Archived: Departmental Plan 2015-16 report, lower-level programs, Environment Canada

• Sub-Program 1.1.1: Biodiversity Policy and Priorities
• Sub-Program 1.1.2: Species at Risk
• Sub-Program 1.1.3: Migratory Birds
• Sub-Program 1.1.4: Habitat Conservation Partnerships
• Sub-Program 1.1.5: Protected Areas
• Sub-Program 1.2.1: Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems Health
• Sub-Program 1.2.2: Water Resources Management and Use
• Sub-Program 1.2.3: Hydrometric Services
• Sub-Program 1.3.1: Sustainability Reporting and Indicators
• Sub-Program 1.3.2: Ecosystem and Environmental Assessments
• Sub-Program 1.3.3: Community Engagement
  • Sub-Sub-Program 1.3.3.1: EcoAction Community Funding
  • Sub-Sub-Program 1.3.3.2: Environmental Damages Fund
  • Sub-Sub-Program 1.3.3.3: Environmental Youth Employment
• Sub-Program 1.3.4: Great Lakes
• Sub-Program 1.3.5: St. Lawrence
• Sub-Program 1.3.6: Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay
• Sub-Program 1.3.7: Lake Winnipeg
• Sub-Program 1.3.8: Ecosystems Partnerships
• Sub-Program 2.1.1: Weather Observations, Forecasts and Warnings
• Sub-Program 2.1.2: Health-related Meteorological Information
• Sub-Program 2.1.3: Climate Information, Predications and Tools
• Sub-Program 2.2.1: Meteorological Services in Support of Air Navigation
• Sub-Program 2.2.2: Meteorological and Ice Service in Support of Marine Navigation
• Sub-Program 2.2.3: Meteorological Services in Support of Military Operations
• Sub-Program 3.1.1: Substances Management
• Sub-Program 3.1.2: Effluent Management
• Sub-Program 3.1.3: Marine Pollution
• Sub-Program 3.1.4: Environmental Emergencies
• Sub-Program 3.1.5: Contaminated Sites
• Sub-Program 3.2.1: Climate Change and Clean Air Regulatory Program
  • Sub-Sub-Program 3.2.1.1: Industrial Sector Emissions
  • Sub-Sub-Program 3.2.1.2: Transportation Sector Emissions
• Sub-Program 3.2.2: International Climate Change and Clean Air Partnerships
• Sub-Program 3.2.3: Environmental Technology

Sub-Program 1.1.1: Biodiversity Policy and Priorities

Sub-Program Description

This program enables Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to play a national leading role in engaging stakeholders, provincial and territorial governments, and other federal government departments in Canada’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The program provides scientific expertise, guidance and advice to decision-makers, and develops and applies models for social, cultural and economic valuation of ecosystem services to support sustainable development decision-making. This work enables information about the ecosystem and the environmental effects of development proposals to be factored into decisions across different levels of government, environmental and non-governmental organizations, the industrial sector, the research community and the general public. Strategies used in Canada include the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, the Biodiversity Outcomes Framework, and Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources. The program also coordinates the federal government’s response to the 2004 Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada, implemented by federal science-based and regulatory departments and agencies, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In addition, Canada participates internationally in the Convention on Biological Diversity; the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources; the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety; and Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna under the Arctic Council. As well, the program serves as the Canadian lead and national focal point for the UN-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Funding provided by the program includes Canada’s annual contribution to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and support for international working groups.

Sub-Program 1.1.2: Species at Risk

Sub-Program Description

This program’s purpose is to implement the Species at Risk Act (SARA). SARA is the key federal government commitment to prevent wildlife species from being extirpated or becoming extinct, to provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are extirpated, endangered or threatened, and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened. The program provides for publication of recovery documents, identification of critical habitat, legal protection of wildlife species, and progress reports. Species recovery is achieved in part through funding mechanisms such as the Habitat Stewardship Program, the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, the Interdepartmental Recovery Fund and the Species at Risk Protection on Agricultural Lands initiative, through which Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians are engaged in a variety of conservation and recovery activities for species at risk and protection as well as recovery of critical habitat. The program relies on partnerships with provincial, territorial and other governments, as well as Aboriginal peoples and other organizations (e.g. environmental organizations, industry associations, etc.). A number of advisory bodies and committees have been established to enable key partners to engage in this program. Authority for the program is based on SARA and Canada’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.

