Archived: Departmental Results Report 2018 to 2019, supplementary tables: Department of Environment, chapter 7
Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
Section 1: Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016–19 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS):
- sets out the Government of Canada’s sustainable development priorities;
- establishes goal and targets; and
- identifies actions to achieve them, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act.
In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Environment and Climate Change Canada supports reporting on the implementation of the FSDS and its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) or equivalent document through the activities described in this supplementary information table.
Section 2: Sustainable Development in Environment and Climate Change Canada
Environment and Climate Change’s DSDS for 2017-20 describes the department’s actions in support of achieving the following FSDS goals:
- 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
This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Last year’s supplementary information table is posted on the department’s website.
This year, Environment and Climate Change Canada is also noting which UN Sustainable Development Goal target each departmental action contributes to achieving.
Section 3: Departmental Performance by FSDS Goal
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Low-Carbon Government: The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon
Responsible Minister: All ministers
FSDS targets
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved |
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Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By reporting on GHG emissions from its operations, updating its plan for reducing emissions, taking action that integrate elements across real property management, and innovating to update and adopt policies and practices, ECCC contributes data that informs GHG-related decisions and implements practices that support measurable goals to reduce GHGs from federal operations. The reduction of emissions created by ECCC buildings directly contributes to the FSDS goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings. |
Performance indicators:
Starting point: GHG emissions from buildings from base year 2005–06 (18.1 ktCO2e). |
Results: Facilities emissions have been reduced by 29.8% from the 2005-06 baseline. |
Modernize our fleet |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By modernizing its fleet and reducing overall vehicle use across the Department, ECCC will contribute to reduced federal GHG emissions. The reduction of emissions created by the ECCC Fleet directly contributes to the FSDS goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from federal government fleets. |
Performance indicators:
Starting point:
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Results: Fleet emissions have been reduced by 35.5% from the 2005-06 baseline. |
Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By adopting sustainable procurement approaches and instruments and maximizing carbon credits and the use of renewable energy, the Department will contribute to transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Training and incentivizing staff and managers to include environmental considerations in their decision making will allow individuals to contribute towards the FSDS goal to reduce GHG emissions from federal government. |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement Starting Point: As of 2016–17, 20 of 28 (71%) eligible specialists have completed the C215 course from the Canada School of Public Service. This includes procurement specialists and materiel management specialists. |
Results: 84% (48 out of 57) of procurement and material management specialists have completed training on green procurement. |
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 Starting Point: As of 2016–17, 3/3 (100%) of eligible specialists have environmental/green statements in their performance agreements. This includes procurement specialists and materiel management specialists. |
Results: 100% (11 out of 11) of procurement and material management specialists list “the support and contribution towards green procurement” as a work objective in their performance agreements. |
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Demonstrate innovative technologies |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By investing in and adopting innovations, ECCC will demonstrate federal leadership in the use of clean technologies as a strategy to reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleets.
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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. 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 |
Results: In 2018-19, GHG emissions from the King City Radar totaled 5 tonnes CO2e, compared to emissions in 2017-18 (15 tonnes of CO2e), resulting in a reduction of 10 tonnes CO2e. |
Promote sustainable travel practices |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: Actions to reduce business travel or use less GHG-intensive modes of transportation help to contribute to the FSDS goal to reduce total emissions from federal government fleets. |
Performance Indicators: Sustainable travel guidance and communication plan developed in fiscal 2017–18 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. |
Results: A system to track GHG emissions from employee government travels and a communication plan were completed (December 2019). Note: The development of sustainable travel guidance and a communication plan will reduce GHG emissions by encouraging the use of less GHG-intensive modes of transportation and reducing business travel. |
Understand climate change impacts and build resilience |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: A departmental adaptation plan will improve ECCC’s understanding of the impacts of climate change and develop resilience. |
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 Starting Point: In 2014, ECCC undertook a process to understand climate risks to key programs and activities within the Department. |
Results: A Climate Change Risk Assessment was completed in the fall of 2018. A draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan was developed in 2019, and work is underway to validate and implement corporate-level actions. |
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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
FSDS targets
By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved |
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Use regulation to limit GHG emissions |
Lead the overall implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF). Develop and implement regulations, tools, measures and mitigation actions, consistent with the Pan Canadian Framework, for key GHG emitters. For example, ECCC will:
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goals: UN SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy (Target 7.2) UN SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth (Target 8.4) UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: Regulating GHG emissions and pricing carbon pollution will ensure that emissions from key sources are reduced in order to contribute to Canada’s reduction targets. Price on carbon pollution provides an incentive for climate action and clean innovation while protecting competitiveness. Carbon pricing is efficient and cost effective because it allows businesses and households to decide for themselves how best to reduce pollution and often save money in the process. Proceeds from pricing carbon pollution will be returned to the jurisdiction of origin in order to reduce cost impacts on households and vulnerable sectors, and drive further GHG emission reductions. Several key regulations and other instruments will reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas, transportation, electricity and other industrial sectors that contribute significantly to total GHG emissions in Canada:
