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Table 8: Sustainable Development Strategy

Commitment 1.1.1 - Actions are taken to reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions for key sectors across Canada

Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) Departmental Goal 1: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste in support of a sustainable economy

Federal Sustainable Development (SD) Goal(s) including Greening of Government Operations (GGO) goals, if applicable:
Federal SD Goal II - Clean Air: Clean air for people to breathe and ecosystems to function well
Federal SD Goal III - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Introduce regulations to align with US standards for emissions of air pollutants from vehicles and engines - starting in 2007
  • Introduce regulations to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from selected consumer and commercial products
  • Consultations and engagement with relevant stakeholders within key industrial sectors
  • Develop overall regulatory framework that will guide the development of industrial sector regulations that will include proposed short term targets for air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
  • Advice will be sought on medium and long-term targets for air pollutants and greenhouse has emissions
  • Regulations in place to align with US standards for emissions of air pollutants from vehicles and engines
  • Expected or actual reduction of emissions resulting from regulation
  • Regulations in place to reduce VOC emissions from selected consumer and commercial products
  • Expected or actual reduction of VOC emissions from consumer or commercial products
  • Number of sectors from which stakeholders are drawn
  • Development of an overall regulatory framework
  • Continued progress towards the development of new regulations and amendments to existing regulations for vehicles and engines to maintain alignment of Canadian standards for smog-forming emissions with those of the US.

Industrial Sector Air Pollutant regulations:

  • Supported development of regulations through consultations with industry regarding the air pollutant targets.

Industrial Sector Greenhouse Gas regulations:

  • Supported development of greenhouse gas regulations through consultations with industry.
  • Developed drafting instructions.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Regulations:
The following proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette Part I:

  • VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings, Auto Refinish Products and Certain Products regulations.



Commitment 1.1.2 - Development of a risk-based priority-setting approach for assessing and managing toxic substances

SDS Departmental Goal 1: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste in support of a sustainable economy

Federal SD Goal(s) including GGO goals, if applicable:
Federal SD Goal I - Water: Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems
Federal SD Goal II - Clean Air: Clean air for people to breathe and ecosystems to function well
Federal SD Goal VI - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Accelerate regulatory actions where appropriate (2007)
  • Challenge industry to provide new toxicity and use information on 200 high concern chemical substances (2007-2009)
  • Number of risk management approaches developed
  • Number of regulatory instruments developed and/or implemented
  • Number of voluntary measures developed and/ or implemented
  • Number of companies and institutions participating in the Challenge
  • Nineteen risk management approaches were developed.
  • Regulatory instruments were proposed or finalized for several substances, including phosphorus, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and chlorinated paraffins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
  • Non-regulatory instruments were developed and/or implemented for several substances, including mercury (dental amalgam), decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs).
  • Environment Canada has worked with over 650 companies/institutions and has publicly communicated progress on 150 of the 200 high-priority substances. Environment Canada is working with industry within a three-year time frame to develop a satisfactory management plan for each of these substances.



Commitment 1.2.1 - Adopt a more harmonized and integrated approach to the collection of information on pollutant release and other related data from Canadian industry, to inform Canadians and support decision-making

SDS Departmental Goal 1: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste in support of a sustainable economy

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable):
Federal SD Goal V - Sustainable development and use of natural resources
Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Integrated collection of industrial pollutant data, through the One-Window to National Environmental Reporting System (OWNERS), for various Environment Canada programs, including the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and other provincial, regional and private-sector partners (annual reporting)
  • Engagement of additional potential partners whose data could be collected through OWNERS (ongoing)
  • Collaborating with provinces and territories to reduce inconsistencies in reporting requirements for industrial facilities.
  • Building on success of work to harmonize pollutant reporting requirements with Ontario, collaborating with other provinces and territories to reduce inconsistencies in reporting requirements for industrial facilities.
  • Increased satisfaction of reporting facilities with the integration of pollutant data collection.
  • Pollutant data reports submitted annually.
  • The number of potential OWNERS partners engaged.
  • Ongoing industrial pollutant data collection.
  • Change in number of partners reporting data through OWNERS
  • Reduction of inconsistencies between federal and provincial pollutant reporting requirements.
  • Change in number of facilities for which data are reported through OWNERS
  • Number of harmonized reporting requirements among the federal government and provinces and territories
  • Over 99 percent of the facilities reported to the NPRI using the One-Window to National Environmental Reporting System (OWNERS) in 2008. Satisfaction with the use of OWNERS remained constantly high, as in previous years.
  • 2007 National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) information was collected for over 300 substances from more than 9,000 facilities.
  • During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, no new partners were added to OWNERS. There are currently five partners.
  • 2007 data were collected for existing OWNERS partners such as Ontario Ministry of the Environment (OMOE) Regulation 127/01, and Metro Vancouver.
  • New partners such as Toronto Public Health and Ontario's Toxic Reduction Strategy were engaged regarding the future use of OWNERS.
  • Inconsistencies between the NPRI and OMOE Regulation 127/01 were resolved and eliminated.
  • Reporting to OWNERS increased due to compliance promotion efforts by the NPRI and its partners.
  • Fully harmonized Ontario Regulation 127/01 with NPRI, except reporting for acetone. Work is ongoing to harmonize/integrate the data collection activities for British Columbia, Ontario (Toxic Reduction Strategy), and Quebec with the NPRI.


Commitment 1.2.2 - Advance sustainable consumption and production through initiatives

SDS Departmental Goal 1: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste in support of a sustainable economy

Federal SD Goal(s) including GGO goals, if applicable:
Federal SD Goal V - Sustainable development and use of natural resources


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Corporate Environmental Innovation: Through research, training and other collaborative initiatives, engage key players in the finance sector and other relevant stakeholders in identifying the business and financial benefits associated with strong environmental and sustainability performance and in understanding how they can integrate sustainability into their decision-making and operations (2007 ongoing).
  • Corporate Environmental Innovation: Support the strategic management and reporting of Environment Canada data on corporate environmental performance in order to improve the reliability, comparability and accessibility of Environment Canada data to internal and external users, including the financial sector (2007 ongoing).
  • Corporate Environmental Innovation: Promotion of leadership among Canadian corporate environmental leaders to encourage them to go beyond compliance performance (2007 ongoing).
  • Corporate Environmental Innovation: Provision of sustainability tools and best practices to the corporate sector to help promote the competitive and innovation benefits of enhanced environmental performance (2007 ongoing).
  • Corporate Environmental Innovation: Increase the quantity and quality of corporate sustainability reporting in Canada through the Sustainability Reporting Toolkit and corporate training workshops (2007 ongoing).
  • Provide public information base on chemical substances to strengthen industry, consumer and financial sector’s role in identifying and managing risks from substances (2007 ongoing).
  • Establish the Green Business Network: a partnership-based network through which government and industry partners can cooperate to support small and medium-sized enterprises with tailored tools to improve environmental performance and productivity (2007 ongoing).
  • Number of stakeholders from the business, non-profit, and financial communities we collaborate with through research, training and other collaborative initiatives.
  • Number of initiatives to engage stakeholders in corporate sustainability leadership activities.
  • Amount and use of Environment Canada data on corporate environmental performance.
  • Number of initiatives that promote leadership beyond compliance.
  • Number of sustainability tools and best practice products.
  • Level of sustainability reporting and percent disclosure of sustainability information.
  • Public information on chemical substances available and aimed at identifying and managing risks from substances.
  • Establishment of the Green Business Network.
  • The Corporate Environmental Innovation (CEI) initiative has continued to support and encourage corporate sustainability leadership by bringing together upwards of 100 stakeholders in the private sector, academics, non-governmental organizations and other government departments in key areas of engagement.
  • Environment Canada manages the Network on Linking Environmental Performance to Business Value, which brings together finance sector experts to build knowledge in the role of the finance sector in promoting a sustainable economy. Environment Canada is working with them to identify opportunities to make environmental performance information usable to the finance sector. The Network met once in 2008–2009, and individual members were engaged on a project basis as required.
  • At a meeting of the Network on Linking Environmental Sustainability to Business Value, Environment Canada presented information on the Department’s Chemicals Management Plan and engaged members on whether and how financially relevant information on chemical substances could best be communicated to the finance sector.
  • The Energy Sector Sustainability Table (www.tdds-sst.gc.ca) met twice in 2008 in support of its mandate to advance the environmental and economic sustainability of Canada’s energy system. The Table also released three publications: Environmental Scan of Canada's Energy Sector, Economic Scan of Canada's Energy Sector, and Energy Efficiency in Canada, the final report of the Table’s Energy Efficiency Working Group.
  • CEI worked with LEAD Canada to promote sustainability reporting training courses being offered by that organization, and helped LEAD Canada incorporate the Sustainability Reporting Toolkit and Corporate Social Responsibility – An Implementation Guide for Canadian Business (developed by Environment Canada in collaboration with other government departments) into the course curriculum.
  • Environment Canada continued to support Canada’s National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The Guidelines are a voluntary, multilateral framework of standards and principles on responsible business conduct.
  • In collaboration with other government departments, Environment Canada continued to support corporate sustainability reporting in Canada through an online Sustainability Reporting Toolkit.
  • In 2008, 80 percent of companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) Composite Index were found to include some environmental or social information in their annual or stand-alone sustainability reports.1
  • CEI has discontinued efforts to establish the Green Business Network.


Commitment 2.1.1 - Through consultations with stakeholders, identify the gaps in hydrometric and climate data currently provided, where changes could permit more informed decision making

SDS Departmental Goal 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians.

Federal SD Goal(s) including GGO goals, if applicable:
Federal SD Goal I - Water: Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems
Federal SD Goal III - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • A strategic plan for monitoring is developed which includes user requirements and information to assist decision-makers (July 2008).
  • Consultations with stakeholders are undertaken regarding data requirements, priorities and gaps (ongoing).
  • Development of a strategic plan for monitoring which includes user requirements and information to assist decision makers
  • Number of stakeholders consulted regarding data requirements, priorities and gaps
  • Number of stakeholder consultation sessions held
  • Strategic Plan for Weather and Environmental Monitoring (WEM) drafted and circulated for internal comment
  • ISO-aligned project charters developed and initiation of detailed network assessments for three WEM networks – Surface Weather, Reference Climate, and Upper Air
  • Consultations with subject matter experts were initiated. The consultations intended to develop an understanding of the various data user applications, and ways to improve the linkages between data users and data providers.
  • Ongoing consultation with international expertise through the coordination and chairing of the 2nd international extended Eumetnet Composite Observing System – Meteorological Service of Canada meeting on strategic network planning and design, November 24-25, 2008 (Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) facilities - Offenbach, Germany).


Commitment 2.1.2 - Develop a multi-disciplinary environmental prediction capability that supports policy and decision making on key government issues such as clean air, clean water, clean land, energy, health and safety, and economic competitiveness

SDS Departmental Goal 2:Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable):Federal SD Goal VI -Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • The Canadian public, decision-makers in government and industry, and the scientific community are more aware of and knowledgeable about present and future climate and its uncertainties (2A2g,h,i)
  • Engage in Research and Development (R&D) for a coupled atmosphere-hydrology system to simulate and predict the meteorological and hydrological conditions at required time-space scales for agencies responsible for all aspects of water management
  • A high-resolution prediction system for snow characteristics during the Vancouver Olympics (2A2a,b,c)
  • Engage in R&D for a coupled atmosphere-ocean-ice prediction system for maritime transport, storm surge, and various Environment Canada (EC), Department of National Defence (DND) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) applications (2A2a,b,c, 2A3b)
  • Improved operational Ensemble Prediction System to define risk and uncertainty of high impact weather (2A2a,b,c)
  • The incorporation of new information on present and future climate into areas such as impacts assessments, adaptation and mitigation decisions, policy formulation, environmental predictions, and industry and resource sector decision-making.
  • R&D for a coupled atmosphere-hydrology system to simulate and predict the meteorological and hydrological conditions at required time-space scales for agencies responsible for all aspects of water management.
  • Operational readiness for the Vancouver Olympics
  • R&D for a coupled atmosphere-ocean-ice prediction system for maritime transport, storm surge, and variousEC, DND and DFO applications.
  • Operational technology transfer of an improved ensemble forecast system.
  • A suite of internationally accepted objective verification tools using observations and analyses.
  • A new Canadian Global Climate Model that includes an initial implementation of carbon cycling capabilities is complete; a new Canadian Regional Climate Model has been developed and initial testing is well under way; outputs from these models are used to provide updated climate change information, contributing to the awareness and understanding of the risks of climate change.
  • High-quality homogenized climate data sets for Canadian stations updated and new data sets developed; these data sets are critical contributions to climate adaptation studies and for validating climate model results.
  • Development of climate indices specifically in support of the agriculture sector to enhance understanding of historical trends and variations in agriculture-specific topics such as drought.
  • New knowledge on tundra snow cover characteristics and variability, and melt onset and duration over cryosphere surfaces to inform industry and resource sector decision-making.
  • Continued development of the Modélisation environnementale de la surface et de l’hydrologie (MESH) land-surface hydrology modelling systems in collaboration with the university sector. This brings together aspects of various Environment Canada computer models taking into account hill slopes and rivers to route runoff to basin outlets.
  • Development of hydrological modelling systems for applications in the International Joint Commission (IJC) upper lakes study.
  • Hydrology and hydraulic modelling certified under the ISO 9001 quality management system.
  • Preparation of the final synthesis reports of the National Agri-Environmental Standards Initiative: Water Availability Index.
  • Implementation of a comprehensive, state-of-the-art observing network, nowcasting and numerical weather prediction system for the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.
  • Significant advances in ice forecasts, by coupling GEM to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in probabilistic hydrological forecasts for the Great Lakes and wind energy forecasts. These projects are at the forefront of the Environment Canada numerical weather and environmental prediction strategy.
  • Various prediction initiatives focused on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence to support decision-making for Government of Canada and provinces.
  • Public forecasts for days six and seven are based on the ensemble prediction system, and an improved version of the system has been transferred to the Meteorological Service of Canada with higher vertical resolution and improved quality of probabilistic forecasts for days one to three.


