2021-22 Departmental Results Report: Details on transfer payment programs

Table of Contents

TPPs with total actual spending of $5 million or more

Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)

General Information
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 departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Investigator-Initiated Research
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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

In 2021–22, the program supported 20 Canada Excellence Research Chairs with a total budget of $19.6M, including six grants that align with CIHR's mandate, 12 grants that align with NSERC's mandate, and two grants that align with SSHRC's mandate.

One Canada Excellence Research Chair midterm review was completed in 2021–22. This review demonstrated that the chairholder is building a competitive research environment that is both attracting top talent into the Canadian research ecosystem and building a critical mass of expertise in the country's priority areas. 

Seven women hold active Canada Excellence Research Chairs, representing 35% of the total awards for this fiscal year.

To ensure the program continues to meet its objectives, it was redesigned in 2021, and a fourth competition was launched in November 2021. The deadline to submit applications was extended to account for the delays in the publication of the Science, Technology and Innovation priorities for the CERC and CFREF programs and the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two maximum award values will be considered in the review process ($1 million or $500,000 per year) with a total initial budget envelope of approximately $190M over 8 years starting in 2023–24.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits are planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 The last evaluation of the Canada Excellence Research Chairs was completed in 2020–21 and the next evaluation is planned to be completed by March 2026. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 7,000,000 5,947,343 6,650,000 6,650,000 5,250,000 (1,400,000)
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 7,000,000 5,947,343 6,650,000 6,650,000 5,250,000 (1,400,000)
Explanation of variances CIHR’s actual spending was $1.4M less than planned due to the funding of one less chair.

Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)

General Information
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 departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Investigator-Initiated Research
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) supports Canada's postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. CFREF helps competitively selected Canadian postsecondary institutions turn their key strengths into world-leading capabilities. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of the CIHR, the NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved

A total of 18 CFREF recipients at 17 Canadian institutions were supported in 2021–22, for a tri-agency investment of $199M.

Funding supports several areas of strategic relevance to Canada, including environment and agriculture; health and related life sciences; advanced manufacturing; information and communications technology; and natural resources and energy.

The midterm reviews of the remaining five of 13 CFREFs awarded in the second competition were conducted in 2021–22. The reviews demonstrated that CFREF recipients have established strong partnerships and collaborations at the national and international levels; recruited highly qualified personnel and students; hired new faculty; built world-class infrastructures; already achieved significant advancements in their respective fields of research; and leveraged funding that will contribute to the sustainability of these initiatives in the long term.

The third CFREF competition was launched in 2021–22. The application and review process will be undertaken in 2022–23. This competition will award up to $1.4 billion over 7 years.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22

The objective of the audit was to provide assurance that an adequate framework was in place to support the launch and ongoing management of the CFREF program. The scope of the audit included management processes and controls.

The CFREF program successfully delivered grants from two competitions in 2015–16 and 2016–17. The audit noted the inherent challenges of launching a grants program and delivering two competitions within a short timeframe and found that the CFREF program had limited time to prioritize, document and effectively conduct certain key activities. The audit identified areas of weakness in the processes and controls intended to ensure the CFREF program management fulfilled its responsibilities for administering the grant competition process, including a framework to manage risk and performance measurement, administration of funding recipient requirements and management of the CFREF program information.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 The last evaluation of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund was completed in 2020–21 and the next evaluation is planned to be completed by March 2026. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 43,803,272 43,803,272 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 43,803,272 43,803,272 43,803,272 43,803,272 43,803,272 0
Explanation of variances No variance.

Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

General Information
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 departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Training and Career Support
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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 is a Tri-Agency program and is administered by each respective agency (CIHR, NSERC, and 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 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, additional awards (795 Master's and 258 Doctoral) were offered to applicants.

In the 2021–22 competition, CIHR committed an investment of $41.0M over three years to support research training in areas related to health.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 The Canada Graduate Scholarships are being evaluated as part of a tri-agency evaluation of Research Training and Talent Development. The evaluation is underway and is expected to be completed by March 2023. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 25,246,441 26,818,458 28,635,000 28,635,000 28,582,495 (52,505)
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 25,246,441 26,818,458 28,635,000 28,635,000 28,582,495 (52,505)
Explanation of variances The variance is immaterial.