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Performance indicator: Starting point:
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Results: The performance results for the 2018-19 model year fleet are expected in 2020. |
Performance indicator: Percentage of coal-fired electricity generation units meeting their regulated GHG emissions intensity performance requirement. 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. |
Results: Reporting of results to follow in 2021-22. |
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Performance indicator: HFC emissions. Starting point: 10% reduction in consumption in 2019 from a calculated HFC consumption baseline in tonnes CO2e, towards an 85% reduction in 2036. |
Results: Results are expected to be available in April 2020, following the submission of the National Inventory Report for the 2019 calendar year. |
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Performance indicator: Starting point: |
Results: As of March 31, 2019, all 10 provinces had in place carbon pollution pricing systems that aligns with the benchmark or the federal system applied¹. |
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Work with partners on climate change |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: ECCC will promote the use of clean technologies through its collaboration with partners in Canada and internationally. These collaborations foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge that can be leveraged to find ways to increase the use of clean technologies, which will contribute to reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality. Also, better data will inform GHG-related decisions thus resulting in more effective actions to reduce GHG emissions. Through the two streams of the Low Carbon Economy Fund (the Leadership Fund and the Challenge Fund), ECCC supported a diverse range and size of projects, including those from ECCC’s partners, to bring effective and innovative approaches to reduce energy and emissions and to further provincial, territorial and local priorities. ECCC continued its partnerships with Indigenous peoples, who are vital to the successful implementation of the PCF. ECCC continued to collaborate through distinction-based tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation, in partnership with each of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council. These tables support the implementation of the PCF on an on-going basis, and help to inform the design of clean growth and climate change policy and programs to support Indigenous peoples’ leadership on climate action. ECCC continues to work with other government departments, provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples to implement and report on progress in implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework through an annual Synthesis Report to Canadians. |
Performance indicator: Starting point: |
Results: 16% Improvement (2016 model year). |
Performance indicator: Starting point: |
Results: Results are not available at this time; Draft regulations for the liquids class are to be published in 2020, with those for gaseous and solid classes to come in 2021. |
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Conduct climate policy research and analysis |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production (Target 12.8) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By conducting scientific and economic research and analysis, ECCC will support evidence-based climate-related decisions, including to reduce GHG emissions. 100% of upstream GHG assessments were reviewed by the Energy and Transportation Directorate, as per the Environmental Assessment process and timelines. This ensures the quality of the assessments which lead to better decisions and more effective action to reduce emissions. |
Performance indicator: Number of individuals, businesses, and governments accessing climate services and using that information to inform decision-making. Starting point: |
Results: The baseline will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) has been functioning for one full year. The CCCS became operational in October 2018, thus baseline will be set in 2019-20. |
Take a leading role in international agreements and initiatives on climate change |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.A) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By taking a leadership role and contributing expertise to key international climate and economic fora, ECCC will strengthen Canada’s capacity to contribute to a worldwide reduction of GHGs to meet global targets. Working with international partners will contribute to international goals under the PCF, such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the delivery of Canada’s $2.65B to support developing countries in tackling climate change. |
Performance indicator: GHG reductions resulting from international initiatives funded by Canada. Starting point: |
Results: An estimated cumulative reduction of 175.7 Mt of GHGs is expected from Canada’s $2.65B funding by 2018-19. Note: The result captures international GHG reductions from Canada’s $2.65B funding. It will have no impact on the domestic target. |
Performance indicator: Number of people in developing countries who benefited from Canada’s adaptation funds. Starting point: |
Results: A cumulative estimate of 4,593,285 people will have increased their resilience by 2018-19 as a result of Canada’s $2.65B funding. |
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Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1, Target 13.3) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By conducting scientific research and maintaining inventories, ECCC will contribute to current knowledge and data that support improved global and domestic air quality, reduction of GHG emissions, and adaptation planning. |
Performance indicator: % of requested products delivered to senior management and decision-makers. Starting point: 100% every year from 2018 and ongoing; Baseline to be established after the first year of reporting (2018-19). |
Results: 100% of the requested products were delivered to senior management and decision-makers. |
Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1, Target 13.3) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By establishing the CCCS as an authoritative federal access point for climate information, products and tools, ECCC will enable decision-making not only on adaptation in support of climate resilience in communities, economies and ecosystems but also on measures to reduce GHG emissions. |
Performance indicator: Number of individuals, businesses and governments accessing climate services and using that information to inform decision-making Starting point: |
Results: The baseline will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) has been functioning for one full year. The CCCS became operational in October 2018, thus baseline will be set in 2019-20. |
1 The federal backstop was applied in Nunavut and Yukon beginning July 1, 2019. The Northwest Territories’ carbon pollution pricing system took effect on September 1, 2019. Pricing carbon pollution is the most effective and efficient way to reduce GHG emissions.
