Archived: Departmental Performance Report 2014–15, Environment Canada, chapter 1

As Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I am pleased to present the 2014-15 Departmental Performance Report. It outlines the Department’s progress in addressing commitments set out for 2014-15. The threat of climate change is a challenge we face as a country, and a challenge around the world.

The Government of Canada will provide national leadership, and join with the provinces and territories to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon, and reduce carbon pollution. Environment and Climate Change Canada will play a key role in this work.

Delivering high quality weather services for Canadians is a critical activity for the Department. Improvements in the quality of weather forecasts and warnings mean that Canadian communities and business sectors across Canada will have access to more timely and accurate weather information, based on the most modern technology available.

The enforcement of Canada’s environmental and wildlife protection laws contributes to clean air, clean water, and the protection of species and their habitats for present and future generations. In 2014, a departmental investigation resulted in a conviction that produced a $7.5 million fine, the highest ever imposed in Canada for environmental infractions.

A new five year commitment with the Government of Ontario, through the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, 2014, will contribute to the protection of one of the world’s largest freshwater bodies. Going forward, my officials and I will continue to work to protect Canada’s freshwater resources through a variety of actions.

In partnership with Health Canada, my Department continued to implement the Chemicals Management Plan, which assesses environmental and human health risks posed by chemical substances, and develops and implements measures to prevent or manage those risks. For example, new regulations completed in November 2014 will help to control the importation and manufacturing of products that contain mercury.

I invite you to read this report for thorough details about the many activities undertaken by the Department.

We will build on this work as we embark on an ambitious new chapter as Environment and Climate Change Canada. In the coming months, we will move forward to take action on climate change and other key areas through a collaborative, evidence-based approach that is anchored in science. The Department will take the lead in implementing the government’s plan for a clean environment and a sustainable economy, and deliver on the many policy priorities set out in my mandate letter from the Prime Minister. To this end, I look forward to working with Public Servants in a strong and productive way to deliver on this shared mission.

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The Honourable Catherine McKenna, P.C., M.P.
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change