Archived: Departmental Results Report 2016 to 2017, Department of Environment, chapter 5

Results: what we achieved

Programs

Program 1.1: Biodiversity – Wildlife and habitat

Program description

This program aims to prevent biodiversity loss while enabling sustainable use by: protecting and recovering species at risk and their critical habitat; conserving and protecting healthy populations of migratory birds; 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, research, planning and action to protect biodiversity, including viable, self-sustaining 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).

2016–17 results

Proposed and final recovery strategies and management plans were published on the Species at Risk Public Registry for a total of 71 species. These robust science-based recovery documents identified the species-specific threats and the conservation actions needed to stop or reverse the decline of species. The strategies and plans reflected the outcome of extensive consultation and collaboration with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and private landowners, all important partners in successful species recovery.

In 2016–17, the Habitat Stewardship Program awarded over $16.7 million in funding to 278 projects to support the recovery of species at risk and the protection of their habitat as well as to projects that aimed to maintain populations of wildlife species in order to prevent them from becoming a conservation concern.

In 2016–17, the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk awarded $4.7 million to 87 projects to support Indigenous capacity development and engagement in the implementation of the Species at Risk Act to protect species at risk and their habitat as well as to support Indigenous participation in projects that prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern.

ECCC’s Protected Areas vision is to conserve key areas of biodiversity for the benefit of wildlife and the long term benefit of all Canadians and to encourage public understanding and participation in conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat.

The Department continued to actively demonstrate Canada’s international leadership in conserving nature. At the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Conference of the Parties (COP), Canada proposed to reduce or remove trade controls on certain species (such as wood bison, peregrine falcon and Eastern cougar) that are well-protected by Canada’s strong management and are not threatened by trade or harvest. The Department demonstrated its leadership as two Canadian scientists were named as chairs to CITES committees, and Canada was recognized at the CITES COP for the leadership Canadian women provide to the Convention.

Results achieved

A positive trend has been demonstrated over the last two reporting years, with the percentage of migratory bird populations that are secure increasing from 77% in 2010 to 79% in 2015, reflecting incremental progress towards the 81% target.

Data for this indicator are derived from assessments of the status of species in Canada (General Status Reports) that are prepared every 5 years, as required by the Species at Risk Act.

The target of 35% has been met in 2016–17. In previous reporting years, the target was either exceeded slightly (by 1% in 2014) or the value reported fell slightly short of the target (by 2% in 2015).

*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

2016–17 results

Results achieved

The indicator value reported in 2016–17 shows a decline from the previous reporting year, with fewer national monitoring sites rating water quality as good or excellent.

This indicator provides an overall measure of the ability of select rivers across Canada to support aquatic life. In 2016–17, freshwater quality was assessed at 178 monitoring sites in 16 drainage regions where the majority of Canadians live (i.e., where freshwater quality is at higher risk of being impaired by human activity)

The indicator includes three years of data between each reporting period. This is due to the time required to obtain the information from provincial and territorial monitoring programs and to ensure the quality of the data.

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 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; provision of 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.

Other key ECCC achievements in 2016–17 include:

• Among 22 projects ECCC funded through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives and the Gulf of Maine Initiative, is an ecosystem health assessment of two watersheds surrounded by heavy agricultural land use (Little River, New Brunswick watershed and Cornwallis River, Nova Scotia watershed). Mainland Mi’kmaq (Nova Scotia) partners with the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Program (New Brunswick) on the work. Through a ‘Two-Eyed Seeing’ approach, the partners integrate Mi’kmaw traditional knowledge with Western science to identify impacts of agriculture on Mi’kmaw communities.
• Following public consultations, the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy was tabled in Parliament (October 2016). It included the environment-related 2030 Sustainable Development Goals from the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, and identified measurable and ambitious targets and government actions. More than 40 federal organizations measure and report to Canadians through the Strategy on over 30 environmental indicators.
• ECCC collaborated with Employment and Social Development Canada under the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program to fund environment-related jobs for approximately 750 college and university graduates. Over 90% of interns who completed the program were employed or decided to pursue further studies.

Results achieved

The most recently reported data (2014–15) exceeded the target.

Some of the component indicators used for calculating the score, depending on the ecosystem, include phosphorus and nitrogen levels, toxic contamination in sediments, and contaminants in waterbirds, among others.

