Departmental overview for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change: chapter 1

Welcome to Environment and Climate Change Canada

Introduction

Portfolio overview

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s Environment Portfolio consists of the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and two agencies:

• Parks Canada Agency, responsible for national parks, historic sites, and national marine conservation areas
• Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, responsible for impact assessments and coordinating Crown Indigenous consultation for potential major projects

Raison d’être

ECCC is the lead federal department for strategic action on a wide range of environmental matters including:

• taking action on clean growth and climate change
• preventing and managing pollution
• conserving nature
• predicting weather and environmental conditions

The Department’s program focus reflects the interdependence of environmental sustainability and economic well-being.

The Department’s mandate is carried out through engagements with its strategic partners including provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples, monitoring, science-based research, policy and through regulatory development and the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.

Senior leadership team and organizational structure

Christine Hogan, Deputy Minister

Throughout her public service career of more than 30 years, Christine has contributed to a diverse set of public-policy issues ranging from international relations and development to trade policy, science and technology, and environment and energy. She has held a variety of positions within the Government of Canada, including Vice President of Strategic Policy and Performance at the Canadian International Development Agency (now Global Affairs Canada); Director of Operations, Priorities and Planning, Privy Council Office; and Director of International Affairs at Environment Canada.

Christine has also been a visiting executive with Encana and an Advisor to the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, in Nairobi, Kenya.

She holds a Bachelor of Public Administration (Honours) from Carleton University and is a Yale University World Fellow.

Paul Halucha, Associate Deputy Minister

Throughout his public service career he has worked on economic policy issues including during many years at Industry Canada / Innovation, Science and Economic Development. His roles have included Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry Sector, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister, Deputy Director of the Investment Canada Act and Director General of Marketplace Framework Policies. File responsibilities included: sectoral policies for defence, aerospace, manufacturing and automotive industries; competition and intellectual property; procurement, trade and investment policy; and industrial policy design.

Paul graduated from the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs and is married with two children and two grandchildren.

Climate Change Branch

The Climate Change Branch (CCB) leads the coordination, development and implementation of Canada’s climate policy, programs, and plan in collaboration with partners to support Canada’s objectives to drive a clean economy, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and build Canada’s resilience to a changing climate. The Branch’s work includes coordinating with federal departments and agencies; engaging with provinces and territories and Indigenous peoples on climate-related issues; delivering climate programs and services; and publishing reports on progress towards achieving Canada’s climate goals.

Matt Jones, Assistant Deputy Minister (on training)

Douglas Nevison, Senior Economic Advisor to the Deputy Minister and Acting Assistant Deputy Minister

Meteorological Service of Canada

The Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) is the primary supplier of meteorological and water resources information in Canada. MSC issues forecasts, warnings, conducts research and provides information about the past, present and future conditions of the atmosphere, climate, water, air quality, ice and related environment. Weather forecasts and warnings are provided to Canadians 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help protect their safety, security and property. MSC maintains a Canada-wide observation network to monitor changes in the weather, climate, water, ice and air quality to obtain the data which is the foundation of weather and environmental prediction.

Diane Campbell, Assistant Deputy Minister

Diane has led major transformation initiatives, focused on workplace analysis and succession, and championed workplace and workforce wellness. She is Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Co-Champion, with a union representative, for mental health and respect in the workplace.

Science and Technology Branch

Science and Technology Branch (STB) is Canada’s leader in environmental science. STB undertakes fundamental work to monitor, understand, and evaluate changes and emerging threats in Canada’s ecosystems. This is done through atmospheric and climate modelling, aquatic ecosystems and long-term water quality monitoring, wildlife and landscape science and chemical risk assessment and regulatory activities. STB generates data-driven knowledge and leads science advice to inform policies, regulations, enforcement, and federal and international codes and standards.

Marc D’Iorio, Assistant Deputy Minister

Marc is Canada’s Focal Point on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Canada’s Permanent Representative to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI). In recent years, Marc played a pivotal role in leading electrification and decarbonisation of transport sectoral tables across government.

