Archived - Report on Plans and Priorities 2015–16: Supplementary Information Tables: page 5

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The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16 guides the Government of Canada's sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Department of Finance Canada supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities in this supplementary information table.

This Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy presents the planned contributions and expected results for Theme I – Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality, Theme III – Protecting Nature and Canadians, and Theme IV – Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government.

The Department of Finance is not responsible for leading on a target for Themes I to III of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy 2013–16.

The Department of Finance Canada provides effective economic leadership through its clear focus on one strategic outcome: a strong economy and sound public finances for Canadians. All programs relate to this strategic outcome. The following implementation strategies related to goals and targets under Themes I and III of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16 are all elements of Sub-Program 1.1.1: Taxation (part of Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework) of the Department’s Program Alignment Architecture.

The following implementation strategies are related to FSDS Theme I – Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality:

Goal 1 – Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.
Goal 2 – Air Pollution : Minimize the threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems.

Encourage businesses, through the accelerated capital cost allowance for clean energy generation equipment, to invest in specified equipment that can contribute to a reduction in harmful emissions and diversification of the energy supply (Implementation Strategies 1.1.38 and 2.1.18).

The government provides an accelerated capital cost allowance (CCA) for income tax purposes under CCA Class 43.2 (50 per cent per year on a declining balance basis) for businesses that invest in clean energy generation and conservation equipment. Class 43.2 includes specified equipment that generates or conserves energy by using a renewable energy source (for example, wind, solar and small hydro), using fuels from waste (for example, landfill gas, wood waste and manure) or by making efficient use of fossil fuels (for example, high-efficiency cogeneration systems).

The provision of an accelerated CCA is an explicit exception to the general practice of setting CCA rates based on the useful life of assets. Accelerated CCA provides a financial benefit by deferring taxation. This incentive for investment is premised on the environmental benefits of low-emission or no-emission energy generation equipment and its ability to displace consumption of fossil fuels.

  1. Relationship between the implementation strategies and the FSDS targets

    To the extent that Class 43.2 encourages incremental investment in clean energy generation and energy conservation equipment, it could have an indirect positive impact on the environment. It could contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, pursuant to Target 1.1 – Climate Change Mitigation, and to a reduction in air pollutants, pursuant to Target 2.1 – Outdoor Air Pollutants.
  2. Outline of the non-financial performance information

    Providing a modest financial incentive for investment in clean energy generation and energy conservation equipment provides an incentive for businesses to invest in such equipment.

Provide tax relief to Canadians who use public transit regularly, and encourage individuals to make a sustained commitment to using public transit regularly to help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, through the Public Transit Tax Credit (Implementation Strategies 1.1.20 and 2.1.5).

The Public Transit Tax Credit allows individuals to claim a non-refundable tax credit for the cost of monthly public transit passes or those passes of a longer duration, effective July 1, 2006. The credit was extended in Budget 2007 to electronic fare cards and weekly passes when used on an ongoing basis.

  1. Relationship between the implementation strategies and the FSDS targets

    As stated in Budget 2006, the objective of the Public Transit Tax Credit is to encourage individuals to make a sustained commitment to use public transit regularly to help reduce traffic congestion in urban areas and improve the environment. This measure could contribute to air emissions reductions relevant to Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation and to Target 2.1: Air Pollutants of the FSDS.
  2. Outline of the non-financial performance information

    The Public Transit Tax Credit is intended to encourage individuals to make a sustained commitment to public transit use by providing a tax credit for the purchase cost of monthly public transit passes and passes of a longer duration, as well as electronic fare cards and weekly passes when used on an ongoing basis. The Department of Finance Canada conducted an evaluation of the Public Transit Tax Credit in 2011 and found that the key conditions for the measure to be effective in increasing public transit use are present. In particular, evidence suggests that the demand for public transit is sensitive to a permanent price reduction and that the benefits of the Public Transit Tax Credit have been captured mainly by public transit users, as opposed to transit operators through coincidental increases in public transit fares. An evaluation of the Public Transit Tax Credit was published in Tax Expenditures and Evaluations 2011, available on the Department of Finance Canada website.

