Archived: Departmental Results Report 2018 to 2019, supplementary tables: Department of Environment, chapter 7

Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings

• Report annually on GHG emissions inventories using the Federal Greenhouse Gas Tracking Protocol – a common standard for federal operations and submit results to the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Centre for Greening Government.
• Update departmental implementation plan to reduce GHG emission levels in absolute terms from 2005 levels and put them on a clear downward trend. Elements of the plan will address the scope of the departmental GHG inventory including “exclusions” to be applied, and the approach to GHG emissions reduction being taken for buildings and/or fleets.
• Undertake actions integrating five elements under Real Property management to reduce GHG emissions: operational improvements; maintenance procedures; occupant engagement; life cycle management; and energy performance improvement.
• Innovate sustainable workplace practices by updating and adopting policies and practices to improve the sustainability of departmental workplace operations to reduce their related environmental impact.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By reporting on GHG emissions from its operations, updating its plan for reducing emissions, taking action that integrate elements across real property management, and innovating to update and adopt policies and practices, ECCC contributes data that informs GHG-related decisions and implements practices that support measurable goals to reduce GHGs from federal operations.

The reduction of emissions created by ECCC buildings directly contributes to the FSDS goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings.

Performance indicators:

• GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year) = 18.1 ktCO₂e
• GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2016–17 = 14 ktCO₂e
• Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005–06 to fiscal year 2016–17 = -21%

Starting point:

GHG emissions from buildings from base year 2005–06 (18.1 ktCO₂e).

Results:

Facilities emissions have been reduced by 29.8% from the 2005-06 baseline.

Modernize our fleet

• Support the reduction of energy use in ECCC’s fleets and the deployment of electric vehicles as well as support access to workplace electric vehicle charging stations, where operationally feasible.
• Manage the capital planning process to approve new fleet purchases based on essential operational needs and departmental targets, aimed at facilitating the sharing of fleet vehicles across the Department.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By modernizing its fleet and reducing overall vehicle use across the Department, ECCC will contribute to reduced federal GHG emissions. The reduction of emissions created by the ECCC Fleet directly contributes to the FSDS goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from federal government fleets.

Performance indicators:

• GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year) = 4.7 ktCO₂e
• GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2016–17 = 3.2 ktCO₂e
• Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005–06 to fiscal year 2016–17 = 32%

Starting point:

• GHG emissions from baseline year 2005–06 (4.7 ktCO₂e). 

Results:

Fleet emissions have been reduced by 35.5% from the 2005-06 baseline.

Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement

• Take a sustainable approach to purchasing goods and services that incorporate environmental considerations in procurement instruments.
• Work with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on electricity contracts that will maximize carbon credits and the purchase of non-traditional energy sources, including renewable energy.
• Ensure that employees with procurement and contracting responsibilities undergo compulsory green procurement training.
• Ensure that procurement and contracting employees continue to adhere to the requirements and the spirit of the PSPC Policy on Green Procurement and related, relevant legislation.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By adopting sustainable procurement approaches and instruments and maximizing carbon credits and the use of renewable energy, the Department will contribute to transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Training and incentivizing staff and managers to include environmental considerations in their decision making will allow individuals to contribute towards the FSDS goal to reduce GHG emissions from federal government.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement

Starting Point:

As of 2016–17, 20 of 28 (71%) eligible specialists have completed the C215 course from the Canada School of Public Service. This includes procurement specialists and materiel management specialists.

Results:

84% (48 out of 57) of procurement and material management specialists have completed training on green procurement.

Performance indicator:

Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution towards green procurement in the current fiscal year

Starting Point:

As of 2016–17, 3/3 (100%) of eligible specialists have environmental/green statements in their performance agreements. This includes procurement specialists and materiel management specialists.

Results:

100% (11 out of 11) of procurement and material management specialists list “the support and contribution towards green procurement” as a work objective in their performance agreements.

Demonstrate innovative technologies

• Increase operational efficiency by testing state-of-the-art innovations not yet available in the marketplace.
• Lead by example as an early adopter of clean technology innovations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By investing in and adopting innovations, ECCC will demonstrate federal leadership in the use of clean technologies as a strategy to reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleets.

Performance Indicator:

GHG emissions from buildings participating in the Build-in-Canada Innovation Program (King City Radar)

The technology that is being considered for adoption is a wireless temperature controller which will adjust heating and cooling in occupied building zones. Addressing occupied areas instead of the building as a whole can improve energy efficiency.

Starting Point:

Reduce annual GHG emissions at King City Radar Station (Ontario) by up to 10% by 2020–21, from a baseline of 1.5 ktCO₂e between 2012 and 2016

Results:

In 2018-19, GHG emissions from the King City Radar totaled 5 tonnes CO₂e, compared to emissions in 2017-18 (15 tonnes of CO₂e), resulting in a reduction of 10 tonnes CO₂e.

Promote sustainable travel practices

• Revising departmental travel procedures to explore offsetting options to reduce the impact of employee government travel.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Actions to reduce business travel or use less GHG-intensive modes of transportation help to contribute to the FSDS goal to reduce total emissions from federal government fleets.

Performance Indicators:

Sustainable travel guidance and communication plan developed in fiscal 2017–18

Starting Point:

Messages issued and events held to promote sustainable travel: tele-conferencing / video conferencing; telework; green meetings; public transportation; commuter challenge; bicycle repair workshops, etc.

Results:

A system to track GHG emissions from employee government travels and a communication plan were completed (December 2019).

Note: The development of sustainable travel guidance and a communication plan will reduce GHG emissions by encouraging the use of less GHG-intensive modes of transportation and reducing business travel.

Understand climate change impacts and build resilience

• Develop a departmental adaptation plan that identifies actions to address climate change risks.
• Assess climate change risks to departmental assets, regulatory activities, services and policies.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

A departmental adaptation plan will improve ECCC’s understanding of the impacts of climate change and develop resilience.

Performance Indicators:

Report assessing climate change risks to departmental assets, regulatory activities, services and policies and identifying recommended actions for adaptation completed by fall 2018 Departmental adaptation plan developed by fiscal 2018–19

Starting Point:

In 2014, ECCC undertook a process to understand climate risks to key programs and activities within the Department.

Results:

A Climate Change Risk Assessment was completed in the fall of 2018. A draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan was developed in 2019, and work is underway to validate and implement corporate-level actions.

Use regulation to limit GHG emissions

Lead the overall implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF). Develop and implement regulations, tools, measures and mitigation actions, consistent with the Pan Canadian Framework, for key GHG emitters.  For example, ECCC will:

• Strengthen regulations to limit GHG emissions from post-2018 heavy duty trucks.
• Take action to accelerate phase out traditional coal-fired electricity units, and propose regulations to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.
• Finalize regulations to phase down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption and to prohibit the import and export of products that contain or are designed to contain HFCs, thereby avoiding future HFC releases to the environment.
• Implement Pan-Canadian pricing of carbon pollution, working with provinces and territories.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy (Target 7.2)

UN SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth (Target 8.4)

 UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Regulating GHG emissions and pricing carbon pollution will ensure that emissions from key sources are reduced in order to contribute to Canada’s reduction targets. Price on carbon pollution provides an incentive for climate action and clean innovation while protecting competitiveness. Carbon pricing is efficient and cost effective because it allows businesses and households to decide for themselves how best to reduce pollution and often save money in the process. Proceeds from pricing carbon pollution will be returned to the jurisdiction of origin in order to reduce cost impacts on households and vulnerable sectors, and drive further GHG emission reductions.

