Natural Resources Canada

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a federal government department specializing in the sustainable development and use of natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, and earth sciences. At NRCan, we deal with natural resource issues that are important to Canadians. We look at these issues from both a national and international perspective, using our expertise in science and technology, policy, and programs. How we manage our land and resources today will determine the quality of life for Canadians both now and in the future.

NRCan provides four main services to Canadians:

• We conduct leading-edge science and technology research to provide Canadians with ideas, knowledge, and technologies. This helps Canadians use their country's resources wisely, reduce costs, protect the environment, and create new products and services.
• We build and maintain a national knowledge infrastructure on Canada's land and resources, so all Canadians can easily access the latest economic, environmental, and scientific information.
• We ensure that federal policies and regulations on issues such as the environment, trade, the economy, Canadian land, and science and technology enhance the natural resources sector's contribution to the economy. At the same time, we make sure these policies and regulations protect the environment and the health and safety of Canadians.
• Together with international agencies and other nations, we promote Canada's international interests. This helps Canada meet its commitments related to natural resources and keeps access open to global markets for Canadian products, services, and technology.

Web site:  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/

Minerals and Metals Sector

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories – Bells Corners Complex

Fields of Research

Ground control, mine support and rock property determination testing; health and safety in underground mines; numerical modeling, geodynamical monitoring and analysis; geoinstrumentation development; mining diesel engine certification to Canadian Standard Association (CSA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards; diesel emissions measurement and control research.

Contact

Jean-Marie Fecteau
Program Manager
Tel.: 613-947-1585
E-mail: jfecteau@nrcan.gc.ca

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories
Bells Corners Complex
1 Haanel Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratory – Ottawa

Fields of Research

Mineral processing, applied mineralogy, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, acid mine drainage, effluent treatment, recycling of mineral wastes, tailings and waste disposal, mine site decommissioning, geomatic information systems, aquatic toxicology, process engineering, ground control, mine ventilation, mine automation and narrow vein mining.

Contact

Magdi Habib
Director General
Telephone: 613-995-4776
Fax : 613-992-8928
E-mail: Magdi.Habib@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca

Natural Resources Canada
555 Booth Street, 2nd Floor, Room. 232
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G1

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratory – Sudbury

Fields of Research

Geodynamics instrumentation development, ground support systems (backfill quality control and membrane technologies), rock and soil mechanics laboratory testing facility, mine ventilation networks modelling, characterization and optimization, dust, silica, gas and diesel particulate sampling, analysis and control research.

Contact

Michel Grenier
Program Manager
Tel.: 705-677-7815
Fax: 705-670-6556
E-mail: mgrenier@nrcan.gc.ca

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories
1079 Kelly Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 5P5

CANMET Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories – Experimental Mine in Val d'Or

Fields of Research

Mining systems and equipment, mining methods, mechanical design, electronic systems, communication and instrumentation, drilling and rock fragmentation, hoist operation, narrow vein mining.

Contact

Marcel Laflamme, Eng., Ph.D.
Program Manager
Tel.: 819-736-4331, ext. 230
Fax: 819-736-7251
E-mail: mlaflamm@nrcan.gc.ca

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratory
1 Peter Ferderber Road
P.O. Box 1300
Val d'Or, Quebec
J9P 4P8

Materials Technology Laboratory – Ottawa

The Materials Technology Laboratory (MTL) is the largest research facility in Canada dedicated to metals, ceramics and concrete technology. It is a highly effective, client-driven operation, offering start-to-finish capabilities from materials selection, fabrication and characterization to prototype product fabrication.

MTL also houses:

• Non-Destructive Testing Certifying Agency, Canada's national organization for the certification of NDT personnel; and
• the Resource for the Innovation of Engineered Materials (RIEM), a unique federal program for formal access to MTL by Canadian academics, their students and postdoctoral fellows.

Expertise and Facilities

Materials Selection

• Advanced materials and fabrication processes

Materials Fabrication

• Experimental casting laboratory
• Experimental forming laboratory
• Tailored joining processes

In-Service Performance

• Corrosion testing
• Engineering performance

Property Evaluation

• Mechanical property evaluation
• Coatings evaluation
• Microstructural characterization
• Nondestructive testing

MTL has four technical programs. The major objectives of these programs are outlined below.

Sustainable Casting

Provide technology to support the Canadian foundry industry. Reduce the environmental impact of foundry operations. Identify and develop more efficient and effective magnesium and aluminum casting procedures for the automotive industry. Ferrous and nonferrous castings for a variety of applications.

Energy-Efficient Metal Production

Forming of magnesium and high-strength steel sheet for transportation applications. Development of pipeline steels. Optimize steel casting yield and technology. Computer modeling related to forming processes, especially hydroforming.

