Archived: Departmental Results Report 2017 to 2018: 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).

Results

Protecting Species at Risk

An accurate list of species at risk is important to prevent wildlife species from becoming extinct. ECCC made significant progress in addressing the backlog of listing decisions to be made for 149 terrestrial species that were assessed as at-risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada between 2009 and 2016. Final listing decisions were made for 58 species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 13 species. To further enhance the protection of Canada’s endangered species, ECCC established a timeline for future listing decisions: 24 months for terrestrial species and 36 months for more complex aquatic species. With the new timelines, ECCC is on track to achieve its commitment to eliminate the backlog by 2019–20.

Minister McKenna hosted a Round Table on the Species at Risk Act with members of a newly established Species at Risk Advisory Committee (including Indigenous, environmental, industry and agriculture representatives), which focused on collaboration on multi-sector, multi-species and place-based approaches to protect and recover species.

• Released its five-year (2012–17) report on progress to implement the 2012 recovery strategy for the boreal caribou. With over 95% of habitat under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, the department continued to support and encourage completion of range plans by involved jurisdictions.
• Finalized an Action Plan for recovery of the boreal caribou. Based on extensive consultation, the Plan outlines steps that the Government of Canada will take to protect this important species. Of importance, the Plan establishes a Boreal Caribou Knowledge Consortium where federal departments, provinces, Indigenous organizations and communities, industry, environmental organizations and academics will share knowledge and lessons learned and collaborate to address knowledge gaps to advance boreal caribou conservation.
• Collaborated with the Government of British Columbia to address the ongoing decline of the southern mountain caribou by creating a draft bilateral conservation agreement to recover population and habitat of particular importance to Indigenous peoples. The science-based agreement sets population objectives, with an initial focus on the Central Group of caribou (northeast British Columbia). The agreement will be expanded to other groups in British Columbia, in collaboration with directly affected First Nations, as well as communities and stakeholders.

ECCC, in collaboration with its federal partners (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada), and provinces and territories released a major Report on the assessments of nearly 30,000 species across Canada. Wild Species 2015 identifies that most (80%) of the species assessed are secure, while 20% face some level of risk of extinction. Published every five years, the Report helps ensure species at risk are identified and protected through collective actions.

Biodiversity Conservation

In support of Canada’s commitment to conserve, by 2020, at least 17% of Canada’s land and freshwater through connected networks of protected and conserved areas, Minister McKenna and Minister Phillips (Government of Alberta) co-led a collaborative Pathway to Canada Target 1 initiative. They established a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts to advise governments on achieving the ambitious 17% target.

Building relationships with Indigenous Peoples

ECCC actively supported negotiations on conservation issues at modern treaty and Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination tables across Canada by participating directly at the table, and when that was not possible, by assessing Indigenous proposals and preparing responses for use by the federal negotiation team. The department recognizes Indigenous governments’ vested interests in sustainably managing wildlife harvesting in their traditional territories and that they are best placed to identify their specific conservation interests in treaty settlement areas. ECCC’s investments in collaboration with Indigenous peoples contributed to effective delivery on the Minister’s environmental priorities and the Government of Canada’s commitment to renew Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.

The Department and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) committed to a joint workplan to advance shared priorities on environmental issues—including to explore new solutions, such as Indigenous Protected Areas, and to re-establish the Inuit Communications Group with ITK and the four regional Inuit organizations as a forum to discuss shared wildlife priorities.

ECCC continued to build a strong foundation of collaboration and global leadership in engaging Indigenous organizations in meaningful participation in international conservation negotiations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The department hosted an event at the 2017 CBD meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice to showcase its new Ecosystem Services Toolkit, a technical guide to ecosystem services assessment and analysis to support decision making.

Highlights of other 2017–18 departmental results include:

• continued progress in designating the Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area (in collaboration with the Government of British Columbia, the Tlatlasikwala First Nation, and Quatsino First Nation and stakeholders) and the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area (in collaboration with the Government of Northwest Territories, the Dehcho First Nations, Tłįchǫ Government and others).
• ongoing international leadership in conserving nature, including through work at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). For the first time, a Canadian woman chaired the CITES Standing Committee.

Results achieved

Results 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.

Indicator results should not be interpreted as a measure of recovery success until sufficient time has passed to allow species to recover and to collect sufficient information to assess that recovery. In addition, observations of rare species are often difficult to collect.

