2017–18 Departmental Results Report: Supplementary Information Tables

Table of Contents


Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS):

In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Canadian Institutes of Health Research supports reporting on the implementation of the FSDS and its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, or equivalent document, through the activities described in this supplementary information table.

2. Sustainable Development in Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy for 2017 to 2020 describes the department’s actions in support of achieving the second Goal of the FSDS: Low-carbon government. This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to this goal. Last year’s supplementary information table is posted on the department’s website.

3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal

The following table provides performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goal listed in section 2.

FSDS goal: low-carbon government
FSDS target(s) FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions Results achieved

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025

Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Modernize our fleet

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement

Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls.

12.7

Percentage of CIHR’s internal procurement training sessions, provided to Managers and Directors General, which include the roles and responsibilities related to the implementation of the Policy on Green Procurement.

Target: 100%

100%

Achieved. Increased awareness of the Policy on Green Procurement through internal procurement training sessions where Green Procurement is highlighted (on-going as of April 1, 2014).

Train procurement and materiel management functional specialists on green procurement.

12.7

Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent, in fiscal year 2017–18.

Target: 4 (100%)

2 (50%)

Two specialists completed the course in previous fiscal years and were with the department at the end of fiscal year 2017−18.

Due to staff turnover during the year, the new hires will complete the course in Summer 2018.

Increase awareness of the Policy on Green Procurement among managers.

12.7

Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement, in fiscal year 2017–18.

Target: 2 (100%)

0%

There are 2 managers and functional heads of procurement. To date, green procurement has not been included in their performance plans.

Existence of organizational approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of workplace policies and practices.

Select and operate Information Technology (IT) and office equipment in a manner that reduces energy consumption and material usage.

12.2

Reduce percentage of IT hardware (servers) that will be in use to meet the environmental criteria contained in the Security, Corporate and Information Services (PSPC) policy.

Target: 70% reduction

39% reduction

Reduced to 54 physical servers (from 88). On track to achieve 70% reduction by the end of 2018–19.

Increase the average ratio of office employees to printing units. The organization will apply the target where building occupancy levels, security considerations, and space configuration allow.

12.2

Increase the ratio of CIHR employees to printing unit from 2016–17 fiscal year which is 2.7:1

Target: 10:1

26:1

Achieved. 550 employees / 21 business centre printers.

Reduce internal paper consumption per office employee; will establish a baseline in 2017–18, and an applicable scope.

12.2

Suppress the identification (banner) as a print page

Target: 100%

80%

For one type of printer the identification (banner) page was not suppressed.

Improve existing paper usage by reducing internal paper consumption

Target: TBD

8% reduction of total number of copies from 2016–17 to 2017–18.

Demonstrate innovative technologies

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Promote sustainable travel practices

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Understand climate change impacts and build resilience

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Improve transparency and accountability

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Develop policy for low-carbon government

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

4. Report on integrating sustainable development

During the 2017–18 reporting cycle, Canadian Institutes of Health Research had no proposals that required a Strategic Environmental Assessment and no public statements were produced.

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

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

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.

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 12,151 researchers and trainees by funding 6,440 grants and awards, which represents a total of $911.9M in expenditures through the Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support transfer payment program.

Comments on variances

CIHR’s actual spending was $4.0M greater than planned due to $4.0M additional funding received through Budget 2017 to fund the Climate Change and Health Research Initiative and the Canadian Drug and Substance Strategy.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned
  • Evaluation of the Institute of Cancer Research (Complete, April 2017);
  • Evaluation of the Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (Complete, June 2017);
  • Evaluation of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (formerly known as the National Anti-Drug Strategy) (Complete, February 2018);
  • Operating Support Evaluation (Underway, October 2018)
  • CIHR Training and Career Support Evaluation (Underway, October 2018);
  • Review of the Institute of Infection and Immunity (Underway, July 2018);
  • Review of the Institute of Genetics (Underway, July 2018);
  • Evaluation of Gairdner (Underway, July 2018);
  • Evaluation of the Dementia Research Strategy (Underway, October 2018);
  • Review of the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (Underway, July 2018);
  • Review of the Institute of Gender and Health (Underway, July 2018);
  • Evaluation of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (Underway, March 2019);
  • Evaluation of the Collaborative Health Research Projects Program (Underway, March 2019);
  • Evaluation of the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada (Underway, March 2019);
  • Review of the Institute of Aging (Planned, February 2019);
  • Review of the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (Planned, June 2019);
  • Review of the Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (Planned, June 2019);
  • Review of the Emerging Health Threats Research Fund (Planned, September 2019);
  • Review of the Institute of Population and Public Health (Planned, February 2020);
  • Evaluation of the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network (Planned, March 2020);
  • Evaluation of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program (Planned, October 2020);
  • Review of the Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (Planned, June 2020);
  • Review of the Antimicrobial Resistance Initiatives (Planned, March 2021);
  • Review of the Institute of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction (Planned, November 2020);
  • Review of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (Planned, February 2021);
  • Evaluation of the Strategy for Patient Orientated Research (Planned, May 2021); and
  • Evaluation of the Canada Research Chairs Program (Planned, July 2021).
Engagement of 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.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 867,669,698 910,868,003 907,925,027 912,131,395 911,875,155 3,950,128
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 867,669,698 910,868,003 907,925,027 912,131,395 911,875,155 3,950,128

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

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

1.1.2: 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 program is a 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

CIHR's ability to train, retain and sustain outstanding health researchers remains a key priority in its five-year strategic plan. In 2017–18, CIHR supported the learning and development of its health research trainees by awarding 144 new doctoral awards and 395 new master’s awards through the CGS program.