Advanced Materials Technologies

Raise industry awareness of the advantages of using advanced materials and processes. Develop advanced materials technologies for small and medium-sized enterprises. Develop technologies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation industry (magnesium and aluminum metal matrix composites, metal powder injection moulding, powder foams).

Infrastructure Reliability

Conduct research into the prevention and detection of corrosion in oil and gas pipelines, including coatings and inhibitors. Conduct research into high-temperature corrosion detection and prevention relating to power generation. Intelligent systems for pipeline inspection and reliability. Welding technologies and standards related to energy production and transmission.

Contact

Dr. Jennifer Jackman
Director General
Tel.: 613-995-8248
Fax: 613-992-8735
E-mail: jjackman@nrcan.gc.ca

Materials Technology Laboratory
568 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

CANMET Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory – Ottawa

The CANMET Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory (CERL), part of the Explosives Branch of Natural Resources Canada, is the only Canadian government laboratory dealing with commercial explosives and equipment for use in hazardous locations, and one of the few in the world. If used unwisely or improperly, explosives can be extremely dangerous. Much of the work at CERL is aimed at protecting Canadians by improving the safety of explosives during manufacture, transportation and use, and by reducing the harmful effects of explosions.

Fields of Research

Properties and effects of energetic materials (propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics), including thermal properties, hazards, performance, blast effects and their mitigation, and marking, identification and detection.

Contact

Dr. P. Lightfoot
Director
Tel.: 613-947-7534
Fax: 613-995-1230
E-mail: plightfo@nrcan.gc.ca

Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory
1 promenade Haanel, Complexe de Bells Corners, 1^er étages, pièce 111
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1M1

Web site:  www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/cerl/home_e.htm

Energy Sector

Energy Technology and Program Sector

CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Devon

The CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Devon consists of two program areas: Bitumen Production and Upgrading Technology: the latter is a joint venture between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

CETC-Devon facilities include extensive laboratory and pilot facilities for evaluation, testing and development of oil sand/bitumen and heavy oil extraction, froth and tailings treatment and upgrading processes. State-of-the-art analytical laboratories provide support to bench and pilot-scale work. Research is often conducted in the field at industry sites. Staff consists of multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers focused on solving industry problems. Projects are team-based, and many involve client partners.

Upgrading Technology

The program conducts research in primary and secondary upgrading technologies, development of breakthrough technologies or incremental improvements leading to enhanced energy efficiency and environmental performance; emissions reduction in bitumen and heavy oil processing plants; evaluation of hydrocracking and hydrotreating catalysts for upgraders, refiners and catalyst manufacturers; and the fundamentals of coking and fouling mechanisms in upgrading and refinery units.

It is a research alliance between the federal and Alberta provincial governments, and is at the centre of a web of research facilities, universities and companies. Its ongoing consortia include the Upgrading Catalyst Development Network (recently established with several companies and universities to develop new catalysts that will create cleaner fuels and improve bitumen’s market potential with refineries) and research programs on oil stability and compatibility involving CONRAD and the US Department of Energy. Other examples of S&T leadership include its research in the area of engine emissions and fuels chemistry (also in co-operation with the USDOE). A conference, co-hosted in Edmonton in June of 2005 dealt with this very issue. Likewise, closer research with the USDOE has led to participation in discussions between the two federal governments in the Security and Prosperity Partnership. As well, we host a Conference on Upgrading and Refining Heavy Oil, Bitumen and Synthetic Crude Oil every three years that disseminates the latest in research.

The program focuses on fuel stability and compatibility issues through the CCQTA (Canadian Crude Quality Technical Association), not to mention the focus on upgrading and refining improvements, have led to CETC-Devon being seen internationally as the organization to turn to for all of these issues (China, Japan, the US, and many other European, South American and Asian clients have participated in projects).

Program research breaks down into two main programs:

1. Primary and Field Upgrading
   • Radically new primary upgrading processes that are less energy intensive and produce higher quality products at lower costs.
   • Improvements to existing commercial upgrading processes.
   • A better understanding of the chemistry and properties of heavier (pitch) fractions and their reaction chemistry characteristics.
   • Virtual primary upgrading capabilities that capture the state of the art and enable new process integrations along the upgrading value chain.

2. Secondary Upgrading and Refining
   This research seeks to remove the current market limitations for the growth of the Canadian oil sands industry by developing secondary upgrading technologies that improve the quality of synthetic crude and facilitate its processing in existing US refining infrastructures and/or adjust that infrastructure to process more SCO (Synthetic Crude Oil) of today’s quality. There are four main areas to secondary upgrading and refining research:
   • Develop new secondary upgrading and refining technologies; explore new markets for bitumen-derived materials other than fuels; new catalysts and catalytic processes.
   • Build a virtual bitumen-derived crude (BDC) refinery by development of process models and a general product quality model for key processes in secondary upgrading and refining of bitumen-derived distillates. Mathematical modelling of existing processes is of key importance to bitumen upgrading, their associated product quality and GHG emissions.
   • Understand better the process, environmental, and economic aspects of processing BDC; support for commercial upgraders and refiners in lowering the operating cost and improving product quality and energy efficiency of their operations.
   • Understand the properties of BDC and BDC-derived products; continue the development of advanced characterization methods essential for model development and prediction of product quality of synthetic materials based on chemical composition and plant testing.

