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Sustainable Development Strategy

1. SDS Departmental Goals:

Health Canada's Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) for 2007-2010 A Path to Sustainability builds on the success of the previous strategy, maintaining three identical themes;

1. Helping to create healthy social and physical environments.

2. Minimizing the environmental and health effects of the Department's physical operations and activities.

3. Integrating sustainable development into departmental decision-making and management processes and advancing the social pillar of sustainability.

Health Canada's current SDS contains 51 measurable targets under these three long-term themes. The targets contribute to the department's strategic outcomes including access to safe and effective health products and information, reduced health and environmental risks, safer living and working environments and better health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit and other Canadians. Specific targets address priorities such as clean air, clean water, sustainable communities, protection of the environment and human health, food safety, procurement, training and awareness, environmental stewardship and integrating sustainable development into departmental decision-making and management processes. Expected results and performance measures are clearly laid out in the Strategy.

2. Federal Sustainable Development Goal(s), including Greening of Government goals:

To strengthen coherence and accountability across departmental SDSs, six government wide, long term sustainability goals were developed in a process led by Environment Canada. Where possible, departments were asked to align their targets to the federal goals. The design of Health Canada's strategy underlines our commitment to this coordinated federal approach: 40 of our 51 targets are aligned to federal goals.

Federal Goal	# of corresponding HC Targets
I) Clean and secure water	7
II) Clean air	4
III) Reduced greenhouse gas emissions	8
IV) Sustainable communities	17
V) Sustainable use of natural resources	1
VI) Improved decision making for SD	3
Total	40

Our Sustainable Development Strategy encompasses a three year period ending March 31, 2010. Each target has its own timeline for completion, many targets are already complete.  Below is a summary report on a select list of targets where significant progress was anticipated during the 2008-09 year, as identified earlier in the Report on Plans and Priorities.

Theme 1: Helping to create healthy social and physical environments.

3. Expected Results 2008-09	4. Supporting Performance Measure(s)	5. Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-09
SDS Target 1.1.3 - Federal Goal II - Clean Air Between 2007-10, Health Canada will work to improve management and communication of the health risks of indoor and outdoor air pollution, including fact sheets, finalization of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and further development of the Air Health Indicator (AHI).
Finalize development and test the AHI by March 31, 2009 Report on AHI in the final Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators Report	# of Census Metropolitan Areas where AQHI is implemented Air Health Indicator (AHI) developed and tested	Implementation of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) expanded to additional communities, making the AQHI available in 26 locations across Canada, including Halifax, Saint John, Quebec City, Ottawa-Gatineau, the Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver and Victoria. Through agreements with provincial and municipal partners, outreach products were developed to support the launch of the AQHI in regions across the country, and work is also underway on the national marketing campaign. Research on the development of the AHI, used to asses the effectiveness of control actions already taken, continued with examination of various pollutants and health endpoints.
SDS Target 1.1.4 - Federal Goal II - Clean Air During the course of SDS IV, Health Canada will develop tools and information materials, including a summary of the Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment, to better prepare Canadians and health professionals to deal with potential health impacts associated with a changing climate.
Assessment and summary document published and distributed	Risk management tools developed and implemented (e.g. Heat alert systems) with partners and stakeholders Publication of completed Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment on Health Canada web site	The technical report entitled "Human Health in a Changing Climate: A Canadian Assessment of Vulnerabilities and Adaptive Capacity" and its related summaries have been published and are available upon request. Health Canada has launched a 3-year initiative entitled "Building Heat Resilient Communities and Individuals in Canada." As part of this initiative, the following key activities have been completed: An Advisory Committee on heat alerts has been created and is active. Memoranda of Agreement are now in place with 3 communities to develop pilot heat alert and response systems, and negotiations are underway with a 4th community. An Advisory Committee on clinical knowledge has been created, to develop guidance for health professionals.
SDS Target 1.2.5 - Federal Goal I - Clean and Secure Water During the period 2007-10, Health Canada will establish and/or implement strategies, including a national waterborne contamination and illness response protocol, to help address and prevent incidences of drinking water contamination across jurisdictions, including for small systems and in small, rural and remote communities.
Promote use through F/P/T channels Identification/evaluation of tools and strategies for small systems Expected Result by 2010: Provinces adopt a common set of strategies to address current gaps specific to small drinking water systems, leading to improved drinking water quality, particularly in rural and remote communities	Real-time alert and reporting system for Boil Water Advisories developed (with the Public Health Agency of Canada), pilot tested, launched, and adopted progressively by federal, provincial and territorial (F/P/T) governments Successful completion of pilot projects or strategies to address current gaps specific to small systems, and testing and adoption by Canadian jurisdictions	The protocol was completed in Year 1 of SDS IV, and is being used and distributed nationally through the Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence (CNPHI). CNPHI includes a real-time drinking water advisory alert system that is being piloted by a number of FPT partners and is continuing to gain participation. It also includes a Small Community Water Supplies Research Collaboration Centre, with a collaborative network and research database being developed and piloted. Reports were completed on the pilot testing of risk assessment tools in 4 communities. Two studies were commissioned, to look at different types of drinking water remote monitoring systems. One study report has been received by HC and is undergoing review; the 2nd study report will be received in April/09.
SDS Target 1.2.6 - Federal Goal I - Clean and Secure Water During the course of SDS IV, Health Canada will develop and update a minimum of 5 water quality guidelines for specific contaminants annually, including drinking and recreational water.
5 guidelines/guidance documents for water quality approved by F/P/T committees Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality posted on Health Canada website for public consultation Publication of final version of Guidelines for Canadian Household Reclaimed Water	# of guidelines for water quality approved and adopted by F/P/T committees	4 Guidelines/guidance documents were approved by FPT Committees (plus 4 additional pending approval), as follows: Approved by CHE: Chloral Hydrate, Potassium (both posted to HC web site); Boil Water Advisories, Drinking Water Avoidance Advisories (guidance documents, will be posted on HC web site summer 2009). Submitted for final approval to CHE: Radiological characteristics; Benzene; Chlorine; Corrosion Control (guidance document). Approved for consultation by the Committee on Health and Environment (CHE) - revised Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality.
SDS Target 1.3.2 - Federal Goal IV - Sustainable Communities By March 2010, Health Canada commits to having completed the assessment of 16 sites requiring investigation of suspected petroleum hydrocarbon contamination, as well as the remediation of the 18 known petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites (as of March 2006) for which the department is responsible at health facilities on reserves.
Remediate 10 petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites	Sites suspected, or known to have petroleum hydrocarbon contamination assessed and remediated, if required Assessment and remediation reports developed	Nine petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites were completely remediated in 2008-09, with one additional multi-year project initiated. Fifteen of the 16 sites identified in March 2006 requiring investigation for suspected petroleum hydrocarbon contamination have been assessed. The 16th site requires an environmental site assessment which is scheduled for 2009-10. Nine of the 18 contaminated sites identified in March 2006 have been completely remediated, with no treatment remaining. An additional three sites have been remediated with treatment ongoing.
SDS Target 1.3.17 - Federal Goal IV- Sustainable Communities During the course of SDS IV, at least one of Health Canada's regional offices will explore the opportunity to collaborate with provincial and municipal organizations in the development of sustainable development practices or initiatives.
The Démarche Allégo project in the Québec Region will encourage and promote better commuting habits with the car-pooling initiative	Number of car-pooling registrations on the internet site	In 2007 Allégo participated in a number of events including "En ville sans ma voiture" the "Salon national de l'environnement". Through participation in the Federal Interdepartmental Group on Sustainable Development Allégo was engaged as a partner in the sustainable development plan for the city of Montreal.
SDS Target 1.4.2 During the 2007-10 period, develop a regulatory framework based on policy and technical analysis of issues related to the development of Environmental Assessment Regulations for new substances contained in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act.
Advancing the development of the regulatory framework for the Environmental Assessment Regulations for new substances contained in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act Consultation on the regulatory frameworks for the Environmental Assessment Regulations Development of data requirements for the Environmental Assessment Regulations	International analysis conducted Development of the regulatory framework data requirements for the Environmental Assessment Regulations	Work continued on the regulatory framework during the period.
SDS Target 1.5.2 By March 2010, continue to establish policies and standards related to the nutritional quality of foods (Trans Fat, Food Fortification, Product-Specific Health Claims).
Product-specific Health Claims: Regulatory framework: revised policies and recommendations	Product-specific Health Claims: Revised policy for management of health claims finalized and published	Product-specific Health Claims: Published revised Guidance Document for Industry to assess submissions for Health Claims As of March 31, the project was in the final stages of the action plan with recommendations for next steps regarding the Modernization of Health Claims Framework. Issued a policy on the use of probiotic claims on food
SDS Target 1.5.4 By March 2010, continue to: develop appropriate intervention strategies to reduce the public's exposure to priority pathogens in specific commodities increase consumer awareness of risk avoidance practices for targeting specific commodities and vulnerable groups update risk management strategies to limit exposure to Canadians to selected chemicals in food.
Food borne Pathogens Increased consumer awareness of risk avoidance practices for: unpasteurized juices meats	Food borne Pathogens Number of educational documents published (i.e., Codes of Practice, policies, Internet postings)	Food borne Pathogens Published 10 articles on Health Canada's Internet about food borne pathogens. The Be Food Safe Campaign, including the website was re-lauched with media attention and retailer participation.

