Archived: Departmental Plan 2019 to 2020 report, Environment and Climate Change Canada, chapter 3

Planned results: what we want to achieve this year and beyond

Core responsibilities

Taking action on clean growth and climate change

Description

Through engagement with other federal departments and agencies, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders, and external experts, the Department will support and coordinate the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF); work to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; drive clean growth; develop regulatory instruments; support businesses and Canadians to adapt and become more resilient to climate change; and contribute to international climate change actions to increase global benefits.

Planning highlights

Implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Climate change is recognized as today’s defining issue, with impacts being felt across Canada and around the world. In recent years, we’ve seen floods from downtown Toronto to Cape Breton Island. Last year, spring in Manitoba brought with it one of the worst droughts on record, dramatically elevating feed prices for farmers. In Montréal, more than 50 people died from a heat wave in the summer of 2018. Forest fires have devastated parts of B.C. and Alberta. These events are becoming more frequent, more devastating for Canadians, and more expensive in terms of both disaster response and recovery.

Taking action on climate change will help address these growing social and economic costs. It is also the key to succeeding in a new low-carbon economy. Meeting the global challenge of climate change is an opportunity to mobilize our skilled workers, natural resources and fast-growing tech sector to fight climate change while creating good jobs and opening up new opportunities for Canadians.

Two years ago, governments, Canadians, and Indigenous peoples came together to inform and develop the country’s first national climate plan. The Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) is Canada’s plan to reduce GHGs to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and position Canada to be competitive in the clean economy. In its 2018 GHG and Air Pollutant Emissions Projections report, Canada’s GHG emissions are projected to decline over the next 12 years. A wide range of policies, programs and investments implemented under Canada’s climate plan have led to the biggest improvement to Canada’s emissions outlooks relative to pre-PCF projections encompassing all economic sectors, and demonstrating the effectiveness of Canada’s climate plan.
Governments have been implementing this plan for the past two years and have made tremendous progress. Since 2016, we have:

• Introduced regulations to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, which will reduce carbon pollution by about 16.5 million tonnes per year.
• Accelerated the phase-out of coal-fired electricity.
• Reduced and prevented the release of hydrofluorocarbons into the environment.
• Invested in energy efficiency to help families and businesses save money.
• Set increasingly stringent emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, and are taking steps to reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles and improve efficiency in the rail, aviation, marine and off-road sectors.
• Expanded public transit across the country.
• Improved building codes and standards to enable Canadian homes to use less energy.
• Made historic investment in clean technology, innovation, and green infrastructure to drive growth and reduce pollution.

The PCF is working. Canada’s most recent projections show that emissions in 2030 are expected to be 223 million tonnes lower than projected prior to the adoption and implementation of Canada’s climate plan. This improvement in Canada’s emissions outlook reflects the breadth and depth of our climate plan.

However, the Government of Canada recognizes there is more work to be done and that the transition to a low-carbon economy does not occur overnight. ECCC will continue to bring provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, domestic and international stakeholders, other federal departments together to ensure the successful implementation of the PCF.

Carbon pollution pricing

Pricing carbon pollution is widely recognized as one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce GHG emissions and create incentives for innovation and clean growth. Putting a price on carbon pollution sends an important signal to markets and provides incentives to reduce energy use through conservation and efficiency measures.

The federal carbon pollution pricing system includes a charge on fossil fuels and a regulated trading system for large industry-the Output-Based Pricing System. In the provinces where the federal system applies, the Output-based Pricing System took effect on January 1, 2019 and the fuel charge will take effect April 2019. Carbon pollution pricing will apply in the territories in July 2019. As committed to in the Pan-Canadian Framework, there will be an interim report on carbon pollution pricing in Canada in 2020 and a final review in 2022 to help inform the path forward.

Leveraging investments through the Low Carbon Economy Fund

To support actions under the Pan-Canadian Framework, the Government of Canada established the Low Carbon Economy Fund to leverage investments in projects that will generate clean growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help meet or exceed Canada’s Paris Agreement commitments. ECCC will continue to implement the $2 billion Fund and work with provinces and territories to identify further opportunities for partnership. 

A further $500 million in funding is available under the Low Carbon Economy Challenge in support of projects administered by provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, businesses and not-for-profit organizations to achieve GHG reductions, contribute to clean growth, save energy, and create jobs.

Strengthening the regulatory agenda

ECCC will continue to develop and implement regulatory measures to combat climate change, including regulations aimed at reducing GHGs and short-lived climate pollutants. ECCC will:

• Publish draft regulations for the liquid fuels component of the Clean Fuel Standard;
• Implement regulations amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine GHG Emission Regulations that are projected to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 6 Mt annually starting in 2030;
• Implement regulations reducing the release of methane and certain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from the upstream oil and gas sector that aim to reduce methane emissions by about 20 Mt by 2025 relative to the estimated 2012 levels of 45 Mt CO2e; and
• Implement amendments for coal-fired electricity generation regulations that will reduce GHG emissions by 12.8 Mt in 2030, as well as natural gas-fired electricity generation regulations. 

Building Canada’s resilience to a changing climate

Even as governments work to address climate change, Canadians are feeling its impacts. That is why the PCF includes actions to help Canada and its communities adapt and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

ECCC will continue to help all levels of government, communities, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous peoples, businesses and individuals make informed decisions in order to be prepared for the impacts of climate change. In addition, the federal, provincial and territorial Adaptation Policy Committee, chaired by the Department under the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, will continue to advance its program of work on adaptation, including work related to natural infrastructure, assessing risks associated with climate change, and measuring progress.

The new Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) was established in 2018-19 so that Canadians can access the information and support the need to build resilience to climate change. The CCCS website contains a suite of data and resources, including basic information to help Canadians better understand climate change, access to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s climate data through an interactive map and the ability to download authoritative climate datasets, and a Library of Climate Resources to access information from other sources that support adaptation decision-making. Additionally, an operational Climate Services Support Desk, available during business hours by e-mail and telephone, helps guide users in finding or using climate information.

ECCC will continue to build and expand the CCCS by:

• collaborating with regional climate organizations, Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories to establish regional climate service hubs;
• offering training; and
• enhancing users’ capability to access and manipulate climate data, particularly for decision makers and planners who need application-ready climate data in developing adaptation plans at the regional and local levels.

Science-based policy and engagement

Recognizing the foundational role of science in evidence-based decision-making, ECCC will develop a National Climate Change Science and Knowledge Plan (National Plan) to support the delivery of the PCF. The National Plan will identify knowledge gaps and priorities that reflects the perspectives of stakeholders across the Canadian scientific community, including Indigenous communities, and other levels of government. When released in 2020-21, the National Plan will support better coordination and increased collaboration between federal and academic science, strengthened by indigenous knowledge.

The Department will continue to work with Indigenous peoples in the implementation of the PCF through senior and distinct tables with the Assembly of First Nations, Métis Nation and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The Department will also continue to work with its partners to better involve and respond to the input from Indigenous women, elders and youth.

Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Finance established the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance in April 2018 to consult with financial market participants on the topic of sustainable finance. The Panel has since consulted hundreds of participants and published an interim report in October 2018. The Panel plans to release their final report in spring 2019 with recommendations for the federal government to advance sustainable finance. The report will help support Canada’s climate change goals by recommending actions on ways to collaborate with the private sector, especially mainstream capital markets, to help form a foundation for long-term sustainable economic growth consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

International action on the environment and climate change

Contributing to Paris Agreement implementation

ECCC will continue its leadership role in implementing the Paris Agreement, which Canada ratified in October 2016. The Agreement reflects an international commitment to increase the global response to climate change. Since 2016, Canada has been working with international partners to develop implementation guidance for the Paris Agreement in order to allow the agreement to become fully operational. These guidelines, the “Paris rulebook”, outline how Parties will deliver on their commitments, such as communicating, measuring, and reporting on climate efforts and progress and were adopted at the December 2018 COP 24 in Katowice, Poland (24th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). At COP 24, Canada further built the trust and confidence needed for an ambitious international climate change regime. Canada will continue to be a leader in ensuring Indigenous peoples are engaged in developing climate policy, and for promoting gender equality and the role of women in climate action around the world.

Canada continues to advance its commitments under the Paris Agreement and to transition to a low carbon economy by working with partners bilaterally and multilaterally. Bilateral partnerships include: the Canada-United Kingdom (UK) Partnership on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Canada-France Climate and Environment Partnership; the North American Climate Leaders’ Dialogue; and, the Canada-China Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change. In particular, as part of the Canada-UK Partnership, Canada and the UK co-launched, in November 2017, the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), which brings together a diverse range of governments, businesses and organizations to take action to accelerate clean growth and climate protection through the rapid phase-out of coal power. Canada also continues to pursue its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and short-lived climate pollutants, and to improving air quality, by continuing to work multilaterally in fora such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.

Reflecting clean growth and climate change in trade agreements

Canada continues to reflect its clean growth and climate change commitments in agreements with key trade partners, including with the United States, Mexico, the European Union, and MERCOSUR. Canada upholds its environment and trade obligations by including Environment Chapters, which are stand-alone chapters that reaffirm mutual commitments to environmental protection, in each of its trade agreements.

Supporting developing countries to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change

Developing countries are the hardest hit by climate change and many have limited capacity to prevent and cope with its consequences. In partnership with Global Affairs Canada, ECCC will continue to deliver on Canada’s pledge of $2.65 billion by 2020-21 to help developing countries transition to low-carbon, sustainable and resilient growth. The Department will continue to deliver through various multilateral and bilateral initiatives, including the Green Climate Fund, the largest dedicated international climate change fund (under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Funds will target sectors such as clean technology and renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and forest management, and risk insurance and capacity building, with special consideration for the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries. Canada’s climate finance is consistent with its feminist international assistance policy to promote gender equality and help empower all women and girls.

Under the auspices of individual bilateral agreements, ECCC will continue to support eight developing countries through the implementation of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in key sectors such as solid waste and oil and gas.

Global Commission on Adaptation

Recognizing the importance of mobilizing action on climate change adaptation, which is an integral part of Canada’s domestic and international climate change efforts, Canada joined the Global Commission on Adaptation as a convening nation on October 16, 2018. The Global Commission on Adaptation is a new initiative spearheaded by the Netherlands with the goal of elevating the political visibility of climate change adaptation by bringing together strong global adaptation thought leaders with a focus on identifying and encouraging solutions. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada is Canada’s commissioner for this important initiative.

Planned results

¹ This is an interim target, established by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) in its Greening Government Strategy, towards a full 80% reduction below 2005 levels by 2050.

² In 2015, the TBS Centre for Greening Government issued updated emissions factors for all federal organizations reporting GHG emissions from electricity consumption. Therefore, the 2016–17 and 2017–18 results are not comparable to earlier years’ results.

³ The results reported relate to the number of individuals, businesses, and governments accessing climate services. Usage is measured through a survey conducted every 5 years.

⁴ Baseline will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) has been functioning for one full year. It is expected that the CCCS will become operational in 2018–19, thus baseline will be set in 2019–20.

*All figures, throughout the document, are net of respendable revenues.

*Totals may differ within and between tables due to the rounding of figures. The FTE numbers, throughout the document, include students.

Preventing and managing pollution

Description

Collaborate with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop and administer environmental standards, guidelines, regulations and risk management instruments to reduce releases and monitor levels of contaminants in air, water and soil, and promote and enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Planning highlights

Protecting the environment from pollutants and other harmful substances, and reducing their impacts on human health, is central to ECCC’s work. The Department will continue to collaborate with partners in Canada and other jurisdictions to monitor and address substances, including by enforcing regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Fisheries Act.

Moving toward zero plastic waste

ECCC will also collaborate with other federal departments and agencies, provinces, and territories to finalize a domestic plastics science agenda in 2019-20. The science agenda will set priority areas for research and monitoring that can help inform Canada’s policy actions and decisions about innovative solutions to the challenge of plastic waste.

In 2019-20, the Department will continue to champion the Ocean Plastics Charter, launched during Canada’s G7 Presidency in 2018. The Charter’s key targets include working with industry and other partners to achieve 100% reusable, recyclable or, where viable alternatives do not exist, recoverable plastics by 2030, and increasing recycled content in plastic products where applicable by at least 50% by 2030. The Charter creates a strong basis for further global mobilization to make concrete progress on this issue. Since the adoption of the Charter, additional endorsements have come from Cabo Verde, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Nauru, the Netherlands, Norway, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Senegal, as well as 20 businesses and organizations including Unilever, Ikea, Nestlé and Volvo.

Canada will invest $100 million to prevent plastic waste from entering the oceans, address plastic waste on shorelines, and better manage existing plastic resources in developing countries including $65 million through the World Bank for an international fund to address plastic waste in developing countries, $6 million to strengthen public-private partnerships to support global action in plastic pollution hot spots, and $20 million in support for the G7 Innovation Challenge to Address Marine Plastic Litter. Canada is also taking direct actions at home through the Canadian Plastic Innovation challenge, which will provide funding of up to $12.85 million to Canadian innovators and businesses to develop innovation technologies to reduce plastic waste.

Protecting the environment and Canadians from harmful substances

ECCC will continue to protect Canadians from harmful substances by delivering Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan with Health Canada. By March 2021, the remaining 1,100 of 4,300 priority chemicals will be assessed and managed (as required) to protect the environment and the health of Canadians. Since the launch of the Chemicals Management Plan in 2006, the Government of Canada has implemented over 90 risk management actions for existing chemicals. The Department will also continue to develop and apply new methods for assessing and managing the risks associated with chemicals of emerging concern.

Asbestos can cause life-threatening diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. To protect the health of Canadians, the Department published the Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations and related amendments to the Export of Substances on the Export Control List. Together, they prohibit the export, import, sale, and use of asbestos and products containing asbestos, as well as the manufacture of products containing asbestos, with a limited number of exclusions. The regulations and related amendments came into force on December 30, 2018, and will be implemented and enforced in 2019.

The Department is also increasing research, strengthening regulatory controls, and enhancing enforcement of environmental regulations to reduce contaminants affecting endangered whales including the Southern Resident Killer Whale and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga.

The Department will collaborate with Health Canada to develop a performance measurement strategy for chemicals management that will establish a long-term approach to systematically assess the effectiveness of actions to control toxic substances. In consultation with stakeholders and the public, ECCC and Health Canada will also work to set new directions and objectives for chemicals management for the post 2020 period. The Department will develop new regulations to manage risks from the release of effluents from coal mining and oil sands operations.

The management of pollution takes place in a complex and dynamic domestic and international context. ECCC will continue to scan the environment and work closely with its partners to ensure the efficacy of its policies and regulations. ECCC will also continue to engage in international agreements aimed at protecting human health and the environment from harmful substances and waste.

Reducing air pollution and improving air quality

Air pollution is a significant global risk to human health and the environment. Even at low levels, air pollution can impact health, especially that of children, the elderly, and those with health concerns. Improving air quality for Canadians remains a priority for ECCC, including by working to reduce harmful emissions in Canada and collaborating with international partners to reduce transboundary air pollution through such mechanisms as the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.   

The Department will continue to work closely with provinces and territories through the Air Quality Management System to develop more stringent ambient standards for air quality, and to monitor and report on air quality for Canadians. The Government of Canada will move forward with a number of initiatives to reduce air emissions.

The Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), designed to reduce air pollution from industrial boilers and heaters, cement manufacturing, and stationary spark-ignition engines, were published in June 2016. Over the 2016–2035 period, the Department estimates that the Regulations will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by about 2,000 kilotonnes.

ECCC will develop the Off-Road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine emission regulations, implement Tier 3 under the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulation, and implement amendments to the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations, which came into force on March 22, 2018.

Protecting Canada’s freshwater resources

Canada’s Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and the St Lawrence River watersheds will remain an important focus of ECCC’s work. These precious resources make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of tens of millions of Canadians, and the Department will continue to work with other federal, provincial, municipal, the United States and Indigenous partners to protect and invest in them. The Department will support these efforts with scientific research and monitoring to understand and reduce nutrient pollution, and to study the effects of water availability and quality on ecosystem health.

ECCC will continue to implement the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, which addresses the most significant environmental challenges affecting the Great Lakes by delivering on commitments under the Canada—United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). Together with other federal departments and the United States, in 2019 the Department will report on progress in implementing the GLWQA as well as on the state of Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health. Under the GLWQA, and through the Canada—Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (COA), the Department will continue to work with the Province of Ontario to implement these agreements, as well as the Canada—Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan to reduce phosphorus loads from Canadian sources. The Department will also consult on a new COA in 2019.

Priority actions for 2019–20 include: supporting projects that use innovative approaches and new technologies to reduce phosphorus loads in Lake Erie and promote broader uptake by others; assessing the vulnerability of Great Lakes coastal wetlands to climate change and other stressors; assessing Great Lakes nearshore waters to identify areas of high ecological importance and areas under high cumulative stress; engaging Canadians through Citizen Science; and, implementing binational strategies to reduce releases of Chemicals of Mutual Concern to the Great Lakes basin. The Department will continue work to restore beneficial uses of the environment across all 14 remaining Great Lakes Canadian Areas of Concern (AOCs).

ECCC will continue its priority work under the Canada-Québec Agreement on the St. Lawrence (St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011–2026) to conserve, restore, protect and develop the St. Lawrence River. Monitoring that is already underway will continue, and the Department will collect and analyze data on 21 indicators of water quality, publishing results in 2020-21 on the current state and evolution of the St. Lawrence River.

With partners and stakeholders, ECCC will continue work to reduce nutrient loading in the Lake Winnipeg Basin, including by funding action and collaboration with Indigenous governments and communities, non-government organizations and others. Among its priority actions, the Department will collaborate on actions important to the long-term management and protection of Lake Winnipeg, including a new Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin, and continuing support of the development of nutrient objectives and targets in key transboundary waterways.

In other major basins, such as the Saint John River (Wəlastəkw) watershed, the department will continue efforts to increase coordination and collaboration with other governments, Indigenous people and stakeholders to identify and advance water quality and ecosystem priorities, goals and objectives.

The Department will also complete an Ottawa River Watershed Study (PDF) undertaken in response to a Parliamentary motion passed in May 2017. The purpose of the study is to examine the natural, cultural, heritage and economic values associated with the Ottawa River watershed, important indicators for assessing the health of the Ottawa River watershed.

To further protect Canada’s freshwater resources, ECCC will prepare for consultations on proposed regulations to modernize Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations. New Environmental Emergency Regulations will be published in 2019, and the Department will support industry to comply with these strengthened regulations when they come into force.

Experimentation — sentencing recommendations

ECCC continues its initiative to strengthen sentencing recommendations. While the initiative will continue for another year, preliminary results show excellent progress. In 2017-18, the total fine amount was $10.47 million—up 130% over annual averages in the previous five years. The median fine amount was $35,000 in 2017–18—up 8% over the median fine average over the previous five years. However, given the variability in case severity and conclusions from year to year and since the initiative is still in progress and constantly evolving, these results could differ in the near future.  The use of creative sentencing and court orders is also on the rise, compelling companies to make investments and change processes to decrease or stop harmful releases to the environment.

Strengthening sustainable development

Under the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA), ECCC is responsible for leading the development of a federal strategy for sustainable development every three years. Following widespread consultations on a draft Strategy, the 2019–2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy will set out federal government sustainable development priorities, goals and targets, and actions to achieve them. 

In 2017, the Minister introduced Bill C-57, an Act to Amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act which received Royal Assent on February 28, 2019. The amended Act will focus on advancing sustainable development, improving quality of life for Canadians, and making federal decisions more transparent. More than 90 federal departments and agencies (up from 26) will be required to report on their sustainable development activities, and will promote engagement of Indigenous peoples, businesses, communities and the public in sustainable development.

Protecting coastlines and oceans

ECCC will continue to play a key role in the $1.5 billion whole-of-government Oceans Protection Plan to protect Canada’s coasts and marine environments, including by contributing science advice to support a state-of-the-art safety system to preserve and restore marine ecosystems. For example, the Department’s data and modelling contributions will support environmental sensitivity assessments to help protect marine birds on British Columbia’s north coast.

Oil sands monitoring

The commitment to ensure the oil sands are developed and monitored in an environmentally and socially responsible manner remains a priority for ECCC. In December 2017, the governments of Canada and Alberta signed a Memorandum of Understanding to renew their commitment to monitoring the environmental impacts of oil sands development through the Oil Sands Monitoring (OSM) program.

The Memorandum of Understanding promotes a collective approach, inclusive of Indigenous communities, industry, and governments, for the implementation, management, and oversight of the OSM program. The implementation of this collective approach is guided by the OSM Program Operational Framework Agreement, which was co-developed with participating Indigenous communities together with the governments of Canada and Alberta. Industry funds the OSM program through Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. These funds support monitoring to improve characterization of the state of the environment and enhance understanding of the cumulative effects of oil sands development activities in the oil sands area.

ECCC actively supports the collective approach to program implementation through participation in OSM program governance. Further, the Department is an engaged contributor, providing scientific expertise and leadership to monitoring that considers the impacts of oil sands development on air, water, land and biodiversity. ECCC monitoring and laboratory infrastructure enables this participation.

Planned results

¹ Air quality monitoring results are subject to data validation and are available after 18–24 months from data collection. Results for 2016-17 and 2017 (18 are expected in mid-2019 and mid-2020, respectively.)

Conserving Nature

Description

Protect and recover species at risk and their critical habitat; conserve and protect healthy populations of migratory birds; engage and enable provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, and the public to increase protected areas and contribute to conservation and stewardship activities; expand and manage the Department’s protected areas; and collaborate with domestic and international partners to advance the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.

Planning highlights

Conserving 17% of Canada’s lands by 2020

Through the Nature Legacy ($1.35 billion in new federal funding in Budget 2018 from 2018–19 to 2022–23), ECCC will continue to pursue innovative partnerships with non-governmental organizations, Indigenous communities, provinces and territories and other partners to achieve Canada’s commitment to conserve at least 17% of the country’s lands and inland waters, and 10% of coastal and marine areas by the end of 2020. As of December 2018, 10.55% of land and inland waters, and 7.9% of coastal and marine areas is now protected. With partnership initiatives planned and under way, ECCC continues its steady progress toward the 17% target by:

• expanding existing federal protected areas (Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and National Wildlife Areas), which prioritize the protection of habitat for species at risk and migratory birds;
• collaborating with federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for parks, protected areas, conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity, as per commitments outlined in Canada’s Natural Legacy Declaration, to meet Canada’s conservation targets while working in the spirit and practice of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples;
• awarding funds under the $500 million Canada Nature Fund to conserve both spaces and species. Beginning in 2019, eligible recipients will be supported to establish both Territorial and Municipal Protected and Conserved Areas, as well as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. The Edéhzhíe Protected Area (Northwest Territories), designated in October 2018, is the first Indigenous Protected Area in Canada funded by the Canada Nature Fund, and exemplifies reconciliation in action with Indigenous peoples; and
• modernizing the Wildlife Area Regulations, that targets 14 new national wildlife areas.

