Canadian Government >> Canadian Federal Government Departments

Find a Canadian Federal Government Department or Crown Corporation by using the alphabetical listing below:

A B C D E F G H I J L M N P R S T V W Y

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada : Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency : The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is the federal government department responsible for helping to build economic capacity in the Atlantic Provinces by working with the people of the region – in their communities, through their institutions and with their local and provincial governments and businesses – to create jobs and enhance earned incomes.

Atlantic Pilotage Authority Canada :The mandate of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority is to establish, operate, maintain and administer, in the interest of safety, an efficient Pilotage service within the designated waters of the Atlantic region.

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited : AECL is a global nuclear technology and engineering company that designs and develops the CANDU® nuclear power reactor, as well as other advanced energy products and services.

Auditor General of Canada, Office of the : The Auditor General aids accountability by conducting independent audits of federal government operations. These audits provide members of Parliament with objective information to help them examine the government's activities and hold it to account.

Back to Top

Bank of Canada : The Bank of Canada is Canada's central bank and its responsibilities focus on the goals of low and stable inflation, a safe and secure currency, financial stability, and the efficient management of government funds and public debt.

Business Development Bank of Canada : The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides small and medium-sized businesses with flexible financing, affordable consulting services and venture capital. BDC supports the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Back to Top

Canada Border Services Agency : The CBSA's mandate is to manage the nation's borders by administering and enforcing about 75 domestic laws that govern trade and travel, as well as international agreements and conventions.

Canada Business Service Centres : The CBSCs reduce the complexity of dealing with various levels of government by serving as a central resource for Canadian business information.

Canada Council for the Arts : The Canada Council for the Arts, reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage, is a national arm's-length agency which fosters the development of the arts in Canada through grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations.

Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation : Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) was created to insure deposits in banks, trust companies and loan companies against loss in case of member failure. CDIC is accountable to Canada's Parliament through the Minister of Finance, who has delegated certain responsibilities for CDIC matters to the Secretary of State (International Financial Institutions).

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions : The Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions is mandated to promote the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec, paying attention to those slow economic growth and inadequate employment.

Canada Firearms Centre : The Canadian Firearms Centre is responsible for regulating the licensing of fire-arms in Canada.

Canada Foundation for Innovation : The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation established by the Government of Canada in 1997, with a goal to strengthen the capability of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and other not-for-profit institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development.

Canada Industrial Relations Board : The Canada Industrial Relations Board is an independent, representational, quasi-judicial tribunal responsible for the interpretation and administration of Part I (Industrial Relations), and certain provisions of Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code.

Canada Lands Company Limited : Canada Lands Company Limited is an arms length, self-financing Crown Corporation reporting to Parliament through the Minister of the Environment and Minister of State (Infrastructure). The principal goal of the company’s current policy mandate as determined by Cabinet is: to ensure the commercially oriented, orderly disposition of surplus properties with optimal value to the Canadian taxpayer and the holding of certain properties.

Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation : The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation is a private and autonomous organization established to help Canadians meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economy and society by creating opportunities for them to pursue their post-secondary education.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation : Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is home to Canadians. In everything we do, we help Canadians live in safe, secure homes. As the Government of Canada's national housing agency, we play a major role in Canada's housing industry.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board : To ensure that the funds will earn maximum returns until they are needed, the ministers created the CPP Investment Board, an independent investment corporation, to invest the excess contributions and the proceeds from maturing bonds held by the Canada Pension Plan. In this way, the Canada Pension Plan will continue to be affordable and will, in the view of the finance ministers, be sufficiently funded to pay the pensions of Canadians in the future.

Canada Post Corporation : Each working day, Canada Post delivers an average of 37 million pieces of mail, processed through 22 major plants and many other facilities, to over 13 million addresses in Canada, and forwards mail to almost every country in the world.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) : The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers: tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories; and various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system.

Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation : As a national institution within the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation is responsible for preserving and protecting Canada’s scientific and technological heritage and promoting and sharing knowledge about that heritage.

Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board : The Board manages the petroleum resources in the Newfoundland offshore area on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board : The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board is the independent joint agency of the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia responsible for regulation of petroleum affairs and safe practices offshore Nova Scotia.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority : The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's mission is to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system as assigned by the government.

Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal : The Tribunal's mandate is to encourage constructive professional relations between artists, as independent entrepreneurs, and producers in the federal jurisdiction.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation : CBC tells Canadian stories reflecting the reality and diversity of our country; informs Canadians about news and issues of relevance and interest; supports Canadian arts and culture; builds bridges among Canadians, between regions and the two linguistic communities of Canada.