Sub-Program 1.1.3: Migratory Birds

Sub-Program Description

This program supports actions to protect and conserve populations of migratory bird species. It is responsible for implementing the Migratory Birds Convention signed with the United States in 1916, via the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. Activities include conserving populations, individual birds, their nests and their habitats through continued monitoring, conservation actions, stewardship, policy development, and enforcement of the Act and its regulations. Other actions include research to understand causes of bird population changes, management of over-abundant migratory bird populations, advice on nuisance birds, protection of important bird habitats, mitigation of other stressors that affect population status, and management of emergencies regarding health and safety issues associated with migratory birds. Monitoring programs are implemented in compliance with recommendations of the Avian Monitoring Review. It is responsible, as a signatory to the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, for supporting the completion of the 25 Bird Conservation Region Strategies and implementing their recommended actions for priority migratory bird species. The Migratory Birds program is delivered in partnership with other governments in Canada and internationally, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, and industry, with coordination through the North American Bird Conservation Initiative - Canada. Client groups include the Canadian public, game-bird hunters, Aboriginal peoples (subsistence harvesting), natural resource economic sectors and natural resource users, and other governments (provincial/territorial and foreign).

Sub-Program 1.1.4: Habitat Conservation Partnerships

Sub-Program Description

This program supports the delivery of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s obligations under the Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Canada Wildlife Act. It does this by funding projects and encouraging activities that secure, protect, improve and/or restore important and ecologically sensitive habitat to enhance the survival of wildlife—in particular, species at risk and migratory birds. The program provides mechanisms (e.g. tax incentives, funding initiatives) to engage a variety of organizations and individuals, including private land owners, environmental non-governmental organizations (e.g. land trusts) and other levels of government. Activities under the program include delivery of the Ecological Gifts Program, a tax incentive program for private land owners who donate ecologically sensitive land to qualified recipients, the National Wetland Conservation Fund, and supporting the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), a Canada-United States-Mexico partnership of federal/provincial/state governments and non-governmental organizations that aims to conserve wetlands in North America. Work under the NAWMP is achieved through participation on the North American Wetlands Conservation Council and Habitat Joint Ventures, and implementation of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. In addition, the program makes an assessed contribution to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), and to two programs wholly administered by partners—Wildlife Habitat Canada’s Conservation Stamp Initiative and the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program. Program delivery includes contributions in support of Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat, and those to the Ramsar Convention.

Sub-Program 1.1.5: Protected Areas

Sub-Program Description

This program supports the delivery of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s obligations under the Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Canada Wildlife Act. It entails managing a network of protected areas (National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and marine National Wildlife Areas) to protect priority habitats required for the conservation of Canada’s migratory birds and species at risk. The program also promotes public awareness and understanding of wildlife and nature conservation, and of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s role in conservation efforts. It carries out strategic planning and coordination in support of protected areas, as well as their management. It requires the support of the public and close collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal groups, other wildlife management or natural resource agencies, non-governmental organizations and property owners. Program activities support initiatives such as the Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement, and the Northwest Territories Protected Areas Strategy to contribute to the further establishment of National Wildlife Areas in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. The program operates as part of a broader network of protected areas that includes sites of other federal departments (Parks Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada), provincial and territorial agencies, and conservation properties owned and/or managed by non-governmental organizations. The program also directs research and conducts monitoring in its protected areas.

Sub-Program 1.2.1: Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems Health

Sub-Program Description

This program conducts research and monitoring activities to report on freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health of waters within the federal mandate, and to contribute to informed decision-making on public policy and regulations related to water management in Canada. The program coordinates several research and monitoring activities in the Great Lakes under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. It includes collaboration with the Government of Alberta and stakeholders to implement the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring, an industry-funded, scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, integrated and transparent environmental monitoring of the oil sands region that will contribute to an improved understanding of the long-term cumulative effects of oil sands development. The program includes collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to deliver data and information to inform the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program, a food safety program that aims to protect the health and safety of shellfish-consuming Canadians and that maintains international market access for Canada’s shellfish exports.

Sub-Program 1.2.2: Water Resources Management and Use

Sub-Program Description

This program supports integrated water management decisions at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels. It promotes and enables the application of science-based information to inform decision-making in an integrated and coherent manner consistent with the Department of the Environment Act, International Boundary Waters Treaty Act, Canada Water Act and International River Improvements Act. The program coordinates water quality and water quantity science and monitoring to inform decisions, policy development and management approaches. It provides science, engineering and monitoring information to domestic and international water boards (e.g. International Joint Commission, Lake of the Woods Control Board), and contributes Departmental expertise to these water boards in order to regulate water levels and flows to protect ecosystems and a wide range of socio-economic interests related to domestic and Canada-U.S. transboundary waters.