New approach to conserving species at risk

In collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial ministers, ECCC will start to implement a new Pan-Canadian Approach to conserving and protecting species, including those listed under the Species at Risk Act, which is aimed at transforming conservation by adopting multi-species and place-based ecosystem-focused approaches. The approach reflects a new framework to guide how Canada protects and recovers species, including a focus on priority places, species, and sectors to achieve multispecies benefits. It also reflects that provinces and territories are the lead for lands under their jurisdiction, and that ECCC will support and partner with them to recover species at risk, as well as other priority species such as migratory birds on those lands.

With the commitment of the $1.35 billion Nature Legacy for the protection of species at risk and protected areas, in 2019 ECCC will work with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders on multi-species approaches in priority areas. The new approach features:

• collaboration with partners (provinces and territories and Indigenous peoples) to address the at-risk populations of Canada’s Boreal and Southern Mountain Caribou herds, and establishing plans for the recovery and protection of these important species including through SARA Section 11 Conservation Agreements. Local communities, industry and other stakeholders will also work together to protect critical habitats that support the caribou. ECCC will continue to contribute evidence-based science to inform recovery plans and lead the National Boreal Caribou Knowledge Consortium and report on steps taken to protect critical habitat for Boreal Caribou every 180 days until critical habitat is protected, as was done in April and December 2018;
• implementation of multi-species and ecosystem-based approaches for the protection and recovery of species at risk in 11 priority places across Canada under the Pan-Canadian Approach. Building upon the success of experimentation initiatives, activities across the priority places will include engagement with partners and stakeholders, data and information sharing, and the development, implementation and ongoing monitoring and reporting of integrated conservation action plans funded by the Canada Nature Fund;
• collaborative priority sectors initiatives, which will be established to enhance beneficial sector practices and improve sector sustainability at local and regional levels for agriculture, forestry, and urban development;
• continuing to advance recovery planning in partnership with federal, provincial and territorial colleagues and;
• collection of data to inform evidence-based decision-making on the design and integrity of protected areas and networks, and on the conservation of species at risk, including data on the impacts of climate change and other stressors on wildlife and ecosystems. 

The Department will continue to deliver its obligations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and to enforce regulations under SARA. These activities are in line with recommendations of the 2018 Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program (PDF).

Partnering with Indigenous peoples

The Indigenous Guardians Pilot Program will support Indigenous peoples in managing their traditional land, water and ice, and in protecting and conserving biodiversity. With funding of $25 million over four years (2018 to 2022), the Government of Canada recognizes the impact and invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities to nature conservation and offers an opportunity to advance true reconciliation. The Pilot Program is being implemented jointly with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis using individualized approaches that respect and recognize each group’s unique perspectives, rights, responsibilities and needs. In 2018, 28 First Nations, Inuit and Métis guardians programs were supported by the Indigenous Guardians Pilot Program.

Modernizing migratory bird conservation and protection

ECCC will complete draft regulations to modernize migratory bird regulations in preparation for public consultation by the spring of 2019, and will implement a new electronic permitting system for migratory game bird hunting in time for the 2019 hunting season. To support sustainable migratory bird populations, the Department will monitor priority populations to inform harvest regulation and support evidence-based decision-making for jurisdictions across Canada. This will be supported by efforts to respond to the 2018 Evaluation of the Migratory Birds Program (PDF), which recommended that ECCC address gaps in migratory bird monitoring data. ECCC will collaborate with other countries (e.g., Red Knots in Brazil, Canada Warblers in Colombia) to address threats to the 450 migratory birds that call Canada home for part of each year.

