2019-20 Departmental Results Report: Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support

General information
Name of transfer payment program

Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)
Start date

2000–01
End date

Ongoing
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2011–12
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Investigator-Initiated Research – Training and Career Support – Research in Priority Areas
Description

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) provides a wide array of funding programs under this transfer payment program. This includes grants that provide support for the direct costs of research projects, for the training of researchers, or for activities that support the translation of research findings. Other funding includes direct salary and stipend support to individual researchers/scientists and research trainees.
Results achieved

CIHR invested a significant portion of its grants budget to fund all areas of health research. CIHR grants and awards helped maintain a strong and diverse health research base. Programs continue to demonstrate strong application pressure and an increase in the average cost of research proposals resulted in a higher average grant payment per year.

Overall CIHR supported more than 12,100 researchers and trainees by funding over 6,700 grants and awards, which represents a total of $997.9M in expenditures through this program.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

No formal audit is planned.

Key controls of this program are reviewed by Internal Audit as part of the annual Internal Control over Financial Reporting process.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

An evaluation is currently in the reporting and approval phase with expected completion estimated by December 2020.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 911,875,155 958,291,539 979,984,738 998,169,649 997,859,990 17,875,252
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 911,875,155 958,291,539 979,984,738 998,169,649 997,859,990 17,875,252
Explanation of variances

CIHR’s actual spending was $17.9M greater than planned. This was due to additional funding received through Budget 2019 to support the Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s and Doctoral program and for Paid Parental Leave coverage, as well as the redistribution of funding for the Canada Research Chairs across the Tri-Agencies in order to align with the research landscape.

Canada Graduate Scholarships

General Information
Name of transfer payment program

Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
Start date

2003–04
End date

Ongoing
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2009–10
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Training and Career Support
Description

CIHR's portion of the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program provides financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in master's or doctoral programs in health. This Tri-Agency program and is administered by each respective agency (CIHR, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)).

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved

The CGS Program strives to make Canada one of the world’s top countries for research training and development in order to build an innovative and competitive economy, increase future job opportunities and, ultimately, generate social, economic and cultural benefits for Canadians. As a result of investments made to the CGS program in Budget 2019, additional awards (500 Master’s and 167 Doctoral) were offered to applicants starting in the 2018–19 CGS competitions.

In 2019–20, CIHR invested $25.2M to support research training in areas related to health.
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

No audits are planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

An evaluation is planned to begin in October 2020 with expected completion by June of 2021.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 21,150,359 21,205,669 21,250,000 25,310,000 25,246,441 3,996,441
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 21,150,359 21,205,669 21,250,000 25,310,000 25,246,441 3,996,441
Explanation of variances

CIHR’s actual spending was $4.0M greater than planned due to additional funding received through Budget 2019 for additional awards.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

General Information
Name of transfer payment program

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
Start date

2008–09
End date

Ongoing
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Training and Career Support
Description

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is Tri-Agency program designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering them a significant financial award. This financial award assists students during their studies at Canadian universities. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health-related fields. This program is administered by CIHR on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved

Through the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, the Government of Canada invests up to $25 million annually, divided among the budgets of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually to Canadian and international doctoral students studying at Canadian universities who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering, and health.

In 2019–20, CIHR invested $8.3M to support research training in areas related to health.
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

No audits are planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

An evaluation is currently in the reporting and approval phase with expected completion estimated by December 2020.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and directed Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication, as well as through the Vanier CGS website.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 8,264,193 8,334,030 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,349,999 (1)
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 8,264,193 8,334,030 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,349,999 (1)
Explanation of variances

The variance is immaterial.

Institute Support Grants

General Information
Name of transfer payment program

Institute Support Grants (voted)
Start date

2000–01
End date

Ongoing
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2008–09
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Research in Priority Areas
Description

The Institute Support Grant (ISG) program provides funding to Canadian institutions, including universities and teaching hospitals, to assist them in hosting the 13 Institutes of CIHR. The Institutes help CIHR maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities and to understand their needs. Each CIHR-appointed Scientific Director is among the top scientists in his/her field. Institutes help CIHR define its strategic health research priorities and develop research partnerships with other interested parties in health research. Institutes also organize conferences, seminars and workshops, all with the goal of developing and disseminating health-related knowledge and best practices.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved

In 2019–20, CIHR provided each of its 13 Institutes with a grant to support institute operations, including the salaries of Scientific Directors, Institute Staff and other administrative expenses. Institute Support Grants also support activities that facilitate and develop national research networks linking the Institutes' respective research communities. For more information please visit their websites.
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

No audits are planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

The ISG has undergone review as part of a suite of 13 rolling institute reviews which were completed in June 2019. The next evaluation is planned for 2023–24.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 13,000,000 13,604,167 13,200,000 14,183,000 14,182,999 982,999
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 13,000,000 13,604,167 13,200,000 14,183,000 14,182,999 982,999
Explanation of variances

CIHR’s actual spending was $1.0M greater than planned due to funding and expenditures related to the oversight of strategic initiatives.

Networks of Centres of Excellence

General Information
Name of transfer payment program

Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)
Start date

1997–98
End date

2023–24
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Research in Priority Areas
Description

The program supports large-scale academically led research networks that harness the creativity and inventiveness of Canadian health, natural and social scientists, and engineers. Partners from industry, government and not-for-profit organizations contribute additional expertise and bring cash and in-kind support. This program is a tri-agency program administered by NSERC on behalf of CIHR, SSHRC and NSERC.