Bitumen Production Program

A fundamental and applied research program to develop and implement leading-edge multiphase separation technologies for the petroleum and environmental industries, with particular emphasis on surface-mined and in-situ oil sands bitumen and conventional heavy oil.

This approach is based on a fundamental understanding of the principles governing industrial processes and is enhanced by strategic partnerships and collaborative intitiatives with industry, educational institutions, governments and the scientific community.

Program Areas:

Emulsions and Tailings

This team is involved in small pilot and commercial scale process development, while maintaining a research focus on the development of environmentally sustainable technologies for the oil sands and heavy oil industries.

• Clay or sand tailings, emulsion rag layers.
• Greenhouse gas mitigation, utilization and sequestration opportunities.
• Laboratory-based microscopy (SEM, optical and confocal); X-ray diffraction tools supported by rheology; and particle and emulsion sizing techniques that are portable and field ready.

Froth Treatment

The Froth Treatment Pilot Facility (FTPF) is used to develop more cost-effective and energy-efficient processes for the production of high-quality bitumen, while reducing emissions produced during processing.

• Develops and evaluates new technologies for producing solids-free, dry (low water content) bitumen that meets pipeline specifications.
• Operates on a scale of two to five litres per minute with several flow sheet alternatives.
• Improvements in process monitoring and control allow the design of commercial processes based on data from the pilot facility.

Hydrocyclone

The hydrocyclone team has developed and patented the CANMET hydrocyclone, which is designed specifically to process difficult-to-separate oily fluids such as those generated in western Canadian heavy oil operations. The new hydrocyclone embodies a number of unique design features, including an adjustable overflow orifice and the capability to remove suspended solids in a separate stream. Through field programs and commercial installations, the CANMET hydrocyclone has demonstrated as a cost-efficient option for the treatment of slop oil, high-water-cut production, and produced water streams including effluents generated from desalination units in refining process. The CANMET hydrocyclone is licensed to the US-based Krebs International, the largest company in the hydrocyclone business.

Multiphase Systems

This team investigates the fundamental properties of multiphase systems that are encountered during the extraction of bitumen from oil sand and recovery of heavy oil.

• Microscopy, water/oil interface characterization, gas chromatography, thermogravimetry and other bench-scale techniques are used to examine such processes as the settling of diluted bitumen froth, destabilization of water-oil emulsions, conditioning of oil sand slurries, asphaltene precipitation from bitumen, and the flocculation of oil sand tailings.
• These are complemented by mathematical and numerical modelling, including computational fluid dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation, to provide a deeper understanding of the phenomena underlying system behaviour.
• Investigations may be carried out in conjunction with or serve to guide pilot-scale tests, and may be used in the design of commercial operations.

Spectroscopy

This team utilizes advanced spectroscopy instrumentation for qualitative and quantitative analysis of hydrocarbons such as bitumen and heavy oil.

• Raman spectroscopy: investigates middle distillates such as diesel and jet fuels and most other distillation cuts.
• Photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy: analyses solid and liquid hydrocarbons, clays and mineral, and a variety of industrial materials.
• Ultraviolet/Visible/Near-Infrared spectroscopy: permits characterization of organic and inorganic compounds.

Water Quality

Many aspects of oil sands (and other) operations are affected by water quality, such as plant integrity, pipeline corrosion, scaling, bitumen extraction, tailings properties, and reclamation/site-remediation options. The quality of the water that an operation uses and how that quality changes over time must be understood. This team:

• conducts fundamental research on water chemistry in oil sand operations, data which is then used to build computer models that predict future water quality for the various operations;
• builds and maintains a database of new developments in water treatment technologies; and
• conducts research into water treatment methods.

In support of this effort the team has the use of a comprehensive collection of analytical instruments including GC-MS, ICP-OES, IC, autotitrator, TG-FTIR, and Microtox analyser.

Oil Sands Tailings Research Facility (OSTRF)

The Oil Sands Tailings Research Facility is a University of Alberta off-campus facility, developed in collaboration with industry, academia, and provincial and federal governments.

• Mandated to develop novel and innovative approaches for tailings treatment, to reduce their volume and to improve their physical characteristics for post-depositional restoration.
• Incorporates a pilot plant, capable of running at either 600 or 2000 kg per hour.
• Has independent modules with interchangeable, skid-mounted units and self-contained instrumentation for delivery, treatment and deposition of tailings.