The indicator value is calculated by averaging the scores of the four Canadian Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Great Lakes indicators are updated every 3 years (next update is due in 2017–18) and the St. Lawrence indicators are updated every 5 years (next update due in 2019–20).

Program 1.4: Compliance promotion and enforcement – wildlife

2016–17 results
(See also Program 3.3 Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution)

ECCC conducted inspections and took enforcement measures which identified targeted activities needed to protect Canada’s wildlife and their habitats, and to support recovery of endangered species.

ECCC’s international leadership role with INTERPOL’s Wildlife Crime Working Group contributed to a global anti-wildlife trafficking operation. Under the international operation, nearly 900 suspects were identified around the world and some 1,400 seizures of illicit products were made, including reptiles, polar bear hide, walrus and elephant tusks, with an estimated value of more than $5 million. This collaboration helps build capacity and improve information-sharing for better enforcement around the world.

Results achieved

The indicator values for the last two reporting years have exceeded the target.

This indicator is a measure of the effectiveness of the program in achieving convictions in cases of suspected non-compliance. The reported percentage is based on the number of judgements of guilt plus the number of uncontested tickets, out of the total number of prosecutions and tickets issued.

Program 2.1: Weather and environmental services for Canadians

A trial heat warning program was launched in collaboration with the Province of Ontario and its municipal governments, where heat warnings are issued following several consecutive days and nights of extreme heat to help protect seniors, young children and others at risk for heat-related health problems.

ECCC continued to deliver weather forecasts and warnings to Canadians 24/7. The Weather Warning Index measures overall performance (such as timeliness and accuracy) of the forecast system. Through ongoing investments in infrastructure and upgrades since 2013, timeliness and accuracy of warnings has improved to 8.1 in 2016 (up from 7.4 in 2011).

The Department made improvements to its delivery of weather warnings through Alert Ready, the national public alerting system. With Alert Ready, radio and TV broadcasters automatically interrupt regular programming and send ECCC tornado warnings directly to air.

ECCC continued to upgrade its infrastructure in order to provide cutting-edge weather and climate data integration and processing systems. In collaboration with Shared Services Canada, ECCC worked to renew its high-performance computing capacity. The Department launched the process to replace the aging 31-station weather radar network to ensure its long-term sustainability and reliability, and to deliver weather monitoring information directly to Canadians.

Results achieved

The value of this indicator has exhibited minor fluctuations over the last three reporting years, but has continually exceeded the target.

The indicator is a three-year moving average, calculated based on the timeliness and accuracy of five warning types: severe thunderstorm, rainfall, freezing rain, wind and snowfall.

The target of 30% has been exceeded in each of the last two reporting years.

The most recent results are based on a telephone survey administered in 2015–16. The survey will be administered every 2 years to Canadians who live in areas where there was a weather warning.

Program 2.2: Weather and environmental services for targeted users

Program description

Environment and Climate Change Canada provides specific 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, climate and ice observations, predictions and services to support the specific decision-making needs of the aviation and marine transportation sectors and the Canadian military. 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, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). 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 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans/Canadian Coast Guard, the Department of National Defence, and various provincial and territorial agencies.

2016 –17 results

Results achieved

The results reported have improved incrementally over the last three reporting years and have consistently exceeded the target.

The indicator measures the combined level of satisfaction in terms of accessibility, timeliness and accuracy of products and services provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) to its three main clients: Department of National Defence, NAV CANADA, and the Canadian Coast Guard. Data for this indicator was collected through client surveys.

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.

2016–17 Results

ECCC proposed regulations to ban the use of microbeads in personal care products. Once in force, the Microbeads in Toiletries Regulations will prohibit the manufacture and import of toiletries that contain these tiny plastic beads. The ban was proposed following a unanimous vote in the House of Commons (in March 2015) to add microbeads to the list of toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

As part of the government-wide strategy on asbestos, the Department collaborated with Health Canada to begin the development of regulations to ban asbestos and products containing this harmful substance. The comprehensive ban, to be in effect by the end of 2018, will protect Canadians from future exposure with the goal of reducing the incidence of asbestos-related diseases. Consultations with stakeholders will take place in 2017.

ECCC proposed changes to expand and strengthen Canada’s Metal Mining Effluent Regulations. This key tool aims to protect fish, their habitats and human health from negative impacts of effluent from metal mining operations. The regulatory changes reflect extensive consultations with Indigenous groups and stakeholders. Once in force, the amendments will extend the regulations to diamond mines, currently not addressed by the regulations.