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

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

Program 1.2: Water resources

Program Description

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

ECCC collaborated with the Government of Alberta to shape a renewed commitment to jointly monitor the environmental impacts of oil sands’ development in Alberta. The new agreement promotes greater Indigenous involvement and will help to ensure that Indigenous knowledge, as well as robust and credible scientific data, contribute to evidence-based decisions. Funded by industry (up to $50 million annually), monitoring will include the oil sands’ impacts on air, water, wildlife and biodiversity, and will enhance understanding of the cumulative effects of activity in the oil sands area of northeastern Alberta.

This indicator is designed to provide an overall measure of the ability of selected rivers across Canada to support aquatic life. Water quality changes slowly over time. The indicator is a snapshot in time, with overlapping years, of the water quality ratings for various sites (rivers) across Canada. The indicator reports on the status of water quality in select rivers. While the results may suggest a decline, this indicator cannot be used to assess trend. Trend in water quality can only be assessed at each testing station. This indicator will be discontinued in favour of a new suite of indicators that are expected to provide a more reliable picture of water quality trends over time.

¹ Date to Achieve was identified as “In the 2014–16 data set” in the 2017–18 Departmental Plan. It has been updated in this document for greater clarity.

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.

Results

Environment and Climate Change Canada made bold new investments to promote sustainable ecosystems, reinforced existing partnerships and extended opportunities for new and enhanced partnerships to broaden knowledge and increase strategic action in key areas.

The Great Lakes

In the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern in Lake Ontario, ECCC launched the second of three phases of the Randle Reef clean up, which will see contaminated sediments from the harbour floor dredged and contained within a six hectare, double walled containment facility. Preparations for dredging began in the Fall of 2017 and once completed, the surface area will be developed and operated as a marine terminal. This massive multi-year initiative remains on budget and on time, to be completed by 2022. Part of a larger initiative to restore water quality in the Great Lakes, ECCC is working with the Government of Ontario, the City of Hamilton, the City of Burlington, the Regional Municipality of Halton, Hamilton Port Authority, and Stelco on the Randle Reef clean up. It is the largest sediment remediation project ever undertaken in Canada.

Lake Winnipeg

Acting on the recommendations of the 2017 evaluation of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative , the department continued to take actions to fill scientific gaps, to apply a more strategic and targeted approach to reduce nutrient contamination, promote knowledge sharing among stakeholders, and increase Indigenous engagement. New funding of $25.7 million to the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program will support the delivery of ECCC’s Lake Winnipeg Science Plan, promote stakeholder-driven nutrient reduction actions, strengthen collaborative governance, and increase Indigenous engagement on Lake Winnipeg water quality issues. These efforts will improve the health of this major freshwater resource for economic and recreational opportunities.

St. Lawrence River Basin

ECCC continued to work with the Government of Québec on the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin, including joint investments to improve water quality, conserve biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The department, in collaboration with the Government of Québec, announced investments of over $57 million as part of the 2016–2021 five-year plan to protect and enhance the river under the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence 2011–2026 (St. Lawrence Action Plan). These funds will support 38 projects to conserve biodiversity, improve water quality, promote the river’s sustainable use and enable advances in research to preserve this vital ecosystem.

Other key accomplishments in 2017–18 include:

• Directing $1.27 million from the Environmental Damages Fund to support eleven new projects aimed at restoring damaged ecosystems in the Atlantic provinces and Québec. The Fund operates on the “polluter pay” principle to direct financial penalties to activities that restore and improve the environment, and to educate Canadians and undertake research.
• Publishing early results for short-term milestones under the 2017 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Update, including over 700 actions reported by 26 departments. To provide even greater transparency and accountability, Minister McKenna proposed (June 2017) legislative amendments that will triple the number of federal departments and agencies reporting progress on federal sustainable development goals.
• Collaborating with employers across Canada to create over 1000 green internships in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program.

The result is based on Great Lakes data from 1968 to 2015 and St. Lawrence River data from 2002 to 2012. 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 and the St. Lawrence indicators are updated every 5 years (next update due in 2019–20).

Program 1.4: Compliance promotion and enforcement – wildlife

Program Description

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

Results

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

ECCC enforcement officers prioritized efforts to monitor Barn Swallow breeding colonies on McNabs Island in Halifax Harbour, to help reduce the serious decline of more than 75% of this threatened species since the 1970s. Departmental biologists continued to work to identify the reasons for this major decline.

