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Section 2 Analysis of Program Activity by
Strategic Outcome

2.1    Departmental Priorities


Name Type
Priority 1: Provide advice on environment and economy issues Ongoing
Priority 2: Apply sound management principles in operations, and implement federal initiatives Previously committed to/ Ongoing

2.2    Performance Results by Program Activity

The text that follows provides an overall description of the performance results achieved by the NRTEE, as well as highlights of performance achieved under each expected result and performance indicator specified in the performance measurement framework. (Please see Section 2.3, Figure 9.)

The results all apply to the agency’s single program activity, which is also its first priority, namely provide advice on environment and economy issues.

The results are presented in accordance with the strategic outcome and indicators in the NRTEE’s new performance measurement framework.

2.2.1 Expected Result: High-Quality Research

NRTEE assesses its performance against this outcome based on the perceived quality of its policy research.

High-quality policy research on sustainable development represents the core mandate of NRTEE. During 2007–2008, NRTEE’s work focused on energy and climate change, the development of air quality objectives for Canada, and climate change adaptation in northern communities.

Energy and Climate Change Program

In November 2006, the federal Minister of the Environment requested advice from the NRTEE on how Canada could significantly reduce its GHG and air pollutant emissions by 2050. In June 2007, the NRTEE released the initial findings. This preliminary report provided information on the environmental and economic implications of long-term GHG emissions reductions by 2020 and 2050. The report also provided findings in relation to potential long-term air pollutant reductions, specifically for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.

In January 2008, the NRTEE released the final results of this research in its advisory report, Getting to 2050: Canada’s Transition to a Low-emission Future. The report set out seven specific recommendations for the federal government. The key recommendation is that the federal government should institute a market-based policy that takes the form of an emission tax or a cap-and-trade system or a combination of the two; and that this price signal should be complemented with regulatory policies in order to address sectors of the Canadian economy that do not respond effectively to such a price signal or where market failures exist. A copy of the Getting to 2050 report can be downloaded from the NRTEE website at www.nrtee-trnee.ca.

The NRTEE also issued its yearly response to the requirements created by the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act with respect to the government’s Climate Change Plan and Statement (in September 2007 and most recently in July 2008). On June 22, 2007, the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act (henceforth KPIA), received Royal Assent. The KPIA stipulates that the Government of Canada is obligated to prepare—on an annual basis to 2012—a Climate Change Plan describing measures and policies enacted by the government to “ensure that Canada meets its obligations under Article 3, paragraph 1, of the Kyoto Protocol” [Subsection 5(1)]. KPIA further requires the NRTEE to assess the likelihood that each of the government’s proposed measures and policies will achieve the emission reductions forecasted in its Plan. It must also assess the likelihood that the proposed measures will enable Canada to meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. The two NRTEE responses provide suggestions for improved methodological and information-gathering practices for future Plans and Statements. Furthermore the NRTEE began a research project to analyse international best practices in this area and apply relevant lessons to the Canadian context. These reports were released in July 2008.

Clean Air Act Program

During 2007–2008, the NRTEE conducted research on developing air quality objectives for Canada. As a result of the Minister’s request for advice regarding national objectives for ambient air for particulate matter and ozone for both the medium term and the long term the NRTEE released a report in June 2008 entitled Developing Ambient Air Quality Objectives for Canada. The NRTEE research and this Advisory Note focus NRTEE advice on the process of setting national objectives, rather than specific numerical targets. A copy of this report can be downloaded at www.nrtee-trnee.ca.

Program on Climate Change Adaptation Policy for Northern Infrastructures

Launched in June 2006, this NRTEE program focuses on how public policy can help Canada’s northern communities and economic sectors plan for and manage the effects of climate change, especially in relation to physical infrastructure. The program’s ultimate goal is to effect better climate change–related adaptation on the part of those who design, build, and maintain infrastructure in the North. Specific streams of research included disaster management, codes and standards, and insurance. The NRTEE also identified the key themes that emerged from the study, such as governance, information, economic and regulatory policies, and capacity. An expert Advisory Committee is in place to review the research reports.