ECCC published regulations prohibiting five harmful substances following a scientific review of their impacts on the environment and/or human health. The substances are: hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD); perfluorooctanoic acid, its salts, and its precursors (PFOA); perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts, and their precursors (LC-PFCAs); polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs); and perfluorooctane sulfonate, its salts and its precursors (PFOS). The Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 prohibit their manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import in Canada.

Other key ECCC achievements in 2016–17 include:

• Administered and enforced new national standards for Canada’s wastewater treatment systems under the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, and continued administration and enforcement of the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations. These regulations limit the release of harmful substances into waters frequented by fish.
• Began work under the third phase of Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, launched in May 2016. ECCC and Health Canada continue to assess the remaining 1,550 of the 4,300 priority chemicals. This work is expected to be completed by 2020. In addition, close to 500 new substances were assessed this year before their introduction to the Canadian market. Once assessed, and when required, the two departments take actions (such as limiting use or requiring permits) to reduce the risks posed by toxic substances to Canadians and their environment.
• Continued to prevent marine pollution from dumping of waste at sea, as a Party to the London Protocol and London Convention (marine pollution prevention treaties). ECCC monitored 14 ocean disposal sites nationally (11% of the 125 actively used sites). Eighty-one permits were issued for the disposal of 7.1 million tonnes of low-risk waste and other matter. The Department also contributed to the new Strategic Plan for the London Protocol and assisted Madagascar and Ghana with their efforts to join the London Protocol.
• Reduced environmental and human health risks from federal contaminated sites by providing oversight and expert support to the 14 responsible federal departments under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan. These departments assessed 326 sites (including two ECCC sites) and completed risk reduction activities at 103 sites (including two ECCC sites).
• Published a code of practice to ensure the environmentally sound end-of-life management of lamps containing mercury.
• Provided scientific expertise in support of actions to lessen the impacts of long-range pollutants on air quality in the Arctic, under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme.
   
  

Results achieved

*Only pentaPBDE results are reported in this table as it is the PBDE of highest concern.

Two substances, PBDEs and PFOS, measured in alternate years, are used to indicate a potential threat to the environment.

PFOS is a synthetic chemical that may enter into the environment through treated or untreated municipal / industrial wastewater. It takes a very long time to break down in the environment and can build up in certain living organisms.

PBDEs are a group of chemicals used in flame retardants. They build up in living organisms, and remain in the environment for long periods after their release. The occurrence of PBDE concentrations above FEQGs in fish tissue and sediment can pose a risk to aquatic life, and indicates that further evaluation may be required.

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 work, economic and policy analysis, and emissions monitoring and reporting. Work under this program includes: continued collaboration with other governments and stakeholders; delivery of sound scientific results, 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 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.

2016–17 Results

ECCC led the development of the PCF, Canada’s plan to: 1) meet our emissions reduction target; 2) grow the economy; and 3) help communities adapt to a changing climate. The PCF was developed with the provinces and territories, and with extensive and deliberate consultations with Indigenous peoples, youth, community groups, the private sector, non-government organizations and individual Canadians. The PCF is built on four pillars: pricing carbon pollution; taking action to reduce emissions in each sector of the economy; adapting to climate change; and supporting clean technologies, innovation and jobs.

The PCF is consistent with Canada’s international commitments and puts Canada on the pathway to meet or exceed its international obligation to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels. The PCF also includes complementary mitigation measures to drive GHG reductions across the economy. It puts a price on carbon pollution, one of the most effective and efficient ways to reduce GHG emissions and drive clean growth. In October 2016, the Federal Government announced its approach to pricing carbon pollution in Canada, which will apply to a broad set of emission sources throughout Canada in 2018. In May 2017, the Government released a technical paper laying out the details of the federal carbon pricing backstop.

Under the PCF, ECCC work informed the November 2016 Government of Canada announcement to establish a future Canadian Centre for Climate Services. One of the Centre’s objectives is to improve access to authoritative, foundational climate data, information and services, working with partners such as the provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous peoples to support climate adaptation-related decisions across the country.

To further reduce GHG emissions, including from Canada’s largest emitters, ECCC proposed amendments to the Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, and continued to work on amendments to coal-fired electricity regulations to accelerate the phase out of coal-fired electricity generation. The Department proposed regulations to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a measure that would reduce Canada’s annual consumption of this GHG by 85%, by 2036.

