Archived: Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities

Core Responsibility: 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

Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. ECCC recognizes the seriousness of this issue and will continue to take ambitious action to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gases (GHG) and other harmful emissions.

In 2016, governments, Canadians, and Indigenous peoples came together to inform and develop the country’s first national climate plan. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (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. As a result of the PCF, the 2019 GHG and Air Pollutant Emission Projections Report shows that Canada’s emissions are projected to be 227 million tonnes (Mt) below what was projected in 2015. Canada's Fourth Biennial Report on Climate Change (PDF), submitted to the UNFCCC on December 31, 2019, projects an overall decline in Canada’s GHG emissions over the next 11 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.

However, science indicates that more action is needed. That is why the Government of Canada has announced its intent to meet and exceed Canada’s 2030 Paris Agreement target and begin work so that Canada can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In 2020-21, ECCC will lay the groundwork for more ambitious climate action by continuing to implement the PCF, working with our partners to strengthen existing and identify new greenhouse gas reductions measures, as well as setting legally binding, five-year emissions-reduction milestones based on advice from experts and consultations with Canadians.

In 2020-2021, ECCC will continue its partnership and constructive dialogue with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis to inform the designs of policies and program to reflect and advance Indigenous peoples’ clean growth and climate change priorities. These partnerships are vital to the successful implementation of the PCF and to the success of future climate change activities.

Expanding Climate Action

The effects of climate change are already being felt across Canada and around the world. The science is clear that more climate action is required. The IPCC’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (October 2018) called for net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. As a result, building on the ongoing implementation of the PCF, the Government of Canada is committed to  exceeding Canada’s current 2030 emissions reduction target and develop a plan to achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

The Government of Canada recognizes that net-zero means doing things in a different way. Technology and innovation will be a huge part of the solution and also lead to new business opportunities for Canadians. Consultations with Canadians will also be critical.

Carbon Pricing

A price on carbon pollution  across Canada that creates incentives for individuals, households, and businesses to choose cleaner options including green technology with proceeds returned to the jurisdiction of origin. Under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, the federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels (the fuel charge); and a performance-based pricing system for industrial facilities, known as the output-based pricing system (OBPS). The system applies in those provinces and territories that requested it or that did not have their own system that meets the federal benchmark stringency criteria. The OBPS is designed to put a price on carbon pollution from industry while maintaining their competitive position relative to international peers and reducing the risk of carbon leakage. The OBPS enables emissions trading and use of GHG offset credits.

Integrating science, sharing data

Canada’s climate is changing. Climate information is needed to plan for change and to reduce risks to Canadians. To ensure the right audience has access to the right tools, the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) will continue to support a suite of climate data portals including climatedata.ca. Launched in 2019, climatedata.ca is a collaboration between CCCS, climate service providers in Canada, and leading-edge technology developers. Together, the climate data portals share climate information with a wide variety of users, including engineers, public health professionals, urban planners, and others who benefit from access to climate change information, data, resources and tools. In 2020-21, efforts will focus on new sectors and training material as well as enhancing functionality.

Strengthening the regulatory agenda

The clean fuel standard  is aimed at reducing emissions from liquid, gaseous, and solid fuels used in transportation, buildings, and industry. The objectives of the clean fuel standard are to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, create an incentive for investment and innovation in low carbon fuels and technology, and reduce compliance costs through a flexible regulatory design. ECCC will publish the proposed regulations for liquid fuels class in 2020, and intends to bring liquid class regulations into force in 2022, followed by regulations for the gaseous and solid classes in 2023.

The Department will continue to 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. ECCC will also implement amendments to 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.

The Department will also 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. To help inform options to reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles, ECCC will finalize and publish Canada’s Mid-term Evaluation on standards for model years 2022 to 2025 under the light-duty vehicle GHG regulations.

The Department will continue to implement Canada’s Strategy on Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPS). SLCPs are a group of potent GHGs and air pollutants including black carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons and ground-level ozone, which contribute to climate warming and can affect air quality. In 2020-21, ECCC will publish a progress report on commitments under the SLCP Strategy and continue to advance domestic and international work to reduce SLCP emissions.

In 2020-21, ECCC will release a National Climate Change Science and Knowledge Plan to support the delivery of the PCF. It will support better coordination and strategic investments for all Canadian science and knowledge actors.

ECCC will continue laying the groundwork towards Canada’s zero emission vehicle targets of 10 per cent light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040. This work will be done in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada.

Climate Action Incentive Fund

Under the carbon pollution pricing system, approximately 90% of proceeds from the fuel charge in provinces will be returned directly to individuals and households through Climate Action Incentive payments when they file their tax returns. The remainder of the revenues will be devoted to federal programming, including the Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF) that will support small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as municipalities, universities, colleges, schools, hospitals, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous peoples in advancing energy efficiency and carbon-reduction projects.

