Research and Innovation background
Canada’s research and innovation policies are structured through a series of national strategies. Key documents include:
- Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (SFDS) 2022-2026: This strategy supports Canada’s commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The FSDS outlines specific goals and actions, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing vehicle efficiency, and enhancing sustainable transport options to create a more environmentally responsible transportation system.
- 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy: This departmental strategy aligns with the FSDS to improve sustainability within Canada’s transport sector. It includes targeted measures to reduce emissions, foster innovation, and improve efficiency across the national transport network. Within this strategy, transport research objectives are established, and a framework is laid in order to achieve these objectives. It highlights the necessity of research and development (R&D) to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the transport system, and to improve the safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in Canada.
- Transportation 2030: A Strategic Plan for the Future of Transportation in Canada: This plan, led by Transport Canada, outlines a roadmap for building a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transport system. Focus areas include modernisation of transport infrastructure, regulatory reform, and environmental responsibility, with specific initiatives for reducing carbon emissions in public and private transport sectors.
- National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF): Established to improve Canadian trade and transportation corridors, the NTCF is vital to developing more efficient and reliable trade routes and expanding transport infrastructure to support economic growth
Institutional framework of transport research
The institutional framework for transport research in Canada includes key federal, provincial, and collaborative agencies responsible for research and development in sustainable transport and infrastructure:
- Transport Canada (TC): TC is the leading government agency in setting the national transport research agenda and funding transport research. Research priorities are established by a senior management committee at Transport Canada that reviews proposals and establishes funding priorities based on the Department’s strategic objectives.
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC): NSERC provides research funding for foundational and applied sciences, supporting transport innovation through collaborative research and grant programs in engineering, infrastructure, and environmental sciences.
- Provincial Ministries of Transport: Each province has its own Ministry of Transport, aligning local R&D goals with national objectives set by Transport Canada while addressing region-specific needs. These ministries collaborate on matching funds programmes for infrastructure projects and sustainable transit research.
- Transportation Association of Canada (TAC): TAC is a coalition of government agencies, universities, and industry partners that supports transport research through project grants and collaborative research networks. TAC plays a role in regional and municipal transport advancements and produces resources on evolving research needs.
- Intelligent Transportation Systems Canda (ITS Canada): Focused on digital and intelligent infrastructure, ITS Canada collaborates with government bodies, including Transport Canada, on research related to smart mobility solutions, automated vehicles, and transport digitalisation.
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Current ongoing national programmes
- Canada offers a range of funding programmes to support transport research and innovation at federal, provincial, and local levels:
- Collaborative Research and Development Programme (NSERC-CRD): Partnership grant that requires up to 200% matching funds.
- Discovery Grants (NSERC-Discovery): Broad-based funding for basic research in natural sciences and engineering, supporting studies in areas impacting transport innovation and safety.
- Rural Transit Solutions Fund: This fund supports locally-driven transit solutions for rural and remote communities, with flexibility for different local transit system innovations from fixed route to on-demand services to ride-shares.
- Zero Emission Transit Fund: This fund supports public transit and school bus operators plan for electrification, supports the purchase of 5,000 zero emission buses and build supporting infrastructure.
- Active Transportation Fund : This fund invests in projects that build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, in addition to supporting active transportation planning activities.
- Green Municipal Fund (GMF): Administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, GMF provides grants and loans for municipal environmental projects, including transport initiatives that enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve sustainability.
A list of transport-specific funding programmes can be found on the Transport Canada website
(Last updated: 05/11/2024)