Archived: Departmental sustainable development strategy 2017 to 2020, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Departmental actions

• Report annually on GHG emissions inventories using the Federal Greenhouse Gas Tracking Protocol – a common standard for federal operations and submit results to the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Centre for Greening Government.
• Update departmental implementation plan to reduce GHG emission levels in absolute terms from 2005 levels and put them on a clear downward trend. Elements of the plan will address the scope of the departmental GHG inventory including “exclusions” to be applied, and the approach to GHG emissions reduction being taken for buildings and/or fleets.
• Undertake actions integrating five elements under Real Property management to reduce GHG emissions: operational improvements; maintenance procedures; occupant engagement; life cycle management; and energy performance improvement.
• Innovate sustainable workplace practices by updating and adopting policies and practices to improve the sustainability of departmental workplace operations to reduce their related environmental impact.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Reporting on federal GHG emissions from buildings, updating energy policies and practices and following a planned course of action will contribute to reducing emissions from federal buildings

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Departmental Results Framework (DRF)/Program Inventory:

• Internal Services

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 4.1 Internal Services

Departmental actions

• Support the reduction of energy use in ECCC’s fleets and the deployment of electric vehicles as well as support access to workplace electric vehicle charging stations, where operationally feasible.
• Manage the capital planning process to approve new fleet purchases based on essential operational needs and departmental targets, aimed at facilitating the sharing of fleet vehicles across the Department.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Reducing energy used by federal fleets by modernizing vehicles, and by sharing and reducing their use will contribute to reduced federal GHG emissions.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Departmental Results Framework (DRF)/Program Inventory:

• Internal Services

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 4.1 Internal Services

Departmental actions

• Take a sustainable approach to purchasing goods and services that incorporates environmental considerations in procurement instruments.
• Work with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on electricity contracts that will maximize carbon credits and the purchase of non-traditional energy sources, including renewable energy.
• Ensure that employees with procurement and contracting responsibilities undergo compulsory green procurement training.
• Ensure that procurement and contracting employees continue to adhere to the requirements and the spirit of the PSPC Policy on Green Procurement and related, relevant legislation.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Procuring to maximize carbon credits and to favour renewable energy by well-trained employees will contribute to reduced federal GHG emissions.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Departmental Results Framework (DRF)/Program Inventory:

• Internal Services

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 4.1 Internal Services

Departmental actions

• Increase operational efficiency by testing state-of-the-art innovations not yet available in the marketplace.
• Lead by example as an early adopter of clean technology innovations.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Participating in the Build-in-Canada Innovation program and supporting new approaches to technology have the potential to reduce GHG emissions.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Internal Services

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 4.1 Internal Services

Departmental actions

• Revising departmental travel procedures to explore offsetting options to reduce the impact of employee government travel.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Actions taken to reduce business travel or switch to less GHG intensive modes of transportation will reduce GHG emissions.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Internal Services

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 4.1 Internal Services

Departmental actions

• Develop a departmental adaptation plan that identifies actions to address climate change risks.
• Assess climate change risks to departmental assets, regulatory activities, services and policies.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Developing a departmental adaptation plan will further the understanding of climate change impacts and build resilience.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Internal Services
• Climate Change Adaptation

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 4.1 Internal Services
• 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air

• SDG 12- Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13- Climate Action

Departmental actions

• Work to protect Canada’s freshwater and priority ecosystems, including the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Lake Winnipeg, and other major river basins in Atlantic, Western, and Northern ecosystems, through sound science and regulatory tools and in collaboration with Indigenous and other partners across Canada.
• Collaborate with partners to conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem and to maintain and recover its uses through the Canada-Quebec Agreement 2011–2026.
• Build partnerships and work in collaboration with partners to address program priorities for the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives and the Gulf of Maine Initiative in order to support the long-term sustainability of freshwater and coastal ecosystems in these targeted ecosystems.
• Provide information, data and expertise for domestic and international water boards to support Canada’s collaboration with the provinces, by way of agreements and with the U.S through the international Joint Commission, in efforts to regulate lakes and river basins such as Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, the Mackenzie River Basin, and the Pacific Drainage Basin. This includes participating in targeted studies focus on improving inter-jurisdictional water management.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Applying science and regulations in collaboration with Canadian partners will contribute to improved water quality and ecosystem health, including by reducing phosphorus loading in key ecosystems.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.3 Sustainable Ecosystems

