Archived: Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2015 to 2016 report, Environment and Climate Change Canada, chapter 3

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

1.1.1. Develop domestic climate change strategies aligned with the U.S. as appropriate for Canadian circumstances as part of Canada’s commitment to meet its national GHG emissions target. (ECCC)

1.1.2. Provide analysis and assessments of the environmental performance of new and emerging technologies, and contribute to the oversight of programs, such as Sustainable Development Technology Canada, that advance clean technologies. (ECCC)

1.1.13. Undertake and deliver scientific research, risk assessment and regular reporting in support of regulatory and other programs, including data analysis, inventory development, monitoring, modelling and assessment of the effectiveness of efforts as well as research on options, costs and benefits, and technology assessments. (ECCC)

1.1.14. Undertake modelling, analysis and research, and develop regulatory impact analysis statements in order to support informed federal decision making on policy approaches to reduce GHG emissions and to analyze the economic and competitiveness impacts of policy approaches. (ECCC)

1.1.15. Provide science information and expertise to inform science assessments and reports related to climate change. (ECCC)

1.1.16. Continue to implement and expand the single-window reporting initiative for national releases and emissions reporting. (ECCC)

1.1.17. Continue to develop and implement regulations to reduce GHG emissions from emissions intensive trade exposed (EITE) sectors. (ECCC)

1.1.18. Continue to develop and implement regulations and other instruments to reduce GHG emissions in the electricity sector. (ECCC)

1.1.19. Continue to develop regulations to reduce GHG emissions in the oil and gas sectors. (ECCC)

1.1.29. Continue to work with provincial and territorial governments through a Mobile Sources Working Group (MSWG) to develop an action plan to reduce emissions from the mobile sources sector by sharing information and identifying areas of joint interest among jurisdictions, departments and ministries. (ECCC)

1.1.33. Develop and implement GHG emission regulations for light-duty vehicles (for model years 2017- 2025) and heavy-duty vehicles (for model years 2014-2018) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which will align with those of the United States. (ECCC, TC)

1.1.34. Address GHG emissions from maritime shipping by working with the International Maritime Organization in the development of new international standards and recommended practices for marine vessels, as well as through the implementation of new Canadian regulations, and targeted research and development. (ECCC, TC)

1.1.49. Lead Government of Canada participation in international negotiations at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on climate change for a post-2020 climate change agreement. (ECCC)

1.1.50. Work to implement Canada’s commitments concluded in international climate change negotiations such as mitigation targets and actions; short-and long-term financing; mechanisms for technology and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation; adaptation actions; and provisions for transparency and accountability of climate change actions. (ECCC, NRCan)

1.1.52. Support Canada’s participation in multilateral fora outside of the UNFCCC and ensure that Canada’s international climate change objectives are advanced in international meetings including addressing short-lived climate pollutants (e.g. Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Global Methane Initiative and Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, Major Economies Forum and Arctic Council). (AAFC, ECCC)

1.1.53. Ensure that Canada’s international climate change objectives related to energy and clean technology are advanced in international meetings (e.g. Canada-U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue, UNFCCC, Clean Energy Ministerial). (ECCC, NRCan)

1.1.54. Contribute to the overall functioning of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research and their ongoing work to produce policy-relevant scientific information on climate change. (ECCC)

1.1.55. Work with the U.S. and Mexico under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to address common issues related to climate change and air quality. (ECCC)

1.1.56. Develop and submit a complete and compliant annual national GHG Inventory Report and Common Reporting Format tables to the UNFCCC Secretariat by April 15 to meet UNFCCC reporting requirements. (ECCC)

1.2.12. Support adaptation decision making by providing the foundational science information to understand climate system behaviour, the human influence on climate, and future climate on various spatial and temporal scales. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 3.2.1 Climate Change and Clean Air Regulatory Program; 3.2.1.1 Industrial Sector Emissions; 3.2.1.2 Transportation Sector Emissions; 3.2.2 International Climate Change and Clean Air Partnerships; 3.2.3 Environmental Technology; 2.1.3 Climate Information, Prediction and Tools

2015-16 Results Achieved:

In support of climate change mitigation, the Department:

Climate Change Strategies and Regulations

• Focussed on supporting the government’s objective through planning, implementing and follow-up to the meetings of federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers in January 2016 and the First Ministers’ meeting in March 2016 [1.1.1].
• Continued to implement the Federal Coal-Fired Electricity Generation Regulations, and to engage with provinces, territories and industry toward developing a federal approach for other sectors. The performance standards came into force on July 1, 2015 [1.1.18].
• Began to develop regulations in alignment with the U.S. to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas sectors and conducted analysis on possible approaches to emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industrial sectors [1.1.17 & 1.1.19].
• Continued development of a second phase regulations to further reduce GHG emissions from on-road heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers in alignment with proposed U.S. heavy duty vehicle standards; as well conducted an analysis in support of the mid-term evaluation of 2022-2015 model year standards set under the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [1.1.33].
• Operated a comprehensive program to administer two GHG regulations for on-road heavy-duty vehicles and light-duty vehicles, including vehicle and engine testing to verify compliance [1.1.33].
• Continued collaboration with provinces and territories on implementation of the Action Plan for the Mobile Sources Working Group on initiatives to address emissions from mobile sources with a focus on advanced vehicle technologies as a priority area [1.1.29].

Science, Analysis and Monitoring

• Tracking of GHG emissions from large (mostly industrial) facilities, collected through the GHG Emissions Reporting Program.
  • 574 facilities reported a combined total of 264 million tonnes of GHG emissions for the 2014 calendar year [1.1.13].
• Developed and made accessible via the web, the report “Climate Data and Scenarios for Canada: Synthesis of Recent Observation and Modelling Results” as a resource with a specific focus on historical and future climate change across Canada [1.1.13].
• Undertook a number of Regulatory Impact Analysis Statements examining GHG regulations to analyze the economic and competitiveness impacts of policy approaches and regulations aimed at reducing GHG emissions [1.1.14].
• Continued to maintain and expand the Single Window Reporting System, implement bilateral agreements with existing partners (ON, BC, AB, NB) and engaged with other provinces (SK, MB, NS, NLFD) on potential interest in using the Single Window system for reporting of national GHG emissions [1.1.16].
• Developed and submitted a complete and compliant annual National GHG Inventory Report (NIR) and Common Reporting Format tables to the UNFCCC Secretariat on April 14 as well as Canada’s Second Biennial Report^Footnote 5 [1.1.56].
• Through Sustainable Development Technology Canada, disbursed funds to eligible recipients on an as-needed basis, as well as a total of $110.4 million in 2015. The 73 completed projects reported annual emissions reductions of: approximately 6.3 megatonnes of GHG; 3,782 tonnes of sulphur dioxide; 7,742 tonnes of nitrogen dioxide; 425 tonnes of particulate matter; and 428 tonnes of volatile organic compounds [1.1.2].