Prior to joining ECCC, Marc was the Director General, Office of Energy Research and Development at Natural Resources Canada.

Strategic Policy Branch

The Strategic Policy Branch (SPB) has a leadership role within the Department in a number of areas, including strategic policy development, agenda management, policy planning, results and delivery, Indigenous and intergovernmental affairs, economic analysis, sustainable development strategies and indicators, regional analysis, outreach and program delivery. Through the Regional Directors General Offices, the Branch supports the Department’s overall goals and objectives by managing relations with the regions and associated key stakeholders.

Hilary Geller, Assistant Deputy Minister

Hilary has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto, and a Master in Business Administration from York University.

Environmental Protection Branch

The Environmental Protection Branch (EPB) implements legislation, regulations and other policies and programs that protect Canadians and the environment. In particular, the branch works with other federal departments, provinces and territories, aboriginal people, municipalities, industry and environmental non-governmental organizations on clean air and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission regulations, chemical substances management, environmental emergencies as well as on advancing the Government's plastics and waste agenda.

John Moffet, Assistant Deputy Minister

Helen Ryan, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister

Canadian Wildlife Service

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) conserves species and spaces by administering conservation programs. The Branch protects and manages recovery of species at risk and their critical habitat as well as conserves, protects, and sustainably manages to foster healthy populations of migratory birds and other wildlife. The Branch conserves, restores and protects significant habitats by developing and implementing stewardship programs, establishing and maintaining a network of protected areas, and enabling and supporting partnerships for the integrated management of Canada's natural capital. In addition, the Branch advances national biodiversity policies and partnerships and fulfills international responsibilities; and supports coordinated and coherent national assessment, monitoring, research, planning, action, and compliance promotion and enforcement to protect biodiversity.

Tara Shannon, Assistant Deputy Minister

Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies and Economics) from the University of Victoria, and a Master of Arts (Theory and Practice of Human Rights) from the University of Essex.

International Affairs Branch

The International Affairs Branch (IAB) supports and facilitates policy development, integration and coordination of the Government of Canada’s international climate action and environmental interests.

IAB works with experts across ECCC and other departments, including Global Affairs Canada, to advance Canada’s priorities and positions on bilateral, multilateral, regional and global climate change and environmental issues. The Branch supports Canada’s negotiation and implementation of international environmental agreements, environmental provisions in free trade agreements, and provides strategic advice to the Minister, the Deputy Minister and senior management on international relations and activities, including on Canada’s clean technology sector.

Catherine Stewart, Assistant Deputy Minister

With over 25 years in the federal government, Catherine has held various positions in domestic and international policy including as Director, Strategic Policy and Integration related to fighter jet procurement at Public Works and Government Services Canada and as an executive at the Privy Council Office where she supported Cabinet decision-making on social and economic policy priorities.

She worked on defence and security policy at the Department of National Defence over the span of a decade, taking on increasingly more challenging policy development and management roles, including preparing Cabinet submissions, leading the ministerial speechwriting team and managing Canada’s participation in the NATO Alliance.

Prior to joining the federal government, Catherine worked on a United Nations peacekeeping and electoral mission in Mozambique.

Corporate Services and Finance Branch

The Corporate Services and Finance Branch (CSFB) supports programs in the allocation and sound management of funds, assets, and contracts; provides IM and IT solutions and support; delivers on government-wide enterprise initiatives; ensures a secure and inclusive workplace environment and develops corporate tools and reports to demonstrate alignment of departmental priorities, results and accountabilities to the Canadian public.

Linda Drainville, Assistant Deputy Minister

Leading up to this position, Linda served as the DND/CAF Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Director General, Financial Operations and Services. Before joining DND/CAF, Linda was the CFO of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Throughout her career, Linda has also occupied various notable positions in the fields of finance, audit, and forensic accounting, more specifically with the United Nations, the Office of the Auditor General, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well as the Canada Revenue Agency.

