The federal government has ordered Sustainable Development Technologies Canada (SDTC) to temporarily suspend its funding for green technology projects, following a months-long investigation that cited conflicts of interest and governance challenges.
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton unveiled findings from its investigation to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada last week.
“The fact-finding report identified a number of instances in which SDTC was not in full compliance with the contribution agreement made with [Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada],” Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement.
“It also identified opportunities for improvement in other areas not covered by the contribution agreement, and outside of the scope of intervention for ISED, including human resources, governance, and oversight.”
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The foundation allocates funds to small- and medium-sized enterprises to help advance pre-commercial technologies. Since 2001 it has allocated $1.71 billion – including $219 million for transportation projects and $81 for next-generation biofuels.
Trucking-related projects to benefit from past funding have included those developed by Loop Energy, Routific Solutions, Vicinity Motor Corp., and FleetOps.
SDTC is to implement a “management response and action plan” by the end of the year. All new projects are temporarily suspended until corrective measures are in place.
