Applicant guide: Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund – 2023-24 call for proposals

This Applicant guide is for the 2023-24 call for proposals under the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF). This call for proposals launched in November 2023.

Contents

• Introduction
  • Program objectives
  • The 2023-24 CMIF call for proposals
• Program details
  • Funding streams
  • Funding timeline
  • Eligible projects
  • Eligible recipients
  • Eligible activities
  • Eligible expenditures
  • Conditionally repayable and non-repayable contributions
• Application and program process
  • CMIF portal registration
  • Project application
  • Project assessment
  • Project approval
  • Contribution agreement negotiation (only for approved projects)
  • Reporting requirements (only for approved projects)
• Additional information for applicants
  • Audit rights
  • Tax treatment
  • Intellectual property
  • Confidentiality and security of information
  • Regulatory and legal requirements
  • Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility plan or commitment
  • Other conditions
• Program contact information
• Disclaimer
• Annex A: Definitions
• Annex B: Application form companion guide
  • Section 1: Applicant information
  • Section 2: Contacts
  • Section 3: Project information
  • Section 4: Other documentation
  • Section 5: Confirmations and consent
  • Section 6: Conflicts of interest
• Annex C: List of eligible and ineligible expenditures
• Annex D: Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility plan or commitment requirements
  • Option 1: IDEA plan
  • Option 2: Public IDEA commitment
• Annex E: Application document checklist and templates
  • Organizational documents
  • Financial documents
  • Infrastructure project documents
  • Mining and value chain documents
• Footnotes

Introduction

Strategic infrastructure investments are key to translating Canada’s critical mineral potential into reality and securing its position as a leading supplier of minerals and materials for clean energy technologies. Canada’s critical mineral sector has considerable opportunities that remain underdeveloped. Critical mineral deposits are often located in remote areas with challenging terrain and limited access to enabling infrastructure, such as roads or grid connectivity.

To address this challenge, the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund will provide $1.5 billion over seven years to support clean energy and transportation infrastructure that is necessary to enable the development and expansion of Canada’s critical minerals production. Through the projects it funds, the CMIF will unlock new critical mineral resources, support improved environmental performance at mine sites, promote reconciliation with Indigenous partners, and strengthen critical minerals supply and value chains.

The CMIF complements existing federal programming such as Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) and Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) programs, Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) and the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) Critical Minerals Investments and Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative. Applications received under the CMIF will be shared with the CIB for an assessment of potential for CIB investment. In cases where financing would be offered by the CIB, CMIF’s potential contribution to a project will be scaled accordingly.

The CMIF will also offer grant funding to support Indigenous groups and organizations to engage in the development and implementation of CMIF-related infrastructure projects. The application and selection process for grants will be run separately from this call for proposals (CFP).

Program objectives

The primary program objectives of the CMIF are to:

• Address gaps in clean energy and transportation infrastructure that limit the production and expansion of critical mineral resources in Canada
• Drive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in operations that produce critical minerals by increasing access to, and integration of, renewable and non-emitting energy sources (e.g., wind, solar, hydroelectrical, nuclear, geothermal) and existing electrical grids
• Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by supporting Indigenous consultation, participation and benefits from infrastructure projects that enable critical minerals development

The 2023-24 CMIF call for proposals

This first CFP under the CMIF will provide up to $300 million in federal funding through non-repayable and conditionally repayable contributions to eligible projects. This CFP is open to transportation and clean energy projects at both the Pre-construction (Stream 1) and Infrastructure Deployment (Stream 2) phases.

• For Stream 1, this is a time-limited CFP. Applications will be accepted until February 29, 2024, and will then be assessed and ranked as a cohort, with those ranked highest prioritized for offers of funding
• For Stream 2, this is a continuous intake CFP, where applications will be assessed on a continuous, first-come basis until February 29, 2024. CMIF funding will be awarded to projects based on their individual merits and on the overall strength of the application as determined by project assessments. When the funding allocated to this stream is exhausted, NRCan may stop issuing funding decisions or may launch a second phase of this CFP to make additional funding available

Additional CMIF CFPs will be held over the seven-year timeframe of the program.

Program details

Funding streams

Transportation and energy infrastructure projects require significant preparatory work to ensure adequate understanding of technical feasibility, environmental and community impacts, and potential economic benefits. By supporting both pre-construction and shovel-ready projects, the CMIF will target short-term results from deployable projects while also supporting a robust pipeline of projects that can be deployed in the coming years.

Stream 1: Pre-construction and project development

This stream supports pre-construction activities necessary to advance clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects towards a shovel-ready state. Funding for this stream will be targeted to advance infrastructure-specific consultation and engagement with local stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations, energy modeling and feasibility studies, engineering, planning and design work, and climate change/environmental reviews or assessments. These activities will support regulatory and permitting decisions required prior to the procurement and construction stage.

Stream 2: Infrastructure deployment

This stream supports shovel-ready clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects. Funding for this stream will support activities such as site preparation, construction, deployment of technologies, and improvement of energy and transportation-related infrastructure that enables or expands critical mineral development projects. Shovel ready, for this stream, is defined as being able to proceed with project construction or implementation, including by having already obtained all necessary regulatory approvals, permits, and land-access rights.

Funding timeline

CMIF is looking for projects that will have a timely impact. Time-to-impact will be considered as part of the overall project assessment and the CMIF may prioritize projects that can begin executing activities and incurring related expenses in fiscal year 2024-25 (April 1 to March 31).

All CMIF-funded projects must end no later than March 31, 2030. A project could be scoped to include a single phase of a larger, multi-phase infrastructure development initiative.

Eligible projects

The CMIF will offer contribution funding for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects, focusing on the upstream, mining segment of critical minerals value chains.

Clean energy infrastructure projects, under the program, are those that drive environmental performance while supporting critical minerals development by increasing access to, and integration of, renewable and non-emitting energy sources, as well as existing electrical grids.^{Footnote 1} This includes:

• Mine site infrastructure (e.g., grid connectivity, demonstration and deployment of renewable or alternative energy technologies, battery storage projects and electric vehicle charging stations for mining equipment)
• projects with a regional impact on the development or expansion of critical mineral resource production. Regional impacts may include larger scale initiatives to provide renewable or alternative energy for mining activities at more than one mine site and local communities (e.g., hydroelectric projects)

Transportation infrastructure projects under the program are those that directly enable the development or expansion of critical minerals resources, including roads, rail, and marine transportation infrastructure necessary to connect the mine to the mid-stream segments of value chains (e.g., to processing facilities or to transportation systems that allow access to global markets). This includes:

• infrastructure that serves a single mine (e.g., an access road), and
• regional infrastructure that serves a mine or mining area and other users (e.g., nearby communities)

CMIF funded projects must be located entirely in Canada.

Eligible recipients

To be eligible, a recipient must be in good standing with NRCan and must have effective control of all constituent elements of the project, such that they can meet the obligations of any eventual funding agreement. Eligible recipients are limited to:

• Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including for-profit organizations and not-for-profit organizations (e.g., businesses, industry associations, universities and research institutions)
• Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies^{Footnote 3}
• Indigenous^{Footnote 4} recipients, including:
  • Indigenous communities or governments (e.g., Indian Act bands, self-governing First Nations, Métis Community Organizations, modern treaty implementation organizations including economic development corporations constituted under a modern treaty, and others)
  • Tribal Councils or entities that fulfill a similar function (e.g., general council)
  • National and regional Indigenous councils, and tribal organizations, and
  • Indigenous not-for-profit (51% or greater control by Indigenous Peoples) and for-profit (51% or greater control by an Indigenous community / communities) corporations, businesses, joint ventures, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions

Eligible activities

Eligible activities are those that are necessary to achieve project outcomes and fall under the following parameters:

Pre-construction and project development activities (Stream 1)

• Infrastructure-specific consultation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, job training, and engagement with local and Indigenous communities and organizations
• Infrastructure-specific prefeasibility and feasibility studies; engineering, planning and design work, including appropriately scoped technology demonstration, testing, and piloting activities; energy and resource modeling; environmental reviews and assessments, and
• Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) plans that support participation in the critical minerals sector^{Footnote 5}

Infrastructure deployment activities (Stream 2)

• Preparation (e.g., site preparation), construction, rehabilitation, and improvement (e.g., upgrade or enhancement) of energy or transportation infrastructure assets, including:
  • Creation or enhancement of fixed transportation infrastructure (e.g., road, bridge, rail, marine) that enables the development or expansion of critical mineral resource production, and/or that connects resources to critical mineral value chains
  • Clean energy production, distribution, transmission, and/or storage infrastructure projects that supply non-emitting energy (e.g., hydro, solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal)
  • Construction or retrofit of energy infrastructure (e.g., transmission and distribution lines, associated infrastructure) that provides a connection to an electrical grid
  • Retrofits of existing clean energy projects, including hardware and software, to enable them to provide grid services
  • Engagement and related activities (e.g., capacity building, job training, IDEA plans) with impacted communities during project deployment

Recipients may further distribute funding to one or more persons and/or entities to conduct approved project activities. A maximum of 15% of the total contribution may be used for activities that directly contribute to the distribution of funding. Eligible activities may include coordination of CFPs, selection of persons and/or entities to which funding will be further distributed, and the management of funding agreements with these additional persons and/or entities.

Eligible expenditures

Eligible expenditures are limited to the reasonable costs that are required to achieve an eligible project’s objectives. The CMIF is designed to cover a broad range of expenses, in line with best practices for federal contributions programs. Examples of eligible expenses include costs related to site preparation and construction; most professional services, including research and engineering; salaries and benefits; training; administrative costs, and others. Some expenditures such as land acquisition, litigation fees, general operating, and maintenance are not eligible for reimbursement.

Applicants should consult Annex C for a full list of eligible expenses and examples of ineligible expenses and must limit the CMIF-requested funding portion of their costs to eligible expenditures. In determining the amount of funding for a successful application, the CMIF will be guided by the following parameters:

Maximum funding amount

The maximum funding available per project under this CFP is $50 million, unless the applicant is a provincial or territorial government, in which case the maximum is $100 million. Stream 1 projects requesting $10 million or less may be prioritized for funding to allow a diversity of projects to be funded.