Linda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Major in Accounting) from the University of Québec in Montréal. She also holds a Diploma in Investigative and Forensic Accounting from the University of Toronto. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a Certified Fraud Examiner, and is certified in Financial Forensics.

Public Affairs and Communications Branch

The Public Affairs and Communications Branch (PACB) provides full-service communications support including speeches, web publications, and social media engagement, as well as support for Ministerial media and event logistics. PACB is also comprised of the Corporate Secretariat and the Innovation and Youth Engagement Division; the latter supports engagement with youth both internally and externally. The Corporate Secretariat provides effective departmental and ministerial support, including in relation to Cabinet affairs, parliamentary business, and Governor in Council and ministerial appointments.

Michael Zinck, Assistant Deputy Minister

Michael began his career in regional economic development in Moncton, New Brunswick following work in the international field including non-governmental organization activities in Kenya and Cuba. Michael has a diverse range of experience in strategic communications, ministerial liaison services and economic development policy.

Michael has a Bachelor of Political Science from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University. Michael is also a certified sommelier.

Ambassador for Climate Change’s Office

Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change is responsible for providing advice on climate change considerations in Canada's international priorities. She leads bilateral engagements with partner countries on clean growth and climate change and represents Canada in international cooperative initiatives related to climate change. She also promotes Canada's clean growth and climate change priorities.

Patricia Fuller, Ambassador for Climate Change

In Ottawa, Patricia has specialized in trade and economic policy, as well as climate change and energy. At Canada’s foreign ministry, she served as Deputy Director for Trade Remedies (1997-1999), Director of the Softwood Lumber Division (2003-2004), Chief Economist (2007-2010), Director General of Planning and Reporting (2010-2012) and Director General of Economic Development (2017-2018).

She was seconded to Natural Resources Canada from 2015 to 2017, to head up the Office of Energy Efficiency. She also managed environment and climate change files earlier in her career while working at the Privy Council Office, where she supported the Cabinet Committee on Economic and Regional Development Policy from 2000 to 2003.

Patricia holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and Political Studies from Queen’s University, and a Master of Science with distinction from the London School of Economics.

Human Resources Branch

The Human Resources Branch (HRB) is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated framework of human resources strategies, policies, programs and advisory services. To that end, HRB is responsible for identifying departmental needs with regard to human resources and people management, including the development of associated health and safety measures, learning and recruitment strategies, as well as strategies and initiatives to enable the Department to recruit, develop and retain a representative workforce, including an accessibility strategy and a diversity, inclusion and employment equity strategy.

Jocelyne Kharyati, Chief Human Resources Management Officer

Since her arrival at ECCC in January 2015, she has been involved in several initiatives, including the onboarding to Phoenix and MyGCHR. In 2017, Jocelyne accepted to co-chair an interdepartmental committee to conduct a root-cause analysis of Phoenix pay issues and support evidence-based decision making. Most recently, Jocelyne was Chief Audit Executive and Head of Evaluation from September 2020 to March 2021.

Prior to this, she occupied executive positions in human resources at Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canada School of Public Service.

Jocelyne obtained a Baccalaureate in Science from the University of Ottawa, as well as, a Diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. In 2019, she completed the University of Ottawa Certificate Program in Public Sector Leadership and Governance.

Audit and Evaluation Branch

The Audit and Evaluation Branch (AEB) provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services in the areas of governance, risk management and internal controls, guided by the Treasury Board Policy on Internal Audit and the Directive on Internal Audit. The Branch develops departmental audit and evaluation plans in consultation with other branches, which are normally on a two year horizon approved by the Deputy Minister based on the recommendation of the Departmental Audit Committee.

Christopher MacDonald, Director General, Chief Audit Executive and Head of Evaluation

Earlier, he worked for the Office of Audit and Inspection at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium and held various audit, evaluation, and related positions in a number of Canadian federal public service organizations - including the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

Christopher is a former Chair of member services for the Institute of Internal Auditors (Ottawa Chapter). He is currently the President of the Board at École Élisabeth-Bruyère in Kanata, Ontario.

