Terms and Conditions of the Kanishka Project Contribution Program

1. Authority

The authority of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (hereinafter referred to as "the Minister") to make transfer payments is found at paragraph 6(1)(c) of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act, S.C. 2005, ch.10. The Kanishka Project Contribution Program (KPCP) is to enable the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (hereinafter referred to as "the Department"), to act on behalf of the Minister to support projects that contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Kanishka Project research initiative, through funding allocations to eligible recipients (hereinafter referred to as "the Recipient") defined in Section 4 of these Terms and Conditions.

2. Program Description & Objectives 

The purpose of the KPCP is to further the Government's objective to advance understanding about terrorism, including violent extremism, and the most effective means to address it.

Objectives of the Program are to support research and related activities (such as knowledge transfer) on pressing questions for Canadian government and society about terrorism and counter-terrorism; to expand the community of researchers, disciplines and universities addressing such questions; and to better connect that research community with officials responsible for national security, as well as bring the new knowledge to the general public. The Performance Measurement Strategy is described in Section 14 of these Terms and Conditions.

The program provides contributions (including but not limited) to universities and educational institutions, public and private non-profit organizations, and local non-government organizations (NGOs).

Contribution funding has been chosen in order to monitor progress and results of projects/initiatives. The program contributes to the achievement of departmental legislative, policy development, and consultative objectives by:

3. Eligible Types of Initiatives

The Department provides funding to three categories of projects:

No agreement can extend beyond the life of the Kanishka Project, which terminates at the close of the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

4. Expected Results and Outcomes

The activities and outputs of the programs are expected to lead to the immediate and intermediate outcomes. These outcomes can be associated to what the contributions are expected to achieve.

Immediate Outcomes

Intermediate Outcomes

The intermediate outcomes are expected to lead to the following ultimate outcome. While many other social and political factors are expected to affect this outcome, it is still expected that the programs will contribute in a positive way to the achievement of this outcome.

5. Eligible Recipients

A Recipient is an individual or entity that has been authorized to receive a transfer payment under the Kanishka Project. Contributions may be provided to the following classes of recipients in support of the objectives of the KPCP:

  1. Universities and educational institutions;
  2. Research institutions, domestic or international, with established record in relevant field(s);
  3. National, provincial, territorial, municipal, Aboriginal, community or professional organizations, societies and associations which have voluntarily associated themselves for a not-for-profit purpose, and which have a mandate to represent their membership or community;
  4. International non-governmental organizations, including bodies associated/affiliated with organizations of which Canada is a member, which have as their purpose supporting public safety as a priority;
  5. Not-for-profit organizations and associations serving the private sector;
  6. Individual researchers; and,
  7. Such further and other recipients that the steering committee (as defined in Section 8 of these Terms and Conditions) may deem appropriate. These could include for-profit institutions with a record of performing research or related activities relevant to the goals of the KPCP.

Crown Corporations are not eligible for funding under the KPCP.

6. Stacking Limits

For any contributions the maximum level (stacking limit) of Total Government Assistance (federal/provincial/municipal assistance for the same purpose and eligible expenses) shall not exceed 95% of the eligible expenditures.

The KPCP will require all recipients to disclose all confirmed and potential sources of funding for a proposed project before the start and at the end of a project.

The KPCP will ensure that the transfer payment assistance provided respects these stacking limits and that the federal contribution is based on the Total Government Assistance received (federal, provincial and municipal assistance for the same purpose and eligible expenses). This includes assistance such as all grants, contributions and any other assistance including non-monetary/in kind contributions being considered; all new investments in the applicant business; provisions for potential losses on loan guarantees and loans; implicit subsidies; forgivable loans; investment tax credits; and any other grant or contribution for which the applicant may be eligible.

The repayment of any amount exceeding the Total Government Assistance limit will be calculated on a pro-rated basis (based on Total Government Assistance received towards the same eligible expenses).

7. Application and Proposal Requirements

The following will be required of all applicants in order for the department to consider a project proposal.

The application must clearly describe the activities and desired outcomes of the project. These must relate to the mandate of the Department.

The supporting material would include:

In addition, to prevent the risk of conflict of interest, the recipient must:

8. Selection criteria and review procedure

Projects will be reviewed by the Kanishka Project steering committee chaired by the Manager of Research and Academic Relations, from the Strategic Policy Branch of the Department, and made up of officials from federal departments and agencies responsible for counter-terrorism, appointed to the steering committee by the Department's Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy.

Contribution funding amounts will be determined based on an assessment of the recipient's planned activities and budget submission, previous financial performance, and capacity of the recipient to achieve results. The availability of Program funds and the number of successful applicants will also be used to determine the amount the recipient is eligible to receive.