Maximum percentages

For most contributions under the CMIF, the maximum contribution amount per project will be up to 50% of the project’s total eligible expenditures, with the following exceptions:

• Arctic and Northern projects may have up to 75% of total eligible expenditures funded. These projects are those that are located in an Arctic or northern region as defined by the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (includes Yukon; the Northwest Territories; Nunavut; the Nunavik Region of Quebec; and the Nunatsiavut region of Newfoundland and Labrador) and that are submitted by:
  • A public sector organization (e.g., provincial, territorial, or municipal government and their departments and agencies), an Indigenous community or government, or a not-for-profit organization, or
  • A for-profit private sector organization where one of the aforementioned public sector organizations would have ultimate ownership of the asset following completion of the project
• Indigenous-led projects may have up to 75% of total eligible expenditures funded. These are projects where the applicant organization is an Indigenous recipient as outlined in Eligible Recipients above.
• Projects employing a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model may have up to 33% of total eligible expenditures funded. A P3 is defined as a long-term contractual relationship between a public authority and the private sector that involves:
  • Provision of capital assets and associated services to meet a defined output specification (i.e., specifications that define what is required rather than how it is to be done)
  • Integration of multiple phases of the life cycle of an asset (e.g., design, build, maintain, and/or operate) and related financing into a single agreement
  • The allocation of risks between the public and private sectors
  • Private sector capital at risk throughout the duration of the contract
  • A performance-based payment mechanism

Stacking of assistance

The maximum level of total Canadian government funding (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) permitted under the CMIF is 100% of total project costs. Applicants must disclose all anticipated sources of funding for the proposed project, including approved in-kind funding, and must clearly identify contributions from other Canadian government sources. If actual total government assistance exceeds 100% of eligible expenditures, the CMIF will adjust its level of funding (and seek reimbursement, if necessary) so that the stacking limit is not exceeded.

Conditionally repayable and non-repayable contributions

The CMIF will provide non-repayable and conditionally repayable contributions. Recipients will be informed at the time of a funding decision whether a non-repayable or conditionally repayable contribution is offered. The parameters for determining whether a contribution will be conditionally repayable or non-repayable are as follows:

Conditionally repayable contributions

Funding provided to projects where the recipient is a for-profit organization and that are intended to allow profit generation will be conditionally repayable. Profit in relation to the project means net operating profit as determined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and encompasses profits generated over several years by both the infrastructure being developed and any mining activities that it directly enables.

• Generally, infrastructure will be considered to directly enable mining activities when its use is tied to any specific mining operation (e.g., a direct access road).
• Generally, infrastructure projects of regional scale that would enable multiple, potentially unrelated future mining operations will not have the expected profitability of their mining-related activities considered when determining profits (e.g., a regional road).

Projects with conditionally repayable contributions will be monitored for up to 10 years following their commissioning to determine the amount to be repaid to Canada. Within this time period, if profits are generated, the recipient will be required to repay funds based on terms outlined in the contribution agreement. The maximum repayment would be equal to the program’s contribution, and no interest would be charged except in the case of default of payment.

The requirements that may trigger repayments will be detailed in the contribution agreement, along with the process for repayment.

Non-repayable contributions

The following projects and recipients will generally qualify for non-repayable contributions:

• Indigenous recipients listed in Eligible Recipients above^{Footnote 6}
• Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments
• Provincial Crown corporations
• Other public organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Projects that qualify for less than $100,000 in contribution funding
• Projects that are not intended to allow a business to generate profit

Contributions may also be partially non-repayable for profit-enabling projects that also provide a broader public benefit (e.g., energy generation or road connectivity for a mine and local communities).

Application and program process

The application process involves the following steps:

CMIF portal registration

To begin a project application, applicants are asked to create a profile in the CMIF application portal. This portal will be the primary means for collecting and storing application information.

To submit an application, you will need a Government of Canada-issued GCKey to access the CMIF online application portal. A GCKey is a unique electronic credential provided by the Government of Canada that allows you to communicate securely with online programs and services.

If you do not already have one, you can get a GCKey at the Government of Canada’s Welcome to GCKey webpage. Once you have a GCKey, you can access the CMIF online application portal to prepare and submit your application.

Project application

Applications may be submitted at any time while a CFP window is open. For Stream 1 projects, applications will be accepted until February 29, 2024, and will be assessed and ranked together as a single cohort. For Stream 2 projects, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until February 29, 2024 and considered for funding as they are received. Stream 2 applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their application as soon as it is complete.

Preparing an application

Applications can be developed in the CMIF web portal over multiple sessions. Applicants should consult the step-by-step application guide in Annex B thoroughly and regularly while preparing a project application. Applicants will be asked to provide information about their organization, their project, expected outcomes, and other information required for project assessment, administration, and reporting purposes.

Applicants must also provide any additional information that NRCan deems necessary to assess the eligibility and merits of an application, and to undertake due diligence as part of a project assessment.

Submitting an application

An application can be updated or changed until it is submitted. Applicants are advised to ensure that applications are complete and final before submitting. Once submitted, changes cannot be made. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After submitting an application

After an application is submitted, it will be screened for basic completeness and eligibility. Applications that do not pass this screening will be returned to the applicant along with an indication of the area(s) of insufficiency. For Stream 1, applicants will be notified shortly after the CFP window closes as to whether their application has passed this screening and been retained for a full project assessment. For Stream 2, applicants will be notified shortly after submitting their application. Applications that do not pass this screening will be returned to the applicant along with an indication of the area(s) of insufficiency. For Stream 2, applicants may choose to revise and resubmit their application, provided the CFP is still open.

An applicant may withdraw their application at any stage of the evaluation process by notifying NRCan in writing via email at cmif-fimc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

Sharing of applications with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)

The CIB provides financial support for revenue-generating infrastructure projects that are in the public interest. Under its Critical Minerals Investments, the CIB targets new investments to facilitate the construction of enabling and supporting infrastructure, including access roads, and clean power generation and transmission, to unlock critical mineral development.

To maximize the availability and flexibility of federal funding support for critical minerals-supporting infrastructure projects, the CMIF program works in conjunction with the CIB to assess projects and identify best fit funding solutions. Every application submitted to the CMIF will be shared with the CIB for an assessment of investment opportunities. In cases where financing would be offered by the CIB, CMIF’s potential contribution to a project will be scaled accordingly. Applicants will be notified if their application is being considered for financial support from the CIB.

The CIB offers a range of financing tools at or near market rates, with considerations of tenor and seniority. In addition to clean energy and transportation infrastructure, the CIB can finance additional categories of supporting infrastructure necessary to enable the development and expansion of Canada’s critical minerals production. This includes ancillary infrastructure such as broadband connectivity, electric vehicle charging and water/wastewater infrastructure. The extent to which a project can generate revenues and could be financed by private sources is an important consideration for the CIB when assessing investment opportunities. The CIB may therefore request additional information from an applicant to assist in determining eligibility.

Project assessment

CMIF funding decisions will be supported by project assessments, which will determine the merit of the project and strength of the application. These assessments will involve an interdepartmental process engaging expertise from relevant federal organizations to make recommendations on applications.

Application assessments will include three basic elements:

• an assessment of an eligible project’s expected support for critical minerals production in Canada
• a due diligence assessment evaluating the application quality, project feasibility, and project risks
• an assessment of the project’s expected economic, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation benefits and impacts

Assessments will rely on information submitted as part of a project’s funding application, as well as other information available to assessors via public or other government sources. See Annex B for further direction on what information to include in an application to support these assessments.

Support for critical minerals development

To be considered for funding under the CMIF, proposed projects must advance the development of either clean energy or transportation infrastructure that will enable increased critical mineral resource production in Canada.

Transportation project applications must demonstrate the proposed infrastructure project is necessary to enable development and/or expansion of critical mineral resources – including existing or new mines.

Energy project applications must demonstrate the proposed infrastructure will enable increased production of critical minerals and drive environmental performance in critical mineral mining activities through improved access to energy from a clean energy source or from an existing electrical grid.

Due diligence assessment

This assessment will evaluate overall project readiness and feasibility, taking into consideration the project’s implementation plan, risks, and mandatory steps before project commencement. If the due diligence assessment identifies significant issues in these areas, NRCan may disqualify the application from further consideration. In these cases, NRCan will notify the applicant of this decision and provide reasons. If elements of the project are enhanced, a new application may be resubmitted for consideration provided the CFP deadline has not already passed (Stream 2 only).

The due diligence assessment will evaluate, as applicable:

Project readiness: Confirmation that there are no barriers preventing the project from proceeding. This will vary by stream.

• For Stream 1 (pre-construction): The proposed project activities must be able to begin as planned without additional steps being required.
• For Stream 2 (infrastructure deployment): The proposed infrastructure project must be shovel-ready (i.e., it has all necessary permissions, including access to project lands, has completed all regulatory and permitting approvals, and is ready to begin construction). No funding agreement can be signed without all permits and approvals completed.

Project feasibility: Assessment of the proposed project’s implementation plan and key project elements, including:

• The project’s technical feasibility and logistical details
• The project’s work plan and proposed timelines
• The project’s budget, financial plan and commitments from other funding partners
• The experience and expertise of the proposed project management team
• The applicant organization’s capacity to undertake the project
• The applicant’s understanding of project risks and the proposed risk mitigation strategy
• The proposed monitoring and reporting plan for project progress and outcomes
• Any legal risks that may affect the project or applicant

Project funding rationale: Assessment of the impact federal funding will have on the project, and its importance to realizing the project’s proposed outcomes.

Feasibility of supported critical mineral mining projects: Assessment of the critical mineral mining projects and activities the proposed infrastructure would support, including their development status, status of any infrastructure usage or off-take agreements, and any potential risks that could delay or disrupt the realization of new critical mineral production.

Duty to consult: Confirmation that any legal duty to consult with, and where appropriate, to accommodate Indigenous groups, has been met and will continue to be met for the project. Further information may be required to assess whether a duty to consult exists on the part of the Government of Canada. Canada has a duty to consult when it contemplates any action that could impact asserted or established Indigenous or Treaty Rights. This could include the provision of federal funding in specific circumstances. Funds may not be disbursed until all consultation obligations have been discharged.

Impact Assessment and Environmental Assessments: Confirmation that any federal, provincial, and/or territorial legislative requirements to conduct an impact and/or environmental assessment(s) have been completed and the assessment(s) received a positive decision prior to enabling any project activities or releasing funding for the project. Projects under the CMIF will be assessed in accordance with all applicable federal environmental laws^{Footnote 2}.

Infrastructure decommissioning or succession plan: Assessment of the applicant’s plan for the decommissioning, disposal, transfer, or ongoing use and maintenance of the proposed infrastructure after its intended use for critical minerals development has finished.

Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) plan: For applicants with 20 full-time equivalent employees or more – confirmation that the applicant organization has an adequate IDEA plan or a commitment outlining the measures it will take to foster inclusive work environments, and to advance progress on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in implementing the proposed project.

Economic, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation assessment

The CMIF will target funding to the highest quality and most impactful projects, taking into consideration their expected economic, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation benefits.

While all applications will be subject to the three sets of assessment criteria detailed in Tables 1 to 3 below, the sub-criteria and considerations applied may be tailored to account for differences between project types. This includes differences between transportation and energy infrastructure, and between pre-construction and shovel-ready projects (e.g., to recognize the various levels of development of pre-construction projects). While applicants must submit a complete application that answers all applicable form questions as comprehensively as possible, a proposed project does not need to address all assessment criteria below to be prioritized for funding.

For Stream 1, these assessment criteria will be used to support the ranking of project applications in a funding priority list after the CFP closes on February 29, 2024. For Stream 2, projects will be assessed against the same criteria on a rolling basis as they are received. Assessment results will be considered in any final decision to offer funding for a project.