2 New departmental action
Responsible Minister: Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
FSDS targets
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
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved |
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Use legislation and regulation to protect coasts and oceans |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 14: Life Below Water (Target 14.1) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: The goal of the Disposal at Sea (DoS) and Antarctic permitting systems is to enable certain activities while simultaneously putting in place measures which will prevent marine pollution. Program decisions will indirectly support the FSDS Healthy Coasts and Oceans goal and targets by conserving and protecting coastal and marine area function, or by contributing to the science and understanding of these systems. The establishment of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area (British Columbia) directly supports the FSDS target of conserving 10% of coastal and marine areas by contributing 11,546 square km to the network. The London Protocol aims to protect and preserve the marine environment from all sources of pollution and take effective measures, according to scientific, technical and economic capabilities to prevent, reduce and where practicable eliminate pollution caused by dumping. The implementation of the protocol contributes to supporting the FSDS goal. |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of monitored ocean disposal sites with no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities. Starting Point: 100% of monitored ocean disposal sites show no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities. |
Results: Results are expected later in the fall of 2019 (data not available at the time of the publication). |
Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 14: Life Below Water (Target 14.2) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By collaborating with partners ECCC will contribute to increased capacity across Canada to protect coastal areas and fish stocks by enhancing its capacity to respond to marine emergencies such as oil spills, and by collaborating with Indigenous People and other partners to improve knowledge and data on coastal ecosystems. |
Performance indicator: The number of marine safety incidents and spills from vessels in Canada’s waters.¹ 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). |
Results: Results for this indicator are reported by Transport Canada. |
Performance indicator: Number of partners or organizations participating in ECCC-supported projects that address program priorities in targeted ecosystems. Starting point: 100 by May 2018, from baseline of 30 in 2015–16. |
Results: Results for this indicator are related to projects that support freshwater, hence not applicable to this FSDS target of Healthy Coasts and Oceans. Next year’s DSDS will be updated accordingly. |
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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
FSDS targets
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
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved |
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Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.6) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By sharing science and expertise, financially supporting stakeholder-driven nutrient reduction demonstration projects, and developing and enforcing regulations in collaboration with Canadian partners, ECCC supports partners to take action to improve water quality and ecosystem health, including by reducing phosphorus loading in key ecosystems. For example, through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, ECCC works with partners and stakeholders to restore and protect Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health. A key priority under the Initiative is preventing toxic and nuisance algae in Lake Erie, which directly contributes to the achievement of phosphorus load reductions to Lake Erie from Canadian sources. There are a number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality. The foundational work initiated through these partnerships supports broader future Indigenous involvement on Lake Winnipeg ecosystem health and water quality issues. Partnerships are established in the implementation of the St-Laurence Action Plan activities and projects. These partnerships are established to pool the various expertise and resources in a spirit of cooperation towards a common objective, the protection of the St. Lawrence, including problems related to phosphorus and nitrogen levels, thus contributing to the FSDS goal. |
Performance Indicator: Number of Indigenous organizations/communities participating in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality. Starting Point: Target: 35 by 2022 |
Results: Approximately 58 Indigenous organizations/communities participated in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality. Note: Indigenous peoples have a strong spiritual and cultural connection to water and are key partners in efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, ECCC is helping increase Indigenous participation in decision-making processes and actions to restore and protect the Great Lakes by enhancing engagement opportunities as well as supporting Indigenous capacity to address Great Lakes issues by funding community projects. Increased participation by Indigenous Peoples contributes to the restoration of lake and river ecosystems. |
Performance Indicator: Number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality. Starting Point: Target: 10 by 2022 |
Results: 15 Indigenous governments, organizations and communities were engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality. |
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Performance Indicator: Average number of non-federal partnerships established during the implementation of the SLAP activities and projects. Starting Point: Target: 4 by 2021 |
Results: On average, 5 non-federal partnerships were established during the implementation of the SLAP activities and projects. |
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Provide in-kind support and funding for projects |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.B) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By supporting local ecosystem improvement projects ECCC will engage Canadians in long-term sustainability of healthy and productive ecosystems. ECCC provides funding to partner-led projects (through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Great Lakes Protection Initiative, and St. Lawrence Action Plan) that restore and protect water quality and ecosystem health. Project funding is leveraged by encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project(s). The Community Interaction Program (CIP), Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives (AEI) and Gulf of Maine Initiative (GMI) are financial assistance programs, promoting community projects aimed at conserving and improving priority ecosystems: St. Lawrence River, St. John River Watershed, Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Watershed and Gulf of Maine. Non federal partners contribute financially to the local projects funded by the CIP, AEI and GMI. |
Starting point: Target: $2 by March 31st, 2022 Baseline: N/A Performance indicator: |
Results: For each dollar contributed by ECCC, its partners contributed $0.87, $1.70, and $0.69 through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Great Lakes Protection Initiative, and St. Lawrence Action Plan, respectively. Results: Proponents and partners contributed $1.36, $0.86 and $0.69 per dollar contributed by ECCC for the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives (AEI), the Gulf of Maine Initiative (GMI), and St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP, through the Community Interaction Program) G&C projects, respectively. |
Better understand lake and river ecosystems |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.5) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By contributing expertise and conducting and sharing research and monitoring data to decision makers ECCC enables sound decisions and appropriate actions to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of Canada’s freshwater.