This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.
Results achieved

Strong linkages and partnerships between universities, government, industry, and other users (non-governmental organizations), resulting in the exploitation of leading-edge research results with economical and/or societal benefits to Canada
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2019-20.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

There are no plans to evaluate this program, as the NCE is no longer an ongoing program and its funds will be gradually transferred to the New Frontiers in Research Fund. This program has been evaluated regularly (i.e., every 5 years) since its inception (as a sunset program) in 1985. Given the solid evaluation history, there are few lessons to be learned from an evaluation at this time.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

No further competitions are planned under this program. Existing recipients are supported by direct contact and engagement through their assigned NCE staff liaison who sits as an observer on the Board of Directors.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 21,740,000 23,477,000 21,740,400 21,740,400 21,740,000 (400)
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 21,740,000 23,477,000 21,740,400 21,740,400 21,740,000 (400)
Explanation of variances

The variance is immaterial.

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research

General Information
Name of transfer payment program

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (voted)
Start date

2007
End date

2022–23
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2012–13
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Research in Priority Areas
Description

The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) program bridges the challenging gap between innovation and commercialization. The program matches clusters of research expertise with the business community to share the knowledge and resources that bring innovations to market faster. Centres advance research and facilitate commercialization within four priority areas: the environment; natural resources and energy; health and life sciences; and information and communications technologies. This program is administered by NSERC on behalf of CIHR, SSHRC and NSERC.

This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.
Results achieved

Pre-competitive development of promising technology and the promotion of its transfer to new or established Canadian companies is facilitated.
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2019-20.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

There are no plans to evaluate this program as the CECR was transferred to the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) managed by ISED and will be evaluated as part of the SIF. This program has been evaluated 3 times since its inception in 2007. Given the solid evaluation history, there are few lessons to be learned from an evaluation at this time.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

No further competitions are planned under this program. Existing recipients are supported by direct contact and engagement through their assigned NCE staff liaison who sits as an observer on the Board of Directors.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 12,328,500 13,194,408 9,719,000 9,719,000 9,719,000 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 12,328,500 13,194,408 9,719,000 9,719,000 9,719,000 0
Explanation of variances

No variance.

Canada First Research Excellence Fund

General Information
Name of transfer payment program

Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)
Start date

2014
End date

Ongoing
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Investigator-Initiated Research
Description

The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) supports Canada’s postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. CFREF helps institutions:

  • Compete with the best in the world for talent, for partnership opportunities and to make breakthrough discoveries;
  • Seize emerging opportunities and strategically advance their greatest strengths on the global stage; and
  • Implement large-scale, transformational and forward-thinking institutional strategies.

This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC.

This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.
Results achieved
  • All 18 CFREF recipients at 17 Canadian institutions were supported in 2019-20, for a total investment for the tri-agencies of $199 million.
  • The midterm reviews of five CFREFs awarded in the first competition were undertaken during 2019-20. The midterm reviews demonstrate that CFREF recipients  have established strong partnerships and collaborations at the national and international level; recruited high-quality personnel and students; hired new faculty; built world-class infrastructures; already achieved significant advancements in their respective fields of research;  and leveraged funding to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives in the long term.
  • Funding supports several areas of which environment and agriculture; health and related life sciences; advanced manufacturing; information and communication technology and natural resources and energy.
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

An audit is under way, with an expected completion of October 2020.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

An evaluation of CFREF is planned to be completed in October 2020. Some delays have been incurred due to COVID-19.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 34,646,332 43,803,273 43,803,272 43,803,272 43,803,272 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 34,646,332 43,803,273 43,803,272 43,803,272 43,803,272 0
Explanation of variances

No variance.

Canada Excellence Research Chairs

General Information
Name of transfer payment program

Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)
Start date

2008
End date

Ongoing
Type of transfer payment

Grant
Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2016–17
Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Investigator-Initiated Research
Description

The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program is a Tri-Agency initiative that supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program awards world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved
  • A total of 17 CERCs (5 CIHR, 10 NSERC and 2 SSHRC) at 13 Canadian institutions were supported in 2019-20 for a total investment of $21.5 million ($7.0 million CIHR, $11.9 million NSERC and $2.6 million SSHRC). SSHRC-funded areas include data-intensive methods in economics, smart cities, and migration and integration. NSERC-funded areas include materials engineering, food systems and precision drug design. CIHR-funded areas include genetics, glycomics and metabolic health.
  • The third competition was finalized over the course of the fiscal year with 9 of the 11 available chair positions approved by the steering committee over the course of 2019-20. Of these chairs, eight were announced in April 2019 by the Minister of Science and Sport.

The midterm review panel reviewed two CERCs in 2019-20 and recommended continued funding. The reviews highlighted that the CERC program is contributing to enhancing institutional capacity, strengthening relationships with research collaborators/partners, and furthering Canada’s reputation as a global centre of excellence in science, research and innovation.
Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20

CERC was evaluated jointly with the Canada 150 Research Chairs program. Approvals were delayed due to COVID-19 related isolation, but the evaluation was completed in June 2020.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2019–20 Total authorities available for use 2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2019–20 actual minus 2019–20 planned)
Total grants 7,933,333 4,200,000 4,200,000 8,000,000 7,000,000 2,800,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 7,933,333 4,200,000 4,200,000 8,000,000 7,000,000 2,800,000
Explanation of variances

CIHR’s actual spending was $2.8M greater than planned due to the funding of new chairs, as announced in April 2019.
Date modified: