2017-2020 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy: 2019-2020 Update

Section 2: Sustainable Development in the Public Health Agency of Canada

PHAC is committed to sustainable development and contributes to the FSDS by delivering on its core vision of healthy Canadians and communities in a healthier world. PHAC strives to integrate environmental, economic and social factors into decision-making in order to derive added benefits or to avoid or mitigate negative impacts on human health for both present and future generations.

PHAC's sustainable development vision is guided by the following principles:

• Strengthen Canada's capacity to protect and improve the health of Canadians;
• Build an effective public health system that enables Canadians to achieve better health and well-being in their daily lives by promoting good health, helping prevent chronic diseases and injury, and protecting Canadians from infectious diseases and other threats to their health; and
• Reduce health disparities between the most advantaged and disadvantaged Canadians.

PHAC’s DSDS supports achieving three of the thirteen long-term goals identified in the FSDS:

• Low-carbon government
• Effective action on climate change
• Clean drinking water

FSDS Goal: Low-carbon government – The Government of Canada is committed to becoming a leader on climate change. The federal government has the opportunity to support the transition to a low-carbon economy through various means. As one example, PHAC continues to take steps to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and operations to improve overall environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings. PHAC also engages in green procurement, where, for instance, environmental considerations are incorporated into the development of commonly used green procurement instruments. These are just some examples of how PHAC is contributing to the goal of low-carbon government by making its operations more sustainable.

FSDS Goal: Effective action on climate change – Climate change is a critical global problem that could affect future generations’ ability to meet their basic needs. Its effects are already being felt across Canada – for example, rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities, more frequent and severe wildfires and pest outbreaks, and extreme weather events such as storms and heatwaves. Adaptation is key in addressing climate change, and is about making smart, informed, and forward-looking decisions. Effective adaptation measures can save lives, minimize damages, and lower costs over the long term for individuals, businesses, organizations, and governments. PHAC’s contribution to this goal involves implementation of adaptation measures, including contributing to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which will put Canada on the path to meeting its 2030 target and taking action on adaptation.

FSDS Goal: Clean drinking water – Clean drinking water is essential for health, while polluted water can cause serious illness due to bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. PHAC is committed to providing all Canadians with access to safe drinking water while on conveyances. Through the implementation of the Potable Water Regulations, PHAC will continue to protect the health and safety of travelling Canadians by safeguarding drinking water supplies.

Section 3 outlines PHAC’s specific commitments in support of the above-noted FSDS goals.

PHAC provides periodic updates on its efforts through the FSDS e-strategy and more detailed updates and progress reports through departmental planning and reporting processes. This includes annual reports on DSDS progress through the PHAC Departmental Results Report and updates to the DSDS content through the PHAC Departmental Plan as appropriate. This document is comprised of the 2017–20 DSDS and the 2019–20 annual update.

The 2019–20 update includes changes to PHAC commitments related to Low-Carbon Government and Effective Action on Climate Change goals. Additionally, PHAC commitments are mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

PHAC’s contributions to the Low-Carbon Government goal were modified to reflect changes in the measuring tools and availability of data, as well as new commitments in line with the Greening Government Strategy. Several new commitments were also added for green procurement and green travel practices. The new commitments replace completed activities and maintain the aspirational character of the DSDS.

Performance indicators for PHAC’s contribution to the Effective Action on Climate Change goal were also updated to maintain the alignment with Agency’s commitments within the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

The 2016–2019 FSDS marked the beginning of a new approach linking Canada’s sustainability priorities with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . It provided the foundation for acknowledging the role of the SDGs and closer alignment between the FSDS and these global goals.

In order to illustrate PHAC`s DSDS commitments in support of the SDGs, a mapping between DSDS commitments and the SDGs has been added to the 2019-20 update.

Section 3: Commitments for the Public Health Agency of Canada

Low-Carbon Government: The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon

Responsible Minister: All ministers

3.1 Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s)

Reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve this reduction by 2025

3.1.1 FSDS Contributing Action(s)

Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Adopt and maintain approaches and activities that reduce Health Canada’s and PHAC’s energy use, where operationally feasible, and improve overall environmental performance of the Agency-owned buildings. The objective being ‘greener’ buildings that require less energy to operate, reduce emissions and pollutants, conserve water, generate less solid waste and have decreased operation and maintenance costs.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Actions that reduce the demand for energy or switch to cleaner sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target

UN Sustainable Development Goal target 7.3
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 8.4
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 9.1

Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions

Performance Indicator

All applicable existing custodial building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects will have achieved an industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance.

Performance Indicator

Real property managers and functional heads responsible for new construction, leases or existing building operations will continue to have clauses related to environmental considerations incorporated in their performance agreements.

Starting Point

In 2017-18, PHAC’s GHG emissions from facilities that the Agency owns and operates (n=4, 41,737 m²) was 8103 t CO₂eq.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, PHAC will report on its GHG emissions from custodial facilities:

• energy use intensity (MJ/m²);
• GHG emission intensity by floor space (kg CO₂eq/m²); and
• density of use (workstations/m²)

Performance Indicator

In 2019-20, PHAC will begin to systematically use RETScreen technology to inform decisions related to building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects.

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Internal Services – 2.1.3.1 Real Property

3.1.2 FSDS Contributing Action(s)

Modernize our fleet

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Support the reduction of energy use in Health Canada and PHAC fleet by selecting the smallest and most fuel-efficient vehicle to meet operational requirements, keeping vehicles properly maintained, and developing fleet infrastructure (e.g. charging stations).

Undertake a feasibility study regarding the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations at PHAC-owned buildings.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Actions that reduce the amount of fuel consumed for fleet operation or switch to less GHG intensive sources of fuels will contribute to GHG reductions.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target

UN Sustainable Development Goal target 7.1
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 7.3
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 8.4
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 9.1

Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions

Starting Point

In 2018-19, PHAC installed telematics devices in all Agency’s vehicles. 

Performance Indicator

Beginning in 2019-20, PHAC will analyze telematics data as a tool to effectively manage and ‘right-size’ the Agency's fleet.

Performance Indicator

Following a feasibility study on the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations at PHAC-owned buildings, review will be conducted by September 30, 2019 to determine if there is support for the investment and assessed options.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 75% of new light-duty administrative fleet vehicles will be ZEV or hybrid, subject to operational requirements.  All on-road vehicles that are not hybrid or ZEVs will require an approved exemption form, signed by the fleet manager, indicating the reason for right-sizing for operational needs and confirming that the right-sizes vehicle is the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class available at the time of purchase and/or an alternative-fuel vehicle. 

Starting Point

Since 2017-18, 100% of PHAC’s executive fleet purchases have been hybrid or Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV).

Performance Indicator

100% of new executive vehicle purchases will continue to be zero-emission or hybrid.

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Internal Service – 2.1.3.1 Real Property

3.1.3 FSDS Contributing Action(s)

Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Promote environmental sustainability by integrating environmental performance considerations into departmental procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal, and ensuring there is the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain. GHG reductions are one area of consideration in green procurement.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target

UN Sustainable Development Goal target 12.7

Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management will have completed the Canada School of Public Service green procurement course or equivalent, or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

Performance Indicator

By March, 31, 2020, 100% of performance evaluations for procurement and materiel management managers will continue to include a discussion about how they supported and contributed to PHAC’s green procurement practices.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 80% of office supply purchases will continue to include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the supplies.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 92% of information technology hardware purchases will continue to include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the equipment. 

