• Introduction
• Program Overview
• NIF is not a Grant
• NIF Program Management
• Principles and Guidelines
• General Policies and Conditions
• NIF Proposal Application Process
• The Proposal Form
• Project Management
• Audit and Review
• Glossary
• Appendices
• Forms
• Reporting Requirements

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The New Search and Rescue (SAR) Initiatives Fund (NIF) Program Guide describes all aspects of the program. The guide will help you decide if your proposals' objectives and plans support those of the National Search and Rescue Program (NSP). The guide outlines program management, general policies and conditions and provides instructions to help you prepare your applications. Please ensure that you fully understand all of the implications of applying for, managing and evaluating a NIF project before proceeding with an application.

2.0 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

2.1 National Search and Rescue Program (NSP)

In 1986, the Federal Cabinet, acting on one of the recommendations of the Ocean Ranger Commission Report, directed that a National Search and Rescue Program (NSP) be established and managed as a distinct program of government. The overall policy responsibility for Search and Rescue (SAR) would rest with a Lead Minister for Search and Rescue (LMSAR), who would formulate national policy in consultation with involved Ministers. The authority, responsibility and accountability for the coordination of the NSP rests with the Minister of Defence, who is also the Lead Minister. The Federal Cabinet also directed that a National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) be established to provide direct, independent support to the LMSAR and be responsible and accountable for the conduct of the Program, of which the New SAR Initiatives Fund forms one element.

The NSP encompasses the efforts and activities of all levels of government, corporate and volunteer sectors, and a vast array of organizations and programs related to providing information, applying technology, conducting research, preventing SAR incidents from occurring or saving lives of people at risk. Within the federal government, five departments (Environment Canada - Meteorological Service of Canada; Parks Canada), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canadian Coast Guard), Department of National Defence (Canadian Forces), Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), and Transport Canada are directly involved in the coordination of programs related to SAR. While federal SAR operations are coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCCs), non-federal SAR activities are the responsibility of individual provinces and territories (operations are coordinated by the police force of jurisdiction, e.g., the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.), the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC)).

2.2 NSP Vision and Objectives

In June 2002, the Interdepartmental Committee for Search and Rescue approved the following vision and objectives for the NSP.

SAR Response Objective To ensure an effective SAR response (capability) in all areas of Canada.

SAR Prevention Objective To educate individuals and organizations on the assessment of risks and the importance of acquiring and using the knowledge, skills and equipment needed to minimize injury and/or loss of life.

The strategies have been incorporated into the NIF program and have been merged with the former NIF categories. The revised category list is contained in Section 5.2.

2.3 National Search and Rescue Secretariat

The National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) was established to coordinate the development of search and rescue activities throughout Canada. The Secretariat is responsible for the co-ordination of SAR nationally; the Secretariat reports directly to the Lead Minister for Search and Rescue (LMSAR), the Minister of National Defence, who is responsible for SAR as a distinct program of the federal government and is the spokesperson for SAR nationally.

The Secretariat provides central coordination and leadership for the NSP through the Interdepartmental Committee on Search and Rescue (ICSAR), a committee comprised of federal departments/agencies with SAR responsibilities, and through provincial and territorial, police, industry and volunteer organizations. The Secretariat manages the NIF on behalf of the Lead Minister in partnership with federal SAR departments/agencies and provincial/territorial SAR authorities.

2.4 New SAR Initiatives Fund (NIF)

The New SAR Initiatives Fund (NIF) was established by the Federal Government in 1988 to provide funding for new search and rescue initiatives that will improve the National Search and Rescue Program (NSP) in Canada.

• The fund has an annual budget allocation of $8.1 M.
• To date (2004) the NIF has invested over $130 million in over 700 projects.

The NIF has become a cornerstone of the National SAR Program (NSP) and has contributed significantly to advancing technology and improving Canada's ability to provide economical and effective SAR response in all areas and jurisdictions.

2.5 Eligible Recipients

Provinces and Territories and any Canadian organization or individual from the: volunteer, non-profit, academic or other non-public sector, are eligible for NIF contribution funding for projects that could enhance the effectiveness of the National SAR Program. Proponents must submit their proposals through one of the recognized NIF sponsors listed in Appendix A of this Guide.

3.0 NIF IS NOT A GRANT!

The NIF is a contribution program, which means that there are certain strings attached to the funds (e.g. reporting requirements, guidelines, policies) that must be met in order to receive approval.