Sustainable Development Principles in Canada
The Federal Sustainable Development Act and the Auditor General Act set out principles to guide sustainable development decision making in Canada. Our office has grouped these into 14 principles, each represented by an icon, that we consider in our environment and sustainable development audits.
Each audit report identifies the principles that are most relevant to the subject matter examined and explains how they relate to the audit.
The 14 sustainable development principles
Principle 1
Integrating environmental, economic, and social factors in planning and decision making
Principle 2
Protecting Human health
Principle 3
Protecting ecosystems and showing respect to nature
Principle 4
Meeting international and domestic obligations
Principle 5
Promoting equity
Principle 6
Incorporating the polluter pays, pollution prevention, and cost internalization principles
Principle 7
Respecting intergenerational equity and the needs of future generations
Principle 8
Using resources efficiently
Principle 9
Conserving cultural heritage
Principle 10
Incorporating the precautionary principle
Principle 11
Promoting openness and transparency
Principle 12
Affirming Indigenous rights
Principle 13
Collaborating with interested parties and supporting public engagement
Principle 14
Developing strategies for meeting objectives, using indicators to report on progress, and promoting continuous improvement