Canadian Centre for Management Development : The Canadian Centre for Management Development (CCMD) is dedicated to excellence in public sector management. CCMD strives to be relevant to managers at all levels, in all departments and agencies and in all regions of Canada. It is a corporate resource available to assist all those who share its commitment to excellence.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety : CCOHS provides Canadians with unbiased, relevant information and advice that supports responsible decision-making and promotes safe and healthy working environments. CCOHS makes a vast scope of occupational health and safety information readily available, in clear language that is appropriate for all users, from the general public to the health and safety professional.

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse : The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) promotes informed debate on substance abuse issues and encourages public participation in reducing the harm associated with drug abuse; disseminates information on the nature, extent and consequences of substance abuse; and supports and assists organizations involved in substance abuse treatment, prevention and educational programming.

Canadian Commercial Corporation : As Canada's export contracting agency, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) brings buyers and Canadian exporters together through contracts built on the best possible terms and conditions.

Canadian Dairy Commission : The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) is a Crown corporation aiming to provide efficient producers of milk and cream with the opportunity to obtain a fair return for their labour and investment; and to provide consumers of dairy products with a continuous and adequate supply of dairy products of high quality.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency : The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is an independent federal body, accountable to Parliament through the Minister of the Environment. The Agency works to provide Canadians with high-quality environmental assessments that contribute to informed decision making, in support of sustainable development.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency : Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for establishing policies and standards for the safety and nutritional quality of food sold in Canada; the administration of those provisions of the Food and Drugs Act that relate to public health, safety and nutrition; and for assessing the effectiveness of the Agency’s activities related to food safety.

Canadian Grain Commission : The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is the federal department responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada's grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The CGC regulates the grain industry to protect producers' rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

Canadian Heritage : Canadian Heritage is responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada's civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians.

Canadian Human Rights Commission : Commission's business is to make the Canadian Human Rights Act work for the benefit of all Canadians.

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal : The purpose of the Canadian Human Rights Act is to protect individuals from discrimination. Canadians have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and an environment free of discrimination. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) applies these principles to cases that are referred to it by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).

Canadian Institutes of Health Research : CIHR is Canada's major federal funding agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.

Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat : In Canada, the power to govern is shared between the federal and provincial governments. With such a constitutional arrangement, there is a great need for governments to communicate, to consult each other, to harmonize their policies and programs, coordinate their activities, resolve conflict, and, in some instances, develop policy jointly. The majority of the high-level intergovernmental conferences are served by the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS).

Canadian International Development Agency : Development is a complex, long-term process that involves all of the world's people, governments and organizations at all levels. Working with partners in the private and public sectors in Canada and in developing countries, and with international organizations and agencies, we support foreign aid projects in more than 100 of the poorest countries of the world. The objective: to work with developing countries and countries in transition to develop the tools to eventually meet their own needs.

Canadian International Trade Tribunal : The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is an administrative tribunal operating within Canada's trade remedies system. It is an independent quasi-judicial body that carries out its statutory responsibilities in an autonomous and impartial manner and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance.

Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation : The Corporation's primary responsibilities are the management of Canada's national museum of human history, the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC), Canada's national museum of military heritage, the Canadian War Museum (CWM), and a virtual museum on the Web, the Museum of New France (VMNF).

Canadian Museum of Nature : The Canadian Museum of Nature is more than a natural history museum that creates and develops exhibitions for public viewing. Behind our public face is a vibrant, multi-layered, multi-faceted organization composed of research scientists, collection specialists, education and multimedia specialists, and innovators.

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission : The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is the nuclear energy and materials watchdog in Canada. In addition to nuclear power plants and nuclear research facilities, the CNSC regulates numerous other uses of nuclear material. Some examples include radioisotopes used in the treatment of cancer, the operation of uranium mines and refineries, and the use of radioactive sources for oil exploration and in instruments such as precipitation measurement devices.

Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency: The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) regulates and supervises pari-mutuel betting on horse racing at racetracks across Canada. Through various activities, the Agency fulfills its mandate of protecting the wagering public against fraudulent practices, thereby helping to maintain a viable racing industry.

Canadian Polar Commission : Canadian Polar Commission has responsibility for: monitoring, promoting, and disseminating knowledge of the polar regions; contributing to public awareness of the importance of polar science to Canada; enhancing Canada's international profile as a circumpolar nation; and recommending polar science policy direction to government.

Canadian Police College : The Canadian Police College aims to be the leader in the professional development of the Canadian police community by establishing and advancing, in partnership with our clients, national standards of excellence in police education and information services.