Note: this is done in conjunction with Shared Services Canada as the IT procurement authority.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 acquisition card training will be updated to include a section that provides best practices on green procurement.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 procurement training materials and reference guides for Cost Centre Managers and Cost Centre Administrators will be updated on an on-going basis to reflect the life cycle approach identified in the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy and to provide links to additional green procurement training, information and practices.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 Health Canada’s and PHAC’s acquisition card newsletter will include a section that provides best practices on green procurement.  This newsletter is sent to all cardholders and their managers.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, 100% of procurement related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada’s and PHAC’s intranet will have been reviewed and updated to reflect the green procurement objectives in the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy, where applicable.

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Internal Services

3.1.4. FSDS Contributing Action(s)

Promote sustainable travel practices

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable work practices.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Increased awareness about sustainable work practices could help to reduce the amount of GHG emissions produced by staff activities (e.g. encourage employees to consider less GHG intensive modes of transportation for business travel).

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target

UN Sustainable Development Goal target 13.2

Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020, four outreach and communication activities for employees will be undertaken in order to raise awareness about research related to climate change and to promote best practices and tools in support of Greening Government Strategy objectives.

Performance Indicator

By March 2020, PHAC will undertake a feasibility study to implement a pilot project for a green commuter service.

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Internal Services 2.1.3.1 – Real Property

3.1.5. FSDS Contributing Action(s)

Understand climate change impacts and build resilience

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Review assets (buildings, fleet) to ensure that sources of GHG emissions are inventoried and that any impacts to climate change are quantified.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and operations is one of the most important ways the government can adapt to a changing climate and is consistent with the government’s risk management approach of enhancing the protection of public assets and resources and strengthening planning and decision-making.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target

UN Sustainable Development Goal target 13.2

Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions

Performance Indicator

Assets (buildings and fleet) will continue to be reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure that sources of GHG emissions are tracked and impacts to climate change are quantified. In 2019-20 there will be a particular focus on defining parameters for metrics (in addition to buildings and fleet) with other federal departments to allow for comparability.

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Internal Services 2.1.3.1 – Real Property

Additional departmental sustainable development activities and initiatives

As described below, PHAC is implementing a suite of activities that contribute to low-carbon government targets:

• Under the Shared Services Partnership, Health Canada and PHAC have jointly established a Fleet Management Standard that includes green procurement and environmentally responsible operational requirements. Fleet emission targets are described in the above table (please see: Contributing Action “Modernize Our Fleet”).
• PHAC will continue to conduct annual drinking water audits to identify opportunities to improve water management practices. This activity supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
• The collection, diversion and disposal of workplace waste in PHAC crown-owned buildings will continue to be managed in an environmentally responsible manner. This is an ongoing activity. This is an ongoing activity. This activity supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 as well as Goal 12.
• PHAC has a Sustainable Workplace Operations Community of Practice that serves as a forum for employees to share ideas, discuss and collaborate on activities, best practices, and initiatives that promote a greener environment and support sustainable workplace operations. These actions will contribute to decreased GHG emissions. For targets relating to this activity please see the Corresponding Departmental Action “Encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable work practices” for further details.

Effective Action on Climate Change:  A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change; supported by a whole-of-government approach to implementation

3.2 Effective Action on Climate Change FSDS target(s)

By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels

3.2.1 FSDS Contributing Action(s)

Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Contribute to the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (specifically sub-theme 4.3.1 - Addressing climate change-related health risks) by developing and implementing a new Infectious Disease and Climate Change program, which includes a Grants and Contributions Fund, and reduces the risks associated with climate-driven infectious diseases.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Implement the Infectious Disease and Climate Change program which intends to address the impact of climate change on human health by building and increasing access to infectious disease-based evidence, education and awareness. The focus will be on preparing for and protecting Canadians from climate-driven infectious diseases that are zoonotic (diseases that can be transmitted from animals and insects to humans), foodborne or water-borne.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target

UN Sustainable Development Goal target 13.1
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 13.2
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 13.3

Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions

Starting point: 
Note: Baseline data will be established by 2020-21 and data trends over time assessed.