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (voted)

General Information
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 departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved In 2021–22, the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) and the Business-led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) programs continued to help connect businesses to Canada's world-class research enterprise. The responsibility for NCE-funded programs will be gradually transferred to ISED's Strategic Innovation Fund, ensuring that the programs continue to support BL-networks and centres, until the end of their funding agreements.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2021–22.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 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.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 9,719,000 6,981,000 7,206,000 7,206,000 7,206,000 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 9,719,000 6,981,000 7,206,000 7,206,000 7,206,000 0
Explanation of variances No variance.

Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)

General Information
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 departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
  • Investigator-Initiated Research
  • Training and Career Support
  • Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved CIHR invested the funding in this program to fund a wide range of health research areas. CIHR grants and awards helped maintain a strong and diverse health research base, which is detailed in the 2021–22 Departmental Results Report.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22

The following evaluations were completed for this TPP in 2021–22:

Evaluation of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)

The CLSA evaluation concluded that the CLSA is uniquely positioned to address a continued need within the Canadian aging research landscape. The CLSA is supporting the advancement knowledge in the field of aging through the increase accessibility to high quality data. The CLSA has met its target for leveraging funding and resources from non-CIHR sources its CLSA's participant retention strategy has been extremely effective.

Evaluation of the Dementia Research Strategy (DRS)

The DRS evaluation found that the Strategy addressed a demonstrated need to support dementia research, but current funding was insufficient to meet all its objectives and priorities. The evaluation also found that the Strategy had contributed to increasing research capacity through funding dementia research as well as through supporting trainees. As a result, the evaluation recommended that CIHR should continue to invest strategically in the DRS and re-assess the nature and extent of funding to meet its expected outcomes as well as the needs of the National Dementia Strategy.

Evaluation of the Collaborative Health Research Projects (CHRP) Program

The evaluation of the CHRP program found that the program facilitated collaborations between CIHR and NSERC researchers and provided training opportunities for highly qualified personnel. There is some evidence that CHRP-supported research has resulted in innovations, efficiencies, technologies, and/or improved health systems and services, but limited evidence that CHRP-funded research has resulted in economic and health benefits for Canadians. The findings suggest that some design and delivery elements of the program may be limiting the achievement of expected results; in particular, those related to the knowledge/technology user requirement, three-year funding period, and expected translation and commercialization of research results.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 997,859,990 1,102,655,980 1,051,340,888 1,183,094,090 1,182,821,346 131,480,458
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 997,859,990 1,102,655,980 1,051,340,888 1,183,094,090 1,182,821,346 131,480,458
Explanation of variances CIHR's actual spending was $131.5M more than planned. This was mainly due the reprofiling of $111.0M in medical countermeasures 3 funding from 2020–21 to 2021–22 to continue to address emerging priorities and gaps in COVID-19 research, as well as additional funding received for new spending measures.

Institute Support Grants (voted)

General Information
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 departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Institute Support Grant program provides funding to select Canadian academic 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 2021–22, CIHR provided each of the host institutions 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.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 The next evaluation of the ISG is planned for completion by 2026–27 as part of the Evaluation of CIHR Institutes.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes. Scientific Directors are among the top scientists in their fields and maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 14,182,999 14,518,100 14,139,600 15,216,400 15,216,400 1,076,800
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 14,182,999 14,518,100 14,139,600 15,216,400 15,216,400 1,076,800
Explanation of variances CIHR's actual spending was $1.1M greater than planned due to funding provided related to the oversight of strategic initiatives.

Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)

General Information
Start date 1997
End date 2022–23
Type of transfer payment Grant
Type of appropriation Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2014–15
Link to departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program continued to mobilize multi-disciplinary research teams from across the country to help find solutions to major social, economic or health issues for Canada and train the next generation of highly qualified personnel. The gradual transition of NCE funding to the New Frontiers in Research Fund will continue over the next few years with a complete wind-down of the NCE suite of programs by 2024–25. During the transition period, networks will continue to be supported until the end of their funding agreement.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2021–22.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 There are no plans to evaluate this program, as the Networks of Centres of Excellence is no longer an ongoing program, and its funds will be gradually transferred to the New Frontiers in Innovation Fund. This program has been evaluated regularly (i.e., every 5 years) since its inception (as a sunset program) in 1985.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 21,740,000 19,207,540 17,702,449 17,702,449 17,702,449 (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 19,207,540 17,702,449 17,702,449 17,702,049 (400)
Explanation of variances The variance is immaterial.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

General Information
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 departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Training and Career Support
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is a 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 $25M 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 the 2021–22 competition, CIHR invested $8.25M over three years to support research training in areas related to health.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 The last evaluation of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship was completed in 2020–21 and the next evaluation is planned to be completed by March 2026. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 8,349,999 8,349,998 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,291,667 (58,333)
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 8,349,999 8,349,998 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,291,667 (58,333)
Explanation of variances The variance is immaterial.