Sub-Program 1.2.3: Hydrometric Services

Sub-Program Description

Information on the water cycle within Canada is critical to decision-making to protect the health and safety of Canadians (e.g. flood forecasting and prevention), to scientific research, and to support improved economic efficiency (e.g. agriculture, hydroelectricity and international shipping). This program provides hydrometric data, information and knowledge that Canadian jurisdictions need to make water management decisions. This program supports the goals and mandates of all levels of government involved in managing water supplies. The hydrometric data, meteorological information and ancillary information provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada are used by international, federal, provincial, territorial and municipal agencies to regulate and respond to changing water levels and flows within Canada and in bodies of water that cross international boundaries. Under the Canada Water Act, monitoring activities of this program are carried out through cost-shared bilateral agreements between Environment and Climate Change Canada and each of the provinces and territories (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada represents Nunavut and the Northwest Territories). These agreements create the national framework within which Environment and Climate Change Canada collects, interprets and provides water level and flow information, and supports both decision-making and scientific investigations. For example, hydrometric data provides important information to be used in the response to floods. Program delivery may include Contributions in support of Water Resources.

Sub-Program 1.3.1: Sustainability Reporting and Indicators

Sub-Program Description

This program works with other government departments through the Sustainable Development Office to implement the Federal Sustainable Development Act, which mandates Environment and Climate Change Canada to lead the implementation, tracking and reporting of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). The Act requires the Minister of the Environment to develop and implement a federal sustainable development strategy that will make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. In accordance with the Act, every three years the strategy is tabled in Parliament, setting out the federal sustainable development goals, targets and implementation strategies. In addition, the Sustainable Development Office provides, at least once every three years, a report on the federal government’s progress in implementing the FSDS. This program also supports the responsible federal departments and agencies in developing and tabling their individual strategies that support and foster greater transparency and accountability to the public and Parliament. As well, the program works with other government departments, through the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators initiative, to report on environmental indicators that track the progress of the FSDS and issues of concern to Canadians, including air quality and climate, water quality and availability, and protecting nature.

Sub-Program 1.3.2: Ecosystem and Environmental Assessments

Sub-Program Description

This program consists of a consolidated range of activities that support the assessment, evaluation and management of Canada’s ecosystems in a sustainable manner. The program’s diverse components provide scientific expertise, guidance and advice to decision-makers across different levels of government, environmental and non-governmental organizations, industry, the research community and the general public. The program aims to ensure that ecosystem information and environmental effects of development proposals can be factored into decisions. It conducts research, and monitors, assesses and reports on the health of ecosystems and biodiversity. The program also monitors biodiversity and contaminants as part of the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Implementation Plan in order to provide an improved understanding of the long-term cumulative effects of oil sands development. Environment and Climate Change Canada participates in federal environmental assessments, including those in the North, and contributes scientific expertise in territorial and provincial environmental assessments, which collectively provide a platform for the Department to contribute to the health of ecosystems.

Sub-Program 1.3.3: Community Engagement

Sub-Program Description

This program engages individual Canadians and communities in protecting and restoring the environment through behavioural change, capacity building, community-based funding programs and engagement activities.

Sub-Sub-Program 1.3.3.1: EcoAction Community Funding

Sub-Sub-Program Description

This funding program was established to provide financial support to not-for-profit and non-governmental organizations for community projects that have measurable positive impacts on the environment. Projects funded by EcoAction protect, rehabilitate or enhance the environment, and build the capacity of communities and individuals to sustain these activities. Projects are funded in one of four priority areas: clean air, climate change, clean water or nature. The success of EcoAction projects requires the involvement of community members, including volunteers.

Sub-Sub-Program 1.3.3.2: Environmental Damages Fund

Sub-Sub-Program Description

This program, aimed at improving the quality of Canada’s natural environment, was created in 1995 to implement the polluter-pay principle by managing funds received as compensation for environmental damages. Funds may originate from fines, court-ordered payments, out-of-court settlements and voluntary payments. Funds are disbursed in the geographic region where the original incident occurred (when possible), and are used to finance projects that focus on environmental restoration, including those involving environmental quality improvement, research and development, education and awareness. Eligible recipients include non-governmental organizations, universities and other academic institutions, Aboriginal groups, and provincial, territorial and municipal governments. Partners include Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Parks Canada.

