Archived: Departmental Performance Report 2015 to 2016, Environment and Climate Change Canada, chapter 5

Section III: Analysis of Programs and Internal Services

• Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat
• Program 1.2: Water Resources
• Program 1.3: Sustainable Ecosystems
• Program 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife
• Program 2.1: Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians
• Program 2.2: Weather and Environmental Services for Targeted Users
• Program 3.1: Substances and Waste Management
• Program 3.2: Climate Change and Clean Air
• Program 3.3: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution
• Internal Services

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

Program Description

This program aims to prevent biodiversity loss and enables sustainable use, by: conserving and protecting healthy populations of migratory birds; protecting and recovering species at risk; and monitoring, conserving and restoring significant habitats by establishing and maintaining a network of protected areas, and developing and implementing stewardship programs. It also supports coordinated and coherent national assessment, planning and action to protect biodiversity, including viable populations of species, healthy and diverse ecosystems, and genetic resources. The program forms strategic partnerships for integrated management of Canada's natural capital, including stewardship and the sustainable management of landscapes. This program has responsibilities under the Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, Canada Wildlife Act, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. International responsibilities include the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), the Migratory Birds Convention, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group of the Arctic Council, and the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention). Contributions in support of Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat are used as a component of this program.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Completed recovery documents and scientific assessments to protect species at risk

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) continued to enhance protection of Canada’s endangered species by posting proposed recovery strategies and management plans for 57 species and final recovery strategies and management plans for 46 species. In total, 120 of the 192 species identified on ECCC’s Three-Year Posting Plan have recovery documents posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

The Department advanced the conduct of scientific assessments and provided science advice in support of recovery of several species, including the Boreal Caribou, the Peary Caribou and the Whooping Crane, as well as the Western Chorus Frog (Great Lakes/St. Lawrence-Canadian Shield population). This work also contributed to a better understanding of habitat and climate change impacts on species at risk.

ECCC protected the critical habitat of 12 species at risk in five National Wildlife Areas and two national parks: the Dusky Dune Moth (at Canadian Forces Base Suffield National Wildlife Area (CFBS NWA)); the Gold-edged Gem (CFBS NWA); the Loggerhead Shrike (CFBS NWA); the Ord's Kangaroo Rat (CFBS NWA); the Pacific Water Shrew (Widgeon Valley NWA); the Slender Mouse-ear-cress (CFBS NWA and Prairie NWA); the Small-flowered Sand-verbena (CFBS NWA); the Smooth Goosefoot (CFBS NWA); the Sprague's Pipit (CFBS NWA, Last Mountain Lake NWA and Grasslands National Park); the Tiny Cryptantha (CFBS NWA); the Western Chorus Frog (Wellers Bay NWA and Thousand Islands National Park); and the Western Harvest Mouse (CFBS NWA).

Bolstered land- and water-related conservation of species at risk and migratory birds

• Maintained ongoing work with partners to conserve and protect habitat under the Ecological Gifts Program, the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, the National Wetland Conservation Fund, and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). NAWMP partners secured over 10,000 hectares and enhanced almost 5,000 hectares of wetlands and uplands habitat for waterfowl. Through the National Wetland Conservation Fund, $10.2 million was awarded to 86 new projects and three existing projects to conserve wetlands. These projects raised more than $14.1 million and involved Indigenous organizations and communities, conservation authorities, individuals, government and non-government organizations, the private sector and individual Canadians.
• Supported 20,560 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands being secured, as well as conservation stewardship activities on 208,200 hectares through the Natural Areas Conservation Program, administered by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. In addition, 4,429 hectares of land was secured under the Ecological Gifts Program; donated lands that will be protected in perpetuity.
• In its ongoing work to improve management and expansion of Canada’s network of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, ECCC continued to support work to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area and Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area.
• Created maps and geospatial datasets to identify zones of interest for species at risk and migratory birds; tools that inform and strengthen ECCC’s programming. This information helps ECCC to identify priorities for habitat conservation stewardship funds (including the Habitat Stewardship Program, Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, National Wetland Conservation Fund and the Ecological Gifts Program).

Carried out monitoring and research and updated regulations to protect migratory birds and their habitats

• Conducted migratory bird monitoring including surveys for landbirds, waterfowl, marshbirds, seabirds and shorebirds, using a variety of techniques including volunteer-based surveys (e.g., the North American Breeding Bird Survey), aerial surveys, and specialized surveys for other groups in a wide range of habitats and geographic areas. ECCC published an updated version of its status of birds in Canada database (www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc) incorporating best available survey data on each species. The Department continued to evaluate and enhance surveys to improve efficiency and efficacy.
• Conducted research on declining species of migratory birds to identify potential causes of declines and effective conservation actions to address particular species and to provide broader insights regarding overall ecosystem health.
• Advanced work to amend the Migratory Birds Regulations, including incorporating the input received in pre-consultations with stakeholders and Indigenous organizations on proposed amendments related to harvest management.
• Collaborated on projects to address declining migratory bird species (including those already listed under the Species at Risk Act) through projects that engage key stakeholders in activities that support bird conservation. Projects include those working with ranching communities in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, working on projects in Chile focused on the conservation of seabirds (under the Canada-Chile agreement on Environmental Cooperation), and undertaking shorebird monitoring projects in Panama (under the Canada-Panama Environment Agreement).

Collaborated with partners to conserve biodiversity globally and in Canada

ECCC led and maintained collaboration with provinces and territories to ensure broad and full involvement, awareness and coordinated planning to advance shared conservation priorities. For example, the Department worked with the provinces and territories under a joint workplan on conservation, wildlife and biodiversity to protect and recover species at risk, to address invasive alien species, and to advance a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

The Department also:

• Led work with other federal departments to develop and ensure consistency of Canadian policy positions on biodiversity issues. Such collaboration enabled ECCC to actively reflect Canada’s wetland interests at the 12^th meeting of the Conference of Contracting Parties (COP12) to the Ramsar Convention (June 2015); and to achieve the results Canada was seeking at meetings of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); the Convention on Biological Diversity Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice and Working Group on Article 8j and Related Provisions (the group that addresses Indigenous issues of the Convention on Biological Diversity).
• Assumed the role of the International Chair for the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna, working group of the Arctic Council, ensuring that Canada’s priorities related to biodiversity, under Canada’s chairmanship of the full Arctic Council, were achieved.
• Coordinated Canada’s participation in the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management and helped establish a Canada-U.S.-Mexico working group to conserve the Monarch butterfly.

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

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

Program 1.2: Water Resources

Program Description

This program addresses the risks to and impacts on water resources from industrial activities, agriculture, climate change and other factors. It aims to minimize threats to Canada’s water resources and aquatic ecosystems, and maintain the sustainability of such resources. The program is delivered in collaboration with partners, specifically other federal departments, provinces and territories, and a range of non-governmental organizations. The program focuses on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s contribution to monitoring water quality and conducting water-related research and analysis, and its role in collaborating with other departments to determine priorities for water quality and quantity as well as aquatic ecosystem monitoring and research. It provides scientific information and advice to decision-makers and supports implementation of the Canada Water Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, Fisheries Act, International Boundary Waters Treaty Act, and International River Improvements Act. Contributions in support of Water Resources are used as a component of this program.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Monitored water quality and quantity through robust networks and tools

In its stewardship capacity, ECCC continued to protect Canada’s freshwater using education, geo-mapping, watershed protection, and to collaborate with provinces and territories to monitor water quality, and water quantity through bilateral hydrometric monitoring agreements.

The Department continued to:

• Collect, produce and disseminate data and information on water levels and flows, through its network of almost 2,800 active hydrometric stations on rivers and lakes across Canada. Many (1,935) stations are now equipped to transmit data in near real time. Through the expanded Datamart ECCC provided hydrometric data to provincial and territorial partners in a simple format that can be imported directly into partners’ websites, models and flood mitigation systems.
• Operate 12 hydrometric stations (part of a network of 50 stations in the oil sands region) to monitor impacts of oil sands development on water flows and levels.
• Identify the impacts of climate change and variability on Canada’s water systems and ecosystems. Science-based results of this research (such as new evidence on ice-jams and related floods) inform climate and water policy and decision making by partners at home and around the world. 

ECCC monitored water quality at 376 core freshwater sites across Canada. According to the ECCC’s risk-based adaptive monitoring framework, 22%, 54% and 24% of river sites were classified as having relative low-, medium- and high-risks to water quality, respectively. Federal, provincial and territorial partners use freshwater quality monitoring data, information and ECCC’s expertise to inform their own water resource management decisions. The timeliness and accessibility of this data is improving through implementation of an open data plan that aligns with the Open Government Initiative. Also, results of monitoring with the Government of Alberta in the oil sands region show that concentrations of chemical substances are generally within relevant environmental guidelines, and that concentrations decreased with increasing distance from oil sands development.

Under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program, ECCC completed sanitary pollution assessments and analyzed over 31,000 marine water samples for bacteriological contamination from 7,500 sites in commercial shellfish harvest areas. This work also ensured that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for export were met in all key harvest areas. Work continued with federal partners to address priority harvesting areas to ensure public health protection and continued support for Canada’s shellfish exports.

Delivered data and expertise to support flood prediction and emergency response decisions

ECCC continued to fulfill its obligations under agreements with provinces and territories, providing data on water flow and levels. ECCC also met its domestic, international and legislative obligations through participation on inter-jurisdictional boards and studies, and by providing support to domestic water boards, including strong contributions to Boards of the International Joint Commission (IJC).

For example, the Department:

• Contributed to the IJC’s International Rainy Namakan Lakes Rule Curve Study Board, which assesses and makes recommendations to the IJC regarding the operating rules (last revised in the year 2000) for the Rainy and Namakan Lakes in the upper reaches of the Winnipeg River basin.
• Continued work to support the IJC’s Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee to provide scientifically sound data, knowledge and technologically advanced tools that contribute to effective adaptation of water flow and level control plans based on new or evolving ecological, economic and climate induced changes.
• Contributed to the development of flood inundation maps for the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River watershed to better delineate flood risk in that basin.
• Continued to work with the Province of Québec to implement the St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011-2026, which focuses on sustainable use of water, improved water quality and biodiversity conservation. The governments released (April 2015) the Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence 2014, a report that identifies changes in the state of the river and the future outlook for the ecosystem.
• Initiated a study of consumptive uses in the Milk River basin as part of its continual support of the IJC’s apportionment of the waters of the St. Mary and Milk rivers.
• Provided water management leadership in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence, Lake Winnipeg and Milk River basins. For example, the International Red River Board of the IJC continued its work with jurisdictions to develop nutrient objectives for the Red River at Emerson, Manitoba.

Contributed to international water management efforts to support Canadian water goals

• Completed consultations required under the International River Improvements Act for re-licensing of the Columbia River dams and provided engineering advice to inform the initiative, and renewed all four Columbia River dams licenses which were due to expire in 2015-16.
• Continued to lead the World Meteorological Organization’s Arctic Hydrological Cycle Observing System initiative, which aims to improve the monitoring of freshwater fluxes and pollutants into the Arctic Ocean to improve climate predictions and assess pollution in the area.

