Archived: Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2013-14 report, Environment and Climate Change Canada, chapter 2

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation

Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions 17% by 2020.

Canada’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in 2012 were 699 megatonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂ eq), or 5% (37 Mt) below the 2005 emissions of 736 Mt.

Canada’s Emissions Trends report (2013) indicates that Canada’s annual GHG emissions are projected to reach 734 megatonnes (Mt) in 2020. As a result of the combined efforts of provincial, territorial and federal governments, consumers and businesses, this amount is 128 Mt lower than where emissions would have been in 2020 if no action had been taken to reduce GHGs since 2005.

Target 1.2: Climate Change Adaptation

Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the impacts of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools. 

Target 2.1: Outdoor Air Pollutants

Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reducing emissions of air pollutants in support of Air Quality Management System (AQMS) objectives.

In 2012, with the exception of ammonia (NH₃), emission levels of key air pollutants sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO), total particulate matter (TPM), respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) were 27% to 59% lower than in 1990.

In 2012, sulphur oxide (SO_x) emissions were 1266 kilotonnes (kt), 1832 kt (59%) lower than in 1990.

Nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions were 1853 kt, 684 kt (27%) lower than in 1990.

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions were 1768 kt, 648 kt (27%) lower than in 1990.

Ammonia (NH₃) emissions increased by 93 kt to 495 kt, a 23% increase from 1990 emissions levels.

Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions decreased to 8177 kt, 6030 kt (42%) lower than in 1990.

Emissions of total particulate matter (TPM) were 689 kt.

Emissions of respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀) decreased to 367 kt and those of PM_2.5 decreased to 272 kt. When compared to 1990 emission levels, 2012 emissions were lower by 546 kt (44%) for TPM, by 288 kt (44%) for PM₁₀, and by 196 kt (42%) for PM_2.5.

Target 3.3: Great Lakes - Canadian Areas of Concern

Take federal actions to restore beneficial uses for delisting 5 Canadian Areas of Concern (AOC) and to reduce the number of Impaired Beneficial Uses in the remaining Areas of Concern by 25% by 2018.

Progress towards the restoration of AOC is reflected in the decreased number of Impaired Beneficial Uses measured in the AOC.

By February 2014, 104 beneficial uses were listed as impaired or requiring further assessment across all 17 AOCs in the region.

To date, 54 beneficial uses have been restored to “not impaired” status. Efforts continue to confirm the impairment status of 22 beneficial uses identified as “requiring further assessment” and to restore the current 80 beneficial use impairments.

Overall, environmental quality in Canada’s 17 Great Lakes AOC has improved since the restoration program began in 1987. Between 1987 and 2012, the Collingwood Harbour, Severn Sound and Wheatley Harbour AOC have had their environmental conditions fully restored, and the Spanish Harbour and Jackfish Bay AOC are in recovery.

Target 3.4: Great Lakes

Contribute to the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes by developing and gaining bi-national acceptance of objectives for the management of nutrients in Lake Erie by 2016 and for the other Great Lakes as required.

Based on the 2011 State of the Great Lakes report, overall status is fair and the trend is deteriorating; specifically

• Lake Erie is assessed as poor (above target) and the trend is deteriorating; 
• Lake Huron is assessed as fair (well below target) and the trend is deteriorating; 
• Lake Ontario is assessed as fair (below target) and the trend is deteriorating; and
• Lake Superior is assessed as good and the trend is unchanging.

Through the Great Lakes Nutrient Initiative, the Government of Canada is investing $16 million over four years (2012-16) in research and monitoring activities. Results will inform the development of policy options and strategies to meet phosphorous reduction targets.

Target 3.5: St. Lawrence River

Take federal actions to reduce pollutants in order to improve water quality, conserve biodiversity and ensure beneficial uses in the St. Lawrence River by 2016.

Target 3.6: Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay

Reduce an estimated 2000 kg of phosphorus loadings to Lake Simcoe by 2017, which will support the Province of Ontario’s target to reduce phosphorus inputs into Lake Simcoe to 44 000 kg/year by 2045.

Reduce an estimated 2000 kg of phosphorus loadings to South-eastern Georgian Bay watersheds by 2017. 

The actual results for Round 1 projects are not yet available, as many of the projects are multi-year and have not yet been completed.

In Round 1, 26 projects were initiated to directly reduce phosphorus through on-the-ground action and/or indirectly reduce phosphorus through research and identification of areas of impairment.