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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. Starting point: Decrease to 70 by December 2019, from 97 in March 2016. |
Results: 78 beneficial uses whose status was listed as “impaired” (62) or “requiring further assessment “(17). Note: This indicator measures progress toward addressing the specific environmental impairments (i.e. beneficial use impairments) in remaining AOCs. Re-designation of all beneficial use impairments to “not impaired” status is required in order to fully restore water quality and ecosystem health in AOCs. |
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: 100%, measured triennially from a baseline of 22% in 2016. |
Results: Results to be reported in 2019-20.
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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: 100% by 2026, measured every 5 years; Baseline: NA |
Results: Results are expected by April 2020.
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Performance indicator: Overall status of ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg is stable or improving as presented in the State of Lake Winnipeg Report. Starting point: Target: “Improving” by 2022, measured every 5 years; Baseline: NA
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Results: The overall status of ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg is considered stable as of March 2019. Note: Compiling and reporting on Lake Winnipeg based science and monitoring results helps citizens and academics better understand the ecosystem health status of the lake and its response to nutrient related actions in the watershed. A better understanding helps inform and support more effective action to achieve the FSDS goal. |
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Use legislation and regulation to protect lake and river ecosystems |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By administering and enforcing legislation and regulations ECCC will contribute to better water quality in Canada’s key freshwater ecosystems by deterring actions and behaviours that contribute to the deterioration of water quality. This work contributes to the FSDS industrial effluent short-term milestone in the “Pristine Lakes and Rivers” goal. Ensuring high compliance rates with Fisheries Act regulations helps improve water quality in lakes and rivers. |
Performance indicator: Starting point: Percentage increase in order to reach 100% by 2040, compared to a baseline of 77% in 2015. |
Results: Effluent quality standards were achieved in 77% of wastewater systems in 2018-19. |
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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
FSDS targets
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
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved and contribution to the FSDS goal and target |
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Better understand lands and forest |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.2) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By providing expertise and collecting and sharing data, and by developing indicators ECCC informs conservation decision making and enables the monitoring of progress toward Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets. Analyses of opportunities and constraints for optimizing network growth can be supported by the up-to-date information provided by the indicators, spatial database, and the reporting and tracking system on location, amount and proportion of Canada’s terrestrial (land and freshwater) and marine areas. These actions provides baseline data for future decision-making related to place-based ecosystem and habitat conservation. Growth to the ECCC network of protected areas (NWAs and MBSs), measured in total hectares, directly supports progress towards the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal that lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come by protecting and conserving important habitat. ECCC’s network of protected areas also contributes directly to Canada’s total protected and conserved area and is accounted for in assessing progress towards the 17% target. |
Performance indicator: Total area (in hectares) that is protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. Starting Point: 13,603,600 ha before March 31st, 2020 from a baseline of 12,449,000 ha in 2014-15.
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Results: 136,077 km2 [13,607,700 ha] across Canada was protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries as of March 31, 2019.
