Content page
From [Institution name]
Details on Transfer Payment Programs 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 Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20
Link to departmental result: Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada
Link to department’s Program Inventory: Research and Development, and Commercialization; Innovation Ecosystem
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) makes strategic investments in research and development (R&D) initiatives in the area of natural and applied sciences as well as in social sciences, humanities, and arts and culture. Projects are expected to result in the successful adaptation or development as well as the commercialization of technology-based products, processes or services.
Contributions to non-profit organizations are non-repayable. Contributions to for-profit businesses to fund R&D projects that involve the commercialization of a product, process, technology or service are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally.
Results achieved: These investments will result in increased activity in innovation and R&D, leading to technologies, products, processes or services that contribute to economic growth in Atlantic Canada.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $20.4 million for 42 projects under the Atlantic Innovation Fund.
Findings of audits completed in 2020-21: No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2020-21.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2020-21: No evaluations were completed or planned during fiscal year 2020-21.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020-21: ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the AIF) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed.
AIF information is shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and communication between AIF program delivery staff and clients.
Through Innovation Canada, access to information on funding programs has also increased. When potential applicants enter basic information via their website application, it generates targeted results of potential innovation programs, including the AIF.
Financial Information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2018-19 Actual spending |
2019-20 Actual spending |
2020-21 Planned spending |
2020-21 Total authorities available for use |
2020-21 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2020-21 actual minus 2020-21 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 34,020,458 | 26,115,051 | 40,000,000 | 40,000,000 | 20,437,738 | (19,562,262) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 34,020,458 | 26,115,051 | 40,000,000 | 40,000,000 | 20,437,738 | (19,562,262) |
Explanation of variances: In 2020-21, there was a lower level of activity than planned because no projects were approved under the AIF and many projects focusing on innovation were approved under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program.
Business Development Program - Voted
Start date: July 25, 1995
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant and contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental results: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada, Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada, Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada
Link to 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), the Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping SMEs become more competitive. The Agency also works with communities to develop and diversify local economies, and champions the strengths of the region in partnership with Atlantic Canadians.
The objectives of the BDP are as follows:
Improve the growth and competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian SMEs.
- Provide for dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada.
- Provide for initiatives that strengthen the Atlantic region’s economy.
In general, contributions to for-profit businesses are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally. Under some of the BDP’s elements, non-repayable contributions to for-profit businesses may be permitted.
Contributions to not-for-profit organizations are generally non-repayable but are conditionally repayable if a project results in what would normally be considered a commercial activity.
Results achieved: Through the BDP, the Agency supported Atlantic Canada’s economic growth and prosperity by helping SMEs compete and succeed in a global market, and by investing in the development of inclusive and diverse communities.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $42.8 million on 505 projects under the BDP.
Projects included support to SMEs with high growth potential, the hiring of skilled and diverse personnel, the modernization and expansion of businesses, export preparedness, training, and the adoption of new technologies. BDP investments helped businesses and communities accelerate their transition to a cleaner, low-carbon economy through the adoption of clean technologies. The Agency also contributed to the development of dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada by investing in initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, talent attraction, skills development, business growth and community vitality (e.g., tourism investments).
Findings of audits completed in 2020-21: No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2020-21.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2020-21: An evaluation of BDP spending that falls under Business Growth and Trade and Investment programs was completed in 2020-21. The evaluation demonstrated that the programs continue to be relevant and contribute to the business growth of SMEs in Atlantic Canada.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020-21: ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the BDP) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve expected results. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions regarding the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations. To ensure the ongoing relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, whether through information sharing, consultations or collaborations.
In ensuring that BDP elements are designed for continuous improvement to support expected outcomes, ACOA engages the following stakeholders: the business sector; community-based economic development organizations and volunteer groups; universities and colleges; research institutes; other levels of government; First Nations communities; and official language minority communities.
Additionally, BDP information is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.
The Agency also consults its applicants and clients through periodic satisfaction surveys. These surveys provide the Agency with information on the importance of various service features and on areas for improvement.
Financial Information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2018-19 Actual spending |
2019-20 Actual spending |
2020-21 Planned spending |
2020-21 Total authorities available for use |
2020-21 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2020-21 actual minus 2020-21 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 645,256 | 454,230 | 1,675,000 | 1,675,000 | 437,272 | (1,237,728) |
| Total contributions | 181,897,222 | 101,084,017 | 30,378,558 | 46,088,558 | 42,725,572 | 12,347,014 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 182,542,478 | 101,538,247 | 32,053,558 | 47,763,558 | 43,162,844 | 11,109,286 |
Explanation of variances: In 2020-21, there was a higher level of activity than planned because many projects focused on COVID-19 relief and recovery to help Atlantic Canadian firms, organizations and communities. As these emergency programs sunset, spending will stabilize.
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation – Voted
Name of transfer payment program:
Growth through Regional Innovation Program (GRIP) (known as the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation [REGI] Program)
This program includes Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) initiatives in two streams: Pilot Contribution Program (known as the Women Entrepreneurship Fund [WEF]) and WES Ecosystem Fund. It also includes the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF), Canadian Experience Fund (CEF) and Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI).
