuring that the model’s objectives are being managed collaboratively among individual CBDCs, the Atlantic Association of CBDCs, and ACOA. The Agency will continue to collaborate with the CBDC network and individual organizations to enhance their program-delivery capacity and governance practices, where required, and support the network in providing training to community development officers and board members to successfully achieve results.

ACOA will continue to work with the other regional development agencies and the CBDCs to strengthen the integrity, consistency and collection of performance results, and will continue to implement the program’s performance measurement strategy. In collaboration with other federal departments responsible for the management of the program, ACOA will present performance results for 2018-19 and will continue to engage the CBDCs in refining the collection and use of performance information needed by all stakeholders.

Financial information (dollars)

3-year plan for the Innovative Communities Fund – Voted

Start date: April 1, 2005

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10

Link to departmental results: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Diversified Communities; Inclusive Communities

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) is designed to make non-repayable contributions in support of strategic initiatives that respond to the economic development needs of communities. The ICF focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities. Urban initiatives that stimulate the competitiveness and vitality of rural communities may also be considered on a select basis.

Expected result:

The ICF capitalizes on the strengths of Atlantic Canadian communities and provides them with the tools they need to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth. The overall expected result is to improve community capacity to identify and address economic as well as business development needs and opportunities.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Communities and Inclusive Growth Programming, 2018-19

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Horizontal Evaluation of the Community Futures Program, 2023-24

General targeted recipient groups:

• Government;
• Aboriginal organizations; and
• Not-for-profit organizations and charities.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

ACOA continues to collaborate proactively with its partners to identify strategic community projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Each ACOA regional office continues to focus on higher-impact investments in rural communities. This is done through an investment strategy document, by collaborating with municipal and provincial governments on priority sectors, and by undertaking policy research to identify the prominent sectors in a region.

Financial information (dollars)

Transfer payment programs with total planned spending of less than $5 million

3-year plan for the Atlantic Policy Research Initiative – Voted

Start date: July 1, 2000

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10

Link to departmental results: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada; Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada; and Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Policy Research and Engagement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Atlantic Policy Research Initiative is the primary funding instrument through which ACOA supports policy research. The program provides non-repayable contributions.

The objectives of the program are to:

• generate and disseminate knowledge that enhances policy knowledge, taking into account regional economic opportunities and challenges;
• support and influence the policy research priorities that impact the Atlantic region, particularly those directly related to economic development; and
• establish and promote networks among stakeholders.

Expected result:

Well-informed policy decisions reflecting opportunities and challenges of the Atlantic region’s economy while considering enterprise and community development potential.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: ACOA’s Evaluation of the Atlantic Policy Research Initiative, 2014-15

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation (if applicable): Not applicable

General targeted recipient groups:

• For-profit organizations;
• Not-for-profit organizations and charities;
• International (non-government); and
• Government.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: On a regular basis, ACOA meets with regional stakeholders and eligible applicants to discuss Government of Canada priorities and policy research opportunities. Regional program officers frequently refer eligible applicants looking to conduct policy research on diverse topics.

Financial information (dollars)