Health Canada's 2020-21 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Work with partners on climate change.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Increase knowledge, capacity and tools to support evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat as a result of climate change.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
By increasing knowledge, capacity, and tools, Health Canada helps decision-makers, such as health regions, develop and implement evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat resulting from climate change. For example, Health Canada's efforts support the creation and maintenance of heat alert and response systems, real-time heat morbidity and mortality surveillance systems, the dissemination of heat health information, and the development of training materials. These efforts are important in protecting health since the frequency of extreme heat events in many Canadian locations is modelled to at least double by 2050. This work therefore contributes to the FSDS goal of effective action on climate change.

This work links to SDG 13: Climate Action and targets 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals and target 17.17.

Starting Point: At the end of March 2018, 73% of health regions in Canada had implemented evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of health regions implementing evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat.
Target: 80% by March 31, 2026.
Results to be Achieved: As of March 19, 2021, 79% of health regions implemented evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat. Key activities conducted by Health Canada include:

• supported Nova Scotia Health Authority to establish a Heat Alert and Response System;
• convened two meetings of the National Heat Community of Practice to support knowledge translation and share best practices with key partners and stakeholders;
• developed new health promotion materials for the general public, and training materials for health professionals.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Conduct climate change and health research and analysis with a broad range of partners, and disseminate information regarding the risks of climate change to the health of Canadians and the health system.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
By conducting research and analysis, and disseminating information, Health Canada helps inform effective action on climate change. For example, the upcoming report Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action will provide information on current and projected impacts from climate change on the health of individual Canadians, their communities and health systems. This supports the development of needed adaptations by health and emergency management decision-makers at local, provincial/territorial and national levels, as well as by community organizations that work with the most vulnerable in our society. As such, this report will support initiatives that contribute to the FSDS goal of effective action on climate change.

This work links to SDG 1: No Poverty and target 1.5; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and target 11.b; SDG 13: Climate Action and targets 13.1, 13.2, and 13.3; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals and target 17.17.

Starting Point:
Previous assessments, including Human Health in a Changing Climate: a Canadian assessment of vulnerabilities and adaptive capacity (2008) and “Chapter 7: Human Health” in Canada in a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation (2014) are available online.
Performance Indicator: Public release of the Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action report.
Target: By December 2021.
Results to be Achieved: The report Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action is on track to be publicly released by December 2021.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Provide support and funding for climate resilience.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Provide funding to support the health sector in preparing and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
Funding provided through HealthADAPT, a climate change and health adaptation capacity building program, supports health authorities (including provincial/territorial ministries of health; province-wide, regional and local health authorities; and public health units) to deliver projects that will help prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. Results from the HealthADAPT projects will ultimately help facilitate climate change adaptation across Canada, with the aim of building climate resilience and protecting human health.
This funding supports the FSDS goal by helping to fund evidence-based action on climate change.

This work links to SDG 1: No Poverty and target 1.5; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and target 3.4; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and target 11.b; SDG 13: Climate Action and targets 13.1 and 13.3; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals and target 17.17.

Starting Point: The Climate Change and Health Adaptation Capacity Building Program was launched in June 2018.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of funded health system actors that have taken evidence-based adaptation measures to reduce the health effects of climate change.
Target: 80% by March 31, 2022.
Results to be Achieved: The majority (80% – 8/10), of HealthADAPT climate change adaptation projects are on track. Many are in the initial stages of drafting climate change vulnerability assessments, which will help inform adaptation plans to be completed in 2021-22, the final year of funding.

FSDS Target
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral). 

FSDS Contributing Actions
All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Adopt and maintain approaches and activities that reduce Health Canada's energy use and improve the overall environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to reduce GHG emissions from facilities by reducing the demand for energy or supporting the switch to lower carbon sources of energy. These contributions are made by: establishing processes to track and publicly report on GHG emissions from Health Canada-owned facilities; facilitating planning to ensure that environmental performance can be reported; and increasing awareness about opportunities to improve the energy efficiency in our operations.

This work links to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and target 7.3.

Starting Point: GHG emissions from buildings in fiscal year 2005-06 = 20.8ktCO₂e.
Performance Indicator: Percentage change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 – GHG emissions from buildings in 2020-21 (ktCO₂e).
Target: 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (includes fleet and facilities).
Results Met: By March 31, 2021, Health Canada reduced GHG emissions from facilities by 61% from the 2005-06 baseline.
Total emissions:

• 8,014 tCO₂e

Energy use intensity:

• 2,500 MJ/m²

GHG emission intensity by floor space:

• 100.0 kgCO₂/m²

Density of use:

• 1 workstation/13.4 m²

Note: Health Canada counts workstations as opposed to employees to determine density of use. For 2020-21 reporting, laboratory space was removed from the equation resulting in greater density.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of custodial facilities with building-level water meters.
Target: 100% by 2022 in order to start reporting total potable water use.
Results Met: 100% of Health Canada's custodial facilities have building-level water meters, which will allow the department to begin reporting total potable water use in 2022.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Number of outreach initiatives/messages designed for lab employees related to energy efficiency.
Target 1: 4 close the sash initiatives by March 31, 2021.
Target 2: At least one freezer clean-up day for sub80 freezers (annual).

Results Target 1
Not Met: In 2020-21, a “Chemical Fume Hoods and Energy Consumption” message was sent to lab employees at Health Canada. The messaging included general information as well as opportunities to reduce energy consumption (e.g. “close the sash” advice). The message will be sent quarterly in 2021-22, as a reminder.
Results Target 2
Not Met: A “Refrigeration and Energy Efficiency” message was sent to laboratory staff in April 2021. A department-wide clean-up day will not be undertaken as these activities occur on a lab-specific established schedule.

FSDS Target
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral).
FSDS Contributing Actions
Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Identify opportunities to facilitate awareness about energy use and technologies that improve environmental performance in order to improve the environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to reduce GHG emissions from facilities by enabling an understanding and use of the range of applications of clean technology in building operations, including RETScreen, to inform decisions and raise awareness about energy use. These efforts help Health Canada to ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support more efficient production and consumption by improving the environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings.

This work links to SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure and target 9.4.

Starting Point: In 2019-20, Health Canada began using RETScreen, a Clean Energy Management Software system for energy efficiency, renewable energy and cogeneration project feasibility analysis, as well as ongoing energy performance analysis.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of building fit-ups, refits, major* investments and new construction projects that use RETScreen to inform decisions.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, no building fit-ups, refits, major* investments or new construction projects were undertaken that required RETScreen to be used to inform decisions. Health Canada, with the assistance of Natural Resources Canada, used RETScreen technology to develop an energy consumption portfolio analysis that depicts Health Canada's energy consumption trends.
Using RETScreen software in the energy consumption portfolio analysis allows building managers to measure and verify building performance and review potential energy- and cost-saving opportunities. Specifically, the software can assess the technical and financial viability of potential renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

* The Greening Government Strategy - Real Property Guidance has defined “major” as “Projects in which changes proposed to the building envelope and HVAC systems or the proposed value of work is more than 50% of the assessed value of the building”.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Number of energy performance feasibility analyses completed in partnership with Natural Resources Canada.
Target: n=1 – Health Protection Laboratory in Longueuil, QC.
Results Not Met: Work to advance the energy performance feasibility analysis was delayed due to limited access to the building during COVID-19. A site visit is required to upload all building mechanical data into RETScreen.
It is anticipated that the site visit will be completed in 2021-22 in order to provide a better understanding of GHG emissions from the lab and to support measures related to climate change impact mitigation and adaptation.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Number of energy performance contracts initiated to improve low-carbon performance of buildings.
Target: n=1 – Radiation Protection Building in Ottawa, Ontario.
Results Met: An energy performance contract was completed for the Radiation Protection Building in Ottawa, Ontario. Based on the subsequent Building Recommissioning Report completed in 2020, Health Canada identified a prioritized list of recommendations to be implemented to improve the energy performance of the building. These included a roofing project and Building Automation and Control System training as per the report recommendations.

FSDS Target
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral).
FSDS Contributing Actions
Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Use telematics analysis to right-size the fleet.
Promote behavior change – e.g. car sharing initiatives and public transportation options.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to reduce GHG emissions from fleet. The established practice of using telematics technology helps to inform decisions related to departmental fleet such as identifying opportunities to retire higher emitting vehicles.

This work links to SDG 13: Climate Action.

Starting Point: GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2005-06 = 1.6ktCO₂e.
Performance Indicator: Percentage change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06.

• GHG emissions from fleet in 2020-21.
• Overall fuel consumption (LGE).

Target: 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (includes fleet and facilities).
Results Met: In 2020-21, GHG emissions from the fleet were 158 tCO₂eq (0.158 k tCO₂eq), with an overall fuel consumption of 67,747 gasoline litres equivalent (GLE). This represents a 90% reduction from the 2005-06 baseline and achievement of the Government of Canada's target to reduce GHG emissions by 40% by 2030.

Starting Point: Annual target.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of employee air travel booked centrally to allow for tracking of GHG emissions.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21,100% of employee air travel was booked centrally. (Note: due to COVID-19, employee air travel was lower in 2020-21 compared with previous years).

FSDS Target
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Other.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022.
Assess the waste stream to inform future decisions and options to divert operational waste from landfills.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to divert non-hazardous operational waste from landfills. Activities supporting waste diversion decisions and processes (e.g. waste audits, tracking and reporting) ultimately help to reduce Scope 3 emissions by diverting waste from landfills, reducing landfill gas and transport hauling emissions. Also, recovering material through recycling initiatives helps reduce emissions generated by the extraction and production of virgin materials.

This work links to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.5.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of non-hazardous operational waste diverted.*

* Applies to facilities over 10,000m² within a municipality with a population of over 100,000 and/or where waste diversion services are available.

Target: Report on waste diversion rates and disposal methods by 2022.*

* Diversion percentages based on industry average weight by waste stream multiplied by number of bins collected at each site.

Results to be Achieved: Data and recommendations from waste audits that were completed at Health Canada's custodial facilities in the National Capital Region (NCR) in 2020 will be used to identify next steps for reporting on non-hazardous operational waste diverted by 2022.

Starting Point: In 2019-20, Health Canada completed waste audits in its custodial facilities in the National Capital Region.
Performance Indicator: Diversion indicators will be developed once data from the audits has been analyzed.
Target: Identification of priority diversion options by September 2020.
Results Met: Based on analysis from the waste audits that were completed at Health Canada's custodial facilities in the National Capital Region in 2020, composting was identified as a priority diversion option. Data indicated that a composting program could potentially capture and redirect 20-39% of the waste stream from landfill.

FSDS Target
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Other.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022.
Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings.
Implement initiatives and processes to facilitate plastic waste diversion from Health Canada's operations.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to divert plastic waste from landfills. Activities supporting waste diversion decisions and process (e.g. reporting on diverted plastic waste) ultimately help to reduce Scope 3 emissions by diverting waste from landfills, reducing landfill gas and transport hauling emissions. Also, recovering material through recycling initiatives helps reduce emissions generated by the extraction and production of virgin materials (e.g. nitrile glove recycling).

This work links to SDG 12: ResponsibleConsumption and Production and target 12.5.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of plastic waste diverted.*

* Applies to facilities over 10,000m² within a municipality with a population of over 100,000 and/or where waste diversion services are available.

Target: Report on waste diversion rates by 2022.*

* Pending clarification regarding the industry standard for co-mingled waste streams at the point of collection.

Results to be Achieved: Data* and recommendations from the waste audits that were completed at Health Canada's custodial facilities in the National Capital Region in 2020 will be used to identify next steps for reporting on plastic waste diverted by 2022.

* Data indicates that 1,249 kg/year of plastic waste is currently diverted from landfill and recycled.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Health Canada's laboratories with access to the nitrile glove recycling program.
Target: 100% by March 30, 2021.
Results Not Met: In 2020-21, work on this initiative was delayed. In 2021-22, Health Canada will source a government-approved service provider through Public Services and Procurement Canada to enhance the existing recycling program in departmental labs.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: An indicator will be established following the development of a laboratory plastics recycling program.
Target: Program developed by March 31, 2021.
Results Met: Health Canada's recycling program integrates both office and laboratory plastics, metals and other recyclable materials.

Starting Point: In 2019-20, Health Canada approved an Internal Policy on the Reduction and Diversion of Single-Use Plastics, as well as a supporting Directive to address single-use plastics at departmental meetings and events.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of meeting and event summary reports completed and submitted for tracking purposes.

• Number of single-use plastic items eliminated.
• Number of reporting templates submitted.

Target: 100% completion in 2021-22 for:

• branch award/recognition events;
• department-wide events (e.g. National Public Service Week, Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign).

Results Met: In 2020-21, the internal policy on the Reduction and Diversion of Single-Use Plastics and the supporting Directive to Reduce and Divert Single-Use Plastic from Meetings and Events were made available to departmental employees on the Health Canada intranet.

Due to COVID-19, the majority of employees were working remotely in 2020-21, and there were no in-person meetings or events that were within the scope of the Policy and Directive. However, in response to the shift in work environment, Health Canada adjusted communications messaging to employees to encourage environmentally sustainable practices at home, including suggestions to reduce single-use plastics.

FSDS Target
Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030).
FSDS Contributing Actions
Other.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Track and disclose our waste diversion rates by 2022.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to divert construction and demolition waste from landfills. Activities supporting waste diversion decisions and processes (e.g. tracking and publicly reporting diversion of construction and demolition waste) ultimately help to reduce Scope 3 emissions by diverting waste from landfills, and reducing landfill gas and transport hauling emissions.

This work links to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and target 12.5.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of construction and demolition waste diverted.*

* When projects meet the minimum threshold of $5 million and in areas where commercial waste services are available.

Target: Report on waste diversion rates and disposal methods by 2022.
Results Met: In 2020-21, no projects were undertaken that met the minimum threshold of $5 million.

FSDS Target
Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) by 2030.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Use telematics analysis to right-size the fleet.
Increase the percentage of departmental fleet that are ZEV or hybrid, whenever operationally feasible.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to reduce GHG emissions from fleet. The use of telematics helps to inform decisions and planning related to fleet purchases, which facilitates replacement of conventional vehicles over their lifetimes with ZEVs. Work to advance a National Fleet Management Strategy will also enable Health Canada to continue to examine ways to support reductions in GHG emissions from fleet.

This work links to SDG 13: Climate Action.

Starting Point: Annual target.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of vehicles logged via telematics.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of fleet vehicles logged data via telematics.

Starting point: In 2019-20, Health Canada had 188 vehicles in its administrative fleet, 23 of which were ZEV or hybrids.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases that are ZEV or hybrid.

• Total number of vehicles in administrative fleet in 2020-21.
• Total number of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicles purchased in 2020-21.
• Total number of ZEV or hybrid purchased in 2020-21.

Target: 75% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of vehicles purchased (9 of 9) were hybrid (6) or ZEV (3).

• Total number of vehicles in administrative fleet in 2020-21 was 170.
• Total number of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicles purchased in 2020-21 was 9.
• Total number of ZEV or hybrid purchased in 2020-21 was 9.

Starting Point: In 2019-20, Health Canada had 3 executive vehicles in its fleet, 1 of which was ZEV or hybrid.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of executive vehicle purchases that are ZEV or hybrid.

• Total number of new executive vehicles purchased in 2020-21.
• Total number of ZEV or hybrid purchases in 2020-21.

Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, Health Canada procured no new executive vehicles.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Relevant indicators will be established following the development of a National Fleet Management Strategy for the department that enables a fleet that is reliable, available, right-sized and “green”.
Target: Strategy and supporting implementation plan developed by March 31, 2021.
Results Not Met: In 2020-21, due to a shift in priorities, focus was placed on the finalization of a new Fleet Standard for the department rather than the development of a Fleet Management Strategy. The Fleet Standard is a guidance document that serves as the framework for effective and proactive fleet management for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

FSDS Target
By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect federal assets, services and operations across the country.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and operations supports the FSDS target to reduce climate change risk to assets, services and operations. Activities that increase the understanding of climate change impacts, and maximize the use of existing tools and information sources (e.g. Building Condition Reports, Building Specific Continuity Plans) help to support the department's ability to adapt to a changing climate.

This work links to SDG 13: Climate Action.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Specific indicators will be established following completion of a climate change risk assessment.
Target: Completed by March 31, 2021.
Results Not Met: In 2020-21, work on the climate change risk assessment was delayed in order to prioritize the response to COVID-19. In 2021-22, planning will be initiated to advance the climate change risk assessment, using the government-approved list of service providers updated by Public Services and Procurement Canada as of April 1, 2021 to address sustainability, climate mitigation and energy and climate adaptation.

Starting Point: Annual target.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Building Condition Reports that are modified to identify potential climate-related exposures.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: 100% of Building Condition Reports are consistently used by Health Canada to make informed decisions on greening building systems, including identifying and implementing mitigation measures from potential climate-related exposures.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of site-specific climate change vulnerability and risk assessments completed on Health Canada-owned fixed assets.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Not Met: In 2020-21, work on the departmental climate change risk assessment was delayed in order to prioritize the department's response to COVID-19. However, data related to climate vulnerability of Health Canada-owned fixed assets in the NCR was collected. This data will help to inform the completion of the broader climate change risk assessment going forward.

Starting Point: Annual target.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of building-specific continuity plans that include climate change mitigation and adaptation measures for Level 1 Client Services.
Target: 100% (annual).

Results Not Met: In 2020-21, Branch Continuity Plans (BCPs) were activated to focus on the response to COVID-19. Opportunities to update BCPs, which include building-specific continuity plans, to reflect climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, will be examined following the pandemic when BCPs are de-activated. To maximize coverage, in 2021-22, the department will focus on updating laboratories' Building Emergency Response Plans (BERP) to include site-specific climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

FSDS Target
By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations.

FSDS Contributing Actions
By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council (NRC) Canada.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Integrate climate change adaptation into the design, construction and operation aspects of real property projects.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to adopt the NRC-developed climate-resilient building codes. Early adoption of the codes in the construction of buildings (e.g. through integration of building code requirements at the design stage) and integrating adaptation in construction and operations demonstrates federal leadership in establishing climate resilient building standards.

This work links to SDG 13: Climate Action.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of real property projects that integrate climate resilient building codes and NRC energy and building code requirements in the project design process.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, no real property projects were undertaken that required consideration of climate resilient building codes and the NRC energy and building code requirements.

FSDS Target
Use 100% clean electricity by 2025.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Other.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Purchase megawatt hours of renewable electricity equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid. This includes the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to use 100% clean electricity by 2025 (e.g. through the purchase and use of renewable electricity). The use of clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions in jurisdictions with emitting generation sources.

This work links to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and target 7.2.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of clean electricity

• Electricity consumption (kWh) in 2020-21
• Electricity consumption (kWh) from non-emitting sources (including renewable energy certificates) in 2020-21

Target: 100% by March 31, 2025.
Results to be Achieved: Health Canada will begin purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset less renewable local energy production with electricity generated from renewable energy resources. The purchasing will be done via Public Services and Procurement Canada, once a government-approved list of service providers is finalized.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Specification of low embodied carbon materials in major construction and renovation contracts.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS goal of greening government. Specifying the need for low embodied carbon materials in major construction projects expands the market for alternative/greener methods and encourages industry to adopt low carbon extraction, production and disposal practices. This will reduce Scope 3 emissions and other harmful environmental impacts.

This work links to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of major* construction projects in which embodied carbon in building materials was minimized.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, no major* fit-ups, refits or new construction projects were undertaken.

* The Greening Government Strategy – Real Property Guidance has defined “major” as “Projects in which changes proposed to the building envelope and HVAC systems or the proposed value of work is more than 50% of the assessed value of the building”.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Promote environmental sustainability by integrating environmental performance considerations into the departmental procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal, and ensuring there is the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
By considering relevant information and purchasing criteria that reflects the life-cycle of procurement decisions from acquisition to disposal, the activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS goal of greening government. These actions may also help facilitate transparency of supply chains regarding steps taken by suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver.

This work links to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and targets 12.5 and 12.7.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 100% of procurement related documents, guides, and tools posted on Health Canada's Materiel and Assets Management intranet site were reviewed and updated to reflect green procurement objectives.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of procurement related documents, guides, and tools posted on Health Canada's Materiel and Assets Management intranet site reviewed and updated to reflect green procurement objectives, where applicable.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of procurement related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada's Materiel and Assets Management Division intranet were reviewed. No updates were required as the content was still consistent with the green procurement objectives in the Government of Canada's Greening Government Strategy.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 95% of office supply purchased included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies (excluding purchases made on acquisition cards).
Performance Indicator: Percentage of office supply purchases that include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies (excluding purchases made on acquisition cards).
Target: 90% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 98% of in-scope office supplies included considerations of environmental impacts associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies. This included, for example, recycled content and environmental attributes of the supplier (such as efficient manufacturing processes, “green” offices, or recycling programs).

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 97% of information technology (IT) hardware purchases included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment (excluding laboratory and field equipment as well as purchases made on acquisition cards).
Performance Indicator: Percentage of IT hardware purchases that include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment (excluding laboratory and field equipment as well as purchases made on acquisition cards).*

* This is done in conjunction with Shared Services Canada and/or Public Services and Procurement Canada as the IT procurement authority.

Target: 95% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of in-scope IT hardware purchases (e.g. laptops) included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the equipment.
With regard to disposal, Health Canada used the services of Government of Canada Surplus as well as the Computers for Schools Program, which helps to extend the useful life of electronic equipment and reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Ensure specialists in material management and procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
By providing relevant training and information to employees about green procurement, Cost Center Managers are able to support procurement decisions that incorporate environmental considerations into purchasing. This work supports the FSDS goal of greening government. These actions may also help facilitate transparency of supply chains regarding steps taken by suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver.