Theme 2: Minimizing the environmental and health effects of the Department's physical operations and activities.

3. Expected Results 2008-09	4. Supporting Performance Measure(s)	5. Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-09
SDS Target 2.1.1 - Federal Goal III - Reduced greenhouse gas emissions By March 2010, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission per vehicle per kilometre.
Establish procedures and mechanisms to phase-out low fuel-efficient vehicles, increasing the use of ethanol-blended vehicles and hybrids Standardizing key fleet management processes	Annual average GHG emissions per vehicle per kilometre reduced	The average 2008-2009 Health Canada vehicle is more fuel efficient than in 2006-2007, however the majority of kilometres are travelled by the larger, less fuel efficient vehicles. In 2008-2009, draft standards were developed that will phase-out fuel-inefficient vehicles. These standards are planned to be implemented in 2009-2010 for purchasing vehicles in fiscal year 2010-2011.
SDS Target 2.2.2 - Federal Goal III - Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and Greening of Government Operations Goal 'Other custodian departments and agencies will establish and report on meaningful departmental targets in support of the overall Federal House in Order target for building by 2010 By March 2009, an action plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Health Canada's custodial laboratories will be developed and implemented
With consultation and cooperation with the Real Property and Facilities Management Division Custodial Portfolio, establish baseline data, tracking mechanisms and develop action plan	Level of GHG emissions	Completed multiple Federal Building Initiative (FBI) retrofits in HC labs, and through different types of environmental audits. A table reporting GHG emissions is being finalized.
SDS Target 2.3.2 - Federal Goal III - Reduced greenhouse gas emissions By March 2010, all materiel managers and procurement personnel will have received training on green procurement offered by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), or any other federal government department.
Advertise Green Procurement training courses offered by PWGSC and CSPS to all materiel managers and procurement personnel Updated internal procurement training material Review action plan on green procurement training for the department and conduct a follow-up survey to assess increase in knowledge and awareness of green procurement	Number of materiel managers and procurement personnel trained Increase in level of knowledge and awareness on green procurement	At the May 2009 Materiel and Assets Management Directorate Workshop, 58 staff participated in a green procurement training session. The Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course was added to the online finance and materiel management training course catalogue.
SDS Target 2.4.1 - Federal Goal VI - Improved decision making for SD Health Canada will join with other government departments and the CSPS to design and deliver new Government of Canada Sustainable Development training material. Delivery to begin by December 2007.
In 2008, the new course will be part of the regular course offerings of the CSPS Policy analysts will be better trained in the application of SD principles in their particular domain	Formal inclusion of the SD course (#727) in the CSPS program of studies Number of Health Canada employees that successfully complete the course	2007-08 saw the development and launch of the first corporate SD training course at the Canada School of Public Service.  Health Canada lead the ten department initiative of the Interdepartmental Network on Sustainable Development Strategies (INSDS) to develop the curriculum. In 2008-2009 two offerings (English and French) of the course took place at Health Canada with a total of 32 participants.