The research projects carried out under the above programs are summarized below in Figure 3.

Figure 3: NRTEE research and analysis reports for specific programs (2007–2008)


Program Topic Scope and Results
Energy and Climate Change Final Advisory Report— Getting to 2050: Canada’s Transition to a Low-emission Future Issued in January 2008, this report is the culmination of a year of research, analysis, consultations, and deliberations by the NRTEE and was undertaken following a formal request by the Government of Canada in fall 2006. The findings and recommendations are based on extensive, original modelling and data analysis that were, in turn, subjected to further consideration by numerous industry and environmental experts and stakeholders across Canada. Getting to 2050 sets out recommendations for effective action to achieve the government’s stated goal of deep, long-term GHG reductions of 65% below current levels by 2050.
  2008 and 2007 editions of the Response of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy to its Obligations Under the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act Issued in September 2007, the first edition of this report presented the response of the NRTEE to the requirements created by the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act with respect to the government’s Climate Change Plan and Statement.

Issued in July 2008, the second report presented the response of the NRTEE to the Government of Canada’s second Climate Change Plan and Statement.

  GHG Emissions Forecasting: Learning from International Best Practices Issued in July 2008, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Forecasting: Learning from International Best Practices, is the result of research conducted on best practices in other countries to address some of Canada’s challenges in forecasting GHG emissions reductions accruing from federal climate policies and programs. The report gave particular focus to the U.K. and the U.S. as having overall best practices in their approach to emissions forecasting with key lessons that can be applied to the Canadian context.
  Energy efficiency in the commercial buildings sector Scheduled for completion by autumn 2008, this project is being conducted in collaboration with Sustainable Development Technology Canada. It involves developing policy recommendations to increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings, identifying current obstacles and motivators, and analyzing current effectiveness of relevant policy mechanisms.
Clean Air Act Ambient air quality objectives for Canada Issued in June 2008, the report Developing Ambient Air Quality Objective for Canada presents a qualitative review of the approach used to set long-term ambient air quality objectives. It describes the principles involved in setting standards—using best available science, considering human health effects, and considering the effect of transboundary flows.
Climate Change Adaptation Policy for Northern Infrastructure Insurance, alternative risk transfer mechanisms and public policy Examined, for example, business interruption coverage, availability of insurance for flood damage in the North, catastrophe bonds.
  Codes and standards and climate change adaptation policy Examined, for example, codes and standards related to mega-projects such as pipelines, the utilities sector, and major infrastructure.
  Disaster management policy and climate change adaptation Assessed the “criticality” of a broad range of northern physical infrastructure, how factors such as community size, location, demographics, etc. influence criticality; and the development of public policy options regarding disaster management.
  Legal liabilities Explored the legal liability for stakeholders involved in the planning, funding, design, construction and/or management of physical infrastructure in Canada, in respect of the management of climate change related risks.

Stakeholder feedback is very positive regarding the quality of NRTEE research, staff, and researchers:

  • Quality of policy research. NRTEE client surveys indicate that national stakeholders and federal decision makers have a high opinion of the research the NRTEE conducts. Many stakeholders consider the analysis to be of high quality and even outstanding. The involvement of experts in contributing to and commenting on the research is considered to be a key factor in ensuring quality research.
  • Quality of personnel. Both national stakeholders and federal decision makers have a high opinion of NRTEE staff. NRTEE staff are perceived to be stronger in process skills than technical expertise, which is viewed as appropriate since technical expertise can be outsourced.
  • Quality and diversity of external contractors. The majority of national stakeholders have a high opinion of the work and capabilities of contractors. However, some had concerns regarding the limited number of contractors available, the variable quality of some of the work, and potential contractor bias that can result.

2.2.2 Expected Result: Effective Stakeholder Consultations

Stakeholder consultations are a key element of NRTEE policy research. Key measures of success are the extent of consultation taking place and participant feedback regarding the effectiveness of the consultations.