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Build capacity and provide support |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.2) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By collaborating with Indigenous peoples in the North to create management plans for existing sites, and conservation plans for the future, ECCC will contribute to achieving land and inland water conservation targets and enabling long-term, sustainable management approaches. Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of the environment and have deep connections to nature. ECCC consults and collaborates with Indigenous peoples and invests in initiatives that protect and restore biodiversity, and that strengthen and renew nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationships. Such collaboration has resulted in, for example, the 14,200 km2 Edéhzhíe Protected Area in the Northwest Territories, established as the first new Indigenous Protected Area under the Nature Legacy Initiative. Edéhzhíe Protected Area contributes directly to conserving 17% of terrestrial and in-land waters in Canada and marks an important step in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and sustaining Canada’s lands and forests for future generations. Meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples contributes to building the capacity and support of Indigenous communities to further conserve and grow Canada’s terrestrial and freshwater network of protected and conserved areas |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful. Starting Point: Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established. |
Results: 61% of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC in conservation in 2018-19 indicated that the engagement was meaningful. |
Performance Indicator: Annual percentage of ECCC IIBA obligations achieved out of the number forecasted during annual planning with the Inuit parties to the Agreement. Starting Point: Expected actions associated with the renewed IIBA to be identified during annual planning meeting. |
Results: This indicator has been retired and is no longer being monitored. IIBA implementation is now being monitored through a series of other indicators of the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program. |
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Conserve natural spaces |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.5, Target 15.1) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By enabling donations of ecologically sensitive lands, establishing protected areas and supporting wetland restoration ECCC directly contributes to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets for 17% with the use of both conventional (direct land securement) and innovative (incentivizing private stewardship) conservation mechanisms. By conserving natural spaces of ecological and cultural importance, Canada’s lands and forests are being sustainably managed for future generations. Securing ecologically sensitive land contributes directly to Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas, and supports the goal of sustaining Canada’s biodiversity and ecosystem services for the long-term in Canada’s lands and forests. Growth to the ECCC network of protected areas (NWAs and MBSs), measured in total hectares, supports progress towards the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal that lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services. By protecting and conserving important habitat. ECCC’s network of protected areas also contributes directly to Canada’s total protected and conserved area and is accounted for in assessing progress towards the 17% target. |
Performance indicator: Total area of ecologically sensitive land secured (in ha) through the Ecological Gifts Program. Starting point: 189,780 ha by March 31st, 2018 from a baseline of 164,891 ha in 2013-14. |
Results: 195,400 ha of ecologically sensitive land was secured through the Ecological Gifts Program as of March 31, 2019. |
Performance indicator: Starting point: 13,603,600 ha before March 31st, 2020 from a baseline: 12,449,000 ha in 2014-15. |
Results: 136,077 km2 [13,607,700 ha] across Canada was protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries as of March 31, 2019. |
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Work with domestic and international partners |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1, Target 15.5) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By collaborating with key Canadian and international partners to protect habitat and biodiversity, ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets. Nature conservation in Canada is a shared responsibility. All levels of government have a role in managing ecosystems and species. Many sectors have direct or indirect impact on biodiversity outcomes, and many more rely on the benefits that nature provides. Collaboration is therefore key to achieving results. Partnerships in conservation promote innovation, enable multi-species and ecosystem-based initiatives and build relationships with Indigenous peoples, governments, industry and other resource users to enhance the overall Canadian effort. Partnerships with Indigenous communities, stakeholder groups and local actors foster enhanced stewardship of local biodiversity and ownership of conservation efforts. Partnerships with international partners promotes knowledge and experience sharing, and can increase the effectiveness of conservation efforts towards the national FSDS targets in Canada and international commitments to nature and sustainable development abroad. |
Performance indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful. Starting point: |
Results: 61% of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC in conservation in 2018-19 indicated that the engagement was meaningful. Note: Meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples supports future collaboration between ECCC and Indigenous communities to further conserve and grow Canada’s terrestrial and freshwater network of protected and conserved areas and overall biodiversity outcomes. |
Responsible Minister: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
FSDS targets
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
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved |
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Use legislation and regulations to protect species at risk and migratory birds |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1, Target 15.5) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By enforcing Canadian and international legislation and regulations, ECCC will support Canada’s population goals for species at risk and migratory birds. By undertaking key economic analysis of legislation and regulation, decision-making for species conservation can be better informed, and policy options and programs can be more effectively implemented. Responsibility for managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared amongst all levels of government. Collaborating with partners at home and internationally to ensure continuous progress is made in securing populations of species at risk and migratory birds listed under federal law is essential to species conservation and recovery. Using a range of tools – both regulatory and non-regulatory – helps maximize conservation outcomes. Monitoring migratory birds is essential for determining if migratory bird species populations are within an acceptable range and to inform conservation planning. Migratory bird species indicate healthy ecosystems in Canada and abroad. |
Performance indicator: Percentage of species at risk for which changes in populations are consistent with recovery objectives. Starting point: 60% by May 2025 from a baseline of 43% (2017). |
Results: 41% of species at risk had population trends that were consistent with recovery objectives. |
Performance indicator: Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges Starting point: |
Results: 58% of migratory bird species are within target population ranges. |
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Performance Indicator: Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions. Starting Point: Targeted regulatees are penalized when non-compliant with wildlife laws and regulations administered by ECCC. Target: 95% by April 2018 Baseline: 95% in 2015-16. |
Results: 98% of prosecutions resulted in convictions. Note: The high rate of convictions signifies that regulations and legislation are functioning as intended, to penalize crimes against species at risk and migratory birds. Regulatory approaches to nature conservation are intended to prevent worst-case scenarios (extinction, critical habitat loss, etc.) but require high costs and high capacity to implement. High conviction rates confirm their suitability as a tool for conservation. |