Supported legislation to ensure that Canada’s water resources are developed and used in the national interest

• Consulted with Indigenous peoples on the International River Improvements Act re-licensing of the Columbia River dams and provided engineering advice to inform the initiative; and renewed all four Columbia River dams licenses which were due to expire in 2015-16.
• Continued to strengthen network planning and to help identify where new monitoring stations are needed to maintain high quality water monitoring services for Canadians.

Program 1.3: Sustainable Ecosystems

Program Description

This program aims to sustain Canada’s ecosystems over the long term by providing Canadians, their governments and the private sector with the environmental information and tools required to incorporate social, economic and environmental considerations into decision making and actions. Environmental assessments are a large part of this program. The ecosystem approach to environmental management focuses on maintaining the capacity of a whole system to produce ecological goods and services (such as water resources, and air and water quality) and genetic resources to support the economy, security, and health and well-being. This program focuses on the development and implementation of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s sustainability policies and strategies; providing information to support integrated, ecosystem-scale planning; community engagement in remediation of sites; youth engagement; and research and reporting on environmental status and trends. The program facilitates interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral planning, and information sharing among partners. Contributions in support of Sustainable Ecosystems are used as a component of this program.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Provided science-based expertise to environmental assessments and other resource projects

ECCC contributed to some 150 project assessments with key partners, including the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, National Energy Board, and various Boards in the North. The Department provided science-based expertise to assess expected impacts of the proposed projects on water, biodiversity, air and greenhouse gases (GHGs).

ECCC also collaborated with CEAA to improve environmental assessment reports and conditions along with providing expertise within its mandate to approximately 150 provincial environmental assessments.

The Department provided policy leadership to the federal government’s Major Projects Management Office Initiative’s forum, including on the assessment of project-related GHGs, cumulative environmental effects, and the development of the interim principles for environmental assessments announced in January, 2016. ECCC also drafted a methodology for conducting upstream GHG assessments and completed one upstream GHG assessment to support federal government environmental decision-making.

Invested in improving and restoring key ecosystems across Canada

ECCC continued its work on important ecosystems in collaboration with partners (including Fisheries and Oceans Canada; the Canadian Coast Guard; provincial, local governments; and U.S. states and water organizations). The monitoring, research and funding of projects and activities carried out in 2015-16 align clearly with the Government’s priority of a renewed commitment to protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and Lake Winnipeg, as set out in the Prime Minister’s mandate letter to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. For example:

• In the St. Lawrence ecosystem, as the federal lead to implement the St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011-2026, ECCC completed the first five-year cycle of the Plan with federal and provincial partners, and reported progress on 47 joint projects and activities to address three priority issues: biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and improved water quality. Forty-seven projects were carried out as part of the Joint Action Plan and a $450,000 funding contribution supported 13 of these projects and activities. These projects focused primarily on research activities, field work, and the development of tools to support decision making.
• In the Great Lakes ecosystem ECCC initiated the first progress assessment of the 2014 Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health for the period ending March 2016. The Department developed and adopted new Canada-United States phosphorus load reduction targets to combat Lake Erie algae blooms. The targets represent the culmination of three years of Canada-U.S. collaborative science and extensive consultations with governments, Indigenous peoples, industry, non-government organizations and the public in the Lake Erie watershed. In collaboration with the Ontario government and local partners, ECCC began construction of the largest contaminated sediment remediation project in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes: Randle Reef in Hamilton Harbour. The clean-up began in September 2015 with the re-construction of the adjacent pier.
• In the Lake Winnipeg basin, work continued to restore the ecological health and water quality of the lake, in partnership with citizens, scientists, and domestic and international partners. Work included extending the Canada-Manitoba Lake Winnipeg Memorandum of Understanding to 2020, conducting monitoring and continuing implementation of the 13 research projects under the Lake Winnipeg Science Plan. Two phosphorus related Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators were developed for Lake Winnipeg. The Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund allocated $1.2 million to support application-based nutrient reduction stewardship action; these funds leveraged another $3.1 million from other stakeholders. A Lake Winnipeg Symposium was held to bring stakeholders and funding recipients together to share ideas. The Fund was also provided financial support to the operation of the research vessel, the MV Namao and the Lake Winnipeg Basin Information Portal.

The Department also committed $3.6 million to 32 new projects to reduce phosphorus inputs, conserve aquatic habitat, and carry out research and monitoring under the Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund (which will leverage another $5.1 million from non-federal partners) and over $220,000 to partner groups across British Columbia and Yukon for local work to protect habitat and biodiversity, and economic development.

Updated and expanded indicators for broader coverage of environmental issues

The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) cover the key environmental sustainability issues of climate change, air pollution, water and nature protection and show how Canada is progressing toward the goals and targets of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). ECCC updated 21 CESI indicators and added five new ones to broaden science-based information and evidence on the state of the environment and related pressures.

Continued to set and report on environmental targets through the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

• Submitted to Parliament and to Canadians (February 2016) the 2015 Progress Report on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, 2013-2016. This Report reflects recommendations by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the previous Report, and aims to provide a whole-of-government view of progress on federal environmental priorities, and be transparent, fair and balanced about progress.
• Completed the draft 2016-2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, which sets out environmental priorities at the federal level across 37 departments and agencies for the next several years. As a draft, the Strategy is subject to review and as such ECCC launched (February 2016) a four-month public consultation using modern technology for a broader “reach” and a more iterative feedback process. The Department also launched a web-based “E-Strategy” that allows the public and stakeholders to access and tailor information from the Strategy to meet their needs.