Canadian Race Relations Foundation : The Canadian Race Relations Foundation aims to help bring about a more harmonious Canada that acknowledges its racist past, recognizes the pervasiveness of racism today, and is committed to creating a future in which all Canadians are treated equitably and fairly.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission : The CRTC is vested with the authority to regulate and supervise all aspects of the Canadian broadcasting system, as well as to regulate telecommunications common carriers and service providers that fall under federal jurisdiction.

Canadian Space Agency : The Canadian Space Agency is committed to leading the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity. To promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians

Canadian Transportation Agency : The Canadian Transportation Agency's mission is to administer transportation legislation and Government of Canada policies to help achieve an efficient and accessible transportation system by education, consultation and essential regulation.

Canadian Wheat Board : The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is a farmer-controlled organization that markets wheat and barley grown by western Canadian producers. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the CWB is the largest single seller of wheat and barley in the world, holding more than 20 per cent of the international market.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada : Since 1867, Canada's immigration programs have helped build a community of citizens respected throughout the world. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) was established in 1994 to link immigration services with citizenship registration, to promote the unique ideals all Canadians share and to help build a stronger Canada.

Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs, Office of the : The Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs (FJA) was created in 1978 to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and to put federally appointed judges at arm's length from the Department of Justice. It exists to promote the better administration of justice and focuses its efforts on providing sound administrative support to the federal judiciary.

Commissioner of Official Languages, Office of the : The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages is an agent of change and ombudsman. Its mission is to take all measures to achieve: the equality of English and French in Parliament, within the Government of Canada, the federal administration and institutions subject to the Act; the equality of English and French in Parliament, within the Government of Canada, the federal administration and institutions subject to the Act; and the equality of English and French in Canadian society.

Commissioner of Review Tribunals - Canadian Pension Plan/Old Age Security : The Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals (OCRT) organizes a Review Tribunal when a person appeals a Reconsideration decision made by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) about their Canada Pension Plan or Old Age Security benefits. The OCRT is headed by the Commissioner of Review Tribunals and is independent of HRDC.

Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development : The mandate of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development is to ensure the federal government is accountable for greening its policies, operations, and programs.

Communication Canada : Communication Canada is an organization of the Government of Canada. We help inform Canadians about government programs and services and are mandated to improve communications between the Government of Canada and citizens.

Communications Security Establishment : The Communications Security Establishment is mandated to: acquire and provide foreign signals intelligence; provide advice, guidance and services to help ensure the protection of Government of Canada electronic information and information infrastructures; and provide technical and operational assistance to federal law enforcement and security agencies.

Competition Bureau : The Competition Bureau is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from lower prices, product choice and quality services.

Copyright Board Canada : The Board is an economic regulatory body empowered to establish, either mandatorily or at the request of an interested party, the royalties to be paid for the use of copyrighted works, when the administration of such copyright is entrusted to a collective-administration society. The Board also has the right to supervise agreements between users and licensing bodies and issues licences when the copyright owner cannot be located.

Back to Top

Defence Construction Canada : DCC is a Crown corporation, accountable to the Canadian Federal Government through the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, rendering services to our one and only client — the Department of National Defence (DND).

Defence Research and Development Canada : Defence R&D Canada provides R&D leadership both nationally and internationally by providing the Canadian Forces with relevant and timely technologies, while at the same time offering attractive collaborative opportunities to other government departments, the private sector, academia and international allies.

Back to Top

Elections Canada : Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency reporting directly to Canada's Parliament. Its ongoing concern is to fulfill its responsibility to ensure Canadians can exercise their choices in elections and referendums in an open and impartial process.

Environment Canada : Environment Canada's mandate is to preserve and enhance the quality of the natural environment, including water, air and soil quality; conserve Canada's renewable resources, including migratory birds and other non-domestic flora and fauna; conserve and protect Canada's water resources; carry out meteorology; enforce the rules made by the Canada - United States International Joint Commission relating to boundary waters; and coordinate environmental policies and programs for the federal government (Department of Environment Act).

Environmental Protection Review Canada : Environmental Protection Review Canada ("EPRC") is a group of expert adjudicators, entirely separate from Environment Canada, that conduct reviews of Environmental Protection Compliance Orders ("EPCOs").

Ethics Counsellor, Office of the : The Office of the Ethics Counsellor is accountable to the Prime Minister for the administration of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders. The Office also administers the Lobbyists Registration Act and the Lobbyists Code of Conduct on behalf of the Minister of Industry. The Office is organizationally part of Industry Canada.

Export Development Canada : Unique financial and insurance services EDC is a Canadian financial institution devoted exclusively to providing trade finance services to support Canadian exporters and investors in some 200 markets, 130 of which are in developing markets.