Start date: October 18, 2018
End date: REGI – March 31, 2023
Type of transfer payment: REGI – Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19
Link to departmental results: 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 department’s Program Inventory: Business Growth; Innovation Ecosystem; Trade and Investment; Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities; Research and Development, and Commercialization
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The REGI Program builds on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan. Its goal 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 assist the enhancement of regional industrial and technology clusters and regional innovation ecosystems.
The program provides assistance through two streams:
- Business Scale-up and Productivity – Invest in and support businesses, including high-growth firms, at various stages of development to accelerate their growth and assist them in scaling up as well as enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
- Regional Innovation Ecosystems – Create, grow and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.
WES provides nationally coordinated, regionally tailored investments to help women entrepreneurs and support regional innovation ecosystems through two program streams:
- WES Ecosystem Fund – A five-year program to help non-profit, third-party organizations deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem.
- Pilot Contribution Program (Women Entrepreneurship Fund) – A two-year program that invests directly in women-owned or women-led businesses to help them grow and reach new markets.
The RRRF provided liquidity assistance for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that were rejected by or were unable to access other federal pandemic support programs, or that continue to have liquidity needs.
The CSSF was offered to Atlantic fish and seafood processors for COVID-19-related costs, including to find storage solutions for live, frozen and/or processed products; invest in new equipment, materials or services; and/or, meet new market demands.
The CCTI supported efforts to diversify the economy of communities impacted by a transition away from coal-fired electricity. Impacted communities are located in northern New Brunswick and eastern Nova Scotia. The CCTI focuses on economic diversification (e.g., tourism, start-ups, other industrial sectors); community infrastructure that enables new businesses and revenues; and, green energy investments that create new skills and jobs.
Contributions issued under the REGI Program and its initiatives may be unconditionally or conditionally repayable, or non-repayable. Contributions issued under WES and the Black Entrepreneurship Program are non-repayable.
Results achieved:
Projects supported under the REGI Program aimed to accelerate the growth of firms and assisted with the adoption of new, innovative technologies, the scale-up and productivity improvement of SMEs, and the development of and entry into new markets.
The REGI Program also funded projects that supported the growth and development of a strong and inclusive regional ecosystem in order to foster the entrepreneurial environment necessary for more innovative regional economies and to increase the competitiveness of SMEs, women entrepreneurs and under-represented groups.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $139.1 million on 1,203 projects under the REGI Program.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $206.2 million on 535 projects under the RRRF, delivered through the REGI Program.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $31.7 million for 126 projects under the CSSF, delivered through the REGI Program.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $2.5 million for 40 projects under the CEF, delivered through the REGI Program.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $6.5 million for 16 projects under the CCTI, delivered through the REGI Program.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $3.0 million for 19 projects under WES, delivered through the REGI Program.
Findings of audits completed in 2020-21: No audits were completed but planning began on one audit in the latter part of 2020-21. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) began its efforts to conduct a performance audit on the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to “Protecting Canada’s Food Supply.” This audit is part of a suite of audits that the OAG is undertaking in response to Parliament’s request that it examine and report on the federal government’s spending in response to the pandemic. One of the programs within the scope of the audit is the CSSF. While it is a Department of Fisheries and Oceans program, it is delivered in Atlantic Canada through ACOA. The Agency provided information and input on its role in the CSSF. The audit report, with its findings, is scheduled to be tabled in the fall of 2021.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2020-21: An evaluation of the REGI Program spending that falls under Business Growth and Trade and Investment programs was completed in 2020-21. The evaluation demonstrated that the programs continue to be relevant and contribute to the business growth of SMEs in Atlantic Canada.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020-21: ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the new REGI Program) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions regarding the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations. To ensure the ongoing relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, whether through information sharing, consultations or collaborations.
In ensuring that the REGI Program elements are designed for continuous improvement to support expected outcomes, ACOA engaged with other regional development agencies and the following stakeholders: the business sector; community-based economic development organizations and volunteer groups; universities and colleges; research institutes; other levels of government; First Nations communities; and official language minority communities.
Additionally, information regarding the REGI Program is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.
The Agency also consults its applicants and clients through periodic satisfaction surveys. These surveys provide the Agency with information on the importance of various service features and on areas for improvement.
Financial Information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2018-19 Actual spending |
2019-20 Actual spending |
2020-21 Planned spending |
2020-21 Total authorities available for use |
2020-21 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2020-21 actual minus 2020-21 planned) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 58,788 | 441,068 | 1,187,500 | 1,437,500 | 343,916 | (843,584) | |
| Total contributions | 10,571,287 | 95,332,487 | 98,192,481 | 281,168,232 | 304,340,844 | 206,148,363 | |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total program | 10,630,075 | 95,773,555 | 99,379,981 | 282,605,732 | 304,684,760 | 205,304,779 | |
Explanation of variances: In 2020-21, there was a higher level of activity than planned because many projects focused on COVID-19 relief and recovery to help Atlantic Canadian firms, organizations and communities. As these emergency programs sunset, spending will stabilize.