The steering committee will draw on the following criteria, set out under each category below.

a) Innovative and Research Projects

Support projects which conduct research to better understand and address terrorism; and/or supports development and implementation of policies, programs and legislation, such as by testing innovative approaches to improved and more cost-effective service delivery mechanisms, and coordination of cross-sectoral and inter-jurisdictional policy, program and legislation initiatives.

Review Criteria:

  1. How does the project contribute to:
    • the development and implementation of governmental policies, programs, and/or legislation;
    • the testing of innovative approaches towards improved and more cost-effective programs;
    • cross-sectoral and inter-jurisdiction policy, program and legislation initiatives; and
    • public policy issues of strategic importance through selective research and evaluations of pilot or innovative approaches?
  2. Demonstrate how the proposal has the explicit support of relevant communities.
  3. Demonstrate how the organization seeking support occupies a credible and strategic position relevant to counter-terrorism for the purpose of innovative and research projects.
  4. Does the organization seeking support have the reputation, capability and facility to conduct the required research?
  5. Does the proposal include a plan for monitoring, regular reporting, evaluation and dissemination of the final results of the research or evaluation conducted?

b) Communications/Information Exchange Projects

Support for communication/information exchange projects in the priority areas of terrorism and counter-terrorism.

Review Criteria:

  1. Extent to which the project contributes to communication or exchange of information in one or more of the priority areas identified by officials responsible for the Kanishka Project, in collaboration with the steering committee of officials responsible for counter-terrorism in Canada.
  2. Extent to which the proposal has the explicit support of relevant communities.
  3. Does the organization seeking support occupy a credible and strategic position relevant to counter-terrorism, for the purpose of communication or information exchange?

c) Training and Skills Development Projects

Supports the acquisition of knowledge and the ability to translate knowledge into action for communities and community-based organizations to contribute to enhanced public safety and national security.

Review Criteria:

  1. How does the project contribute to:
    • skills development that could contribute to the implementation of community-based processes towards countering terrorism;
    • enhanced understanding of terrorism and effective counter-terrorism measures;
    • increased knowledge development in sectors involved with countering terrorism in Canada.
  2. Will the activity, event(s) (such as conferences, summits and forums) or training session(s) contribute to enhanced ability to understand and/or address terrorism?

9. Evaluation Procedure

The Department will ask recipients to submit copies of any literature, reports or other products produced in the course of the project, and to provide a statement of the previous year's accomplishments, financial statements, and current and/or future year's budgets.

It will be the responsibility of the project manager to monitor the progress of approved projects and prepare an end of project report on the extent to which projects met the funding objectives.

To assist in determining the effectiveness of the contributions relative to the Department's objectives, the manager will review and document the overall activities of the applicant during the previous year, and file relevant copies of reports, proceedings of conferences and special studies or projects undertaken.

10. Type and Nature of Expenditures

Funds may be used only for expenses directly related to the activities of the project identified in a budget approved by the Department.

Eligible expenses include:

  1. Fees, such as for conference attendance;
  2. Salaries and wages for permanent or temporary professional, clerical, technical and administrative services, including contributions to Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, the Workers' Compensation Board, the Provincial Pension Plan or other Employee Benefit Plans;
  3. Services for personnel administration, accounting and bookkeeping, processing lawyers' accounts and audit fees;
  4. Rent, normal utilities such as electricity, heat, water and telephone, maintenance of offices and other buildings, insurance and taxes, conference room and meeting room rentals, where these expenses are directly related to the project and are not core or ongoing expenses;
  5. Office equipment and minor capital acquisitions net of disposal (less than $5,000 per acquisition)
  6. Program supplies and materials (less than $5,000 per acquisition);
  7. Reasonable travel and living expenses related to the delivery of the project, including transportation rental fees;
  8. Training programs;
  9. Administrative expenses should be clearly defined and should not exceed 15% of the total contribution provided by the Department for a specific project, if not already included within other line items. If administrative expenses are already included in other line items, then the percentage will be reduced accordingly;
  10. Honoraria, defined as time-limited remuneration for a volunteer service or participation in project delivery that is consistent with, and essential to the attainment of, the project's objectives;
  11. Computer services, library expenses, research costs and collection and analysis of statistics;
  12. Public awareness and educational activities consistent with the project's objectives;
  13. Translation and simultaneous interpretation activities;
  14. Shipping charges, postage, licenses, and other fees;
  15. Printing and distribution activities;
  16. Hospitality in Aboriginal contexts, based on the following criteria:
    In Aboriginal communities in Canada, a great deal of the work that is done takes place in a communal setting – often, this takes the form of gatherings or ceremonies that have practical uses as well as fulfilling some of the spiritual and cultural needs of participants. Often more can be accomplished during a day-long gathering or ceremony than can be done in several meetings that take place on a regular basis or back to back. This is true for a number of reasons:
    • events take place that interrupt meetings
    • meetings are necessary for the purpose of doing business with government but not considered culturally important
    • gatherings and ceremonies involve more than just professionals and garner widespread community buy-in and support