Back to Top

Farm Credit Canada : FCC offers a range of flexible financing products and business services to support primary producers and value-added agribusinesses beyond the farm gate. Many products and services are delivered through alliances with industry partners.

Federal Bridge Corporation Limited : The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) is a Parent Crown Corporation responsible for federal properties related to its subsidiaries, The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) and The Seaway International Bridge Corporation Ltd, (SIBC) and, under agreement, for the Sault Ste-Marie International Bridge and the Thousand Islands Bridge. FBCL manages these assets in a cost-effective manner on behalf of the Government of Canada using private-sector business practices, accountability, and transparency.

Federal Court of Canada : The Federal Court of Canada is a superior court of record with civil and criminal jurisdiction. The Court was created in 1971 as successor to the Exchequer Court of Canada which was established in 1875*. Both courts were established under the authority of section 101 of the Constitution Act, 1867, as courts of law, equity and admiralty for the "better administration of the laws of Canada.

Federal Science for Sustainable Development : The 5NR gives a collective focus to the member departments’ mandates in an effort to protect the long-term health and diversity of all species, promote energy efficiency and clean technologies, and wisely manage and conserve renewable resources.

Finance Canada, Department of : Finance Canada plans and prepares the federal government’s budget, we analyze and design tax policies, and we develop rules and regulations for Canada’s banks and other financial institutions. We administer the transfer of federal funds to the provinces and territories.We develop policies on international finance and help design our country’s tariff policies. We also monitor economic and financial developments in Canada and provide policy advice on a wide range of economic issues.

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) : We work to protect and educate consumers in the area of financial services.
We provide consumer information and oversee financial institutions to ensure that they comply with federal consumer protection measures.

Financial Transaction and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) : The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, or FINTRAC, is Canada’s financial intelligence unit, a specialized agency created to collect, analyze and disclose financial information and intelligence on suspected money laundering and terrorist activities financing .

Fisheries and Oceans Canada : Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the lead federal government department responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada's economic, ecological and scientific interests in oceans and inland waters.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Department of : As part of the government's commitment to strengthen Canada's influence in the world, our objectives continue to be to promote prosperity, ensure Canadians' security within a global framework and promote Canadian values and culture on the international stage.

Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation : Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, a self-sustaining federal Crown corporation created in 1969, is the buyer, processor and marketer of freshwater fish from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories, and part of Northwestern Ontario. The Corporation's mandate is: to purchase all fish lawfully fished and offered for sale; to create an orderly market; to promote international markets; to increase fish trade; and to increase returns to fishers. Profits, in the form of final payments, are distributed annually to participating fishers.

Back to Top

Governor General of Canada : The Office of the Governor General, Canada's oldest continuing institution, is a thread that ties Canadians together. Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. This means Canadians recognize The Queen as our Head of State. Like many other democracies, Canada has clearly defined the difference between the Head of State and Head of Government. The Governor General represents The Queen who is the Head of State and is appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Canadian Prime Minister.

Great Lakes Pilotage Authority Canada : The role and objectives of the Authority are to establish, operate, maintain and administer, in the interest of safety, an efficient and economical pilotage service within its geographical boundaries; all waters in the Province of Quebec south of the northern entrance to St. Lambert Lock and all Canadian waters in and around the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.

Back to Top

Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission : The Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission is an arm’s length administrative agency charged with carrying out a multi-faceted mandate: to formally register claims for trade secret exemptions, and issue registry numbers; to issue decisions on the validity of claims for exemption using prescribed regulatory criteria; to make decisions on the compliance of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and labels within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements as set out in the Hazardous Products Act and Controlled Products Regulations and various provincial and territorial occupational health and safety acts; and to convene independent, tripartite boards to hear appeals from claimants or affected parties on decisions and orders issued by the Commission.

Health Canada : Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping the people of Canada maintain and improve their health. Health Canada is committed to improving the lives of all of Canada's people and to making this country's population among the healthiest in the world as measured by longevity, lifestyle and effective use of the public health care system.

House of Commons : This is Parliament! Inside these walls and chambers you will see a lot of activity. This is where the people who represent the citizens of Canada come together to debate, discuss, reflect, and make decisions about how our country’s policies, laws and finances work to reflect the public will and the public interest.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) : The Department of Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) is responsible for providing all Canadians with the tools they need to thrive and prosper in the workplace and community. We support human capital development, labour market development and are dedicated to establishing a culture of lifelong learning for Canadians. Among our clients are employees, employers, individuals receiving Employment Insurance benefits, students and those who need focused support to participate in the workplace. HRSD provides federal-level management of labour and homelessness issues, and supports students and communities through the Canada Student Loans Program and Community Economic Development initiatives.

