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2025-26 Departmental Plan – Transfer Payment Programs

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

Atlantic Innovation Fund – Voted

Start date: May 10, 2001

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result(s): Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objectives of the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) are to:

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

Expected results: The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) AIF investments aim, among other things, to contribute to leveraging funds toward innovation projects, encourage the development of partnerships for technology development and commercialization, and increase the number of commercialized technologies, products, processes and services.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2023-24

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Pending

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2027-28

General targeted recipient groups:

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ACOA engages proponents and recipients on a regular basis, either one-on-one or via industry associations, as part of its operations. Key partners and stakeholders may include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), other levels of government, community leaders, financial institutions, business support organizations and other private-sector organizations. Each ACOA regional office continues to focus on higher-impact investments in each community. The communications strategy also includes the use of social media to inform and engage applicants and recipients.

ACOA’s transfer payment programs are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain place-based and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.

Financial information (dollars)

Atlantic Innovation Fund planned spending
Type of transfer payment 2024-25 forecast spending 2025-26 planned spending 2026-27 planned spending 2027-28 planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 1,155,400 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 1,155,400 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000

Business Development Program – Voted

Start date: July 25, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24

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

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

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

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

The objectives of the BDP are to:

The BDP also includes temporary funding:

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

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

Expected results: Improve the growth and competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian SMEs through:

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

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2023-24

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2027-28

General targeted recipient groups:

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ACOA engages proponents and recipients on a regular basis, either one-on-one or via industry associations, as part of its operations. Key partners and stakeholders may include SMEs, other levels of government, community leaders, financial institutions, business support organizations and other private-sector organizations. Each ACOA regional office continues to focus on higher-impact investments in each community. The communications strategy also includes the use of social media to inform and engage applicants and recipients.

ACOA’s transfer payment programs are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain place-based and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.

Financial information (dollars)

Business Development Program planned spending
Type of transfer payment 2024-25 forecast spending 2025-26 planned spending 2026-27 planned spending 2027-28 planned spending
Total grants 374,000 1,550,000 1,550,000 1,500,000
Total contributions 43,955,260 26,334,683 22,034,683 21,493,683
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 44,329,660 27,884,683 23,584,683 22,993,683

Community Futures Program – Voted

Start date: May 18, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Inclusive Communities

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Community Futures (CF) Program’s purpose is to help communities develop and implement local solutions to local problems. The program provides financial support to CF organizations that, in collaboration with other partners and stakeholders, can assess their situation and develop strategies to meet their needs to provide support to SMEs and social enterprises and to undertake appropriate community economic development initiatives.

The CF Program provides non-repayable contributions to CF organizations, also known in Atlantic Canada as Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), and their associations. More information on services provided through the CBDCs can be found on ACOA’s website.

Expected results: The ultimate outcomes under the program are:

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

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Horizontal Evaluation of the Community Futures Program, 2024-25

General targeted recipient groups:

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

The communications strategy also includes the use of social media to inform and engage applicants and recipients.

ACOA’s transfer payment programs are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain place-based and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.

Financial information (dollars)

Community Futures Program planned spending
Type of transfer payment 2024-25 forecast spending 2025-26 planned spending 2026-27 planned spending 2027-28 planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 12,642,000 12,642,000 12,642,000 12,642,000
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 12,642,000 12,642,000 12,642,000 12,642,000

Innovative Communities Fund

Start date: April 1, 2005

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Innovative Communities Fund’s (ICF) objective is to diversify and enhance the economies of Atlantic communities, many of which are vulnerable to industry closures and major economic adjustments. In doing so, the program capitalizes on the opportunities and strengths that exist in these communities as identified in each community’s regional and/or sectoral strategic economic development plan. The focus of the ICF is the long-term sustainable economic development of communities in Atlantic Canada.

The objectives of the program are as follows:

Contributions issued under the ICF are non-repayable.

Expected results: Key results expected under the ICF are:

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2023-24

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programs, 2027-28

General targeted recipient groups:

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ACOA engages proponents and recipients on a regular basis, either one-on-one or via industry associations, as part of its operations. Key partners and stakeholders may include SMEs, other levels of government, community leaders, financial institutions, business support organizations and other private-sector organizations. ACOA continues to collaborate proactively with its partners to identify strategic community projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Each ACOA regional office continues to focus on higher-impact investments in each community. The communications strategy also includes the use of social media to inform and engage applicants and recipients.

ACOA’s transfer payment programs are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain place-based and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.

Financial information (dollars)

Innovative Communities Fund planned spending
Type of transfer payment 2024-25 forecast spending 2025-26 planned spending 2026-27 planned spending 2027-28 planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 47,519,290 37,177,762 37,177,762 37,177,762
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 47,519,290 37,177,762 37,177,762 37,177,762

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation – Voted

Start date: October 18, 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

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

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

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

The program provides assistance through two streams:

The following temporary initiative is delivered through the REGI program streams:

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

Expected results:

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Horizontal Evaluation of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program, 2023-24

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

General targeted recipient groups:

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ACOA engages proponents and recipients on a regular basis, either one-on-one or via industry associations, as part of its operations. Key partners and stakeholders may include SMEs, other levels of government, community leaders, financial institutions, business support organizations and other private-sector organizations. Each ACOA regional office continues to focus on higher-impact investments in each community. The communications strategy also includes the use of social media to inform and engage applicants and recipients.

ACOA’s transfer payment programs are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain place-based and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.

Financial information (dollars)

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program planned spending
Type of transfer payment 2024-25 forecast spending 2025-26 planned spending 2026-27 planned spending 2027-28 planned spending
Total grants 243,400 1,000,000 500,000 500,000
Total contributions 211,012,050 197,948,033 112,058,812 98,254,048
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 211,255,450 198,948,033 112,558,812 98,754,048

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

Atlantic Policy Research Initiative – Voted

Start date: July 1, 2000

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

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

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Atlantic Policy Research Initiative (APRI) is the primary funding instrument through which ACOA supports policy research. The objectives of the program are to:

The program provides non-repayable contributions.

Expected results: The key expected result supported by APRI is well-informed policy decisions reflecting opportunities and challenges of the Atlantic region’s economy while considering enterprise and community development potential.

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

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable – Transfer payment program with less than $5 million in total planned spending

General targeted recipient groups:

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

ACOA engages proponents and recipients on a regular basis as part of its operations to discuss Government of Canada priorities and policy research opportunities. Key stakeholders may include universities and research institutions, business associations, other levels of government, and other private-sector organizations. Each ACOA regional office continues to refer eligible applicants looking to conduct policy research on diverse topics.

ACOA’s transfer payment programs are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain place-based and client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.

Financial information (dollars)

Atlantic Policy Research Initiative planned spending
Type of transfer payment 2024-25 forecast spending 2025-26 planned spending 2026-27 planned spending 2027-28 planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 549,800 600,000 600,000 600,000
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 549,800 600,000 600,000 600,000