Low Carbon Economy Fund

To support actions under the PCF, ECCC will continue to implement the $2 billion Low Carbon Economy Fund. The Department will continue to work with provinces and territories under the Leadership Fund to identify further opportunities for partnership 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 is investing $500 million under the Challenge to support GHG reduction projects administered by provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. For example, ECCC is providing funding to the University of Calgary to perform energy retrofits allowing for greater energy efficiency and heat recovery that will reduce GHG emissions by 12,750 tonnes CO2e. Further, a project to enable the expansion of Regina’s landfill gas collection system with new infrastructure will allow the increased collection and combustion of methane/landfill gas onsite.

Climate Action Fund

ECCC will continue to implement the $3 million Climate Action Fund, which supports projects delivered by students, youth, Indigenous peoples and organizations, not-for-profit organizations, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and research and educational institutions, that are designed to raise awareness of climate change and clean growth, and encourage others to take action. For example, the Department will support the Saskatchewan Environmental Society’s Saskatchewan Low Carbon Stories project, which will engage local farmers, young people, Indigenous communities, and economic developers across the province and share their low-carbon business solutions in rural Saskatchewan.

International Climate Action

ECCC will continue its leadership role in working with international partners to advance the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, which Canada ratified in October 2016, towards increasing the global response to climate change. ECCC led Canada’s participation at COP 25 in December 2019 in Madrid, Spain to continue advancing implementation of the Paris Agreement and to promote clean growth and the integration of efforts on climate, oceans and nature. Going forward—including in the lead up to COP 26 in November 2020—Canada will continue to engage internationally to advance ambitious and inclusive climate action. This includes by ensuring Indigenous peoples are engaged in developing international climate policy, and by promoting gender equality and the role of women in climate action around the world. Canada will also remain steadfast in its efforts to ensure that international market mechanisms are guided by a robust set of rules and operate with environmental integrity.

ECCC will continue to support developing countries transition to resilient, low-carbon economies, including by working closely with Global Affairs Canada to deliver Canada’s climate finance commitment of $2.65 billion by March 2021. Canada’s climate finance is delivered through various multilateral and bilateral initiatives, including the Green Climate Fund. 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.

Clean growth and climate change in trade agreements

Canada seeks to include ambitious, comprehensive, and enforceable provisions on environment in its free-trade agreements. This includes obligations to maintain robust environmental governance as trade and investment are liberalized, as well as commitments on a range of global environmental issues, including illegal wildlife trade, sustainable fisheries and forestry management, and climate change. These commitments are being implemented as part of agreements with key trading partners, including the United States, Mexico, the European Union and countries party to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

United Nations’ 2030 AgendaFootnote 1  and Sustainable Development Goals

In defining a whole of government view of federal environmental sustainability commitments and actions, the 2019-2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, developed and coordinated by ECCC, supports Canada’s overall response to the 2030 Agenda. ECCC’s continued implementation of activities in support of its core responsibility for Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change, will directly contribute to the achievement of numerous sustainable development goals. For example, pricing carbon pollution and the associated regulations will comprehensively and directly combat climate change and its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating investments in clean innovation (Goal 13), while initiatives such as climate action incentives and partnership funding will promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth (Goal 8). Supporting resilient infrastructure and innovative and inclusive approaches to industrial development will be achieved through LCEF incentives (Goal 9), which will also foster sustainable business and employment opportunities and consumption practices (Goal 1 and Goal 12). Taken together, numerous ECCC initiatives to reduce harmful emissions and to track and respond to pollutant releases will help protect human health and the environment.

When considered together, ECCC initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to facilitate Canada’s shift to a low carbon economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve clean and sustainable growth, and promote innovation in industrial technologies and processes that will create sustainable industries and jobs and enhance Canada’s competitiveness. ECCC’s programs will also help regions and communities plan for, and adapt to, the impacts of climate change, so as to mitigate threats to health, safety and well-being.

Commitment to experimentation: Encouraging Canadians to purchase low-emission vehicles

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has a mandate to ensure a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for present and future generations. Part of these efforts include helping Canadians make environmentally-conscious choices. Behavioural Insights can support this goal, offering innovative, low-cost, and evidence-based approaches to help people reduce their carbon footprint. ECCC is planning to continue to conduct qualitative research in response to the report generated in 2019-20 following the completion of a behavioural insights evaluation in conjunction with Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan). This would help design a behaviourally-informed intervention (e.g., randomized controlled trial) to encourage Canadians to purchase low-emitting vehicles.