Back to Top

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada : The IRB is Canada's largest independent administrative tribunal. Its mission is to make well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly, and in accordance with the law. Our values and ethics are at the heart of how we operate as a tribunal.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada : In general, INAC has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners. To fulfill this mandate, INAC must work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Northerners, as well as with other federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories.

Indian Claims Commission : The Commission is an independent body that provides an effective alternative to lengthy and costly court cases. Under our terms of reference, the Commission has authority to conduct inquiries into specific claims when the government has breached an agreement, treaty or statute, such as the Indian Act.

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada : Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada works with Aboriginal people and other Canadians in initiatives that explore and acknowledge our history, build programs and projects which address the needs of people today, and strengthen our future.

Industry Canada : Industry Canada's mandate is to help make Canadians more productive and competitive in the knowledge-based economy, thus improving the standard of living and quality of life in Canada.

Information Commissioner of Canada, Office of the : The Information Commissioner investigates complaints from people who believe they have been denied rights under the Access to Information Act — Canada's freedom of information legislation. An independent ombudsman appointed by Parliament, the Information Commissioner has strong investigative powers. He mediates between dissatisfied applicants and government institutions.

Infrastructure Canada : Infrastructure Canada is working with partners in the public and private sectors for sustainable economic development and- a higher quality of life for Canadians through a national infrastructure development program investing in: highways and railways; urban transit; water and wastewater treatment systems; tourism, cultural, recreational and urban development facilities; border crossings; broadband telecommunications; affordable housing.

Inspector General of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service : The Department's role within the Portfolio is to support the Minister in giving effective direction to the agencies responsible for policing and law enforcement, national security, corrections and conditional release.

Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics : PRE is composed of 12 volunteer members who bring diverse expertise and views on research involving humans from such fields as ethics, law, psychology, engineering, medicine, research involving aboriginal peoples, sociology, administration, and the public.

International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development : Rights & Democracy works with individuals, organizations and governments in Canada and abroad to promote the human and democratic rights defined in the United Nations' International Bill of Human Rights. Although its mandate is wide-ranging, Rights & Democracy currently focuses on four themes: democratic development, women's human rights, globalization and human rights, and the rights of indigenous peoples.

International Development Research Centre : IDRC's mandate is to initiate, encourage, support, and conduct research into the problems of the developing regions of the world and into the means for applying and adapting scientific, technical, and other knowledge to the economic and social advancement of those regions.

International Joint Commission : The International Joint Commission is an independent binational organization established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. Its purpose is to help prevent and resolve disputes relating to the use and quality of boundary waters and to advise Canada and the United States on related questions.

Investment, Science & Technology Branch : The Invest in Canada website, www.investincanada.gc.ca, provides investors with the services and expertise to secure a successful Canadian investment. The website caters to potential investors seeking information on Canada’s industrial sectors, and on establishing a business in Canada.

Back to Top

Justice Canada, Department of : The people of the Department of Justice work to ensure that Canadians enjoy a justice system that is fair, accessible and efficient. We help the federal government to develop policy and to make and reform laws as needed. At the same time, we serve Canadians by acting as the Government's law firm.

Back to Top

Laurentian Pilotage Authority Canada : The Pilotage Act created four pilotage regions with specific authorities, thereby replacing a large number of local pilotage districts. The four Pilotage Authorities - Atlantic, Laurentian, Great Lakes and Pacific - are Crown corporations, responsible to Parliament through the Minister of Transport.

Law Commission of Canada : Contemporary legal problems typically cross ministerial boundaries and require cooperative action and joint sponsorship. The Law Commission's independence from the Department of Justice permits it to imagine, to undertake and to manage multi-departmental law reform projects that are not necessarily driven by the government's legislative agenda.

The Leadership Network : The Leadership Network's mandate is to promote, develop and support networks of leaders throughout the Public Service of Canada and assist them in the continuing challenge of public service renewal and modernization.

Back to Top

Marine Atlantic : Marine Atlantic is a Canadian Federal Crown Corporation that provides a vital marine transportation link across the Cabot Strait between Newfoundland and Labrador and mainland Canada. This service is provided in compliance with the constitutional agreement between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada, as well as the Marine Atlantic Inc. Act.

Military Police Complaints Commission : The Complaints Commission was created to render the handling of complaints concerning the Military Police more transparent and accessible, and to ensure that both complainants and members of the Military Police are dealt with fairly and impartially.

Back to Top

NAFTA Secretariat - Canadian Section : Article 2002 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) establishes the NAFTA Secretariat comprising of the Canadian Section, the Mexican Section and the United States Section.