Sub-Sub-Program 1.3.3.3: Environmental Youth Employment

Sub-Sub-Program Description

This program manages two youth employment initiatives: International Environmental Youth Corps (IEYC) and Science Horizons, under the Careers Focus stream of the federal Youth Employment Strategy (YES) led by Employment and Social Development Canada. Consistent with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s mandate to promote the integration of economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development, these two initiatives offer opportunities to unemployed and under-employed Canadian youth to gain work experience in the environmental sector. The IEYC offers approximately 130 intern placements across Canada in the environment sector annually, which extend for 6-12 months. IEYC funding is allocated equitably across Canada. In collaboration with universities, non-governmental organizations and industry, Science Horizons annually offers approximately 100 internships, extending 6-12 months, to youths working on environmental science projects allocated across Canada.        

Note: The Government of Canada announced changes to the YES in Economic Action Plan 2014. The changes were initiated to improve the YES to ensure that it is aligned with the evolving realities of the job market and that federal investments in youth employment provide young Canadians with real-life work experience in high-demand fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the skilled trades. In response to the new direction, Environment and Climate Change Canada will reallocate the IEYC funds to the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program, which is better positioned to deliver on the new priorities.

Sub-Program 1.3.4: Great Lakes

Sub-Program Description

This program provides leadership, oversight, coordination, funding and governance mechanisms for the Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative, by managing, delivering and reporting on a number of key initiatives: the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Canada-Ontario Agreement, Great Lakes Nutrient Initiative, Great Lakes Action Plan, and Action Plan for Clean Water (Great Lakes sediment remediation implementation). Work encompasses policy development, issues management, work planning, reporting, coordination of science and monitoring, and the development, implementation and analysis of agreements, plans and initiatives. The program works in collaboration with other federal departments and other levels of government in Canada and the U.S., Aboriginal groups, conservation authorities and watershed management agencies, municipalities, environmental organizations and stewardship networks. Specifically, it implements Remedial Action Plans and Lakewide Action and Management Plans to improve environmental quality and achieve the vision of a healthy and prosperous Great Lakes ecosystem. It uses funding from the Great Lakes Action Plan to restore beneficial use impairments in identified Areas of Concern, and implements contaminated sediment remediation projects with funding from the Action Plan for Clean Water. Funding from the Great Lakes Nutrient Initiative is used to determine phosphorus targets and identify possible actions to reduce levels that contribute to harmful algae. The program develops action plans and strategies to address evolving and historic issues of emerging concern in the Great Lakes—including species and habitat protection, chemicals of concern to Canada and the United States, and the identification of climate change impacts on Great Lakes water quality. The program also regularly reports federally and provincially through the Canada-Ontario Agreement and bi-nationally through the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, including specifically through the State of the Great Lakes reports on environmental indicators, the Progress Report of the Parties (Canada-U.S.), updates on Lakewide Action and Management Plans, Canada-Ontario Agreement Progress Reports, and a report on groundwater science.

Sub-Program 1.3.5: St. Lawrence

Sub-Program Description

This program provides leadership, oversight and coordination to the overall governance of the St. Lawrence Action Plan, and reports results achieved collectively between the Government of Canada and Government of Quebec. It works to establish cooperative partnerships between the federal and provincial governments and non-governmental organizations, in order to address biodiversity conservation, water quality improvement, and sustainability of beneficial uses. It also supports stakeholder participation in collaboration processes and communities in improving environmental quality, through grants and contribution agreements. The program conducts and coordinates research, monitoring and prediction activities in the St. Lawrence with other federal and provincial departments, and releases reports regularly on the state of the St. Lawrence, fact sheets on 21 environmental indicators, and results of the St. Lawrence Action Plan.