Extent of consultations

  • In September and October of 2007, the NRTEE held half-day outreach sessions in six cities across Canada with select groups of knowledgeable stakeholders. The purpose of these sessions was to present the findings of the NRTEE’s research prior to finalizing the Getting to 2050 report. Participants provided their views and opinions on the NRTEE’s approach and findings of the research. This outreach allowed the NRTEE to “ground-truth” the research findings, thus strengthening our understanding of the issues before us.
  • In March 2008, after the release of the Getting to 2050 report, the NRTEE held three half-day sessions in Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa. Again, the purpose was to present the final findings of our report to larger groups of interested stakeholders, and to enter into a dialogue on the future work of the NRTEE with regard to this subject matter. These outreach sessions were particularly important in that they allowed the NRTEE to effectively communicate the findings of our research to interested stakeholders and receive direct feedback on NRTEE programs. A particular focus of the consultations was the development of a research program to recommend a long-term carbon emission policy package to guide future climate policy design in Canada.
  • In November 2007, the Public Policy Forum (PPF), in partnership with NRTEE, organized and facilitated two round-table discussions on NRTEE’s strategic direction. The first round table brought together leaders from environmental non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and academia. The second brought together senior officials from a cross-section of relevant government departments. The broad objective of both round tables was to engage in a dialogue on NRTEE’s current operating environment, its key challenges and opportunities, and options going forward.

Effectiveness of NRTEE consultations

  • Both national stakeholders and federal decision makers surveyed were aware of NRTEE consultations, and stated that they were effective: they involved the right people and provided a well-designed process. The consultation events are perceived to provide high added value. National stakeholders acknowledged the value of large outreach-type consultations as well as more intimate advisory groups, but most indicated a preference for advisory groups as a vehicle for meaningful dialogue.

2.2.3  Expected Result: Useful Recommendations and Advice

Findings from the surveys of national stakeholders and federal decision makers indicate that the Round Table’s policy analysis is relevant, timely, and useful. It is also seen to be of good quality, balanced, and independent. The NRTEE is able to bring players together to discuss issues and foster best practices and sharing of information. Most national stakeholders and federal decision makers believe that the NRTEE has successfully maintained its independence.

  • Requests for advice from the federal government. The Government of Canada referred two major requests to NRTEE for advice on energy and climate change in February 2005. During 2006–2007, the Minister of the Environment requested that the NRTEE provide advice on national objectives for ambient air for particulate matter and ozone for the periods 2020–2025 and 2050.
  • Briefings to federal ministers and senior departmental officials. During the fiscal year 2007–2008, the chair of NRTEE and/or the President and CEO provided several briefings to senior officials of federal departments, including Environment Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Industry Canada, Infrastructure Canada, Transport Canada, the Department of Finance, and the Privy Council Office. A number of these briefings were done as part of the release of the Getting to 2050 report. Meetings were also held with the Ministers of the Environment and Natural Resources Canada.
  • Briefings to national and international stakeholders. During the fiscal year 2007–2008, the chair of NRTEE and/or the President and CEO gave several briefings to major national stakeholders with an interest in the environment and sustainable development. Examples include provincial government officials, non-governmental organizations, industry associations, and companies having an interest in sustainable development. Topics included proposals for joint research, the NRTEE mandate, and future research priorities and projects regarding sustainable development. These were supplemented by a number of speaking engagements, as well as meetings with officials from other governments (e.g., United States, Great Britain).
  • Citations of NRTEE recommendations. Citations and feedback received from stakeholders also provide an indication of the use made of NRTEE policy research. Examples of feedback received from stakeholders, as well as citations regarding the usefulness of NRTEE recommendations and advice are noted below in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Examples of citations and feedback on NRTEE recommendations