      Due to the length of time taken for gatherings and cultural ceremonies, hospitality such as food is considered an essential element of the day. Food has also been traditionally significant amongst all Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The sharing of food with participants, particularly at events with a cultural or spiritual element, is seen as an integral and important part of Aboriginal protocol and culture. To eliminate hospitality from community-based projects that are founded on traditional knowledge and experiences would be taking away from an integral part of what makes the process unique. Culturally, it would show great disrespect to the participants, which would jeopardize future relationships. As a result, for Aboriginal communities in Canada only, hospitality will be considered as an eligible expense for:
      • gatherings
      • feasts
      • ceremonies
      • circles

Hospitality in this case takes the form of food and drink but does not include alcohol.

11. Maximum Amount

The maximum amount of contribution payable to each recipient will be limited by the vote appropriated for this purpose, and not exceed $400,000 per year, and no project will extend beyond the termination of the Kanishka Project, which ends at the close of the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Project assistance is provided only at the minimum level to further the attainment of the program objectives and expected results.

The Kanishka Project steering committee will examine project activities and eligible expenditures and determine the minimum level of assistance required to attain objectives. It will examine costs and take into consideration similar projects and other sources of funding.

12. Repayable contributions

Repayable contributions will not be made through these program terms and conditions. Any contributions made to for-profit businesses are not intended to allow the business to generate profits or to increase the value of the business. The contributions are intended (1) to support measures designed to support research and related activities (such as knowledge transfer) on pressing questions for Canadian government and society about terrorism and counter-terrorism; (2) to expand the community of researchers, disciplines and universities addressing such questions; and (3) to better connect that research community with officials responsible for national security, as well as bring the new knowledge to the general public.

13. Basis of Payment

Transfer payments will be paid to recipients based on the reimbursement of eligible expenditures.

Where advance payments are required, they will be issued based on the project risk profile and cash flow requirements of the recipient. A holdback provision based on the project risk profile will apply to contributions.

Progress payments will be made upon receipt and acceptance by the Department of interim financial and project reports that outline the activities completed and expenses incurred to date.

A schedule of reporting requirements will be included within the contribution agreement.

Provided that the recipient has met the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement, a final payment will be made only upon receipt and acceptance of a financial statement covering the duration of the project.

14. Performance Measurement Strategy

The Performance Measurement Strategy for the Kanishka Project Contribution Program will be contained within the larger performance measurement framework for the entire Kanishka Project, which will contain strategies for on-going performance measurement, evaluation and reporting.

The following is a list of some of the performance indicators that will assist in measuring and monitoring the progress of the Kanishka Project Contribution Program specifically:

Metrics to be gathered over the course of the broader Kanishka Project, which includes measures to assess the KPCP, will include (1) gathering information on the level and frequency of engagement with the scholars and students who formally engage with Kanishka (e.g. use of their work, collaboration on projects, invitations to speak, advice given by the researchers, etc.); (2) assessment of the quality and relevance of the research and related activities performed by Kanishka affiliated researchers; (3) as well as assessment of how often Kanishka affiliated researchers shared their views on terrorism and counter-terrorism policy and operational issues (as through correspondence, meetings, presentations, publications and research), and (4) whether and to what extent this information helped inform government analysis and decision-making.

15. Intellectual Property

If a project produces intellectual property, the Recipient retains copyright for any work produced under the contribution agreement. However, in situations where the Department wishes to use the intellectual property produced by a Recipient, the following optional clauses may be included in a contribution agreement:

16. Official Languages

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness will work, through Contribution Agreements, with communities and organizations in their preferred official languages. All information published or made available as it relates to the contribution program will be made available in both official languages and posted on Public Safety's website in both official languages. The Program's overall objectives are to be implemented within the broader context of the linguistic duality of Canada by supporting projects that will serve official language minority communities while being mindful of gender and diversity issues.

In their proposals, applicants will be required to demonstrate the ways by which their proposed services and programs will respond to the needs of the official language minority communities and the impact their projects may have on these communities.

17. Third Party Independence

Approval by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness is required prior to the redistribution of funding by a contribution recipient to one or more individuals or entities.

If a contribution Recipient redistributes funding to one or more individuals or entities:

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