Natural Resources CanadaGovernment of Canada
 
 Français ÿ  Contact us ÿ  Help ÿ  Search ÿ  Canada site
 ESS Home ÿ  Priorities ÿ  Products &
 services
ÿ  About the
 Sector
ÿ  Site map
Satellite image of Canada
Natural Resources Canada
Priorities (2002-2006)
.Overview
.A clean environment
.Strong and safe communities
.Sustainable development of natural resources
.Development of the North
.Connecting Canadians
.Aboriginal peoples
.Trade and investment

.Knowledge-based services

.National initiatives


Proactive disclosure


Print version Print versionÿ
ÿEarth Sciences Sector
Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Priorities (2002-2006)
Earth Sciences Sector
National initiatives (2002-2006)

This information represents activities in the Earth Sciences Sector Programs (2002-2006). Please refer to Priorities for information on current Earth Sciences Sector Programs.


Climate change impacts and adaptation


Web site: Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program


The objective of the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program is to improve knowledge of Canada's vulnerability to climate change, to better assess the risks and benefits posed by a changing climate, and to build the foundation upon which appropriate decisions on adaptation can be made. The program supports research to fill critical gaps that limit knowledge of vulnerability; to undertake and support assessment of impacts and adaptation; to enhance collaboration between stakeholders and researchers; and to facilitate policy development. The knowledge generated in the program will feed into policy via the participation of decision-makers in the program elements, and through reports. Key activities include:

  • A five-year program providing funding on a competitive basis to Canadian researchers to address gaps in knowledge of Canada's vulnerability to climate change, and to provide information for adaptation decision-making.

  • The Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network (C-CIARN), created in 2000, provides voice and visibility for climate-change impacts and adaptation issues, and fosters research collaboration between scientists and stakeholders.

  • Leading the national assessment of Canada's vulnerabilities to climate change that will be delivered in 2006.

  • Serving as the federal lead, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, for development of the National Adaptation Framework.

Committed Outputs

  • Research reports that address the gaps in knowledge about Canada's vulnerability to climate change

  • Plain-language summaries of impacts and adaptation issues in Canada

  • Data and results available via Web access

  • A national workshop on issues of regional and sectoral importance, including identification of knowledge gaps and research priorities

  • Trained researchers in impacts and adaptation tools and methods


Committed Outcomes

  • Raised awareness of the impacts of climate change on Canada and the roles of adaptation in addressing them

  • Increased capacity to undertake research related to impacts and adaptation

  • Greater stakeholder engagement in impact and adaptation research

  • Improved coordination and collaboration between research and stakeholder communities

  • Adaptation strategies become developed and implemented, reducing the negative impacts of climate change and enhancing its benefits


GeoConnections


Web site: GeoConnections


This program delivers consolidated geospatial information to Canadians to foster knowledge about Canada, to enable better policy and business decisions, and to advance Canada as a world-class leader in developing and using innovative on-line content and services.

GeoConnections is a national partnership initiative led by NRCan in which governments, the private sector, academia and non-government organizations are partnering to develop the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure. This new infrastructure will make geographic data and information, visualization tools and data-discovery services interoperable and easily accessible on the Internet.

Committed Outputs

  • Best practices guides on data licensing and implementation of Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) standards and specifications

  • Common Internet window access - providing citizens, industry, communities and government agencies access to geographic content, technology, services and expertise

  • A standards-based, interconnected network of data, tools, policies and client applications that form an infrastructure

  • Agreements with stakeholders on data sharing, policies, and technology and application development


Committed Outcomes

  • Canadians from varying fields of expertise have better access to quality geospatial data and tools, helping them make better decisions

  • Increased efficiency and effectiveness of governments, including the provision of lower cost services, and increased response to needs of the public and private sectors

  • Increased empowerment for 100 rural, remote and Aboriginal communities to plan and make decisions towards a sustainable future, through the use of modern geomatics techniques

  • Canada's position as an international leader in the development of spatial data infrastructure is maintained, through innovative development of world-class geomatics technologies

  • Reduced policy barriers by developing and influencing adoption of common data licensing to expand and simplify access to, and use of, geomatics information

  • A stronger geomatics community fostered through effective partnerships and shared leadership


Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP)


Web site: Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP)


As a national service delivery agency, the Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP) coordinates logistics support for Canadian government agencies, northern land claims, northern communities, and independent and university groups. On a full cost-recovery basis, it supports private-sector and non-Canadian groups that conduct scientific research in the Canadian Arctic. Researchers receiving logistics support from PCSP have helped to define Canada's off-shore limits; establish Canada's claims to off-shore hydrocarbon and mineral resources; identify safe shipping routes into northern communities; establish National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries to protect and conserve wildlife habitats; identify pollution sources and their effects on the northern food chain; and to preserve and record the traditional knowledge of the North's Aboriginal inhabitants.

Committed Outputs

  • Provide coordinated, cost-effective logistics support to research programs in the Canadian Arctic in support of government social, economic and environmental priorities


Committed Outcomes

  • Logistics support to research contributes to government economic, environmental and social policies and priorities, including job creation in northern communities and sound decision-making.

2006-04-02Important notices