Archived: Departmental sustainable development strategy 2017 to 2020, updated as of January 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada
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We have archived this page and will not be updating it.
You can use it for research or reference.
Executive summary
As the lead federal department for a wide range of environmental issues, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will contribute directly and significantly through its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) to eight of the thirteen goals of Canada’s 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS):
Low-carbon government
Effective action on climate change
Healthy coasts and oceans
Pristine lakes and rivers
Sustainably managed lands and forests
Healthy wildlife populations
Connecting Canadians with nature
Safe and healthy communities
The sustainable development priorities set out in this DSDS reflect broader FSDS priorities and align with ECCC’s core responsibilities: Taking Effective Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change; Preventing and Managing Pollution; Conserving Nature; and Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions.
To achieve ECCC’s commitments and carry out planned actions under all eight goals, the Department will work with partners in Canada and internationally. Collaboration with other federal government departments and agencies, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, industry, communities and individual Canadians is essential and is reflected in all our plans. Meeting our international obligations will require us to work with and take leadership in key international environmental and economic fora, including to address air pollution, to reduce GHG emissions and to protect and conserve lands, waters, diverse species of animals and plants, and the health of Canadians. As a science-based organization, ECCC will contribute its science, modelling, data and environmental and economic analysis to Canada’s efforts to achieve a sustainable environment.
Section 1: Overview of the Federal Government’s approach to sustainable development
The 2016–19 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into decision-making, and make such decisions more transparent and accountable to Parliament, ECCC supports reaching the goals set out in the FSDS through the activities described in DSDS.
Section 2: Sustainable Development in Environment and Climate Change Canada
As the lead federal department for a wide range of environmental issues, ECCC contributes to and supports sustainable development through its programs and related activities which support its four core responsibilities. The Department pursues its responsibilities through a range of actions, including:
Implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Working with strategic partners (including provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples)
Monitoring
Conducting science-based research
Developing policy and regulations
Enforcing environmental laws
ECCC’s programs focus on minimizing threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution; equipping Canadians to make informed decisions based on weather, water and climate conditions; and conserving and restoring Canada's natural environment. Individually and collectively, the programs reflect the interdependence between environmental sustainability and economic well-being.
This Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy sets out ECCC’s three-year plan for contributing to achievement of the 2016–19 FSDS goals, a plan that will be reviewed and validated annually.
FSDS Goal: Low Carbon Government
ECCC will contribute to a low-carbon government with a focus on reducing
emissions from its buildings and fleets. To support lower emissions in
its buildings, the largest source of emissions from the Department’s
operations, ECCC will take action on a number of fronts, including
making operational improvements and energy improvements that reduce
emissions. To reduce emissions from its vehicles, the Department will
manage its fleet through purchases based on essential needs and
departmental targets, and will transition to electric vehicles and
vehicle-sharing to reduce energy use overall.
FSDS Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change
ECCC will maintain a lead federal role in taking effective action on climate change, including transitioning to a low-carbon economy, in partnership with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industry and international organizations. For example, the Pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, announced in October 2016, ensures that a price on carbon pollution is in place across Canada. As a leader in international agreements and initiatives on climate change, ECCC will push for global action to implement the Paris Agreement. This will include leadership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), including carbon dioxide and short-lived climate pollutants (such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and methane) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and under the Montreal Protocol (HFCs.
FSDS Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans
ECCC will continue to play a leadership role in protecting ocean and coastal resources. For example, under the new Oceans Protection Plan, the Department will increase its 24/7 emergency response capacity to ensure the environment is protected in the event of an oil spill. ECCC will continue to oversee and issue permits for disposal at sea under Canadian and international legislation, and will develop new tools and capacity to strengthen protection of these resources. The Department will work to support the designation of Scott Islands on Canada’s Pacific Coast as a marine National Wildlife Area.
FSDS Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers
To improve water quality in key ecosystems, ECCC will continue to work with partners across Canada and with the U.S. The Department will conduct and share results of scientific research and monitoring, contribute science expertise and funding to improve local ecosystems, and develop and enforce regulations to protect freshwater from harmful substances. For example, ECCC will continue to administer and enforce the general pollution prevention provision of the Fisheries Act and effluent regulations for municipal wastewater, pulp and paper mills, and the metal mining industry. ECCC will also work with the U.S. through the International Joint Commission to improve management of water important to both countries.
FSDS Goal: Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests
ECCC will continue to work with partners in its leadership role to protect and conserve natural spaces, including by establishing and managing protected areas (such as national wildlife areas and migratory bird sanctuaries), and by enabling land donations. For example, through strong engagement with Indigenous peoples and other Canadian and international partners, ECCC will support a Parks Canada and Alberta-led initiative called the Pathway Canada Target 1 in order to achieve Canada’s goal for conserving land to support biodiversity. The Department will continue to administer the Ecological Gifts Program to enable habitat conservation on private land by encouraging landowners to donate ecologically sensitive land for conservation.
FSDS Goal: Healthy Wildlife Populations
ECCC plays a leadership federal role in maintaining wildlife populations. The Department will continue to implement the Species at Risk Act, one of its main strategies for protecting wildlife species at risk and their habitat. ECCC will collaborate with Indigenous peoples, non-government organizations and other partners in Canada and around the world to extend its capacity and reach to protect and conserve habitat and species. For example, the Department will pursue its work in Canada and internationally to protect the 450 bird species that Canada hosts seasonally, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. ECCC will also encourage the protection of wetlands important to birds and other wildlife by implementing the Ramsar Convention in Canada, as well as the National Wetland Conservation Fund.
FSDS Goal: Connecting Canadians with Nature
ECCC will focus its contributions to this goal by collaborating with key partners. For example, the Department will work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to increase private land conservation and protect important habitat in southern Canada. ECCC will also work with Nature Canada to inspire urban residents to connect with nature on some of ECCC’s National Wildlife Areas.