Comments on variances

The variance is immaterial.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Planned (November 2021)

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 21,216,528 21,104,926 21,250,000 21,250,000 21,150,359 (99,641)
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 21,216,528 21,104,926 21,250,000 21,250,000 21,150,359 (99,641)

Canada Excellence Research Chairs

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

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

1.1.2: Training and Career Support

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

Through the CERC program, CIHR contributed to building and maintaining world-class research by supporting Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The CERC program attracts world-leading researchers in fields such as human pain genetics, neuroscience, and virology, to Canadian universities. In 2017–18, CIHR supported eight chairs totalling $7.9M through the CERC program.

Comments on variances

No variance.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Underway (July 2019)

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through regular communication and the CERC website.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 9,800,000 9,800,000 7,933,333 7,933,333 7,933,333 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 9,800,000 9,800,000 7,933,333 7,933,333 7,933,333 0

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

2014–15

Type of appropriation

Grant

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

1.1.2: 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 CGS Program, CIHR contributed to building world-class research capacity by attracting and retaining the best doctoral students, both nationally and internationally. CIHR funded 55 new three-year Vanier CGS awards.

Comments on variances

The variance is immaterial.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Underway (July, 2019)

Engagement of 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.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 8,284,309 8,270,836 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,264,193 (85,807)
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 8,284,309 8,270,836 8,350,000 8,350,000 8,264,193 (85,807)

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

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

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.

Results achieved

In 2017–18, 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.

Comments on variances

No variance.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Planned and Underway; each Institute's Support Grant is evaluated as part of each Institute’s review (see Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support above for status of Institute Reviews)

Engagement of 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.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 12,916,667 12,013,832 13,000,000 13,000,000 13,000,000 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 12,916,667 12,013,832 13,000,000 13,000,000 13,000,000 0

Networks of Centres of Excellence

General information
Name of transfer payment program

Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)

Start date

1997–98

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2014–15

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives

Description

The Networks of Centres of Excellence 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

In 2017–18, CIHR invested $21.7M for the NCE program (including NCE-Knowledge Mobilization, NCE-International Knowledge Translation Platforms and the Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence) which helped them build structured networks, establish multi-sector partnerships, and commercialize health research findings. Through the NCE program, CIHR was able to help mobilize Canada's health research talent in the academic, private and public sectors and apply it to the task of developing the economy and improving the quality of life of Canadians.

Comments on variances

The variance is immaterial.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Planned (July 2020)

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings and events, as well as through the NCE website.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 22,589,000 22,589,000 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 22,589,000 22,589,000 21,740,400 21,740,400 21,740,000 (400)

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

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2011–12

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

1.2.2: Horizontal Health Research Initiatives

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.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Results achieved

In 2017–18, CIHR invested $12.3M in a total of 16 recipients of ongoing, multi-year CECR awards which helped them build on Canada’s R&D landscape by matching clusters of academic research expertise with the needs of business, health practitioners and other end users. Through the CECR program, CIHR was able to help create internationally recognized centres to advance research and facilitate commercialization in areas of priority for the Government of Canada, delivering economic, social, health and other benefits to Canadians.

Comments on variances

CIHR’s actual spending was $2.7M greater than planned due to $2.7M additional funding received via the Supplementary Estimates B 2017–18.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Completed (September 2017)

Engagement of applicants and recipients

Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings, events and the CECR website.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 11,116,947 10,771,143 9,679,500 12,328,500 12,328,500 2,649,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 11,116,947 10,771,143 9,679,500 12,328,500 12,328,500 2,649,000

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

Strategic Outcome

Canada is a world leader in the creation, dissemination and application of health research knowledge.

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture

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

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Results achieved

CIHR continued to provide funding to Canada’s post-secondary institutions through the CFREF to position them to compete with the best in the world for talent, partnership opportunities, and breakthrough discoveries, thus creating long-term economic advantages for Canada. Over the two CFREF competitions held to date, $279.7M of the $1,249.3M awarded was distributed by CIHR to support 10 of 18 initiatives.

Comments on variances

No variance.

Audits completed or planned

No audits were planned or completed.

Evaluations completed or planned

Planned (March 2020)

Engagement of 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. As well as, through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund website.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 16,246,614 25,489,387 34,646,332 34,646,332 34,646,332 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 16,246,614 25,489,387 34,646,332 34,646,332 34,646,332 0

Fees

Owing to legislative changes, the fees results for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research are available in the 2017 to 2018 Fees Report.

Evaluations

Evaluations completed, or planned to be completed, in 2017–18
Title of evaluation Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture Status on March 31, 2018 Deputy head  approval date
Evaluation of the Institute of Cancer Research 1.2.1 Complete April 2017
Evaluation of the Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes 1.2.1 Complete June 2017
Centers of Excellence for Commercialization and Research Evaluation 1.2.2 Complete September 2017
Evaluation of the National Anti-Drug Strategy 1.2.2 Complete February 2018
Operating Support Evaluation 1.1.1 In progress October 2018
CIHR Training and Career Support Evaluation 1.1.2 In progress October 2018
Review of the Institute of Infection and Immunity 1.2.1 In progress July 2018
Review of the Institute of Genetics 1.2.1 In progress July 2018
Evaluation of Gairdner 1.2.2 In progress July 2018
Evaluation of the College and Community Innovation Program 1.1.2 In progress September 2018

Internal audits

Internal audit engagements completed in 2017–18
Title of internal audit Completion date
Risk Assessment of the Canadian Common CV September 2017
Annual Assessment of Core Management Controls March 2018
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