Estimates indicate that as of March 2012, stewardship projects supported by the Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund were preventing the release of around 2900 kilogram of phosphorus per year.

Target 3.7: Lake Winnipeg Basin

By 2017, reduce phosphorus inputs to water bodies in the Lake Winnipeg Basin, in support of the Province of Manitoba’s overall plan to reduce phosphorus in Lake Winnipeg by 50% to pre-1990 levels. 

In 2010, phosphorus levels in the north and south basins were above water quality guidelines for the protection of freshwater plants and animals, while nitrogen levels were at or below water quality guidelines.

Phosphorus levels are consistently above water quality guidelines for the protection of freshwater plants and animals in the Red River, while just over 20% of phosphorus samples in the Saskatchewan River are above guidelines for 2008 to 2010. In the Red River, almost all nitrogen samples are above water quality guidelines for the same period. Phosphorus and nitrogen levels are always below the guidelines in the Winnipeg River.

Target 3.7: Lake Winnipeg Basin

By 2017, reduce phosphorus inputs to water bodies in the Lake Winnipeg Basin, in support of the Province of Manitoba’s overall plan to reduce phosphorus in Lake Winnipeg by 50% to pre-1990 levels. 

The results of phosphorous reduction for Round 6 projects will be calculated at the program mid- and end-points in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

During Round 6, 18 projects were implemented to reduce pollutants, in particular to reduce nutrient loads and improve the ecological sustainability of the lake and watershed.

Target 3.9: Marine Pollution - Disposal at Sea

Ensure that permitted disposal at sea is sustainable, such that 85% of disposal site monitoring events do not identify the need for site management action (such as site closure) from 2013 to 2016.

89% in 2013-14.

This number is based on two management actions taken on 18 sites monitored in 2012-13. The two management actions were site closures in Québec; the first due to presence of sensitive species at the site and the second to protect navigation in the area.  Management action ensures that sites are used sustainably overall.  

Results demonstrate that Canada’s ocean disposal sites are being used in a sustainable manner and impacts to the sites are occurring as expected.

Target 3.11: Wastewater and Industrial Effluent

Reduce risks associated with effluent from wastewater (sewage) and industrial sectors by 2020.

Target 3.11: Wastewater and Industrial Effluent

Reduce risks associated with effluent from wastewater (sewage) and industrial sectors by 2020.

Target 3.11: Wastewater and Industrial Effluent

Reduce risks associated with effluent from wastewater (sewage) and industrial sectors by 2020.

Metal Mining Effluent Regulations:

Over 99% compliance for metals and pH

98.6% for cyanide,

96.3% for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and

98.8 % for acute lethality testing.

All results are for calendar year 2012.

These results are similar to those from 2011, with the exception of rates for copper and cyanide limits, which decreased slightly, and for TSS and non-acute lethality targets, for which compliance increased slightly.

Target 3.11: Wastewater and Industrial Effluent

Reduce risks associated with effluent from wastewater (sewage) and industrial sectors by 2020.

Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations:

99.8% for TSS,

99.8% for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and 98.3% for effluent non-lethality requirements.

All results are for calendar year 2012.

These results are similar to those from 2011, with the exception of the rate for non-acute lethality for which compliance increased slightly.

Target 3.12: Water Resource Management

Facilitate sustainable water resource management through the collection of data and the development and dissemination of knowledge from 2013 to 2016.

Target 4.1: Species at Risk

By 2020, populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans.

Of the 192 species at risk that have final recovery strategies, 67 have both population-oriented goals and a reassessment since final recovery strategies were released, allowing for the evaluation of whether trends in population numbers and distribution are consistent with recovery goals.

Of these 67 species, 28 (42%) have current population trends that are consistent with the goals laid out in the recovery strategies, and 20 (30%) show trends that are inconsistent with goals. Another 5 (7%) have both some indication of improvement and some indication of decline. For the remaining 14 species (21%), there are insufficient data to determine trends.

This indicator is similar to that reported under Sub-Program 1.1.2 in the DPR, although the values reported here also include species for which other federal organizations have primary responsibility.

Target 4.2: Migratory Birds

Improve the proportion of migratory bird species that meet their population goals.

Population goals are still being developed, in collaboration with the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. As a value for the indicator is not yet available, bird population trend information will be used in the interim.

On average, Canadian breeding bird populations declined by 12% between 1970 and 2010.