Sub-Program 1.3.6: Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay

Sub-Program Description

This program provides financial and technical support through the Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund to implement priority projects through contributions to citizens, non-governmental organizations, provincial ministries, conservation authorities, land owners, universities and industry. The Fund also supports key research within federal departments. Priority objectives of the Fund are to support projects that: improve monitoring, assessment and information required to improve decision-making for phosphorus reduction strategies; conserve critical aquatic habitat and associated species through targeted aquatic habitat protection, restoration and creation; reduce rural and urban non-point sources of nutrients, including implementation of best management practices for the management of soil, crops, livestock, etc. and creating and rehabilitating wetlands and naturalizing watercourses; and reduce discharges of phosphorus from point sources, including sewage, combined sewer overflows and urban storm water systems. This includes support to develop and test innovative approaches to manage urban storm water and wastewater. The initiative is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay office in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Province of Ontario, the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority and other key stakeholders. Program investments are expected to improve water quality for recreational use, substantially reduce phosphorus loads from urban and rural sources, and advance the restoration of a sustainable cold-water fishery, as well as ecological integrity. This initiative is a key component of the Government’s Action Plan for Clean Water and supports commitments of the federal government related to the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Sub-Program 1.3.7: Lake Winnipeg

Sub-Program Description

The Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative (LWBI) focuses on three key areas: science (research, monitoring and information sharing); transboundary partnerships; and the implementation and administration of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund, which provides financial support for high-impact, solution-oriented projects aimed at reducing nutrient loads and improving the long-term ecological health of the Lake and watershed. National science and governance initiatives, aligned with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems Health program (1.2.1), also support the LWBI. The Initiative’s activities are managed and coordinated by the Lake Winnipeg Basin Office. The program works with existing water governance bodies to explore options and opportunities to cooperatively develop and support implementation of a basin-wide nutrient strategy, in addition to providing a forum for communication. This includes working with the Province of Manitoba to continue implementation of the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg, which provides for a long-term collaborative and coordinated approach between the two Governments to support the sustainability and health of the Lake Winnipeg Basin. The program financially supports the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium, to facilitate and enhance community-led scientific research via the only lake-based research vessel in existence, i.e., the MV Namao. As well, the program financially supports the ongoing development and expansion of the single-window web information portal, housed at the University of Manitoba, to better promote and enable data sharing and analysis with partners and other networks, in order to support research on Lake Winnipeg.

Sub-Program 1.3.8: Ecosystems Partnerships

Sub-Program Description

This program coordinates and oversees initiatives in targeted ecosystems in the Atlantic, Pacific and northern regions of Canada, with the goal of ensuring their health, productivity and long-term sustainability. The program’s focuses are building partnerships, supporting actions, and strengthening collaboration between several levels of government, academia, industry, Aboriginal groups and non-governmental organizations, to enhance science and research and share knowledge and information that increase our understanding of and help to protect and restore these ecosystems. In Atlantic Canada, this program implements the Atlantic Ecosystem Initiatives, which is working collaboratively to address needs and issues regarding habitat and biodiversity, nearshore water quality, and the impacts of climate change. In the Okanagan Basin ecosystem, collaborative work continues on the use of water balance models to guide economic development, land use planning, and the protection of habitat and biodiversity; and efforts in the Salish Sea (Georgian Basin) focus on the development and support of collaborative science regarding the issues of habitat and biodiversity.

Sub-Program 2.1.1: Weather Observations, Forecasts and Warnings

Sub-Program Description

This program provides all-day, every-day weather warnings, forecasts and information, with lead times that vary from minutes to weeks. Its purpose is to help Canadians and a variety of economic sectors anticipate dangerous meteorological events and afford enough time to protect themselves, their livelihood, and their property. The program also provides a variety of economic and commercial sectors (such as news media, natural resource sectors and specialized users) with climate and meteorological services, including data from the Canadian Lightning Detection Network. Program activities combine research in science and modelling with regional monitoring, prediction and service delivery. These activities depend on the supercomputing capacity managed by Shared Services Canada. The program is delivered through collaborations involving data, science and information distribution in Canada and internationally. Key partners are the news media, all levels of government, academia, other national meteorological services, and research and space agencies. In particular, the program contributes approximately $2 million annually to the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in support of Canada’s international commitments in meteorology and hydrology. The program meets responsibilities under the Department of the Environment Act and Weather Modification Information Act, and supports other departments acting under the Emergency Management Act (2007). Program delivery includes assessed contributions to the WMO, and may include grants and contributions in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians.

Sub-Program 2.1.2: Health-related Meteorological Information

Sub-Program Description

This program provides forecasts, tools, data and information on atmospheric conditions that affect health, such as air quality, extreme temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It supports the mandates of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada and many public and non-governmental health agencies. The program includes work on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and other projects that assist Canadians in making informed decisions to protect their health and reduce pollution, and that enable health agencies to help vulnerable populations respond to changing atmospheric conditions. It is delivered across Canada through collaborations promoting data and information dissemination. Collaborators include the media, public health agencies at all levels of government, provincial environment agencies and non-governmental agencies. This program also conducts systematic observations and monitoring of background air pollutants (CAPMon Network) and ozone in the atmosphere, and hosts the World Ozone and UV Data Centre, operated on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization and used by over 75 government agencies around the world. Program delivery may include grants and contributions in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians.