Departmental actions

• Fund projects through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives to improve water quality, to conserve biodiversity, and to improve capacity to adapt to climate change. A broad ecosystem approach will be taken to support departmental priorities. Other projects will include targeted outreach to solicit more proposals that address impacts of climate change, and consultation with Indigenous governments and communities.
• Allocate 2017–18 grants and contributions funding through the Gulf of Maine Initiative. Four collaborative and science-based projects will continue into 2017–18, along with ongoing collaborative initiatives between ECCC and other key partners.
• Through its application-based Eco-Action program, the Department will match 50% funding support to not-for-profit and non-government organizations to undertake local projects that address departmental priorities (clean growth and climate change, nature, clean air and water).
• Apply payments received by the Environmental Damages Fund to address environmental damage and to undertake research that increases the Government of Canada’s ability to restore damaged environments.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Supporting local ecosystem improvement projects will engage Canadians in long-term sustainability of healthy and productive ecosystems.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
• Community Eco-Action

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.3 Sustainable Ecosystems

Departmental actions

• Provide analysis, guidance and economic advice and develop and provide economic models to enable environmental effects to be factored into decisions.
• Conduct targeted research studies and national water quality monitoring programs for chemicals to inform decision-making for the preservation and protection of Canadian freshwater quality.
• Provide scientific data related to water quality, sediments and biological resources as part of the work related to the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program.
• Focus scientific efforts to proactively understand, track and provide water quality and quantity information relating to Canada’s freshwater resources.
• Monitor the physical, chemical and biological/ecosystem characteristics of waters under federal jurisdiction, including Canada’s boundary waters.
• Provide quality assured water quantity information (river flow and level) to various stakeholders to assist them in water management, planning and related decision-making.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Contributing expertise and research to decision makers enables them to make sound decisions and take appropriate action to protect and preserve Canada’s freshwater.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
• Hydrological Services

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.2 Water Quality
• 1.3 Sustainable Ecosystems

Departmental actions

• Administer, promote compliance with and enforce:
  • the Fisheries Act pollution prevention provisions and associated regulations, including the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER), the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER), and the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER);
  • the Environment Effects Monitoring (EEM) requirements under the PPER and MMER; and
  • the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) regulations.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Administering and enforcing legislation and regulations will contribute to better water quality in the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships
• Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.3 Sustainable Ecosystems
• 3.3 Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution

• SDG 6- Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 9- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Departmental actions

• Develop an inventory of conserved lands to support a multi-species approach to conservation and to deliver on the “Fully Accounting for Canada’s Conservation Lands” initiative.
• Maintain and improve the Conservation Areas Reporting and Tracking System in cooperation with the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas and ECCC’s Private Conservation Lands database; enable tracking gains made towards Canada’s 2020 Biodiversity Target and FSDS goals.
• Maintain and improve the integrated Canadian Wildlife Service Geospatial Knowledge Management Initiative database, to ensure availability of geo-referenced information for conservation planning and implementation.
• Develop the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Initiative (CESI) Wetlands Extent Indicator, including methodology for indicators of the rate and intensity of change in wetlands. ECCC will provide accurate and relevant wetlands statistical data analysis and geospatial datasets.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Providing expertise informs decision making; collecting and tracking ecological data and establishing indicators enables monitoring progress toward land and inland water conservation targets.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Habitat Conservation and Protection
• Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1. 1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat
• 1.3. Sustainable Ecosystems

Departmental actions

• Develop management plans for its National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Nunavut as part of the renewed seven-year Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA), signed in April 2016.
• Consult with Indigenous peoples and the Government of the Northwest Territories with respect to the long-term conservation of additional sites.
• Make progress on officially replacing existing names of northern protected areas with Indigenous names.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Strengthening regulations and collaborating with Indigenous peoples in the North will contribute to achieving land and inland water conservation targets.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat
• 1.3. Sustainable Ecosystems