Community Futures Program - Voted
Start date: May 18, 1995
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11
Link to departmental result: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada
Link to department’s Program Inventory: Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The program’s purpose is to help communities develop and implement local solutions to local problems. It provides non-repayable contributions to community futures organizations – known in Atlantic Canada as Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) – and their associations. Community-based governance is at the heart of the Community Futures Program (CFP). CBDCs are legally incorporated, not-for-profit, autonomous organizations managed by local volunteer board members who make decisions that shape these organizations, affect the lives of entrepreneurs and impact their communities. They provide financial and technical support to SMEs and social enterprises in rural areas.
Results achieved: In 2020-21, CBDCs provided an essential source of investment capital focused on rural businesses as well as business counselling and skills development. CBDCs assisted 1,368 businesses through their investment fund by approving 1,521 loans, representing a total direct investment of $73.4 million in local SMEs. These investments contributed to the creation of 1,730 new jobs in rural communities across Atlantic Canada. The Agency maximized the use of funds available to CBDCs as recipients of CFP funding in accordance with the Community Futures of Tomorrow model. ACOA continued to collaborate with the CBDC network in providing business counselling and support to enhance the business skills of local entrepreneurs.
Findings of audits completed in 2020-21: No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2020-21.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2020-21: No evaluations were completed or planned during fiscal year 2020-21.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020-21: The Agency continued to engage with and align its support to the CBDC network as part of the implementation of the Community Futures of Tomorrow model under a collaborative joint oversight committee. This maximized all available resources, including the funds provided by the CFP. 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.
As part of its due diligence process and accountability to Parliament, the Agency has a responsibility to ensure that appropriate governance practices are in place with respect to organizations to which it provides operational support. ACOA continues to collaborate with the CBDC network and individual organizations to enhance governance practices, where required, and provide ongoing training to board members to ensure a continued understanding of effective governance and the importance of achieving desired results the right way.
ACOA continues to work with other federal regional development agencies, the Community Futures Network of Canada (CFNC) and the CBDCs to increase the integrity and consistency of performance results, improve the collection of data and implement the Community Futures Program’s performance measurement strategy. In collaboration with other federal government departments responsible for the management of the program, ACOA presents performance results for 2021-21 and continues to engage the CFNC in refining the collection and use of performance information needed by all stakeholders, including the CBDCs.
Financial Information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2018-19 Actual spending |
2019-20 Actual spending |
2020-21 Planned spending |
2020-21 Total authorities available for use |
2020-21 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2020-21 actual minus 2020-21 planned) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total contributions | 15,465,382 | 13,224,293 | 12,642,000 | 94,242,000 | 94,325,024 | 81,683,024 | |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total program | 15,465,382 | 13,224,293 | 12,642,000 | 94,242,000 | 94,325,024 | 81,683,024 | |
Explanation of variances: In 2020-21, there was a higher level of activity than planned because many projects focused on COVID-19 relief and recovery to help Atlantic Canadian firms, organizations and communities. As these emergency programs sunset, spending will stabilize.
Innovative Communities Fund - Voted
Start date: April 1, 2005
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Link to departmental results: Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada, Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada, Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada
Link to department’s Program Inventory: Diversified Communities; Inclusive Communities; Innovation Ecosystem
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) is designed to make non-repayable contributions to strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada’s communities. The ICF focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities. Urban initiatives that stimulate the competitiveness and vitality of rural communities may also be considered on a select basis.
Results achieved: The ICF capitalizes on the strengths of Atlantic communities and provides them with the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth. The overall expected result is to build dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada while focusing on increased economic and business activity. ACOA continued to work with communities and stakeholders on strategic projects related to economic development capacity as well as business-sector development.
In 2020-21, ACOA expended $30.8 million on 252 projects under ICF.
Findings of audits completed in 2020-21: No audits were completed or planned during fiscal year 2020-21.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2020-21: No evaluations were completed or planned during fiscal year 2020-21.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020-21: Eligible recipients for the ICF include municipalities and local organizations, First Nations communities, industry-related groups (e.g., industry or sector associations), and non-profit organizations.
Under the ICF, the Agency continues to proactively engage with its partners and stakeholders, including community organizations, educational institutions, official language minority communities, First Nations communities and other levels of government, through discussions regarding strategic community development opportunities. These discussions ensure that the Agency’s investments continue to respond to the evolving economic needs and priorities of Atlantic Canadian communities. In addition, ICF information is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website.
Financial Information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2018-19 Actual spending |
2019-20 Actual spending |
2020-21 Planned spending |
2020-21 Total authorities available for use |
2020-21 Actual spending (authorities used) |
Variance (2020-21 actual minus 2020-21 planned) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total contributions | 32,842,332 | 37,912,992 | 39,317,262 | 41,882,262 | 33,217,223 | (6,100,039) | |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total program | 32,842,332 | 37,912,992 | 39,317,262 | 41,882,262 | 33,217,223 | (6,100,039) | |
Explanation of variances: In 2020-21, there was a lower level of activity than planned because many projects focusing on innovation and on COVID-19 relief and recovery were approved under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program. As COVID-19 emergency programs sunset, spending will stabilize.