Impose a Green Levy on the most fuel-inefficient passenger vehicles available in Canada (Implementation Strategies 1.1.37 and 2.1.27).

The Green Levy applies to passenger vehicles with a weighted (55 per cent city and 45 per cent highway) fuel consumption rating of 13 litres or more per 100 kilometres and is imposed at rates ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. The Green Levy is payable by manufacturers or importers of new vehicles delivered after March 19, 2007, and by importers of used vehicles, if the used vehicle was originally put into service (in any jurisdiction) after March 19, 2007. The Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency are responsible for the administration of the Green Levy, working with manufacturers and importers of vehicles to facilitate its application.

  1. Relationship between the implementation strategies and the FSDS targets

    The Green Levy aims to encourage clean, sustainable transportation choices by Canadians by discouraging the purchase of certain fuel-inefficient vehicles. This measure could contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, pursuant to Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation, and to a reduction in air pollutants, pursuant to Target 2.1 – Outdoor Air Pollutants.
  2. Outline of the non-financial performance information

    The Green Levy is part of the government’s comprehensive, results-oriented ecoACTION plan, which promotes clean, sustainable transportation choices for Canadians. In particular, the Green Levy aims to discourage the purchase of fuel-inefficient vehicles and to promote the development and deployment of cleaner transportation technologies.

The following implementation strategy is related to FSDS Theme III – Protecting Nature and Canadians:

Goal 4 – Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians: Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations, so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.

Maintain the incentives for the protection of Canada’s ecologically sensitive land, including habitat used by species at risk, through ongoing tax assistance for donations of ecologically sensitive land under the Ecological Gifts Program (Implementation Strategy 4.3.6).

Under the Ecological Gifts Program, Canadian landowners may donate ecologically sensitive land, or easements and covenants on such land, to conservation charities to ensure its preservation in perpetuity. Under this program, donors may benefit from the charitable donations tax credit (for individuals) or the charitable donations deduction (for corporations) on the full value of the gifts of ecologically sensitive land. In addition, capital gains that have accrued on the donated land are eligible for a complete exemption from capital gains tax.

To protect the public interest, Environment Canada is responsible for certifying:

In addition, to ensure the perpetual protection of the donated land, the Income Tax Act imposes special tax liabilities for recipients of ecologically sensitive land if there are any changes in use without the prior authorization of Environment Canada.

  1. Relationship between the implementation strategy and the FSDS targets

    The Ecological Gifts Program is intended to help Canada’s landowners and conservation groups in their habitat conservation and protection efforts. In particular, donations of ecologically sensitive land can contribute to the protection of non-park protected habitat, including habitat used by species at risk, pursuant to Target 4.3 – Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitat Stewardship.
  2. Outline of the non-financial performance information

    Although the decision to donate ecologically sensitive land is often motivated by non-financial factors, the significant income tax benefits provided through the Ecological Gifts Program provide an incentive to further encourage donations of ecologically sensitive land.
Target 7.2: Green Procurement

As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will continue to take action to embed environmental considerations into public procurement, in accordance with the federal Policy on Green Procurement.

Performance Measurement

Expected result

Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.

Performance indicator
Targeted performance level

Departmental approach to further the implementation of the Policy on Green Procurement in place as of April 1, 2014.

Planned completion date: March 31, 2015

Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent, in the given fiscal year.

7

100%

Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement, in the given fiscal year.

2

100%

Departmental green procurement target

By March 31, 2017, 90% of purchases of audiovisual equipment will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, and use and/or disposal of the equipment.

Performance indicator
Targeted performance level

Dollar value of audiovisual equipment purchased that meet the target objective relative to the total dollar value of all audiovisual equipment purchased.