Funded community and youth employment environmental projects

The Environmental Damages Fund, which receives funds as compensation for environmental damage, engaged communities and Canadians to restore or enhance degraded environments and to reduce environmental damage from future incidents. Nine fines, totalling more than $147,000, were received for offences under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRITA). An additional four fines were awarded to the Environmental Damages Fund through WAPPRITA (with funds to be received in 2016-17).

ECCC’s development of youth employment opportunities included provision of wage subsidies to eligible employers to hire 257 interns in science, technology, engineering and mathematics related disciplines. These interns worked on environmental projects across Canada. The total number of internships exceeded the Department’s target of 220 internships.

Program 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife

Program Description

This program works to conserve and protect the natural environment through compliance promotion and enforcement of the Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, and Canada Wildlife Act. The program promotes compliance through the communication of information, education, and consultation with parties affected by these statutes. It maintains a contingent of enforcement officers whose activities consist of verifying conformity with laws, regulations and permits pertaining to wildlife and Environment and Climate Change Canada Protected Areas, as well as gathering intelligence, conducting inspections and pursuing investigations regarding alleged offenders. The program also works with the United States and Mexico under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to strengthen wildlife enforcement. These actions aim to reduce damages and threats to biodiversity for the benefit of Canadians and the international community.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

(See also Program 3.3 Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution)

Completed priority inspections and investigations, enforced statutes

ECCC targeted its wildlife compliance monitoring and enforcement of wildlife laws for species at high risk. In enforcing four statutes, ECCC conducted and reported on over 4,900 inspections and over 240 investigations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Canada Wildlife Act (CWA), the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA, 1994), and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).This work resulted in 908 enforcement measures (such as prosecutions, tickets, written warnings, and compliance orders).

ECCC’s investigations of alleged offenders led to 158 convictions and 167 prosecutions related to different wildlife violations. This work resulted in over $1.1 million in penalties, including a penalty of $750,000 imposed against a natural gas facility for killing approximately 7,500 migratory birds that directly or indirectly came into contact with burning natural gas from a flare stack. Charges were under both MBCA, 1994, and SARA.

Through its risk-based approach to targeting and addressing non-compliance with wildlife laws and regulations concerning at-risk species, ECCC pursued:

• Disruption of piping plovers’ and bank swallows’ nesting grounds; and migratory bird deaths due to gas flares (Atlantic Region).
• Multi-agency investigation of American ginseng poaching on federal lands; Canada geese deaths caused by access to polluted ponds, and illegal import of exotic leather goods (Ontario Region).
• Auction house and taxidermist investigations and seizure of exotic animals and parts (narwhal tusk, elephant ivory, coral and a live Savannah cat) and migratory bird products, as well as illegal hunt and transport of moose parts (Quebec Region).
• Inspections to ensure compliance with a Protection Order on the Greater Sage Grouse, unlawful possession of a Trumpeter swan, illegal hunting of Canada geese and of whitetail and mule deer (Prairie and Northern Region).
• Inspections to address non-compliance in the hunting of Brant geese (Pacific and Yukon Region).

Strengthened monitoring and enforcement

ECCC improved monitoring of vessels attempting to enter National Wildlife Areas and bird sanctuaries in the North without the required permits. For example, the Department worked with federal, provincial and territorial partners to deliver Operation Nanakput, an annual patrol of the Mackenzie River (and delta) and the coastal waters of the Beaufort Sea.

Collaborated with international partners to support Canadian and global wildlife goals

• Maintained a leadership role with INTERPOL’s Wildlife Crime Working Group, enabling Canada to benefit from and contribute to evolving approaches for fighting wildlife crime and for keeping current on trends.
• Continued to provide policy input on a variety of international legislation and on Canada’s position on wildlife trafficking and to share information internationally through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Standing Committee, working collaboratively with international partners to achieve the desired Canadian outcomes.
• With the U.S. and Mexico (under the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management), established enforcement priorities that will support the Department’s work in Canada and globally such as, broader collaboration to share population-based genetic analysis and seizing opportunities for shared enforcement work.

Increased intelligence capacity for improved and focused enforcement decisions

ECCC continued to increase its intelligence capacity through its multi-year National Intelligence Renewal Project, which maintains and strengthens the Department’s understanding of wildlife and conservation crime to enable targeting of the worst offenders and to maintain focus in an increasingly broad mandate.

Program 2.1: Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Program Description

This program strives to provide reliable, accurate and timely forecasts and warnings, as well as weather and environmental intelligence, which are used to anticipate, manage and adapt to the risks and opportunities of changing weather, water, air quality and climate conditions. It includes monitoring, research, prediction and service delivery based on sound science, to help Canadians make informed decisions in order to protect their health, safety, security and economic prosperity. Because a global effort is needed to monitor, understand and predict constantly changing weather, water, air quality, sea ice and climate conditions, the program works with various collaborators in Canada and around the world. Key partners include the United Nations World Meteorological Organization and its Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as the news media, academia and all levels of government in Canada. The program carries out the Department’s responsibilities under the Department of the Environment Act, Weather Modification Information Act, Emergency Management Act (2007), Convention of the World Meteorological Organization, and memoranda of agreement with national meteorological and space agencies. It provides forecasts and information in case of environmental emergencies associated with the release of toxic and radioactive material in the atmosphere. Grants and contributions in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians are used as components of this program.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Delivered high-quality weather and environmental services to Canadians-24/7 

Through its national weather observing infrastructure, the Department produced some 480,000 weather forecasts, watches and warnings, and Canadians made more than 550 million visits to weather.gc.ca (over 1.5 million each day), more than any other page on the Canada.ca website.