TPPs with total actual spending of less than $5 million

Business-Led Networks Centres of Excellence (voted)

General Information
Start date 2007
End date 2023–24
Type of transfer payment Grant
Type of appropriation Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2012–13
Link to departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Business-led Networks of Centres of Excellence program (BL-NCE) funds large-scale collaborative research networks that bring a wide range of research expertise to bear on specific challenges identified by an industrial sector. This Tri-Agency program is administered by NSERC on behalf of SSHRC, CIHR and NSERC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved In 2021–22, the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) and the Business-led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) programs continued to help connect businesses to Canada's world-class research enterprise. The responsibility for NCE-funded programs will be gradually transferred to ISED's Strategic Innovation Fund, ensuring that the programs continue to support BL-networks and centres, until the end of their funding agreements.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2021–22.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 There are no plans to evaluate this program as the BL-NCE was transferred to the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and will be evaluated as part of the SIF. This program has been evaluated regularly (i.e., every 5 years) since its inception in 2007.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 3,731,788 3,692,367 2,432,376 2,432,376 2,432,376 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 3,731,788 3,692,367 2,432,376 2,432,376 2,432,376 0
Explanation of variances No variance.

Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)

General Information
Start date 2017
End date 2025–26
Type of transfer payment Grant
Type of appropriation Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2017–18
Link to departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Investigator-Initiated Research
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Canada 150 Research Chairs (C150) program provides Canadian universities with a one-time investment to attract top-tier, internationally based scholars and researchers (including Canadian expatriates) to Canada. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved

In 2021–22, the Canada 150 Research Chairs program invested a total of $14.1M to support 24 Canada 150 Research Chairs, including six (25%) that align with SSHRC's mandate.

Of the 24 chairholders, about 60% are women and 42% are Canadian researchers choosing to return to Canada to carry out their ambitious research programs. Each chairholder has the opportunity to recruit students from Canada and beyond who will help further their work in disciplines such as chemistry, microbiology, evolutionary genomics, gender and African politics, global governance, neurosciences, epigenetics, public health and psychology.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits are planned at this time.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 There is no evaluation planned for this program. The program ends in 2024–25 and has been evaluated within the 5-year period since its establishment (2020–21 as part of the Canada Excellence Research Chairs Evaluation).
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 2,700,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 2,700,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 0
Explanation of variances No variance.

College and Community Innovation (voted)

General Information
Start date 2007
End date Ongoing
Type of transfer payment Grant
Type of appropriation Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2018–19
Link to departmental result(s)
  • Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
  • Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
  • Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s Program Inventory Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The CCI Program increases innovation at the community and/or regional level by enabling Canadian colleges to increase their capacity to work with local companies, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in areas of the natural and social sciences, engineering, humanities and/or health. It supports applied research and collaborations that facilitate commercialization, as well as technology transfer, adaptation and adoption of new technologies, in areas of strategic importance to Canada.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved

The CCI Program invests approximately $86M annually to increase innovation at the community and/or regional level by enabling Canadian colleges to increase their capacity to work with local partner organizations, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition to this amount, the 2021 Federal Budget announced new funding of $46.9 million over two years for the CCI program to support Canada's economic recovery. Over summer 2021, a new funding opportunity was launch, the Applied Research and Technology Partnership (ARTP) grant. This grant allows colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics to help SMEs seize new opportunities by applying innovative research and technologies or developing them into useful new products and services.

NSERC received 153 applications requesting a total amount of $187,972,307. A total of 74 grants were awarded representing a success rate of 48%.
Findings of audits completed in 2021–22 No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2021–22.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22 The evaluation of the College and Community Innovation program is planned to be completed by March 2024. There are no evaluation findings to be reported during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22 A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle 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 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 493,791 1,206,353 868,579 1,228,579 1,228,579 360,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 493,791 1,206,353 868,579 1,228,579 1,228,579 360,000
Explanation of variances CIHR's actual spending was $0.4M more than planned due to additional funding transferred from NSERC to CIHR to support grants aligned to CIHR's mandate.

Response to parliamentary committees and external audits

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