CETC-Devon Contacts

Chantal Roy
R&D Executive Assistant
Tel.: 780-987-8682
Fax.: 780-987-5349
E-mail: croy@nrcan.gc.ca

Dr. Hassan Hamza
Director General CETC-Devon
Tel.: 780-987-8617
Fax: 780-987-8690
E-mail: hassan.hamza@nrcan.gc.ca

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC-Devon)
1 Oil Patch Drive, Suite A202
Devon, Alberta
T9G 1A8

Web site:  www.nrcan.gc.ca/es/etb/cwrc/English/home_e.html

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) – Ottawa

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) – Ottawa, one of the key science and technology arms of Natural Resources Canada, is involved in exploratory and incremental research, development, and demonstration in the fields of alternative, conventional, and renewable energy technologies with the Canadian energy and R&D sectors to increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable development.

Areas of expertise include:

• energy-efficient technologies and tools for industry and for residential and commercial buildings;
• renewable energy (e.g., solar, bioenergy, wind, small hydro, and ocean);
• alternative transportation fuels (e.g., natural gas, propane, hydrogen, alcohols, bio-diesels);
• community energy planning (e.g., district heating and cooling, combined heat and power);
• clean, efficient combustion of all fuels (e.g., fossil, wastes, biomass);
• metallurgical coal and coke;
• efficient processing and conversion of hydrocarbons (e.g., natural gas, waste petroleum and vegetable oils) including catalyst and membrane reactor development;
• CO₂ management (e.g., CO₂ capture and storage); and
• transportation systems (e.g., fuel cells, electrical vehicles, and flywheels).

CETC has world-class research facilities, including ISO 9002 certified laboratories for advanced combustion, chemical processing and development, metallurgical fuels and fuels characterization. This is complemented by a number of cost-shared programs to assist industry and other key stakeholders in developing new energy technologies. CETC employs approximately 224 people who are seasoned high-tech professionals and innovators in their fields. Our staff is able to provide technical support and, where required, laboratory services at every stage of the technology development cycle, from feasibility studies and basic R&D, to field testing and incremental technology improvements, to market studies and evaluation services.

Programs and Services at a Glance

The Clean Electric Power General (CEPG) Program is Canada’s centre of excellence for the development of efficient stationary combustion processes and pollution abatement technologies to support industrial development, both nationally and internationally.

In Canada, combustion of hydrocarbons provides approximately 80 per cent of the energy used in stationary power generation equipment. Because fossil fuels will continue to play a vital role in our world’s economy for years to come, CEPG is actively developing and deploying processes and tools that:

• increase our knowledge of combustion;
• substantially reduce the release of greenhouse gases; and
• improve the efficiency of combustion-based power generation.

The Program’s research focuses on optimizing the performance of stationary equipment and evaluating and developing new products, fuels and retrofit technologies. Processes under study use conventional fuels (oil, coal and natural gas), as well as biomass and specialty fuels.

The Sustainable Buildings and Communities (SBC) group is a leader in the research, development and deployment of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies for houses, building and communities. SBC’s goal is to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while addressing future energy supply issues. Active across the commercialization cycle, SBC focuses on energy analysis and simulation tools, technology design criteria, testing, rating and monitoring, standards development, filed trials and demonstrations, technology transfer and support in technology feasibility and economics. SBC works with domestic and international energy technology researchers, innovators and early adopters to increase industrial capacity and market uptake.

Experts at the Characterization Laboratory characterize gaseous, liquid, and solid products and by-products derived from the processing/combustion of fossil, biomass, and waste fuels, often adapting specialized techniques to meet clients' needs. Work is also ongoing to develop novel analytical procedures and improve nationally and internationally recognized test methods.

The following activities fall under the Industrial Innovation Group: The Energy Technologies for High-Temperature Processes group strives to improve coke-making and iron-making processes. Activities include researching coal injection into blast furnaces, extending the life of coke ovens, and improving the quality of coke.

The Industry Energy Research and Development Program supports industry proposals for the development and initial application of leading-edge, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible processes, products, systems, and equipment.

The Processing and Environmental Catalysis group uses its core competency in process modelling, catalysis, and membrane development to solve industrial process problems and to research selected chemical conversion processes for natural gas, biomass-derived oils, waste treatment, and engine emissions.

The Transportation Energy Technologies Program works in partnership with industry to support leading-edge transportation technologies that minimize environmental impacts. Program areas include alternative fuels and advanced zero emission propulsion systems, advanced energy storage systems, emissions control technologies, vehicle transportation systems efficiency, and fueling infrastructure.

The Technology Planning and Integration Group supports the use of integrated planning and program development concepts across the technology development spectrum. The Group serves to improve synergies across technology areas and facilitates coordination among science and technology policy and programs.