EC Alert Me, a prototype automated weather alert messaging service using email, now has some 14,000 subscribers. ECCC launched Twitter weather alert accounts in July 2015 for over 830 communities that appear on Canada.ca/weather. The number of followers has grown to 83,000.

The Department updated its Canadian Climate Data and Scenarios website to better disseminate historical climate data and scenario information (on temperature, precipitation, sea ice thickness and concentration, snow depth and wind speed). This information supports decision making and policy development on climate and adaptation.

Expanded and improved the Air Quality Health Index service to support Canadians’ health

• Continued to modernize its ambient air quality data collection and the infrastructure for its transmission to provide more timely delivery of data used for Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) forecasts.
• Developed a new emissions inventory to work with the air quality forecast model, as well as a new tool for combining model predictions and air quality measurements for the AQHI and related air pollutants that improve how air quality levels are represented.
• Expanded the AQHI program in Ontario and British Columbia - for a total of 111 sites across Canada reaching 26.5 million Canadians.
• During the 2015 Pan American and Para Pan American Games, tested a high-resolution air quality forecast model and expanded its ambient air monitoring capacity in the region, and piloted potential new services, such as heat alerts.

Supported emergency management and public safety with better tools

• Continued to work with Public Safety Canada and provincial/territorial governments to provide emergency management organizations across Canada with capability to warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards.
• Began using the national public alerting system Alert Ready to disseminate potentially life-saving weather alerts to Canadians through automated interruptions on television, radio and other media. For example, in 2015-16, Alert Ready transmitted 106 Tornado Warnings which went immediately to air broadcasts in the threatened areas.
• Adapted the FireWork air quality prediction system which predicts movement of smoke from wildfires to better inform forest fire operations in six provinces and territories.

Strengthened services to Canadians through collaboration and sharing science knowledge

The Department exchanged the latest scientific knowledge and data with partners in Canada and abroad. This collaboration not only keeps Canada at the forefront of knowledge and technology, it also contributes to accurate weather, climate and air quality information for Canadians. For example, ECCC:

• Advanced the Global Framework for Climate Services, a worldwide mechanism to enhance the quality, quantity and use of climate services.
• Co-led the development of the Group on Earth Observations’ Strategic Plan 2016-2025, a framework for influencing action on major global challenges related to food, water and energy security, population growth and infectious disease pandemics.
• Contributed meteorological research and development, so that scientific innovations contributed to ECCC’s weather and environmental prediction and services for the benefit of Canadians.
• Carried out international field work in the Canadian Arctic, through which ECCC acquired data to increase understanding of the state of the climate system and the Arctic atmosphere, and to develop new satellite-based capabilities that will help improve weather and climate predictions for the Arctic regions.

Improved weather networks for better and expanded weather services

ECCC completed radar improvement work, which has increased the reliability and near-term sustainability of the radar network, while continuing work toward the long-term replacement of Canadian weather radars.

In collaboration with Shared Services Canada and private sector partners, the Department also continued to ensure that current and future technologies to support warning re-engineering and next generation prediction system are maintained and developed. Maintaining and upgrading mission-critical infrastructure and systems enables ECCC to provide services to Canadians and helps reduce the risk of disruption as a result of potential natural or human-made hazards.

The Department also continued to prepare for the launch (scheduled for November 2016) of the GOES-R next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite, including planning for antenna and processing system upgrades. The GOES-R satellite will provide continuous imagery and atmospheric measurements used for a wide range of weather, climate, oceanographic and environmental applications that directly impact public safety and economic health.

Recent federal budget investments supported a pilot project which brought weather observation data from more than 1,000 provincial stations in Ontario and British Columbia and from volunteer networks, into ECCC. The data supported the Department in providing more accurate forecasting. The Department also accelerated the adoption of new and improved technology (hydrogen generation) for weather balloons for the upper air network, replacing aging and obsolete alkaline hydrogen generators and reducing the network’s dependency on costly helium.

Program 2.2: Weather and Environmental Services for Targeted Users

Program Description

Environment and Climate Change Canada provides predictions and services for targeted, weather-sensitive sectors, through formal arrangements and revenue contracts. Building on the core capabilities offered under Program 2.1, this program provides reliable, accurate and timely weather, water, climate, air quality and ice observations, predictions and services to support the decision-making needs of the aviation, marine transportation, military, commercial and other sectors. It delivers services through various collaborations within Canada (including with other government departments), and internationally with the World Meteorological Organization, as well as with other countries and international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization. This program supports the Department in meeting obligations and responsibilities conferred by the Department of the Environment Act and the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization. It also helps other government departments meet their obligations under the Aeronautics Act and the Treaty in Support of International Civil Aviation, the Oceans Act and the Fisheries Act, and supports memoranda of agreement with Transport Canada, the Department of National Defence, and various provincial and territorial agencies.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Delivered tailored weather and environmental services to targeted users-24/7

ECCC provided weather services on a 24/7 basis to support the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence, NAV CANADA and other clients, including provincial and national emergency management organizations. For example, the Department issued some 490,000 aviation-related forecasts, warnings and other aviation products for NAV CANADA through its Canadian Meteorological Aviation Centres, and another 67,400 weather and information products for the Department of National Defence.