This work links to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and targets 12.5 and 12.7.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management completed training on green procurement or had included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management completed the Canada School of Public Service's green procurement course or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Clean Drinking Water.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Work with partners on drinking water quality.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Develop and/or update health-based drinking water quality guidelines and guidance documents in collaboration with federal/provincial/territorial (FPT) partners.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS actions supporting the goal of clean drinking water. Health Canada works with other federal government departments and agencies and the provincial and territorial governments to establish the science-based Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, which are published in the Canada Gazette, Part I and online. These guidelines and related guidance documents are used by all jurisdictions in Canada as the basis for establishing their drinking water requirements. As a result, the development of these guidelines and guidance documents helps support the FSDS goal of ensuring all Canadians have access to safe drinking water in Canada.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and target 3.9; and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and target 6.1, 6.3 and 6.b.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 100% of planned final water quality guidelines/guidance documents were published in Canada Gazette, Part I and online.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of planned final water quality guidelines/guidance documents published in Canada Gazette, Part I and online.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Not Met: In 2020-21, 88% (7/8) of the planned final water quality guidelines/guidance documents were published in Canada Gazette, Part I and online.
In order to collect additional data from some provinces, one guideline document was not published. The updated document reflecting new data will be published in 2022-23.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food.
FSDS Contributing Action
Make healthier food choices easier.
Corresponding Departmental Action
Advance core components of the Healthy Eating Strategy, launched in 2016, which include: improving healthy eating information; strengthening labelling and claims, improving the nutrition quality of foods; and protecting vulnerable populations (e.g. marketing to children).

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS goal of Sustainable Food resulting in improvements to the overall food environment. By encouraging the uptake of Canada's Food Guide, a key component of the Healthy Eating Strategy, the department continued efforts to increase awareness about healthy eating habits and improved the reach of the Food Guide recommendations by facilitating their integration across various settings including schools, recreation facilities, and daycares.

This work links to SDG 2: Zero Hunger and targets 2.1 and 2.2 and SDG 3: Health and Well-Being.

Starting Point: In 2017, 28.6% of Canadians reported eating fruits and vegetables 5 or more times a day.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Canadians who report eating fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day.
Target: 30% by March 31, 2022.
Results to be Achieved: The result for the percentage of fruit and vegetable consumption reported by Canadians will be available in late 2022, through a specific fruit and vegetable module of the Canadian Community Health Survey, which will be conducted in 2021.

Starting Point: Baseline will be calculated using statistical analysis of the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) dietary intake data and food composition data (Canadian Nutrient File and food label information).
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Canadians who have trans fat intakes below 1% total energy intake.
Target: ≥90% by December 31, 2022.
Results to be Achieved: The target was met for the Canadian population. A baseline of 96.6% was established from the analysis of 2015 CCHS nutrition dietary data. This represents average intakes of Canadians. Further progress on this measure will be determined by March 31, 2024 taking all population subgroups into consideration.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food
FSDS Contributing Action
Use legislation and regulations to ensure safe food.
Corresponding Departmental Action
Re-design food regulations to reduce impediments that prevent industry from bringing innovative products to market (e.g. supplemented foods and foods that use new processes and technologies), while protecting the health and safety of Canadians.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS goal of Sustainable Food. In implementing food safety and nutritional quality regulations and standards for all foods sold in Canada under the authority of the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, Health Canada responds to emerging science and conducts pre-market safety assessments to ensure that decisions taken by the department protect the health and safety of Canadians.
Collaborating with international partners such as Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), with similar approaches to food safety assessments as Canada, reduces the duplication of work, informs future regulatory decisions, and provides an opportunity to share scientific expertise. For food producers, this collaborative initiative may reduce regulatory assessment costs, and streamline the food approval process.

This work links to SDG 2: Zero Hunger and target 2.1.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 100% of high-risk food safety and nutrition issues generated a regulatory or non-regulatory response (i.e., guidance documents, national strategies, regulatory amendments).
Performance Indicator: Percentage of high-risk food safety and nutrition issues which generate a regulatory or non-regulatory response.
Target: 100% by March 31, 2021 (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of high-risk food safety and nutrition issues generated a regulatory or non-regulatory response.
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve food safety and the efficiency and timeliness of its responses, Health Canada conducted a pilot project in 2020 to assess the safety of a genetically modified food that was not yet authorized for use in Canada, Australia, or New Zealand in collaboration with FSANZ. The aim, once the pilot project is completed in 2021, is to look at a system to share safety assessments between the agencies.

Starting Point: Baseline related to the impediments will be developed after the first year of data collection (by 2020-21).

Performance Indicator:
Percentage of stakeholders who indicate the proposed regulations published in Canada Gazette, Part I, reduce impediments.
Target: 60% by March 31, 2022 (annual).
Results to be Achieved: In 2020-21, Health Canada continued to advance work under the Regulatory Innovation Agenda to modernize food regulations with the intention of publishing draft regulations in 2021-22. For example:

• Health Canada consulted with health experts and manufacturers and finalized regulations allowing the sale of human milk fortifiers, which assist vulnerable infants who require these products for their nutritional and health needs.
• Health Canada consulted with stakeholders on a proposed policy approach in order to contribute to the development of a regulatory framework for supplemented foods.