Table 1. Economic development considerations criteria

Sub-criteria	Assessment considerations
Support for critical mineral resource production in Canada	Assessment of the anticipated impacts of the proposed infrastructure on critical mineral production in Canada Considerations: The volume/value of new critical mineral resources the proposed infrastructure would make accessible for development, critical mineral value chains, and international trade. Factors to be assessed include: local geological potential (i.e., the size and quality of known critical mineral deposits that will benefit from the infrastructure), and the quantity/anticipated market value of new critical mineral resource extraction the infrastructure will directly enable (annual and total production figures) The time-to-impact of the project: how quickly new critical mineral production enabled by the proposed infrastructure will become available to value chains The number, and degree of advancement, of critical mineral producing operations that will be directly supported by the proposed infrastructure Potential barriers to new critical mineral mining activities the proposed infrastructure would support (e.g., regulatory and permitting uncertainty) The project’s anticipated benefits for critical mineral exploration activities, if any
Support for the development of domestic critical mineral value chains	Assessment of the project’s expected contributions to the growth or competitiveness of domestic critical mineral value chains, including midstream processing and downstream industries Considerations: The critical minerals whose production the proposed infrastructure will enable, and their alignment with the material needs of priority domestic value chains The planned midstream and downstream destinations and partnerships for the critical mineral production that will be enabled by the proposed infrastructure
Support for broader economic activities	Assessment of the expected economic benefits of the proposed infrastructure beyond critical mineral development, if any Considerations: Broader regional economic development activities resulting from the proposed infrastructure, including job creation Potential for the infrastructure to provide benefits beyond the timeframe of the critical mineral mining it will support Linkages of the proposed infrastructure to existing or planned transportation and energy systems, or other capital works by public and private sector entities
Promotion of innovative or new technologies	Assessment of innovative elements of the project, proposed infrastructure, or the mining projects to be supported or enabled by it, if any Considerations: If the proposed project advances a novel infrastructure asset, technology, or system that has not been previously implemented for Canada’s critical minerals sector If the project and proposed infrastructure supports or enables mining projects that are incorporating innovative technologies or approaches to critical mineral extraction The potential contributions of the project as a ‘proof-of-concept’ that could generate significant sector-wide benefits through broader adoption

Table 2. Indigenous reconciliation considerations criteria

Sub-criteria	Assessment considerations
Support for Indigenous consultation and participation in the development of the proposed infrastructure	Assessment of the project’s degree of Indigenous involvement and engagement in the development of the proposed infrastructure and the mining activities it will enable Considerations: The quality and scope of Indigenous consultation, engagement, and/or participation in the project and the proposed infrastructure development The level of support from Indigenous communities or organizations
Benefits for Indigenous Peoples	Assessment of the anticipated benefits for Indigenous communities of the project and the critical mineral production it will enable. Considerations: Indigenous ownership in the project, the proposed infrastructure, and/or the critical mineral projects that will benefit from the infrastructure The benefits the proposed infrastructure and the enabled critical mineral production will provide for Indigenous communities (e.g., jobs, long-term revenue, royalties) The number of Indigenous communities or organizations potentially impacted and their level of participation or partnership to support project outcomes

Table 3. Environmental considerations criteria

Sub-criteria	Assessment considerations
Reduction of GHG emissions generated from the production of critical minerals ENERGY PROJECTS ONLY	Assessment of the proposed infrastructure’s anticipated impact on GHG emissions from critical mineral resource extraction activities Considerations: The net change in the GHG emissions directly attributable to critical mineral resource extraction activities that would result from the infrastructure (vs. the current baseline, or alternative scenarios using a GHG-emitting source of energy) The time-to-impact of the project: how quickly reductions in GHG emissions from critical mineral extraction will be realized from the proposed infrastructure
Support for clean and zero-emissions technology manufacturing	Assessment of the degree to which critical mineral resource development supported by the project will contribute to the growth of downstream clean and zero-emissions technology manufacturing (e.g., batteries, wind, solar, nuclear) Considerations: Relevance/importance of the critical minerals the project and infrastructure will support to clean and zero-emissions technology manufacturing
Project environmental impacts	Assessment of the expected environmental impacts of the project, the proposed infrastructure, the mining activities it will support, and any other supported economic activities Considerations: The scale and scope of expected environmental impacts of the project infrastructure and supported economic activities, including mining activities (e.g., GHG emissions generated by the project itself and supported activities; impacts on water resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems) Mitigation and/or monitoring to reduce or eliminate environmental impacts of the project, for instance as required by an impact and/or environmental assessment
Climate change resiliency	Assessment of the project’s anticipated climate change resiliency Considerations: The extent that climate change considerations are integrated into the design of the project to reduce vulnerability to climate change disruptions (e.g., changes in permafrost, extreme weather events)

Additional criteria

For the Stream 1 time-limited CFP, the assessment may consider additional factors such as provincial and territorial development priorities, geographical distribution of projects across Canada, diversity of critical minerals produced in Canada, and other strategic considerations.

Project approval

Upon a positive review of an application, and subject to all other CMIF conditions, including availability of funds, NRCan will inform the applicant of a conditional project approval and proceed to negotiate a contribution agreement, subject to any final due diligence or information required.

Costs incurred prior to conditional project approval will not be considered as part of total project costs for the purpose of reimbursement.

Contribution agreement negotiation (only for approved projects)

Any funding under the CMIF’s entire submission, review, and assessment process will be contingent upon the execution of a contribution agreement. Until a written contribution agreement is signed by both parties, no commitment or obligation exists on the part of NRCan to make a financial contribution to any project, including any expenditure incurred or paid prior to the signing of such a contribution agreement.

Basis and timing of payments

Payments will be made based on evidence of eligible expenditures incurred on a regular basis (e.g., quarterly), upon receipt of the documentation as defined in the contribution agreement. The total amount of contribution funding paid to a recipient under a funding agreement must not exceed the eligible expenditures actually incurred by the recipient.

Retroactivity

In certain cases where an approved project must commence in advance of the signing of a contribution agreement in order to ensure its success (e.g., where project activities are dependent on seasonal or other external timelines), contribution payments may be made for eligible expenditures incurred retroactively to the date that the recipient was informed of conditional project approval, or April 1 of the federal fiscal year in which the contribution agreement is signed, whichever comes later.

Any costs incurred in this period would be at the recipient’s risk that an agreement may not be signed. Payments will only be issued once a contribution agreement is signed and must be supported by satisfactory documentation of eligible expenditures having taken place. Retroactive payments will be limited to a maximum of 30% of total eligible project expenses.

Holdbacks

In order to ensure appropriate project oversight, a holdback amount, based on project and applicant risk, may be applied to each payment. The holdback will not be released until progress to meet all requirements outlined in the contribution agreement is deemed acceptable to NRCan.

Reporting requirements (only for approved projects)

The recipient must report regularly to NRCan as a condition of funding. To this end, the applicant organization must have effective control of or legal rights to access the necessary information to fulfill any reporting requirements for the duration of the project, repayment period (in the case of conditionally repayable contributions), and reporting period. Contribution agreements will detail reporting requirements for each project.

For the purposes of having expenditures reimbursed, the recipient will submit the following on a regular basis (e.g., quarterly) during project execution using templates provided by the program:

• An expense report signed by the Chief Financial Officer or Duly Authorized Officer of the organization, which outlines eligible expenditures incurred
• An updated project cash flow statement and/or budget for the upcoming quarter
• An update on project activities that includes tasks completed and expected in the next quarter, and any project-related issues and how they are being addressed

Recipients will also be required to report on performance and progress during the project, using indicators to be determined as part of contribution agreement development.

At the end of the project, the recipient will submit:

• A financial report on how the Contribution was spent, including a declaration as to the total amount of contributions or payments (including in-kind) received by the recipient from other sources in respect to the project and certification that the claims for payment of eligible expenditures have been incurred and paid by the recipient
• A narrative report to describe how project activities have contributed to the achievement of the objectives, benefits, and key performance measures of the project, including the results of the project in comparison to the original deliverables and work plan, with explanations of any deviations
• Where applicable, a commissioning report signed by a professional engineer or duly authorized officer, indicating the date of commissioning

For up to 10 years following project commissioning or completion, recipients of conditionally repayable contributions will submit annually an outcome report indicating the infrastructure- and mining-related profits directly enabled as a result of the project. The parameters of these reporting requirements will be included in the contribution agreement.

As part of program outcome reporting, performance indicators will be requested from all recipients during the 5-10 years following project completion, in accordance with the terms of the contribution agreement. Indicators may include, for example:

• Total critical mineral production enabled
• Total road kilometers established and facilitated
• Electricity produced (as applicable)
• Greenhouse gas emissions reductions
• Total jobs (job-hours) to date
• IDEA plan results

Additional information for applicants

Audit rights

Recipients may be audited during the contribution agreement period or after project completion. Financial audits will be tied to financial compliance and project performance assessments will be evaluated in relation to outcomes identified in the contribution agreement. Contribution agreements will specify reporting periods. Recipients will be required to:

• Keep proper accounts and records and permit Government of Canada representatives to audit, inspect and make copies of those accounts and records at all reasonable times for:
  • three years after the project completion date for non-reimbursable contributions
  • three years following the completion of the repayment period for conditionally repayable contributions
• Grant the Government of Canada’s authorized representatives access to audit and inspect the qualifying project and related facilities
• Furnish the GOC’s representatives with such information as they may reasonably require with reference to the specified documents
• Promptly refund any overpayments of the contribution disclosed by an audit to NRCan

The applicant must have effective control of all constituent elements of the project, including ownership of or legal rights to access the necessary information to fulfill any audit requirements.

Tax treatment

All questions concerning the tax treatment of funds received under the CMIF should be directed to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Intellectual property

All intellectual property that arises in the course of a project shall vest in, or be licensed to, the recipient. The recipient will grant to Canada a non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free licence in perpetuity to use the data and information contained in reports and modify such reports and documents for non-commercial governmental purposes.

Confidentiality and security of information

Subsection 20(1) of the Access to Information Act requires government institutions, including NRCan, to protect confidential information—financial, commercial, scientific, or technical—supplied by an applicant to NRCan so long as the applicant treats the information as confidential in their own establishment, but subject to disclosure requirements established by the criteria for protecting confidential information pursuant to section 20 of the Access to Information Act.

Accordingly, NRCan will protect the applicant’s confidential information in its possession to the same extent as the applicant protects said confidential information in their own establishment. NRCan will use a secure online application portal as the primary means to collect confidential information from applicants. NRCan may also use email and written correspondence to the applicant for non-confidential matters.

NRCan recognizes that email is not a secure means of communication, and NRCan cannot guarantee the security of confidential information sent via email while it is in transit. Nonetheless, applicants who regularly use email to communicate confidential information within their own organizations may choose to communicate confidential information by email while corresponding with NRCan for the purposes of an application or funding agreement under the CMIF.