FSDS Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities
ECCC will continue to play a leadership role in working with partners to improve air quality and protect Canadians from harmful substances in air, water and on land. For example, the Department will develop and enforce regulations to reduce air pollution from high pollution-emitting industries, such as the oil and gas sector. ECCC will also conduct scientific assessments on substances already in use in Canada, as well as new substances proposed for use, to determine their risks to the environment. Based on the results of assessments, the Department will identify if and how the risks will be managed.
Section 3: Commitments for Environment and Climate Change Canada
Low-Carbon Government: The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon
Responsible Minister: All ministers
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025
Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings
Report annually on GHG emissions inventories using the Federal Greenhouse Gas Tracking Protocol – a common standard for federal operations and submit results to the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Centre for Greening Government.
Update departmental implementation plan to reduce GHG emission levels in absolute terms from 2005 levels and put them on a clear downward trend. Elements of the plan will address the scope of the departmental GHG inventory including “exclusions” to be applied, and the approach to GHG emissions reduction being taken for buildings and/or fleets.
Undertake actions integrating five elements under Real Property management to reduce GHG emissions: operational improvements; maintenance procedures; occupant engagement; life cycle management; and energy performance improvement.
Innovate sustainable workplace practices by updating and adopting policies and practices to improve the sustainability of departmental workplace operations to reduce their related environmental impact.
Support the reduction of energy use in ECCC’s fleets and the deployment of electric vehicles as well as support access to workplace electric vehicle charging stations, where operationally feasible.
Manage the capital planning process to approve new fleet purchases based on essential operational needs and departmental targets, aimed at facilitating the sharing of fleet vehicles across the Department.
Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
Starting point:
GHG emissions from baseline year 2005–06
Performance indicators:
GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year) = 4.6 ktCO2e
GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2016–17 = 3.2 ktCO2e
Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005–06 to fiscal year 2017-18: 30.9%reduction
DRF/Program Inventory:
Internal Services
Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement
Take a sustainable approach to purchasing goods and services that incorporates environmental considerations in procurement instruments.
Work with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on electricity contracts that will maximize carbon credits and the purchase of non-traditional energy sources, including renewable energy.
Ensure that employees with procurement and contracting responsibilities undergo compulsory green procurement training.
Ensure that procurement and contracting employees continue to adhere to the requirements and the spirit of the PSPC Policy on Green Procurement and related, relevant legislation.
Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
Starting Point:
As of 2017-18, 37 of 40 (93%) eligible specialists have completed the C215 course from the Canada School of Public Service. This includes procurement specialists and materiel management specialists.
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement
DRF/Program Inventory:
Internal Services
Starting Point:
As of 2017-18, 7 out of 7 (100%) of eligible specialists have environmental/green statements in their performance agreements. This includes procurement specialists and materiel management specialists.
Performance indicator:
Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution towards green procurement in the current fiscal year
Demonstrate innovative technologies
Increase operational efficiency by testing state-of-the-art innovations not yet available in the marketplace.
Lead by example as an early adopter of clean technology innovations.
By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
Starting Point:
Reduce annual GHG emissions at King City Radar Station (Ontario) by up to 10% by 2020–21, from a baseline of 1.5 ktCo2e between 2012 and 2016
Performance Indicator:
GHG emissions from buildings participating in the Build-in-Canada Innovation Program (King City Radar)
The technology that is being considered for adoption is a wireless temperature controller which will adjust heating and cooling in occupied building zones. Addressing occupied areas instead of the building as a whole can improve energy efficiency.
DRF/Program Inventory:
Internal Services
Promote sustainable travel practices
Revising departmental travel procedures to explore offsetting options to reduce the impact of employee government travel.
Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
Starting Point:
Messages issued and events held to promote sustainable travel: tele-conferencing / video conferencing; telework; green meetings; public transportation; commuter challenge; bicycle repair workshops, etc.
Performance Indicators:
Sustainable travel guidance and communication plan developed in fiscal 2017–18
DRF/Program Inventory:
Internal Services
Understand climate change impacts and build resilience
Develop a departmental adaptation plan that identifies actions to address climate change risks.
Assess climate change impacts and risks to departmental assets, regulatory activities, services and policies.
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
Starting Point:
In 2014, ECCC undertook a process to understand climate risks to key programs and activities within the Department
Performance Indicators:
Report assessing climate change risks to departmental assets, regulatory activities, services and policies and identifying recommended actions for adaptation completed by fall 2018
Departmental adaptation plan developed by fiscal 2018–19
DRF/Program Inventory:
Internal Services
Climate Change Adaptation
Effective Action on Climate Change: A low carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degree Celsius and support efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change; supported by a whole-of-government approach to implementation.
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels
Use regulation to limit GHG emissions
Lead the overall implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Develop and implement regulations, tools, measures and mitigation actions, consistent with the Pan Canadian Framework, for key GHG emitters. For example, ECCC will:
Strengthen regulations to limit GHG emissions from post-2018 heavy duty trucks.
Implement regulation to phase-out traditional coal-fired electricity units by 2030 1.
Implementation of regulations to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector2.
Finalize regulations to phase down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption and to prohibit the import and export of products that contain or are designed to contain HFCs, thereby avoiding future HFC releases to the environment.
Implement Pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, working with provinces and territories.
Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead
Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Starting point:
Percent decrease compared to a baseline 2010 model year:
•13% - heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans
•11% - Combination Tractors
•5% - Vocational vehicles
Performance indicator:
GHG emissions from heavy duty vehicles
DRF/Program Inventory:
Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Starting point:
Target of phasing out 100% of the 36 units currently in use by end of their useful life (between 2019 and 2030), pending regulations that are still in development and not scheduled for publication in Canada Gazette II until late 2018.
