Overview
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a federal department of the Government of Canada established in 1995 through the consolidation of several natural resource agencies. Its purpose is to support the responsible development and use of Canada’s natural resources, including energy, minerals, forests and earth sciences. NRCan’s work is grounded in evidence-based policy, scientific research and long-term resource stewardship.
The department plays a central role in advancing Canada’s economic competitiveness while addressing climate change, energy security and environmental sustainability. Its philosophy balances resource development with environmental protection and social responsibility.
Mission and focus areas
NRCan’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians by ensuring natural resources are developed sustainably and contribute to economic resilience. Core focus areas include clean energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, critical minerals, forestry, land use and geoscience. The department supports sustainability-driven value creation by providing data, analysis and policy frameworks relevant to energy transition, climate risk and resource governance. Its work informs ESG integration and sustainable finance by enabling better assessment of physical climate risks, transition pathways and resource-related impacts.
Structure and governance
NRCan operates as a ministerial department led by the Minister of Natural Resources and supported by a Deputy Minister. It is organised into multiple branches covering energy, forests, lands and minerals, earth sciences, innovation and policy. The department collaborates extensively with other federal agencies, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities, industry, academia and international partners. This structure supports coordination across jurisdictions and alignment with national and global sustainability objectives.
Programs and offerings
NRCan produces a wide range of outputs, including research reports, technical guidance, policy documents and open-access datasets. Key offerings include energy and emissions statistics, climate and geospatial data, and analytical tools used by policymakers, investors and practitioners. The department also administers funding programmes, pilot initiatives and capacity-building tools that support clean technology deployment, energy efficiency and climate resilience. These resources are widely used to inform sustainable investment decisions, infrastructure planning and long-term resource strategies.