80%

Departmental green procurement target

By March 31, 2017, 90% of IT hardware purchases will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment.

Performance indicator
Targeted performance level

Dollar value of IT hardware purchases that meet the target objective relative to the total dollar value of all purchases of IT hardware.

90%

Departmental green procurement target

By March 31, 2017, 95% of copy paper, commercial printing, and/or envelope purchases will contain a minimum of 30% recycled content and be certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of its production.

Performance indicator
Targeted performance level

Dollar value of copy paper, commercial printing and/or envelope purchases that meet the target objective relative to the total value of all copy paper, commercial printing, and/or envelope purchases.

80%

Implementation strategy element or best practice
Targeted performance level

7.2.1.5. Leverage common use procurement instruments where available and feasible.

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status

Best Practice
7.2.3. Train acquisition cardholders on green procurement.

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status

Best Practice
7.2.4. Increase awareness of the Policy on Green Procurement among managers.

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status

Target 7.3: Sustainable Workplace Operations

As of April 1, 2015, the Government of Canada will update and adopt policies and practices to improve the sustainability of its workplace operations.

Performance Measurement

Expected result

Departmental workplace operations have a reduced environmental impact.

Performance indicator
Targeted performance level

An approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace in place by March 31, 2015.

Planned completion March 31, 2015

Implementation strategy element or best practice
Targeted performance level

7.3.1.1. Engage employees in greening government operations practices.

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status

7.3.1.3. Maintain or improve existing approaches to sustainable workplace practices (i.e., printer ratios, paper usage and green meetings).

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status

7.3.1.5. Select and operate IT and office equipment in a manner that reduces energy consumption and material usage.

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status

7.3.1.6. Dispose of e-waste in an environmentally sound and secure manner.

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status

The Department of Finance Canada's vision for sustainable development—"economic and fiscal policy frameworks and decisions that promote equity and enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of current and future generations"—is consistent with its mandate to foster a strong economy. The Department's most important contribution to sustainable development lies in the development of advice and policies that ensure fiscal sustainability, that contribute to a high standard of living for future generations, and that help build strong social foundations. Through its work relating to tax policy and financial sector policy and in its central agency role, the Department can contribute to efforts to integrate sustainable development considerations into policy making. In addition, the Department can set an example for other organizations through a commitment to sustainable development in its operations.

The Department of Finance Canada has established several goals, supplementary to those included in the Federal Strategic Development Strategy, that focus on key areas where it can contribute to sustainable development. The Department has focused on making specific commitments in areas relating to its core mandate where it is the lead federal department or has a distinct role in areas where other departments have the policy lead. Each goal is accompanied by a set of objectives and commitments that the Department has made toward meeting those objectives.

Goal 1: Fiscal Sustainability and a High Standard of Living for Future Generations

Objectives Targets Planned Activities and Implementation Plan Linkage to Program Alignment Architecture
1a: Promote fiscal sustainability. 1a.1 Return to balanced budgets, and ensure that the federal debt-to-GDP ratio is back on a downward path. The plan to return to balanced budgets over the medium term, which mainly focused on controlling direct program spending by federal departments, is on track. Initiatives included in Economic Action Plan 2014 as well as more recently proposed initiatives are within a fiscal framework that will help ensure a return to balanced budgets in 2015. Legislation that will require balanced budgets during normal economic times will also be introduced.

Combined with recent actions to preserve social programs, the return to balanced budgets will help ensure that the federal debt-to-GDP ratio, which resumed its downward trend in 2013–14, is well on its way toward achieving the target of 25 per cent of GDP by 2021. The Department of Finance Canada will continue to publish updated long-term fiscal analyses for the federal government on an annual basis.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.2: Economic and Fiscal Policy, Planning and Forecasting
1b: Monitor long-run economic and fiscal issues and prospects. 1b.1 Understand the long-run economic and fiscal implications of ongoing domestic and global developments. The Department will continue ongoing research and analysis concerning the long-run economic and fiscal implications of ongoing domestic and global developments. Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.2: Economic and Fiscal Policy, Planning and Forecasting
1b: Monitor long-run economic and fiscal issues and prospects. (cont.) 1b.2 Show leadership in discussions on the global economy and promote sustainable growth around the world. In 2015, through the Department of Finance Canada, Canada will continue to co-chair the Working Group on the G20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth—an international leadership role it has shared with India since 2009.