Contact

Dr. Jan Galuszka
Research Scientist & NSERC Coordinator
CANMET Energy Technology Centre
Tel.: 613-995-1585
Fax: 613-996-9400
E-mail: galuszka@nrcan.gc.ca

CANMET Energy Technology Centre
Natural Resources Canada
1 Haanel Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1M1

Web site:  www.nrcan.gc.ca/es/etb/cetc/cetc01/htmldocs/home_e.html

CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Varennes (CETC-Varennes)

The CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Varennes is one of three research and innovation centres managed by the CANMET Energy Technology Branch of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Established in 1992 under the name CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory (CEDRL), CETC-Varennes’ mission is to encourage targeted sectors of the Canadian economy to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, use energy more sustainably, and improve their innovation capabilities. CETC-Varennes designs and implements technological solutions. It also gathers and disseminates knowledge in order to produce and use energy in ways that are more efficient and sustainable, and in order to stimulate the health of the Canadian economy. The Centre’s activities focus on four main areas:

• Buildings
• Industry
• Clean power
• RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre

Fields of Research:

• Refrigeration systems and technologies
• Heat pump technologies
• Intelligent building
• Zero energy building
• Photovoltaic technologies and hybrid systems
• Grid integration of renewable and distributed energy resources
• Advanced electricity distribution networks
• Process optimization methodology for the industry sector
• Advanced Industrial Data Analysis for operation improvement

In addition, CETC-Varennes lends its expertise to support Natural Resources Canada in its program planning and other decision-making activities, including the development of standards, codes and regulations.

Contacts

Dr. Gilles Jean
Director General
Tel.: 450-652-6639
Fax: 450-652-5177
E-mail: gjean@nrcan.gc.ca

Dr. Lisa Dignard-Bailey, Director
Integration of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources R&D Program
Tel.: 450-652-5161
E-mail: lisa.dignard@nrcan.gc.ca

Dr. Sophie Hosatte, Director Building R&D Program
Tel.: 450-652-5331
E-mail: Sophie.hosatte@nrcan.gc.ca

Mr. Eric Soucy, Director Industry R&D program
Tel.: 450-652-4299
E-mail: Eric.soucy@nrcan.gc.ca

CANMET Energy Technology Centre
1615 Lionel-Boulet Boulevard
P.O. Box 4800
Varennes, Quebec
J3X 1S6

Web site:  http://cetc-varennes.nrcan.gc.ca/en/index.html

Earth Sciences Sector

Geological Survey of Canada (GSC)

The GSC is Canada’s premier agency for geoscientific information and research, with world-class expertise focusing on geoscience surveys, sustainable development of Canada’s resources, environmental protection, and technology innovation. The work of the Geological Survey of Canada focuses on the following priorities of the Earth Sciences Sector.

GSC Atlantic

Fields of Research

Geology and geophysics of continental margins of eastern and Arctic Canada and contiguous ocean basins including deep seismic studies and geodynamic modelling, petroleum geology, surficial and environmental marine geology including geotechnical research, marine geoscience technology, development of sedimentary basins, seabed stability, biostratigraphy, and appropriate databases.

Contact

Dr. J. Verhoef
Director
Tel.: 902-426-3448
Fax: 902-426-1466
E-mail: jverhoef@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic)
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4A2

GSC Calgary

Fields of Research

Geology, geophysics and geochemistry of the sedimentary basins and orogens in western and Arctic Canada (including sedimentology, paleontology, stratigraphy and structural geology), organic geochemistry, coal and petroleum geology, and national assessments of hydrocarbon resources. National laboratories for organic geochemistry and paleontology.

Contact

Dr. M. Cecile
Emiritus Scientist
Tel.: 403-292-7133
Fax: 403-292-5377
E-mail: mcecile@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary)
3303 – 33rd Street Northwest
Calgary, Alberta
T2L 2A7

GSC Pacific

Fields of Research

Sidney, B.C. Office: Earthquakes and seismic hazard, crustal deformation, marine geology and geophysics (including swath mapping and side-scan imagery), estuarine and coastal geology, gas hydrates, paleomagnetism, geology and metallogeny of the Canadian Cordillera, gravity, geomagnetism.

Vancouver, B.C. Office: Geology and metallogeny of the Canadian Cordillera (including structure, stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, petrology, volcanology, hydrogeology and tectonics), environmental geochemistry, groundwater mapping, natural hazards.