FSDS Target
Increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved from 70% in 2015 to 85% in 2030.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Conduct research; develop, publish and/or distribute health risk assessments, guidance documents, guidelines and standards; analyze health benefits; and conduct outreach related to the health impacts of outdoor air pollution and actions to improve outdoor air quality.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved. For example, Health Canada's science and outreach activities help to increase knowledge and raise awareness related to the health impacts of outdoor air pollution, and help inform actions to improve air quality.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and target 11.6; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, Health Canada's Air Quality Program published and/or distributed externally 100% of planned federal air quality health risk assessments, guidance documents, guidelines and standards.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of planned federal air quality health assessments, guidance documents, guidelines and standards published or distributed externally (outdoor air).
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Not Met: In 2020-21, a total of five documents were published or distributed externally. 43% (3/7) of planned federal outdoor air quality documents were completed and, due to the emergence of new priorities, two unplanned air quality documents were published. The delays in planned publications were due to COVID-19-related demands that affected the availability of some experts in the field to complete the peer review process.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 100% of planned knowledge transfer activities were completed related to the health impacts of air pollution.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of planned knowledge transfer activities related to health impacts of air pollution.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of planned knowledge transfer activities related to the health impacts of air pollution were completed. Examples of activities include 41 peer-reviewed publications, 51 virtual conference presentations, and the ongoing provision of scientific evidence-based advice to inform program decision-making.

Starting Point: In 2017-18, 42 deaths per 100,000 were attributed to air pollution in Canada.
Performance Indicator: Number of deaths per year attributable to air pollution.
Target: Decrease from previous reporting period by March 31, 2022.*

* Target will be revised to align with new data collection periods to allow for more meaningful information related to air pollution, health effects and population growth.

Results to be Achieved: In 2020-21, the number of deaths attributable to air pollution in Canada (42 deaths per 100,000) remained unchanged compared to the baseline set in 2017.

FSDS Target
Increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved from 70% in 2015 to 85% in 2030.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Assess proposed actions to reduce air pollution for health benefits using the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool (AQBAT).

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
Health Canada uses the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool, a computer model that estimates the human health impacts from changes in air quality, to calculate the potential health benefits to be gained from actions meant to improve air quality. Timely provision of this foundational information supports evidence-based decision-making, such as the development of regulations, which contributes to the FSDS target of increasing the percentage of Canadians living in areas where the air quality standards are achieved.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and target 11.6; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 100% of requested analyses were provided within the established deadline.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of requested foundational information products delivered within the established deadline to support evidence-based decision-making.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of the requested foundational information products were delivered within established timelines. For example, Regulatory Impact Analysis Statements, a key component in the development of regulations, were completed for:

• Off-Road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations.
• Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations.

FSDS Target
Increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved from 70% in 2015 to 85% in 2030.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Work with partners on outdoor air quality and chemicals management.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Work collaboratively with provinces, territories and stakeholders to develop and regularly update the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) are outdoor air quality targets based on health and environmental objectives. Their purpose is to drive actions to reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants and ultimately improve air quality across Canada. Collaborative efforts to regularly update air quality standards, directly supports the FSDS target of increasing the percentage of Canadians living in areas where the air quality standards are achieved.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and targets 3.4 and 3.9; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and target 11.6; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: The review of the CAAQS for PM_2.5 and ozone are underway.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) reviewed and updated.
Target: 100% of planned CAAQS (i.e., for PM_2.5 and ozone) by December 31, 2022.
Results to be Achieved: Updates to the CAAQS for ozone were completed in 2019 and updates to the CAAQS for PM_2.5 are on track to be completed by December 31, 2022.

FSDS Target
By 2022, take risk management actions in a timely manner for 100% of substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Use legislation and regulations to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Assess and manage, where appropriate, the potential health risks associated with chemical substances, including pesticides.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The Chemicals Management Plan is a Government of Canada initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment. Substances are assessed for potential health and environmental impacts and risk management actions are developed to mitigate the risks of harmful substances. This work directly supports the FSDS target of taking timely risk management action on chemical substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health.

This work links to SDG: 3 Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 92% of existing substances were assessed within prescribed timelines.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of substances assessed within prescribed timelines (existing substances).
Target: 100%* (annual).

* Assessing the risks to human health from substances is complex, as it often includes data gathering and working with other jurisdictions and stakeholders. As a result, delays in the development of the risk assessment documents may occur. The Chemicals Management Program will continue to streamline processes and look for further efficiencies in order to continuously strive towards the target of 100%.

Results Not met: In 2020-21, 94% of substances were assessed within prescribed timelines (237 of 253 targeted).The assessments that were delayed during the reporting period are expected to be published in the first two quarters of 2021-22.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 100% of new substances were assessed within prescribed timelines.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of substances assessed within prescribed timelines (new substances).
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of new substances were assessed within prescribed timelines.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 88% of risk management actions were completed within prescribed timelines.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of actions taken in a timely manner to protect the health of Canadians from substances found to be a risk to human health.
Target: 100%* (annual).

* This target is aspirational. Managing risks to human health and the environment from substances is complex, as it often includes research, consultations with stakeholders and analyzing socio-economic impacts. As a result, delays in the development of the proposed and final risk management actions may occur. The Chemicals Management Program will continue to streamline processes and look for further efficiencies in order to continuously strive toward the target of 100%.

Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of risk management actions were taken in a timely manner.

FSDS Target
By 2022, take risk management actions in a timely manner for 100% of substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Use legislation and regulations to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Assess and manage, where appropriate, the potential health risks associated with chemical substances, including pesticides.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to take risk management actions in a timely manner for substances found to be a risk to the environment or to human health. This is done by re-evaluating older pesticides against current health and environmental standards to determine whether they are still acceptable. When a pesticide is found to have unacceptable risk, Health Canada is responsible for taking action to protect human health and the environment by having post-market regulatory decisions implemented according to specified timelines (e.g. cancellation of products, label changes, and voluntary withdrawals). For more information, see the Policy on Cancellations and Amendments Following Re-evaluation and Special Review.