Performance indicator:
Percentage of coal-fired electricity generation units meeting their regulated GHG emissions intensity performance requirement
Starting point:
10% reduction in consumption in 2019 from a calculated HFC consumption baseline in tonnes CO2e, towards an 85% reduction in 2036
Performance indicator:
HFC emissions
Starting point:
13 Provinces and Territories have in place carbon pricing that meets the benchmark in 2018 or federal backstop applies
Performance indicator:
Carbon pricing systems are in place in Canada
Work with partners on climate change
Implement the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) to support projects that mitigate climate change and support Canada’s transition to a low carbon economy. This includes:
Leadership Fund: bilateral funding agreements with provinces and territories that have adopted the PCF to help them deliver on commitments to reduce GHGs ($1.4B);
Challenge ($500M):
Champions stream provides funding to provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, businesses and not-for-profit organizations;
Partnerships Stream is limited to Indigenous communities and organizations, small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations and small municipalities.
Engage Indigenous peoples in implementing the PCF, including through senior distinction-based tables with the Assembly of First Nations, Métis Nation and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Work with provinces and territories to publish the First Minister’s Annual Report on progress made toward PCF implementation
Work with other partners, including international organizations, to address GHG emissions from the transportation sectors.
Engage partners, in developing a national plan for climate change science to strengthen the evidence-base to support climate action. Collaborate with provinces and territories to improve the consistency of emission data across
Canadian jurisdictions. In addition, expand the collection of facility data for the national GHG inventory; the expanded program will better align with provincial and territorial data and will feed into the National GHG Inventory.
Work with all levels of government, private sector, Indigenous Peoples and others to support adaptation and resilience 3.
By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
Starting point:
21.1% improvement in performance for manufacturer model year 2017 reporting relative to 2011 model year
Performance indicator:
GHG emissions from light duty vehicles
DRF/Program Inventory:
Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Starting point:
Annual decrease toward a 30 Mt GHG emissions reduction by 2030.
Performance indicator:
Emissions reductions are being achieved under the Clean Fuel Standard building on the Renewable Fuels Regulations
Conduct climate policy research and analysis
Ensure a climate lens is applied to federal programs such as funding infrastructure projects
Conduct or review upstream GHG assessments for all major energy projects undergoing review.
Ensure public access to information and research findings pertaining to sustainable development and environmental governance.
Provide key economic analysis to assess incremental impacts of regulatory proposals that:
Combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
Meet national emissions-reductions targets.
Publish GHG emissions projections annually to outline progress to targets 4
By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
Starting point:
Annual increase from a baseline. Baseline to be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) portal has been functioning for one full year (launch expected in 2018-19; baseline to be established in 2019-20
Performance indicator:
Number of individuals businesses, and governments accessing climate services and using that information to inform decision-making
DRF/Program Inventory:
Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Climate Change Adaptation
Take a leading role in international agreements and initiatives on climate change
Lead Canada’s participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with the aim of negotiating ways to implement of the Paris Agreement.
In support of these negotiations, lead Canada’s participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to promote the availability of world-leading rigorous science available to decision-makers 5.
Continue working with Global Affairs Canada to deliver on Canada’s $2.65B to support developing countries’ transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies.
Promote Canadian objectives in international fora such as the G7, G20, OECD, Francophonie, Commonwealth, the World Meteorological Organization and in other Ministerial meetings.
Provide expertise, leadership and climate finance contributions, including for the reduction of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), through key partnerships such as with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Arctic Council, the Global Methane Initiative, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the World Bank, the International Maritime Organization and the Montreal Protocol.
Advance priorities and climate change-related commitments with U.S. governments and contribute expertise and advance Canada’s environmental, climate change and clean technology priorities through bilateral partnerships. including with Mexico, France, UK, Chile, China and the European Union 6.
Lead Canada’s participation as a convening country of the Global Commission on Adaptation working closely with Canada’s International Development Research Centre 7.
Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly [US] $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
Starting point:
Higher cumulative reductions from year to year, from the 2018–19 baseline, reaching minimum reduction of 200 Mt of GHGs
Performance indicator:
GHG reductions resulting from international initiatives funded by Canada
DRF/Program Inventory:
International Climate Change Action
Starting point:
Higher cumulative number of people in each consecutive year, reaching at least 10M people by 2030
Performance indicator:
Number of people in developing countries who benefited from Canada’s adaptation funds
Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change
Conduct targeted scientific and engineering studies to measure GHG emissions by technology, equipment type, fuel, and operating conditions.
Maintain comprehensive GHG emission and air pollutant inventories that are up-to-date, informative, and relevant to all Canadian jurisdictions.
Collaborate with organizations to gather new knowledge and data to support improved air quality and/or reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Conduct climate research and analysis to develop climate data and scenarios, which will inform mitigation actions and effective adaptation planning and support active participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
Starting point:
Baseline to be established after the first year of reporting (2018-19). 100% every year from 2018 and ongoing;
Performance indicator:
% of requested products delivered to senior management and decision-makers.
DRF/Program Inventory:
Climate Change Adaptation
Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change
Deliver the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) to provide Canadians access to timely and relevant authoritative data and information on climate science in order to inform decision-making 8.
Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
Starting point:
Annual increase from a baseline. Baseline to be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) portal has been functioning for one full year (launch expected in 2018-19; baseline to be established in 2019-20)
Performance indicator:
Number of individuals, businesses and governments accessing climate services and using that information to inform decision-making
DRF/Program Inventory:
Climate Change Adaptation
1 Update made to reflect the implementation phase of the regulations.
2 Idem.
3 New departmental action.
4 New departmental action.
5 New departmental action.
6 Update based on the Partenariat Franco-Canadien sur le climat et l’environnement, the Canada-UK Partnership on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the Joint Statement on North American Climate Leadership.
7 New departmental action.
8 Update made to reflect that the Canadian Centre for Climate Services is being implemented.
Healthy Coasts and Oceans: Coasts and Oceans support health, resilient and productive ecosystems
Responsible Minister: Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures
By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem-based approaches starting at 96% in 2015
Use legislation and regulation to protect coasts and oceans
Assess and deliver permits for disposal at sea and Antarctic expeditions. These permits are delivered in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act and their regulations. Decisions will be based on the latest scientific and technical information and public and indigenous consultations when required.
Improve guidance for permit applicants for the Disposal at Sea program and the Antarctic program, including the development of a revised set of internal monitoring guidance, strategies, policies and site management plans.