Contact

Dr. Carmel Lowe
Director
Tel.: 250-363-6763
Fax: 250-363-6739
E-mail: clowe@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada (Pacific)
P.O. Box 6000
9860 West Saanich Road
Sidney, British Columbia
V8L 4B2

GSC Central Canada

Fields of Research

Central Canada Division comprises a team of specialists that deliver integrated bedrock geoscience programs:

• Geological and geophysical mapping (with a focus on the geology, architecture and tectonic history of the Canadian Shield and Appalachians).
• Geoscience research through interdisciplinary, interagency programs (such as NatMap, Lithoprobe, Targeted Geoscience Initiative).
• Process-oriented studies on the continental lithosphere; geochronology and geochemistry (GSC's centre of excellence in precise radiogenic age-dating and isotopic studies).
• Geophysical studies of the continental lithosphere (seismic reflection and refraction, teleseismics, magnetics and gravity, electromagnetics).
• High-resolution seismic and EM studies designed to develop and test seismic and EM exploration technology for crystalline crust.
• Acquisition of aeromagnetic data for the Canadian landmass and offshore.
• Digital geoscience data integration, compilation, visualization, analysis and synthesis.
• Geoscience information for the national knowledge base, involving development of GIS methodologies, standards and research strategies.
• Geophysical software and hardware development.

Contact

Dr. Alan Galley
Head, Mineral Deposits and Applied Geophysics Subdivision
Continental Geoscience Division
Tel.: 613-992-7867
Fax: 613-992-5694
E-mail: al.galley@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada
601 Booth Street, 6th Floor, Room 680
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E8

GSC Northern Canada (GSC NC)

Fields of Research

Surficial geology, paleoenvironments, climate change, geomorphology, applied geochemistry, hydrogeology, environmental laboratories, landslides and geotechnics, near-surface geophysics, glaciology, permafrost and geoinformatics.

Contact

Daniel Lebel
Director
GSC Northern Canada
Tel.: 613-992-2451
Fax: 613-992-0190
E-mail: dlebel@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada
601 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E8

GSC Quebec

Fields of Research

Geology and metallogeny of eastern Canada, particularly the Grenville and (Canadian) Appalachian provinces (including structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, study of precious, high-technology and base metal deposits, and groundwater); economic geology; Quaternary sedimentology and stratigraphy; Quaternary mapping, eastern Canada; hydrogeology and environmental research (including geological hazards, geomorphology, geochemistry, climate change, permafrost).

Contact

Donna Kirkwood
Director
Tel.: 418-654-2675
Fax: 418-654-2615
E-mail: Donna.Kirkwood@NRCan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada, GSC – Quebec
490, rue de la couronne
Quebec, Quebec
G1K 9A9

Geomatics Canada

Geomatics Canada is Canada’s premier agency for matters relating to surveys, maps, remotely sensed data and geographically referenced information describing the Canadian land mass. It is responsible for providing the fundamental spatial reference information that geographical information systems require to function, delivering the federal government's geomatics activities, and fostering growth in the Canadian geomatics industry. Geomatics Canada (GC) consists of the Mapping Services Branch (MSB); the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), which includes the Geodetic Survey Division (GSD); and the Legal Surveys Division (LSD), which includes the International Boundary Commission (IBC). The work of GC supports the science and technology priorities of the federal government and it is recognized internationally as an organization that provides geospatial information using sophisticated technology. The work of Geomatics Canada focuses on the following priorities of the Earth Science Sector.

Canadian Spatial Reference System

The Canadian Spatial Reference System Service monitors the Earth orientation in space, including its rotation rate, and provides fundamental references values for latitude, longitude, height and gravity as a foundation for the nation’s evolving georeference needs and for earth sciences activities. These reference frames, propagated through provincial and municipal reference networks and other government services, ensure the compatibility of Canadian georeferenced information on earth and in space regardless of their source or date. Applications include mapping, charting, navigation, engineering, boundary demarcation, geodynamic studies and other georeferencing activities.

Fields of Research

• Geodetic reference frames and network analyses (3D)
• Canadian Active Control System (CACS) based on a network of continuously operating GPS stations, including real-time WADGPS
• Geodetic surveying using space techniques and associated computations
• GPS heighting
• Geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI)
• Geodetic and gravity data management and information systems
• Gravimetry including absolute gravity and airborne gravity
• Geoid determination
• Integrated geodesy and geodynamics

Contact

R. Duval
Manager, Canadian Spatial Reference System
Tel.: 613-947-2786
Fax: 613-995-3215
E-mail: robert.duval@nrcan.gc.ca

Geodetic Survey Service
615 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E9

Web site:  www.geod.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php

Mapping Services Branch

Fields of Research

Presently, our laboratories are conducting research in the following areas:

• Automated change detection, feature extraction and feature classification from multi-sensor, multi-resolution air and spaceborne imagery, with emphasis on rapid revision of topographic data.
• Mapping from high-resolution and multi-sensor data.
• Integration of GIS and remote sensing for mapping applications.
• Local spatial data infrastructures.
• InSAR- and LIDAR-generated Digital Elevation Models Satellite imagery: characteristics and potential of images for geospatial data capture and update, sensors, standards and interpretations.
• Digital frame camera systems for rapid mapping applications.
• Object-oriented geospatial databases.
• Interoperability (including semantic interoperability), integration and fusion of heterogeneous geospatial databases.
• Web services for geospatial data (including Location Web Services).
• Geospatial databases for decision making in support of sustainable development.
• Metadata of geospatial data.
• Geospatial data exchange: XML/GML0.
• Integration and interoperability of heterogeneous databases.
• Cartographic visualization within the Internet environment.
• Cartographic design and visualization.
• Geospatial data generalization and multi-representation.
• Tactile maps and special needs mapping.
• Internet mapping for the visually impaired.
• Interactive animation of three-dimensional data on the Internet.
• Applications of geospatial data for sustainable development of natural resources.
• Gender and cartography.