Departmental actions

• Develop and advance the Ecological Gifts Program with a focus on increasing the amount of ecologically sensitive land or rights in land donated by Canadians.
• Manage and expand ECCC’s protected areas network. Advance the proposal for the designation Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area in 2017. Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area (NWA) is proposed for designation before 2020. Progress will be made on conserving grassland habitat in Saskatchewan in 2017–18.
• Implement the terms of the renewed IIBA for ECCC’s conservation areas in the Nunavut Settlement Area with Inuit parties to the agreement.
• Support on-the-ground wetland restoration and enhancement projects in Canada through the National Wetland Conservation Fund
.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Enabling land donations and the establishment of national wildlife areas and wetland restoration will contribute to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Habitat Conservation and Protection

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1. 1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat

Departmental actions

• Maintain strong collaborative partnerships with international, federal, provincial, Indigenous and non-governmental organizations and individuals through the Habitat Stewardship Program to protect, improve and/or restore habitat to enhance the survival of migratory birds and species at risk.
• Work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to deliver government priorities through the Natural Areas Conservation Program.
• Work with Parks Canada, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP), Canadian Parks Council, and other municipal/ provincial/territorial, Indigenous and stakeholder groups to develop a national blueprint for conserved and protected areas as well as a pathway to achieve Canada’s Biodiversity Target 1 (conserving at least 17% of Canada’s terrestrial areas and inland waters by 2020).
• With regard to the Pathway to Canada’s Target 1, finalize preparations to present National Advisory Panel recommendation to Ministers in March 2018; participate in the implementation of Ministerial actions to reach Target 1 by 2020.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Collaborating with key Canadian and international partners to protect habitat and biodiversity will contribute to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1. 1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat

• SDG 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 15- Life on Land

Departmental actions

• Provide key economic analysis in support of the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations.
• Collaborate with partners at home and internationally to protect endangered species which are in trade to meet our obligations under the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and implement the Wild Animal and Plant Protection Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.
• Collaborate with partners at home and internationally to conserve migratory birds and their habitats and implement the Migratory Birds Convention Act. The Department will continue to monitor the status of and conduct research on migratory birds and their habitats.
• Conserve biodiversity and implement the Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Bird Convention Act in Canada through cooperative, collaborative and adaptive conservation planning and action with best placed partners and supporting the use of non-regulatory stewardship tools where appropriate.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Enforcing Canadian and international legislation and regulations will support Canada’s population goals for species at risk and migratory birds.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Species at Risk
• Migratory Birds and other Wildlife
• Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat
• 1.4 Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife

Departmental actions

• Work with partners to finalize a Species at Risk Act Management Plan for the polar bear. In addition, work with international partners to implement a Circumpolar Action Plan for polar bear in accordance with the 1973 Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears.
• Seek to enable the implementation of Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) Strategies. This will involve finding mechanisms and developing partnerships in order to disseminate the information available in BCR Strategies.
• Support the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in Canada through the collaborative Habitat Joint Venture partnerships. These focus on retention and restoration of wetlands and associated uplands in priority landscapes for migratory waterfowl.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and Indigenous partners at home via various Species at Risk Act (SARA) mandated and SARA-enabled advisory bodies including but not limited to the Species at Risk Advisory Committee, the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk and the First Nation Advisory Committee on Species at Risk to protect species and their habitats.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Collaborating with Canadian and international partners to protect animal and bird species and their habitats will contribute to achieving Canada’s population goals for species at risk and their habitats, including by influencing decision-making and highlighting priority areas of investment.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Species at Risk Migratory Birds and other Wildlife

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat

Departmental actions

• Provide analysis, guidance and economic advice and develop and provide economic models.
• Provide funding through the Habitat Stewardship Program to contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern. This will include engaging Canadians from all walks of life in conservation actions to benefit wildlife.
• Provide funding through the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk to support Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Collaborating with and engaging Canadian and international partners to conserve wildlife and their habitat will help build capacity to protect SAR and migratory birds.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat

Departmental actions

• Undertake international actions for the conservation of migratory birds (under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation), and deliver projects for seabird conservation in Chile (under the Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation) and for shorebird monitoring in Panama (under the Canada-Panama Environment Agreement).
• Coordinate Canada’s participation with the U.S. and Mexico in the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management, and support trilateral working group to ensure the conservation of the Monarch butterfly migration, as per the 2016 North American Leaders Summit commitment.
• Track and coordinate actions in support of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, and initiatives to advance the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada, including by implementing the actions agreed to by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for conservation, wildlife and biodiversity, and through actively participating in and leading Canadian delegations at international meetings in support of biodiversity.
• Participate with national and international partners in the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance to contribute to wetland conservation in Canada.
• Implement the Ramsar Convention in Canada to promote the wise use of wetlands and support partners in the nomination of any new proposed Ramsar Sites.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Meeting key international obligations will strengthen our capacity to protect and conserve species at risk and migratory birds, and their habitats.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
• Habitat Conservation and Protection

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.1 Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat

• SDG 15- Life on Land

Departmental actions

• Work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to deliver Government priorities, including to accelerate the rate of private land conservation and protect important natural habitat in communities across southern Canada.
• Fund the Natural Areas Conservation Program to:
  • assist and support the securement of ecologically significant areas across Canada;
  • protect habitat for species at risk (both COSEWIC-assessed and SARA-listed) and migratory birds; and
  • enhance connections and corridors between protected areas.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Partnering with an established organization that leads and inspires Canadians to conserve natural areas and biodiversity strengthens ECCC’s reach.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Community Eco-Action

Habitat Conservation and Protection

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.1 Biodiversity Wildlife and Habitat
• 1.3 Sustainable Ecosystems

Departmental actions

• Implement the “Connecting Canadians to Nature” Initiative in ten National Wildlife Areas by constructing new trails, bridges and exhibits, and promoting a national geocaching program (an outdoor educational game that uses GPS-enabled devices).
• Facilitate Canadians’ access to nature in National Wildlife Areas close to urban centres. For example, free access to the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area in 2017 is provided as part of the 150th anniversary of Confederation celebrations.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Providing access to wildlife areas can lead to greater public participation in biodiversity and conservation activities and raises public awareness of the importance of spending time outdoors, reconnecting with nature, and expanding conservation knowledge.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Habitat Conservation and Protection

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 1.1 Biodiversity Wildlife and Habitat

• SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities

Departmental actions

Better understand air pollutants by:

• Providing air quality monitoring data, expertise, maps and analysis to guide implementation of the Air Quality Management System (AQMS) and to track benefits of the Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement.

Better understand harmful substances by:

• Conducting scientific assessment to determine the risks to the environment from substances that are already in commerce (existing substances) and substances proposed for use in Canada (new substances). The assessment provides the evidence needed to determine whether a substance is toxic, and ultimately, whether risk management is required.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Research, analysis and collection of data on sources of air pollution enable the development of effective regulations and other tools to improve air quality for Canadians.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Air Quality
• Substances and Waste Management

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 3.1 Substances and Waste Management
• 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air

Departmental actions

Provide information to inform action and decision-making on air quality by:

• Collecting and publishing National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) data for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 reporting years. NPRI includes data on releases (to air, water and land), disposals and recycling of over 300 air pollutants and other harmful substances, from industrial and other facilities across Canada.
• Implementing the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to provide Canadians with greater access to local air quality information and forecasts to help make informed decision about their health.
• Finalizing and publishing a strategy to address short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). The SLCP Strategy was published in July 2017.
• Preparing and publishing a national report on black carbon and methane every two years in line with Arctic Council commitments.
• Contributing to the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI), which track Canada’s performance on key sustainability issues related to air pollutant emissions and air quality and ensures that national, regional, local and international data are publicly accessible and transparent.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Data on air pollutants and harmful substances can strengthen decisions to protect land, water and air from harmful substances.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 2.1 Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians
• 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air

Departmental actions

Use legislation and regulation to address outdoor air pollutant emissions by:

• Undertaking modelling, analysis and research to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches and regulatory development to reduce air pollution.
• Developing, and/or finalizing and implementing industrial emissions requirements for various equipment types and sectors, using regulatory and non-regulatory instruments such as the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), NOx guidelines for new stationary combustion turbines and Performance Agreements for the aluminum and the iron ore pellets sectors.
• Developing, implementing, administering and enforcing regulations to reduce air pollutant emissions, specifically from the transportation and oil and gas sectors. This activity will include the finalization of regulation for off-road small spark ignition engines, implementation of amendments to regulation of on-road vehicles for 2017–2025, and proposed regulation of petroleum and refinery air pollutant emissions.
• Implementing measures to reduce black carbon emissions from wood-burning appliances and new stationary diesel engines.