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Work with partners to protect species and their habitats |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1, Target 15.5) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: Responsibility for managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared amongst all levels of government. By collaborating with Canadian and international partners to protect animal and bird species and their habitats, ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s population goals for species at risk and their habitats. Collaborative initiatives between partners increases the audience of conservation actions, and influences the public and interested local stakeholders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection. Collaboration with partners in Canada and globally, allows for the sharing of expertise and advice which may promote more effective species protection. Collaborative initiatives may also increasingly influence decision-making and can result in identifying shared priorities and areas for investment. |
Performance indicator: Total priority waterfowl habitat managed and/or enhanced by partners in support of North American Waterfowl Management Plan objectives Starting point: 7.1 million ha by March 31st from a baseline of 5.2 ha in 2013-14. |
Results: 9.0 million ha as of March 31, 2018. |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful. Starting point: Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established. |
Results: 61% of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC in conservation in 2018-19 indicated that the engagement was meaningful. Note: Meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples supports collaboration between ECCC and Indigenous communities to protect species and their habitats. |
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Build capacity and promote education |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.5) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By providing expertise and funding to Indigenous peoples and other local stakeholders, ECCC will contribute to Canadians’ capacity to protect and conserve species. Supporting capacity building and education of local actors will achieve better outcomes for more species at risk, improve return on investment, and increase co-benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems. Engagement of Canadians in conservation efforts and species protection activities supports the target of meeting the recovery objectives for species at risk and the population targets for migratory birds indirectly by fostering enthusiasm for stewardship, public awareness and education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased participation in species and habitat protection beyond the initial activities. Undertaking economic analysis helps inform decision-making for species conservation, and policy options and programs can be more effectively implemented. Funding enables partnerships for the protection and recovery of species at risk with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in a manner that recognizes and enables Indigenous leadership and engagement in land and resource management. |
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. Starting point: 30% by 2021, 17% in 2015.
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Results: 18% in 2017 (latest results available). |
Uphold international commitment related to wildlife |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By collaborating with international partners, ECCC will support Canada in meeting its international wildlife commitments. Decisions and actions taken outside of Canada can have an impact on wildlife in Canada, particularly migratory species. By supporting actions to conserve species throughout their range sharing experiences with others, including through its international commitment, Canada makes important contributions to regional and global biodiversity conservation. Program outcomes such as the total priority waterfowl habitat managed and/or enhanced in support of NAWMP objectives directly contribute to the protection of species at risk habitat and the protection of migratory bird population sizes. By managing and/or enhancing millions of hectares of waterfowl habitat, the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of healthy wildlife populations is being supported, as wetlands and other similar habitats are essential for a wide variety of Canadian species, including a number of at-risk reptiles and amphibians and a number of migratory birds. |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Canadian areas conserved as protected areas and other effective areas-based conservation measures. Starting Point: Increase toward achievement of 17% from a baseline of 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters). |
Results: 11.8% of Canadian areas were conserved as protected areas and by other effective areas-based conservation measures. Note: Growth of the Canadian network of areas conserved as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures supports progress towards the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of healthy wildlife populations by directly providing habitat space and refuge for species, which in turn directly supports improvements in species at risk and migratory bird population trends. |
Performance indicator: Total priority waterfowl habitat retained by partners in support of North American Waterfowl Management Plan objectives (In million ha). Starting point: 8.8 ha by March 31st, 2018 from a baseline of 7.5 ha in 2013-14. |
Results: 9.0 million ha as of March 31, 2018. |
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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
FSDS targets
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
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved |
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Build capacity for conservation activities |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.4) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By partnering with an established organization that leads and inspires Canadians to conserve natural areas and biodiversity, ECCC will strengthen and expand its reach to local communities in support of biodiversity conservation, and make it easier for the public and interested local stakeholders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection. Engagement of Canadian’s in conservation efforts and nature protection activities directly supports the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of increasing participation in biodiversity conservation activities. Public participation fosters enthusiasm for stewardship, public awareness and education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased participation in biodiversity and conservation activities. |
Performance Indicator: Number of Canadians engaged in individual and collective actions funded by the EcoAction Program. Starting Point: 110,000 by March 31st, 2020. Baseline to be determined in 2018-19. |
Results: In 2017-2018, 120,079 Canadians were engaged in individual and collective actions funded by the EcoAction Program. |
Promote public participation |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities (Target 11.7) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By increasing access to wildlife areas and expanding the range of nature-based experiences available, ECCC will make it easier for the public to get out into nature and encourage greater public participation in biodiversity and conservation activities, such visits can foster enthusiasm for engagement in stewardship, public awareness and education. Visitation to National Wildlife Areas fosters enthusiasm for nature, and conservation which in turn may encourage stewardship, education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased visitations to NWAs and further participation in biodiversity and conservation activities. |
Performance indicator: Percentage increase in annual visitation to the ten National Wildlife Areas that are part of the Connecting Canadians to Nature Initiative since launch. Starting point: 25% by 2020 (280,062 visitors from a baseline of 224,050 in 2015). |
Results: 9% (244,230 visitors) in 2018. |
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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
FSDS targets
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.