ECCC continued its work with provincial and territorial governments and several Inuit communities to identify and track legal polar bear hides once they enter trade in order to support legally-harvested markets.

To protect wildlife in Canada and globally, ECCC continued its international work, including with INTERPOL and other international organizations, to promote compliance with and enforce domestic wildlife laws.

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 total number of prosecutions that resulted in convictions, over the total number of prosecutions.

Program 2.1: Weather and environmental services for Canadians

Program Description

This program provides reliable, accurate and timely forecasts and warnings, as well as weather and environmental intelligence to anticipate, manage and adapt to the risks and opportunities of changing weather, water, air quality and climate conditions. It involves monitoring, research, prediction and service delivery based on sound science to help Canadians make informed decisions in order to protect their health, safety, security and economic prosperity. Because a global effort is needed to monitor, understand and predict constantly changing weather, water, air quality, sea ice, and climate conditions, the program works with various collaborators around the world. Global collaborators include other national meteorological services, such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Météo France, as well as international organizations such as the United Nations World Meteorological Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. At the national level, collaborators include the media, academia and all levels of government in Canada. The program meets the department’s responsibilities under the department of the Environment Act, Weather Modification Information Act, Emergency Management Act (2007), Convention of the World Meteorological Organization, and memoranda of agreement with other national meteorological and space agencies.
The program provides forecasts and information in the event of environmental emergencies associated with the release of toxic and radioactive material in the atmosphere.

Results

The department completed onboarding of its high-performance computer in September 2017, following several months of sustained effort with experts at Shared Services Canada. This major update, which provides computing capacity comparable to that of other leading global meteorological sites, will enable the Canadian Centre for Meteorological and Environmental Prediction to provide more accurate and timely forecasting for Canadians over the coming years. Other departments also benefit from the output of the supercomputer, including Public Safety Canada for environmental emergency prevention and response, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for pest control and management, Health Canada for the nuclear emergency response and air quality policy issues, Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Services for fire weather and forest fire smoke dispersion services, Department of National Defence for weather information and forecasts, Fisheries and Oceans for oil spills response, fish management strategy and ocean modelling for emergency management, and Provinces for flood forecasts and natural resources management.

ECCC calibrated its national alert system to reflect data and information from multiple tracking systems. This extensive behind-the-scenes work will result in more accurate and timely ECCC alerts for weather and environmental hazards, and support alerts within affected areas before and as hazards occur, including tracking of lightning and hurricanes. The modalities used to communicate alerts will also be expanded from television and radio to include cell phones as well. Investments in weather infrastructure and system upgrades led to improved timeliness and accuracy of warnings (94% in 2017, up from 81% in 2016).

Work to create the department’s mobile weather app progressed in 2017–18. The new app will become Canada’s authoritative mobile source of weather information. The app is integrated with upgrades to weather information on the ECCC website and responds to an overall increase in the use of social media to provide Canadians with 24/7 accurate weather.

Science is the foundation of ECCC’s weather and environmental services. Some key scientific activities carried out over the year included:

• Advances in Canada’s Numerical Environmental and Weather Prediction System, which has improved accuracy of predictions with forecast skills now beyond 7 days, with over 13.5 million observations brought into the system each day.
• High-profile publications on climate research, including a study outlining how increases in average global temperature, aligned with targets under the Paris Agreement, could impact Arctic sea ice.

Results achieved

Canadians use Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather and environmental services

The Public Warning Index provides Canadians with an overview of the state of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s severe weather warning program. The value of this indicator has exhibited minor fluctuations over the last three reporting years, but has continually exceeded the target. The index is calculated based on timeliness and accuracy information for five warning types that are representative of Canada’s climate: rainfall, snowfall, freezing rain, wind, and severe thunderstorm.  It ranges from zero (poor performance) to ten (perfect performance).

²This result was reported as 8.4 in the 2016–17 Departmental Results Report, and was updated to 8.3 in the 2017–18 Departmental Plan to improve the consistency of the index components used for the indicator.

 

The population of a warned area indicator is being used to illustrate that Canadians are using Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather and environmental services, specifically its weather warnings. The most recent value reported in 2017–18 exceeded the target of 30% and shows an improvement in results over the last reporting period.

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.

Results

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: DND, 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.