Program Examples Of Endorsements/Feedback Received
Energy and Climate Change
  • Letters of appreciation were received from a range of provincial governments and non-governmental organizations in both the business and environmental communities regarding the final Advisory Report Getting to 2050: Canada’s Transition to a Low-emission Future.
Climate Change Adaptation Policy for Northern Infrastructure
  • NRTEE activities were mentioned in the Natural Resources Canada assessment, From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007 (Moving Forward on Adaptation—Chapter 10).
  • NRTEE work was mentioned in NWT Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Report (2008) regarding changes needed to building codes and standards stemming from climate change in the Canadian North.
  • Three NRTEE Adaptation papers are to be used as input to the research agenda for the High Arctic Research Station.
  • INAC referenced the continued use of the NRTEE 2001 State of the Debate report Aboriginal Communities and Non-renewable Resource Development (as part of NRTEE Adaptation committee discussions, March 2008).
KPIA
  • The government followed recommendations made by the NRTEE in its 2007 Response to improve its methodology and transparency in forecasting emissions reductions from the policies and measures in its 2008 Plan. This has resulted in a more transparent and more accurate representation of projected emission reductions compared to last year.

2.2.4 Expected Result: Effective Communication of NRTEE Recommendations

The NRTEE assesses its communications by the quality of its communications instruments and the reach of its external communications.

  • Quality of communications instruments. The majority of national stakeholders and federal decision makers surveyed consider the communication products to be of good quality.
  • Reach of external communications. Many national stakeholders and federal decision makers believe that the reach of NRTEE’s information could be improved. Specific suggestions made are to improve the NRTEE’s presence and profile in Quebec, include a larger number of decision makers and opinion leaders in direct communications, hold more briefings on reports, adopt a more proactive approach to managing the media, and make use of novel approaches through the Internet.

Extent of NRTEE media coverage

References to the NRTEE from a variety of media sources during 2007–2008 (see Figure 5) topped 460, an increase of 110% compared with the 220 references in 2006–2007, 107 in 2005–2006, and 168 in 2004–2005. Most of this larger reach can be attributed to the release of the NRTEE’s Advisory Report, Getting to 2050. The report received extensive media coverage (both positive and negative) across all major media, helping to raise the Round Table’s national profile.

Figure 5: Media coverage of NRTEE policy research (2007–2008)


Program or Publication Number Of Media References Media Sources
Getting to 2050 328 The following dailies published editorials: Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, Toronto Star, Le Soleil, Le Devoir, and La Tribune
Response of the NRTEE to its Obligations Under the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act 19 Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, CTV Newsnet, CBC National News, L’Acadie Nouvelle
Medium- and long-term scenarios for GHG emission and air pollutant reductions (interim report released June 27, 2007) 57 Toronto Star, Hill Times, Ottawa Citizen, Globe and Mail, National Post, Calgary Herald, Montreal Gazette, Presse canadienne, CBC News, CTV Newsnet, CBC Radio, etc.
Energy and Climate Change 14 Leader-Post, Windsor Star, Ottawa Citizen, New Brunswick Telegraph
Journal
, etc.
Past programs (Capital Markets and Sustainability, Boreal, Ecological Fiscal Reform, Brownfields and Feebates) 21 Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, CBC Radio, etc.
NRTEE Corporate 22 La Presse, La Tribune, National Post, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, etc.

Communications databases

NRTEE has over 2,600 organizations and individuals identified in its databases, and strives to target all sectors of the economy at a national level. Figure 6 shows stakeholder groups and numbers by category.

Figure 6: Corporate Communications Database


Categories Breakdown
Business 504
Provincial contacts 302
Federal contacts 304
MPs 302
Industry/Trade associations 101
Federal agencies and corporations 118
Provincial Ministers 101
ENGOs 93
University contacts 100
Labour federations/Unions 85
Municipal 84
Senators 93
International organizations 23
Lobby firms 31
Consultants 13
SD Research institutes 16
Think tanks 2
Aboriginal groups 8
Provincial Premiers 13
Individuals 1
Schools 1
Lobby groups 1
Total 2296

Use of website

Web statistics show a steady increase in the number of visitor sessions to the website over the last five years, in the range of 15%–20% increase per year (see Figure 7). While the number of visitors appears to have decreased in 2007–2008, this number does not reflect the reoccurring spike in the number of visits to our website following the release of a new publication.