Planned results for Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Departmental Result: Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
GHG emissions from light duty vehicles 21% improvement in performance vs 2011 standard (measured by CO2e g/mile) for manufacturer model year 2018 March 2020
[2018 Model year reporting]
15% improvement
[2014 model year reporting]¹
18% improvement
[2015 model year reporting]¹
16% improvement
[2016 model year]
GHG emissions from heavy duty vehicles

Percentage improvement in GHG emissions performance for manufacturer model year 2018–2020 reporting relative to the 2010 model year:

  • 13%: heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans
  • 11%: Combination Tractors
  • 5%: Vocational vehicles
December 2020 This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available. The performance results for the 2018-19 model year fleet will be available in the 2020-21 reporting cycle.
Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada’s Black Carbon Emissions Inventory 25% decrease from a baseline of national emissions in 2013 2025 35 Kt [18% reduction from baseline] 36 Kt [18% reduction from baseline] Results not yet available. 2018 emissions of black carbon will be reported in the upcoming black carbon inventory, to be released in summer 2020.
HFC emissions 10% reduction in consumption relative to calculated Canadian HFC baseline of 18,008,795 tonnes of CO2e by 2020
2036 This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available.  Results expected to be available in April 2020, following the submission of the National Inventory Report for the 2019 calendar year.
Reduced methane emissions from the oil and gas sector 40–45% reduction, relative to 2012 levels 2025 This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available.  Emission reductions will be estimated in 2020 based on compliance actions.
Emissions reductions are being achieved under the Clean Fuel Standard building on the Renewable Fuels Regulations 30 Mt annual GHG emissions reduction in 2030 relative to 2016 levels 2030 This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available.  Draft regulations for the liquids class are to be published in 2020, with those for gaseous and solid classes to come in 2021.
Percentage of coal-fired electricity generation units meeting their regulated GHG emissions intensity performance requirement 100% of coal-fired electricity generation units meeting their regulated greenhouse gas emissions intensity performance requirement Annual in December This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available. Although the date to achieve this target is identified as December 2019, reporting will only be available in 2021-22.
Carbon pollution pricing systems are in place in Canada 13 Provinces and Territories have in place carbon pollution pricing that meets the federal benchmark or federal system applies July 2019 This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. With the implementation of the federal carbon pollution pricing system, there will be a price on carbon pollution in every jurisdiction in Canada in 2019. As of March 31, 2019, all 10 provinces had in place carbon pollution pricing systems that aligned with the benchmark or the federal system.
GHG emissions from ECCC operations are reduced 40% GHG emissions reduction relative to 22,793 tonnes of CO2e in 2005–06² 2031 23.1%³ 24.6%³ 31%

1 This result was amended to reflect revised calculations, and differs from past publications.

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

3 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.

Departmental Result: Indigenous peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Co-development of indicators with Indigenous peoples to ensure they are engaged in the implementation of the PCF, through three distinct senior-level joint tables with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation. Revise target periodically, when required, to reflect Canada’s engagement, and relationship, with its Indigenous partners. N/A This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available. A new date to achieve this target is being established in consultation with Indigenous partners.
Departmental Result: Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Canada’s public sector investments leverage private sector climate finance Ratio of private sector finance leveraged by Canada’s public sector investments, of at least 1 to 0.5 Long term cumulative indicator. Date to achieve target is not applicable. The nature of the indicator is such that it is expected to generate results for an undetermined period. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available. A joint methodology between ECCC and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is being finalized.
GHG reductions resulting from international initiatives funded by Canada Higher cumulative reductions from year to year, from the baseline, reaching minimum reduction of 200 Mt of GHGs. Long term cumulative indicator. Date to achieve target is not applicable. The nature of the indicator is such that it is expected to generate results for an undetermined period This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. An estimated reduction of 24.8 Mt of GHGs is expected from funds delivered so far. An estimated cumulative reduction of 175.7 Mt of GHGs is expected from Canada’s $2.65B funding by 2018-19.
Cumulative number of people in developing countries who benefited from Canada’s adaptation finance 10,000,000 direct beneficiaries December 2030 This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. An estimated 650,000 people with increased resilience are expected from funds delivered so far. A cumulative estimate of 4,593,285 people will have increased their resilience by 2018-19 as a result of Canada’s $2.65B funding.
Departmental Result: Canadian communities, economies and ecosystems are more resilient
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Number of individuals, businesses, and governments accessing climate services and using that information to inform decision-making¹

For annual reporting:
Increase from baseline²

For reporting every 5 years:
Increase from baseline³

For annual reporting:
Annually in March

For reporting every 5 years:
March 2028

This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. Results not yet available.

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

2 Baseline for the annual survey will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services has been functioning for one full year. It is expected that the baseline will be set in 2019-20.

3 Baseline for the 5-year survey will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services has been operational for 5-6 full years.

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)*
2020–21
Main Estimates
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
2022–23
Planned spending
845,293,508 845,293,508 476,831,653 117,644,682

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

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents—FTEs)**
2020–21 Planned 2021–22 Planned 2022–23 Planned
580 572 489

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

Core Responsibility: 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

Reaching Zero Plastic Waste

The Government of Canada has taken a leadership position in addressing plastic waste both nationally and internationally. As of December 2019, the Ocean Plastics Charter, launched under Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency, is supported by 25 countries and over 60 businesses and organizations globally. Environment and Climate Change Canada is leading the Federal Leadership Towards Zero Plastic Waste initiative, a comprehensive federal agenda that aims to increase the knowledge and evidence base about plastic waste and pollution, and to support targeted actions to affect change at each stage of the plastics lifecycle.