Results

Protecting oceans and freshwater

Protecting Canadians and the environment from harmful substances

Influencing global action on environmental pollution

ECCC participated extensively in and contributed vital expertise to international processes to address pollution. For example:

• ECCC chaired the scientific and compliance sessions at the 2017 London Protocol meetings on ocean disposal, and chaired the financial assistance sessions at the 2017 Minamata Convention (on mercury) meeting.
• The department contributed to the Conferences of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in April 2017 by:
  • co-chairing the contact group on technical matters, whose work led to the adoption of six technical guidelines  under the Basel convention;
  • participating in technical and legal working groups to the Basel convention (on hazardous waste);
  • advocating for the listing of chrysotile asbestos to the Rotterdam Convention; and
  • supporting the successful listing of two new substances to the Stockholm Convention (decaBDE; SCCPs) and chairing the committee responsible for the first evaluation of the effectiveness of the Convention.
• The department supported Canada’s input into the Global Environment Facility’s seventh replenishment period, advising on how Canada’s financial assistance to developing countries can achieve global environmental benefits by addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, persistent organic pollutants, mercury emissions, and threats to international waters and oceans.

In April 2017, Canada ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global agreement to reduce anthropogenic mercury emissions and releases to the environment in Canada and abroad. Canada will be one of the main beneficiaries of this agreement as over 95% of anthropogenic mercury deposited in Canada comes from foreign sources.

The 2017–18 result will be available later in the fall of 2018, following the publication of this report.  This is due to the time required to analyze and validate the data.

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

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 the development of clean technologies. It also involves participation and negotiation in, and contributions to, international fora, in order to address climate change and transboundary air pollution, and bilateral and multilateral processes in order to support Canada’s positions and objectives.

Results

Climate change and clean growth

Regulations to reduce GHGs

The department proposed regulations to accelerate the phase-out of traditional coal-fired power in Canada by 2030, and to develop performance standards for natural gas-fired power plants. The phase-out of coal-fired electricity will cut carbon pollution by 16 million tonnes in 2030 (equivalent to one year of emissions from four million cars), thus improving air quality for Canadians.

Climate resilience and adaptation

International action on climate change

Internationally, Canada established and maintained environmental agreements with countries and organizations committed to advancing action on climate change and clean growth. To maintain momentum on climate action, Canada and its partners emphasized that the Paris Agreement is irreversible, and that Canada is committed to its full and effective implementation. ECCC delegates to the 23^rd Conference of the Parties (COP23) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) advanced negotiations under the Paris Work Programme, with a view to finalizing robust implementation guidelines for the Paris Agreement by the end of 2018.

Canada also continued to act on its commitment to pursue a progressive trade agenda that reflects environmental and climate change considerations, among others. For example, Canada committed to cooperating with the Parties of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to address climate change and other global environmental challenges. Canada also committed to work with New Zealand and Chile to uphold our respective commitments for an ambitious and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, as part of the CPTPP Declaration on Progressive and Inclusive Trade.

 

The department committed to protecting oceans and advance global climate action by building the resilience of coastal communities, including Small Island Developing States. Canada’s pledge of $2.65 billion by 2020 aims to help developing countries transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies through contributions to multilateral development banks, and direct support to developing countries to reduce emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. Initiatives and expected results are updated on Canada’s climate finance webpage.

Air quality

Emissions of 704 Mt in 2016 represent a 4.6% decrease from 2005 level (reduction of 34 Mt from the baseline of 738 Mt in 2005).

The values are based on data from Canada’s 2018 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).

The annual emissions are recalculated at each new inventory update. Hence previous year's estimates have been updated in this report.

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 a major component of smog and has been linked to adverse effects on human health and the environment. The indicator result is affected by weather conditions, local and transboundary emissions of air pollutants, as well as changes in natural events such as forest fires.  As these factors change between years, so may the result.

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.

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.

Results

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

ECCC conducted inspections and took enforcement measures under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and the Fisheries Act, and promoted compliance with pollution-related regulations and other risk management tools, such as codes of practice and guidelines.

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 subject of comprehensive compliance rate evaluation, ECCC collects compliance information for all regulations on a regular basis.

* The first phase of the project found that 93% of municipalities inspected were either compliant or not subject to the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act. Since the baseline compliance value exceeded 90%, it was deemed prudent to re-direct enforcement resources to higher risk areas. Remaining cases of non-compliance will be addressed, as required, with use of compliance promotion and/or enforcement measures. As a result of this project, the Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution Program has gathered valuable intelligence on this sector and will apply the lessons learned to enhance future project development and implementation.

Information on the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s lower-level programs is available in the GC’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.

Results