Sub-Program 2.1.3: Climate Information, Predications and Tools

Sub-Program Description

This program generates new knowledge and information about past, present and future states of the climate system and how it functions, as well as the changing composition of the atmosphere and related impacts. Its work includes: developing global and regional climate models and scenarios; detecting human influence on climate change in Canada, including extremes; understanding the North and the Canadian cryosphere; and tracking atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases and aerosols across Canada, including in remote locations. These activities increase understanding of the impacts of climate change on economic sectors and ecosystems. Results from the program’s analysis and research activities provide the scientific basis for policy development, mitigation, adaptation planning and decision-making for programs such as the Federal Adaptation Policy Framework, as well as products, services and tools to Canadians. In particular, climate services inform and assist users in adapting to both present climate variability and medium- to long-term changes in climate. The program shares data, science and information with all levels of government in Canada, academia, industry, consortia, standards councils, and the national and international scientific community, including organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society. The program meets responsibilities under the Department of the Environment Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999), Emergency Management Act (2007), National Research Council Act (Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes), and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (articles 4 and 5: monitoring and research). Program delivery may include grants and contributions in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians.

Sub-Program 2.2.1: Meteorological Services in Support of Air Navigation

Sub-Program Description

This program provides the aviation industry and its regulatory agency with meteorological services (observations, forecasts and warnings) 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. It supports the goals and missions of NAV CANADA and Transport Canada, and supports the domestic and international airlines operating in Canadian territory in making tactical decisions in order to maximize their efficiency, effectiveness and safety. The program also includes the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), one of nine such centres around the world operating under the authority of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The VAAC forecasts the transport of airborne volcanic ash to reduce the risk of aircraft disasters, and provides operational support and backup to other VAACs worldwide. The program is delivered under a contract between Environment and Climate Change Canada and NAV CANADA.

Sub-Program 2.2.2: Meteorological and Ice Service in Support of Marine Navigation

Sub-Program Description

This program provides marine industries and regulatory agencies with forecasts of the sea state, ice conditions and weather 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. It supports the International Maritime Organization by providing meteorological information for Canadian and international Arctic waters, and supports the goals and mandates of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The program helps marine industries and other interests operating in Canadian waters, including organizations involved in shipping, fisheries and resource extraction, to make tactical decisions (such as ship routing), in order to maximize their safety and efficiency. As a key collaborator, the CCG broadcasts information related to this program to marine interests, and provides in-situ weather, sea-state and ice information to Environment and Climate Change Canada. The program is operated in part through a memorandum of understanding with DFO for services related to current and forecast ice conditions over Canadian navigable waters. The program meets responsibilities under the Department of the Environment Act, Oceans Act and Fisheries Act. It also supports commitments to the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, and the North American Ice Service.

Sub-Program 2.2.3: Meteorological Services in Support of Military Operations

Sub-Program Description

This program provides the Department of National Defence (DND) with meteorological and oceanographic information, predictions and tools needed for operations of the Canadian Forces (CF) in Canada and abroad. It is a collaborative program, operating under a memorandum of understanding with DND, responding to CF-specific needs and recovering its incremental costs from DND. The program is critical to CF operations, as it contributes to the effectiveness and safety of tactical, operational and strategic manoeuvres within Canada and in various active military areas globally. It also supports DND’s legal and statutory responsibilities under the Aeronautics Act, the legal foundation for military aviation safety.

Sub-Program 3.1.1: Substances Management

Sub-Program Description

This program is responsible for assessing and managing risks to the environment from all existing substances identified under the Chemicals Management Plan, as well as new substances (upon notification by industry of their import or manufacture) for risks to the environment. The program uses science-based risk assessment, priority setting, and timely regulatory actions (or other measures where appropriate) to manage risks associated with substances determined to be harmful. It works to improve substance management through research and monitoring, tracking of pollutant releases (through reporting to the National Pollutant Release Inventory) and ongoing performance assessment of control-risk measures. The program uses regulations and other control measures, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, Part 5, Controlling Toxic Substances, to address the risk posed by substances of concern throughout their life-cycle (e.g. released to the environment from industrial processes, contained in consumer and commercial products, or released from end-of-life products and waste). Also included is the international and interprovincial movement of waste and hazardous recyclable material. The program maintains transparency with stakeholders through consultation processes, including through engagement at the national and international levels. International engagement occurs in a vast array of fora, such as: implementing Canada’s legal commitments under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and the Minamata Convention; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Cooperative Chemicals Assessment Programme; and the United States-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Sub-Program 3.1.2: Effluent Management

