A Guide to Natural Resources Canada Programs and Activities in Canada's North

Quality of Life Through Sustainable Resource Development

Index of NRCan's Activities

The Guide's index is organized into the policies, programs and initiatives of NRCan's Strategic Policy Branch, Earth Sciences, Energy Sector, Canadian Forest Service, Minerals and Metals Sector, and Corporate Services Sector.

NRCan is organized into sectors and branches. The Strategic Policy Branch is NRCan's centre for strategic policy leadership, expertise, advice and coordination for Departmental and portfolio priorities, horizontal policy/science issues and initiatives, and the sustainable development and use of natural resources in Canada and internationally. It provides a coherent focus on Aboriginal and northern affairs, coordinates the department's input to Canada's contribution to the Arctic Council as well as leads the development and implementation of NRCan's Sustainable Development Strategy.

The Earth Sciences Sector is the Government of Canada's principal agency for earth science knowledge and information in support of the sustainable development of natural resources. Geomatics Canada provides a reliable system of surveys, remotely-sensed data as well as geographically referenced information describing the Canadian landmass; the Geological Survey of Canada is a principal contributor to a comprehensive geoscience knowledge base of Canada; Polar Continental Shelf Project contributes to scientific research in Canada's Arctic regions by providing comprehensive logistics support; and the Sector also provides geospatial and geoscientific knowledge to assist in building the capacity of rural, remote and aboriginal communities to fulfil responsibilities under self-government and land claims.

The Energy Policy, and Energy Technology and Program Sectors promote the sustainable development and safe and efficient use of Canada's energy resources through its policies, programs, and science and technology. It assesses the potential economic, regional, international and environmental implications of Canada's energy production and use. It also provides technical knowledge and advice to the energy industry and to government. Its knowledge base helps the Government of Canada to formulate policies, implement regulations, enhance job and wealth creation, and meet its international commitments.

The Canadian Forest Service promotes the sustainable development of Canada's forests and the competitiveness of the Canadian forest sector for the well-being of present and future generations of Canadians. It delivers its science and technology program through five national science research networks operating out of five regional research centres and headquarters.

The Minerals and Metals Sector promotes the sustainable development of Canada's minerals and metals resources industry by integrating economic, social and environmental objectives. It provides policy advice, S&T, as well as commodity and statistical information in support of decision making. It is also the federal government's primary source of expertise on explosives regulations and technology.

The Corporate Services Sector provides financial, administrative, information management and human resources services. The Office of Environmental Affairs which is a part of this Sector, is the single window into and out of the department on environmental assessment matters and coordinates the department's involvement in joint reviews with provincial and territorial governments. The Office of Environmental Affairs coordinates expertise and input of the other sectors into environmental assessments as well as represents the department in working groups set up to undertake environmental assessments reviews, and makes presentations to panels and other external boards (e.g. Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board and the Nunavut Impact Review Board) when required.