Archived: Departmental Results Report 2017 to 2018, supplementary tables: Department of Environment, chapter 5
Response to parliamentary committees
Response to the Auditor General (including to the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
2017 Spring Reports of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) – Report 7: Audit of Fossil Fuel Subsidies
The audit objective was to determine whether Finance Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), in a manner consistent with their respective roles and responsibilities, supported Canada’s 2009 G20 commitment to phase out and rationalize over the medium term inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, while providing targeted support for the poorest.
The audit could not conclude whether Finance Canada supported Canada’s 2009 G20 commitment to phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies while providing targeted support for the poorest, since the auditors did not receive all documents requested. As a result, the OAG could not provide assurance to Parliament that Finance Canada conducted the analyses required to support informed decision making.
The audit also concluded that ECCC had developed a plan to support Canada’s 2009 G20 commitment. However, ECCC had not yet implemented its plan.
Two recommendations were directed at ECCC. The Department agreed with all recommendations and prepared a management action plan to address them.
The report was tabled in Parliament on May 16, 2017.
The audit report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's website.
2017 Fall Reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD)
Report 1: Audit of Progress on Reducing Greenhouse Gases
The audit objective was to determine whether Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), with support from other government departments and agencies, had made progress towards meeting Canada’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The audit concluded that ECCC worked collaboratively with the provinces and territories to develop a new national climate change plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030—the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. However, the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions contained in this plan had yet to be implemented.
It also concluded that ECCC, with support from other government departments and agencies, did not make progress towards meeting Canada’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Department did not implement measures that would be sufficient to reach the 2020 target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it had shifted its focus to the 2030 target.
Four recommendations were directed at ECCC. The Department agreed with all recommendations and prepared a management action plan to address them.
The report was tabled in Parliament on October 3, 2017.
The audit report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's website.
Report 2: Audit of Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change
The audit objectives were to determine whether Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), in collaboration with federal partners, had taken appropriate measures to lead the federal government’s adaptation to climate change impacts; and to determine whether selected federal departments had taken appropriate measures to adapt to climate change impacts in their areas of responsibility.
The audit concluded that ECCC, in collaboration with other federal partners, did not provide adequate leadership to advance the federal government’s adaptation to climate change impacts. Although the Federal Adaptation Policy Framework and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change provided a foundation, there was no action plan nor clear direction to ensure that the federal government would integrate climate change considerations into its own programs, policies and operations.
Most of the federal departments and agencies examined did not take appropriate measures to adapt to climate change impacts by assessing and managing the climate change risks to their programs, policies, assets and operations. As a result, the federal government could not demonstrate that it was making progress in adapting to a changing climate. The audit concluded that stronger federal leadership is needed.
Four recommendations were directed at ECCC. The Department agreed with all recommendations and prepared a management action plan to address them.
The report was tabled in Parliament on October 3, 2017.
The audit report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's website.
Report 3: Audit of Funding Clean Energy Technology
The audit objectives were to determine whether Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) managed demonstration projects in selected federal funds for clean energy technologies in compliance with the conditions of the funds, and whether selected federal organizations articulated how funded clean energy technology projects would contribute to greenhouse gas emission reductions.
The audit concluded that NRCan and SDTC managed selected clean energy technology projects in compliance with the conditions of the funds. They both had rigorous and objective processes in place to assess, approve, and monitor projects.
It also concluded that NRCan and SDTC had articulated the environmental benefits of their funds. SDTC tracked and reported estimated greenhouse gas emission reductions. NRCan tracked and reported on the results of completed carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects that it funded but did not consistently track and report this for other projects. Despite the greater uncertainty involved in tracking these results, reporting nationally on results would help ensure they achieve their intended results.
ECCC was involved in one audit recommendation. The Department prepared a management action plan to address the recommendation.
The report was tabled in Parliament on October 3, 2017.
The audit report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's website.
Response to external audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
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