This work links to SDG: 3 Good Health and Well-Being and target 3.9; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, 94% (32/34) of re-evaluation decisions made by Health Canada required risk management actions that must be taken by registrants within the required timelines.*

* The policy timelines require 24 months for amendments and up to three years for phase-outs based on a full cancellation decision, where risk concerns are not considered serious or imminent. This is a partial result as any actions resulting under the Policy on Cancellations and Amendments Following Re-evaluation and Special Review have not yet come due.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of actions taken in a timely manner to protect the health of Canadians from pesticides found to be a risk to human health and the environment.
Target: 80% or higher (annual).
Results N/A: A result for this indicator is not applicable. The 2018 Policy on Cancellations and Amendments includes multiple milestones and timelines for measuring the timeliness of Pest Management Regulatory Agency actions and stakeholder compliance. Reconciling these multiple data points would lead to an inaccurate indicator.
Work continues on risk management actions to protect the health of Canadians from pesticides found to be a risk to human health and the environment. This indicator has been amended for the 2021-22 reporting period.

Starting Point:
In 2018-19, 82% of registered pesticides scheduled for decision on the annual work plan met current scientific standards.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of registered pesticides that meet current scientific standards.
Target: 80% or higher (annual).
Results N/A: A result for this indicator is not applicable due to changes with the indicator methodology. This indicator has been amended for the 2021-22 reporting period.
Work continues on risk management actions to protect the health of Canadians from pesticides found to be a risk to human health and the environment: in 2020-21 92%* of final post-market review decisions were completed within specified timelines in the published re-evaluation and special review work plan.

*For 2020-21, the Re-evaluation and Special Review Work Plan was exclusively focused on priority pesticide reviews. Approximately 30% of re-evaluations currently on hold are past the standard of 4.2 years for completion of a re-evaluation.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Provide information to inform action and decision-making.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Develop, publish and/or distribute health risk assessments, guidance documents, guidelines and standards, and conduct outreach related to the health impacts of indoor air pollution and actions to improve indoor air quality, including information to inform action on indoor radon exposure.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
Health Canada provides information to inform actions by governments, public health professionals, building professionals and individual Canadians to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants. For example, Health Canada works with partners to raise awareness and inform Canadians about reducing their risk from radon exposure. By raising awareness and informing risk mitigation activities, Health Canada supports this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

This work links to SDG: 3 Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, Health Canada published and/or distributed 100% of planned federal air quality health risk assessments, guidance documents, guidelines and standards.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of planned federal air quality health assessments, guidance documents, guidelines, and standards published or distributed externally (indoor air).
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Not Met: In 2020-21, a total of seven air quality documents were published or distributed externally. 67% (4/6) of planned federal indoor air quality documents were completed and, due to the emergence of new priorities, the department re-aligned its air quality health assessment objectives, which resulted in the publication of an additional three unplanned air quality guidance documents on ventilation as related to COVID-19.

Starting Point: The 2017 Households and the Environment Survey showed that 63% of Canadians surveyed were knowledgeable about radon, an increase of 10% since the 2013 survey.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Canadians surveyed who are knowledgeable about radon.
Target: 65% by March 31, 2021.
Results Not Met: The 2019 Households and the Environment Survey showed that 63% of Canadians surveyed are knowledgeable about radon.
The National Radon Program continues to raise awareness about radon. For example, as part of Radon Action Month in November 2020, the department implemented a targeted mail-out to households of 1.6 million radon postcards. This resulted in an increase in radon-awareness in general, with a more substantial impact among those communities with existing local radon awareness and engagement.

Starting Point: The 2017 Households and the Environment Survey showed that 7% of Canadian homeowners surveyed had tested their homes for radon.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of Canadian homeowners surveyed who have tested their homes for radon.
Target: 10% by March 31, 2026.
Results to be Achieved: The 2019 Households and the Environment Survey showed that 6% of Canadian homeowners surveyed had tested their homes for radon. The National Radon Program continues to encourage radon testing and is exploring new strategies to motivate action among Canadian homeowners.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.

FSDS Contributing Actions
Provide information to inform action and decision-making.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Provide Canadians with access to information that will enable them to take protective action to reduce impacts from outdoor air pollution.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) helps Canadians make decisions about how to protect their health by limiting short-term exposure to air pollution and adjusting their activity levels when there are increased levels of air pollution. By providing information to Canadians about how to protect their health when air quality levels are associated with low, moderate, high and very high health risk, this work supports actions to protect health and therefore contributes to this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and target 11.6; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reached over 803,000 individuals.
Performance Indicator: Number of sensitive individuals* reached by (AQHI) risk communications.

* ‘Sensitive individuals' are those who are more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution.

Target: 1,000,000 by March 31, 2021.
Results Met: In 2020-21, AQHI risk communications reached 1,393,580 sensitive individuals, surpassing the target of one million.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Conduct research, monitoring and surveillance (including biomonitoring) in order to better understand and manage the health risks of harmful substances.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The Sixth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada will present national biomonitoring data on the Canadian population's exposure to chemicals as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. This information will be used to assess exposure to environmental chemicals, and to develop and assess policies aimed at reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, which supports this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting point: The Fifth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada was released in 2019.
Performance Indicator: Release of the Sixth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada.
Target: Released by March 2022.
Results to be Achieved: The Sixth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada is on track to be released by March 31, 2022.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Provide funding for research studies to monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The Northern Contaminants Program funds research aimed at addressing contaminants of concern in Canada's North. Specifically, the research findings provide data to inform risk assessment and risk management of substances, and are used to influence the development and implementation of international agreements to reduce and/or eliminate the production, use and release of contaminating substances into the environment. The findings of this research support this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities, in this case in Canada's North.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, the Northern Contaminants Program provided funding for four research studies.
Performance Indicator: Provide funding for research studies under the Northern Contaminants Program.
Target: Funding provided by March 2021.