Commitment 2.2.1 - Improve safety and security margins for all Canadians from environmental hazards through forecasts, precision improvements, and increased warning advance notice that will permit citizens to take appropriate actions

SDS Departmental Goal 2:Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal IV - Sustainable Communities


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Improved lead times for weather and environmental forecasts and warnings
  • Improved accuracy of weather and environmental forecasts and warnings
  • Production of public, marine and air quality forecasts, warnings and information, 24 hours / 7 days a week, year round (ongoing)
  • Provision of specialized meteorological and weather information in support of emergency measures organizations (ongoing)
  • Lead time of warnings is improved
  • Actions taken to improve lead times of forecasts and warnings
  • Improved accuracy of forecasts
  • Actions taken to improve accuracy of forecasts and warnings
  • Non-interruption of the 24/7 year-round operational production
  • Production of public marine and air quality forecasts, warnings and information
  • Media and emergency organization satisfaction
  • Production of specialized meteorological and weather information to support emergency measures organizations
  • Measurements for the lead time and accuracy of warnings are under development and will be available in 2009–2010.
  • 100 percent production of public and marine forecasts and warnings was maintained from all Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) Storm Prediction Centres.
  • Accuracy of temperature forecasts for the first day were within 3°C, 92 percent of the time at 23 regularly monitored stations, exceeding the objective of 90 percent.
  • Through continuous improvements, quality of Canadian computer models continues to be comparable to those of the other G8 countries.
  • Public forecasts are now available up to seven days and marine forecasts have been extended up to five days due to improvements made to the numerical weather prediction and to probabilistic forecast products.
  • Implementation of integrated forecaster workstation in MSC Storm Prediction Centres as a new technology to improve forecast production and warning timeliness.
  • In addition to sites in Toronto and British Columbia, Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) forecasts are now available to 11 more communities in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec.
  • AQHI outreach was conducted to bring together the partners (provinces, NGOs, municipalities and academia).
  • 818 formal contacts with emergency measures organizations, including training on how to use environmental prediction information and co-location of staff, and 6,306 media contacts before, during and after high-impact weather events. MSC staff members were actively involved in providing advice to provincial authorities regarding high-impact events, including the Saint John River flooding in New Brunswick, Red River flooding in Manitoba and Hurricane Ike in Atlantic Canada.
  • Information available on the Environment Canada website has produced an average of 451,000 individual site hits for the major hurricanes.
  • Response to natural (volcanic eruptions) and anthropogenic emergencies provided.
  • National and international support to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.


Commitment 2.2.2 - Increase access by Canadians to water quantity and climatic information to make more sound environmental and economic decisions

SDS Departmental Goal 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians

Federal SD Goal(s) including GGO goals, if applicable:
Federal SD Goal I - Water: Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems
Federal SD Goal III - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Federal SD Goal IV - Sustainable Communities


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Reliable and timely public Internet access to water level information during the critical spring run-off and freshet season
  • Water level Internet site fully operational by March 2010
  • Develop Web-based tools to use water information tailored to decision-makers
  • Water level information during spring run-off and freshet season without interruption
  • Migration of water level Internet site to a 24/7 infrastructure completed
  • Number of actions taken to increase the availability of water information
  • Public access to real-time water level data was reliable during spring run-off and freshet season and through the year.
  • Plans have been developed to move the water levels Internet site to a 24/7 infrastructure and upgrade to Common Look and Feel (CLF) 2.0 compliance by the end of 2009–2010.
  • Additional observational real-time elements such as provisional flow and water temperature were added to selected locations along with water level data.
  • Climate information related to rainfall intensity, duration and frequency for several locations was made available online.


Commitment 2.2.3 - Improve quality services to enable partners to use meteorological and ice information to its fullest to improve the safety of their operations and their economic efficiency while reducing the impact of their activities on the environment.

SDS Departmental Goal 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians

Federal SD Goal(s) including GGO goals, if applicable:
Federal SD Goal IV - Sustainable Communities
Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Production of aviation weather forecast products, 24 hours a day/7 days a week operations
  • Installation, testing and calibration of monitoring equipment, including Doppler radar
  • Provision of site-specific weather and observation data for 2009 winter test events
  • Forecaster training and supporting technologies for Olympic weather services to be implemented.  
  • Engagement with public, media, and industry toward the preparation of weather and climate services for external stakeholders for 2010
  • Engagement with scientific community
  • Weather Services Centres staffed adequately to support Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces (DND/CF) operations both at home and abroad
  • Environment Canada implementation plan for the transformed military weather services developed.
  • Production of ice products, 24 hours a day/7 days a week operations
  • Satisfaction as measured through bilateral feedback
  • Number of aviation forecast products provided
  • All stations recording data and reporting in real time to National Standards
  • Data collection and transmission functional
  • Forecaster training complete, successful delivery of event forecasts during 2009 winter events.
  • Provision of communications through various media, participation with other levels of government in emergency preparedness exercises
  • Publications and presentations in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific associations
  • Weather services delivered as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Environment Canada and DND and emerging DND/CF needs addressed.
  • Satisfaction as measured through bilateral feedback
  • Number of ice information products provided
  • Maintenance of coverage of ice information services
  • Provision of specialized ice information services 
  • Monthly meeting with senior NAV CANADA managers/contacts to get their comments and discuss, with follow-up presented
  • Feedback requested from NAV CANADA/users on specific initiatives such as focusing our effort on the four major airport “hubs” (Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, Vancouver)
  • The two Canadian Meteorological Aviation Centres provide aviation forecast services on a 24/7 basis.
  • Data recovery exceeding National Standards, Doppler installed and operational, on-site testing of upper air program complete.
  • Data was available to facilitate nowcasting for 2009 winter test events.
  • Forecasts delivered to client’s satisfaction during 2008–2009 winter test events. Final training workshop scheduled from August 2009 to address application of Doppler radar in complex terrain.
  • New Weatheroffice pages, webcasting online, weather support for the Torch Relay, new Whistler Weatheradio antenna installation.
  • Engagement with emergency measures organizations (EMOs) and participation in Exercise Silver.
  • Engagement with the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC), other levels of government and other federal departments to ensure integrated planning.
  • Under the World Weather Research Program, an international Research Development Project (SNOW V-10) on winter nowcasting in complex terrain has been initiated and will provide a scientific legacy.  
  • Environment Canada implementation plan for the transformed weather services is developed. New timeline is from September 2010.
  • Performance targets in the Ice Information Service Partnership Agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard were met and reported on during formal bilateral meetings.
  • Over 6,100 ice information products were prepared in the form of daily ice charts, image analyses charts, regional charts, iceberg charts, and ice and iceberg bulletins.
  • Frequency of ice charting coverage over Canadian waters maintained.
  • Production of image analysis charts for the provision of specialized ice information for International Polar Year (IPY) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) seabed mapping.
  • More than 1,200 images analyzed for marine oil pollution in support of Transport Canada Integrated – Satellite Tracking of Pollution (I-STOP flights).