International Engagement and Commitments

• Led a broad and inclusive Canadian delegation to the UNFCCC negotiations which lead to the Paris Agreement. Following the Conference, opened discussions with the provinces and territories on a pan-Canadian framework to meet or exceed Canada’s international climate change commitments [1.1.49].
• Advocated for robust implementation measures relating to climate change mitigation, adaptation and support in continuing negotiations on the Paris Agreement at the UNFCCC. Supported the implementation of Canada’s commitment to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change through $2.65 billion in climate finance over five years. Initiated internal processes to disburse these funds in 2016-17 and beyond [1.1.50].
• Initiated work to implement the commitments under the Canada-U.S. Joint Statement on Climate, Energy, and Arctic Leadership including collaborative work to implement the historic Paris Agreement; share lessons learned on carbon pricing; and develop federal measures to reduce methane, to improve data collection, transparency, and 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 [1.1.52].
• Became co-Chair of the working group for the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), a voluntary international coalition of governments, international organizations, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to reduce short-lived climate pollutants such as methane and black carbon [1.1.52].
• Joined international climate and initiatives including the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition and committed to support the UNFCCC Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency. [1.1.52]
• Continued to advance clean energy technologies to reduce GHG emissions and the transition to a low-carbon economy through the U.S.-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue, including over 50 projects either completed or underway. The department concluded the U.S.-Canada Joint Statement on Climate Energy and Arctic leadership which sets out an agenda for environmental cooperation for both countries [1.1.53].
• Continued to advance the scientific work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), including the launch of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report cycle, and delivered Canada’s financial contributions to the IPCC ($210,000) and the IAI (US$159,000) [1.1.54].
• Developed and implemented a number of Commission for Environmental Cooperation projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through measuring carbon sinks in forests and coastal habitats, reducing food waste and improving organic solid waste practices, as well as helping communities adapt to extreme heat [1.1.55].

Climate Change Adaptation

• As part of Canada’s unprecedented $2.65 billion climate finance pledge, initiated work on the Government’s $10 million contribution to the World Meteorological Organization to support the improvement of the Climate Risk Early Warning System in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities [1.2.12].
• Enhanced the Canadian Earth System Climate Model to improve representation of the ocean, sea ice and short-lived climate pollutants, as well as enhanced the effectiveness and application of long-term aerosol measurements as part of the atmospheric monitoring network for greenhouse gases [1.2.12].

For activities pertaining to Implementation Strategy 1.1.34, please refer to related information under Target 2.1, Implementation Strategy 2.1.21.

2015-16 Clean Air Agenda (CAA) Financial Resources:

Analysis in Support of Regulations	Planned Spending: $ 5,507,651 Actual Spending: $ 4,091,462
Atmospheric research, monitoring and modelling	Planned Spending: $ 18,189,673 Actual Spending: $ 17,357,362
Cross-cutting analysis	Planned Spending: $ 3,127,605 Actual Spending: $ 3,761,691
Cross-cutting data collection and reporting	Planned Spending: $ 3,074,563 Actual Spending: $ 1,353,435
Data collection and reporting for GHGs	Planned Spending: $ 7,753,402 Actual Spending: $ 5,754,370
Electricity regulations	Planned Spending: $ 1,102,287 Actual Spending: $ 3,080,557
Emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) regulations	Planned Spending: $ 3,087,533 Actual Spending: $ 3,326,989
Greenhouse gas policy	Planned Spending: $ 4,593,750 Actual Spending: $ 2,967,104
Oil and gas regulations	Planned Spending: $ 2,501,361 Actual Spending: $ 4,173,917
Transportation regulations	Planned Spending: $ 9,476,074 Actual Spending: $ 11,862,391
Climate Change Prediction and Scenarios Program	Planned Spending: $ 5,776,810 Actual Spending: $ 5,289,559
Marine Sector Regulatory Initiative	Planned Spending: $ 1,784,159 Actual Spending: $ 1,389,420
International climate change participation and negotiations	Planned Spending: $ 4,529,463 Actual Spending: $ 4,002,741
Engagement and alignment with United States	Planned Spending: $ 846,254 Actual Spending: $ 626,289
International climate obligations	Planned Spending: $ 338,973 Actual Spending: $ 421,180

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

2.1.9. Provide analysis and assessments of the environmental performance of new and emerging technologies, and contribute to the oversight of programs, such as Sustainable Development Technology Canada, that advance clean technologies. (ECCC)

2.1.10. Work with the U.S. and Mexico under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to strengthen environmental enforcement. (ECCC)

2.1.11. Communicate outdoor air pollution health risks to Canadians through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which provides current and forecast air-quality information and advice on health risks in order to assist Canadians in making decisions on how to reduce their level of exposure. Continue development of the AQHI and continue implementation in all provinces and major communities in the North to achieve access for 80% of the Canadian population. (ECCC, HC)

2.1.12. Track releases of harmful substances under the National Pollutant Release Inventory in accordance with Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (ECCC)

2.1.13. Undertake and deliver scientific research, monitoring, modelling, testing, data analysis and science advice to inform regulations, policies, programs, science assessments, and services as well as to evaluate effectiveness of actions. (ECCC, HC)

2.1.14. Characterize the impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and wildlife in order to evaluate the impact of regulations and inform regulatory development. (ECCC)

2.1.15. Using the National Pollutant Release Inventory and other data sources, prepare and submit Air Pollutant Emission Inventory to meet domestic needs and international reporting requirements. (ECCC)

2.1.16. Undertake modelling, analysis and research, and develop regulatory impact analysis statements in order to support informed federal decision making on policy approaches to reduce air pollutant emissions and to analyze the economic and competitiveness impacts of policy approaches. (ECCC)

2.1.17. Begin to deliver scientific information and advice required to better understand the impacts of the oil sands sector on air quality and deposition of atmospheric contaminants into aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. (ECCC)

2.1.19. Continue to work collaboratively with provinces, territories and stakeholders to implement the Air Quality Management System, which includes new ambient air quality standards, a framework for managing air quality through local air zones and regional airsheds, and emissions requirements for major industrial sectors and equipment types. (ECCC, HC)

2.1.20. Work with other jurisdictions, including the U.S. under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement (AQA) to undertake regional and international efforts to manage transboundary air pollution of concern for Canadians and their environment. This includes work towards the completion of the necessary scientific, technical and regulatory foundations required for the consideration of a Particulate Matter Annex under the AQA. (ECCC, HC)

2.1.21. Address air pollutant emissions from maritime shipping by working with the International Maritime Organization in the development of new international standards and recommended practices for marine vessels, as well as through the implementation of new Canadian regulations, and targeted research and development. (ECCC, TC)

2.1.23. Target control measures on volatile organic compounds in some consumer and commercial products. (ECCC)

2.1.24. Continue to develop, implement and administer emission standards to reduce air pollutants in the transportation sector. (ECCC)

2.1.25. Continue to develop, implement and administer emission standards to reduce air pollutants in the major industrial sectors and equipment types. (ECCC)

2.1.28. Continue to promote a North American proposal to phase-down emissions of hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol and develop complementary domestic regulations where appropriate. (ECCC)

2.1.29. Deliver compliance promotion activities for key regulatory initiatives. (ECCC)

2.1.30. Revise domestic ozone-depleting substances regulations in support of the Montreal Protocol commitment to accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 2.1.2 Health-related Meteorological Information; 3.1.1 Substances Management; 3.2.1 Climate Change and Clean Air Regulatory Program; 3.2.1.1 Industrial Emissions; 3.2.1.2 Transportation Emissions; 3.2.2 International Climate Change and Clean Air Partnerships; 3.2.3 Environmental Technology; 3.3 Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of initiatives to improve and maintain Canada’s outdoor air quality, including:

Emission Standards and Control Measures

• Finalized the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations and Regulations Amending the Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations, in alignment with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3 vehicle standards (Canada Gazette, Part II - July 24, 2015).
  • Respectively, these regulations established more stringent air pollutant emission standards for new cars, light-duty trucks, and certain heavy-duty vehicles of the 2017 and later model years; and they help reduce the allowable sulphur content in Gasoline respectively [2.1.24].
• Operated a comprehensive program to administer four vehicle and engine emission regulations, including vehicle and engine testing to verify compliance [2.1.24].
• Following the 60-day comment period on the proposed Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations and proposed Codes of Practice for the Aluminium sector and the Iron, Steel and Ilmenite, recommended amendments to the proposed Regulations and the Codes of Practice for implementation in the final instruments where appropriate [2.1.25].
• Continued to target control measures for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in some consumer and commercial products such as solvents, which account for approximately 33% of all VOC emissions.
  • Published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, May 2016, for a 60-day comment period, a proposed order to add certain substances to the list of excluded VOCs that do not contribute significantly to the formation of ground-level ozone.
  • Published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, March 2016, for a 60-day comment period, a proposed Code of Practice for the Reduction of VOC Emissions from the Use of Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt [2.1.23].

Science and Analysis

• Conducted research and monitoring activities on the levels and effects of contaminants of atmospheric origin on the health of wildlife in Canada’s eastern Arctic, Atlantic coast and Gulf of St. Lawrence; and developed sensitive biomarkers to assess exposure to priority atmospheric contaminants [2.1.14].
• Published approximately 50 peer-reviewed publications, which highlighted research results related to atmospheric processes, air quality prediction models, and health impacts from air pollutants and emissions, including in the oil sands region in support of the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring, in the Arctic in support of northern priorities, and in Toronto in support of the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games [2.1.13 & 2.1.17].
• Developed and published summary documents associated with the Canadian Mercury Science Assessment, the first comprehensive evaluation of mercury in the Canadian environment. The full assessment will be published in fiscal year 2016-17. In addition, assessed 63 toxic air pollutants, comparing their measured concentrations to ambient air quality guidelines from Canadian jurisdictions [2.1.13 & 2.1.17].
• Developed regulatory impact analysis statements on Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations and Small Sparks Ignition engines in order to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches to reduce air pollutant emissions and to analyze the economic and competitiveness impacts of policy approaches [2.1.16].

Tracking and Information Sharing

• Under the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), continued to collect and publish data - along with interpretations and trend analysis, and in various searchable formats - from almost 8,000 facilities across Canada on their releases, disposals and transfers for recycling of air pollutants and other toxic substances [2.1.12].
• In addition to the NPRI, the Air Pollutant Emission Inventory, Black Carbon Inventory, and the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory were used to inform a number of domestic and international reporting obligations under the Arctic Council (emissions of black carbon) and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollutants^Footnote 6 [2.1.15].
• Continued to implement the Air Quality Management System (AQMS) in collaboration with provinces, territories and stakeholders including development of new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for sulphur dioxide (pending promulgation under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999) and nitrogen dioxide [2.1.19].
• Communicated outdoor air pollution health risks to Canadians through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
  • Expanded the AQHI program in Ontario and the Northwest Territories - for a total of 111 sites across Canada reaching 26.5 million Canadians.
  • In July and August 2015, provided timely venue-specific weather forecasts, watches, warnings, advisories and consultations for the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.
  • Continued to work with provincial and territorial partners through the National Air Pollution Surveillance network to modernize Canada’s data collection and transmission infrastructure in order to improve the timely delivery of data used for AQHI forecasts. The Department also implemented a new tool to improve spatial and temporal representation of air quality levels in support of the AQHI [2.1.11].

International Partnerships and Commitments

• Under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement, a joint Transboundary Particulate Matter Science Assessment and a new joint work plan on oil and gas emissions were completed - building on the success of the ongoing Collaboration on Emissions from Vehicles, Engines and Fuels Strategic Work Plan [2.1.20].
• Provided technical advice to Transport Canada on emission reduction approaches, and completed a fourth year of a multi-year work-plan to assess the impacts of marine shipping emissions in the Canadian Arctic [2.1.21];
• 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 [2.1.21].
• Negotiated a pathway forward for the Montreal Protocol under which Parties agreed to work towards an amendment to phase-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016, thereby avoiding future emissions.
  • Accordingly, conducted stakeholder consultations on domestic regulatory measures on HFCs to inform the development of the proposed measures, consistent with North American efforts under the Montreal Protocol [2.1.28].
  • Finalized the revisions to the domestic regulations on ozone-depleting substances, consistent with Canada’s commitment to accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol [2.1.30].

Compliance Promotion and Enforcement

• Compliance promotion officers increased regulatees’ awareness on nine Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) and seven other air-related regulations through various activities, delivered 23 multi-instrument measures, and responded to over 1,900 inquiries. The Department’s database was also updated to contain information on 54,250 facilities subject to air-related (including CARA) risk management instruments [2.1.29].
• Under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s Enforcement Working Group, engaged in cooperative activities with its counterparts at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection and Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources.
  • Completed majority of its commitments under the two-year strategic plan and actively participated in INTERPOL’s Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Committee to provide strategic advice on relevant issues and to harness global support [2.1.10].

For activities pertaining to Implementation Strategy 2.1.9, please refer to related information under Target 1.1, Implementation Strategy 1.1.2.

2015-16 Clean Air Agenda (CAA) Financial Resources:

Atmospheric pollutants policy	Planned Spending: $ 2,829,079 Actual Spending: $ 1,381,711
Data collection and reporting for atmospheric pollutants	Planned Spending: $ 8,166,545 Actual Spending: $ 8,645,665
Health and environmental impacts of air pollutants	Planned Spending: $ 3,179,332 Actual Spending: $ 3,289,169
Science integration, accountability and benefits of action	Planned Spending: $ 788,920 Actual Spending: $ 716,851
Consumer and commercial products regulations	Planned Spending: $ 277,900 Actual Spending: $ 639,973
Oil sands science	Planned Spending: $ 2,842,011 Actual Spending: $ 2,875,075
Compliance promotion and enforcement	Planned Spending: $ 6,671,795 Actual Spending: $ 5,721,235
Electricity regulations	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.
Emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) regulations	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.
Oil and gas regulations	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.
Marine Sector Regulatory Initiative	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.
Transportation regulations	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.
Analysis in Support of Regulations	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.
Atmospheric research, monitoring and modelling	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.
Cross-cutting analysis	Please refer to Target 1.1 for the total departmental spending on this CAA program.

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

3.3.1. Provide leadership, oversight, coordination and governance for the Great Lakes by managing, delivering, and reporting on the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA), the Great Lakes Nutrient Initiative, and the Canada-Ontario Agreement. (DFO, ECCC)

The plans and strategies on evolving historic issues and issues of emerging concern include:

• Nutrients - Fulfilling obligations to address phosphorus loads to the Great Lakes.
• Habitat and species - Fulfilling obligations to address habitat and species protection.
• Chemicals of mutual concern - Fulfilling obligations to reduce or eliminate the use and release of chemicals of concern (mutually agreed to for action by Canada and the U.S.) using approaches that are accountable, adaptive and science-based.
• Climate change impacts - Fulfilling obligations to identify and quantify climate change impacts on water quality.