Results Met: In 2020-21, funding was provided for five research studies that monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North as part of the Northern Contaminants Program. These projects address exposure to contaminants and links to country foods and nutritional status in multiple northern regions (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavik), as well as the development and evaluation of health communication tools.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Collaborate with other federal partners and provincial authorities to strengthen nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
Health Canada helps to ensure that Canada is prepared to manage the federal response to a nuclear emergency in order to minimize the impact on public health, safety, property and the environment. Completion of emergency preparedness drills and exercises helps to identify issues to be resolved prior to a real emergency situation, and thereby contributes to this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and target 3.9.

Starting Point: In 2018-19, Canada participated in 100% of planned nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises and all defined objectives were met.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of planned nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises completed.
Target: 100% (annual).

Results Not Met: In 2020-21, Health Canada participated in 63% (10/16) of planned nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises. To comply with COVID-19 public health measures, six drills/exercises were cancelled as they required deployment of response personnel into the field and close contact between participants.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Provide human health advice to other federal departments that are responsible for assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
Under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, Health Canada serves as an Expert Support Department by providing guidance, guideline development, training and advice on human health issues as they relate to the risk associated from exposure to various contaminants found on federal lands, in the air, water, soil, sediment, dust and country foods. The timely completion of this advice supports the remediation of contaminated sites, and thereby contributes to this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and targets 3.4 and 3.9; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and target 6.3; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: This indicator and service standard are new for 2020-21. However, in 2018-19, Health Canada responded to requests from other federal departments for human health advice related to contaminated sites 94% of the time within the prescribed timelines.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of times the established service standard (15 working days) for the review of site classification is met.
Target: 90% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, the established service standard (15 working days) for the review of site classification was met 98% of the time. Health Canada received 168 of these requests.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of times the review of site-specific scientific and technical documents within the document-specific agreed upon time frame is met.
Target: 90% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, the agreed upon time frame for document-specific review of site-specific scientific and technical documents was met 96% of the time. Health Canada received 47 of these requests.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundary air pollution.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Influence international regulatory approaches by developing and adapting policies and regulatory approaches related to pesticides from work plans in collaboration with international partners.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to take risk management actions in a timely manner for substances found to be a risk to the environment or to human health. By working closely with international partners, Health Canada is able to harmonize policies and regulatory approaches with partners as a means to further protect Canadians from potential risks associated with pesticides in an increasingly globalized trading environment.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and target 3.9; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: New initiative as of March 2020.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of policies and regulatory approaches from work plans that are adapted by or developed with international partners
Target: 80% or higher by March 31, 2022
Results N/A: A result for this indicator is not applicable. Reconciling multiple data points from other countries' work plans would lead to an inaccurate indicator. Health Canada is continuing to collaborate with international partners to harmonize regulatory approaches through joint pesticide reviews. This indicator has been removed for the 2021-22 reporting period.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Safe and Healthy Communities – Other.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Assess the extent to which regulatory decisions and actions are keeping pesticides at acceptable limits in order to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from risks associated with the use of pesticides.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
The activities under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to take risk management actions in a timely manner for substances found to be a risk to the environment or to human health. Health Canada reviews scientific data and works with partner organizations to measure the effectiveness of regulatory decisions in limiting and/or reducing exposure to risks associated with pesticides, allowing Health Canada to contribute to safe-guarding the health and well-being of Canadians.

This work links to SDG: 3 Good Health and Well-Being and target 3.9; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.4.

Starting Point: New initiative.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of registered pesticide levels that do not exceed acceptable limits in food and water.
Target: 100% by March 31, 2023.
Results N/A: A result for this indicator is not applicable at this time as ongoing consideration for a national water-monitoring program is underway. Health Canada continues to work with partners such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Drinking Water to obtain data that monitors pesticide levels found in food and water samples, respectively. This indicator has been removed for the 2021-22 reporting period.

FSDS Target
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities.
FSDS Contributing Actions
Safe and Healthy Communities – Other.
Corresponding Departmental Actions
Provide health expertise to support the strategic assessment of proposed major projects, such as pipelines and mines.

Contribution to the FSDS Goal and Target
Health Canada provides expertise and advice to help prevent, reduce and mitigate the potential human health-related impacts of proposed major projects, including project-related exposure to contaminants and the impacts of other changes to the environment on human health. The timely provision of this information and its incorporation into the planning and monitoring of major projects, supports this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

This work links to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and target 3.9; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and target 12.2.

Starting Point: These are new indicators, given that the Impact Assessment Act came into force in August 2019. The starting points will be established in 2020-21.

Performance Indicator:
Percentage of requests for expertise and advice that are responded to within established timelines.
Target: 100% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of requests for expertise and advice were responded to within established timelines.
Performance Indicator: Percentage of early planning, impact assessment and/or follow-up and monitoring influenced by Health Canada expertise.
Target: 90% (annual).
Results Met: In 2020-21, 100% of finalized project documents were influenced by Health Canada expertise.