He is a Certified Internal Auditor and has a certification in risk management assurance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Francis Xavier University, a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Dalhousie University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Queen’s University.

Enforcement Branch

The Enforcement Branch (EB) is responsible for enforcing Canadian environmental and wildlife acts and regulations through the work of on-the-ground enforcement officers across Canada who are designated under specific legislation and are granted a variety of powers. The Branch’s mandate is to enforce the environmental and wildlife acts and related regulations in a fair, predictable and consistent manner. In collaboration with several Environment and Climate Change Canada programs and other provincial, national and international partners, the Branch works to ensure that individuals and companies comply with applicable legislation in order to protect and conserve the environment, wildlife and their habitat.

Anne-Marie Pelletier, Chief Enforcement Officer

Between 2007 and 2016, she occupied various executive positions at the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Public Services and Procurement Canada. Between 2000 and 2007, she also worked at Environment Canada in the areas of environmental stewardship, international affairs and climate change.

Anne-Marie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science with a specialization in Natural Resources Management from Université Laval.

Legal Services

The Department of Justice provides legal services, including advisory services, litigation support and legislative and regulatory drafting support to the Environment Portfolio primarily through its Environment Department Legal Services Unit (LSU). The role of the Environment LSU is to provide in-house legal counsel services to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Parks Canada Agency and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and to act as a Centre of Expertise in the area of environmental law for Justice Canada and the Government of Canada.

Hélène Sheedy, Executive Director and Senior General Counsel*

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and an LLB in Common Law from the University of Ottawa. She was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986.

*Employee of Justice Canada

Regional and Associate Regional Directors General (by region)

Anna Classen, Regional Director General, West and North

Anna began her career in the field of post-secondary education with a national not-for-profit Indigenous economic development organization; spent time with the City of Edmonton in intergovernmental affairs; worked in policy and planning with Western Economic Diversification Canada; was an analyst with the Privy Council Office on intergovernmental, public safety, environment and natural resource files; and, was a lead on Indigenous consultations while with NRCan.

Nadine Stiller, Associate Regional Director General, West and North

Nadine joined the federal government at Fisheries and Oceans Canada as an Impact Assessment Biologist. She lives in Winnipeg and graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Science degree in Biology and Environmental Studies.

Susan Humphrey, Acting Regional Director General, Ontario

She was appointed into her substantive position, Associate Regional Director General, Ontario Region, in July 2013. Immediately prior to that posting, she served for four years as the Regional Director of the Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Region, where her activities centered on protecting and enhancing the resilience of native species and their habitat, particularly species at risk.

Susan received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from York University in Toronto, Canada.

Geoffrey Mercer, Regional Director General, Atlantic and Quebec

Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Geoff was raised and educated in Newfoundland and Labrador where he obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Science (Biology) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is also a graduate of the Queen’s Public Executive Development Program and the Canada School of Public Service’s DirEXion program.

Jean Pruneau, Associate Regional Director General, Atlantic and Quebec

Prior to his employment at Health Canada, Jean worked in a succession of policy and operational positions.

Workforce overview

The Department was created in 1971, with some of its component organizations having an even longer history:

• the Canadian Wildlife Service was founded in 1947
• the Water Survey of Canada in 1908
• the Meteorological Service of Canada in 1871
• 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the department and the 150th anniversary for the Meteorological Service of Canada

Financial overview 2021-2022

Approximately 38% of funding for departmental programs and activities is directed to third parties through grants and contributions

Includes the Main Estimates 2021-22 and the Supplementary Estimates (A) 2021-22

Note: Amounts have been rounded to the nearest million.

Partnerships

We cannot tackle environmental issues alone. Partnerships are a fundamental way of doing business.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is committed to renewing a nation-to-nation relationship with the Indigenous peoples of Canada based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. The Department works with the governments, communities, and organizations of the Indigenous peoples of Canada – including First Nations, Métis and Inuit – to support their environmental stewardship and objectives, and to advance the Department’s programs and priorities.