Targeted federal actions include advancing regulatory action to ban harmful single-use plastics when supported by science and where warranted and work with provinces and territories to develop national targets and standards to require companies that manufacture plastic products or packaging are responsible for collecting and recycling them.

Figure 1: Main areas of action for a circular plastics economy in Canada
Long description

Enabling activities:

Prevention:
Prevent aquatic pollution
Improve design
Increase responsible uses

Collection and Clean-up:
Harmonize and expand collection
Enable participation
Collect and sort all plastic types

Value Recovery:
Expand secondary markets
Support research and innovation
Monitor and clean-up

To eliminate plastic pollution, ECCC will be providing funding through the Zero Plastic Waste Initiative (ZPWI) for projects that mobilize Canadians to capture and remove plastic pollution or prevent plastic waste from entering the environment and capture and remove plastic pollution from the environment. The ZPWI aims to affect change within and across the plastics lifecycle to increase collection, improve value recovery, and prevent and remove plastic pollution. The initiative supports projects that use an innovative and ecosystem approach that leads to measurable, positive impacts to reduce plastic waste and pollution in Canada.

In 2020-21, ECCC will continue to collaborate with industry and other partners to achieve Canada’s ambitious goals of 100% reusable, recyclable or recoverable plastics by 2030, and increasing recycled content in plastic products where applicable by at least 50% by 2030. A Plastics Innovation Challenge intended to spur innovative solutions related to food packaging, construction waste, and the separation of plastics for recycling will fund the development of three prototypes. Demonstration projects and voluntary agreements in key industry sectors will be developed to advance the implementation of solutions to reduce plastic waste and increase their recovery.

Work with the provinces and territories to implement the Canada-Wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste will also continue. The Phase I Action Plan was approved by Environment Ministers in June 2019 and implementation is underway. The development of Phase II will be completed in 2020. Further information on ECCC’s work on plastic waste and pollution can be found on the zero plastic waste website.

In 2020-21, Canada will host the World Circular Economy Forum 2020, co-organized by ECCC, on behalf of the Government of Canada, and the Finnish innovation fund Sitra. The World Circular Economy Forum is a global event that brings together leaders, businesses, policymakers, and experts to present solutions for a circular economy. The 2020 forum will provide a global platform for national and international discussions on new business models that use our natural resources more efficiently, minimize waste and pollution, and accelerate the transition to a clean economy.

Protecting the environment and Canadians from harmful substances

To protect the environment and Canadians from harmful substances, ECCC will continue to deliver Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan with Health Canada. As of the fall of 2018, the two departments had addressed 3,621 of 4,363 chemicals identified in 2006 as priorities for attention, with the remaining 679 priority chemicals to be addressed as required by the end of FY 2020–21. ECCC and Health Canada will continue their work to set new directions and objectives for managing chemicals beyond 2020, and to support greater transparency and public participation in the notification and risk assessments of new substances and organisms through the New Substances Voluntary Public Engagement Transparency Initiative. ECCC is committed to continuous improvement and will work with Health Canada to better protect people and the environment from harmful substances, including through strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (CEPA).

Oil sands monitoring

ECCC will continue to collaborate with the Government of Alberta to ensure oil sands in Alberta are developed and monitored in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The terms of a 2017 memorandum of understanding renewed both governments’ commitment to use a collective approach that includes Indigenous communities, industry, and governments in its Oil Sands Monitoring (OSM) program. The OSM program is funded by industry through Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. ECCC will continue to be actively engaged in the OSM program through participation in its governance and by providing scientific expertise, laboratory infrastructure, and leadership to monitoring that considers the impact of oil sands development on air, water, land and biodiversity.

Protecting whales from contaminants

To protect endangered whales, ECCC will continue to increase research, strengthen regulatory control and enhance enforcement of environmental regulations to reduce contaminants affecting endangered whales, including the Southern Resident Killer Whale and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. The Department has proposed amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations 2012 that would remove exemptions (flame retardants and oil and water repellents) for five already prohibited substances, and prohibit two additional substances (flame retardants) that pose a danger to these species.

Law Enforcement

ECCC continues to move toward a risk-based approach to enforcing federal environmental laws that protect the environment and human health. ECCC is working closely with partners, including provinces and territories, other federal departments, as well as foreign law enforcement agencies, to protect the environment and human health.