Designate Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area as a protected marine area under the Canada Wildlife Act in 20181.
Meet Canada’s international obligations under the London Convention and Protocol to prevent marine pollution.
Assess and undertake actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants that pose risks to endangered whale populations and their prey2.
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
Starting Point:
100% of monitored ocean disposal sites show no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of monitored ocean disposal sites with no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Habitat Conservation and Protection
Substances and Waste Management
Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems
Implement ECCC’s initiatives contributing to Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, such as risk-based response planning, enhanced marine weather forecasting and alternative response measures, to strengthen the prevention of and responses to marine incidents.
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Starting point:
By 2022, a reduction in the number of small oil spills and marine incidents relative to the number of vessel trips, compared with the average of the previous five years (specific target to be determined by April 2020 following establishment of baseline).
Performance indicator:
The number of marine safety incidents and spills from vessels in Canada’s waters.3
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Habitat Conservation and Protection
Substances and Waste Management
Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
Starting point:
100 by May 2018, from baseline of 30 in 2015–16
Performance indicator:
Number of partners or organizations participating in ECCC supported projects that address program priorities in targeted ecosystems
1 Update made to reflect the designation of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area in July 2018 2 Departmental action omitted in previous DSDS version 3 This indicator reflects the collective results of activities of the contributing departments to the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP). Horizontal results reporting for the OPP is led by Transport Canada.
Pristine Lakes and Rivers: Clean and healthy lakes and rivers support economic prosperity and the well-being of Canadians
Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Reduce nutrient pollution to lakes and rivers
Reduce phosphorus loading into Lake Erie by 40% to achieve the binational (Canada-US) phosphorus targets from a 2008 baseline
Reduce an additional estimated 2000 kilograms of phosphorus per year to Lake Simcoe in support of Ontario’s target to reduce phosphorus inputs into Lake Simcoe to 44,000 kilograms of phosphorus per year by 2045
Restore lake and river ecosystems
By 2019, 85% of the indicators of the Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence, including phosphorus and nitrogen, achieve a result considered intermediate or better to improve water quality, conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of the river
By 2019, restore beneficial uses that will assist in the delisting five Canadian Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs). In the remaining AOCs, increase the number of beneficial use impairment re-designations from 18 in 2014 to 30 in 2019
Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health
Work to protect Canada’s freshwater and priority ecosystems, including the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Lake Winnipeg, and other major river basins in Atlantic, Western, and Northern ecosystems, through sound science and regulatory tools and in collaboration with Indigenous and other partners across Canada.
Collaborate with partners to conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem and to maintain and recover its uses through the Canada-Quebec Agreement 2011–2026.
Build partnerships and work in collaboration with partners to support Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives program priorities around water quality and ecosystem health for targeted ecosystems1.
Provide information, data and expertise for domestic and international water boards to support Canada’s collaboration with the provinces, by way of agreements and with the U.S through the international Joint Commission, in efforts to regulate lakes and river basins such as Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, the Mackenzie River Basin, the Pacific Drainage Basin and Atlantic drainage basins. This includes participating in targeted studies focus on improving inter-jurisdictional water management.
By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
Starting Point:
Target: 10 by 2022; Baseline: N/A
Performance Indicator:
Number of Indigenous organizations/communities participating in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality.
DRF/Program Inventory:
Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
Starting point:
Target: 10 by 2022; Baseline: N/A
Performance indicator:
Number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality
Starting point:
Target: 4 by 2021; Baseline: N/A
Performance indicator:
Average number of non-federal partnerships established during the implementation of the SLAP activities and projects
Provide in-kind support and funding for projects
Implement a place-based approach to fund projects through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives2 to improve water quality, to conserve biodiversity, and to improve capacity to adapt to climate change. Priority ecosystems for 2019-2010 are the Saint John River and the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Watersheds
Through its application-based Eco-Action program, the Department will match 50% funding support to not-for-profit and non-government organizations to undertake local projects, with a focus on clean water3.
Apply payments received by the Environmental Damages Fund to projects addressing environmental damage through restoration, environmental quality improvement, research and education that increases the Government of Canada’s ability to restore damaged environments.
Through grants and contribution funding allocated to freshwater protection in Budget 2017, the Department will provide funding support to not-for-profit and non-government organizations to undertake projects that address nutrient related water quality issues in key geographic locations (Lake Winnipeg, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence) 4
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
Starting point:
Target: $2 by March 31st, 2022
Baseline: N/A
Performance indicator:
Value of resources contributed by partners per dollar contributed by ECCC through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Great Lakes Protection Initiative, and St. Lawrence Action Plan, and other regional initiatives
DRF/Program Inventory:
Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
Community Eco-Action
Better understand lake and river ecosystems
Provide analysis, guidance and economic advice and develop and provide economic models to enable environmental effects to be factored into decisions.
Conduct targeted research studies and national water quality monitoring programs for chemicals to inform decision-making for the preservation and protection of Canadian freshwater quality.
Provide scientific data related to water quality, sediments and biological resources as part of the work related to the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program.
Focus scientific efforts to proactively understand, track and provide water quality and quantity information relating to Canada’s freshwater resources.
Monitor the physical, chemical and biological/ecosystem characteristics of waters under federal jurisdiction, including Canada’s boundary waters.
Provide quality assured water quantity information (river flow and level) to various stakeholders to assist them in water management, planning and related decision-making.
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
Starting point:
Decrease to 70 by December 2019, from 97 in March 2016
Performance indicator:
Number of beneficial uses whose status is listed as “impaired” or “requires further assessment” for Canada’s 17 Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes
DRF/Program Inventory:
Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
Hydrological Services
Starting point:
100%, measured triennially from a baseline of 22% in 2016
Performance indicator:
Percentage of Great Lakes indicators that have been assessed as "good" through the State of the Great Lakes assessment (9 indicators in total).