Commitment 2.2.4 - Provide Canadians with the scientific information and tools needed to understand and manage their vulnerabilities and opportunities due to our changing climate in ways which balance social, economic and environmental needs

SDS Departmental Goal 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians

Federal SD Goal(s) including GGO goals, if applicable:
Federal SD Goal III - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Expand the climate change hazards and infrastructure science program to understand and report on the anticipated changes in the frequency and intensity of climate change hazards, their impact on Canada's critical infrastructure and assist in the development of new infrastructure codes/standards and technologies. Develop new science for hazards and climate extremes and expand to include risks to infrastructure under climate change (e.g. contributes to new infrastructure codes, standards and technologies that include climate change impacts). - March 2009
  • Environment Canada and its partners expand the climate change Scenarios, Impacts and Adaptation (SIA) network and ensure that new research developments in climate change models, socio-economic scenarios, and downscaling methodologies are translated into actual tools for use by the impact science community via an expanded SIA network. - March 2008
  • Help Canada to meet its international climate change science, impacts and adaptation obligations (e.g. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Convention on Biological Diversity, World Meteorological Organization, and the Canadian International Development Agency) and expand the capability to monitor developments in international impacts and adaptation science, and its associated science advice for policy/decision-makers. - March 2009
  • Decision-makers have access to expanded hazards information on the changing climate.
  • Stakeholders have improved science on changing extremes in order to update climatic design information for national infrastructure codes and standards.
  • Decision-makers have access to information from four new regional nodes in the SIA network.
  • Training and national workshops are able to inter-link climate modellers with impacts and adaptation users.
  • Participation as chairs, delegates, keynote speakers and participants in international fora.
  • Science leadership on synergies between the U.N. Earth Summit or Rio Conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • Hazards analysis for disaster management planning, severe event analysis for new infrastructure codes and standards are under development.
  • Numerous stakeholder consultation meetings with many associations, NGOs and other government departments are well underway.
  • Invitations by the Building Code Commission and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to participate on their boards recognize the unique and sole authoritative role played by Environment Canada’s Adaptation and Impacts Research Division to provide scientifically sound data to support new national codes and standards.
  • Heat alert models, climate change and biodiversity predictive models, agricultural, mining, energy and other decision-making investment models are under development. These tools will help partners and clients make the right adaptation decision to reduce the impacts of climate change.
  • Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network (CCCSN) established nationally (www.cccsn.ca) and level of access by Canadians has expanded significantly.
  • Canadian Atmospheric Hazards Network (CAHN) under way with the Prairie and Northern Region to come online in 2009-2010.
  • Considerable stakeholder consultations, national science and adaptation workshops and scenarios training workshops have taken place across Canada, including in Canada’s North.


SDS Commitment: 3.1.1 - Establish regulations for incidental take under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 to ensure effective conservation of migratory bird populations while fostering sustainable economic development

SDS Departmental Goal 3: Canada's natural capital is managed to protect and enhance its capacity to provide ecological goods and services that provide enduring social and economic benefits

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Goal IV - Sustainable Communities


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • 2007 – Adoption by Environment Canada of new regulatory strategy for the management of incidental take of migratory birds.
  • 2007-2008 Preliminary consultations conducted with provinces/territories, industry, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), other government departments (OGDs) and Aboriginal peoples on the proposed regulatory framework for managing the incidental take of migratory birds.
  • Ecosystem Sustainability Board approval of new regulatory strategy in 2007.
  • Preliminary consultations with provinces/territories, industry, ENGOs, and OGDs on the proposed regulatory framework for incidental take completed March 2008
  • Number of stakeholders or stakeholder groups consulted
  • Number of stakeholder consultation sessions held
  • Number of consultative mechanisms used
  • Feedback from preliminary consultations indicated stakeholders needed further details to understand the proposed regulatory framework. Work therefore shifted to the development of key policy pieces to support implementation of a new approach to the management of incidental take: the Conservation Framework and the Risk Management Framework (RMF), including initial engagement of key stakeholders in the RMF.
  • Continued to conduct preliminary consultations, in particular with Aboriginal peoples, while waiting for development of the key implementation policies. Communication with stakeholders involved 8 ENGOs, 19 industry groups, 12 OGDs, 3 provinces or territories, over 1,000 Aboriginal communities and groups and 6 other interested parties.


Commitment: 3.1.2 - A national biodiversity outcomes framework is implemented in partnership with provincial and territorial governments to provide improved coordinated action such as better monitoring and reporting of status and trends, engagement of Canadians in conservation planning, implementation, and reporting

SDS Departmental Goal 3: Canada's natural capital is managed to protect and enhance its capacity to provide ecological goods and services that provide enduring social and economic benefits

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Goal IV - Sustainable Communities


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • National endorsement of the biodiversity outcomes framework at Joint Ministers’ Meeting in October 2006
  • Reporting on implementation of the biodiversity outcomes framework within a three-year timeframe to identify progress towards outcomes and future priorities for reducing biodiversity loss. Development of a three-year work plan with partners to provide critical knowledge on ecosystem status and trends

 

  • National endorsement of biodiversity outcomes framework
  • A report on ecosystem status and trends completed by end of 2009
  • Number of partners/experts involved in the identification of ecosystem status and trends
  • Completion of a report on implementation of the biodiversity outcomes framework by the end of 2009
  • Number of partners involved in the report on implementation
  • Priorities for action identified as a result of national reports on status and trends and progress towards biodiversity outcomes
  • A draft of Canada’s fourth national report on implementation was developed jointly by federal, provincial and territorial governments with input from a variety of non-governmental interests, including business, ENGOs, and municipalities. The report addresses status of and trends in biodiversity, implementation of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy and progress towards biodiversity outcomes, sub-national planning and mainstreaming of biodiversity into both government and non-governmental plans and strategies, and progress towards the 2010 target.
  • In June 2007, the Canadian Councils of Resource Ministers (CCRM) Deputy Ministers agreed that the national report on ecosystem status and trends would be a first deliverable under the outcomes framework and would be used as a means of tracking and measuring progress towards biodiversity outcomes.
  • Preliminary drafts of almost all 15 chapters of the Ecosystem Status and Trends Technical Report (ESTR) have now been received and are undergoing review.
  • First drafts of 3 marine chapters of the technical report of the Ecosystem Status and Trends Report (ESTR) have been completed.


