2017–18 Departmental Plan: Supplementary Information Tables – Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 Million or More

General Information
Name of transfer payment program Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)
Start date 2000
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 department's Program Inventory 1.1: Investigator Initiated Health Research; 1.2: Priority Driven Health Research
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.
Expected results
  • Health research advances knowledge;
  • A strong and talented health research community with the capacity to undertake health research;
  • Commercial activity-products patents and intellectual property, companies and employment generated; and
  • Translation and use of health research takes place as a result of effective funding programs, which can lead to benefits to Canadians.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation This transfer payment program comprises different funding programs which were evaluated, including:
  • CIHR 2011 International Review (2011–12);
  • Evaluation of the Open Operating Grant Program (2012–13);
  • Evaluation of the Regenerative Medicine & Nanomedicine Initiative (2013–14);
  • Evaluation of Knowledge Translation Programs (2013–14);
  • Evaluation of the Collaborative Health Research Projects Program (2013–14);
  • Evaluation of the Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Research Initiative (PPSRI) (2013–14);
  • Evaluation of the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada (2013–14);
  • Evaluation of the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network Program (DSEN) (2014–15);
  • Evaluation of CIHR's Commercialization Programs (2015–16);
  • Evaluation of Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) (2016–17);
  • Evaluation of the Institute Sponsored Initiatives (ISI) and Institute Support Grants (ISG) (2016–17);
  • Evaluation of the Strategic Training Initiative in Health Research (2016–17);
  • Evaluation of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (2016–17);
  • Evaluation of the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (2016–17);
  • Evaluation of the Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (2016–17);
  • Evaluation of the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (2016–17); and
  • CIHR Training and Career Support Evaluation (2016–17).
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation See Supplementary Information Table – Upcoming evaluations over the next five fiscal years, which details all evaluations over the next five fiscal years.
General targeted recipient groups Health Researchers
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 911,095,461 907,925,027 907,700,729 904,898,376
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 911,095,461 907,925,027 907,700,729 904,898,376

General Information
Name of transfer payment program Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
Start date 2003
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 department's Program Inventory 1.1.2: Training and Career Support
Description This program is administered by CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). CIHR's portion of the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program provides financial support to develop future health researchers at both the masters and doctoral levels in all health related fields in Canada, providing them with an opportunity to gain research experience.
Expected results
  • Increased incentives for students to enroll in graduate studies in Canada;
  • Increased incentives for students to complete studies in a timely manner; and
  • Students receive high-quality research training.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016–17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2021–22
General targeted recipient groups Health Research Trainees
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and Tri-Agency or agency specific electronic communication.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 21,250,000 21,250,000 21,250,000 21,250,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 21,250,000 21,250,000 21,250,000 21,250,000

General Information
Name of transfer payment program Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)
Start date 2010–11
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 department’s Program Inventory 1.1.2: Training and Career Support
Description The Canada Excellence Research Chairs program is administered by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC and aims to support the development of a world-class workforce crucial to the innovation process, positioning Canada as a magnet for the world's top researchers and graduate students, and promoting the development and application of leading-edge knowledge.
Expected results
  • Attract world-leading researchers, trainees and other research professionals to Canada;
  • Enhance research capacity in Canadian universities in areas of priority for Canada;
  • Increase awareness of chair holder research and research excellence in Canada;
  • Strengthen relationships with receptors of innovation and research insights; and
  • Brand Canada as a global destination of choice for excellence in research and higher learning.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20
General targeted recipient groups Health Researchers
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Applicants and recipients are engaged through regular communication and the CERC website.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 9,800,000 7,933,333 4,200,000 4,200,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 9,800,000 7,933,333 4,200,000 4,200,000

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 department’s Program Inventory 1.1.2: Training and Career Support
Description The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is administered by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC and is 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.
Expected results
  • Enhanced capacity of Canadian universities to attract and retain the best and brightest doctoral students; and
  • Vanier graduates have the potential to become leaders in Canada and abroad.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20
General targeted recipient groups Health Research Trainees
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients 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.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,350,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,350,000

General Information
Name of transfer payment program Institute Support Grants (voted)
Start date October, 2000
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 department’s Program Inventory 1.2.1: Institute Driven Initiatives
Description 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.
Expected results Effective domestic and international health research agendas as well as alliances and partnerships in areas related to the mandate of each Institute.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2011–12
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17 Evaluation of the Institute Sponsored Initiatives (ISI) and Institute Support Grants (ISG) (2016–17)
General targeted recipient groups Scientific Directors’ host institution
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients 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.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 12,100,000 13,000,000 13,000,000 13,000,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 12,100,000 13,000,000 13,000,000 13,000,000

General Information
Name of transfer payment program Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)
Start date 1997
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 department’s Program Inventory 1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives
Description The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program is a federal class grants program administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC, in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Networks are not-for-profit corporations with an established Board of Directors and are unique partnerships among the academic, private, public and not-for-profit sectors. These nation-wide, multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral partnerships connect excellent research with industrial know-how and strategic investment. Networks put in place well-defined strategies to transfer knowledge to users – ensuring that discoveries and technological advances are turned into social and economic benefits for all Canadians.
Expected results Strong linkages and partnerships resulting in the transfer and use of knowledge with economic or societal benefits to Canada.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2015–16
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2020–21
General targeted recipient groups Health Researchers
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings and events, as well as through the NCE website.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 22,589,400 21,740,400 21,740,400 21,740,400
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 22,589,400 21,740,400 21,740,400 21,740,400

General Information
Name of transfer payment program Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (voted)
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 2011–12
Link to department’s Program Inventory 1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives
Description The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research is administered by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC. CIHR's portion of Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research Tri-Agency class grant program supports the operation of commercialization and/or research centres that bring together people, services and infrastructure to position Canada at the forefront of breakthrough innovation in health and related life sciences and technologies.
Expected results To support the operation of commercialization and/or research centres that bring together people, services, and infrastructure to position Canada at the forefront of breakthrough innovation in health and related life sciences and technologies.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2012–13
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17
General targeted recipient groups Industrial-Related, Non-profit organizations
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings, events and the CECR website.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 10,771,143 9,679,500 7,039,408 2,198,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 10,771,143 9,679,500 7,039,408 2,198,000

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 department’s Program Inventory 1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives
Description The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (the Fund) supports Canada’s postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. It helps Canadian universities, colleges and polytechnics compete with the best in the world for talent and partnership opportunities, to make breakthrough discoveries, and to excel globally in research areas that will create long-term economic advantages for Canada. The Fund helps institutions: (i) compete with the best in the world for talent, for partnership opportunities and to make breakthrough discoveries; (ii) seize emerging opportunities and strategically advance their greatest strengths on the global stage; and (iii) implement large-scale, transformational and forward-thinking institutional strategies. This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.
Expected results Competitively-selected postsecondary institutions excel globally in research areas that create long-term economic advantages for Canada: Percentage of institutions demonstrating progress toward global leadership targets
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation Not applicable—new program
Decision following the results of last evaluation Not applicable
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20
General targeted recipient groups Non-profit organizations (universities and research institutions, colleges)
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients 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.

Planning Information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2016–17 Forecast spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending
Total grants 25,489,388 34,646,332 43,803,273 43,803,272
Total contributions 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 25,489,388 34,646,332 43,803,273 43,803,272
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