Several key regulations and other instruments will reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas, transportation, electricity and other industrial sectors that contribute significantly to total GHG emissions in Canada:

• The Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations are estimated to lead to annual CO₂e emission reductions of about 6Mt from all heavy-duty vehicles in 2030.
• The Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector), 2018 will reduce fugitive and venting emissions of methane, a potent GHG and a short-lived climate pollutant that contributes to climate change. Between 2018 and 2035, the cumulative GHG emissions reductions attributable to the Regulations are estimated to be approximately 232 Mt of CO₂e. The Regulations will deliver on the government of Canada’s March 2016 commitment to reduce emissions of methane from the upstream, oil and gas sector by 40% to 45% below 2012 levels by 2025.
• Coal-fired electricity generating units are the highest emitting stationary sources of GHGs and air pollutants in Canada. Amendments to the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations, published in December 2018, are expected to reduce GHG emissions by 12.8Mt of CO₂e in 2030.
• The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations, 2018 will prevent the release of HFCs, which are powerful short-lived climate pollutants that contribute to climate change. These controls are expected to prevent the release of 1Mt of CO₂ equivalents in 2020 and 7Mt in 2030. The HFC phase-down is in effect as of January 1, 2019.

Performance indicator:
GHG emissions from heavy duty vehicles.

Starting point:
Percentage improvement in GHG emissions performance for manufacturer model year 2018–2020 reporting relative to the 2010 model year:

• 13% - heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans
• 11% - Combination Tractors
• 5% - Vocational vehicles

Results:

The performance results for the 2018-19 model year fleet are expected in 2020.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of coal-fired electricity generation units meeting their regulated GHG emissions intensity performance requirement.

Starting point:

Target of phasing out 100% of the 36 units currently in use by end of their useful life (between 2019 and 2030), pending regulations that are still in development and not scheduled for publication in Canada Gazette II until late 2018.

Results:

Reporting of results to follow in 2021-22.

Performance indicator:

HFC emissions.

Starting point:

10% reduction in consumption in 2019 from a calculated HFC consumption baseline in tonnes CO₂e, towards an 85% reduction in 2036.

Results:

Results are expected to be available in April 2020, following the submission of the National Inventory Report for the 2019 calendar year.

Performance indicator:
Carbon pricing systems are in place in Canada.

Starting point:
13 Provinces and Territories have in place carbon pricing that meets the benchmark in 2018 or federal system applies.

Results:

As of March 31, 2019, all 10 provinces had in place carbon pollution pricing systems that aligns with the benchmark or the federal system applied¹.

Work with partners on climate change

• Work with other partners, including international organizations, to address GHG emissions from the transportation sectors.
• Engage partners, in particular the Canadian private sector, in projects that advance the role of clean technology in addressing emissions of air pollutants and/or GHGs.
• Collaborate with provinces and territories to improve the consistency of emission data across Canadian jurisdictions. In addition, expand the collection of facility data for the national GHG inventory; the expanded program will better align with provincial and territorial data.
• Implementation of the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) to support for projects to mitigate climate change and support Canada’s transition to a low carbon economy². This includes:
• LCEF Leadership Fund: bilateral funding agreements with provinces and territories that have adopted the PCF to help them deliver on commitments to reduce GHGs ($1.4B);
• LCEF Challenge Fund ($500M):
  • Champion stream provides funding to provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, businesses and not-for-profit organizations;
  • Partnership Stream is limited to Indigenous communities and their organizations, small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations and small municipalities.
• Engage Indigenous peoples in implementing the PCF, including through senior distinction-based tables with the Assembly of First Nations, Métis Nation and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
• Work with provinces and territories to publish the First Minister’s Annual Report on progress made toward PCF implementation
• Climate change policy coordination:
  • Engagement with PT, Indigenous peoples and federal partners on climate change issues, engagement and reporting.
  • Support PCF interdepartmental governance

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

ECCC will promote the use of clean technologies through its collaboration with partners in Canada and internationally. These collaborations foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge that can be leveraged to find ways to increase the use of clean technologies, which will contribute to reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality. Also, better data will inform GHG-related decisions thus resulting in more effective actions to reduce GHG emissions.

Through the two streams of the Low Carbon Economy Fund (the Leadership Fund and the Challenge Fund), ECCC supported a diverse range and size of projects, including those from ECCC’s partners, to bring effective and innovative approaches to reduce energy and emissions and to further provincial, territorial and local priorities.