Sub-Program Description

This program supports management of risks to the environment and human health from the discharge and deposit of waste residues into water (e.g. effluent). This is achieved through the development, implementation and administration of strategies and programs, such as pollution prevention plans, regulations, codes of practice, guidelines and environmental performance agreements. Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and Fisheries Act, the program addresses waste discharges and substances of concern in the effluent of industrial and public sectors, including but not limited to mining and processing, forest products, municipal wastewater and other sectors. Key activities include: conducting research and risk analysis; developing and implementing regulations and other control instruments; assessing the results of environmental effects monitoring of regulated facilities; providing technical advice to environmental assessments; and acting as the focal point for the Fisheries Act pollution prevention provisions (FA-PPP). Specifically, the program administers the FA-PPP, including the development of risk management instruments, and administers the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, Metal Mining Effluent Regulations and Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations to control or manage the deposit of deleterious substances into water in order to reduce the threats to fish, fish habitat and human health from fish consumption. Program delivery requires collaboration with partners (including other federal government departments, other levels of government and associations) and consultation with industry, Aboriginal groups and other stakeholders.

Sub-Program 3.1.3: Marine Pollution

Sub-Program Description

This program assesses, controls and monitors the disposal at sea of wastes and other matter, and advises on marine pollution from ships. As of 2010, the program is responsible for assessing and controlling the risks to the marine environment resulting from Canadians or Canadian maritime traffic in the Antarctic. The program uses a mix of regulatory and non-regulatory instruments to prevent marine pollution. It addresses impacts on sediments and other wastes, administers prohibitions and controls, and assesses and issues permits for disposal at sea and Antarctic expeditions. Two cost-recovery fees are applicable to disposal at sea permits: an application fee assessed on all permits, and a permit fee assessed on dredged and inert inorganic material. The program conducts research and develops decision-making and monitoring tools as well as standards, and makes contributions to federal coordination of marine pollution prevention (ship-sourced). Relevant legislation for the program includes the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, including Part 7, Division 3 (Disposal at Sea), and the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act, 2003. International obligations include the London Convention and Protocol, the Antarctic Treaty and Madrid Protocol. The program also works to advance Canadian positions to influence global rules aimed at reducing and managing global marine pollution from all sources.

Sub-Program 3.1.4: Environmental Emergencies

Sub-Program Description

This program protects Canadians and their environment from the effects of emergency pollution incidents, through the provision of science-based expert advice and regulations. Specifically, it aims to reduce the frequency and consequences of emergency pollution incidents through five major activities: prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and research and development. Prevention involves providing expert advice to proponents of large development projects, through the environmental assessment process and through regulating chemical facilities to develop and implement environmental emergency plans. Effective preparedness is built on role clarity, effective decision-making and communication, and trust and cooperation among government, industry and communities. During an emergency response, the National Environmental Emergencies Centre is Environment and Climate Change Canada’s focal point for provision of scientific advice, such as weather forecasting, contaminant trajectory modelling, the fate and behaviour of hazardous substances, sensitivity mapping, the establishment of clean-up priorities, and the protection of sensitive ecosystems and wildlife such as migratory birds. Recovery activities include assessing damage and providing advice to polluters on repairing environments damaged by environmental emergencies. By providing trusted, science-based expert advice, the program is able to assist emergency response agencies and industries to make responsible decisions about the environment before, during and after an environmentally significant pollution incident.

Sub-Program 3.1.5: Contaminated Sites

Sub-Program Description

This program is primarily directed to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s responsibilities in supporting the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP). The FCSAP is a 15-year Government of Canada horizontal program aimed at reducing environmental and human health risks from known federal contaminated sites and associated federal financial liabilities. Fifteen federal departments (including Environment and Climate Change Canada), agencies and consolidated Crown corporations responsible for contaminated sites are currently involved in the FCSAP program, either as custodians of sites or in a supporting role. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s responsibilities include hosting the FCSAP Secretariat, developing guidance and program policies, and providing expert support to federal custodians for the assessment and remediation/risk management activities at their sites. In addition, the FCSAP Secretariat coordinates implementation of the Shared Sites Policy Framework.