The Department will help Canada contribute to global financial and economic stability, and establish the foundation for jobs and growth both in Canada and abroad.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.6: International Trade and Finance
1c: Develop and support policies and measures that promote the long-run sustainability of Canada’s economy. 1c.1 Provide analysis and advice to the Minister in support of a tax system that raises revenues in an economically efficient, fair and simple manner that is conducive to economic growth and improved standards of living. The Department of Finance Canada will continue to advise the government on ways of maintaining internationally competitive statutory and effective corporate tax rates while improving the neutrality and efficiency of the business tax system. Continued incremental actions to improve the integrity, fairness and simplicity of the tax system will contribute to these objectives on an ongoing basis.

The Department will continue to analyze and evaluate options aimed at achieving an income tax system that enhances jobs and growth, building on efforts since 2006 to create a sustainable low-tax environment.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.1: Taxation
1c: Develop and support policies and measures that promote the long-run sustainability of Canada’s economy. (cont.) 1c.2 Support financial stability and maintain the safety and soundness of the financial system. The Department of Finance Canada will promote a stable, efficient and competitive financial sector and strengthen the resolution regime for domestic systematically important banks; review the deposit insurance framework; and advance the effectiveness of Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime.

The Department will continue to work with participating provinces to establish a cooperative capital markets regulatory system.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.5: Financial Sector Policy

Goal 2: Strong Social Foundations

Objectives Targets Planned Activities and Implementation Plan Linkage to Program Alignment Architecture
2a: Ensure stable and predictable funding for health and social programs. 2a.1 Provide timely and accurate payment of Canada Health Transfer (CHT) and Canada Social Transfer (CST) amounts. The Department of Finance Canada will continue to focus on providing timely and accurate payments of renewed CHT and CST amounts to provinces and territories.

Communications activities will continue to focus on improving overall understanding of the programs.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.4: Federal-Provincial Relations and Social Policy
2b: Reduce fiscal disparities through Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing programs. 2b.1 Address fiscal disparities with timely and accurate payment of Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing (TFF) transfer amounts. The Department will continue to focus on providing timely, accurate payments of Equalization amounts to Equalization-receiving provinces and TFF amounts to territories.

Communications activities will continue to focus on improving overall understanding of the programs.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.4: Federal-Provincial Relations and Social Policy
2c: Ensure the sustainability of the retirement income system. 2c.1 Start work on the 2013–2015 Canada Pension Plan Triennial Review (to be completed by 2015). Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Finance, the joint stewards of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), are required to review the CPP every three years to ensure that it remains financially sustainable and to determine whether any changes are required. The next Triennial Review is expected to be concluded in 2015. In the context of this review, Department of Finance Canada officials will support FPT Ministers of Finance by providing advice and analysis on the financial status of the CPP, based on the 26th Actuarial Report on the CPP, in preparation for the close of the review.

Departmental officials will continue to discuss the impact of the gradual increase in the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) on CPP survivor and disability benefits with provincial and territorial officials, consistent with the commitment in Budget 2012.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.4: Federal-Provincial Relations and Social Policy
2c: Ensure the sustainability of the retirement income system.(cont.) 2c.2 Continue to work with provinces and territories to identify ways to help Canadians save more effectively for retirement.

The Department will continue to assess the benefits of implementing a Target Benefit Pension Plan option and to support the development of a national financial literacy strategy.

Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.4: Federal-Provincial Relations and Social Policy

Sub-Program 1.1.5: Financial Sector Policy

Goal 3: Integrating Sustainable Development Considerations into Policy Making

Objectives Targets Planned Activities and Implementation Plan Linkage to Program Alignment Architecture
3a: Evaluate the potential for the use of economic instruments as a policy tool for addressing environmental issues. 3a.1 Evaluate potential changes to the tax system that could contribute to the government’s environmental objectives, including tax proposals received from stakeholders. The Department of Finance Canada will continue to evaluate tax proposals concerning environmental measures, including consideration of the relative effectiveness of tax measures compared to other instruments that may be available within the context of the government’s other fiscal and policy objectives. The Framework for Evaluation of Environmental Tax Proposals, published in Budget 2005, sets out general policy considerations that may be taken into account in the assessment of potential tax measures aimed at furthering the government’s environmental objectives.

The Department will continue to review, as appropriate, the accelerated capital cost allowance for clean energy generation equipment to ensure inclusion of appropriate technologies that have the potential to contribute to energy efficiency, diversification of the energy supply, and a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.1: Taxation
3b: Increased knowledge and awareness of environmental and broader sustainable development issues within the department. 3b.1 Organize at least one speaker annually on an issue related to sustainable development. To increase knowledge and awareness of sustainable development issues, the Department of Finance Canada will organize at least one session with an external speaker on a sustainable development topic. Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.3: Economic Development Policy
3b: Increased knowledge and awareness of environmental and broader sustainable development issues within the department.(cont.) 3b.2 Conduct research and analysis on environmental and natural resource issues. To increase awareness and understanding of current environmental and natural resource issues within the Department of Finance Canada, research and analysis will continue to be conducted on an ongoing basis. Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.3: Economic Development Policy
3c: Effective implementation of the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. 3c.1 Organize an information session for Department of Finance Canada employees on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). At least one information or training session on SEA will be held to ensure that all employees are:
  • Informed about the rationale for, and benefits of, conducting SEAs;
  • Aware of the Department’s procedures on SEAs; and
  • Aware of the resources available to assist them in completing SEAs.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.3: Economic Development Policy
3d: Support implementation of Canada's international financing commitment under the Copenhagen Accord. 3d.1 Deliver $350 million in climate change-related financing through the International Finance Corporation. The Department of Finance Canada will work with relevant organizations and departments to manage this initiative in support of Canada's international climate change efforts.

The Department will report on this initiative through existing Government of Canada reporting on Official Development Assistance, International Climate Change efforts, and the operations of the Bretton Woods and Related Agreements Act.
Program 1.1: Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework

Sub-Program 1.1.6: International Trade and Finance

The Department of Finance Canada is the Government of Canada's primary source of analysis and advice on the broad economic and financial affairs of Canada. In addition to preparing the budget, the Department plays an important role in the development and implementation of government policy. As a central agency, the Department provides analysis and advice on the economic merit and fiscal implications of policy and program proposals developed by other government departments. In their central agency capacity, Department of Finance Canada officials serve as members of a broader team of federal officials that review options for, and the implications of, proposals that are presented to Cabinet. Policy development also takes place within the Department on those issues and areas of responsibility that fall within the Department's own mandate, including tax and tariff legislation, major federal transfers to provinces and territories, the legislative and regulatory framework for the financial sector, and representing Canada within international financial institutions.

As a policy-oriented department, the Department of Finance Canada has limited direct involvement in delivering programs and services to Canadians. Nevertheless, the Department has a clear role to play in contributing to the government's sustainable development efforts. Sustainable development requires the long-term sustainability of the economy, social programs, the environment and natural resources. This requirement is consistent with the basic principle of sustainability as set out in the Federal Sustainable Development Act. Although the Department's mandate is most evidently linked to the economic and social pillars of sustainable development, the Department continuously strives to recognize the implications of its analysis and advice on all aspects of sustainable development and to take into account the linkages between economic, social and environmental sustainability. In some cases, economic, social and environmental goals can be advanced together. In other cases, trade-offs are needed, but with informed decision making and choices that reflect careful deliberation.