Starting point:
Target: 100% by 2026, measured every 5 years; Baseline: NA
Performance indicator:
Percentage of indicators (21) in the State of the St. Lawrence River report which show a trend of being stable or improving
Starting point:
Target: “Improving” by 2022, measured every 5 years; Baseline: NA
Performance indicator:
Overall status of ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg is stable or improving as presented in the State of Lake Winnipeg Report
Use legislation and regulation to protect lake and river ecosystems
Administer, promote compliance with and enforce:
the Fisheries Act pollution prevention provisions and associated regulations, including the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER), and associated Bilateral and Equivalency Agreements, the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER), and the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations(MDMER);
the Environment Effects Monitoring (EEM) requirements under the PPER and MDMER; and
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
Starting point:
Percentage increase in order to reach 100% by 2040, compared to a baseline of 77% in 2015
Performance indicator:
Percentage of wastewater systems where effluent quality standards are achieved
DRF/Program Inventory:
Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution
1 Reference to Gulf of Maine Initiative deleted as the Initiative ends in March 2019. 2 Update made to better reflect the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives program. 3 Reference to Gulf of Maine Initiative deleted as the Initiative ends in March 2019. 4 New departmental action.
Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests: Lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come
Responsible Minister: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
By 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures
Better understand lands and forest
Develop an inventory of conserved lands to support a multi-species approach to conservation and to deliver on the “Fully Accounting for Canada’s Conservation Lands” initiative.
Replace the Conservation Areas Reporting and Tracking System with the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD) and have ECCC manage this database on behalf of federal, provincial and territorial governments to enable more efficient tracking of gains made towards Canada’s 2020 Biodiversity Target and FSDS goals1.
Maintain and improve the integrated Canadian Wildlife Service Geospatial Knowledge Management Initiative database, to ensure availability of geo-referenced information for conservation planning and implementation.
Develop the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Initiative (CESI) Wetlands Extent Indicator, including methodology for indicators of the rate and intensity of change in wetlands. ECCC will provide accurate and relevant wetlands statistical data analysis and geospatial datasets.
Conduct landscape research and analyses at national and regional scales to provide a robust evidence base to inform the establishment of an effective connected network of protected areas that is resilient to climate change2.
By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
Starting Point:
13,603,600 ha before March 31st, 2020 from a baseline of 12,449,000 ha in 2014-15
Performance indicator:
Total area (in hectares) that is protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries
DRF/Program Inventory:
Habitat Conservation and Protection
Build capacity and provide support
Develop management plans for its National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Nunavut as part of the renewed seven-year Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA), signed in April 2016.
Consult with Indigenous peoples and the Government of the Northwest Territories with respect to the long-term conservation of additional sites.
Make progress on officially replacing existing names of northern protected areas with Indigenous names.
By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
Starting Point:
Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established.
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful
DRF/Program Inventory:
Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
Starting Point:
Expected actions associated with the renewed IIBA to be identified during annual planning meeting
Performance Indicator:
Annual percentage of ECCC IIBA obligations achieved out of the number forecasted during annual planning with the Inuit parties to the Agreement
Conserve natural spaces
Develop and advance the Ecological Gifts Program with a focus on increasing the amount of ecologically sensitive land or rights in land donated by Canadians.
Manage and expand ECCC’s protected areas network.
Propose Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area (NWA) for designation as a National Wildlife Area before 2020 building on the establishment agreement signed in October 2018.
Make progress on creating a new conservation area from the former federal community pastures at Govenlock, Nashlyn, and Battle Creek in Saskatchewan3.
Implement the terms of the renewed IIBA for ECCC’s conservation areas in the Nunavut Settlement Area with Inuit parties to the agreement.
Support on-the-ground wetland restoration and enhancement projects in Canada through the National Wetland Conservation Fund.
Conduct research to inform effective management practices to maintain and restore ecological values of protected areas4.
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
By 2020, ensure the conservations, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
Starting point:
196,953 ha by March 31st, 2020 from a baseline of 164,891 ha in 2013-14
Performance indicator:
Total area of ecologically sensitive land area secured(in ha) through the Ecological Gifts Program
DRF/Program Inventory:
Habitat Conservation and Protection
Starting point:
13,603,600 ha before March 31st, 2020 from a baseline: 12,449,000 ha in 2014-15
Performance indicator:
Total area (in hectares) that is protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries
Work with domestic and international partners
Maintain strong collaborative partnerships with international, federal, provincial, Indigenous and non-governmental organizations and individuals through the Habitat Stewardship Program to protect, improve and/or restore habitat to enhance the survival of migratory birds and species at risk.
Work with the qualified proponent to deliver government priorities through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program5.
Work with Pathway to Canada Target 1 initiative partners including provinces and territories, Parks Canada, National Indigenous Organizations, local governments, and stakeholder groups to develop pan-Canadian standard guidance and best practices for conserved and protected areas as well as a pathway to achieve Canada’s Biodiversity Target 1 (conserving at least 17% of Canada’s terrestrial areas and inland waters by 2020)6.
With regard to the Pathway to Canada’s Target 1, prepare a national overview of progress towards the numerical target as well as announceables related to Key Biodiversity Areas and ecological representation. Continue to co-chair the Pathway initiative and the implementation of Ministerial actions to reach Target 1 by 2020. Finalize pan-Canadian definitions of protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measure and indigenous protected and conserved areas7.
Implement the Canada Nature Fund to support the establishment of new protected areas, connectivity and ecological integrity of those areas in partnership with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, foundations, and non-government organizations. Federal funding for protected and conserved areas will be complemented by partner contributions8.
By 2020, ensure the conservations, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
Starting point:
Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established.
Performance indicator:
Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful
DRF/Program Inventory:
Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
Habitat conservation and protection
1 Update made to reflect ECCC’s role in managing the protected areas database on behalf of Federal, Provincial and Territorial departments and agencies 2 New departmental action 3 Update made to reflect the agreement with the Dehcho First Nation to establish the Edehzie Indigenous Protected Area 4 New departmental action 5 Update made to reflect Canada's Nature Legacy 6 Idem 7 Update made to reflect Canada's Nature Legacy 8 New departmental action
Healthy Wildlife Populations: All species have healthy and viable populations
Responsible Minister: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
By 2020, species that are secure remain secure, and populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans
By 2025, 59% of managed migratory bird species have population sizes within an acceptable range
Use legislation and regulations to protect species at risk and migratory birds
Provide key economic analysis in support of the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations.