3.3.2. Partner with Canadian and U.S. federal, state, tribal, provincial and municipal governments, First Nations, Metis, watershed management agencies, and other local public agencies to implement Remedial Action Plans and Lakewide Action and Management Plans in order to improve environmental quality and achieve the vision of a healthy and prosperous Great Lakes region. This includes funding from the Great Lakes Action Plan to coordinate Remedial Action Plans, providing technical and financial support through the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund to clean up and restore the Areas of Concern, and remediating contaminated sediment in Areas of Concern with funding from the Action Plan for Clean Water. (ECCC)

3.3.4. Release reports regularly on State of the Great Lakes environmental indicators, Progress Report of the Parties (Canada-U.S.), updates for Lakewide Action and Management Plans and a report on groundwater science. (ECCC)

3.3.5. Coordinate with the U.S. scientific research and monitoring activities in the Great Lakes in order to fulfill the obligations of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. (ECCC)

3.3.6. Deliver and report on Great Lakes results federally-provincially, between the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario through the Canada-Ontario Agreement and binationally between Canada and the U.S. through the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. (ECCC)

3.6.1. Provide financial and technical support through the Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund to implement priority projects aimed at reducing phosphorus inputs, conserving aquatic habitat and species, and enhancing research and monitoring capacity essential to the restoration of the Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay Basin watersheds. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.3.4 Great Lakes; 1.3.6 Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of initiatives to support a healthy and prosperous Great Lakes region, including:

Great Lakes

• Provided leadership and overall governance for the 2012 Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) on behalf of the Government of Canada by acting as the Canadian Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Executive Committee (GLEC) and the GLEC Secretariat.
  • Developed and adopted new Canada-United States phosphorus load reduction targets, which call for a 40% reduction in phosphorus loads compared to a 2008 baseline, to combat Lake Erie algal blooms; and in collaboration with the Ontario government, completed a review of policy options to address these targets.
  • Released report on the state of climate change science in the Great Lakes Basin [3.3.1].
• Continued to lead and coordinate the implementation of the 2014 Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great lakes Quality and Ecosystem Health on behalf of the Government of Canada - leading on 11 of the 14 issue annexes (Nutrients, Harmful Pollutants, Areas of Concern, Lakewide Management, Habitats and Species, Groundwater Quality, Climate Change Impacts, Science, Engaging Communities, Engaging Métis, and Engaging First Nations) [3.3.6].
• Working with the United States and the Province of Ontario, completed the development of a Nearshore Framework for comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impacts of multiple stressors acting on the nearshore waters of the Great Lakes [3.3.5].
• In collaboration with the Ontario government and local partners, began construction and clean-up of the largest contaminated sediment remediation project in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes: Randle Reef in Hamilton Harbour. The project is expected to be complete in 2022 [3.3.2].

Reports and Information Sharing

• Began preparation of the Progress Report of the Parties, which will document binational and domestic actions taken against key commitments from the Articles and Annexes of the 2012 GLWQA over the first three years (i.e. 2013-2016). The final Report will be publicly released in advance of the Great Lakes Public Forum in October 2016 [3.3.4].
• Published 2015 Annual Reports on the Lakewide Action and Management Plan for each Great Lake; and drafted Great Lakes indicator reports and draft assessments for indicator categories and general objectives, in preparation for State of the Great Lakes reporting in autumn 2016.
• Drafted GLWQA report on relevant and available groundwater science [3.3.4].

Funding

• Through the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, contributed $2.85 million supporting 35 new projects to restore environmental quality including projects to restore fish populations and wildlife habitat, clean-up of contaminated sediment, and control pollution from municipal wastewater, urban storm water and rural run-off in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The funds leveraged more than $6 million from non-federal sources for a total investment of nearly $10 million [3.6.1].
• Through Contribution Agreements, provided $435,310 to 10 projects to support: biodiversity conservation; assessments of watersheds, wetlands, and the nearshore; engagement of First Nations and stakeholders; habitat restoration; and the promotion of best management practices for nutrient management to improve water quality and ecosystem health [3.6.1].

Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay

• Through the Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund, committed $3.6 million to 32 new (Round 3) projects in its third year of funding; together, these projects will leverage an additional $5.1 million from non-federal partners to undertake priority actions to reduce phosphorus inputs, conserve aquatic habitat, and carry out research and monitoring to improve information for decision-making. For Round 4 of the initiative, ECCC initiated the call for proposals, review and approvals for projects to be funded [3.6.1].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

3.5.1. Provide leadership, oversight, and coordination to the overall governance of the St. Lawrence Action Plan and report results achieved between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec. (ECCC)

3.5.2. Establish cooperative partnerships between the federal and provincial governments to address biodiversity conservation, water quality improvement and sustainability of beneficial uses, and support stakeholder participation in collaboration processes and communities in improving environmental quality through Grants and Contribution Agreements. (ECCC)

3.5.3. Conduct and coordinate prediction and monitoring activities in the St. Lawrence with other federal and provincial departments and release reports regularly on the State of the St. Lawrence and factsheets on 21 environmental indicators. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.3.5. St. Lawrence

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities in support of the St. Lawrence River objectives, including:

• As the federal lead to implement the St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011-2026, completed the first five-year cycle of the Plan with federal and provincial partners, released (April 2015) the Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence 2014, and reported progress on 47 joint projects and activities to address three priority issues: biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and improved water quality [3.5.1].
• Maintained, through the St. Lawrence Action Plan, a solid foundation for Canada-Québec collaboration in such areas as the use of the St. Lawrence River as an economic lever, and developing measures to strengthen Canada’s marine oil spill system [3.5.2].
  • Continued to provide financial support for the 13 committees of the Priority Intervention Zones program [Zones d’intervention prioritaire (ZIP)] and Stratégie Saint-Laurent that support efforts in improving water quality in the St. Lawrence, and funded 20 community projects aimed at conserving and improving the St. Lawrence ecosystem under the Community Interaction Program (CIP).
  • Under the Area of Prime Concern ZIP Program, funded Stratégies Saint-Laurent and 13 ZIP committees to support stakeholder participation in collaborative processes, and communities in improving the environmental quality of the St. Lawrence.
• Developed tools to support the management of waters in the St. Lawrence and its basin and continued to monitor the state of the river, providing regular State of the St. Lawrence reports and updates (factsheets). Monitoring sheets published in 2015-16 addressed water quality in marine shellfish areas, Fluvial Sector, Richelieu and Yamaska Rivers, and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga Whale and Great Blue Heron [3.5.3].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

3.7.1. The Lake Winnipeg Basin Management Office will coordinate and manage the activities of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative, work with existing water governance bodies, explore options and opportunities to cooperatively develop and support the implementation of a basin-wide nutrient strategy, and provide 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 ensure the sustainability and health of the Lake Winnipeg Basin. (ECCC)

3.7.2. Provide financial and technical support, through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund, to projects having concrete, demonstrable results to reduce pollutants and, in particular, nutrient loads, throughout the Lake Winnipeg Basin. (ECCC)

3.7.3. Conduct science and monitoring activities required to understand the relationship between ecology and nutrient cycling and the sources and transport mechanisms for nutrients within Lake Winnipeg and its sub watersheds. This information helps inform the development of nutrient objectives and performance indicators for Lake Winnipeg. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.3.7 Lake Winnipeg

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC worked towards achieving reduced nutrient loads in the Lake Winnipeg basin by:

1. Using existing governance mechanisms to cooperatively develop and support the implementation of a basin-wide nutrient management strategy;
2. Continuing to collaboratively work with the Province of Manitoba through the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg [3.7.1].