Other potential fields of interest:

• Generalization and scale variable representations
• Geospatial data infrastructures
• Knowledge-based systems
• 4D virtual spatial tele-presence and environmental monitoring

Contact

Dr. Eva M. Siekierska
Research Project Manager
Tel.: 613-992-4470
Fax: 613-995-4438
E-mail: siekiers@nrcan.gc.ca

Mapping Services Branch
615 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E9

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

The Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) includes the Canadian Geodetic Service and is responsible for the provision of a national service involving the reception, processing, archiving and dissemination of remotely sensed data for Canada, and for the development of remote sensing technology in support of climate change research, environment and health protection, groundwater mapping, natural hazards research, and the exploration/mapping of the North. CCRS also includes the Canadian Geodetic Service.

CCRS is participating, in partnership with other departments, in the development of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) and works with industry to develop geographical information systems (GIS) applications. The Centre's National Atlas team provides the authoritative national summary of integrated Canadian geographical information for decision makers, educational institutions and the general public.

Fields of Research

Algorithms, procedures and methods for processing, correction and analysis of data acquired by satellite sensors; radiometric and geometric correction; reflectance spectroscopy and radiometry; Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery analysis and interpretation methodologies; hyperspectral applications development and simulations; generalization and context transformation of spatial databases and imagery; concepts for management of the analysis of large data sets acquired in earth observation projects.

Specific emphasis on the analysis and interpretation methodologies for Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery in the context of land applications.

Current approaches include the use of image analysis systems; techniques for integrating satellite imagery with vector-based geographical information systems; map generalization procedures, hyperspectral imaging, radar polarimetry and radar interferometry.

Contact

Paola de Rose
Director
Tel.: 613-947-1350
Fax: 613-947-1385
E-mail: Paola.DeRose@NRCan.gc.ca

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing
588 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y7

Web site:  ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php

For additional information on the Earth Science Sector, please refer to  http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php.

Canadian Forest Service

Fields of Research

The Canadian Forest Service's Science and Technology program promotes sustainable forest management and a competitive Canadian forest sector through the development and implementation of knowledge, databases, and technology. The program tackles the more strategic or fundamental national and international issues that the forest community faces. Activities to accomplish these goals are undertaken through a system of five national science and technology research networks administered by five research centres and headquarters.

Each of the following centres serves as the administrative and operational lead for its respective network. However, it is important to note that activities undertaken with each network have operating components in each of the national centres in addition to the lead centre with which a given network is identified.

For more information, please visit  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/.

Atlantic Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

The Atlantic Forestry Centre (AFC) facilities are located in Fredericton, New Brunswick and Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Our researchers play a vital role in regional and national forestry research programs and global issues. Opportunities exist to enhance research capacity by partnering with local universities and industry.

The Fredericton site includes state-of-the-art research laboratories, a comprehensive insect and disease collection facility, and a sophisticated climate-controlled greenhouse/nursery complex. Researchers here are investigating, among other things, new methods of integrated pest management, forest health, gene conservation to preserve biodiversity, somatic embryogenesis and gene manipulation to improve timber production, effects of air pollution and climate change, and computer-based management planning tools.

The Corner Brook Forest Centre is located on the campus of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College of Memorial University. Research programs focus on disturbance in boreal ecosystems, such as carbon and nutrient cycling, climate change, issues of scale in ecology, biodiversity, entomology and pathology, as well as risk analyses to advance forest ecosystem sustainability. Research infrastructure includes computing facilities to address remote sensing, GIS and knowledge management.

AFC is also responsible for the Acadia Research Forest, a unique research tool where permanent research plots are located.

Contact

John E. Richards
Tel.: 506-452-3508
Fax: 506-452-3140
E-mail: johnrich@nrcan.gc.ca

Canadian Forest Service – Atlantic Forestry Centre
Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre
P.O. Box 4000
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5P7

Web site:  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/regions/afc

Laurentian Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

The LFC research involves concrete activities in the following areas:

• General forest health (insects and diseases) and forest biodiversity.
• The biological control of forest insect pests (spruce budworm, gypsy moth and hemlock looper) and diseases (annosus root rot, white pine blister rust and Scleroderris canker), using environmentally friendly controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) and other non-chemical methods.
• Understanding the effects of natural disturbances (forest fires, insect epidemics, windthrow and ice storms) to develop appropriate ecosystem management strategies.
• Ecosystem productivity: for example, the effects of current techniques for forest management on forest productivity, and improvement of forestry practices.
• Tree improvement to obtain better yields and preserve the forest (insect and disease resistance, increased forest biomass, wood quality, biotechnology and genetics).
• Improvement of our knowledge of how a tree functions.
• Development of decision-making tools (remote sensing and geomatics).
• Evaluation of the impact of climate change on forests and development of adaptation strategies.