For more information on this subject, please refer to Section 20 of the Access to Information Act.

Regulatory and legal requirements

Prior to entering into a contribution agreement, where applicable, projects will be required to complete various federal, provincial, and/or territorial impact and/or environmental assessments, obtain approval from regulatory bodies and/or obtain necessary permits (such as construction permits), and will be subject to relevant federal, provincial, and territorial laws and acts. Applicants will be expected to comply with all federal, provincial, and territorial regulatory and legal requirements applicable to their projects, or CMIF funding may be withheld.

Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility plan or commitment

NRCan recognizes the importance of an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workforce to the resilience of Canada’s economy and to advancing Canada’s path towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including in the construction, electricity, and natural resources sectors. The CMIF aims to advance the participation of multiple underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, racialized people, youth, and persons with disabilities. The program also aims to address the Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

The CMIF requires recipients to either provide an IDEA plan for their organization or to participate in a public commitment. Activities for fulfilling the commitment or IDEA plan could include reporting on progress, gathering relevant data, promoting the sectors relevant to the program as a post-secondary option, and promoting workforce inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility through collaboration or by addressing MMIWG calls for justice.

Further details about this requirement are available in Annex D.

Other conditions

• No Member of the House of Commons shall be admitted to any share or part of the contribution agreements, or any resulting benefit
• The applicants and recipients will comply with the Conflict of Interest Act and the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders
• Funding may be cancelled or reduced in the event that departmental funding levels are reduced by Parliament. Agreements will include provisions to this effect
• Recipients will be required to acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada in all public information produced as part of the project
• As part of project monitoring requirements, NRCan will have the right to visit and inspect all project sites upon providing a reasonable notice to project recipients
• Contribution agreements will include requirements for joint communications activities, such as public information products, news releases, public announcements, other joint events and official languages
• NRCan programs are subject to Gender-Based Analysis Plus considerations. As such, NRCan requests that applicants and recipients report on the number of women and other identity groups that will be employed on the proposed project

Program contact information

To ensure that all applicants have access to the same information and that there is a written response to every question, all questions and answers will be sent and received via the program email: cmif-fimc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

Disclaimer

NRCan reserves the right to alter or cancel any CFP, funding amounts and/or deadlines associated with any program component, or to cancel any CFP process at its sole discretion. Any changes will be communicated to applicants via the program website.

Applications will also be shared with and considered for support under other Government of Canada initiatives. All applications received under the CMIF will be shared with the CIB for an assessment of potential for CIB investment. Any Government of Canada institutions with which applications may be shared would also be subject to the confidentiality and security of information provisions in the Access to Information Act.

Any costs incurred for the submission of a project application are at the applicant’s own risk and cannot be considered as part of total project costs. In all cases, any funding under any submission, review and assessment process will be contingent upon the execution of a contribution agreement.

The CMIF program has authority to enter into funding agreements via targeted CFPs that solicit, for instance, projects that have been the subject of an application to another federal funding program. CMIF will give preference to these projects in cases where they meet CMIF eligibility requirements, pass a due diligence assessment, and can undertake project activities in order to incur eligible expenses starting in fiscal year 2023-24. Funding available for this CFP could be impacted depending on the level of funding that is committed to these projects.

Until a written contribution agreement is signed by both parties, no commitment or obligation exists on the part of NRCan to make a financial contribution to any project, including any expenditure incurred or paid prior to the signing of such contribution agreement.

Annex A: Definitions

Applicant

The organization that submits an application to the program.

Application

A written project application signed and submitted by the applicant to the program, comprised of information solicited via the CMIF application portal, including attachments requested by the program.

Arctic and Northern project

A project located in an Arctic or Northern region as defined by the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, which includes Yukon; the Northwest Territories; Nunavut; the Nunavik Region of Quebec; and the Nunatsiavut region of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Capacity building

Activities that build, knowledge, skills, and capabilities among a relevant group related to critical minerals infrastructure development processes. Capacity building includes inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility activities.

Clean energy infrastructure

Infrastructure that generates, stores or transmits electricity from a non-emitting source. It includes demonstration and deployment of renewable or alternative energy technologies, battery storage projects and electric vehicle charging stations for mining equipment.

Conditional project approval

The post-evaluation date on which the applicant was notified by the program that the application has succeeded to the contribution agreement negotiation stage.

Critical minerals

Elements on Canada’s list critical minerals list, which can be found on the website of Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence. To be deemed critical in Canada, a mineral must be essential to Canada’s economic security and its supply is threatened; required for our national transition to a low-carbon economy; or a sustainable source of highly strategic critical minerals for our partners and allies. Critical minerals can change with time based on supply and demand, technological development and shifting societal needs.

Critical mineral operation

A mining operation focused on producing one or more of Canada’s identified critical minerals. As a general guideline, critical minerals should comprise at least 50% of the mine’s production.

Diversity

The acceptance and respect of various human dimensions including race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religious beliefs, age, physical abilities, political beliefs or other ideologies.

Eligible expenditures

Costs, incurred by the recipient within the eligible expenditure period, that are cash disbursements made with respect to the activities set out in the funding agreement. Expenditures must be reasonable, directly, and clearly related to the project, and agreed to in the funding agreement’s budget.

Eligible expenditure period

The period starting on the date on which the applicant was notified of conditional project approval and ending on the earlier of the project completion date or March 31, 2030. Expenses made within this period, but prior to the signing of a contribution agreement, are incurred at the applicant’s risk and may amount to a maximum of 30% of overall reimbursable expenses.

Emissions reductions

The net negative impact of a project on the production of greenhouse gasses (e.g., related to one or more mining operations), measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Enabling infrastructure

The transportation and energy assets necessary to render critical mineral operations possible or to render them more environmentally sound or sustainable and economic.

Equity

A condition or state of fair, inclusive, and respectful treatment of all people. Equity does not mean treating people the same without regard for individual differences.

Grid connectivity

In the context of an energy project, infrastructure (e.g., transmission and distribution lines, transformer stations, substations) that allows an end user to draw electrical power from an existing network, or ‘grid’, that transmits electricity from producers to consumers. This may be an electrical grid operated by system operator, a public or private utility, or a behind-the meter-supplier.

Inclusion

The extent to which diverse members of a group (society/organization) feel valued and respected.

Indigenous

Understood to include Inuit, Métis, First Nations, Status Indian, and non-Status Indian individuals, or any combination thereof.

Indigenous applicant/recipient

An Indigenous community, group, or government, tribal council, national and regional Indigenous councils, and tribal organizations, and majority owned and controlled for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

In-kind contribution

A non-monetary contribution, including goods or services that would otherwise constitute an expense to the project, but is provided for free.

Other public organization

Bodies established by or under provincial or territorial statute or by regulation, or that are wholly owned by a province, territory, or municipality. This includes provincial Crown corporations, public utilities, and certain port authorities.

Profit

Net operating profit as determined by generally accepted accounting principles.

Project

The applicant’s project identified in the application, as approved by NRCan. It encompasses all activities and funding directly related to achieving the deliverables described in the application (i.e., both eligible and ineligible activities and expenditures). A project could be scoped to include a single phase of a larger, multi-phase infrastructure development initiative.

Project completion date

The date of project completion, commissioning, or commercial operation, whichever is later.

Project start date

The date on which project activities begin, and is usually accompanied by the commencement of project spending. As above, a project could be scoped as a single phase of a larger, multi-phase infrastructure development initiative.

Public-private partnership

A long-term contractual relationship between a public authority and the private sector that involves: provision of capital assets and associated services to meet a defined output specification (i.e., what is required rather than how it is to be done); integration of multiple phases of the life cycle of an asset (e.g., design, build, maintain, and/or operate) and related financing into a single agreement; allocation of risks between the public and private sectors; private sector capital at risk throughout the duration of the contract; and a performance-based payment mechanism.

Recipient

A successful applicant that has entered into a contribution agreement with NRCan.

Renewable energy

Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which they are consumed.

Retrofit

The installation of new software or hardware to an existing renewable energy or storage site to enable grid service capabilities. Addition of capacity to an existing site is not a retrofit for the purposes of the program and instead is considered a capacity build-out project.

Shovel ready

A project that has completed all prerequisite steps (e.g., regulatory approvals, impact assessments, environmental assessments and permitting) and has no remaining barriers to commence construction or deployment of a clean energy or transportation infrastructure asset.

Stacking

The maximum limit of total Canadian government funding (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) that is permitted under a contribution agreement for a project.

Total project costs

The sum of all expenditures under a project, from the project start date to the project completion date. At the time of application, this will be based on best-available estimates and will include both CMIF-eligible costs and any other costs directly related to the project’s execution.

Transportation infrastructure

Fixed installations, structures, and networks that provide a framework for the movement of people, commodities, and/or goods, including in the context of a critical minerals value chain. It may include roads, bridges, rail, ports and other assets.

Utilities

Entities that own, establish, maintain, and operate power system equipment (poles, wires, transformers, etc.) within the transmission and/or distribution systems as defined by provincial/territorial regulations.

Annex B: Application form companion guide

This Annex provides step-by-step guidance to complete each section of the application form. Applicants should refer to this guide early and often when preparing a funding application. Applications must adhere to this guidance.

The application portal allows applicants to upload attachments near the end of the application. The required attachments may be referred to multiple times throughout this companion guide, as the attachments may be used as supporting documentation for more than one question. Applicants should archive/zip attachments according to the categories and appropriate file prefixes outlined in Annex E to keep the attachments organized.

Section 1: Applicant information

The information provided in this section will be used to establish the applicant’s profile and to determine some elements of basic eligibility, including that the applicant is eligible.

#	Question	Guidance
1	Legal name of applicant organization	Provide the organization’s name as it appears on official documents such as a proof of registration. For-profit and not-for-profit applicant organizations must be legally incorporated or registered in Canada.
2	Type of organization	Use the drop-down menu to select the option that applies to your organization. Private sector and not-for-profit organizations must provide relevant information to prove that they are legally registered in Canada. This can be a combination of information (e.g., registration number from a provincial corporate registry) and uploads (e.g., articles of incorporation). The applicant organization type must be among those eligible for CMIF funds, which are limited to: legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including for-profit organizations and not-for-profit organizations provincial, territorial, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies, including bodies established by or under provincial/territorial statute or by regulation, or that are wholly owned by a province, territory, or municipality (e.g., provincial Crown Corporations, public utilities and certain port authorities) Indigenous recipients, including: Indigenous communities or governments tribal councils or entities that fulfill a similar function (e.g., general council) national and regional Indigenous councils and tribal organizations, and Indigenous (majority owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples) for-profit and not-for-profit organizations Attachment: O.01 – Articles of incorporation or proof of registration (if available)
3	Head office address Street City Province/Territory Postal code	This address must be complete and located in Canada.
4	Describe the organization, its mandate, and business/ownership structure.	For consortia (e.g., applying as a Special Purpose Vehicle), provide this information for each organization involved. If the project is being advanced via a public-private partnership (P3), provide the basic parameters of the P3 arrangement. Attachment: O.02 – Business/Ownership structure
5	Number of full-time equivalent staff employed in the organization	“Full-time equivalent” means the total hours scheduled for all employees according to their work contract (including consultants and temporary staff) divided by the employer’s hours for a full-time work week (typically 40 hours). For example, a company with two part-time staff who each work 20 hours per week would have one “full-time equivalent” staff. Organizations employing at least 20 full-time equivalent staff must upload an IDEA plan or commitment. Attachment: O.04 – Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) plan or commitment (mandatory only for organizations that employ at least 20 full-time equivalents) IDEA plan or commitment requirements can be found in Annex D.
6	Preferred official language of communication	Select whether you would prefer to receive communication in French or English. This applies to both written and oral communication.