Financial and Technical Support

• Negotiated contribution agreements under the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund for action that will reduce nutrient loading in Lake Winnipeg and its basin. In total, $497,000 was allocated to successful applicants and $1.5 million was leveraged from other stakeholders ($3.05 for every dollar from the Fund) [3.7.2].
• Provided financial support for the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium for the operation of the MV Namao, the only research and monitoring vessel operating in Lake Winnipeg, and the University of Manitoba’s Lake Winnipeg Basin Information Network, a web-based information-sharing portal for lake-related science [3.7.3].

Science

• Continued core monitoring on all Lake Winnipeg major tributaries and identifying sources and impacts of nutrient loadings to advance the remediation of water quality in Lake Winnipeg [3.7.3].
• Developed eutrophication-related indicators to summarize the ecological health of Lake Winnipeg, track and describe changes in nutrient concentrations in the Lake and provide performance measurements for ecologically relevant nutrient objectives [3.7.3].
• Conducted research studies on impacts of human activities on the delivery of nutrients in Lake Winnipeg tributaries and on knowledge gaps in nutrient processing in Lake Winnipeg [3.7.3].
• Developed an integrated modelling framework for Lake Winnipeg to develop predictive capabilities and evaluate a range of nutrient management scenarios in support of reducing nutrient loads in Lake Winnipeg and its basin [3.7.3].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

3.9.1. Complementary to 3.8.1, set the regulatory frameworks through domestic legislation and international conventions that govern the protection of the marine environment from pollution from disposal at sea, and advance Canadian positions that can influence global rules towards reducing and managing global marine pollution from all sources. (ECCC)

3.9.2. Contribute to reducing pollution from disposal at sea through permit assessment and monitoring to ensure sustainability in compliance with Canadian legislation such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (ECCC)

3.10.4. Working with provincial colleagues through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, produce a guidance manual for developing nutrient objectives for rivers, and identify additional opportunities for research on mitigating excess nutrients in Canadian waters. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 3.1.3 Marine Pollution

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities to protect Canada’s marine environment from pollution, including:

• Delivered on international and domestic obligations under the London Convention and London Protocol [3.9.1]:
  • Acted as Vice-Chair to the London Protocol Compliance Group;
  • Continued the development of a strategy for the domestic implementation of marine geo-engineering amendments of the London Protocol, enabling Canada to ratify the amendments;
  • Continued to assess placement and disposal at sea regimes to support updating of requirements under the Protocol;
• Continued to participate in the Madrid Protocol regarding Antarctic Environmental Protection and provided advice to Transport Canada related to marine pollution from shipping [3.9.1].
• In consultation with the public and Indigenous people, assessed and delivered 75 disposal at sea permits and four Antarctic expeditions permits [3.9.2].
• Conducted 13 regional disposal at sea monitoring studies, including sediment sampling and sediment toxicology, to ensure the use of disposal sites remain sustainable; and continued to improve guidance for permit applicants by adding new information online and new policy guidance to facilitate permit assessment [3.9.2].

Activities under Implementation Strategy 3.10.4 have been completed.

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

3.11.1. Administer the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations to reduce the threats to fish, fish habitat, and human health from fish consumption. (ECCC)

3.11.2. Continue to work with the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador on minimum effluent quality standards for wastewater effluent for the far north. (ECCC)

3.11.3. Administer the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act to control or manage the deposit of selected deleterious substances into water to protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems. (ECCC)

3.11.4. Administer the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act to control or manage the deposit of selected deleterious substances into water to protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 3.1.2 Environmental Emergencies

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities to reduce the risks posed by wastewater and industrial effluent, including:

• Continued to administer the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER) and manage reporting through the web-based reporting system. Intergovernmental cooperation was essential to establishing long-term partnerships, as well as to the WSER bilateral agreements made with Yukon, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, which reduced administrative regulatory burden and duplication [3.11.1].
• Through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Working Group on wastewater, discussed additional analysis regarding risk level criteria, performance standards, monitoring, and reporting on wastewater in the North [3.11.2].
• Continued to administer the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER), which included completing the 10-year review of the Regulations through consultations with industry, environmental and Indigenous organizations on proposed changes. The Department began development of proposed amendments to the MMER, which include expanding the regulations to include diamond mines, as well as development of a possible regulatory approach for coal mines [3.11.3].
• Continued to administer the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, including promoting compliance and providing advice for the pulp and paper sector on the regulatory and environmental effects monitoring requirements [3.11.4].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

3.12.1. Deliver, with the Atlantic provinces, collaborative environmental initiatives that advance long-term coordinated approaches to water management that ensure the sustainability and health of water resources in Atlantic Canada. (ECCC)

3.12.3. Collaborate with the Government of Alberta and stakeholders to implement an industry-funded integrated approach to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on the significance of environmental contaminant pathways in air and water, biological effects, and impacts of habitat disturbance as described in the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring. (ECCC)

3.12.4. Collect and disseminate hydrological data and knowledge through the Water Survey of Canada, in order to help Canadian jurisdictions make water management decisions that ensure health and safety and support economic efficiency. (ECCC)

3.12.7. Continue to engage in domestic water boards (e.g. Prairie Provinces Water Board and Mackenzie River Basin Board) and international water boards (e.g. International Joint Commission) to coordinate on trans-boundary water issues with other Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial agencies and relevant U.S. counterparts. (ECCC)

3.12.8. Continue to work through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment towards a national approach to assess groundwater sustainability in order to support integrated water management decisions at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels. (ECCC)

3.12.9. Conduct research and monitoring to advance knowledge on the state of Canada’s watersheds. (ECCC)

3.12.10. Continue to cooperate on ecosystem initiatives such as lake evaporation in the Okanagan ecosystem and sustainability indicators that incorporate First Nations traditional knowledge in the Salish Sea ecosystem. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.2.1 Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems Health; 1.2.2. Water Resource Management and Use; 1.2.3. Hydrometric Services; 1.3.8. Ecosystem Partnerships

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of measures and services to support the management and sustainable use of Canada’s water resources, including:

Data Collection and Monitoring

• Acquired, produced and disseminated data and information on water levels and flows for 2,800 active federally-operated hydrometric stationson rivers and lakes across Canada, and increased its capacity for near real-time transmission of data from 1920 to 1935 hydrometric stations. The latter and related analyses supported provincial and territorial decision-making for flood prevention and mitigation and water resource management [3.12.4].
• Created a hydrometric folder on the Data Mart to increase the accessibility of hydrometric data in a format designed the direct import to provincial and territorial websites, models, and flood mitigation systems [3.12.9].
• Conducted and operationalized several hydrological and forecasting models to advance knowledge on the state of Canada’s watersheds. These included a hydrological model to estimate scenarios of river flow up to ten days out; a hydrological forecasting model for Lake of the Woods to support preparation and response during flood events; and hydrodynamic models at the Canadian Centre for Meteorological and Environmental Prediction in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence system [3.12.9].