Sub-Program 3.2.1: Climate Change and Clean Air Regulatory Program

Sub-Program Description

This program develops domestic approaches to climate change and air pollution by controlling emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollutants (APs), and promotes science-based approaches to develop new standards and regulations. Core program activities focus on developing and implementing regulations to achieve the reduction of emissions from the industrial and transportation sectors while maintaining economic competitiveness. The program also undertakes analysis related to cross-cutting issues, develops compliance flexibilities, and negotiates equivalency agreements with provinces. It works with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to implement the Air Quality Management System, which includes establishing new outdoor air quality standards and finalizing and implementing the industrial emissions requirements. The program’s core activities are supported by legal and economic analysis, as well as scientific research, monitoring and modelling of GHGs and APs emissions in order to provide a basis for developing, implementing and evaluating standards and regulations. Activities encompass data collection, emissions estimation and reporting to support domestic programs and meet international requirements, including compiling and submitting international reports on GHGs and APs.

Sub-Sub-Program 3.2.1.1: Industrial Sector Emissions

Sub-Sub-Program Description

This program aims to reduce emissions of air pollutants (APs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) from industrial sectors under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Key activities include the development of GHG standards and regulations for electricity, oil and gas, and emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) sectors and the finalization of standards, regulations and other risk management instruments for air pollutants, as part of the Air Quality Management System. This also includes negotiating and developing equivalency agreements with interested provinces or territories. The program also undertakes monitoring, emissions quantification and reporting, verification, research and modelling, as well as economic and scientific assessments of current and future levels of air pollutants and GHG emissions. It is responsible for reporting requirements under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 for tracking and reporting releases of harmful substances, in order to meet domestic obligations (e.g. National Pollutant Release Inventory) and international obligations (e.g. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), and is responsible for the design and implementation of an electronic data collection and management system (to provide a harmonized system to report on GHG and AP emissions). The program also provides information to Canadians and decision-makers about the environmental and health impacts associated with air pollutants, including results of scientific monitoring and short-term studies regarding impacts from the oil sands.

Sub-Sub-Program 3.2.1.2: Transportation Sector Emissions

Sub-Sub-Program Description

This program aims to reduce emissions from transportation sources (vehicles, engines and fuels, including biofuels) through the development, implementation and administration of regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Key activities include: development of greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations for vehicles and engines; development of air pollutant regulations for various vehicles, engines and fuels, including biofuels; and implementation and administration of those regulations, including scientific testing and emissions verification to ensure compliance with standards. The program works with Transport Canada to address air pollutant and GHG emissions from maritime shipping, through development of new domestic and international standards, and recommends practices for marine vessels in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization. As well, it shares information and identifies areas of joint interest with provinces and territories toward reducing emissions, through a Mobile Sources Working Group.

Sub-Program 3.2.2: International Climate Change and Clean Air Partnerships

Sub-Program Description

This program leads the development and implementation of bilateral and international agreements to address air pollutants and global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and coordinates Canada’s policy, negotiating positions and participation in relevant international fora. The program leads and participates in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and complementary international processes to negotiate a comprehensive, binding international climate change agreement. It also leads Canada’s participation in international fora, notably the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants, the Arctic Council, and the Global Methane Initiative. The program meets international obligations by contributing to organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, and works under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement to manage transboundary air pollution. It works to implement the U.S.-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue to support bilateral collaboration on clean energy priorities, as well as with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to address common issues related to climate change and air quality. The program also participates in the negotiation and implementation of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. Using pollutant data for air and GHG emissions, the program supports Canada in meeting international reporting requirements. It coordinates Canada’s participation under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its Multilateral Fund, toward the gradual elimination of ozone-depleting substances at a global level. The program supports, in cooperation with other departments and in alignment with international programs, implementation of domestic and international commitments regarding climate change.

Sub-Program 3.2.3: Environmental Technology

Sub-Program Description

This program supports scientific assessments of the impacts of technologies on Canada’s natural environment, and contributes program management to the Government of Canada’s clean air and greenhouse gas technology investment decisions, policy making and regulations. It oversees the operations of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (with Natural Resources Canada) and other science and technology programs aimed at advancing clean technology. It provides expert analysis and assessment of clean technologies to address government priorities regarding clean air, climate change mitigation and green infrastructure.