Commitment: 3.2.1 - New scientific knowledge/instruments/tools and strategic options are developed and made available to encourage sustainable water use by sectors and federal/provincial/territorial governments, water resource managers, industry, municipalities and Canadians

SDS Departmental Goal 3: Canada's natural capital is managed to protect and enhance its capacity to provide ecological goods and services that provide enduring social and economic benefits

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable):
Federal SD Goal I - Water: Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Policy makers and decision-makers, Canadians and other stakeholders have the scientific knowledge and information required to understand the impacts and anticipate and respond to key environmental issues through decision-making, changing policies and adaptation of their activities (2007–2009)
  • More effective science-based instruments, tools and strategies for integrated water management and sustainable water use are developed, managed and promoted in collaboration with key partners (2007–2009)
  • More effective science-based instruments, tools and strategies for integrated water management and sustainable water use are developed, managed and promoted in collaboration with key partners (2007–2009)
  • Environment Canada’s new scientific knowledge/instruments/tools and strategic options are considered by decision-makers and resource managers in the development and implementation of regional and international programs, actions and agreements to achieve safe, clean and secure water for people and ecosystems and sustainable use of this resource.
  • In 2008–2009, Environment Canada generated new scientific knowledge and information on priority areas, including nitrogen and phosphorus standards to protect the ecological condition of Canadian streams, rivers and coastal waters; the impact of climate change on the parasites and diseases of aquatic animals; the dynamic existence of waterborne pathogens within river sediment compartments; the impacts of climate change and human activities on groundwater recharge in Canada using historical data; and toxic contaminants in large ecosystems. The Department also provided scientific information and advice to reduce combined sewer overflow and measures to assess the accuracy of ongoing flow measurements to produce more robust results in evaluation of the flow conditions.


Commitment: 3.3.1 - Ensure improved integration of social and economic factors in the development and implementation of new programs for priority ecosystems

SDS Developmental Goal 3: Canada's natural capital is managed to protect and enhance its capacity to provide ecological goods and services that provide enduring social and economic benefits

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable):
Federal SD Goal I - Water: Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems
Federal SD Goal IV - Sustainable Communities
Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Develop and use indicators to track the integration of sustainable development principles which could include:
    • environmental, economic and social integration;
    • maintenance of a natural capital system that ensures a perpetual supply of the ecological goods and services provided by ecosystems to sustain our health, economic prosperity and competitiveness;
    • cooperation, partnership and participation; and
    • education, training, awareness and capacity building.
  • Negotiate to include consensus-based ecological targets in future/new priority ecosystems programs which will allow realistic goals related to sustainable development to be set for each priority ecosystem.
  • Propose a new socio-economic mechanism or improve the present mechanism to foster local involvement in conservation, protection, and sound use of natural areas.
  • Indicators being developed and used
  • SD goals for each Ecosystem Initiative
  • Socio-economic mechanisms are used

Atlantic Canada Ecosystems Initiative

  • Twenty multi-stakeholder, ecosystem coalitions throughout Atlantic Canada (17 community based and 3 at larger ecosystem scales) continued to integrate environmental, social and economic agendas to develop consensus-based Strategic and Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan priorities and ecological targets.

St. Lawrence Ecosystem Initiative

  • In 2008, the State of the St. Lawrence program established an overview of the status and trends in the St. Lawrence that will be published in 2009. There are now 21 indicators (physical, chemical, biological and use) that are being followed. In the case of three indicators (shore erosion, invasive plant species and recreational uses) monitoring is done in partnership with eight non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which also provides capacity building.
  • As part of the St. Lawrence Plan for a Sustainable Development 2005–2010, the Zone d’intervention prioritaire (ZIP)program fostered cooperation among riverside communities around local environmental issues and ecological action and remediation plans in each ZIP. In 2008–2009, over 69 projects were carried out in the 14 ZIPs. These projects aim to maintain natural capital with a view to sustainable development and are carried out in partnership with local organizations.
  • The development of a joint Canada-Quebec approach for the integrated management of the St. Lawrence has progressed. In 2008, the means and tools for its implementation were detailed.
  • The Biosphère developed and distributed various products targeted at youth and families. In 2008, a project on community involvement along the shores of the St. Lawrence River was started with a pilot project involving the CEGEP La Pocatière. A strategy to promote and implement this project in other regions and CEGEPs along the St. Lawrence is being developed.

Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Initiative

  • In 2008–2009 a draft suite of updated indicators was developed for peer review. When finalized, an updated State of the Great Lakes Highlights Report will be published early in 2009–2010.
  • Remedial Action Plans have been established for each of the Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes basin, with the goal of completing all priority actions in four locations by 2010, and making significant progress in 11 others. In 2008–2009, 40 restoration projects were supported by Canada’s Great Lakes Sustainability Fund.
  • Lakewide area Management Plans (LaMP) have been established for lakes Superior, Ontario, Erie and Michigan, while a Binational Partnership Action Plan has been implemented for Lake Huron. Each LaMP establishes a binationally agreed-to ecosystem vision, with goals, targets and priorities to define a future expected condition for the lake and address the specific environmental challenges faced by that lake. 
  • In 2008–2009 the Great Lakes Binational Toxic Strategy began to consider additional substances that may present threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem. A binational framework was developed to identify these substances, and work was carried out to explore substances of emerging concern, along with possible mitigation strategies and other management options to address potential impacts.
  • A sub-watershed plan was developed for streams in the North Gullies sub-watershed of Lake Huron under the guidance of community stakeholders and resource agencies.
  • To help prevent antibiotics and household personal care products from entering our waterways, a pilot project was delivered in the Lake Superior area. Posters and flyers providing information on how to dispose of these products properly were distributed to medical and dental clinics, hospitals, seniors’ centres, retirement homes and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit network, as well as to 11 Aboriginal communities. In addition, presentations on this topic were made to community organizations, and a series of public information sessions were held to help prevent these products from entering our waterways, including the Great Lakes.

Georgia Basin Action Plan

  • Fraser Basin Council’s 2009 State of the Fraser Basin Report, Sustainability Indicator Snapshot 4 reports on 18 different indicators. These reports increase public awareness of sustainability issues and trends, identify critical issues, track progress, and provide information necessary to make decisions and take actions for sustainability.
  • The Georgia Basin Action Plan (GBAP) supported various Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Plan (BIEAP) and Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP) committees, which monitor key ecosystem indicators, track cumulative effects, and implement Consolidated Environmental Management Plans. Through this support, BIEAP and FREMP continued to facilitate sustainable management of the Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River estuary.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Environment Canada expanded water quality monitoring to include an additional seven stations in the Georgia Basin under the Canada-British Columbia Water Quality Monitoring Agreement. Data collected from these stations are summarized and reported on as part of the National Water Quality Index. Data are used in national Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicator reports and assessments, and the indices for these watersheds are reported annually on the Environment Canada Water Quality website.
  • The Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN): Annual CABIN assessment has been incorporated into 12 federal-provincial monitoring stations to provide a more comprehensive picture of the status of and trends in aquatic ecosystem health. CABIN verifies chemical assessment of water quality and alerts environmental managers to problems that have not been captured by chemical monitoring alone. Incorporation of biological components into water quality monitoring gives a more complete assessment of conditions and has been embraced by the province of British Columbia, as well as Environment Canada’s national water quality monitoring program. 
  • Environment Canada and the United States Environmental Protection Agency developed the Joint Statement of Cooperation on the Georgia Basin and Puget Sound Ecosystem 2008–2010 Action Plan, Initiatives for the Salish Sea (November 2008). This Statement of Cooperation will establish a formal Canada-U.S. commitment at the regional level to work cooperatively on the challenges identified, including sustainability.
  • Coast Salish Engagement: The Coast Salish First Nations have developed The Coast Salish Action Plan, which aims to conserve and restore the Salish Sea ecosystem. With support from GBAP, the Coast Salish have increased capacity to implement their Action Plan, develop their Canoe Journeys water quality project, participate in conferences and workshops, develop and implement a communications plan to raise awareness of Coast Salish knowledge and interests, and strengthen their environmental assessment participation.