ECCC continued its partnerships with Indigenous peoples, who are vital to the successful implementation of the PCF. ECCC continued to collaborate through distinction-based tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation, in partnership with each of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council. These tables support the implementation of the PCF on an on-going basis, and help to inform the design of clean growth and climate change policy and programs to support Indigenous peoples’ leadership on climate action.

ECCC continues to work with other government departments, provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples to implement and report on progress in implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework through an annual Synthesis Report to Canadians.

Performance indicator:
GHG emissions from light duty vehicles.

Starting point:
21.1% improvement in performance for manufacturer model year 2017 reporting relative to 2011 model year.

Results:

16% Improvement (2016 model year).

Performance indicator:
Emissions reductions are being achieved under the Clean Fuel Standard building on the Renewable Fuels Regulations.

Starting point:
Annual decrease toward a 30 Mt CO₂e reduction by 2030.

Results:

Results are not available at this time; Draft regulations for the liquids class are to be published in 2020, with those for gaseous and solid classes to come in 2021.

Conduct climate policy research and analysis

• Conduct or review upstream GHG assessments for all major energy projects undergoing review.
• Ensure public access to information and research findings pertaining to sustainable development and environmental governance.
• Provide key economic analyses to assess incremental impacts of regulatory proposals that:
  • Combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
  • Meet national emissions-reductions targets.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production (Target 12.8)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting scientific and economic research and analysis, ECCC will support evidence-based climate-related decisions, including to reduce GHG emissions.

100% of upstream GHG assessments were reviewed by the Energy and Transportation Directorate, as per the Environmental Assessment process and timelines. This ensures the quality of the assessments which lead to better decisions and more effective action to reduce emissions.

Performance indicator: Number of individuals, businesses, and governments accessing climate services and using that information to inform decision-making.

Starting point:
Annual increase from a baseline. Baseline to be established when Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) portal has been functioning for one full year (launch expected in 2018-19; baseline established in 2019-20.

Results:

The baseline will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) has been functioning for one full year. The CCCS became operational in October 2018, thus baseline will be set in 2019-20.

Take a leading role in international agreements and initiatives on climate change

• Lead Canada’s participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with the aim of negotiating ways to implement of the Paris Agreement.
• Continue working with Global Affairs Canada to deliver on Canada’s $2.65B to support developing countries’ transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies.
• Promote Canadian objectives in international fora such as the G7, G20, OECD, Francophonie, Commonwealth, the World Meteorological Organization and in other Ministerial meetings.
• Provide expertise, leadership and climate finance contributions, including for the reduction of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), through key partnerships such as with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Arctic Council, the Global Methane Initiative, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the World Bank, the International Maritime Organization and the Montreal Protocol.
• Advance priorities and climate change-related commitments with the U.S and contribute expertise and advancing Canada’s environmental priorities through bilateral partnerships with Mexico, Chile, China and the European Union.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.A)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By taking a leadership role and contributing expertise to key international climate and economic fora, ECCC will strengthen Canada’s capacity to contribute to a worldwide reduction of GHGs to meet global targets.

Working with international partners will contribute to international goals under the PCF, such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the delivery of Canada’s $2.65B to support developing countries in tackling climate change.

Performance indicator:

GHG reductions resulting from international initiatives funded by Canada.

Starting point:
Higher cumulative reductions from year to year, from the 2018-19 baseline, reaching minimum reduction of 200 Mt of GHGs.

Results:

An estimated cumulative reduction of 175.7 Mt of GHGs is expected from Canada’s $2.65B funding by 2018-19.

Note: The result captures international GHG reductions from Canada’s $2.65B funding. It will have no impact on the domestic target.

Performance indicator:

Number of people in developing countries who benefited from Canada’s adaptation funds.

Starting point:
Higher cumulative number of people in each consecutive year, reaching at least 10M people by 2030.

Results:

A cumulative estimate of 4,593,285 people will have increased their resilience by 2018-19 as a result of Canada’s $2.65B funding.

Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change

• Conduct targeted scientific and engineering studies to measure GHG emissions by technology, equipment type, fuel, and operating conditions.
• Maintain comprehensive GHG emission and air pollutant inventories that are up-to-date, informative, and relevant to all Canadian jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with organizations to gather new knowledge and data to support improved air quality and/or reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Conduct climate research and analysis to develop climate data and scenarios, which will inform mitigation actions and effective adaptation planning and support active participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1, Target 13.3)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting scientific research and maintaining inventories, ECCC will contribute to current knowledge and data that support improved global and domestic air quality, reduction of GHG emissions, and adaptation planning.

Performance indicator:

% of requested products delivered to senior management and decision-makers.

Starting point:

100% every year from 2018 and ongoing; Baseline to be established after the first year of reporting (2018-19).

Results:

100% of the requested products were delivered to senior management and decision-makers.

Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change

• Develop the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) which will work with provincial, territorial, Indigenous and other partners to make it easier for governments, communities, decision-makers, businesses and organizations to access data and information on climate science. 

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1, Target 13.3)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By establishing the CCCS as an authoritative federal access point for climate information, products and tools, ECCC will enable decision-making not only on adaptation in support of climate resilience in communities, economies and ecosystems but also on measures to reduce GHG emissions.

Performance indicator:

Number of individuals, businesses and governments accessing climate services and using that information to inform decision-making

Starting point:
Annual increase from a baseline. Baseline to be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) portal has been functioning for one full year (launch expected in 2018-19; baseline established in 2019-20).

Results:

The baseline will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS) has been functioning for one full year. The CCCS became operational in October 2018, thus baseline will be set in 2019-20.

Use legislation and regulation to protect coasts and oceans

• Assess and deliver permits for disposal at sea and Antarctic expeditions. These permits are delivered in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act and their regulations. Decisions will be based on the latest scientific and technical information and public and indigenous consultations when required.
• Improve guidance for permit applicants for the Disposal at Sea program and the Antarctic program, including the development of a revised set of internal monitoring guidance, strategies, policies and site management plans.
• Advance the regulatory proposal to designate the Scott Islands as a marine National Wildlife Area in 2017.
• Meet Canada’s international obligations under the London Convention and Protocol to prevent marine pollution.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water (Target 14.1)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

The goal of the Disposal at Sea (DoS) and Antarctic permitting systems is to enable certain activities while simultaneously putting in place measures which will prevent marine pollution. Program decisions will indirectly support the FSDS Healthy Coasts and Oceans goal and targets by conserving and protecting coastal and marine area function, or by contributing to the science and understanding of these systems.

The establishment of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area (British Columbia) directly supports the FSDS target of conserving 10% of coastal and marine areas by contributing 11,546 square km to the network.

The London Protocol aims to protect and preserve the marine environment from all sources of pollution and take effective measures, according to scientific, technical and economic capabilities to prevent, reduce and where practicable eliminate pollution caused by dumping. The implementation of the protocol contributes to supporting the FSDS goal.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of monitored ocean disposal sites with no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities.

Starting Point:

100% of monitored ocean disposal sites show no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities.

Results:

Results are expected later in the fall of 2019 (data not available at the time of the publication).

Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems

• Implement ECCC’s initiatives contributing to Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), such as risk-based response planning, enhanced marine weather forecasting and alternative response measures, to strengthen the prevention of and responses to marine incidents.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water (Target 14.2)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with partners ECCC will contribute to increased capacity across Canada to protect coastal areas and fish stocks by enhancing its capacity to respond to marine emergencies such as oil spills, and by collaborating with Indigenous People and other partners to improve knowledge and data on coastal ecosystems.

Performance indicator:

The number of marine safety incidents and spills from vessels in Canada’s waters.¹

Starting point:

By 2022, a reduction in the number of small oil spills and marine incidents relative to the number of vessel trips, compared with the average of the previous five years (specific target to be determined by April 2020 following establishment of baseline).

Results:

Results for this indicator are reported by Transport Canada.

Performance indicator:

Number of partners or organizations participating in ECCC-supported projects that address program priorities in targeted ecosystems.