The Department issued 12,500 ice forecasts, warnings and other ice-related information to mariners and other users. To provide better weather and ice information in Canada’s north, ECCC, with support from the University of Manitoba, deployed nine weather buoys in the Arctic in 2015-16, bringing to 63 (up from 54) the total number of on-ice and in-water buoys deployed since the project began in 2011. The use of buoys increases availability of real-time weather observation data for mariners and supports timely and accurate forecasts.

ECCC is considered an authoritative data source and, as such, a multi-year agreement with the Department of National Defence was renewed to continue to provide weather information to meet the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Modernized weather infrastructure-for improved airport and ocean forecasts

ECCC continued to modernize the production system for airport forecasts through a multi-year initiative to put in place new semi-automated tools to improve the quality and consistency of forecast information and strengthen future aviation weather forecast services.

The Department launched the Global Ice-Ocean Prediction System (GIOPS) to enable real-time, three-dimensional images of the state of the ocean, key information in the broader context of climate change and adaptation. GIOPS is Canada’s first system for forecasting global atmosphere ocean ice conditions; information it provides to targeted users contributes to safe and efficient marine transportation, particularly in the North.

The Department continued to operate land, ocean and ice-based observation platforms in the Arctic through its METAREAS initiative, which provides improved marine and ice forecasting information to mariners in the Arctic and public weather information for northern coastal communities.

Program 3.1: Substances and Waste Management

Program Description

Activities in this program reduce threats to human health and the environment posed by pollution and waste from human activities. The program assesses risks to the environment from substances that are already in commercial use (existing substances) and substances proposed for use in Canada (new substances). It also develops and implements measures to prevent or manage the risks from these substances and waste. Contributions in support of Substances and Waste Management are used as a component of this program.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Delivered on Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan to protect human health and the environment from harmful substances

Working with Health Canada on the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), ECCC assessed hundreds of chemicals, and published two issues of the Chemicals Management Progress Report (June and December 2015) to keep stakeholders informed on CMP activities and programs. In addition, data and analysis of new and emerging contaminants were published in science peer reviewed journals. The Department also began to implement an action plan in order to address recommendations, such as clarifying roles and responsibilities of various program partners and strengthening performance reporting, made in the Evaluation of Phase II of the CMP.

Also, in managing substances assessed to be harmful to the environment, ECCC published one risk management scope document and three proposed risk management actions.

Providing Canadians information related to the releases and transfers of pollutants in their communities

The Department continued to publish and respond to enquiries under the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), which is Canada’s publicly accessible inventory of pollutant releases to air, water and land, and disposals and transfers for recycling. Under the NPRI, ECCC published data for the 2014 year, which was based on information reported by 7,720 facilities across Canada on their releases, disposals and recycling of 343 substances, including many listed on Schedule 1 of Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. ECCC also responded to over 3,500 enquiries under the NPRI.

Implemented regulations including Disposal at Sea Regulations and Environmental Emergency Regulations

• Assessed and delivered 75 disposal at sea permits and four Antarctic expeditions permits; conducted 13 regional disposal at sea monitoring studies to ensure the use of disposal sites remain sustainable; and met international obligations on preventing marine pollution from dumping of wastes at sea through work with the London Convention and London Protocol.
• Collected and mapped environmental sensitivity data to inform risk assessments in four pilot areas being tested for a new area response planning approach.
• Continued studies on spilled diluted bitumen to improve marine safety.
• Continued to implement the Environmental Emergency Regulations (E2). Of the 4,512 registered facilities in Canada, 96% of the 2,777 requiring E2 plans had one in place.
• Continued to implement the Notifications Regulations and Notification Agreements, and worked with seven provinces and territories to renew Notification Agreements, which serve to maintain a streamlined notification system in reporting an environmental emergency, environmental spill or release.

Delivered on responsibilities for effluent management

The Department finalized an agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Health Canada that fosters effective cooperation and communication for efficient, nationally consistent application of pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act.

ECCC continued to implement the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations which came into force in June 2012 and continued to administer and promote compliance with the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations. The Department also continued to administer the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER), including consulting with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders on the management of mine waste disposal from mining projects, and began proposed amendments that would see the MMER include diamond mines, and a possible regulatory approach for coal mines.

On the international front

Canada continued to meet its international commitments under environmental agreements on chemicals. For example, in 2015-16 ECCC led Canada’s participation at the 2015 Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm Conventions and in the 7th session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Canada’s participation at these meetings contributed to advancing international action on chemicals and waste which supports Canada’s objectives of protecting human health and the environment from the risks posed by harmful substances. Progress made at these meetings also contributed to the global goal of achieving the sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle by 2020. ECCC is putting in place the necessary measures for Canada to be in a position to ratify the Minamata Convention, which includes developing regulatory controls on mercury exports.

Program 3.2: Climate Change and Clean Air

Program Description

This program aims to protect the health of Canadians, the environment and Canada’s economy from the harmful effects of air pollutants and the impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, through the development and implementation of regulations and other control measures. Actions are based on sound scientific and economic analysis, and emissions monitoring and reporting. Work under this program includes: continued collaboration with other governments and stakeholders; expert environmental science and technology advice, assessment, and program management in support of technology investment decisions, policy making and regulations; and cooperation with the United States to align GHG regulations as appropriate, reduce transboundary air pollution and advance the development of clean technologies. It also involves participation and negotiation in, and contributions to, international fora, in order to address climate change and transboundary air pollution, and bilateral and multilateral processes in order to support Canada’s positions and objectives. This program includes contributions in support of Climate Change and Clean Air, and grants for implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Continued to collaborate on climate change goals-internationally and at home

Following the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers met in January and March 2016. As a result, First Ministers signed the Vancouver Declaration on Clean Growth and Climate Change and launched the process to develop a pan-Canadian framework for clean growth and climate change by 2017. This framework will define how Canada can meet or exceed its international commitments on climate change. Four working groups were created to report to Ministers in Fall 2016 on specific mitigation measures, adaptation, carbon pricing mechanisms, and technology and innovation.