Improving impact assessments

The Government of Canada has announced a new impact assessment system, supported by the proposed Impact Assessment Act and a new cumulative effects approach. Under the proposed Impact Assessment Act, ECCC will continue to provide expertise and advice related to climate change, air quality, water quality, environmental preparedness and emergencies, and biodiversity. This will include developing guidance for project proponents on standard methodologies to address common issues such as species at risk, migratory birds and wetlands issues; contributing advice on strengthening a federal offsets framework that encompasses biodiversity; and developing datasets and science products to inform decisions on the assessment of impacts. The Department will play a lead role in the Government of Canada’s new approach to cumulative effects, which includes four elements:

• Open Science and Data Platform to provide publicly accessible environmental science, knowledge, and tools to enable users to help understand the potential impacts of a project.
• Regional assessments to help guide planning and management of cumulative effects, identify potential impacts on the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples, and inform project assessments.
• Strategic assessments to provide guidance on how a policy, plan, program or issue should be considered in the impact assessment process, including an initial strategic assessment on climate change impacts.
• National environmental frameworks to integrate science and provide guidance regarding acceptable levels of impacts.

The Department will lead the first strategic assessment. The Strategic Assessment of Climate Change (SACC) will provide process certainty and transparency, and ensure that a project’s greenhouse gas emissions and its resilience to climate impacts are considered and integrated as appropriate, in an impact assessment. Given clear expectations, proponents will be able to inform their project design and better prepare for impact assessments, which may in turn result in a more timely and predictable assessment and approval process.

Compliance with wildlife laws

The Department’s on-the-ground enforcement officers verify compliance with wildlife legislation and associated regulations that protect migratory birds, species at risk, wildlife in trade and ECCC’s 147 protected areas. Activities focus on areas and species of concern that are vulnerable to illegal activities. ECCC, in collaboration with its partners, uses a combination of science and intelligence gathering to develop enforcement strategies for these areas and species. ECCC will train and deploy new officers hired under Budget 2018 funding. 

In addition, ECCC continues to concentrate on capacity building by training ECCC enforcement officers on a range of topics, including Treaty rights and the unique legal status of Indigenous peoples in Canada, in order to support their mandate on First Nations’ lands.

Planned results

Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Description

Monitor weather, water, air quality and climate conditions; provide forecasts, information and warnings to the Canadian public and targeted sectors through a range of service delivery options; conduct research; develop and maintain computer-based models for predicting weather and other environmental conditions; and collaborate and exchange data with other national meteorological services and with international organizations.

Planning highlights

Canadians are experiencing the impacts of climate change, including increases in the frequency of weather and water-related extreme events such as storms, floods, and droughts. These events are having an impact on public health and safety, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social well-being in Canada and around the world. A diverse range of public and private sector organizations rely on the leading edge science, monitoring, modelling, data dissemination, and advice provided by ECCC.

Putting new technology to work to keep Canadians safe

ECCC will continue to leverage new technology, including its state-of-the-art supercomputer—to deliver more timely and accurate weather forecasts. Increasingly accurate weather, water and climate data will help build resilience to the impacts of climate change among Canadians, provincial and territorial Emergency Management organizations, and weather-reliant economic sectors, such as agriculture and transportation. In addition, a leading-edge approach to data management, analysis and innovative information dissemination techniques will allow Canadians to extract the best value from its meteorological and hydrological services.

Canadians rely on accurate and timely information to make health, safety and business decisions when extreme weather events occur. The Department will leverage its investments, innovation and expertise to deliver faster and more accurate forecasts of extreme weather conditions and water-related events, such as storms that can give rise to floods. ECCC’s capability to forecast weather has been greatly enhanced by the supercomputer, which provides high-powered computing capacity to run complex models and integrate high volumes of data. This increased capacity allows ECCC to generate complex models and large-scale simulations, resulting in more accurate forecasts for Canadians.

A complex array of facilities, infrastructure and information technology systems is essential to the Department’s ability to monitor and forecast adverse weather for Canadians. ECCC continues to work with its partners to maintain key information technology systems and facilities through continued investment, leveraging technological advancements, and coordination and integration with partners’ monitoring systems.

Upgrading vital infrastructure: radars and weather stations

As part of a major initiative to transform its business to meet evolving needs for weather and climate information, ECCC will continue with planned upgrades to weather radars and weather stations. The department is planning to have 12 radar replacements completed by 2019-20, part of a multi-year initiative that will see a minimum of 23 radars replaced by 2023. The new radars will contribute to more reliable weather information for businesses, communities and individuals. To strengthen its capacity further, the Department will also install five new, and upgrade 15 existing weather stations.

Collaboration to continue to meet user needs for weather information

Modelling and prediction systems and technology will be leveraged to support the Government’s forward-looking strategy for improving access to data and information, complementing the Government’s planned Digital Strategy. The Department will also demonstrate leadership in establishing collaborative monitoring agreements with various partners across Canada, including provinces and territories, as well as a national forum to formalize and strengthen coordination of weather, water and climate monitoring in Canada. Together these initiatives will facilitate greater data exchange, a strategic approach to planning weather and climate monitoring infrastructure, foresight on environmental changes for Canadians, and improvements to the overall quantity, quality, interoperability and accessibility of weather, water and climate monitoring data in Canada.