Collaborate with partners at home and internationally to protect endangered species which are in trade to meet our obligations under the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and implement the Wild Animal and Plant Protection Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.
Collaborate with partners at home and internationally to conserve migratory birds and their habitats and implement the Migratory Birds Convention Act. The Department will continue to monitor the status of and conduct research on migratory birds and their habitats.
Conserve biodiversity and implement the Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Bird Convention Act in Canada through cooperative, collaborative and adaptive conservation planning and action with best placed partners and supporting the use of non-regulatory stewardship tools where appropriate.
By 2020, ensure the conservations, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
Starting point:
60% by May 2025 from a baseline of 43% (2017)
Performance indicator:
Percentage of species at risk for which changes in populations are consistent with recovery objectives
DRF/Program Inventory:
Species at Risk
Migratory Birds and other Wildlife
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife
Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
Starting point:
60% target by 2020, from a baseline of 57% in 2014
Performance indicator:
Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges
Starting Point:
Targeted regulatees are penalized when non-compliant with wildlife laws and regulations administered by ECCC.
Target of 95% by April 2019, from a baseline of 95% in 2015-16.
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions
Work with partners to protect species and their habitats
Work with partners to finalize a Species at Risk Act Management Plan for the polar bear. In addition, work with international partners to implement a Circumpolar Action Plan for polar bear in accordance with the 1973 Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears.
Seek to enable the implementation of Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) Strategies. This will involve finding mechanisms and developing partnerships in order to disseminate the information available in BCR Strategies.
Support the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in Canada through the collaborative Habitat Joint Venture partnerships. These focus on retention and restoration of wetlands and associated uplands in priority landscapes for migratory waterfowl.
Collaborate with stakeholders and Indigenous partners at home via various Species at Risk Act (SARA) mandated and SARA-enabled advisory bodies including but not limited to the Species at Risk Advisory Committee, the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk and the First Nation Advisory Committee on Species at Risk to protect species and their habitats.
Conduct collaborative research with stakeholders and partners to inform effective protection of migratory birds and priority species at risk1.
Establish mechanisms, including but not limited to the Boreal Caribou Knowledge Consortium, to support co-application of indigenous knowledge and western science to protect species and their habitats2.
Conduct research in collaboration with provincial, territorial and Indigenous wildlife managers on priority threats management methodologies to support multi-species action plans3.
Collaborate with Indigenous partners to support the activities of new and established Indigenous Guardians programs across Canada through the Indigenous Guardians pilot program funding mechanisms and governance bodies in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Metis4.
Work with provinces and territories to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Species at risk including by identifying shared priority places, species and threats for joint action5.
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
By 2020, ensure the conservations, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
Starting point:
7.4 million ha by March 31, 2020 from a baseline of 5.2 million ha in 2013-14
Performance indicator:
Total priority waterfowl habitat managed and/or enhanced by partners in support of North American Waterfowl Management Plan objectives (In million ha)
DRF/Program Inventory:
Species at Risk
Migratory Birds and other Wildlife
Starting point:
Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established.
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful
Build capacity and promote education
Provide analysis, guidance and economic advice and develop and provide economic models.
Provide funding through the Habitat Stewardship Program to contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern. This will include engaging Canadians from all walks of life in conservation actions to benefit wildlife.
Provide funding through the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk to support Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern.
Build research capacity in Indigenous and Northern communities to support community-based monitoring and education6
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
Starting point:
30% by 2021
Baseline: will be identified in 2018 (first reporting year for this indicator)
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of Canadian households in which one or more people engaged without pay in activities aimed at conservation or protection of the environment or wildlife
DRF/Program Inventory:
Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
Species at Risk
Uphold international commitment related to wildlife
Undertake international actions for the conservation of migratory birds (under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation), and deliver projects for seabird conservation in Chile (under the Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation) and for shorebird monitoring in Panama (under the Canada-Panama Environment Agreement).
Coordinate Canada’s participation with the U.S. and Mexico in the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management, and support trilateral working group to ensure the conservation of the Monarch butterfly migration, as per the 2016 North American Leaders Summit commitment.
Track and coordinate actions in support of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, and initiatives to advance the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada, including by implementing the actions agreed to by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for conservation, wildlife and biodiversity, and through actively participating in and leading Canadian delegations at international meetings in support of biodiversity.
Participate with national and international partners in the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance to contribute to wetland conservation in Canada.
Implement the Ramsar Convention in Canada to promote the wise use of wetlands and support partners in the nomination of any new proposed Ramsar Sites.
Participate in delivering science to support Arctic Council initiatives that support migratory bird and species at risk conservation7
By 2020, ensure the conservations, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreement
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
Starting Point:
Increase toward achievement of 17% target by 2020, from a baseline of 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters)
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of Canadian areas conserved as protected areas and other effective areas-based conservation measures
DRF/Program Inventory:
Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
Habitat Conservation and Protection
Starting point:
Increase to 9.33 million ha by March 31, 2020, from 8.1 million ha in March 2016
Performance indicator:
Total priority waterfowl habitat retained by partners in support of North American Waterfowl Management Plan objectives (in million ha)
1 New departmental action 2 Idem 3 Idem 4 New departmental action 5 Idem 6 Idem 7 New departmental action
Connecting Canadian with Nature: Canadians are informed about the value of nature, experiencing nature first hand, and actively engaged in its stewardship
Responsible Minister: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
By 2020, maintain or increase the number of Canadians that get out into nature—for example, by visiting parks and green spaces—and increase participation in biodiversity conservation activities
relative to a 2010 baseline
Build capacity for conservation activities
Work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to deliver Government priorities, including to accelerate the rate of private land conservation and protect important natural habitat in communities across southern Canada.