Figure 7: Web statistics


  2004–2005 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008
Number of visitor sessions 296,679 347,108 397,661 300,000
% increase over previous year 19% 17% 15% -25%

Requests for NRTEE publications

Last year, 96 publications were sold through the Renouf Publishing Company Limited. However, sales of publications have shown a steady decrease over the last four years (see Figure 8). This likely reflects the ability of visitors to download publications from the Virtual Library on the NRTEE website at no charge. The Virtual Library allows access to over 300 NRTEE documents and publications that are organized into 15 search categories.

The most popular downloaded publications during 2007–2008 were as follows:

  • Getting to 2050: Canada’s Transition to a Low-emission Future
  • NRTEE’s Response Under the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act
  • Various other background papers and case studies prepared during the course of the NRTEE’s work

Figure 8: Sales of publications


  2004–2005 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008
Sales of publications $3,771 $2,894 $858 $988
% decrease over previous year -50% -23% -70% 15%

NRTEE no longer sells these publications as they are available and being accessed through our website. The result is a savings in the production and administrative costs of handling and storing as well as a reduction in our carbon footprint.


2.2.5 Expected Result: Increased Awareness and Understanding by Federal   
Decision Makers and National Stakeholders

  • Awareness of the NRTEE and its mandate and research programs. Most national stakeholders and federal decision makers are aware of the NRTEE and NRTEE programs in their areas of interest. The greatest awareness among national stakeholders centres on the climate change aspects of Getting to 2050. National stakeholders involved in climate change mitigation tend to be more aware of the NRTEE and its programs than those involved in climate change adaptation are; there is less awareness of the NRTEE’s work (even recent work) on clean air. The least well known programs among both national stakeholders and federal decision makers are Capital Markets and Sustainability and Conservation.
  • Understanding of issues and solutions that were addressed by NRTEE programs. Many national stakeholders and federal decision makers reported that they were already aware of sustainable development solutions and issues being addressed by NRTEE due to the nature of their work; however most felt that they had a greater understanding as a result of NRTEE research. Some noted that awareness and understanding could be improved if NRTEE improved its reach.
  • Follow-up to NRTEE studies. This indicator is difficult to assess as follow-up action may not occur for several years. A recent study was done of follow-up to the NRTEE Brownfield Strategy issued in 2003 (see example below).

Example of follow-up activity to NRTEE Brownfield Strategy Report

In response to a mandate announced by the Finance Minister in his December 2001 budget, the National Round Table launched an initiative aimed at promoting the transformation of Canada’s brownfields into vibrant centres of community life. The objective of the program was to develop a national strategy that incorporated federal, provincial, municipal, and private sector measures that would facilitate the redevelopment of brownfields in Canada. The NRTEE convened a Task Force comprising representatives from diverse sectors and regions of the country—including all three levels of government—to help devise the strategy. The recommendations addressed key barriers to brownfield redevelopment, including legal uncertainty surrounding environmental liability, lack of capital, and poor stakeholder understanding of the issue. Cleaning up the Past, Building the Future: A National Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy for Canada was released in February 2003.

The Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA), on behalf of the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN) and in collaboration with NRTEE, conducted a market research study to identify the actions that have been undertaken in response to the recommendations in the NRTEE Brownfield Strategy. The key findings were that NRTEE Brownfield Strategy Report has been well received by the public and private sector and has been used as a key guidance document regarding what is needed to remove the barriers to brownfield redevelopment. The report acted as a catalyst and played a major role in motivating change. However, there does not appear to be any current effort to develop a National Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy or to create a federal Brownfield Coordinating Office; the private sector has made attempts to fill this gap through such organizations as the Canadian Brownfields Network and the National Brownfields Association. A summary of this report can be found at http://www.canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.ca.

2.3 Summary of Performance Assessment by Expected Result

Figure 9 presents an assessment of NRTEE performance against a five-level performance scale for each performance indicator (with one exception where information is insufficient to make an assessment). All performance indicators support the strategic outcome, “Federal policy development on environment and economy issues and decisions in other key sectors is influenced by NRTEE advice on selected issues.”

