2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B)

The $272.2 million presented as part of these Supplementary Estimates consists of $327.3 million in voted appropriations, offset by statutory forecast decrease of $55.1 million.
The $327.3 million that the Department is seeking through voted appropriations is primarily to advance reconciliation on Indigenous rights and fisheries issues, continue conversion work on recently procured icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard and carry on the Vessel Life Extension program as well as the Trans Mountain Expansion project.
The $55.1 million statutory forecast decrease is primarily due to the allocations provided to the Regional Development Agencies in support of the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund, pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act.

Funding to advance reconciliation on Indigenous rights and fisheries issues ($254.6 million)

Addressing Indigenous fishing rights issues and interests is critical to achieving reconciliation.
This funding will be used to implement reconciliation funding agreements including the provision of fisheries access, vessels and gear, and funds to support government and Indigenous capacity to co-develop and implement reconciliation agreements with various First Nations and Indigenous groups.
Objectives are to advance their interests, foster self-determination and close socio-economic gaps. Furthermore, the overall result is to enhance relationships with, involvement of, and outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

With an average age of 36 years, the Canadian Coast Guard’s large vessels are increasingly in need of replacement as they reach and exceed the end of their service lives.
In 2018, the Canadian Coast Guard purchased three existing Medium Icebreakers to address capacity gaps and maintain critical icebreaking and other programs and services in support of the Canadian economy.
This funding will be used to continue the conversion work needed for the Icebreakers to meet operational and regulatory requirements.

This funding will be used to continue ongoing work on targeted vessels with the goal of extending their operational life by 10 to 15 years, in order to deliver services for a longer period than originally designed.
The objective is to help Canadian Coast Guard minimize interruptions in program and service delivery of its current fleet in anticipation of new vessels coming into service under the Fleet Renewal Plan.

This funding will be used to facilitate the implementation of accommodation measures for the benefit of Indigenous communities and to support regulatory decision making.
In continuing engagement with Indigenous communities, Canada will show a commitment to reconciliation and continue to build positive relationships with the 33 Indigenous groups along the marine route.
Strengthening relationships and delivering on regulatory review responsibilities will assist in supporting the implementation of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

This investment has helped ensure the resilience of the food system by allowing Canada’s fish and seafood processing sector to safely and efficiently process, store, package, and distribute healthy, high-quality products, sourced from our fish harvesters and aquaculture operators, onto the plates of Canadians.
The Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund is being delivered through three separate Regional Development Agencies. Fisheries and Oceans has worked in concert with these partners to deliver the program and respond to emerging pressures as the pandemic situation has evolved.
The statutory forecast decrease reflects the total allocations that have been transferred to Regional Development Agencies to help deliver the program. With $5.7M remaining from the total fund of $62.5M, statutory forecasts will be adjusted once again, if required, through the final supplementary estimates.

These Supplementary Estimates represent a continuation of the return to the traditional three Supplementary exercises (A, B and C), after the end of the two year Estimates Reform pilot project. As part of that reform, only two Supplementary Estimates exercises were presented.
The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) are presenting a total amount of $272.2 million, which are comprised of $327.3 million in voted appropriations and a decrease of $55.1 million in statutory forecasts.
The $327.3 million in voted authorities includes nineteen (19) items and represents an increase to our spending levels, over and above what was approved in the Main Estimates.
The decrease of $55.1 million in statutory authorities includes a distinct item related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well a forecast update related to the Department’s employee benefit plans. These amounts are presented for information purposes only as they have their own separate enabling legislation.
The COVID-19 related item is the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund which, at the time of these Supplementary Estimates, has transferred a total $56.8 million to Regional Development Agencies to help deliver the program.