Fund the Natural Areas Conservation Program to:
assist and support the securement of ecologically significant areas across Canada;
protect habitat for species at risk (both COSEWIC-assessed and SARA-listed) and migratory birds; and
enhance connections and corridors between protected areas.
Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
Starting Point:
Target 130,000 Canadians annually, from 68,952 in 2015–16
Performance Indicator:
Number of Canadians engaged in individual and collective actions to protect, conserve or restore the natural environment
DRF/Program Inventory:
Community Eco-Action
Habitat Conservation and Protection
Promote public participation
Implement the “Connecting Canadians to Nature” Initiative in ten National Wildlife Areas by constructing new trails, bridges and exhibits, and promoting a national geocaching program (an outdoor educational game that uses GPS-enabled devices).
Facilitate Canadians’ access to nature in National Wildlife Areas close to urban centres. For example, free access to the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area in 2017 is provided as part of the 150th anniversary of Confederation celebrations.
Support national programing aimed at educating and engaging children aged 6 to 12 in Canadian wildlife conservation. Engaging Canadian Kids in Wildlife Conservation provides a total $2.25 M over three years shared between Earth Rangers Foundation and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to deliver educational programming across the country1.
By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
Starting point:
Target of 321,000 visitors by March 2020, from a starting point of approximately 230,000
Performance indicator:
Annual number of visitors to the ten National Wildlife Areas selected for improvement under the National Conservation Plan
DRF/Program Inventory:
Habitat Conservation and Protection
1 New departemental action
Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
Responsible Minister: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Implement the Air Quality Management System to: Decrease the three-year average of particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound emissions from regulated and/or previous three-year average; Increase the percentage of the Canadian population living in areas where measured outdoor concentrations are below the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter and ozone compared to the year 2000.
By 2020, address the 4,300 substances identified as priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan.
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances
Better understand air pollutants by:
Providing air quality monitoring data, expertise, maps and analysis to guide implementation of the Air Quality Management System (AQMS) and to track benefits of the Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement.
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
Starting Point:
Annual decline against 2007 Baseline
Performance Indicator:
Canadian emissions of air pollutants from targeted sectors (e.g., industrial, mobile sources, and consumer and commercial products) are reduced
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Air Quality
Substances and Waste Management
Better understand harmful substances by:
Conducting scientific assessment to determine the risks to the environment from substances that are already in commerce (existing substances) and substances proposed for use in Canada (new substances). The assessment provides the evidence needed to determine whether a substance is toxic, and ultimately, whether risk management is required.
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
Starting point:
100% of 4300 priority substances are addressed by 2020
Performance indicator:
Number of substances assessed, identified as toxic, and for which control measures are in place
Provide information to inform action and decision making
Provide information to inform action and decision-making on air quality by:
Collecting and publishing National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) data for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 reporting years. NPRI includes data on releases (to air, water and land), disposals and recycling of over 300 air pollutants and other harmful substances, from industrial and other facilities across Canada.
Implementing the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to provide Canadians with greater access to local air quality information and forecasts to help make informed decision about their health.
Preparing and publishing a national report on black carbon and methane every two years in line with Arctic Council commitments.
Developing and publishing national air pollutant emissions projections alongside the projections of GHG emissions. The air pollutant projections were published for the first time in December 20182
Contributing to the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI), which track Canada’s performance on key sustainability issues related to air pollutant emissions and air quality and ensures that national, regional, local and international data are publicly accessible and transparent.
Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks
Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
Starting point:
15–20%, from a most recent measure of 15% in 2011
Performance indicator:
Percentage of the general population within selected regions receiving AQHI who report that they recall seeing or hearing AQHI information
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings
Use legislation and regulation to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances
Use legislation and regulation to address outdoor air pollutant emissions by:
Undertaking modelling, analysis and research to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches and regulatory development to reduce air pollution.
Continuing to develop and implement industrial emissions requirements for various equipment types and sectors, using regulatory and non-regulatory instruments such as the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), guidelines for the stationary combustion turbines, codes of practice, performance agreements, and/or pollution prevention notices for various sectors including aluminum; iron; steel and ilmenite; iron ore pellets; potash; and base-metals smelting3.
Developing, implementing, and enforcing regulations to reduce air pollutant emissions. This activity will include, proposed regulation of off-road large spark-ignition engines, implementation of light-duty vehicle regulations, and finalization of regulations respecting the reduction in the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) (petroleum sector).4
Developing, implementing and administering measures to reduce air pollutant emissions, including black carbon, from new stationary diesel engines5.
Use legislation and regulation to address harmful substances by:
Undertaking modelling, analysis and research, and by developing regulatory impact analysis statements to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches to reduce air and water pollution. Key economic analysis will include the assessments of any proposed regulations. The analysis will also support the development of air quality standards with an aim to provide incentives for clean investments.
Developing, implementing and administering regulatory and voluntary instruments to manage risks from harmful substances, waste and effluents and to improve administration of the Fisheries Act.
Taking domestic regulatory action to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and prohibit the import and manufacture of products that contain HFCs.
Developing, implementing, and enforcing regulatory instruments to manage and reduce risks from harmful substances, such as the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations and the new Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations under CEPA 19996.
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
Starting Point:
Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations were registered and published in June 2016 to address air pollutant emissions from boilers and heaters, stationary spark-ignition engines, and the cement sector. Initial reporting requirements begin in 2017 for boilers, heaters, and stationary spark-ignition engines.
Performance indicator:
Air pollutant emissions from sector(s) or source(s), or percentage of emitters meeting performance requirement, as defined in specific regulatory and non-regulatory instruments
DRF/Program Inventory:
Air Quality
Starting point:
Decrease from a 2013 baseline of national emissions of 42.1 Kt (to contribute to the Arctic States’ collective goal to reduce black carbon by at least 25-33% below 2013 levels, by 2025).