FSDS Contributing Actions |
Corresponding departmental actions |
Support to related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal |
Starting points, targets and performance indicators for departmental actions |
Results achieved |
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Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances |
Better understand air pollutants by:
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goals: UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9) UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By conducting research, analysis and collection of data on sources of air pollution, ECCC will inform the development of effective regulations and other tools to reduce harmful pollutants and improve air quality for Canadians, providing safer and healthier communities.
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Performance Indicator: Emissions of air pollutants from industrial and transportation sources in tonnes for fine particulate matter (PM2.5); sulphur oxides (SOx); nitrogen oxides (NOx); volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Starting Point: Continued downward trend in rolling three-year average emissions from 2006-2008 from a baseline of the previous year's result.
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Results: The results represent a downward trend from the 2014 to 2016 period with lower SOx, NOx, and VOCs emissions reported this year. The difference between 2014-2016 average to the 2015-2017 average: VOC = -48,657 tonnes NOx = -24,508 tonnes SOx = -71,745 tonnes PM2.5 = -3,637 tonnes Baseline (% change from 2006-2008 to 2015-2017) VOC = -22.76% NOx = -20.97% SOx = -44.60% PM2.5 = -34.89% Note: The results represent a downward trend from the 2014 to 2016 period with lower SOx, NOx, and VOCs emissions reported this year. |
Better understand harmful substances by:
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9) UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By conducting scientific assessment on harmful substances, ECCC will inform evidence-based decision making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances and assist Canadians in making informed decisions about their health. |
Performance indicator: Starting point: Target of 100% by March 2018. |
Results: This is a new indicator. First results are expected by March 31, 2020 to be able to report on the 2019-20 fiscal year. |
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Provide information to inform action and decision making |
Provide information to inform action and decision-making on air quality by:
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goals: UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D) UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.3) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By collecting and sharing data on air pollutants and harmful substances, ECCC will inform evidence-based decision making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances and assist Canadians in making informed decisions about their health. Increasing the number of individuals that have access to the AQHI has helped Canadians to better inform their actions regarding their health and safety. |
Performance indicator: Starting point: 15-20% from a most recent measure of 15% in 2011.
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Results: As of October 2017, 14% of the general population within selected regions reported that they recalled seeing or hearing AQHI information (results do not include data from Quebec due to limited availability of AQHI data in the province). |
Use legislation and regulation to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances |
Use legislation and regulation to address outdoor air pollutant emissions by:
Use legislation and regulation to address harmful substances by:
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goals: UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9) UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By developing and enforcing regulations and applying other measures, ECCC will reduce release of pollutants emissions and substances that are harmful to human health and the environment, and decrease the three year average of nitrogen oxide emissions to protect human health and provide safe and healthy communities Through partnerships that include the public, civil society, Indigenous organizations and industry stakeholders, the Program develops Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, monitors and reports on ambient air quality, and develops and implements regulations and other tools to limit emissions of air pollutants from sources, including industry transportation and consumer products. As more regulatees become compliant with federal air pollution measures, the impact of reduced emissions will contribute to most of the FSDS goals, including safe and healthy communities. The Multi-Sector Air Pollutant Regulations set mandatory and consistent air pollutant emission standards for nitrogen oxides (Nox) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the cement sector and from boilers, heaters and stationary spark-ignition engines that are used in several industrial sectors. The Regulations will result in emission reduction across Canada. Between 2016 and 2035, it is estimated that there will be a 99kt reduction in NOx emissions due to these regulations and will minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The expected benefit is valued at around $410 million. |
Performance indicator: Starting Point: Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations was registered and published in June 2016 to address air pollutant emissions from boilers and heaters, engines, and the cement sector. Initial reporting requirements begin in 2017 for boilers, heaters, and stationary spark-ignition. |
Results: Data not validated at time of publication. |
Performance indicator: Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada’s Black Carbon Emissions Inventory. Starting point: |
Results: Results are expected in summer 2020. |
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Performance indicator: HFC Emissions Starting point: |
Results: Results are expected in April 2020.