Collaborated internationally in the fight against climate change

To develop and start preparing for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, ECCC undertook a range of international work to fight climate change, including:

• Represented Canada in multilateral negotiations under the UNFCCC as well as in complementary dialogues established to build consensus on the text of a new global climate agreement, which enabled a successful outcome at the Conference of the Parties in Paris.
• In Fall 2015, Canada pledged $2.65 billion over the next five years to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. As part of this contribution, the Government announced in 2015-16 that it would commit $35 million to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (including $10 million to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Trust Fund) and another $10 million to improve multi-hazard early warning systems in vulnerable communities. Preparations are underway within ECCC to disburse these funds in 2016-17 and onward.
• At the annual Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, worked with the United States and Mexico to advance the “Dubai Pathway” under which all parties agreed to move towards an amendment to  phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016; ECCC also continued to develop domestic regulatory measures for HFCs that align with international commitments.
• Advanced Canada’s priorities and interests in other international fora, including: the G7 and G20; the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate; the Climate and Clean Air Coalition; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; the Global Methane Initiative; the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the Gothenburg Protocol to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and, in international climate and clean air initiatives such as the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition.
• Continued to implement Canada’s environmental agreements with Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Columbia, Panama, Jordan, and Honduras.
• Met Canada’s UNFCCC reporting commitments by submitting Canada’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report.
• Provided climate science advice and data to international climate-related partnerships including the Arctic Council, the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), the UNFCCC and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, for which Canada was named co-Chair in April 2016.
• Provided air quality science advice and data on chemicals of concern to international air quality partnerships including AMAP and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
• Supported Canada’s participation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by providing technical input, advice and analysis on black carbon and methane under the Arctic Council, and on measuring marine vessel energy efficiency and assessing the impacts of vessel air emissions to contribute to negotiations at the IMO.

Continued to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

ECCC continued to implement, develop and consult on regulations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in sectors such as transportation and electricity. The Department:

• Developed Proposed Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicles and Engines Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations.
• Collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the mid-term assessment of 2022-2025 model year standards set under the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations.
• Implemented and administered the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity Regulations for which performance standards came into force on July 1, 2015; and, began to develop regulations in alignment with the U.S. to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.

In collaboration with the U.S. and Mexico (through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation), ECCC worked on a number of projects to reduce GHGs; for example, to improve understanding of various scenarios for reducing GHGs in forestry practices during forest recovery after the mountain pine beetle devastation (central British Columbia).  Working bilaterally through the U.S.-Canada Joint Statement on Climate, Energy and Arctic Leadership, Canada and the U.S. are working on a number of initiatives to reduce GHG emissions.

Collaborated to implement the Air Quality Management System to improve air quality

ECCC continued to collaborate with provinces, territories and stakeholders to implement the Air Quality Management System (AQMS) to better protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this collaborative effort, undertaken through the auspices of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), The Department:

• Contributed to the process to set stronger Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
• Continued to strengthen air quality network planning and identify where new monitoring stations are needed.
• Finalized the Regulations Amending the On-Road Vehicles and Engine Emission Regulations and Other Regulations (Tier 3) and the Regulations Amending the Sulphur in Gasoline Fuel Regulations (Tier 3).
• Developed Proposed Regulations Amending the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emissions Regulations
• Continued the development of new industrial emission requirements for major industrial sectors and types of industrial equipment.
• Shared information and identified areas of joint interest to address emissions from mobile sources (the transportation sector) through the CCME’s Mobile Sources Working Group.
• Worked on the federal implementation of the Base Level Industrial Emissions Requirements (BLIERs) for various equipment types and sectors, including by continuing to work on:
  • the Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations, which will establish, for the first time, mandatory national emission requirements for major industrial sectors  and various types of equipment.
  • codes of practice for the aluminium sector and the iron, steel and ilmenite sector.
  • regulations to limit volatile organic compounds, including petroleum and refinery gases from the petroleum and petrochemical sectors.
  • the Certain Products Regulations and the Code of Practice for emulsified and cutback asphalt to control emissions of volatile organic compounds.
  • approaches to limit air pollutant, including NOx, VOC and NH₃ emissions from the chemical and nitrogen fertilizer sectors.

Developed and applied tools to reduce air pollutant emissions

ECCC continued to develop non-regulatory instruments (such as codes of practice, pollution prevention planning notices, guidelines and performance agreements) to reduce air pollution. For example, the Department finalized codes of practice for the aluminium sector and the iron, steel and ilmenite sector, based on stakeholder comments received on the proposed instruments.

The Department continued to maintain and expand the Single Window Reporting System for the regulatory reporting of air emissions (including GHGs) and established bilateral agreements with current provinces and pursued possible partnerships with others. ECCC made improvements to the System to better meet user needs and reduce their reporting burden.

ECCC developed Canada’s first comprehensive, national synthesis and assessment of scientific mercury research (i.e. the Canadian Mercury Science Assessment), providing baseline measurements that policy-makers and researchers need to understand how changes in mercury emissions and climate affect changes in mercury levels in the environment and in humans.