The Government of Canada shares jurisdiction over environmental matters with the provinces and territories. ECCC works with provincial and territorial governments and these relationships are fostered through bilateral agreements as well as through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and other multilateral fora on specific issues such as domestic and international climate change, wildlife, species at risk and ecological areas, water, and environmental protection.

There are few major environmental issues for which we can find causes or solutions solely within Canadian borders. Canada needs to cooperate effectively with other nations whose policies and activities affect the quality of the environment, and to find effective solutions to global environmental challenges. Canada also has international environmental obligations under various agreements and fora. The international dimension of ECCC’s work is important to achieve Canada’s international and domestic goals.

ECCC also works closely with non-governmental and national industry organizations.

Legislative mandate and authority overview

These core responsibilities are supported through a variety of important horizontal functions including:

• scientific research and environmental monitoring
• policy and economic analysis
• international cooperation and negotiation
• regulatory and enforcement work
• reporting and communications

More information about the core responsibilities is presented in the Departmental Plan and the Departmental Results Report.

Taking action on clean growth and climate change

Climate change is a global threat – with significant impacts on the economy, biodiversity, and society. The effects of climate change are evident around the world, and projected to intensify. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report, released August 9, 2021, is unequivocal that warming of the climate is due to human influence and that unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5°C or even 2°C will be beyond reach. Canada’s actions to address climate change at home and abroad are guided by climate science and the Paris Agreement goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. Climate action is required to mitigate climate risks (such as flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, spread of infectious disease), support sustainable economic growth, and ensure Canada’s global competitiveness.

ECCC is responsible for:

• leading Canada’s climate policy development
• overseeing and coordinating whole-of-government implementation of Canada’s Climate Plans
• delivering climate programs and services
• engaging with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners on climate related issues
• leading Canada’s effort on international climate change negotiations and engaging in international cooperation
• contributing scientific research and expertise, including at the international level
• supporting work on clean technology

Preventing and managing pollution

Safeguarding the health and safety of Canadians requires protecting the environment from harmful pollutants in our air, land and water. Air pollution is linked to the premature death of around 14,600 Canadians per year and more and more of us are now living in areas with poor air quality. In Canada, about 3 million tonnes of plastics are discarded every year and close to 30,000 tonnes ends up in our natural environment. While water quality in Canada is generally fair to good, there are significant regional and local concerns. To address these issues, ECCC monitors contaminants in the air, water, and soil; develops and administers environmental standards, laws and regulations; and delivers other programs.

ECCC is responsible for:

• protecting Canadians and their environment from harmful substances by delivering Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan with Health Canada
• implementing water pollution prevention provisions and developing regulations under the Fisheries Act and under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)
• leading watershed initiatives in collaboration with provincial governments, Indigenous communities and stakeholders
• minimizing the impacts of environmental emergencies on Canadians and their environment
• regulating transboundary movements of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material
• advancing Zero Plastic Waste through a circular economy

Conserving nature

Nature provides benefits we all depend on for survival, security, and well-being. The rate of species extinctions is accelerating with up to 25% of all species threatened with extinction globally. ECCC plays an important leadership role in addressing this biodiversity crisis. Biodiversity is a shared responsibility in Canada with the vast majority of crown land administered by provinces and territories.

ECCC is responsible for:

• the protection and recovery of species at risk and their critical habitats
• the conservation and protection of healthy populations of migratory birds
• engaging and enabling provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, and the public to increase protected areas and contributes to conservation and stewardship activities
• expanding and managing the Department’s protected areas
• collaborating with domestic and international partners to advance the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development

Predicting weather and environmental conditions

2021-2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the Meteorological Service of Canada and its long history of serving Canadians with accurate and timely information on weather and environmental conditions to help them make decisions about their health, safety and economic well-being.

ECCC is responsible for:

• monitoring weather, water, air quality and climate conditions
• providing forecasts, information and warnings to the Canadian public and targeted sectors through a range of service delivery options
• conducting research
• developing and maintaining computer-based models for predicting weather and other environmental conditions
• collaborating and exchanging data with other national meteorological services and with international organizations