Fonds consists of records created and/or maintained by the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Canadian Forestry Service, and its predecessors, including Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. Researchers are cautioned that unprocessed textual records and records in other media are not reflected in this description. Audio-visual material can be found in the following series': Geographical Branch; Films and Videos from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources; and Sound Recordings from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.
Canada. Energy, Mines and Resources Canada : Following the passing of the responsibility for the administration of natural resources to the western provinces in 1930, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Mines were combined into a new Department of Mines and Resources. (1 Edw. VIII, c. 33, 1936) Federal responsibility for surveys and mapping, mines, energy, and other natural resources was transferred to the new ministry. In December 1949, the Department underwent yet another complete re-organization. Under the authority of 13 George VI, chapter 17, it was renamed the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. Under the Government Organization Act of 1966 (14-15 Eliz., c.), the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys was abolished and the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources (E.R.) was created.
Under Section 29 of the Act, the new department had duties, powers, and functions relating to energy, mines and minerals, water and other resources, explosives and technical surveys. The department was formally created by proclamation of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Act (S.C. 1966, c. 25, s. 27; R.S.C. 1970, c. E6). Natural Resources Canada was created on June 25, 1993 by merging the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Department of Forestry. This organizational change was effected by Order in Council, pending the passage of legislation.
The primarily responsible of the department has been policy development. Since natural resources rest within provincial domain as detailed in the British North America Act of 1867, the federal role has been defined as promoting the sustainable development and responsible use of Canada's mineral and energy resources, and to develop an understanding of Canada's landmass. The department has administered a number of statutes covering an extensive array of activities including the Canada Lands Surveys Act, Canada Petroleum Resources Act, Explosives Act, and Nuclear Liability Act. Many entities are charged with delivery of the service or legal requirements as mandated by these acts. There are independent crown corporations, agencies and activities which report through this ministry. They have been accorded sous-fonds status in their own right. Activities which remain under the departmental fonds consists of ministerial, executive and administrative functions, various offices, specific projects and services.