Partnerships and Collaborations

• Continued work to engage water boards on trans-boundary water issues, including by:
  • providing in-kind contributions and operational funding for domestic and international water management boards, including the International Joint Commission (IJC)-led boards;
  • undertaking special projects and providing technical expertise in support of the IJC boards and committees particularly related to the Milk River basin, the International Rainy - Namakan Lake Rule Curves Study Board, and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management (GLAM) Committee; and,
  • supporting projects conducted by the Prairie Provinces Water Board including a review of apportionment procedures for the North Saskatchewan River, the Cold River, and the Saskatchewan River basins [3.12.7].
• Continued to provide technical groundwater/hydrogeology input to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment groundwater sub-committee and assisted with the successful completion of a guidance document to support the implementation of groundwater sustainability indicators [3.12.8].
• Continued to implement the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring program, in collaboration with the Government of Alberta and stakeholders, for a more integrated and comprehensive suite of ambient environmental monitoring of water, as well as air, biodiversity, land disturbance, wildlife contaminants and toxicology - generating more data for a greater range of environmental stressors, sampled at a higher frequency and over a broader geographic area.
  • Improvements in monitoring enhanced ECCC and partners’ ability to detect low level effects, important for increased confidence and credibility in identifying and tracking any trends and anticipating potential future effects in the Oil Sands region and beyond [3.12.3].

Funding and Support

• Provided $300,000 in funding, through the Gulf of Maine Initiative, to enhance collaboration, facilitate research, and improve knowledge sharing in support of conservation and sustainable development in the Canadian part of the transboundary Gulf of Maine. This initiative delivered on common federal, provincial and stakeholder priorities, including water quality and the sustainable management of water resources [3.12.1].
• Provided $1.2 million in funding, through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives, to collaborative initiatives which address shared federal-provincial priorities throughout the four Atlantic Provinces. The majority of projects supported improvements to water quality and enhanced watersheds through identification and assessment of threats to water resources, water quality monitoring and research, and development of ecosystem management tools and management plans [3.12.1].
• Allocated over $220,000 in contributions to partner groups across British Columbia and the Yukon to support informed decision-making in the region. Projects focused on: developing and implementing tools and indicators to support conservation of wetlands and ecosystem biodiversity; developing methods to determine environmental flows needs for priority Okanagan streams; and developing ecosystem health indicators that integrate Indigenous traditional knowledge into existing datasets [3.12.10].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

4.1.2. Work with the U.S. and Mexico under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to strengthen wildlife enforcement. (ECCC)

4.1.3. Support the development of Aboriginal knowledge and expertise in dealing with species at risk, so that Aboriginal peoples can actively participate in the conservation and recovery of listed species and protect and recover critical habitat or habitat important for species at risk on First Nations reserves or on land and waters traditionally used by Aboriginal peoples. (ECCC)

4.1.4. Engage Canadians in conservation actions to conserve biodiversity through protecting or conserving habitats for species at risk by promoting the participation of local communities to help with the recovery of species at risk, and prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern to meet regional and national priorities. (ECCC)

4.1.5. Continue to lead and cooperate under the National Recovery Program (RENEW) with provinces and territories, consistent with the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk. (ECCC)

4.1.6. Fulfill the federal government’s obligations under the Species at Risk Act to evaluate populations and to add, reclassify or remove species listed under the Act and plan for their recovery. This includes the general administration of the Act (including an annual report to Parliament, issuance of permits under the Act, support for the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, and maintenance of a public registry). (ECCC)

4.1.7. Fulfill Canada’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora through the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act by helping to ensure that the status of no species is threatened by international trade. (ECCC)

4.1.8. Enhance the implementation of the Species at Risk Act within DFO and EC to protect and recover species at risk relative to their respective mandates by preparing recovery strategies, and management and action plans as applicable. (DFO, ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.1.2. Species at Risk; 1.4. Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities in minimizing risks to populations of species at risk, including:

Domestic and international obligations

• Made significant progress in preparing recovery strategies and management plans for species at risk. The Department published proposed recovery strategies and management plans for 57 and final documents for 46 species [4.1.6].
• Prepared a proposed action plan for one species and final action plans for 2 species, published on the Species at Risk Public Registry and began consultations for 19 terrestrial species to be added to Schedule 1 and 6 species to be reclassified [4.1.6].
• Supported the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada in assessing the status of 45 wildlife species, and participated in the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk meetings to support wildlife conservation and recovery by providing advice to the Minister on the administration of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) [4.1.6].
• Reviewed and issued 30 permits under SARA, and 146 SARA-compliant permits affecting threatened and endangered migratory bird species under the Migratory Birds Convention Act [4.6.1].
• Continued to protect critical habitat for 12 species in 5 National Wildlife Areas and 2 national parks [4.1.8].
• Continued to advance Canadian interests through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including work concerning species with clear conservation risks and provision of expertise to development of a guideline on evaluation of risks posed by trade to species at risk [4.1.7].
• Provided expertise and advice to coordinate federal, provincial and territorial efforts and to advance recovery programs for Species at risk [4.1.5].

Funding and Engagement

• Provided funding through the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk for:
  • 71 Indigenous organizations to carry out initiatives in support of conservation and protection of Canada’s biodiversity through species recovery planning, habitat protection, and overall conservation and capacity-building.
  • 25 Indigenous organizations to take actions to reduce the risk of priority species from becoming conservation concern [4.1.3].
• Provided funding through the Habitat Stewardship Program for:
  • 96 new projects and 73 previously approved multi-year projects, involving 151 unique funding recipients and a total of $12.1 million, contributing to the conservation and the protection of species at risk.
  • 73 new projects and 3 previously approved multi-year projects, involving 69 unique recipients and a total of $3.1 million, to reduce the risk of other priority species from becoming a conservation concern [4.1.4].

Wildlife Enforcement

• Advanced trilateral cooperation between Canada, U.S. and Mexico through the meeting of the Enforcement Working Table of the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife & Ecosystem Conservation and Management by identifying priorities on:
  • expanding collaboration for increased info-sharing on population-based genetic analysis;
  • identifying enforcement issues common to all three countries for possible joint activities;
  • updating the existing 2010 North American Wildlife Enforcement Group Memorandum of Understanding; and
  • continuing proactive liaison (monitoring & enforcement action as required) [4.1.2].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

4.2.1. Fulfill Canada’s obligations under the Migratory Bird Convention of 1916 between Canada and the U.S. as implemented in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. This includes conserving populations, individual birds, their nests, and important bird habitat through continued conservation actions, stewardship, policy development, and enforcement of the Act and its regulations. (ECCC)

4.2.2. Complete and make publicly available each of the 25 Bird Conservation Region Strategies, and ensure that recommended actions from these strategies are implemented for priority migratory bird species. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.1.3. Migratory Birds

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities in support of migratory birds and their habitat, including:

• Continued to invest in research to better understand the status and causes for trends in populations of migratory birds, and undertook conservation actions at the regional, national and international levels [4.2.1].
• Continue to advance efforts to amend the Migratory Birds Regulations to address important changes related to harvest management [4.2.1].
• Began implementation of priorities identified in the Bird Conservation Region Strategies.
  • In British Columbia, habitat restoration efforts focused on conservation of priority bird species (including Lewis’s woodpecker, Rufus Hummingbird, Yellow Warbler, American Kestrel, and Willow Flycatcher). Restoration efforts included creating suitable habitats as well as working with local communities for ongoing stewardship efforts in the region.
  • In the Atlantic Region, significant progress was made towards the completion of a series of comprehensive landscape conservation plans, which direct the Department as well as external partners to actions that support migratory birds, species at risk and the habitats on which they rely [4.2.2]. 