Section 2: Contacts

#	Question	Guidance
7	Primary contact Name Title Phone number Email	Provide the organization’s contact who is best positioned to interact with program officials regarding the project. This should be the same person who creates the application in the online portal.
8	Secondary contact Name Title Phone number Email	Provide an alternative contact within the organization who is best positioned to interact with program officials when the primary contact is unavailable.
9	Financial contact Name Title Phone number Email	Provide the organization’s contact who is best positioned to answer questions on the financial aspects of the project. Program officials will interact with this contact regarding the financial aspects of this project, as necessary.

The information provided in this section will be used to facilitate contact between NRCan and the application organization.

Section 3: Project information

This section collects detailed information about the project and will be used to determine the project’s eligibility and, if eligible, to assess it against CMIF funding criteria.

3.1 Project overview

#	Question	Guidance
10	Project name	Provide a succinct name for the project that reflects the project’s objective (e.g., Alpha Mine Access Road, Beta Mine Wind Farm, and Region X Highway/Transmission Line Development). This name will be used to refer to the project in communication between NRCan and the applicant, and in any public communication materials that may be developed.
11	Application stream	Select Stream 1: Pre-construction and Project Development or Stream 2: Infrastructure Deployment, depending on the option that best fits the project. These streams are mutually exclusive, and projects cannot fall under both. See the Applicant Guide section on Funding Streams for descriptions of the two streams.
12	Project type	Select Energy or Transportation according to the type of infrastructure the project advances.
13	Project description	Provide a high-level and non-technical summary of the project, including: background or context for the project the project’s anticipated outcomes and overall objectives, and how these align with CMIF program objectives overview of the project activities and timelines a brief description of any elements of the project that are expected to generate revenue a brief description of the key benefits that could be expected from the project project status, including any incurred costs or legal commitments made in relation to the project if applicable, innovative aspects of the project if applicable, any linkages or interdependencies between the proposed infrastructure and other infrastructure projects (existing or planned) Attachment: I.01 – Detailed work plan The detailed work plan template can be found in the application portal. Identify and describe each major project activity. Sub-activities may be highlighted and described within a major activity. Ideally, the project work plan would comprise six major project activities or less, each containing six sub-activities or less. Descriptions should be sufficiently non-technical, accurately demonstrate the scope of work, and enable project monitoring and measurement of outcomes. Each project activity description should include expected, verifiable outcomes, performance indicators, risks associated with each major activity and sub-activity, mitigation measures, total costs of the major activity, start and end dates, and a general description of the costs in each of the categories below: Salaries and benefits Overhead and administrative Professional, scientific and contracting services Travel, including meals and accommodations Equipment Materials Other expenses

3.2 Project details

#	Question	Guidance
14	Project Timeline Start date End date	Select dates that best reflect the commencement of project activities and the completion of the entire project. The project’s start date will generally align with when activities and expenditures commence. The project start and completion dates must fall between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2030, respectively. For larger Stream 2 projects taking a multi-phased approach to development, the application may be scoped to a single phase provided the parameters of that phase (e.g., activities, expenses, and outcomes) meet CMIF criteria. Attachment: I.02 – Gantt chart or similar project timeline diagram
15	Cost Summary Total estimated costs of the project Total estimated eligible costs of the project Total requested funding from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF)	The figures provided in this section should flow from the associated budget template and should be in Canadian dollars. For 15a, provide the best estimate of the total project costs, including both CMIF-eligible and -ineligible costs over the life of the project. For 15b, provide the best estimate of total expenditures that would be considered eligible under the CMIF over the life of the project, according to the list of Eligible and Ineligible Expenses and subject to program approval. These include project-related, non-recurring costs that are necessary to achieve the project objectives. For 15c, this should be calculated as total eligible costs that the applicant seeks to have funded by the CMIF. See Annex C for a list of eligible costs. Attachment (1 of 2): F.01 – Detailed budget, cash flow projections, and sources of funding See the application portal for the budget template. Guidance for completing the template: Detailed breakdowns are required for the project’s entire capital expenditures and eligible expenditures that are to be funded by the CMIF. Please consult the list of Eligible and Ineligible Expenses contained in this Applicant Guide Describe the ineligible project costs, including their related work activities and relevance to the project Provide confirmed and unconfirmed sources of funding from other federal programs (including from Crown corporations and tax incentives), other levels of government (i.e., provincial, territorial, and municipal), and other funders (i.e., bank loans), as well as associated documentation Include details on the funder, amount requested, date applied and where possible, anticipated response date. For projects of duration greater than one year, provide quarterly cashflow breakdowns for a period covering the first government fiscal year of the project (April 1 – March 31) and estimated annual cashflows thereafter. For projects of one year and less, provide a monthly cashflow covering the duration of the project. Attachment (2 of 2): F.02 – Audited financial statements Provide the organization’s audited financial statements for the past three years. For consortia, provide the audited financial statements of each constituent organization. If an organization has not been in existence for three years, provide all available audited financial statements. If the applicant organization does not produce audited financial statements, explain why and provide other documentation demonstrating the financial situation of the organization.
16	Explain why CMIF funding is required for this project and the impacts to the project if the organization does not receive this funding.	Include a description of alternative funding options considered and how CMIF funds will facilitate project implementation, enhance the project scope, or accelerate the timing of the project. Explain any funding shortfalls. If applicable, explain why retroactive federal funding is being requested for expenditures to be incurred if the project is conditionally approved, but before execution of a contribution agreement.
17	Project Location Province/Territory Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude)	For 17a, use the dropdown menu to indicate in which province or territory the project will be located. For 17b, provide the geographic coordinates for the site location (e.g., 45.4215296,-75.6971931 for downtown Ottawa). For larger or linear projects, provide geographic coordinates of start and end points of each major segment of the project. Geographic coordinates can be determined using a digital map service (e.g., Apple Maps, Bing Maps, Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, etc.) by dropping a pin and viewing the information provided about that location. If applicable, as part of 17b, describe aspects of the project that must take place outside of Canada, and the percentage of the total project costs to be incurred outside of Canada, to ensure successful completion of the project in Canada.
18	Is the proposed project on reserve land, other federal land, or the traditional territory of an Indigenous group? Does the organization own the land or have the authorization to undertake work at the proposed location? Provide a description of land tenure and access at the proposed location of the project.	For 18a, select the option that best applies to the project. Refer to the Impact Assessment Act for the definition of federal lands and the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ARTIS) to find the location of Indigenous communities. Note: A completed Section 82 federal lands assessment is not required as part of a CMIF application. Program officials will inform you if this assessment needs to be completed at a later stage.Footnote 7 For 18b, select the option that best applies to the project. For 18c, include descriptions of the boundaries or footprint of the project site and type of tenure, e.g., leases, mining rights, surface rights, patents, right of ways and land use on the surrounding lands. If the project is located on federal lands and, if known, include the status of the project’s designation under the Impact Assessment Act. Attachment (1 of 2): I.04 – Site maps / plans If applicable, identify any portion of the site where the project will occur on reserve land, federal land or traditional territory of an Indigenous group. Attachment (2 of 2): I.05 – Proof of land ownership or land use authorization This attachment can include maps, lease agreements, and other documents.
19	List all regulatory and permit approvals the organization has received for the project and any outstanding approvals.	List studies, processes, and/or steps that the organization has completed and will need to complete to reach a shovel-ready state or to start construction. For Stream 2, explain the expected achievement date of any outstanding approvals to be secured in advance of the start of construction. Examples include: pre-feasibility/conceptual studies, feasibility studies, front-end engineering design/engineering studies, engagement, detailed engineering, environmental and/or impact assessments, permitting, regulatory approvals (multiple jurisdictions as required), financing and procurement. Attachment: I.07 – Proof of regulatory and permit approvals
20	How many lane-kilometres of transportation infrastructure will be built as a result of the project? Provide the anticipated increase in cargo capacity and, if known, a breakdown of cargo movements (volume and/or frequency) that will be enabled by this transportation infrastructure project.	This question is required for transportation infrastructure projects only. For 20a, a lane-kilometre means a kilometre-long segment of roadway that is a single lane in width. A four-lane highway that is ten kilometres long would total 40 lane-kilometres. If the transportation asset is not a road, indicate this. For 20b, identify and quantify the project’s anticipated impact on overall economic activity and market access for the proposed infrastructure’s users. Your response should include data on the anticipated new volumes and/or values of the goods that will transit the proposed infrastructure on an annual basis. If the project involves the expansion or improvement of an existing transportation asset, provide both the current baseline of quantities, values and commodities that transit the infrastructure per year, as well as the anticipated new quantities, values and commodities after the project is completed. Attachment: I.13 – Cargo capacity and movement estimates Ensure to provide the methodology and assumptions used to derive these estimates.
21	Quantify the total number of kilometres of transmission lines that will be built for this project. Quantify the total number of megawatts of electricity that this project will generate and/or distribute. Quantify the number megawatts of electricity generated and/or distributed from this project that is anticipated to be directly transmitted to critical mineral mining operations. Describe how the energy project will improve energy security for the anticipated end users.	This question is required for energy infrastructure projects only. For 21a, provide the total distance of transmission lines that are to be built for this project. Applicants that are not building transmission line projects can enter 0 or not answer this question. For 21b, for energy generation projects, provide the total amount of electricity that will be generated by the entire project. For energy projects that are exclusively providing grid connectivity services, provide the total amount of electricity that will be distributed from the grid for all end users. For 21c, provide the same information as in 21b, but specifically for critical minerals mining operations. For 21d, provide information about the current or alternative potential energy options, and describe how the proposed infrastructure is a better choice for providing energy security (e.g., based on reliability or cost effectiveness). Use the file upload function to attach any relevant documentation to support the information provided.
22	List all anticipated end users for the anticipated infrastructure. Indicate where an agreement is in progress.	For agreements associated with the use of the infrastructure, include the status of the agreement (e.g., negotiation, finalized but not signed or signed). For signed agreements, include supporting documentation (e.g., attestation letter or copy of the agreement). Attachment (1 of 2): I.09 – Attestation letters or copies of agreements with Indigenous and end users that are not mines Attachment (2 of 2): M.02 – Attestation letters or copies of agreements with mining, processing, and manufacturing companies
23	Provide details on how the organization will monitor the project’s progress, milestones, outcomes, and meet CMIF’s reporting requirements.	See the Applicant Guide section on reporting requirements for information about the requirements that recipients must meet related to expense reporting, performance measurement, and conditionally repayable contributions. Potential responsibilities related to NRCan’s audit rights must also be considered in this section. Descriptions can include, but are not limited to, details on the accounting systems, teams, programs, and methodologies that the applicant will use to track costs, profits, and other project metrics, allowing for reporting, measurement, and audits. Provide information about how the productivity of any mining directly supported by the infrastructure will be tracked and reported. Where applicable (e.g., for mine-site infrastructure where the applicant organization differs from the mine operator), provide information and supporting documentation to substantiate that the applicant has effective control of all constituent elements of the project, including ownership of or legal rights to access the necessary information to fulfill reporting requirements. Attachment: I.03 – Risk management plan See the application portal for the management plan template. The plans should include a description of each risk, its potential severity, its likelihood of materializing, mitigation plan, and an indication of post-mitigation residual risk. Examples of risks include but are not limited to schedule, costs, supply chain constraints, potential litigation and human resource availability. For energy projects, identify and describe any cybersecurity risks as well as the controls, standards, tools, and practices that may be implemented to protect the energy infrastructure from cybersecurity incidents.
24	Describe the operation, maintenance, and decommissioning and/or succession plan for the project's infrastructure assets.	Provide the estimated duration of use by mining-related and other end users, and how the infrastructure will be operated and maintained over that period (Note: This is the applicant’s responsibility; the CMIF will not fund operation and maintenance costs). If applicable, ensure the description includes an estimate of the cost that the organization will allocate towards operation and ongoing maintenance or decommissioning. A succession plan is expected to describe how the infrastructure could be used, repurposed, or decommissioned after being leveraged by mining end-users (e.g., beyond the lifespan of a mine). It could include reuse by another party and/or re-sell of the infrastructure assets.