Reducing air pollution and improving air quality

Air pollution remains a significant global risk to human health and the environment. Improving air quality in collaboration with partners by reducing harmful emissions will continue to be a priority for ECCC in 2020-21. The Department’s efforts will include working with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality Management System (AQMS). For example, the Department will review the national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) to encourage continuous improvement in air quality. In 2020 the Department will publish the final volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations for the petroleum sector and will continue to develop and implement regulations on emissions from off-road compression-ignition and large spark ignition engines.  ECCC will also continue its global efforts to reduce transboundary air pollutants, including under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.

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. ECCC will continue to administer the MSAPR, as well as various non-regulatory instruments to reduce air pollution. The Department will also finalize an on-line reporting system for the Multi-sector Air Pollutant Regulation for stationary spark-ignition engines. In addition, ECCC will publish the final 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

In 2020-21, ECCC will continue to focus efforts on the health of some of Canada’s important freshwater resources: Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, and the St. Lawrence River watersheds.

In the Great Lakes Basin, home to one in three Canadians (and one in ten Americans), ECCC will build on progress achieved through Canada-United States collaboration to restore and protect the Lakes and their significant environmental and economic benefits to both countries. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the two nations have made significant progress in addressing long-standing environmental degradation in Areas of Concern (which are identified as having experienced high levels of environmental harm), and the spread of toxic and nuisance algae, particularly in the Lake Erie basin. The 2019 Progress Report of the Parties reports on progress and points to future priorities. Draft priorities for science and action were open for public comment (summer 2019) and, once finalized, will guide the work of the governments of both countries for the next three years.

Restoring Hamilton Harbour

ECCC continued to collaborate with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Stelco, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, and Halton Region to clean up the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern. Dredging and containing contaminated sediments within a six-hectare, double-walled engineered containment facility will be finished in 2020-21. The next step is to install an environmental cap on top of the engineered containment facility which will be finished by 2022-23. Once completed, the site will be turned over to the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, which will maintain the facility in perpetuity and use the site as valuable port land.

A new Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health will be finalized in 2020. It will align with Canada’s commitments under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement by addressing key challenges in the Lakes (such as algae in Lake Erie) and focusing action on improving wastewater and stormwater management, reducing pollution (such as chemical pollution and plastic waste), protecting the more than 3,500 species living in the Basin, and addressing invasive species and climate resilience.  Funding announced in 2019 ($1 million over three years) for ten new partner-led projects – including one that will create and restore aquatic habitats in the bays and coastal wetlands of Toronto’s Tommy Thompson Park – will advance efforts to address priority areas under the Great Lakes Protection Initiative.

Lake Winnipeg is Canada’s sixth-largest lake and has a basin that drains water from four provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario) and four states (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota). Lake Winnipeg is an important freshwater resource that generates millions of dollars in revenue through hydroelectricity, recreation and commercial freshwater fishing. It is also a significant cultural, social, and economic resource for Indigenous Peoples and communities. Through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, ECCC will continue to support nutrient-reduction efforts, basin-wide collaboration, and engage Indigenous Peoples on freshwater issues. Actions funded through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program (2017-2022) that reduce nutrient loading to the lake include wetland restoration and water retention. A key priority for 2020-21 is the renewal of the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin, which facilitates important collaboration in support of the long-term management of this key freshwater resource.

The St. Lawrence River is recognized worldwide, as reflected in the Ramsar ConventionFootnote 2 designations of its four Wetlands of International Importance, as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designations of the Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve and the Miguasha National Park World Heritage Site. The Department 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 this major river. ECCC will continue its monitoring program, with the results of 21 indicators of water quality to be published in 2020-21.

To protect and conserve freshwater resources across Canada, ECCC will support new EcoAction Community Funding Program projects – community-driven initiatives that will divert and reduce harmful substances, improve freshwater management, and increase climate resilience through action involving the development and/or restoration of natural infrastructure.

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

To further protect Canada’s freshwater resources, ECCC will advance amendments to the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations that will strengthen protections. ECCC plans to publish proposed Coal Mining Effluent Regulations, which will be published for consultations, and to initiate preliminary consultations to advance the development of a new Oil Sands Effluent Regulations.

With the support of Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada, ECCC we will explore ways to create a new Canada Water Agency, which will work with provinces, territories, indigenous communities, local communities and others to build on existing work and find the best solutions for maintaining safe, clean, and well-managed water resources.

Protecting coastlines and oceans

ECCC will continue to be a key partner in Canada’s $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), led by Transport Canada, to build a world-leading marine safety system and strengthen stewardship of Canada’s oceans and coasts. The Department’s major contribution is the provision of expertise in ocean modelling, spill behaviour, and other scientific advice to support improved prevention, emergency planning, and response to oil spills. ECCC will also continue its ongoing contribution of weather and environmental data to support healthier and safer coasts.

Strengthening sustainable development across the Government of Canada

ECCC is responsible for leading the development of a federal strategy for sustainable development every three years. The 2019-2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, tabled on June 19, 2019, sets out federal priorities, goals, and targets, as well as the actions to achieve them. ECCC’s Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program supports this work through data and information that tracks Canada's performance on key environmental sustainability issues including climate change and air quality, water quality and availability, and protecting nature. An Act to Amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act will come into force on December 1, 2020, and will expand the number of federal organizations required to report on their sustainable development activities from 26 to more than 90.