National Archives of Canada : The National Archives is a treasure house of the memory of Canada. We care for and share millions of documents of all kinds -- films, maps, diaries, treaties, journals, art, government records, photographs, sound recordings and more. Many are of unique value and exceptional beauty. Some are centuries old. All reveal how we have lived in this place called Canada and enable Canadians to better understand the story of their country and of their fellow citizens.

National Advisory Council on Aging : The Division of Aging and Seniors, Health Canada, provides federal leadership in areas pertaining to aging and seniors.

National Arts Centre : Conceived as the major project of the Federal Government as part of the Centennial celebrations, the National Arts Centre was opened to the public on June 2, 1969. Focusing on artistic excellence, diversity, and youth, the National Arts Centre has played an important role in the development of almost all Canadian artists.

National Battlefields Commission : The objectives of the National Battlefields Commission (NBC) are to develop the five main components - historic, cultural, recreational, natural and scientific - of National Battlefields Park.

National Capital Commission : Ottawa, Canada's Capital, sits on the border of the province of Ontario in central Canada. It was made capital of the British colonial Province of Canada in 1857.

National Crime Prevention Strategy : In Canada, crime has traditionally been dealt with through reactive measures: the apprehension, sentencing, incarceration, and rehabilitation of offenders. This approach, while important, is not sufficient to prevent crime and that is why the Government of Canada launched the National Crime Prevention Strategy. In simple terms, the National Strategy is focused upon community-based early intervention efforts that deal with the root causes of crime and victimization.

National Defence : The mission of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces is to defend Canada, its interests and its values, while contributing to international peace and security.

National Energy Board : The National Energy Board (the NEB or the Board) regulates the construction and operation of interprovincial and international pipelines; pipeline traffic, tolls and tariffs; the construction and operation of international and designated interprovincial power lines; the export and import of natural gas; the export of oil and electricity; and Frontier oil and gas activities

National Farm Products Council : The National Farm Products Council promotes efficient, competitive Canadian agriculture. It helps to improve farm-product marketing between Canadian provinces and territories and internationally.

National Film Board of Canada : Created in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a public agency that produces and distributes films and other audiovisual works which reflect Canada to Canadians and the rest of the world.

National Gallery of Canada : The National Gallery of Canada, a visual arts museum of international stature, holds its collections of art in trust for all Canadians. The mandate of the National gallery, as set out in the 1990 Museums Act is: to develop, maintain and make known, throughout Canada and internationally, a national collection of works of art, historic and contemporary, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada; and to further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of art in general among all Canadians.

National Joint Council : The purpose of the NJC is to promote the efficiency of the public service and the well-being of those employed in the Public Service by providing for regular consultation between the government as the employer and bargaining agents on behalf of employees who come under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Staff Relations Act.

National Library of Canada : The National Library of Canada is a federal cultural institution located in Ottawa, established by Parliament in 1953, whose main role is to acquire, preserve and promote Canadiana which is part of the published heritage of Canada for all Canadians, both now and in the years to come. The Library serves as one of the nation's foremost centres for research in Canadian Studies and as a showcase for Canadian literature and music.

National Literacy Secretariat : Forty-three percent of Canadians aged 16-65 do not have the literacy skills required for full participation in the knowledge economy. The National Literacy Secretariat (NLS) works to promote literacy as an essential component of a learning society and to make Canada's social, economic and political life more accessible to people with weak literacy skills.

National Research Council Canada : The National Research Council (NRC) is the Government of Canada's premier organization for research and development. We have been active for over 80 years.

National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy : The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) is an independent advisory body that provides decision makers, opinion leaders and the Canadian public with advice and recommendations for promoting sustainable development.

National Search and Rescue Secretariat : The National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) acts as a liaison for Search and Rescue (SAR) agencies and all partners involved in Canadian search and rescue. Their combined efforts give Canada one of the most effective national search and rescue programs in the world.

Natural Resources Canada : Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) plays a pivotal role in helping shape the important contributions of the natural resources sector to the Canadian economy, society and environment. This sector - forests, energy, minerals and metals, and landmass, as well as related industries - is one of the most productive, high-tech sectors in the global economy.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada : NSERC's role is to make investments in people, discovery and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians. We invest in people by supporting more than 17,700 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. We promote discovery by funding more than 9,600 university professors every year. And we help make innovation happen by encouraging more than 500 Canadian companies to invest in university research.

Networks of Centres of Excellence : Networks of Centres of Excellence are unique partnerships among universities, industry, government and not-for-profit organizations aimed at turning Canadian research and entrepreneurial talent into economic and social benefits for all Canadians.