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Work with partners on outdoor air quality and chemical management | Work with partners on outdoor air quality by:
Work with partners on chemical management by:
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goals: UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9) UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By collaborating with provinces, territories, stakeholders and international partners to develop and implement standards and approaches to improve air quality, ECCC will work to reduce pollutants in outdoor air. Collaboration means that ECCC engages partners to work on common objectives, increase capacity, improve the efficacy of efforts through information sharing, etc. Working towards the 2030 goal of 85% of the Canadian population living in areas where air quality standards are achieved means more Canadians live in safe and healthy communities. |
Performance Indicator: % CAAQS reviewed and updated. Starting Point: 100% of CAAQS will be reviewed on a five-year cycle from date of initial publication and, where necessary, will be made more stringent to encourage continuous improvement in air quality. |
Results: 100% of Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) that required review in 2018-19 were reviewed and updated. Ozone CAAQS to be met in 2020 have been reviewed, and new CAAQS for 2025 were published in summer 2019. Note: Timely review and update of the applicable CAAQS works to ensure clean air and more safe and healthy communities. |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved. Starting Point: 85% of Canadians live in areas that meet the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) in 2030, from a baseline of 60% in 2005-2007. |
Results: During the period of 2014-16 (most recent data available), 77% of Canadians were living in areas where air quality standards were achieved. |
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Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals manage-ment and trans-boundary air pollution |
Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management by:
Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on transboundary air pollution by:
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goals: UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D) UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By engaging with international partners and by levering the collective inputs, ECCC is strengthening its domestic actions and those of its international partners. It is through ECCC’s regional action and meeting key international obligations that the collective efforts to manage harmful chemicals and air pollutants will be resulting in safer and healthier Canadian communities, therefore contributing to meeting the FSDS goal. |
Performance indicator: HFC Emissions. Starting point: |
Results: Results are expected in April 2020. |
Performance indicator: Achievement of indicative 2020 Canadian emissions reduction commitments (in Canada’s commitments under the Gothenburg Protocol). Starting point: |
Results: Date to achieve target is 2020. Reporting of results to follow in 2021. Note: Canada ratified the Gothenburg Protocol and its amendments on November 28, 2017. |
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Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites |
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Support to related Sustainable Development Goal: UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4) Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal: By remediating ECCC contaminated sites and providing expertise to other work of other federal departments ECCC will reduce ecological risks related to harmful substances on these lands. The Assessment reduces uncertainty related to ecological and human health risks and allows remediation to progress. Risk reduction activities contribute to a safe and healthy environment for Canadians by minimizing impacts to human health and the environment. |
Performance indicator: Number of funded sites where assessment activities have been conducted during Phase III of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan. Starting point: From zero sites assessed as of April 1, 2016, the beginning of Phase III of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) to 569 sites assessed by March 31, 2020. |
Results: 230 sites were assessed in 2018-19. In total, 804 s sites have been assessed in the first three years of Phase III (2016-17 and 2018-19). Contribution to the goal and target: The Assessment reduces uncertainty related to ecological and human health risks and allows remediation to progress. |
Section 4: Report on Integrating Sustainable Development
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a process that supports environmentally sustainable decision-making. It helps ensure that the environment is considered when developing policy, plan or program proposals. The guidelines for this process are in the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. The Directive encourages departments and agencies to develop further supplementary guidance on SEA to enable implementation of the Cabinet Directive in a manner that fits organizational circumstances.
In the Spring of 2019, ECCC approved a new departmental policy on SEAs. Building on the foundation of the Directive, this policy recognizes that all ECCC proposals the Minister leads or co-signs have important environmental effects. As such, it is ECCC policy to conduct detailed SEAs for all proposals within the scope of the Directive.
The Directive requires that SEA results be reported through a public statement that includes impacts on the goals of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). ECCC posts the findings of its SEAs on ECCC’s registry of public statements on strategic environmental assessments once the proposal is announced. These statements disclose how the proposals support the goals and targets of the FSDS, and identify relevant linkages to environmentally-focused Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
During the 2018–19 reporting cycle, ECCC undertook strategic environmental assessments of 41 proposals as part of its decision-making processes. All proposals supported one or more of the 2016-2019 FSDS goals and targets. For example, the SEA on the Nature Legacy for Canada Initiative was identified as supporting six of the 2016-19 FSDS goals: Sustainably managed lands and forests, Pristine lakes and rivers, Healthy coasts and oceans, Healthy wildlife populations, Connecting Canadians with nature, and Effective action on climate change. It also links to four environmentally-focused SDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 13 – Climate action, SDG 14 – Life below water and SDG 15 – Life on land.
Additional information on ECCC’s SEAs is available on ECCC’s SEA web page.
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