Use legislation and regulation to address harmful substances by:

• Undertaking modelling, analysis and research, and by developing regulatory impact analysis statements to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches to reduce air and water pollution. Key economic analysis will include the assessments of regulations such as the off-road small spark ignition engines. The analysis will also support the development of air quality standards and the phase-out of subsidies for the fossil fuel industry over the medium-term, with an aim to provide incentives for clean investments.
• Developing, implementing and administering regulatory and voluntary instruments to manage risks from harmful substances, waste and effluents and to improve administration of the Fisheries Act.
• Taking domestic regulatory action to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and prohibit the import and manufacture of products that contain HFCs.
• Developing, finalizing, administering, and enforcing regulatory instruments to manage and reduce risks from harmful substances, such as the Prohibition of Certain Substances Regulations, 2012 and the new Asbestos Regulations under CEPA 1999.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Developing regulations and non-regulatory instruments for industries/ sectors/ sources will reduce outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air

Departmental actions

Work with partners on outdoor air quality by:

• Continuing to implement the AQMS, a comprehensive framework to address air pollution in Canada and improve the health of Canadians and the environment; in collaboration with provinces, territories, and with the engagement of stakeholders.
• Publishing CAAQS for sulphur dioxide (SO₂), which were announced by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in October 2016, in the Canada Gazette.
• Developing new CAAQS for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and reviewing the CAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone; in collaboration with Health Canada, provinces, territories, and in consultation with stakeholders through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
• Working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the transboundary flow of air pollutants and implement the Vehicles and Engines Action Plan under the Canada- U.S. Air Quality Agreement.

Work with partners on chemical management by:

• Participating in international chemicals- and waste-related fora and continuing to engage and consult with relevant national and international stakeholders.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Collaborating with provinces, territories, stakeholders, and international partners enhances our capacity to address and reduce air pollutants and harmful chemicals in the environment.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Air Quality

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air

Departmental actions

Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management by:

• Implementing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, including its Kigali Amendment on HFCs. Continue to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through active participation in committees and subsidiary bodies to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, supported by domestic action under the Chemicals Management Plan.
• Advancing domestic actions on mercury to allow Canada to ratify the Minamata Convention and contribute to international activities to prepare for entry into force of the Convention. Canada continues to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through active participation in committees and subsidiary bodies to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, as well as through domestic implementation actions, including strengthening of domestic regulations. Canada advances domestic actions on mercury to facilitate ratification of the Minamata Convention and contributed to international activities to prepare for entry into force of the Convention.

Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on transboundary air pollution by:

• Ratifying the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol (of the UNECE Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution).
• Engaging in efforts to take action on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and other contaminants under the Arctic Council.
• Continuing to work with the U.S. through the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement to reduce transboundary air pollution.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Advancing global and regional action and meeting key international obligations strengthens our capacity to manage harmful chemicals and air pollutants.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Air Quality

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 3.2 Climate Change and Clean Air

Departmental actions

• Assess and remediate sites for which ECCC is responsible.
• Provide expert advice to help federal custodians assess and remediate their contaminated sites to ensure that the highest-priority sites are remediated under Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) and to reduce the ecological risks they pose.
• Provide program oversight for the ongoing delivery of the FCSAP, in partnership with other federal departments and agencies and consolidated Crown corporations
• Prepare a public progress report on the results of the FCSAP.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Remediating federal contaminated sites will reduce ecological risks related to harmful substances on these lands.

Starting point and performance indicators

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

DRF/Program Inventory:

• Substances and Waste Management

2017-18 Program Activity Architecture (PAA):

• 3.1 Substances and Waste Management

• SDG 3- Good Health a Well-Being
• SDG 12- Responsible Consumption and Production