Target(s)/performance indicator(s):
(Medium Term Indicators – [From 2020-21 onwards])

• Number of meaningful partnerships/collaborations with organizations, including the Métis Nation, on climate change and emerging infectious diseases.
• Number of new/enhanced systems and/or tools.

Note: Targets to be set for the performance indicators following the establishment of baseline data.

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
1.2.1.3: Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

Clean Drinking Water: All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face are addressed

Responsible Minister: Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs; Health Canada; Public Health Agency of Canada; Statistics Canada

3.3 Clean Drinking Water FSDS target(s)

By March 31, 2019, 60% and by March 31, 2021 100% of the long-term drinking water advisories affecting First Nation drinking water systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada are to be resolved 

3.3.1 FSDS Contributing Action(s)
Use regulations to ensure clean drinking water

Corresponding departmental action(s)
Implement “Potable Water on Board Trains, Vessels, Aircraft and Buses Regulations” (Potable Water Regulations) including conducting inspections and assessments on international and interprovincial airplanes, trains, cruise ships, ferries and buses to protect the health and safety of the travelling public, ensuring that critical violations are mitigated in a timely manner.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
This action corresponds to the overall FSDS goal of clean drinking water for all Canadians, and is not specifically related to First Nations drinking water.
The implementation of Potable Water Regulations will ensure that passenger transportation operators are compliant with the regulations and the water on their transport is safe for travelling public consumption.  

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target
UN Sustainable Development Goal target 3.9

Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions

Starting point: 
The percentage of inspected passenger transportation operators that met public health requirements in fiscal year 2013-14 was 88%.

Target(s)/performance indicator(s):
Percentage of inspected passenger transportation operators that meet public health requirements.

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Border and Travel Health 1.3.2 Border Health Security

Section 4: Integrating Sustainable Development

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process serves as the strategic platform for the department to integrate sustainable development and environmental considerations into policy, plan and program development.

PHAC will continue to advance compliance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Programs Proposals (Cabinet Directive). PHAC conducts SEAs on policy, plan, or program proposals that meet the requirements set out in the Cabinet Directive. PHAC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its SEA process. A SEA for policy, plan or program proposals include an analysis of the potential effects of the given proposal on the environment, including on FSDS goals and targets. The SEA process also includes early integration of environmental considerations in proposal development cycle.

PHAC’s Director General Sustainable Development Champion (SD Champion) and the Sustainable Development Office (SDO) play a key leadership role in promoting and communicating sustainable development principles within the Agency, as well as advancing the integration of environmental considerations and FSDS and DSDS commitments in PHAC policies, programs, and plans. The SD Champion and the SDO engage in outreach to senior management and employees to promote advancement of sustainable development commitments, to support compliance with the Cabinet Directive, and to build awareness and capacity in the application of sustainable development principles into policy and program development and planning processes.

To strengthen the department’s SEA practices and sustain compliance with the Cabinet Directive, PHAC will continue to provide enterprise policy and operational guidance on SEA; support training for all staff on SEA requirements; and develop and disseminate SEA templates and tools. Employees are encouraged to incorporate SEA training opportunities into their annual learning plans. PHAC will maintain its dedicated Intranet space for sustainable development and SEA information, which is accessible to all employees.

PHAC will continue to report on its annual SEA compliance through the Departmental Results Report.

Public statements on the results of PHAC’s assessments are made public when an initiative that has undergone a detailed SEA is announced. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.

In 2017, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) introduced Bill C-57, an Act to Amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act, which received Royal Assent. The amended Act will focus on advancing sustainable development, improving quality of life for Canadians, and making federal decisions more transparent. More than 90 federal departments and agencies (up from 26) will be required to report on their sustainable development activities, and will promote engagement of Indigenous peoples, businesses, communities and the public in sustainable development. PHAC will continue to work closely with ECCC to advance compliance and develop capacity on governance and guidance for meeting the requirements of the amended Act.