Economic growth is an important aim of sustainable development because it contributes to a high quality of life for Canadians, provides the fiscal capacity for governments to address environmental and social issues, and ensures that the Canadian economy remains strong in the face of long-term challenges, such as an aging population, the need to improve productivity, and globalization. For example, an aging population will bring future economic and fiscal challenges and put downward pressure on growth in living standards. By taking action now to ensure long-run fiscal sustainability and by identifying effective policies that encourage investment in the drivers of economic growth, such as human capital, physical capital and innovation, the government can help to ensure a high standard of living for future generations. The Department of Finance Canada addresses this challenge through responsible fiscal management, economic policy advice, sound framework policies, such as those related to taxation and the financial sector, and ongoing analysis of Canada's current and long-run economic and fiscal position.

The Department of Finance Canada believes that safe, healthy and caring communities that provide all citizens with equal access to opportunities are vital to the creation of a strong, competitive, vibrant and sustainable economy and society. Sustainability in social policy is achieved by working with partners in other departments to identify policies that support investments in people and their communities; working in cooperation and collaboration with other levels of government, which often have the primary responsibility for these policy areas, to ensure policy consistency and, where appropriate, stable and predictable funding; and developing specific policies that support this goal, such as tax and financial sector policies.

The General Director of the Economic Development and Corporate Finance Branch, the Department's sustainable development champion, is responsible for coordinating activities and reporting on departmental contributions to the Federal Strategic Development Strategy (FSDS) and sustainable development more broadly.

The Resources, Energy and Environment Section of the Economic Development and Corporate Finance Branch, under the general direction of the Department's sustainable development champion, coordinates departmental sustainable development management, policy and activities. The main coordination vehicle is the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), which is made up of officials from all branches and is chaired by the Chief of the Resources, Energy and Environment Section. The SDWG is responsible for coordinating the implementation of commitments related to sustainable development within the various branches of the Department, and contributes to reporting on plans and progress related to these commitments.

Environment Canada's Sustainable Development Office is responsible for preparing government-wide FSDS Progress Reports at least once every three years. The first report was completed in April 2011 and tabled in Parliament in June 2011; a second report was tabled in February 2013. These reports offer an opportunity to assess progress in implementing the FSDS, to re-evaluate FSDS goals and targets, and to benefit from lessons learned. The Department of Finance Canada contributes to government-wide progress reporting through its participation in the FSDS Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee and the Director Generals Committee, which are co-chaired by Environment Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada.

The Department of Finance Canada evaluates its own contribution to sustainable development, including activities and initiatives supplementary to those captured in the FSDS, as part of the annual Report on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Report processes.

The Department of Finance Canada will continue to implement the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, consistent with the revised guidelines released by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency in October 2010. To better integrate the Federal Strategic Development Strategy (FSDS) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), internal processes have been updated to encourage consideration of the impact of departmental proposals on achieving FSDS goals and targets, mainly by updating the Department's SEA questionnaire, which is the primary tool used by the Department’s analysts to conduct SEAs. The Department will continue to make available public statements of environmental effects relating to new departmental measures and policies on its SEA Public Statement website, and to ensure that these statements reflect the impact of the measures and policies on the achievement of FSDS goals and targets. The Department tracks the number of preliminary scans and full SEAs it completes and commits to report this information each year in its Departmental Performance Report. The Department will focus on continuing to ensure the effective implementation of the Cabinet Directive and an improved SEA tracking system.

The Department of Finance Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of the FSDS goals and targets through the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An SEA for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on the FSDS goals and targets. The results of Department of Finance Canada’s detailed assessment are made public when an initiative is announced. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been appropriately considered during proposal development and decision making.

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