United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals

The diverse programs and strategies under ECCC’s core responsibility for Preventing and Managing Pollution will contribute very substantially to more than half of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Continued  enforcement of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 and key provisions of the Fisheries Act, coupled with the implementation of the Chemicals Management Plan and advancement of regulations to protect air and water quality and promote clean fuels, will support healthy lives and well-being for all (Goal 3), while also advancing sustainable management of water and sanitation (Goal 6), promoting sustainable production and consumption practices (Goal 12) and fighting climate change (Goal 13).

Through implementation of domestic and international measures focused on responsible management of waste, protection of oceans, and the elimination and reduction of plastics in the environment,  ECCC will support sustainable use of marine resources (Goal 14) and promote inclusive approaches to sustainable development, industrialization and urbanization (Goal 8, Goal 9, Goal 11, Goal 15, and Goal 16). ECCC will also continue to be an active partner and leader in global action on pollution prevention and management (Goal 17).

Planned results for Preventing and Managing Pollution

Departmental Result: Canadians have clean air
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved 85% 2030 64% for the 2012–14 data period. 70% for the 2013–15 data period. 77% for the 2014–16 data period (most recent available).¹

1 Air quality monitoring results are subject to data validation and are available 18-24 months after data collection. In the 2018–19 and 2019–20 Departmental Plans, data were reported in the year the data were collected.

Departmental Result: Canadians have clean water
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Percentage of wastewater systems where effluent quality standards are achieved 100% 2040 77% 76% 77%
Departmental Result: The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances

Departmental
result indicator

Target

Date to achieve target

2016–17
actual result

2017–18
actual result

2018–19
actual result

Percentage of substances that are added to Schedule 1 of the CEPA (Toxic substances list) because they pose a risk to the environment that have controls in place within legislated timelines.

100%

March 31, 2021

Not available.

This indicator is being retired and replaced with a new indicator.

First results for the new indicator will be reported for the 2019–20 fiscal year.

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)
2020–21
Main Estimates
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
2022–23
Planned spending
360,417,473 360,417,473 348,032,295 326,469,704
Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents—FTEs)
2020–21 Planned 2021–22 Planned 2022–23 Planned
2,218 2,067 1,964

Core Responsibility: 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 land, inland waters and coastal and marine areas

ECCC will continue its ambitious work toward the protection and conservation of 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water and 10% of marine and coastal areas by the end of 2020. The Department will continue to lead the Government of Canada’s efforts to strengthen its commitment to nature and its conservation goals.

Canada made a historic investment of $1.3 billion over five years (Budget 2018) under Canada’s Nature Legacy Initiative, part of which provided $500 million, matched by partners, to establish the Canada Nature Fund. Programs under the Canada Nature Fund will expand a connected network of protected and conserved areas across Canada. They include:

Looking ahead, the federal Government intends to conserve 25% of lands and oceans by 2025 and work toward 30% by 2030. ECCC and Parks Canada Agency (PCA) will work with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to develop an ambitious plan to achieve these targets. Recognizing that the loss of nature is a global issue requiring global action, Canada will advocate that countries around the world set a 30% conservation goal for 2030 as well.

ECCC will collaborate with local partners, such as communities, Indigenous peoples and environmental organizations, to meet its conservation goals. Some examples of the diverse partnerships and approaches in which ECCC will engage in 2020-21 include collaboration with:

These conservation initiatives and many others underway will help Canada meet its 2020 and 2025 conservation targets, advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, protect and recover species at risk, and improve biodiversity for all.

Pan-Canadian approach to conserving and protecting species

In 2019-20, ECCC collaborated with its provincial and territorial counterparts to begin the implementation of a new Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada (Pan-Canadian Approach). With support from the Canada Nature Fund, the approach reflects a shift to more multi-species and ecosystem-based conservation, and more targeted and collaborative FPT efforts focussed on conservation planning and action on shared priority places, species, and sectors. Provinces and territories continue to lead efforts to recover species at risk and other priority species on lands under their jurisdiction, with support and partnership from ECCC.

In 2020-21, the Department will continue to advance implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach in collaboration with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and stakeholders. Indigenous organizations and stakeholders (e.g. ENGOs, industry) from across Canada will be encouraged to participate in conservation action planning initiatives for the six priority species identified by federal, provincial and territorial governments under the Pan-Canadian Approach, thus ensuring that their knowledge and ongoing actions will meaningfully contribute to the advancement of protection and recovery measures for these species. For 11 priority places, projects will enable partner and stakeholder engagement, cooperative conservation action planning, and the implementation of on-the-ground actions for species at risk. Work in these priority places will be complemented in 15 Community-Nominated Priority Places, selected through a call for proposals in 2019-20. In each community, multiple partners will take action together to protect and recover species at risk. In addition, Priority Sectors Initiatives will advance partner and stakeholder engagement to co-create conservation action plans with the agriculture, forest, and urban development sectors that seek to align sector policy and practice with positive outcomes for species at risk conservation and sector sustainability.