Northern Pipeline Agency Canada : The Agency was designed to act as a single window between federal authorities and the Foothills Group of Companies, and between provincial and territorial governments, and the Government of the United States. In keeping with the Act, many regulatory powers of other federal departments and agencies related to the pipeline project have been delegated to the Agency.

Back to Top

Pacific Pilotage Authority Canada : The principal mandate of the Authority is to provide safe, reliable and efficient marine pilotage and related services in the Coastal waters of British Columbia including the Fraser River.

Parks Canada : On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

Parliament of Canada : Canada is a democracy, a constitutional monarchy. Our head of state is the Queen of Canada, who is also Queen of Britain, Australia and New Zealand, and a host of other countries scattered around the world from the Bahamas and Grenada to Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu. Every act of government is done in the name of the Queen, but the authority for every act flows from the Canadian people.

Passport Office : The Passport Office is defined by the Canadian Passport Order, and is responsible for issuing, revoking, withholding, recovery and use of Canadian passports. It provides guidance to missions issuing passports abroad and supervises all matters relating to Canadian travel documents.

Patented Medicine Prices Review Board : The PMPRB is an independant quasi-judicial body, created in 1987 under the Patent Act to protect consumer interests in light of increased patent protection for pharmaceuticals.

Pension Appeals Board : The Tribunal is responsible for the hearing of appeals which arise from decisions of the CPP Review Tribunals under the Canada Pension Plan.

Policy Research Initiative : The federal government requires the development of a strong knowledge base and policy capacity in order to respond to the increasingly complex policy issues facing Canada. The Policy Research Initiative's core mandate is to advance research on emerging horizontal issues that are highly relevant to the federal government's medium-term policy agenda, and to ensure the effective transfer of this knowledge to policy-makers.

Prime Minister of Canada, Office of the : The official website of the office of the Prime Minister of Canada.

Privacy Commissioner of Canada : The Commissioner works independently from any other part of the government to investigate complaints from individuals with respect to the federal public sector and the private sector.

Privy Council Office : As head of the government of Canada, the Prime Minister provides leadership and cohesion to the Ministry, and requires a broad base of support. The Privy Council Office is the Prime Minister’s department and the Cabinet Secretariat. It is a focal point of action in the Government of Canada’s public service.

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada : The Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Portfolio is responsible for protecting Canadians and helping to maintain a peaceful and safe society.

Public Sector Pension Investment Board : The Public Sector Pension Investment Board ("PSP Investments") is a crown corporation established by Parliament by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act (September 1999). The mandate of PSP Investments is to manage employer and employee contributions made after April 1, 2000 to the federal Public Service, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police pension funds.

Public Service Commission of Canada : The PSC is an independent agency responsible for safeguarding the values of a professional Public Service: competence, non-partisanship and representativeness.

Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada : The Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada which is responsible for implementing the Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA), and for many of the federal government's internal human resources functions, is working to foster a culture of excellence within the Public Service of Canada, one that is based on democratic, professional, ethical and people values.

Public Service Integrity Office : The mandate of the Public Service Integrity Officer is to act as a neutral entity on matters of internal disclosure of wrongdoing.

Public Service Staff Relations Board : The Public Service Staff Relations Board is an independent, quasi-judicial statutory tribunal responsible for administering the collective bargaining and grievance adjudication systems in the federal Public Service and Parliament. The Board also provides mediation and conciliation services to help parties resolve differences without resorting to a formal hearing.

Public Works and Government Services Canada : As the Government of Canada's major common service organization, it is our job to help keep the wheels of government turning, as smoothly as possible.

Back to Top

Receiver General for Canada : As Receiver General for Canada, the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada is responsible for making payments for the Government of Canada; accepting payments to the Government of Canada; and Preparing the Public Accounts of Canada.

Review Tribunal (Agriculture and Agri-food) : The Review Tribunal has been mandated to hear reviews of Board of Arbitration decisions; and reviews of various Agencies' notices of violations. One must note that these reviews are limited to agencies who have chosen to utilize AMPs as an alternative enforcement measure.

Royal Canadian Mint : The Royal Canadian Mint is a global leader in minting, recognized worldwide for its unsurpassed standards of quality and craftsmanship in the production of both circulation and collector coins, and highly respected as a premier refiner of gold.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) : The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is the Canadian national police service and an agency of the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada. The RCMP is unique in the world since it is a national, federal, provincial and municipal policing body.

Back to Top

Security Intelligence Review Committee : Parliament has given CSIS extraordinary powers to intrude on the privacy of individuals. SIRC ensures that these powers are used legally and appropriately, in order to protect Canadians’ rights and freedoms. To do this, SIRC examines past operations of the Service and investigates complaints.