On the international front, ECCC will support the World Meteorological Organization to advance international collaboration on weather, water and climate-related issues. ECCC will work collaboratively through formal and informal bilateral and multilateral agreements with the meteorological services of other countries, including the U.S., China, France and the UK, to access timely and accurate global data. ECCC will work with international counterparts to advance applied science and generate new practical applications that can help to enhance the delivery of weather, water and climate services nationally. Maintaining ties with the international community builds knowledge and capacity, allowing further collaboration between ECCC’s scientists and their counterparts from around the world. This international collaboration allows Canada to play a role in key initiatives that are aligned with domestic priorities and contribute to the advancement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Water works—monitoring and providing data and advice across Canada

Climate change has contributed to observable changes in water availability in Canada, as droughts and floods affect many communities across the country. ECCC will continue to deliver hydrological services and data to users across Canada, including local governments, water management boards, municipalities and businesses in order to support decisions to protect the health and safety of Canadians in such sectors as agriculture, recreation, commerce, infrastructure, and transportation.

As a priority, ECCC will accelerate the deployment of investments received in Budget 2018 to repair water monitoring infrastructure, ensure workforce sustainability, and examine the use of new innovations for water prediction, monitoring and data. ECCC will work closely with provinces and territories, and other stakeholders and partners, to provide hydrometric information and water resources to support provincial and territorial water management agreements, as well as the International Joint Commission for the management of transboundary waters.

Supporting weather-related decisions of other federal departments and agencies

The Department will continue to serve other federal departments, agencies and organizations working in the public interest, including the Department of National Defence, Canadian Coast Guard and NAV CANADA, which rely on ECCC science, monitoring, data and advice on weather, water, ice and environmental conditions for daily operations and business decisions.

Planned results

Financial, human resources and performance information for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.

Internal Services

Description

Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal Services refers to the activities and resources of the 10 distinct service categories that support Program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department. The 10 service categories are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; and Acquisition Services.

Planning highlights

ECCC Internal Services enable the Department to deliver on its priorities and to address complex environmental challenges.

ECCC continues to expand and implement its Digital Strategy by increasing digital services to Canadian citizens and businesses including the development of enhanced infrastructure support to Output-based Carbon Pricing, the Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Canada Nature Fund, electronic permitting for migratory game bird hunters, and the implementation of improved systems for grants and contributions in support of a wide range of environmental innovations and services. The Department will continue to work with Shared Services Canada to manage and safeguard the information and data collected through these tools, ensuring the secure delivery of programs and services to all Canadians.

New technologies will also be implemented within the ECCC workplace, enhancing collaboration with key partners and stakeholders (Indigenous groups, other areas of government, private businesses, international partners, and Canadian citizens) and providing flexibility for employees to work smarter and more efficiently whether in the field, from a remote office, or on the road.

In keeping with the Government of Canada’s goals of reducing emissions and growing a clean economy, ECCC remains committed to reducing the emissions from its operations, buildings and other assets, further greening all procurement activities, minimizing waste and increasing recycling. In 2019-20, the Department will eliminate unnecessary use of single-use plastics, increase recycling, and establish baselines for facilities that produce the most waste, in order to set targets and track progress in reducing waste from these facilities. ECCC will expand its use of vehicle telematics, which enable the Department to collect and transmit information about vehicle performance, conditions and other data to support fleet management.

The Department will continue to foster a leadership culture that promotes and builds a healthy, respectful and supportive work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination and that promotes an inclusive workforce. In 2019-20, ECCC will continue to implement its action plan to promote equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure the department works towards addressing areas of under-representation in its workforce.

ECCC will continue to support employees affected by the government-wide pay transformation initiative.

To respond quickly to new priorities and expectations, ECCC will continue to develop a skilled workforce, particularly in the area of highly specialized personnel. ECCC will maintain the health and capacity of its workforce through initiatives to attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce, equip staff with modern tools and processes, plan for succession, and promote employee mental health and workplace well-being. The Department will also continue to support a culture of experimentation and innovation to find effective solutions to environmental issues.

Ensuring health and safety of all employees

Procuring safety equipment for women in the area of enforcement and policing has proven challenging. Providing properly fitting protective gear and equipment will be a priority investment in 2019-20 to ensure all staff in these occupations can effectively and safely execute their duties.