Continued to collaborate with the U.S. to mitigate climate change, reduce transboundary air pollution and support the transition to a low-carbon economy

• Contributed to a successful negotiation of the Canada-U.S. Joint Statement on Climate, Energy, and Arctic Leadership, which in part sets out an agenda for both countries to collaborate on federal measures to reduce methane, to improve data collection, transparency, research and development, to share knowledge of cost-effective methane reduction technologies and practices, and to jointly endorse the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative. The Joint Statement also includes commitments related to reinforcing cooperative work on implementation of the Paris Agreement, coordinated domestic climate action including regulatory alignment, advancing climate action globally, cooperation on clean energy and a shared Arctic leadership model.
• Advanced joint research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies under the U.S.-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue, which supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.
• Marked 25 years of collaboration to reduce transboundary air pollution under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement and continued this important work while exploring options for updating and strengthening the Agreement.

Program 3.3: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution

Program Description

This program contributes to minimizing damage and threats to the natural environment and biodiversity through the promotion and enforcement of legislation administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Activities focus on pollution, including the release of toxic substances to air, water or land, and the import and export of hazardous waste that presents a risk to the environment and/or human health. The program maintains a contingent of compliance promotion and enforcement officers. Compliance promotion officers deliver activities to increase regulatees’ awareness, understanding and compliance with regulations and other risk management instruments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and Fisheries Act, with the goal of increasing effectiveness in achieving desired environmental results. Compliance promotion officers also provide information on risk management instrument requirements, the benefits of compliance and the potential penalties of non-compliance, when applicable. Enforcement officers gather intelligence, conduct inspections to verify compliance with laws and regulations, and pursue investigations to take appropriate enforcement measures against offenders. The program works with the United States and Mexico through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, to strengthen transboundary environmental enforcement. It provides officer training and information management systems for new regulations and administration, and is informed by scientific analyses and expertise, including science advice to support compliance promotion and enforcement actions.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Promoted compliance with regulations

Under the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) and a number of air-related regulations, ECCC delivered 23 compliance promotion activities on the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations, Renewable Fuels Regulations and Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations, among others. The Department responded to over 1,900 inquiries and responses to questionnaires and tracked all activities in a database of information on 54,250 facilities subject to Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and other air-related regulations and other instruments.

ECCC also promoted compliance with 36 pollution-related regulations and other risk management instruments, reaching 19,000 members of the regulated community through various means (such as workshops, information packages, emails/mail-outs). Compliance promotion efforts focused on geographically dispersed, hard to reach, small and medium-sized enterprises, Indigenous peoples and federal departments. ECCC provided guidance on what is required to comply with the law, the benefits of compliance, and the consequences of non-compliance.

ECCC also worked to raise awareness (in relevant communities) of regulations, codes of practice, pollution prevention plans, and guidelines under its various programs and pieces of legislation, such as the Chemicals Management Plan, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and the Fisheries Act.

Enforcement Activities

ECCC enforced CEPA,1999, the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, and their regulations. ECCC conducted 6,821 inspections and 102 investigations. These activities resulted in 4,102 enforcement measures taken in cases of alleged non-compliance, including 41 convicted subjects and over $5.7 million in penalties.^Footnote 4

Special attention was given to the enforcement of engines regulations to remove non-compliant engines from the market; efforts were also expanded to obtain higher reporting from specific industries to the NPRI in order to improve monitoring of emissions.

The Department’s enforcement activities under the Fisheries Act contributed to the protection of Canada’s freshwater resources.

Identified and advanced enforcement priorities and activities-at home and abroad

ECCC continued to align pollution enforcement resources and activities with priority environmental areas and issues, including: removal of high-risk storage tank systems; improved reporting to the National Pollutant Release Inventory for targeted sectors; increased compliance with environmental sections of the Dry Cleaning Regulations; and the protection of Canada’s freshwater resources. Special attention was devoted to the Wastewater System Effluent Regulations in order to bring regulatees into compliance with their reporting and monitoring obligations. Reporting under these regulations is crucial in gaining a better understanding of wastewater treatment in the country to better inform government action. The Department also collaborated with its U.S. and Mexican enforcement counterparts through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation in order to identify enforcement priority areas.

ECCC contributed environmental considerations which are reflected in Canada’s free trade negotiations and agreements, including the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement and the Trans- Pacific Partnership. The Department also continued to advance Canada’s international environmental objectives through bilateral and regional cooperation agreements such as the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation and bilateral agreements with Latin American Countries.

Internal Services

Description

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided to a specific program. The group of activities are Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services.

Program Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015-16, ECCC’s internal services continued to support program delivery of results against the departmental priorities, while aligning with government-wide implementation of a number of changes and upgrades to the systems and processes. The Department:

• Continued to enhance the functionality of the financial management system (SAP) that included enhanced integrated financial, material and asset functions. The new system improved internal services delivery through the standardization of business processes.
• Migrated to the Government-wide pay system^Footnote 5 (Phoenix). ECCC developed a strategy and provided training and awareness sessions to support employees through the transition to the new system.
• Put into action the ECCC Open Government Implementation Plan, including completing the inventory of the Department’s data holdings and the timetable for publication.
• Continued to apply the workplace 2.0 standards and consolidated its buildings in the National Capital Region, helping ECCC reduce its environmental footprint.
• Worked with 15 partner institutions to manage content and provide publishing and analytics support on the “Environment and Natural Resources” theme section under the canada.ca Web site and carried out preparations for the launch of the new Have Your Say on Climate Change Web page, which facilitates dialogue and sharing of ideas from organizations and individuals to address the climate change challenge.