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

4.3.1. Lead Canada’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity with stakeholders, provincial governments and other federal government departments and represent Canada’s domestic interests in other international fora (e.g., Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing, Liability and Redress under the Biosafety Protocol; Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna under the Arctic Council). (ECCC)

4.3.2. Serve as Canadian lead and national focal point for the UN-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). (ECCC)

4.3.3. Enhance and promote enforcement in Environment Canada Protected Areas (Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and National Wildlife Areas) through a contingent of enforcement officers and take appropriate enforcement measures against alleged offenders. (ECCC)

4.3.4. Provide for the protection of priority habitats required for the conservation of migratory birds and species at risk, as well as unique and rare habitats, by managing a network of National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and Marine Wildlife Areas that is planned to adapt to ecological change; administering the Ecological Gifts Program; contributing to the development and implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan; administering permits; and entering partnership arrangements (including collaboration with Aboriginal groups, other wildlife management agencies, other natural resource agencies, non-governmental organizations, private property owners, and other jurisdictions). (ECCC)

4.3.5. Implement the Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement, and continue to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories (NWT) on the NWT Protected Areas Strategy, with the objective of establishing additional protected areas in NWT and Nunavut. (ECCC)

4.3.7. Work with the U.S. and Mexico under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to foster conservation. (ECCC)

4.3.8. Provide scientific expertise, guidance and advice to decision makers, and develop and apply models for social, cultural and economic valuation of ecosystem services to support sustainable development decision making so that ecosystem information and environmental effects of development proposals can be factored into decisions. (ECCC, ISED, StatCan)

4.3.10. Conduct biodiversity contaminants monitoring 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. (ECCC)

4.3.11. Develop an inventory of protected spaces that includes private conservation areas. (ECCC)

4.3.12. Participate in implementing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan which aims to conserve wetlands in order to benefit waterfowl in North America. Canada has committed to promoting the wise use of wetlands and maintaining the ecological character of designated Wetlands of International Importance under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention). (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.1.1. Biodiversity Policy and Wildlife; 1.1.3. Migratory Birds; 1.1.4. Habitat Conservation Partnerships; 1.1.5. Protected Areas

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities to support conservation of terrestrial and inland water areas, including:

Domestic and International Obligations

• Initiated and advanced joint work with provinces and territories on species at risk, invasive alien species and strategic approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, including work to identify key initiatives in place to support progress towards the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada, and key science needed to advance biodiversity priorities [4.3.1].
• Continued to lead and coordinate national efforts under the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by chairing an interdepartmental committee to develop Canadian positions, and provide reviews of assessments [4.3.2].
• Continued implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in Canada, with strong collaborative partnerships among international, federal, provincial and non-governmental organizations focused on retaining and enhancing priority habitat. From April 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, NAWMP partners secured over 10,000 hectares and enhanced almost 5,000 hectares of wetlands and associated uplands habitat for waterfowl [4.3.12].
• Promoted Canada’s viewpoint and positions at intersessional meetings of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, and continued to engage with Canadians to further develop the domestic access and benefit-sharing policy, and on whether Canada should accede to the Nagoya Protocol [4.3.1].
• Ensured Canada’s perspective was included in decisions of the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group of the Arctic Council; led the preparation of the circumpolar seabird monitoring plan, co-led the background paper for the coastal ecosystem monitoring plan, as well as funded and oversaw preparation of the indigenous-led traditional knowledge and wisdom report on biodiversity change in the North American Arctic [4.3.1].

Science and Monitoring

• Continued to develop an Ecosystem Services Toolkit to support project partners undertaking social, cultural, and economic valuation, and ecological assessment of ecosystem services, including identifying opportunities to integrate ecosystem service assessments into policy and program decisions [4.3.8].
• Continued to work with partners, including provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, land trusts, and conservation organizations, to obtain information on private protected and conservation lands and areas where conservation efforts take place. [4.3.11].

Engagement and Partnerships

• Renewed the Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement (IIBA) with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and three regional Inuit associations, which includes $9.2 million in funding to continue conservation on Northwest Territories protected areas. This new funding will support:
• administration of nine Area Co-Management Committees and Inuit hiring programs,
• development of interpretative materials and cultural resource inventories, and
• establishment of a tourism providers’ fund [4.3.5].
• Led implementation of funds from the Commission for Environmental Commission in support of migratory bird conservation, contributing to the Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative, the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, and Americas Flyway Shorebird Initiative in Canada, the United States and Mexico. These activities aim to reduce threats to shared at-risk shorebird populations that breed in the Arctic [4.3.7].

Protection and Enforcement

• Continued to administer the Ecological Gifts Program to protect priority habitats across Canada; the Program completed 67 Ecological Gifts, protecting 4,429 hectares of ecologically sensitive land nationwide, with a cumulative fair market value of over $26 million [4.3.4].
• Began implementation of the Connecting Canadians to Nature initiative at ten National Wildlife Areas under the Protected Areas Program. This work included support for Nature Canada to deliver the Naturehood program, construction and improvements to existing trails and boardwalks and the design of new facilities.
• Continued work on establishment of Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area and Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area, which remains a priority for the Department [4.3.4].
• Completed and reported approximately 313 inspections and 31 investigations related to protected areas. The majority of these inspections focused on high-risk areas and the conservation of species, as well as on illegal activities (e.g. illegal hunting). Some examples of successful prosecutions are published in the Enforcement Notifications [4.3.3].

For activities pertaining to Implementation Strategy 4.3.10, please refer to related information under Target 3.12, Implementation Strategy 3.12.3.

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

4.5.4. Undertake research and provide advice to decision makers on marine ecosystems, including impacts of environmental stressors on migratory birds, species at risk and ecological risks associated with specific high-priority ocean activities. (DFO, ECCC)

4.6.1. Coordinate the federal government’s response to the 2004 Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. Implementation is the responsibility of federal science-based and regulatory departments and agencies. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 1.1.1 Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat; 1.1.3 Migratory Birds

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities to reduce the risks to marine ecosystems and risks from Invasive Alien Species, including:

• Collected and interpreted detailed information to characterize shorelines surrounding Kitimat, BC including the Douglas Channel and Haida Gwaii to support environmental emergency response and clean-up activities in the event of oil spills [4.5.4].
• Conducted research in Eastern, Western and Arctic Canada to understand the factors (e.g., climate change, industrial development, and shipping) that affect priority marine and coastal bird populations and their habitats. ECCC began development of models to predict the distribution and abundance of marine birds in order to inform marine protected areas planning and assess risks from stressors [4.5.4].
• Led the establishment of, and co-chaired, a federal-provincial-territorial Invasive Alien Species Task Force to identify key gaps, priority actions and best practices, to better position Canadian efforts in the fight against invasive alien species, and to identify opportunities for strengthening the policy framework, coordination and collaboration, and development of strategic partnerships [4.6.1].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