The shaded area indicates NRTEE performance for the reporting period.

Figure 9: Summary assessment of performance by expected result


Performance Scale
Expected result Major gap Below target Approaching target At target Above target
High quality research Negative feedback from external experts/Round Table members. Research reports are of poor quality. Information often incomplete or not reliable. Uneven feedback. Research products are of variable quality. Rework required. Some concerns about inaccuracies. Research results are often not seen as relevant or useful. Most research received positive feedback. Projects generally met expectations. Some quality concerns, but corrected before they reach stakeholders. Complaints are minimal. Research is very well perceived. High quality analysis. Most research is relevant and actionable. Nearly all research results have been used for developing policy recommen-dations. NRTEE has developed a strong reputation for the quality of its research. Research has received awards and special recognition. Research produced significant new knowledge. Highly innovative. NRTEE is viewed as a significant centre of excellence in sustainable development.
Effective stakeholder consultations Limited stakeholder consultation. NRTEE consultations are not well known. Periodic stakeholder consultation. Low level of stakeholder participation in NRTEE events. Difficult to attract participants. Organization of consultation sessions is uneven. Ongoing consultation. Size of audience is increasing. Feedback at stakeholder consultations is generally positive. NRTEE events are generally well received, and are seen as useful and timely. Frequent consultation with stakeholders. High participation in NRTEE events. Events are perceived to have high added value. NRTEE is perceived as a leader able to bring players together to discuss current and emerging issues. Stakeholders at large are aware of NRTEE activities. NRTEE is not able to accommodate all participants. Media visibility at a national level.
Useful policy advice and recommendations Few references from the government. NRTEE advice is not perceived to be addressing high priority sustainable development issues. Frequent complaints about quality of briefings. Government does not have a lot of confidence in NRTEE. Advice is not seen as timely. Occasional references from the government. NRTEE recommend-ations are often out of date. Limited usefulness. NRTEE reports and documents are of uneven quality. Increasing number of references from the government. NRTEE is often called upon by policy makers for advice on issues. Positive feedback received informally. Few complaints. Advice is timely. Information is generally seen as relevant. Frequent references from the government. Extensive contact with government decision makers at all levels. High stakeholder satisfaction. Policy analysis is seen as relevant, timely, and useful. NRTEE is perceived as a leader able to bring players together to discuss issues, and foster best practices and information sharing. Briefings are always high quality. NRTEE is often called upon to provide strategic advice at senior government levels. NRTEE advice and recommendations have received special notice from the government. NRTEE recommendations are often cited. High level of acceptance of NRTEE recommend-ations.
Effective communication of recommendations External communica-tions are limited. Target audiences are not well defined. Role of NRTEE is not well understood. Limited media coverage. Low level of interest from external stakeholders. Communica-tions products are of variable quality. Limited range of communication products. Limited reach. Role of NRTEE is still vague. Occasional media coverage. Few requests for publications. Feedback re communications products is generally positive. Good mix of communication products. Target audiences are well defined. Size of audience is increasing. Strong use of website. Some media coverage. Moderate number of requests for publications. Broad range of communications products. Perceived to be of high quality. Communications reach broad range of target audiences. High demand for publications. High visibility with stakeholders. Frequent media coverage); generally positive. High number of hits on NRTEE website. NRTEE has been cited for its communications products. A lot of positive feedback from external stakeholders. NRTEE is seen as the leading national resource centre in sustainable development.
Increased awareness and understanding of issues and solutions Little or no knowledge of sustainable development issues addressed by NRTEE. NRTEE is not well known by federal decision makers. Limited awareness among federal decision makers. Low level of participation and interest in sustainable development within their departments. NRTEE is rarely called up for advice and support. Awareness of sustainable development is increasing in departments and is reflected in program activities. Positive feedback from decision makers re NRTEE events. Sustainable development is considered in all program decisions. Decision makers have high level of awareness of challenges and potential solutions. NRTEE has helped increase understanding of issues. Departments have comprehensive sustainable development programs in place. Departments are devoting significant resources to sustainable development. Major contribution to public policy.