Guided by the Pan-Canadian Approach, the Department will continue to implement the Species at Risk Act through listing, recovery planning and protection action. ECCC will also engage with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, scientists, industry and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing Species at Risk Act and assess the need for modernization.

In partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Island Nature Trust, and the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, among others, the Department will provide $10 million over two years as part of the Government’s sustained commitment to invest up to $20 million over four years to support the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, which helps protect wetlands and migratory birds, including species at risk. The Department will also continue to engage with external partners on the advancement of the Migratory Birds Strategy, and enforce and promote compliance with federal wildlife legislation that protects plant and animal species, including in interprovincial and international trade.

Partnering with Indigenous Peoples

ECCC is committed to meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples in conservation. The Department will continue working to renew nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous peoples as part of the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach and the federal Species at Risk Act. Under the Canada Nature Fund, partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis will advance the conservation of species at risk in a manner that recognizes and enables Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and interests in land and resource management. Projects will contribute to building Indigenous partners’ capacity to: lead the development and implementation of recovery and protection measures for at-risk species (including several culturally significant caribou species); negotiate and implement conservation agreements for the collaborative conservation of species at risk; and support meaningful participation in Species at Risk Act consultation and cooperation processes. The engagement of Indigenous peoples and use of traditional knowledge in the conservation and protection of species respond to recommendations from the Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program (June 2018).

ECCC will continue to implement its Indigenous Guardians Pilot Program to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in protecting sensitive areas and species, monitoring ecological health, and maintaining Indigenous cultural sites. 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 implemented jointly with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis using individualized approaches that respect and recognize each group’s unique perspectives, rights, responsibilities and needs. Under the pilot program, ECCC will support Indigenous conservation leadership across the country through 33 new projects, including community-based monitoring initiatives, actions to protect clean air and water, and initiatives to protect and restore healthy ecosystems, cultural resources, and species at risk  The projects also support effective partnerships between First Nations, Métis, Inuit and the Government of Canada.  Supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation is a central component of Canada’s effort to double the amount of nature protected in our nation’s lands and oceans.

Impact assessment

Under the Impact Assessment Act, ECCC will provide expertise and advice related to impacts of proposed projects on 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. The Department will also publish the final Strategic Assessment on Climate Change (SACC) and contribute to the federal approach to cumulative effects under the new Act.

United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals

ECCC’s new Pan-Canadian Approach to Species at Risk and its substantial new investments in federal and other protected areas under its Nature Legacy initiative, combined with ongoing action in wetlands protection, habitat stewardship, and wildlife conservation, will serve to: conserve biodiversity and the quality and viability of natural ecosystems; preserve and restore air and water quality; and promote sustainable land use and wildlife harvesting practices. These will constitute support primarily for life in water (Goal 14) and life on land (Goal 15).

Commitment to experimentation: Evaluation of new tools for monitoring bird populations

ECCC is using experimental approaches to evaluate new technologies for enhancing bird population monitoring programs, to improve quality control, enhance standardization, and address major gaps in coverage. Technologies being considered include digital acoustic recorders to collect data for terrestrial bird surveys; remotely sensed digital imagery (using satellites, aerial surveys, or drones) for various wildlife species; and new tools to engage citizen scientists (e.g., smartphone apps). Results from these various methods will be compared to evaluate whether they differ from existing approaches used for detecting species and estimating counts of individuals. Preliminary results of one experiment indicate that expert listeners interpreting recordings during bird point count surveys detect comparable numbers and species composition of birds relative to existing approaches. A publication on this study is in preparation. Many additional experiments are ongoing.

Planned results for Conserving Nature

Departmental Result: Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges 70% 2030 57% Result is not available for this year. This result is reported biennially. 58%
Percentage of Canadian areas conserved as protected areas and other effective areas-based conservation measures Increase toward achievement of 17-20% from a baseline of 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters) 2020 10.5% 10.5% 11.8%
Departmental Result: Canada’s species at risk are recovered
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Percentage of species at risk for which changes in populations are consistent with recovery objectives 60%
May 2025 43% 43% 41%
Departmental Result: Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful 61% April of each year This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. This is a new indicator. Results are not available for these years. 61%
Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)
2020–21
Main Estimates
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
2022–23
Planned spending
319,257,213 319,257,213 323,167,470 310,410,045
Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents—FTEs)
2020–21 Planned 2021–22 Planned 2022–23 Planned
1,205 1,206 1,195