4.7.4. In accordance with mandated responsibilities, provide environmental and/or other information to reduce the risk of, and advice in response to, the occurrence of events such as polluting incidents, wildlife disease events or severe weather and other significant hydro-meteorological events as applicable. (AAFC, DFO, ECCC, HC, INAC, ISED, NRCan, PC, PS, PSPC, TC)

Specific examples include:

• Develop spill and dispersion models, analysis methods, fate and behaviour algorithms, measurement and remote sensing capabilities, decontamination protocols, and countermeasures used during incidents. (ECCC)
• Reduce the environmental consequences of spills by providing scientific and technical advice on weather, sea state and the behaviour and effects of chemicals, sampling and analysis, countermeasures, sensitivity mapping, trajectory, modelling, and operation of the 24/7 National Environmental Emergencies Centre in Montreal. (ECCC)

4.7.5. Prevent emergencies by promoting compliance, track and report number of environmental emergency plans in place as required by Environmental Emergency Regulations, created pursuant to section 200 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 3.1.4 Environmental Emergencies

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC undertook a number of activities in reducing the risks from and in preventing environmental emergencies, including:

• Coordinating and/or providing remote or on-site scientific and technical support in response to 120 environmental emergency incidents, for example on the fate and behaviour of spilled contaminants in the environment [4.7.4].
• Continuing studies on spilled diluted bitumen, looking at its physical and chemical properties, its fate and behavior, spill modelling, countermeasures and shoreline interactions in support of marine safety [4.7.4].
• Continuing to operate the National Environmental Emergencies Centre (NEEC) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, conducting assessments of notifications for more than 30,000 pollution incidents received, as well as situational assessment and monitoring for 2,500 of these incidents by NEEC officers [4.7.5].
• Of the 4,512 registered facilities, 2,777 facilities required an environmental emergency (E2) plan under the Environmental Emergency Regulations. Ninety six percent of the facilities had one in place [4.7.5].

2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies:

4.8.1. Implement the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and complete remediation and risk management activities at known high priority federal contaminated sites. (AAFC, CSC, DFO, DND, ECCC, INAC, NRC, PC, PSPC, RCMP, TC)

4.8.2. Guidance and program policies developed by the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan program secretariat and the expert support departments are provided to federal custodians for program implementation activities. (DFO, ECCC, HC, PSPC)

4.8.3. Percentage of stated objectives to be achieved in international negotiations which were met or mostly met under the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Vienna Conventions. (ECCC)

4.8.5. Assess 100% of 1500 targeted existing commercial substances as identified under the Chemicals Management Plan for risks to human health and/or the environment by 2016. (ECCC, HC)

4.8.6. Track releases of harmful substances under the National Pollutant Release Inventory in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (ECCC)

4.8.8. Address 100% of new substances, for which Environment Canada has been notified by industry of their intended manufacture or import, to determine if they may pose risks to human health and/or the environment within the timelines in the regulation or established services standards. (ECCC, HC)

4.8.9. Ensure at least one risk management measure is in place for 100% of substances deemed to be harmful to human health and/or the environment. (ECCC, HC)

4.8.10. Deliver compliance promotion activities for key regulatory initiatives. (ECCC)

4.8.12. Administer the Fisheries Act Pollution Prevention Provisions (FA-PPP) including the development of risk management instruments. (ECCC)

Links to the ECCC’s programs, background information and performance indicators on the Implementation Strategies: 3.1.1 Substances Management; 3.1.2 Effluent Management; 3.1.5 Contaminated Sites; 3.3 Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution

2015-16 Results Achieved:

ECCC conducted a number of measures to reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment and human health posed by the releases of harmful substances, including:

• Completed annual data collection under the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), tracking the release of pollutants, disposals, and transfers; conducted quality control of facility-reported information; performed data interpretation and trend analysis; and published data on the NPRI website in various searchable formats, including on the Government of Canada Open Data Portal. The Department updated 15 and published nine new datasets and revised the annual NPRI summary report to better meet users’ needs [4.8.6].

Substances Assessment and Management

• Under the Chemicals Management Plan:
  • Published final risk assessments for 75 existing substances and draft risk assessments for 48 existing substances from the Groupings or Rapid Screening initiatives.
  • Published draft screening assessments for seven micro-organisms and final screening assessments for 15 micro-organisms listed on the Domestic Substances List.
  • Published a science summary and a proposal to add microbeads to the list of toxic substances [4.8.5].
• Received notification for assessment of 581 new substances to determine if they may pose risks to the environment and/or human health. The Department communicated the risk assessment summaries for eight chemical and polymer substances and new living organisms to help ensure transparency in its decision making process, and granted a total of 103 waivers of information requirements (77 for new chemical and polymer substances and 26 for new living organisms), which were published in the Canada Gazette. Three significant New Activity Notices and 7 Ministerial conditions were issued in 2015-16, with no prohibitions [4.8.8].
• In managing substances assessed to be harmful to the environment, ECCC published one risk management scope document for 29 selenium substances and three proposed risk management actions. The management actions include a proposed Pollution Prevention Planning Notice for Hydrazine, a proposal for 5 substances to be added to the prohibition regulations, and a proposal to repeal a vinyl chloride regulation. The Department also published the final version of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) order for quinoline [4.8.9].
• Undertook compliance promotion activities to raise the awareness of regulatees concerning 15 chemical-related regulations; promoted other instruments such as codes of practice, pollution prevention plans, and guidelines under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Fisheries Act; and reached more than 10,000 facilities and responded to 3,900 inquiries from known and potential regulatees [4.8.10].

Domestic and International Cooperation

• Met its international objectives at the 2015 Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, including successful listing of several new chemicals to these agreements, and adoption of technical guidelines for environmentally sound management of wastes.
  • Under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes, provided leadership for the development of seven technical guidelines dealing with the management of waste containing persistent organic pollutants and authored two guidelines [4.8.3].
• Met its objectives towards entry into force of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and negotiated a path forward for the Vienna Convention’s Montreal Protocol in partnership with the U.S. and Mexico [4.8.3].
• Finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Health Canada concerning the joint administration and enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions under the Fisheries Act. The purpose of this MOU is to foster cooperation and communication among the three departments in carrying out operational responsibilities to support of enforcement of the provisions [4.8.12].

Federal Contaminated Sites

• In its capacity as the Secretariat for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), worked closely with federal custodians and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to ensure accurate and complete reports to the Federal Contaminated Site Inventory; published the 2012-13 and 2013-14 FCSAP annual reports; and secured funding for FCSAP Phase III (2016-17 to 2019-20) to accelerate assessment and remediation at federal contaminated sites. The Department also carried out six remediation projects in its own custodian sites (five FCSAP funded) and 21 assessment projects (19 FCSAP funded) [4.8.1].
• In its role as an expert support department, provided technical advice to custodial departments on the management of their contaminated sites, reviewed 30 site submissions to confirm eligibility for funding and 98 technical reports; provided guidance on management of sites contaminated with perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs); and delivered training courses such as use of real-time assessment technologies [4.8.2].