Senate of Canada : The Upper House of the Canadian Parliament consisting ordinarily of 105 Senators appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Senate possesses all of the powers of the House of Commons except that of initiating financial legislation.

Service Canada : The Government of Canada has put in place a network of one-stop access points providing basic information on programs and services.

Social Development Canada (SD) : The Department of Social Development (SD) is mandated with helping to secure and strengthen Canada’s social foundation. We do this by helping families with children, supporting people with disabilities and ensuring that seniors can fully participate in their communities.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada : SSHRC-funded research fuels innovative thinking about real life issues, including the economy, education, health care, the environment, immigration, globalization, language, ethics, peace, security, human rights, law, poverty, mass communication, politics, literature, addiction, pop culture, sexuality, religion, Aboriginal rights, the past, our future.

Standards Council of Canada : The Standards Council carries out a variety of functions intended to ensure the effective and coordinated operation of standardization in Canada. It also represents Canada's interests in standards-related matters in foreign and international forums.

Statistics Canada : In Canada, providing statistics is a federal responsibility. As Canada’s central statistical agency, Statistics Canada is legislated to serve this function for the whole of Canada and each of the provinces.

Status of Women Canada : Status of Women Canada (SWC) is the federal government department which promotes gender equality, and the full participation of women in the economic, social, cultural and political life of the country. SWC focuses its work in three areas: improving women's economic autonomy and well-being, eliminating systemic violence against women and children, and advancing women's human rights.

Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Office of the : The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is the primary regulator of federally chartered financial institutions and federally administered pension plans. OSFI's mission is to safeguard policy holders, depositors and pension plan members from undue loss.

Supreme Court of Canada : The Supreme Court of Canada is Canada's highest court. It is the final general court of appeal, the last judicial resort for all litigants, whether individuals or governments. Its jurisdiction embraces both the civil law of the province of Quebec and the common law of the other provinces and territories.

Back to Top

Tax Court of Canada : The Tax Court of Canada is a superior court to which individuals and companies may appeal to settle disagreements with the Government of Canada on matters arising under legislation over which the Court has exclusive original jurisdiction.

Team Canada Inc. : Team Canada Inc is your first stop en route to the information, skills and assistance you need to make your export venture a success.

Technology Partnerships Canada : Great ideas are the currency for success. Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) is a special operating agency of Industry Canada with a mandate to provide funding support for strategic research and development, and demonstration projects that will produce economic, social and environmental benefits to Canadians.

Telefilm Canada : Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated primarily to the development and promotion of the Canadian film, television, new media and music industries. Telefilm Canada reports to the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Transport Canada : Transport Canada’s mission is to develop and administer policies, regulations and services for the best transportation system for Canada and Canadians — one that is safe and secure, efficient, affordable, integrated and environmentally friendly.

Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada : The Tribunal provides an independent review process for anyone who has been given notice of an administrative or enforcement action taken by the Minister of Transport, railway safety inspectors or the Canadian Transportation Agency under various federal transportation Acts

Transportation Safety Board of Canada : The Canadian Transportation Investigation and Safety Board Act provides the legal framework that governs TSB activities. Our mandate is to advance transportation safety in the marine, pipeline, rail and air modes of transportation by conducting independent investigations, including public inquiries when necessary, into selected transportation occurrences in order to make findings as to their causes and contributing factors; identifying safety deficiencies, as evidenced by transportation occurrences; making recommendations designed to eliminate or reduce any such safety deficiencies; and reporting publicly on our investigations and on the findings in relation thereto.

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat : As the administrative arm of the Treasury Board, the Secretariat has a dual mandate: to support the Treasury Board as a committee of ministers, and to fulfil the statutory responsibilities of a central government agency.

Back to Top

Veterans Affairs Canada : To provide exemplary, client-centred services and benefits that respond to the needs of veterans, our other clients and their families, in recognition of their services to Canada; and to keep the memory of their achievements and sacrifices alive for all Canadians.

Veterans Review and Appeal Board Canada : The Veterans Review and Appeal Board has full jurisdiction to hear, determine and deal with all applications for review and appeal that may be made to the Board under the Pension Act and the War Veterans Allowance Act. All matters related to appeals under this legislation are authorized under the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act.

VIA Rail Canada Inc. : VIA Rail Canada is an independent Crown corporation set up in 1978. VIA operates trains in all regions of Canada over a network spanning the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay.

Voluntary Sector Initiative : The Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) is a five-year joint initiative between the Government of Canada and the voluntary sector that was launched in June 2000. The overall goal of the initiative is to improve the quality of life in Canada.

Back to Top

Western Economic Diversification Canada : A department of the Government of Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) works to strengthen Western Canada's economy and advan