Northern Ecosystem Initiative

  • In 2008-2009, the Northern Ecosystem Initiative had four formal agreements with Aboriginal organizations (Council of Yukon First Nations, Inuit Tapirit Kanatami, Innu Nation, Dene Nation) to enable their participation in their program.
  • Through the creation of two reports (Northern Ecosystem Initiative: Building Capacity and Delivering Results – Environment Canada’s Contributions to the Northern Environmental Agenda and Northern Ecosystem Initiative: Report on Phase II and the Pilot Project Experience in Quebec), capacity building processes were documented which may foster future collaborations and partnerships amongst communities, Aboriginal organizations, scientists and various levels of government.

Western Boreal Conservation Initiative

  • In 2008-2009, effort with the Western Boreal Conservation Initiative focused on communicating the results of science and science-based projects on conservation of boreal biodiversity to partners and end-users, including workshops and reporting. Partnerships with Sustainable Forest Management Network, Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Initiative, Boreal Avian Modeling Project, research institutions and various end-users in industry, provincial agencies, and ENGOs were continued. Focus was on predictive modelling, monitoring and best practices for management of biodiversity and related themes.


Commitment: 3.3.2 Influence decision makers by improving the effectiveness of Environment Canada's involvement in the environmental assessment process

SDS Departmental Goal 3: Canada's natural capital is managed to protect and enhance its capacity to provide ecological goods and services that provide enduring social and economic benefits

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable):
Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Environment Canada's input into environmental assessments conducted by panel level reviews are evaluated and analyzed within six months of publication.
  • Percentage of panel level reports evaluated and analyzed within six months of publication
  • During 2008-2009 over 50 percent of panel level reports considered as "high priority" were evaluated and analyzed; the remaining reports are classified as "ongoing" due to the lack of final government response. Finally, only two panel reports were considered as "low priority" and analysis of these was not recommended.


Commitment: 4.1.1: In its role to provide leadership, coordination and guidance on sustainable development strategies (SDS), Environment Canada will be a source of sustainable development policy advice and will work interdepartmentally to improve the management and accountability of the departmental SDSs

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

 Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Via the Interdepartmental Network on Sustainable Development Strategies, develop annual progress reports on the federal sustainable development goals (beginning in 2008).
  • Explore opportunities to further SD within Environment Canada and the federal government – discussion paper by end 2008; internal and external consultations by end of 2009
  • Work with other departments and agencies to assess the current state of management systems for the sustainable development strategies (SDS); discussion paper developed by summer 2007.
  • Provide advice and support on SD-related matters to departmental and interdepartmental colleagues – ongoing.
  • Continue to lead and coordinate federal SD efforts – ongoing.
  • Development of progress reports on the federal SD goals
  • Number of internal and external consultations on opportunities for SD
  • Number of stakeholders involved in consultations on opportunities for SD
  • Development of discussion paper with recommendations
  • Expected result is no longer valid. The Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA), which received Royal Assent on June 2008, significantly changed Environment Canada’s role regarding sustainable development planning and reporting and repealed the previous process under the Auditor General Act, to which this refers. Environment Canada is now responsible for leading the development of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy by June 2010, as well as for monitoring and reporting on its progress.
  • The new FSDA requires a progress report against the goals and targets set out in the upcoming Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for every three-year cycle of the Strategy. Environment Canada is currently developing the final Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, to be tabled in 2010.
  • A Sustainable Development Strategies Management Review was completed in November 2008 on behalf of the Government of Canada and shared interdepartmentally. The conclusions of the Management Review informed the implementation of the Federal Sustainable Development Act.


Commitment: 4.1.2 - A robust approach is developed and used to ensure Environment Canada's implementation of the Species at Risk Act better integrates the socio-economic dimensions of sustainable development.

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

 Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Environment Canada considers the use of a broad mix of instruments to achieve its environmental objectives.
  • Effectiveness and efficiency of instruments are analyzed and considered.
  • Environment Canada’s ability to analyze and measure the impacts and futures of alternative approaches to domestic and international environmental challenges is enhanced.
  • Consideration of socio-economic analysis is integrated into Environment Canada’s policy development processes to better inform decision-making (e.g. valuation of natural capital).
  • High-quality, consistent and reliable socio-economic data, information and analysis are available for decision-making.
  • Department has an enhanced understanding of linkages to support decision-making (e.g. science-economics-policy).
  • Department maximizes benefits from external relationships with policy research organizations.
  • Number of actions taken to refine existing frameworks and tools
  • Number of analysis and research activities undertaken to determine and meet the needs of decision-makers
  • Number of policy instruments analyzed
  • Number of Regulatory Impact Analysis Statements (RIAS) delivered
  • Number of actions taken to ensure Environment Canada’s implementation of the Species at Risk Act better integrates the socio-economic dimensions of sustainable development
  • Client satisfaction
  • Frameworks and Tools: The Economic Analysis Directorate (EAD) co-chaired a sub-committee of the Species at Risk Advisory Committee to validate and improve the Socio-Economic Screening tool for Species at Risk (SeST)
  • Environment Canada participated in a process to establish and refine a framework for the socio-economic evaluation of recovery actions for species at risk.
  • Environment Canada analyzed the socio-economic implications of adding 30 species to Schedule 1 of SARA, and screened 18 species for potentially significant socio-economic impacts for the batch 5 SARA Regulatory Impact Analysis Statements. Environment Canada gathered information to support analysis of 7 species which are in an extended SARA process.
  • Regulatory Impact Analysis Statements: Environment Canada has delivered one Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement covering the addition of 23 species to Schedule 1 of SARA.
  • Environment Canada maintains an international economic valuation database which helps facilitate estimation of the benefit of preserving species.


Commitment: 4.1.3: Develop a strategy and action plan to guide the development, reporting and/or realignment of environmental sustainability indicators in line with departmental priorities and to better integrate social, health and economic considerations into the reporting of the indicators

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthen federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Identify needs and priorities of Government of Canada decision-makers through consultations or dialogue with key stakeholders with respect to environmental sustainability indicators and their priorities for the incorporation of social, health and economic considerations. By December 2007.
  • Propose an indicator framework for the incorporation of social, economic and health considerations into environmental sustainability indicators. By March 2008.
  • Examine applicability of Environment Canada's environmental indicators reported/in use regarding identified needs and priorities for sustainable development. By December 2008.
  • Develop and initiate the implementation of a strategy and action plan to guide the development, reporting and/or realignment of environmental sustainability indicators in line with departmental priorities and to better integrate social, health and economic considerations into the reporting of the indicators. By December 2009.
  • Report summarizing needs and priorities of departmental and other government department decision-makers and multi-stakeholders.
  • Availability of a draft framework by March 2008.
  • Gap analysis conducted comparing current indicators in use against identified departmental priorities for sustainable development and proposed strategic framework.
  • Work plans have been proposed to reflect realignment/new development of indicators in line with identified priorities.
  • User needs public opinion research study completed October 2007 has guided Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) modifications which respond to identified needs.
  • Program evaluation focused on policy decision-makers' needs (final report release proposed for June 26, 2009).
  • CESI indicators for air and water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to SDS Strategic Outcome 4 were released on new website March 2009.
  • Indicator release addresses need for better integration of indicator and contextual data, information on how Canada compares internationally, and access to site-level information through a new mapping application.
  • A strategic framework to examine the alignment of indicators with federal SDS goals will be completed in the context of CESI renewal (fall 2009).