Working towards setting a national clean fuel standard, the Department published a clean fuel discussion paper in February 2017 to launch consultations, which ran until April 2017. ECCC drafted proposed regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40-45% by 2025, compared to 2012 levels. These draft regulations were published in May 2017.

In November 2016, the Department submitted Canada’s Mid-Century Long-term Low Greenhouse Gas Development Strategy  to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as called for under article 4.19 of the Paris Agreement. Canada, alongside Mexico and the U.S., became one of the first nations to submit a mid-century strategy, thus leading and encouraging other countries to follow suit. The strategy looks beyond 2030 to start a conversation on the ways we can reduce emissions for a cleaner, more sustainable future by 2050.

To promote best practices and encourage better environmental performance, the Department published (in 2016) codes of practice for several industries. These codes cover fine particulate matter emissions from the aluminum sector, particulate matter and volatile organic compound emissions from the iron, steel and ilmenite sector, and volatile organic compound emissions from the asphalt sector.

Results achieved

The indicator values show a declining trend over the last three reporting years. Emissions in 2015 represent a 2.2% decrease from 2005 (decline of 16 Mt from 738 Mt in 2005).

The values are based on data from Canada’s 2017 National Inventory Report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. They are a sum of greenhouse gas emissions from the following sectors: transportation, electricity, oil and gas, heavy industry, buildings, agriculture, and waste and others (includes coal production, light manufacturing, construction and forest resources).

Indicator methodology is under development. In the interim, a proxy indicator is used: the percentage of monitoring stations of the National Air Pollution Surveillance program where measured outdoor concentrations of fine particulate matter are below the 24-hour and the annual CAAQS for 2015. Fine particulate matter  is also a major component of smog and has been linked to adverse effects on human health and the environment.

The proxy indicator has fluctuated over the past 3 reporting years. The number of monitoring stations reporting concentrations of fine particulate matter below the 24-hour and the annual CAAQS improved by 5% between 2014–15 and 2015–16, then declined by 4% the following year.

Indicator methodology is under development. In the interim, a proxy indicator is used: the percentage of monitoring stations of the National Air Pollution Surveillance program where measured outdoor concentrations of ground-level ozone are below the 8-hour CAAQS for 2015. Ground level ozone is a highly irritating gas and is a major component of smog. It has been linked to adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Over the last three reporting years, the proxy indicator value has shown incremental improvement (81%, 82%, 88%).

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 the Fisheries Act, with the goal of increasing effectiveness in achieving desired environmental results. They also provide information on risk management instrument requirements, the benefits of compliance and the potential penalties of non-compliance, when applicable. Enforcement officers, on the other hand, conduct inspections to verify compliance with laws and regulations, gather intelligence, take enforcement action to bring offenders back into compliance, and pursue investigations where necessary. This program collaborates with international and domestic partners to strengthen transboundary environmental enforcement. Officers are provided training and are often supported by scientific analyses and expertise, including science advice to support enforcement actions. In addition, the program is supported by scientific analysis and expertise for the development and implementation of new and updated regulations.

2016–17 Results
(See also Program 1.4 Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife)

ECCC’s investigation of a major property management company revealed that the business did not meet its obligations concerning use, storage and disposal of electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Results of the investigation contributed to the company being fined $975,000, the highest ever imposed under CEPA 1999.

The Department launched a project to increase compliance with the registration requirements of the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations (STR) on First Nations and federal lands. Compliance with the STR contributes to lower risk of soil and groundwater contamination from petroleum spills and leaks from storage tank systems. Even relatively small leaks can have serious environmental impacts to the environment and human health, including contamination of drinking water.

Results achieved

In the last two reporting years, selected regulations demonstrated a 12% increase in compliance levels, exceeding the 10% target.

This indicator measures compliance with pollution laws in Canada by focusing on different pollution-related regulations in different reporting years. This approach provides Canadians with information on a variety of sectors focusing on those with higher risk of non-compliance. While only a few regulations are the object of comprehensive compliance rate evaluation, ECCC collects compliance information for all regulations on a regular basis.

Supporting information on results, financial and human resources related to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s lower-level programs is available on the Department’s website and on TBS’s InfoBase.

Internal Services

Description

Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal services refers to activities and resources of the 10 distinct service categories that support program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department. The 10 service categories are: Management and Oversight Services ; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Material Services; and Acquisition Services.

2016–17 Results