3.3 Other project considerations

#	Question	Guidance
25	Provide the project’s governance structure, including any partners, their roles, and how they would contribute to project delivery. Identify the members of the project management team and describe their qualifications, including relevant experience, to undertake this project. List and describe other relevant projects that the organization has successfully completed, including by highlighting those that were supported by federal and/or provincial or territorial programs in the last 10 years. Describe how the project will enhance previous infrastructure investments or support future infrastructure investments	For 25a, if the project is a P3 or being advanced by a consortium or other partnership, please clearly outline the roles of each organization with respect to the project. Partners should include any external organizations whose involvement is necessary to satisfy the CMIF reporting requirements (e.g., around mining profitability). For 25b, describe the experience of the management team that would lead the project. Include their areas of expertise, experience with comparable projects, number of years of experience, and other relevant details. Include a list of persons registered to lobby on behalf of the organization relative to the project. For 25c, include the source, type, and amount of funding for each project as well as the current status or final outcomes. For 25d, if this information is unknown or if it is not applicable to the project, the organization may choose to provide rationale as to why or to not respond to this question. Attachment: O.03 – Organizational chart Governance flowcharts, and responsible, accountable, consulted, informed (RACI) matrices may also be included.
26	Provide summaries of any legal action or claim filed against you (or a member of your consortium) in the last 5 years that could have any bearing on, or increase the risk of, the technical, financial, governance, or regulatory compliance or feasibility aspects of the project.	Where applicable, include details of actual or contemplated litigation related to the applicant organization, parent company, subsidiaries and partnerships.

3.4 Enabling critical minerals development

#	Question	Guidance
27	Identify the Canadian critical mineral resources whose development will be enabled by this project.	Use the check boxes to indicate which critical minerals will be directly supported by the proposed infrastructure (source: Canada’s Critical Minerals List). The minerals selected should correspond only to the expected mining production that will be enabled by the proposed infrastructure, and/or to the known critical mineral deposits that are anticipated to be developed within the lifecycle of the proposed infrastructure.
28	List and provide summaries of the Canadian critical mineral mining operations that the project will support and the anticipated timelines to development following the completion of the project.	Summaries should include the following details for each mining project listed, as applicable: identification of the mining project owner(s) and operator the current status of the mining project (e.g., exploration, advanced project, mine under construction, active mine, or care and maintenance), including any relevant context the critical minerals the mine will produce the anticipated timeline between when the proposed infrastructure will be completed and the start of any new critical minerals production it will enable the status of any remaining permits, regulatory approvals, or permissions the mining project must obtain before the start of any new critical minerals production the status (e.g., in negotiation or completed) of any agreements between the applicant and the mining project for use of the infrastructure (e.g., road use agreement or power purchase agreement) if applicable, any novel or innovative aspects of the mining operation; (e.g., first of its kind in Canada)
29	Provide the estimated value of the critical mineral production that will be enabled by the proposed infrastructure, including: the quality and quantity of deposits, the quantities of new resources to be extracted at existing or planned mines, and the trade and market values of the extracted resources.	This description should include the following information about the critical mineral production the proposed infrastructure would enable, as applicable: any net new critical minerals production volumes the proposed infrastructure would directly enable, as compared with a current baseline, for each of the critical minerals indicated in response to question 27. Provide a breakdown of these production values as an overall total, by year and by mining project, as applicable an assessment of the market and/or trade value of the total critical mineral production to be enabled by the proposed infrastructure, including details on ore quality, market trends, and current or anticipated global supply and demand for each mineral an assessment of the critical minerals mining potential of the geographic areas that the project and proposed infrastructure will make available for development. Identify and describe the size, quality, and accessibility of significant known deposits, and estimated mineral reserves confidence level in the estimates provided (e.g., indicated or inferred) Attachment (1 of 2): M.01 – Quantitative assessment of supported critical mineral mining operations Include feasibility and economic studies to support the stated quantity and quality of critical minerals. Attachment (2 of 2): M.02 – Attestation letters or copies of agreements with mining, processing, and manufacturing companies
30	Identify and describe any potential barriers to the development of the critical mineral resources targeted by this project.	This description should assess the factors that could delay or block the critical minerals production to be supported by the proposed infrastructure and that are outside of the project’s scope. For example, identify any other dependencies for targeted mining projects to proceed, such as pending construction of additional infrastructure linkages, other energy or transportation constraints, or financing or regulatory uncertainty. Include a description of the potential impact of these barriers, and whether the project and proposed infrastructure can contribute to addressing or mitigating them.
31	Describe how the project will contribute to the development, competitiveness, and resiliency of critical mineral value chains, including exploration, processing, and manufacturing activities.	This description should include the following information about the project’s and proposed infrastructure’s contributions to support priority critical minerals value chains, as applicable: an assessment of the importance of the new critical mineral production the proposed project and infrastructure will enable for priority value chains, as identified in the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy identification of the anticipated industry and market destinations (both domestic and international) for the critical mineral production enabled by the proposed infrastructure the proposed infrastructure’s contributions to critical minerals supply chain resilience and reliability (e.g., by reducing the potential of disrupted supply from climate change-related natural disaster) known and anticipated benefits of the proposed infrastructure, and the new critical minerals production it enables, for midstream and downstream Canadian processing and manufacturing industries (e.g., through increased or more resilient material supply, lower production costs) a description of any supply agreements or memoranda of understanding between upstream mining projects and midstream or downstream entities, relevant to the proposed infrastructure Attachment: M.02 – Attestation letters or copies of agreements with mining, processing, and manufacturing companies

3.5 Other economic benefits

#	Question	Guidance
32	Provide the anticipated number of jobs (in job-years) that will be generated by the project.	Include an estimated breakdown of new jobs directly attributable to the project, including for the implementation and operation of the proposed infrastructure project itself, and the anticipated new employment for the mining projects the proposed infrastructure will enable, where available. Where possible, figures should be provided by job type (i.e., permanent and temporary) and project phase (i.e., work phase and post work phase), and include an overall total number of jobs-years of employment (i.e., number of jobs times the number of years each job would be in effect).
33	Identify and describe the anticipated benefits of the project to local communities.	Explain any benefits of the project and proposed infrastructure for communities and non-mining economic activities. These benefits can include social and economic benefits (e.g., anticipated number of direct and indirect jobs created, business opportunities, cost savings, training programs/opportunities, improved services, improved Indigenous participation and addressing calls to action from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, etc.). Local communities can include Indigenous communities, but this information will also be sought in question 37. You can refer to your answers to other questions for additional details, where relevant. Attachment: I.08 – Indigenous and local community support letters and/or Band Council Resolutions
34	Identify and describe other mining operations (i.e., not critical minerals) that the proposed infrastructure will directly support, including their primary commodities.	Explain any benefits of the project and proposed infrastructure for non-critical mineral mining projects (e.g., gold, silver and iron ore). This description should include identification of mining projects, their owner(s) and operator(s), the commodities produced, how the proposed infrastructure will benefit the projects (e.g., by enabling additional production), and status of any infrastructure user agreements. Attachment: M.02 – Attestation letters or copies of agreements with mining, processing, and manufacturing companies

3.6 Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

#	Question	Guidance
35	Describe the status and outcomes of any engagement activities to date with Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations, including all identified concerns and potential impacts and how these will be mitigated or addressed.	Include any issues, concerns, and opportunities that Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations have raised regarding the project and, where available, the supported critical mineral mining operations. The project location may be governed by treaties that define specific rights, benefits, and obligations, which can include but are not limited to land ownership, participation in land use, financial compensation (e.g., annuities), hunting and fishing rights, etc. Include a description of the type of engagement and consultation activities with Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations, their status (i.e., in progress, completed, etc.), and outcomes or positions (final, preliminary, or conditional). Include summaries of communications. If no engagement or consultation has taken place, provide an explanation. The organization may wish to consult the map of modern treaties and self-governing First Nations of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
36	Describe how the project will enable the involvement and participation of Indigenous peoples, communities, governments, or organizations in the design, development, and operation of the proposed infrastructure. If different, describe the involvement and participation of Indigenous peoples, communities, governments, or organizations in the mining activities enabled by the project.	For 36a and b, include details about how these groups will be engaged and consulted on the project(s), project governance, established relationships and partnerships, site or community visits, dedicated training and job opportunities, etc. Indicate whether there are any benefits agreements in place or in discussion associated with the infrastructure or the mining activities. Attachment (options): I.08 - Indigenous and local community support letters and/or Band Council Resolutions OR I.09 - Attestation letters or copies of agreements with Indigenous and local end users that are not mines Supporting documentation for this question can be attached to I.08 and/or I.09 as appropriate. Examples include but are not limited to band council resolutions, signed attestation letter from the chief of an Indigenous community.
37	Identify and describe the anticipated benefits of the project to Indigenous groups.	Unless confidential, include details on the benefits that Indigenous groups will receive from the project and, where available, the supported critical mineral mining operations. Examples of benefits include an estimated number of jobs, expansion of a local industry/service sector, annuities, investments into other community needs, etc. Attachment (options): I.08 - Indigenous and local community support letters and/or Band Council Resolutions OR I.09 - Attestation letters or copies of agreements with Indigenous and local end users that are not mines Supporting documentation for this question can be attached to I.08 and/or I.09 as appropriate. Applicants are not required to upload confidential benefits agreements.