Performance indicator:
Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada’s Black Carbon Emissions Inventory
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
Compliance Promotion Enforcement - Pollution
Starting point:
The baseline is currently being calculated and will be published in Canada Gazette, Part II by the end of 2017–18. The initial target under the HFCs regulations is a 10% reduction in consumption in 2019, toward an 85% reduction in 2036.
Performance indicator:
HFC Emissions
Work with partners on outdoor air quality and chemical management
Work with partners on outdoor air quality by:
Continuing to implement the AQMS, a comprehensive framework to address air pollution in Canada and improve the health of Canadians and the environment; in collaboration with provinces, territories, and with the engagement of stakeholders.
CAAQS for sulphur dioxide were announced by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in October 2016.
Monitoring implementation of more stringent air quality standards for sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which were established in 20177.
In collaboration with Health Canada, provinces, territories, and in consultation with stakeholders through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, reviewing the 2020 CAAQS for ozone with an expected completion date of 2018, and publishing of a new 2025 standard for ozone in 20198.
Reviewing the 2020 CAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with an expected completion date in 20209.
Working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the transboundary flow of air pollutants and implement the Vehicles and Engines Action Plan under the Canada- U.S. Air Quality Agreement.
Work with partners on chemical management by:
Participating in international chemicals and waste-related fora and continuing to engage and consult with relevant national and international stakeholders.
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
Starting Point:
CAAQS for ozone and PM2.5 were published in the Canada Gazette in 2013
Performance Indicator:
Publication of more stringent CAAQS in the Canada Gazette for SO2 by end of 2017; for NO2 by end of 2018; and for ozone and PM2.5 by end of 2019 and 2020 respectively.
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Air Quality
Starting Point:
Percentage increase compared to a base year of 2007. 10**** The methodology to calculate this indicator is currently being developed and is expected to be available in 2018.
Performance Indicator:
Percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved
Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundary air pollution
Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management by:
Implementing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, including its Kigali Amendment on HFCs. Continue to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through active participation in committees and subsidiary bodies to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, supported by domestic action under the Chemicals Management Plan.
Implementing the new Minamata Convention on mercury and contributing to international effective implementation of the Convention which entered into force in August 2017. Canada continues to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through active participation in committees and subsidiary bodies to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, as well as through domestic implementation actions, including strengthening of domestic regulations.11
Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on transboundary air pollution by:
Continuing to meet Canada’s commitments under the ratified Gothenburg Protocol (of the UNECE Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution).
Engaging in efforts to take action on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and other contaminants under the Arctic Council.
Continuing to work with the U.S. through the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement to reduce transboundary air pollution.
Advancing efforts to improve air quality globally through broader cooperation and participation in a number of other initiatives including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP)12.
Stregthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
Starting point:
The Canadian HFC consumption baseline was revised with an interim order in October 2018. An amendment to the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations having the same effect as the Interim Order will be published in Canada Gazette, Part II by October 2020. The initial target under the HFCs regulations is a 10% reduction in consumption in 2019, toward an 85% reduction in 2036.
Performance indicator:
HFC Emissions
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Air Quality
Starting point:
Canada signed the Gothenburg Protocol December 1, 1999; ratify the Gothenburg Protocol
Performance indicator:
Achievement of indicative 2020 Canadian emissions reduction commitments (in Canada’s commitments under the Gothenburg Protocol)
1 Update made to reflect the implementation of the SLCP Strategy 2 New departmental action 3 Update to reflect implementation phase 4 Idem 5 New departmental action 6 Update made to reflect implementation phase 7 Idem 8 Idem 9 New departmental action 10 ECCC will use 2007 as a starting point (baseline year) for this FSDS target, as more comparable information is available from this year on. 11 Update to reflect implementation phase of the Minamita Convention 12 New departmental action
Additional departmental activities and initiatives
Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)
FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
No data
Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites
Assess and remediate sites for which ECCC is responsible.
Provide expert advice to help federal custodians assess and remediate their contaminated sites to ensure that the highest-priority sites are remediated under Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) and to reduce the ecological risks they pose.
Provide program oversight for the ongoing delivery of the FCSAP, in partnership with other federal departments and agencies and consolidated Crown corporations
Prepare a public progress report on the results of the FCSAP.
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
Starting point:
Assessment of 290 sites by March 2020, from baseline of 326 in March 2016
Performance indicator:
Number of funded sites where assessment activities have been conducted during Phase III of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan
DRF/Program
Inventory:
Substances and Waste Management
Starting point:
From zero sites where risk reduction activities have been completed as of April 1, 2016, the beginning of Phase III of the FCSAP, to 548 sites where risk reduction activities have been completed by March 2020
Performance indicator:
Number of Class 1 and Class 2 funded sites where risk reduction activities have been completed during Phase III of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan
Section 4: Integrated sustainable development
ECCC ensures that it continues to comply with the requirements of the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. A departmental policy on strategic environmental assessment (SEA) establishes the core elements of a well-functioning SEA management system (e.g., clear accountabilities and procedures, updated guidance materials and a comprehensive SEA tracking system).
ECCC continues to implement its SEA policy and develop opportunities to further strengthen the strategic value of its SEA performance by ensuring that:
High-quality SEAs are completed for policy, plan and program proposals as required by the Cabinet Directive;
SEAs begin early, at the conceptual stage of proposal development and before irrevocable decisions are made;
SEAs are strategically oriented to better contribute to the development of proposals by supporting the identification of sustainability objectives and establishing a plan of action toward achieving them;
SEAs include a detailed integrated forward-looking analysis of the potential environmental effects of proposals, as well as potential impacts on the achievement of the FSDS goals and targets;
SEAs also include, as appropriate, measures to mitigate negative environmental effects and enhance positive environmental effects (including effects on the FSDS goals and targets); and
Public statements are issued when SEAs have been formally approved or announced and support the transparency objectives of the Cabinet Directive.
In addition, ECCC will provide departments and agencies, upon request, with expert policy, technical and scientific analysis and advice on sustainable development and the potential environmental effects of initiatives.