Commitment: 4.1.4: Increase access of educators and interested Canadians to curriculum-linked learning material on sustainable development themes and topics (e.g., energy sustainability) through strategic partnerships with expert organizations responsible for content development and dissemination

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Integration and Enabling Services contribute to achieving departmental Strategic Outcomes

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal IV - Sustainable Communities


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • 1. Support provincial/territorial working groups on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and a national council to accelerate the uptake of ESD in formal, non-formal, and informal education.

Target Dates:
Working group plans developed and delivered by March 2008
Follow through on effectiveness of work plan activities by March 2009

  • 2. Distance Learning Initiatives through the Biosphère to Canadian schools, with a focus on climate change and clean air.

Target Dates: Beginning of the videoconferences and other Distance Learning Initiatives on air quality by September 2008.

  • Ongoing feedback solicited from youth and educators as to the effectiveness of the experience.
  • 1. Increased collaboration between stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, provincial governments, to deliver ESD to support Canadians, youth and educators in the adoption of sustainable practices as demonstrated by:
    a) 10 ESD working groups in place;
    b) formal and informal relationships developed between working groups and provincial departments of education; and
    c) an increase in ESD content integrated into provincial curriculum.
  • 2. a) Number of schools (from a target of 40 in 2007–2008 to 100 in 2008–2009) and youth reached
    b) Number of provinces and territories reached by program
    c) Number of requests by educators to participate
  • Education for Sustainable Development content increased in provincial curricula through the influence of the working groups, e.g., a number of working groups helped to influence the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to begin developing a national framework for sustainable development education within school curricula.
  • From April 2008 to March 2009, 150 schools consisting of 7,202 students and teachers were reached.
  • The program reached ten provinces/territories: Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Northwest Territories.
  • To date, the Distance Learning Initiatives have received hundreds of requests from educators to participate. The program was in a better position in 2008-2009 to accept more requests as modern studios were installed.
  • Of the feedback solicited from youth and educators as to the effectiveness of the experience, 100 percent approved of the initiative and would like more. The Biosphère is currently developing new videoconferences on water and responsible consumption as well as on biodiversity in view of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010. It is also planning a new Internet Protocol (IP) that will facilitate technical communications with schools and increase outreach.


Commitment: 4.1.5 - A federal model for action is designed and launched in one or more watersheds and demonstrates practical techniques for managing water as a capital asset

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

 Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal I - Water: Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • The Government will initiate plans to address degradation in targeted watersheds
  • Plans developed and implemented in targeted watersheds

Progress on the Action Plan for Clean Water in 2008–2009 included the following:

  • In the first two rounds under the Lake Simcoe Clean-up Fund, 62 projects were approved to receive a total of $6.6 million. The projects contribute to meeting the Government of Canada's Lake Simcoe Clean-up Fund objectives of reducing rural and urban non-point sources of pollution, rehabilitating priority habitats to restore the health of the aquatic ecosystem and coldwater fishery in Lake Simcoe, and improving information and monitoring for decision-makers.
  • Environment Canada has been engaged in a four-year partnered science plan for Lake Winnipeg to share information among federal, provincial, municipal, academic and U.S. partners and to assess the current state of the lake, address current data and knowledge gaps, and identify the major sources and bioavailability of particulate and dissolved nutrient inputs to the lake. Preliminary assessments of nutrients in Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnipeg were initiated. Environment Canada co-funded the State of the Basin Report for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Basin, released in March 2009. Work has begun on a joint Environment Canada - Manitoba Water Stewardship State of Lake Winnipeg Report, which is scheduled for completion by March 2010. The first round of proposals for the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Fund was announced.
  • Under the Great Lakes Remediation initiative, work was completed in November 2008 on a major remediation project to remove PCB-contaminated sediment from Turkey Creek, a tributary of the Detroit River. Assessments of sediment contamination, risks to fish, sediment management options, and engineering designs were conducted in other Areas of Concern.


Commitment: 4.2.1 - Advance an effective process to work cooperatively with provinces and territories to inform the department's strategic decision making in pursuing work on intergovernmental issues.

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthening federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Intergovernmental engagement strategies for priority issues
  • Regional and/or bilateral agreements with respect to the Competitiveness and Environmental Sustainability Framework (CESF).
  • Analyses of provincial/territorial budgets, Speeches from the Throne and environmental policies.
  • Strategic objectives, advice and briefings are provided to the Minister, Deputy Minister and senior officials prior to key bilateral and multilateral federal/provincial/territorial meetings.
  • A departmental network to strengthen information sharing and coordination related to intergovernmental affairs is established.
  • Number of priority issues for which engagement strategies have been developed
  • Number of regional and/or bilateral agreements reached with respect to the CESF
  • Number of analyses prepared
  • Number of officials briefed
  • Establishment of a departmental network to strengthen information sharing and coordination
  • Through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and the Canadian Councils of Resource Ministers (CCRM), Environment Canada has engaged with the provinces/territories on 11 major issues: air pollutants management; municipal wastewater management (including the signature of the Municipal Wastewater Effluent Strategy); extended producer responsibility; a Canada agenda on Biodiversity; Canada's Fourth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity; access and benefits sharing of genetic resources; Ecosystems Status and Trends Report; species at risk; polar bears; caribou; and engagement strategy for 2010 - the International Year of Biodiversity.
  • Many of the priority issues to be handled under the Competitiveness and Environmental Sustainability Framework are being pursued under the CCME and CCRM mechanisms. However, the Atlantic Provinces did sign an environmental cooperation agreement with the federal government (June 2008) which contains a broad set of environmental management principles of cooperation designed to enhance environmental protection in that region. Environment Canada has been working on an annex to the agreement specific to water.