3.7 Greenhouse gas emissions

#	Question	Guidance
38	Quantify the estimated greenhouse gas emissions emitted in metric tons that will be generated from the project and proposed infrastructure during construction and during operations.	Provide GHG emissions in metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Include the overall total for the construction phase and a breakdown by project phase on a yearly/annual basis over the life cycle of the project. Attachment: I.10 – Estimated greenhouse gas emissions emitted due to the project Ensure to include any information or assumptions that inform the estimates provided for this question.
39	Energy project emission reductions. Quantify the estimated baseline annual fossil fuel usage of 1) all anticipated project end users and 2) critical minerals mining operation end users only. Quantify the estimated annual reduction in fossil fuel usage for 1) all anticipated project end users and 2) critical minerals mining operation end users only. Quantify the estimated baseline annual greenhouse gas emissions of 1) all anticipated project end users and 2) critical minerals mining operation end users only. Quantify the estimated annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for 1) all anticipated project end users and 2) critical minerals mining operation end users only.	This question is required for energy infrastructure projects only. Provide estimates based on the best information available. If the project’s end users include only critical minerals mining operations, provide a single answer for each sub-question. If the project’s critical minerals mining operation end users are a subset of overall end users answer both parts 1 and 2 of each sub-question. For 39a, "baseline" refers to the current annual fossil fuel usage of end users. Fossil fuels include, for example, litres of diesel and cubic metres of natural gas. If the end users of this energy project are not currently using any fossil fuels, write “N/A”. For 39b, fossil fuels include, for example, litres of diesel and cubic metres of natural gas. If the end users of this energy project are not currently using any fossil fuels, write “N/A”. For 39c, "baseline" refers to the current annual GHG emissions of end users, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Use the following emission factors for calculating emissions: Heavy fuel oil – 3156g GHG emissions/litre Diesel – 2964g GHG emissions/litre Propane – 1515g GHG emissions/litre Natural gas – 0.539g GHG emissions/m3 If the end users of this energy project are not currently emitting GHGs, write “N/A”. For 39d, estimates should be measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Use the following emission factors for calculating emissions: Heavy fuel oil – 3156g GHG emissions/litre Diesel – 2964g GHG emissions/litre Propane – 1515g GHG emissions/litre Natural gas – 0.539g GHG emissions/m3 If the end users of this energy project are not currently emitting GHGs, write “N/A”. Attachment: I.11 - Baseline and estimated reductions in fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions Ensure to include any information or assumptions that inform the estimates provided for this question. Reference: Emission Factors and Reference Values - Canada.ca

3.8 Other environmental impacts and climate resiliency

#	Question	Guidance
40	Identify the potential environmental impacts of the project and proposed infrastructure, and the mitigation measures and/or monitoring that are conditions of an impact assessment	Provide a summary of the impact assessment, describing the potential environmental impacts and planned mitigation and/or monitoring measures to reduce or eliminate impacts of the project. Environmental impacts must be considered at all stages of the project (i.e., construction, operation and decommissioning) and may include, for example, noise; changes to the natural features of the land; impacts to ground water levels; air quality; impacts to wildlife and biodiversity (e.g., species at risk and caribou migratory patterns); fisheries resources and impacts of changes to the environment on Indigenous Peoples of Canada, their health, and their social and economic conditions. Briefly describe any impacts that would remain after mitigation measures have been applied. If you are unsure as to whether your project requires an impact assessment, contact the Impact Assessment Agency. If known, identify if any portion of the project will be carried out on federal lands, and the specific activities that will occur on those sites. Section 82 federal lands assessment is not required at this time, but CMIF program officials may request you complete one after submitting your applicationFootnote 8. If no environmental impacts are expected, provide a rationale. Attachment: I.12 – Climate risk and/or Environmental assessments / studies
41	If known, describe the potential environmental impacts of mining operations that will be enabled by this project.	Provide a summary of the assessment of potential environmental impacts and planned mitigation and/or monitoring measures to reduce or eliminate impacts of the project. Environmental impacts must be considered at all stages of the project (I.e.,construction, operation and decommissioning) and may include, for example, noise; changes to the natural features of the land; impacts to ground water levels; air quality; impacts to wildlife and biodiversity (e.g., species at risk and caribou migratory patterns); fisheries resources and impacts of changes to the environment on Indigenous Peoples of Canada, their health, and their social and economic conditions. If no environmental impacts are expected, explain why. Attachment: M.03 – Environmental assessments / studies for mining operations
42	Identify and describe the strategies the organization will implement or has implemented to ensure the proposed infrastructure can withstand climate change impacts over its anticipated lifespan.	Where possible, provide documentation (e.g., climate risk assessment and studies). Examples of climate change impacts could include but are not limited to thawing permafrost, rising sea levels, increased winds, increased insect infestations, etc. Analysis and studies to support the implementation of these strategies may be attached. Attachment: I.12 – Climate risk and/or Environmental assessments / studies

Section 4: Other documentation

#	Question	Guidance
43	Provide documents related to the organization. Provide financial documents related to the organization and the project. Provide documents related to the infrastructure project. Provide documents related to mining and value chains.	Attachments (multiple) For all questions, refer to Annex E for the full list and description of attachments. When uploading the documents, provide a description of any files not submitted and explain why they have not been submitted (i.e., not applicable or not available) For 43a – Upload attachments O.01 – O.04 in .zip format. For 43b – Upload attachments F.01 – F.02 in .zip format. For 43c – Upload attachments I.01 – I.16 in .zip format. For 43d – Upload attachments M.01 – M.03 in .zip format. For attachment I.16 – Other relevant technical documentation (e.g., conformity with industry standards), examples of technical information include but are not limited to: schematic diagrams energy resource assessments site engineering design package interconnection agreements power purchase agreements site operating philosophy Technical characteristics, including project assessments that confirm the project's conformity with industry standards such as those of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the CSA Group (formerly the Canadian Standards Association), the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) or others Note: These documents will be reviewed to ensure program requirements are met. For greater certainty, NRCan’s approval of a project should not be construed as a warranty of merchantability or fitness of the information contained in said documents for any purpose whatsoever other than for a funding decision.

Section 5: Confirmations and consent

This section includes mandatory confirmations and consents. If you are not able to agree with the statements, your application cannot proceed.

#	Question	Guidance
44a	The signatory listed is a representative of the applicant organization duly authorized to make this declaration in submission of a funding application to the NRCan CMIF.	N/A
44b	By signing and submitting this application, the signatory attests that they have read and agree to the terms and conditions in the Applicant Guide, and that this application has been prepared in good faith and to the best of their ability. The applicant organization is the owner of the information - proprietary, confidential, or otherwise - provided as part of the application, or has obtained written consent to disclose information belonging to a third party to NRCan.	N/A
44c	By signing and submitting this application, the signatory attests that they understand that this proposal does not constitute, nor should it be construed as creating, in any manner whatsoever, an obligation on NRCan to fund the proposed project. Any costs incurred to prepare and submit this application are at the organization's own risk and expense. Project funding decisions will only be made following receipt, review, and selection of projects and the successful completion of due diligence. No liability, commitment or obligation exists on the part of NRCan to make a financial contribution to the project unless or until a written funding agreement is signed by both parties.	N/A
44d	By signing and submitting this application form, the signatory understands that NRCan reserves the right to alter the currently envisaged process and deadlines, or to cancel the entire application process at its sole discretion.	N/A
44e	Handling of Information and Privacy: The use and distribution of information collected through this proposal will comply with both the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act. Pursuant to the Privacy Act, the program will keep confidential any personal information that it may collect and will not disclose or transmit the said information without your written consent, in accordance with the Privacy Act. Because information provided is subject to Access to Information Act, the program can only protect information from disclosure when it falls within one of the listed exemptions of the AITA, such as information of a financial, commercial, scientific or technical nature that it collects from you, provided that you treat the said information as confidential in your own establishment. If you choose to send such information or other confidential information to the program by email, the program will respond by email. Similarly, if your correspondence is carried out through regular mail, the program’s response will be in like manner. However, in all cases, the program will use e-mail correspondence with you for all non-confidential matters.	For more information about the legislation referenced, see the following links: Privacy Act Access of Information Act
44f	By signing and submitting this application, the signatory agrees that this proposal will be considered as the organization's comprehensive project proposal to the CMIF program for assessment and consideration for a final funding decision by NRCan. The signatory, on behalf of the organization and any applicable third parties, provides consent to the CMIF program to use the submitted information and share it with the program’s employees, external consultants, review committee members, and/or officials in other government organizations (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal organizations, Crown corporations, etc.) for the purposes of assessing the proposal’s eligibility for funding under CMIF or other funding programs and for programs' audit and evaluation. The signatory confirms that this application may be shared with other government funding programs to which this application may be eligible.	Federal funding programs for which CMIF-eligible projects may also be eligible include but are not limited to Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund and NRCan’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways and Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities programs.
44g	By signing and submitting this application, the signatory acknowledges that NRCan will refer the application to the CIB for further consideration and that the CIB application process will be separate from the CMIF process.	For further information on the CIB, please visit the CIB website.
44h	By signing and submitting this application, the signatory attests that the organization proposing the project has effective control of all of the constituent elements of the project, including that they have or have secured the legal rights to access the necessary information to fulfill any reporting requirements under the terms of conditionally repayable contributions for up to 10 years following project completion, as where applicable.	N/A
44i	By signing and submitting this application, the signatory understands that Canada may withhold the payment or payments until Canada is satisfied that any legal duty to consult with, and where appropriate, to accommodate Indigenous groups has been met and continues to be met to Canada’s satisfaction.	N/A

Section 6: Conflicts of interest

This section asks for information about potential conflicts of interest. The identification of a potential conflict of interest will not immediately disqualify applicants. In the case of a potential conflict of interest, NRCan will use the information provided to determine whether a funding agreement would be possible in light of the requirements of the Conflict of Interest Act and the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders.

#	Question	Guidance
45a	Are any current or former Government of Canada employees, excluding the program point of contact, working or associated with the development of this proposal?	If yes, provide the names of current or former Government of Canada employees as well as their past (governmental) and present roles.
45b	Is anyone within the organization a friend or business acquaintance of any member of the Government of Canada program team that could result in you or the organization receiving preferential treatment?	If yes, provide the names of the individuals in the organization and the members from the Government of Canada program team. The Government of Canada program team includes individuals employed in the NRCan’s Minerals Program Branch and Electricity Resources Branch, individuals working in Transportation and Infrastructure Programs at Transport Canada, and individuals employed by the CIB who work on the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Initiative.
45c	Will a current or former public servant or any of their relatives or friends be receiving a personal or financial benefit of any kind as a result of the Government of Canada entering into an agreement with the organization?	If yes, provide the names and contact information of the public servant and relevant relatives or friends.
45d	Have you, any individual working in the organization, or any individual working in your partners' organizations, formerly provided consultancy services to the Minister or departments that are related to this project, particularly any services associated with developing this proposal?	If yes, provide the names of the individuals who provided consultancy services to NRCan, Transport Canada, Infrastructure Canada, the CIB, or their respective Ministers.