Core Responsibility: 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

In 2020-21, ECCC will continue to provide Canadians with accurate and timely information on weather and environmental conditions to help them make decisions about their health, safety and economic well-being. To do so, ECCC will rely on scientific expertise, a leading-edge approach to data management and analysis, and innovative information techniquesFootnote 3 . Using a state-of-the-art supercomputer solution to bring together thousands of observations about Canada’s environment and other data available from domestic and international partners, ECCC’s meteorologists and scientists work around the clock in prediction centres across the country to deliver forecasts for the weather, extreme weather conditions, and water-related events. This helps Canadians and weather-sensitive businesses prepare for weather events and become more resilient to the consequences of climate change. For example, the Canadian Hurricane Centre meteorologists track the intensity and path of storms and issue warnings for those with potential to affect Canada or its waters. In addition, ECCC will continue to leverage social media channels to broaden its reach when notifying Canadians of the potential for high-impact weather events.

New radars, improved short-term forecasts

The Government of Canada is investing $111 million in the Canadian Weather Radar Replacement Program to replace outdated technology with a minimum of 27 new radars by March 2023. Twelve new radar systems have been installed and a further 7 new radars are planned to be installed in several communities across Canada in 2020-21. Radars are the primary tools used by meteorologists to forecast short-term severe weather events associated with thunderstorms, tornadoes, ice storms, and blizzards. The new radars use the most modern technology available and will provide more detailed information on precipitation type and storm structure, and allow ECCC to give Canadians greater lead time to protect themselves and their property.

New weather radars
Long description

New weather radars to better forecast severe weather

Increased Doppler Range from 120 km to 240 km per radar

Provide extended tornado detection range

Allow for better overlap of neighbouring radars in case of an outage

Dual-Polarization Technology

Enable forecasters to better distinguish between rain, snow, hail and freezing rain.

Give Canadians greater lead time to protect themselves from tornadoes and other severe weather

Better serving weather-sensitive industries with higher data quality and consistency to prepare for severe weather events

Modernizing national water monitoring for Canadians

Monitoring the quantity and flow of water is increasingly important, as Canada is warming twice as fast as the global average. A warmer climate means more weather extremes, including higher storm surges, thus increasing coastal flooding and urban flood risks. Better information on water levels means Canadians will have access to the information they need to be prepared. In 2020-21, ECCC’s National Hydrological Service will continue to modernize and strengthen its engineering and technical capacity, modernize its infrastructure, and put in place new technologies to gather and analyze water information. The National Hydrological Service will continue to work in partnership with the provinces and territories to co-develop capability for the prediction of water quantity, starting with five major basins in Canada (the Saskatchewan, Nelson, Mackenzie, Columbia and Churchill Rivers) and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. This work will be completed for the Churchill and Mackenzie Rivers in the next two years. This major initiative represents a $90 million federal government investment over five years, ending in 2022-2023. ECCC will continue to provide expert advice and recommendations to inter-jurisdictional and international water boards. This investment will also modernize engineering models and systems for better service delivery to partner agencies involved with domestic and transboundary water management across the country.

United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (UNSD)

ECCC’s weather and environmental observations, forecasts and warnings, including its water monitoring programs, are vital for governments, industry, and citizens alike to make daily decisions related to weather-dependent economic activities. ECCC’s Air Quality Program and Air Quality Index, together with its extreme weather warnings, contribute to public health and safety (Goal 3). Its weather forecasts play a vital role in assisting farming, forestry, transportation and other sectors plan and schedule their operations for optimal production and sustainability (Goal 12), while water-monitoring services contribute to responsible water conservation and use (Goal 6). More generally, the accumulated knowledge about weather and climate patterns and trends support development of effective long-term strategies for water and air quality management, action on climate change, and conservation of marine resources for sustainable development (Goal 13 and Goal 14).

Planned results for Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Departmental Result: Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety
Departmental
result indicator
Target Date to achieve target 2016–17
actual result
2017–18
actual result
2018–19
actual result
Index of the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather warnings on a scale of 0 to 10 At least 8.2 on a scale of 1 to 10 June 2023 8.3
(based on warning performance from 2014-2016)
8.4
(based on warning performance from 2015-2017)
8.6
(three year rolling average 2016-18)
Percentage of Canadians that use ECCC information to address water-related impacts on health, safety, economy and environment

For annual reporting:
At least 80%

For reporting every 4 years:
10% increase over a baseline of 81% in 2013

For annual reporting:
Annually

For reporting every 4 years:
May 2025

These are new indicators. Results are not available for these years. These are new indicators. Results are not available for these years.

For annual reporting:
70.5%

For reporting every 4 years:
N/A.

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)
2020–21
Main Estimates
2020–21
Planned spending
2021–22
Planned spending
2022–23
Planned spending
255,482,742 255,482,742 266,446,427 278,795,987
Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents—FTEs)
2020–21 Planned 2021–22 Planned 2022–23 Planned
1,617 1,613
1,600

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

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