Trends vary among species, depending in part, on where they winter. The populations of bird species spending the entire year in Canada have increased on average by 68% since 1970. The populations of bird species migrating farther from home have generally declined, and birds migrating the farthest ―to South America― have showed the most severe declines, with populations declining by 53%. Birds migrating to the U.S. declined by 10% on average, while birds migrating to Central America declined by 14%.

Habitat-conserved indicators:

Land secured by Environment Canada and partners as a percentage of the total amount needed to achieve waterfowl population goals

Target 4.3: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitat Stewardship

Contribute to the proposed national target that by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland waters are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

8.03 million ha (80.4%) as of December, 2013

This number represents the cumulative land area that has been secured in the four Canadian Habitat Joint Ventures (Eastern, Prairie, Canadian Intermountain, and the Pacific Coast) and the Western Boreal Forest Program Area under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) from January, 1986 to December, 2013.

Target 4.3: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitat Stewardship

Contribute to the proposed national target that by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland waters are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

(i) 14,731 ha of land area in 2012-13

(ii) 66 km of shoreline in 2012-13

Preliminary results for 2013-14 are 10,868 ha and 139 km of shoreline. These results are subject to change as final project reports are reviewed by program staff.

The land area improved or restored has fluctuated over time (14,902 ha and 48 km in 2011-12; 12,177 ha and 49 km in 2010-11) due to changes in types of recovery activities undertaken by projects. 

Projects funded by the program supported the recovery of over 300 species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Target 4.3: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitat Stewardship

Contribute to the proposed national target that by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland waters are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

20% of Canada as of March 31, 2014.

This indicator is a measure of Environment Canada’s contribution to conservation of federal species outside of federal lands. The reported results stem from habitat identification undertaken in support of the Nunavut Land Use Plan. 

Target 4.3: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitat Stewardship

Contribute to the proposed national target that by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland waters are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

10.4% (1 037 798 km²) by December 31, 2013, which is roughly the size of Ontario.

Canada’s terrestrial protected area, as recognized under the International Union for Conservation Nature definition of protected area, has steadily increased from 5.2% (522 182 km²) in 1990. Almost half (46%) of the current total has been protected by federal jurisdictions.  An additional 4,984 km² (0.05%) has been conserved in Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures.

Target 4.6: Invasive Alien Species

By 2020, pathways of invasive alien species introductions are identified, and risk-based intervention or management plans are in place for priority pathways and species.

Target 4.6: Invasive Alien Species

By 2020, pathways of invasive alien species introductions are identified, and risk-based intervention or management plans are in place for priority pathways and species.

Target 4.7: Environmental Disasters, Incidents and Emergencies

Environmental disasters, incidents and emergencies are prevented or their impacts mitigated.^Footnote 1

Indicators:^Footnote 2

Reduce releases of harmful substances (mercury, cadmium, lead and isoprene) to the environment (air and water)

Target 4.8: Chemicals Management

Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment and human health posed by releases of harmful substances.^Footnote 3

Isoprene: 15% reduction of industrial releases from the rubber manufacturing sector in 2012 from base year 2009.

Based on submitted information, 17,401 kg of isoprene were released to air in the Base Year (2009), and 14,791 kg were released to air in the Preparation Year (2012). Once the Pollution Prevention Plan is implemented, isoprene releases are expected to be reduced by 80%, to approximately 3,480 kg.

In 2012, mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) emissions to air have been reduced to about 10% of 1990 levels (emissions reductions of 90%, 87% and 90% respectively). These reductions are mainly due to reduced emissions from industrial sources.

Releases of Hg, Pb and Cd to water decreased by 54%, 43% and 45% respectively between 2003 and 2012. These reductions are mainly due to reduced releases from wastewater treatment plants and from some industrial sources.

Reduce concentrations of harmful substances in the environment - In 80% of drainage regions where Canadian or Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines are not exceeded for selected substances Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in fish and sediment 2014-15,

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water and fish 2013-14,

Bisphenol A (BPA) targets to be confirmed)

Target 4.8: Chemicals Management

Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment and human health posed by releases of harmful substances.^Footnote 3

PBDEs indicator value will be reported in 2014-15.

PFOS:

100% of drainage regions sampled were found not to exceed Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for fish tissue (fish health) and surface water PFOS concentrations. However, PFOS concentrations in fish tissue exceeded Wildlife Diet FEQGs in 40% of drainage regions sampled.

Bisphenol A (BPA) indicator and targets to be confirmed.