Annex C: List of eligible and ineligible expenditures

Contributions will be made towards eligible expenditures, directly related to eligible projects, that are deemed reasonable and required to achieve the objectives and results of the Program. For any type of project under any CMIF program stream, eligible expenditures may include:

• salaries and benefits for employees of the recipient for time working on the project, where the recipient can demonstrate value for money
• professional and technical services such as, but not limited to, research, consulting, engineering, trades, and laboratory services
• expenditures related to public or Indigenous engagement/consultation including facilities rental, dissemination of information, communications materials, and other associated costs
• costs associated with Indigenous ceremonies (excluding hospitality).
• honoraria for Indigenous Elders
• capacity building, workshop, and training costs including facility costs for seminars and conference room rentals
• expenditures related to environmental assessments, follow-up programs, remedial activities, mitigation measures, and follow-up identified in any environmental assessment
• licencing and permit fees
• travel expenses, including transportation, accommodation, and meals, in accordance with federal policies and directives
• expenditures related to site preparation, construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of infrastructure assets (e.g., prefeasibility and feasibility studies, planning, engineering, and design work, modeling, project capital/material costs, equipment, software, data systems and technology deployment)
• data collection services, including processing, analysis, validation, and management
• GST, PST, and/or HST, net of any tax rebate to which the recipient is entitled
• overhead and administrative expenditures provided they are directly related and essential to the conduct of the project, up to 15% of the eligible expenditures. Overhead and administrative expenditures include:
  • administrative support provided directly to the project by the eligible recipient employee or employees, valued on the same basis as professional staff time
  • routine laboratory and field equipment maintenance, based on the actual expenditure to a recipient
  • office expenses (e.g., office equipment rental, faxes, telephone, photocopies, heat and hydro)
  • project signage costs
• costs associated with further distribution of funding may be up to 15% of the eligible expenditures

The maximum reimbursement amount for specific eligible expenditures will be reviewed regularly and may be capped at a maximum percentage of the project’s proposed total eligible expenditures as needed to ensure funding contributions remain aligned with the program’s objectives and results.

NRCan reserves the right to reject any expenditure it deems unrelated to or unnecessary for the implementation and conduct of a project.

Project costs that are not eligible for reimbursement under the CMIF program include, but are not limited to:

• land acquisition costs and associated real estate fees
• costs of leasing land, buildings, and other facilities
• legal costs related to litigation
• project application preparation or development costs
• tax preparation costs
• financing charges and interest payments on project loans
• salary benefits and incentives deemed unrelated to the project (e.g., employee bonuses)
• fossil-fuel energy generation equipment
• purchase of rolling stock or mobile equipment
• general repairs or maintenance of project work and related structures
• services or works normally provided by the recipient
• hospitality
• costs incurred after the project completion date, or after March 31, 2030, whichever is earlier

NRCan will not fund activities that duplicate services, studies or written materials funded by other public or private sources, such as documents located on the Internet, or services, studies, or written materials that have already been completed.

Annex D: Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility plan or commitment requirements

Applicants must complete at least one of the following options to meet the inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) criteria:

1. submit an IDEA plan with clear objectives, activities, metrics, and timelines, or,
2. sign on to a public commitment for IDEA that supports the program’s objectives, along with details on how the applicant will meet that commitment

Applicants who choose to complete both options must submit the organization’s IDEA plan and fulfill submission requirements for the public IDEA commitment.

Option 1: IDEA plan

To promote a focus on IDEA in Canada’s construction, electricity, or natural resources sector, applicants who select Option 1 are required to include the following:

• Anti-discrimination policy - This policy should reference applicable human rights codes and may include processes and procedures to ensure safety and inclusion in the workplace
• Diversity policy – This policy can include anti-racism, lateral violence, and inclusion policies where relevant to your organization
• Staff education requirement – The applicant should outline actions, with specific timelines, for educating staff on policies, practices and activities chosen to enable a safe, inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace

Note: Indigenous-led organizations may substitute traditional teachings and practices in place of policies. For 100% Indigenous-owned projects, there is flexibility in how policies and education plans are presented as long as an intent is sufficiently demonstrated to implement tangible IDEA practices under the project.

Required activities:

Each applicant is required to select activities to be pursued as part of the IDEA plan. The number of activities required depends on the applicant type. Applicants with fewer than 50 employees, or Indigenous-led organizations will be required to include two or more activities in their IDEA plan. Applicants with 50 or more employees, are required to include a minimum of four activities.

Activities may be chosen from the lists below, or other planned activities can be provided if relevant. Applicants are encouraged to include activities related to community engagement if their project will impact the local community. Any activities that provide additional benefits to Indigenous groups, governments or organizations, such as training programs, joint ownership, and other targeted benefit programs, may be included as part of the plan.

Ensure all included activities have clear metrics, goals and timelines. Include additional details as required to explain how IDEA goals will be met.

For example, “This project will aim to train 90% of all employees on anti-racism by the end of the year” or “This project will include IDEA criteria, including asking for an IDEA plan, as part of the supplier selection process up until project commissioning”.

Category	Examples of eligible IDEA plan activities
Governance and policies	Adopt more inclusive training processes and policies to support IDEA in the workplace in addition to required policies Create policies, practices, and strategies that consider the safety and equitable benefit of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons per call for action 13.1 in the Calls for Justice following the Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG
More inclusive, equitable, diverse and accessible workforce representation	Create policies, practices and strategies to increase workforce representation of underrepresented groups Hire women and other marginalized genders Hire members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community Hire racialized people Hire Indigenous people Hire persons with disabilities Hire youth
More inclusive, equitable, diverse and accessible management representation	Increase representation of women and other marginalized genders in managerial roles Increase representation of racialized people in managerial roles Increase representation of Indigenous people in managerial roles Increase representation of persons with disabilities in managerial roles
Workforce advancement and retention	Commit to retention and advancement of diverse genders, racialized people, Indigenous people, youth and/or persons with disabilities within the organization
Training to educate and empower the workforce	Develop training methods that are inclusive Train on IDEA within the organization Support representation in training programs (e.g., college, university) Provide career development opportunities Organize sessions to speak out against violence towards Indigenous women and girls; 2SLGBTQ+ persons; and/or other forms of discrimination (e.g., racism, sexism, ignorance and transphobia)
Supplier selection	Commit to working with one or multiple companies that are committed to IDEA through their policies and practices Contract significant work to Indigenous companies or companies owned by members of an underrepresented group
Reporting	Gather internal workforce IDEA data in a confidential manner Facilitate anonymous company-wide surveys Conduct employee exit interviews Measure and report to stakeholders on key IDEA performance indicators
Communication	Share results of data collection and lessons learned Communicate with internal and/or external stakeholders about IDEA in the organization
Workplace committees dedicated to IDEA	Facilitate a workplace committee on IDEA, consisting of a diverse group of individuals, who focus on inclusion, discrimination, and human rights concerns within the workplace Ensure employees are supported in their participation within these committees
Community engagement and benefits	Implement a community benefit agreement Hire and train members of the local community Fund advocacy groups that promote workforce IDEA Create a community fund to support local activities
Inclusion and Accessibility	Implement elements in the workplace to support the needs of specific groups in the workforce, for example: opening a daycare for staff’s families and creating safe spaces for breastfeeding parents having gender neutral washrooms making respectful spiritual spaces available provide flexible work arrangements

Option 2: Public IDEA commitment

Applicants who select option 2 choose to sign onto a public IDEA commitment. Eligible public commitments must be related, but not limited to, the following:

• advancing the roles of multiple underrepresented groups in the construction, electricity, and/or natural resources sectors, including but not limited to women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, racialized people, and persons with disabilities
• reducing barriers to entry into the workforce
• commitments to workplace IDEA measures
• goals for representation in the workplace and leadership
• commitments to the advancement of underrepresented persons in the workplace

Required information:

• Name of the public commitment
• Name of the organization delivering the public commitment
• Details of the public commitment:
  • objectives of the commitment
  • timeframes of the commitment
  • metrics to be measured
  • specifics of the commitment
• Written confirmation and proof of signing on to the public commitment from the coordinating organization

See the application portal for a sample template of a fully described public IDEA commitment.

Examples of eligible public commitments

Examples of eligible public engagements include, but are not limited to:

• The Natural Resources Canada led Equal by 30 Campaign
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge
• Diversio Certification of Diversity and Inclusion
• Becoming a Signatory of the Electricity Human Resources Canada Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Accord. (Note that only the Signatory status is permissible under the program. The Advocate status is not permissible.)

Annex E: Application document checklist and templates

Below is a list of documents required for a CMIF application. Archive/Zip attachments according to the document categories below and ensure each attachment starts with the corresponding file prefix. In addition, when uploading your files, provide a description of files not submitted and explain why they have not been submitted (i.e., not applicable or not available). Consult Annex B for further guidance on what to include for each attachment. Note: These documents may not be thoroughly reviewed in all cases, but may be used as part of assessments, including for reference.

Organizational documents

File prefix	File description
O.01	Articles of incorporation or proof of registration (if available)
O.02	Business/Ownership structure
O.03	Organizational chart
O.04	Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Plan or Commitment (mandatory only for organizations that employ at least 20 full-time equivalents)

Financial documents

File prefix	File description
F.01	Detailed budget, cash flow projections, and sources of funding
F.02	Audited financial statements

Infrastructure project documents

File prefix	File description
I.01	Detailed work plan
I.02	Gantt chart or other similar project timeline diagram
I.03	Risk management plan
I.04	Site maps / plans
I.05	Proof of land ownership or land use authorization
I.06Footnote 9
I.07	Proof of regulatory and permit approvals
I.08	Indigenous and local community support letters and/or Band Council Resolutions
I.09	Attestation letters or copies of agreements with Indigenous and local end users that are not mines
I.10	Estimated greenhouse gas emissions emitted due to the project
I.11	Baseline and estimated reductions in fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions (Energy projects only)
I.12	Climate risk and/or Environmental assessments / studies (if available)
I.13	Cargo capacity and movement estimates (Transportation projects only)
I.14	Feasibility assessments / studies (if available)
I.15	Engineering assessments / studies (if available)
I.16	Other relevant technical documentation (e.g., conformity with industry standards)

Mining and value chain documents

File prefix	File description
M.01	Quantitative assessment of supported critical mineral mining operations
M.02	Attestation letters or copies of agreements with mining, processing, and manufacturing companies
M.03	Environmental assessments / studies for mining operations