Commitment: 4.2.2 - Country and institutional strategies are developed to advance Canada's environmental priorities internationally in a way that supports our economic and social objectives

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable): Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthening federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Canada's key environmental interests are clearly defined.
  • Coherent, coordinated approaches are used to advance Canada's environmental priorities with appropriate bilateral partner countries (U.S., China, India, Brazil) and multilateral fora (Commission for Environmental Cooperation, United Nations Environment Programme, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). These approaches take economic and social impacts into account.
  • Canada effectively influences international partners in pursuance of domestic environmental objectives.
  • Institutional strategy to define Canada's international environmental priorities is developed
  • Key international partners engaged
  • Mechanisms with which Canada can support its environmental, economic, and social objectives are identified
  • Strategic approaches to advance Canada's environmental priorities were developed with bilateral partners
  • Environment Canada implemented an International Environmental Framework. The framework ensures that Environment Canada’s international engagements are focused on delivering the Government’s environmental agenda. Based on the Framework, Environment Canada completed a three-year (2009–2011) International Chemicals and Waste Strategy to focus on priority issues and guide international engagement to achieve domestic results and continued to advance strategies for key institutions and partners.
  • In 2008, Environment Canada completed negotiations for environmental agreements parallel to Free Trade Agreements with Jordan, Peru and Colombia. Negotiations with several other nations are underway.
  • The G8: Environment Canada provided policy development, policy coordination and advice to the 2008 Kobe meeting of Environment Ministers and Leader’s summit in Hokkaido. Environment Canada also provided policy development in preparation for the 2009 G8 Environment Ministers’ meeting in Syracusa and input into the Leaders’ summit of L’Aquila.
  • Environment Canada is working with other government departments and with the U.S. Department of Energy to advance the U.S.-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue, which focuses effort on building a new clean energy economy as a key element of our economic recovery and reinvestment efforts.
  • Environment Canada continued to work with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to support the International Joint Commission and its work on boundary and transboundary water management. In 2008–2009 there was a strong focus on completing the first phase of the International Upper Great Lakes Study.
  • Under the India-Canada Forum for Environmental Cooperation, Environment Canada advanced the policy development enabling Canada and India to work effectively on issues of environmental management, sustainable development, and clean technologies.
  • Canada hosted the 8th Council Session of the Canada-Chile Commission for Environmental Cooperation in May 2008. Discussions related to the continued implementation of the Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation took place. Joint initiatives have resulted in successful cooperation in domains such as migratory bird protection, air quality monitoring, strengthening the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and promoting environmental sustainability in the aquaculture sector.
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Environment Canada supported the international consensus reached in February 2009 to begin negotiations of a legally binding instrument to reduce mercury pollution globally.
  • Montreal Protocol and the Bilateral Program: Canada fostered consensus on a range of issues to enable cost-effective phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in developing countries. Environment Canada also coordinated implementation of ODS phase-out projects in 10 developing countries.
  • Arctic Council: Environment Canada continues to be active in contributing to Arctic Council assessments and projects related to domestic priorities for the North, including International Polar Year research, biodiversity-related work, reduction of substances that are of concern domestically (brominated flame retardants and mercury), and adaptation to climate change in the Arctic.
  • Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC): Environment Canada hosted the 15th annual meeting of the Environment Ministers of Canada, the United States and Mexico in Ottawa as a means to advance priorities in sustainable growth, pollution prevention, biodiversity conservation, and compliance and enforcement. Environment Canada initiated the development of stronger project selection criteria which led to trilateral work that was more results-focused and North American in scope.


Commitment: 4.2.3- Guidelines on Aboriginal and stakeholder consultation are established and in use to ensure effective engagement of all partners and stakeholders in Environment Canada's policy development process

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable):
Federal SD Goal IV - Sustainable communities
Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthening federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Drafting of consultations policy and guidelines
  • Engage Environment Canada consultations practitioners in order to obtain in-depth comments
  • Online discussion (e-mail) to engage other employees
  • Revision and integration of participants’ views
  • Approval process - DG IGSR; Strategic Integration Board; Deputy Minister; Minister
  • Internal Communication - Plan and dissemination through Consultations Community of Practice and training
  • External Communication - Plan and update new policy on internal and external Web
  • Reviewing/refining the guidelines after they have been in place for six months
  • Department-wide training
  • Completion of drafting process
  • Number of employees engaged
  • Approval of policy and guidelines
  • Placement of new consultations policy and guidelines on internal and external Web
  • Completion of review process
  • Number of actions taken to refine guidelines
  • Number of training sessions held
  • Number of participants in training sessions
  • Consultation policy and guidelines have been re-drafted to be in line with the Federal Action Plan on Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation. An action plan has been developed for internal approval process. Approval will be sought in 2009-2010.
  • Over 100 Environment Canada staff members and managers were engaged in drafting policy and guidelines through interviews, questionnaires, workshops and correspondence.
  • Training and internal/external communications will occur after final approval of policy and guidelines.


Commitment: 4.3.1 - To prevent, reduce, minimize or eliminate air, land and water pollution that result from the department's activities and operations

SDS Departmental Goal 4: Strengthened integrated decision making in the delivery of departmental strategic outcomes

Federal SD Goal (s), including GGO goals (if applicable):
Federal SD Goal I - Water: Clean and secure water for people, marine and freshwater ecosystems
Federal SD Goal III - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Federal SD Goal IV - Sustainable Communities
Federal SD Goal VI - Strengthening federal governance and decision-making to support sustainable development


Expected Results 2008-2009 Supporting Performance Measure(s) Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-2009
  • Procurement: two activities, as stated in the GGO Guidance Document; one voluntary activity
  • Vehicle Fleet:  two activities, as stated in the GGO Guidance Document;
  • Building Energy: one activity, as stated in the GGO Guidance Document; one voluntary
  • Water: one activity
  • Solid Waste: one activity
  • Green Stewardship: one activity
  • Contaminated Sites: one activity
  • Number of products and their environmental footprints identified
  • Number of procurement strategies initiated
  • Percentage of materiel managers and procurement personnel having attended green procurement training.
  • Development of Departmental Green Procurement Strategy.
  • Report/audit conducted on the amount of ethanol being purchased by the Department
  • Percentage of facilities where Environment Canada is the sole tenant for which energy baselines and energy consumption are available
  • Number of employees participating in greening initiatives (where tracked), such as Green Teams, Commuter Challenge, Clean Air Day, Waste Reduction Week.
  • Development of a long-term plan for assessment and remediation of contaminated sites.
  • Number of departmental contaminated sites identified and/or assessed and/or remediated.
  • An update on the draft Green Procurement Strategy/Policy is underway that intends to be more aligned with the priorities of the federal greening government operations agenda and federal sustainable development strategy targets.
  • An analysis of the departmental spend is underway and will aid in identifying potential products and targets.
  • Green procurement training is encouraged for all employees in procurement and contracting. The mechanism to track the participation rate of employees continues to be explored.
  • Report on ethanol: The Department purchased approximately 174,919 L of ethanol fuel in 2008-2009. This is an increase of nearly 23,000 L from 2007-2008.
  • Reduce fleet GHG emissions by 15 percent from 2002-2003 by 2010: In 2008-2009, fleet-related GHG emissions were 4.60 Kt. In 2002-2003, this figure was 5.06 Kt. Therefore, we have realized a 9 percent reduction.
  • As part of the life-cycle management of the Eureka weather station site, the the generator was replaced and the site experienced a 10 percent increase in energy efficiency.
  • The Green Team network across the country continues to raise awareness of environmental behaviour in the workplace. There are approximately 250 employees actively involved in the Green Team.
  • In 2008-2009, Environment Canada assessed 173 contaminated sites and remediated 46 sites in line with the Department's three-year contaminated sites management plan, which is updated on an annual basis.


1Stratos Inc. (2008). Canadian Corporate Sustainability Reporting - Best Practices 2008. 2.