Theme 3: Integrating sustainable development into departmental decision-making and management processes and advancing the social pillar of sustainability.

3. Expected Results 2008-09	4. Supporting Performance Measure(s)	5. Achieved SDS Departmental Results for 2008-09
SDS Target 3.1.1 - Federal Goal VI - Improved decision making for SD By the end of 2008, as a pilot project, Health Canada will apply a sustainable development lens to select policies and programs.
In 2008-09, final revisions and improvements to the lens will be made based on feedback received from the pilot with the Health Policy Branch The lens will be introduced to senior management to secure support for its inclusion in planning and policy development process	Final revision and printing of the SD lens following the completion of a pilot Presentation of the lens and pilot results to management committees as a tool to be applied in the development of all planning documents. Inclusion of the lens in planning and policy development process	During 2007-08 a draft SD lens for assessing policies and plans from an SD perspective was developed and piloted.  The pilot was conducted on two files in the Health Policy Branch with complex social and economic dimensions. The lens was also informally piloted on early drafts of the Health Canada Science and Technology Strategy. In 2008-2009 revisions were made to the lens based on the pilot. A variation of the lens is used in the Canada School of Public Service course on SD.

Update on the Health Canada Sustainable Development Policy Suite: Policies the Department has adopted to advance Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Policy

Since its first SDS, Health Canada has worked to create a culture that recognizes the importance of sustainable development in the planning and delivery of our strategic outcomes. Approval of a Sustainable Development Policy in December 2000 enabled the integration of five key principles (shared responsibility, integrated approaches, equity, accountability, and continuous improvement) into the Department's third SDS and acted as guiding principles for the development of the fourth strategy covering the 2007 to 2010 period. The policy was reviewed in 2008-09 clarifying roles and responsibilities.

Environmental Management Systems

The importance of sound environmental management of our operations and activities was underscored in the creation of the 2000 Health Canada Environmental Management Policy and the development of the Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Division. The use of an EMS, a tool for managing compliance, minimizing negative impacts and risks to the environment, and for continual improvement, supports the principles of sustainable development. The priorities of the EMS Division include:

• maintaining and improving the departmental EMS including its supporting policies and database
• implementing actions in support of its own SDS targets
• fostering environmental stewardship

Strategic Environmental Assessment

While environmental management of operations and activities is done through the EMS process, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) offers a systematic and comprehensive process for evaluating the environmental effects of a policy, plan or program and its alternatives, at the earliest stage of planning. Health Canada has a requirement to complete SEAs in conformance with the 2004 Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. The Department has developed a policy and guidelines for SEA to support departmental efforts to ensure proposals with important positive or negative environmental effects are identified and that these effects are either enhanced or mitigated in the implementation of the policy, plan or program.

In 2008-09, the Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) revised the 2004 Health Canada Policy and Guidelines on Strategic Environmental Assessment to formalize new protocols and practices to improve SEA management in response to the recommendations made by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. The policy changes combined with aggressive, professional SEA training will ensure that environmental considerations are better reflected in all departmental documents submitted to the Minister or to Cabinet for decision.

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