Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a key governmental department responsible for the sustainable development and management of Canada’s natural resources, including forests, minerals, metals, and energy. Established from the Geological Survey of Canada in 1996, NRCan encompasses various sectors dedicated to addressing the country's resource needs while promoting environmental sustainability. The department employs around 4,200 individuals and operates with a significant budget, reflecting its critical role in the Canadian economy.
NRCan is organized into multiple specialized sectors, such as the Canadian Forestry Service, Energy Policy, and Earth Sciences, each focusing on specific areas of research and resource management. The Canadian Forestry Service, for instance, is a leader in forest conservation and management practices. Meanwhile, the Office of Energy Efficiency conducts research to promote energy efficiency across residential and commercial sectors, providing valuable resources and grants for improvements.
In addition to domestic initiatives, NRCan engages in international collaboration on pressing global issues like pollution and sustainable energy sources. The department plays a crucial role in informing policymakers, ensuring the responsible use of natural resources while safeguarding environmental integrity. Overall, NRCan is instrumental in shaping Canada’s approach to resource management and environmental stewardship.
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Subject Terms
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
- DATE: Established January 12, 1995
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) was established to measure, catalog, conserve, and develop the natural resources of Canada, including forests, minerals, metals, and energy. This assignment includes making the products from Canada’s natural resources competitive in the world market. The vision of Natural Resources Canada is to make the life of every Canadian better by making use of, while also preserving, the country’s abundance of nature.
Background
On April 14, 1842, the Geological Survey of Canada was established to determine if a mining industry could be a contributing factor to Canada’s economy. Over the following 153 years, the Geological Survey of Canada changed names and added responsibilities until all of the natural resources of Canada were placed under the same department through the formation of Natural Resources Canada, which combined Forestry Canada with Energy, Mines, and Resources. Natural Resources Canada employed about 5,457 people, and, in 2023, it had a budget of $3.5 billion. The department is charged with the sustainable development and use of Canada’s forests, minerals, metals, and energy.
Impact on Resource Use
Natural Resources Canada is arranged by types of natural resources and interest areas. The nine sectors include Canadian Forestry Service, Corporate Management, Earth Science, Energy Policy, Energy Technology and Programs, Minerals and Metals, Strategic Policy, and the Geographical Names Board. Natural Resources Canada communicates and cooperates with international agencies and other countries in the field of natural resources. Especially important international issues are the effects of pollution and sustainable sources of energy.
One sector of Natural Resources Canada, the Canadian Forestry Service, employs more than one thousand workers and is a leader in the study and practice of using, maintaining, and preserving forests. Another sector is responsible for mapping and remote sensing. Surveys, maps, and data related to geography are available through Geomatics Canada. The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) within Natural Resources Canada not only does research on the most efficient use and generation of energy but also does analysis on types and uses of energy. The OEE provides homeowners, businesses, and governmental entities with information on the most efficient use of energy in the home, at work, and on the road. Grants to improve energy efficiency are available through the OEE. Research concerning energy in the areas of oil, natural gas, uranium, and coal is ongoing. This research is distributed to the various sectors of the public, industry, and governmental agencies that can make use of the information. Pollution prevention is also a major part of the work of the OEE. The Earth Sciences Sector studies the Canadian landmass to better understand what it encompasses and how it can be maintained. The Energy Policy and the Strategic Policy sectors help lawmakers develop the policies and laws that will make the best use of natural resources, while conserving those resources and protecting the environment.
Bibliography
"A Beginner's Guide to Canada's Research Forests: A Legacy of Living Laboratories." Natural Resources Canada, Mar. 2022, natural-resources.canada.ca/simply-science/beginners-guide-canadas-research-forests-legacy-living-laboratories/26282. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Finlayson, Jock and Elmira Aliakbari. "Natural Resources Remain Backbone of Canada's Trade and Prosperity." Fraser Institute, 10 June 2024, https://www.fraserinstitute.org/commentary/natural-resources-remain-backbone-canadas-trade-and-prosperity. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.