Contacts

Gaëtan Daoust
Tel.: 418-648-7616
Fax: 418-649-6956
E-mail: gaetan.daoust@nrcan.gc.ca

Normand Laflamme
Tel.: 418-648-2529
Fax: 418-648-2529
E-mail: normand.laflamme@nrcan.gc.ca

Laurentian Forestry Centre
1055,du P.E.P.S.
P.O. Box 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy
Quebec, Quebec
G1V 4C7

Web site:  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/regions/lfc

Great Lakes Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

Forest ecosystem processes: To conduct research to determine how fundamental ecological processes affect the productivity and resilience of forest ecosystems; sustainable productivity research; forest succession research; population dynamics research. To advance the development of ecologically acceptable methods for managing forest pests and to contribute to integrated pest management and sustainable forest development in partnership with other Canadian Forest Service networks, external clients, and collaborators; biological control; microbial control agents; pest management biotechnology; natural products and semiochemicals; environmental research and assessment; pest management applications.

Contact

Theodore (Ted) Van Lunen
Tel.: 705-541-5555
Fax: 705-541-5704
E-mail: ted.vanlunen@nrcan.gc.ca

Great Lakes Forestry Centre
1219 Queen Street East
P.O. Box 490
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6A 5M7

Web site:  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/regions/glfc

Northern Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

Canadian Forest Service (CFS) staff at the Northern Forestry Centre (NoFC) in Edmonton are responsible for research and operational programs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The work is focused around three main issue areas: Aboriginal and rural communities, climate change, and sustainability of forests. The Aboriginal and rural communities issue involves increasing our understanding of the economic, social and environmental impact of forests and the forest sector on communities. Climate change research is concerned with the potential impacts of climate change on forests and forest ecosystems, so that appropriate policies and adaptation strategies can be developed and implemented. The sustainability of Canada’s forests issue is concerned with improving our knowledge of the health of our forests, identifying threats and developing strategies to manage these threats, and raising the economic and social value of our forests.

NoFC also leads national initiatives relating to a new Canadian wildland fire strategy and the boreal forest, and coordinates regional delivery of national programs such as Canada’s Model Forest Program and the First Nations Forestry Program. In addition, NoFC hosts CFS staff working with the Fibre Centre, a national virtual organization dedicated to improving the value of wood fibre resources in Canada.

Contact

Gordon Miller
Tel.: 780-435-7283
Fax: 780-435-7359
E-mail: gmiller@nrcan.gc.ca

Northern Forestry Centre
5320 – 122nd Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 3S5

Web site:  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/regions/nofc

Pacific Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

The Canadian Forest Service – Pacific Forestry Centre (PFC) works within a national science/policy project framework to coordinate and deliver information and knowledge about climate change, forest protection, forest ecosystems, landscape disturbance, invasive species, forest health and biodiversity, and synthesis of knowledge and information.

National programs led by the PFC, in collaboration with provincial and territorial partners, include the Earth Observation of Sustainable Development (EOSD) of Forests, Forest Carbon Measurement and Monitoring Framework, National Forest Pest Strategy, National Forest Inventory, and the National Forest Information System. Over the next five years, these programs will develop and deliver integrated national forest information methods and products. They will also develop infrastructure to provide clients with Web-based access to information held by federal, provincial, territorial and other government and non-government agencies.

PFC researchers also contribute to CFS priority analyses on industry, trade and economic issues.

As well, in order to meet the diverse needs of the forest sector, the PFC assists with the delivery of the First Nations Forestry Program; the Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative; and the Forest Communities Program.

Resources

PFC is a world-class source of scientific knowledge and information on the stewardship of Canada's forested lands and on the management of commercial forests. The facility, housed in a four-storey 250,000 square foot building on 17 hectares of land with 140 staff members and an additional 80 students and term employees, contains controlled environmental chambers, growth rooms, propagating rooms, insect collection, forest pathology herbarium, greenhouses and lab facilities, and thousands of publications and abstracts that can be accessed through an on-line bookstore and on-location library.

Contact

Gary Hogan
Science Advisor
Tel.: 250-363-8976
Fax: 250-363-6004
E-mail: ghogan@nrcan.gc.ca

Pacific Forestry Centre
506 West Burnside Road
Victoria, British Columbia
V8Z 1M5
Web site:  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/regions/pfc