Starting point:

100 by May 2018, from baseline of 30 in 2015–16.

Results:

Results for this indicator are related to projects that support freshwater, hence not applicable to this FSDS target of Healthy Coasts and Oceans.  Next year’s DSDS will be updated accordingly.

Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health

• Work to protect Canada’s freshwater and priority ecosystems, including the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Lake Winnipeg, and other major river basins in Atlantic, Western, and Northern ecosystems, through sound science and regulatory tools and in collaboration with Indigenous and other partners across Canada.
• Collaborate with partners to conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem and to maintain and recover its uses through the Canada-Quebec Agreement 2011–2026.
• Build partnerships and work in collaboration with partners to address program priorities for the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives and the Gulf of Maine Initiative in order to support the long-term sustainability of freshwater and coastal ecosystems in these targeted ecosystems.
• Provide information, data and expertise for domestic and international water boards to support Canada’s collaboration with the provinces, by way of agreements and with the U.S through the international Joint Commission, in efforts to regulate lakes and river basins such as Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, the Mackenzie River Basin, and the Pacific Drainage Basin. This includes participating in targeted studies focus on improving inter-jurisdictional water management.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.6)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By sharing science and expertise, financially supporting stakeholder-driven nutrient reduction demonstration projects, and developing and enforcing regulations in collaboration with Canadian partners, ECCC supports partners to take action to improve water quality and ecosystem health, including by reducing phosphorus loading in key ecosystems. For example, through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, ECCC works with partners and stakeholders to restore and protect Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health. A key priority under the Initiative is preventing toxic and nuisance algae in Lake Erie, which directly contributes to the achievement of phosphorus load reductions to Lake Erie from Canadian sources.

There are a number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality. The foundational work initiated through these partnerships supports broader future Indigenous involvement on Lake Winnipeg ecosystem health and water quality issues.

Partnerships are established in the implementation of the St-Laurence Action Plan activities and projects. These partnerships are established to pool the various expertise and resources in a spirit of cooperation towards a common objective, the protection of the St. Lawrence, including problems related to phosphorus and nitrogen levels, thus contributing to the FSDS goal.

Performance Indicator:

Number of Indigenous organizations/communities participating in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality.

Starting Point:

Target: 35 by 2022

Results:

Approximately 58 Indigenous organizations/communities participated in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality.

Note:

Indigenous peoples have a strong spiritual and cultural connection to water and are key partners in efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, ECCC is helping increase Indigenous participation in decision-making processes and actions to restore and protect the Great Lakes by enhancing engagement opportunities as well as supporting Indigenous capacity to address Great Lakes issues by funding community projects. Increased participation by Indigenous Peoples contributes to the restoration of lake and river ecosystems.

Performance Indicator:

Number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality.

Starting Point:

Target: 10 by 2022

Results:

15 Indigenous governments, organizations and communities were engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality.

Performance Indicator:

Average number of non-federal partnerships established during the implementation of the SLAP activities and projects.

Starting Point:

Target:  4 by 2021

Results:

On average, 5 non-federal partnerships were established during the implementation of the SLAP activities and projects.

Provide in-kind support and funding for projects

• Fund projects through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives to improve water quality, to conserve biodiversity, and to improve capacity to adapt to climate change. A broad ecosystem approach will be taken to support departmental priorities. Other projects will include targeted outreach to solicit more proposals that address impacts of climate change, and consultation with Indigenous governments and communities.
• Allocate 2017–18 grants and contributions funding through the Gulf of Maine Initiative. Four collaborative and science-based projects will continue into 2017–18, along with ongoing collaborative initiatives between ECCC and other key partners.
• Through its application-based Eco-Action program, the Department will match 50% funding support to not-for-profit and non-government organizations to undertake local projects that address departmental priorities (clean growth and climate change, nature, clean air and water).
• Apply payments received by the Environmental Damages Fund to address environmental damage and to undertake research that increases the Government of Canada’s ability to restore damaged environments.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.B)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By supporting local ecosystem improvement projects ECCC will engage Canadians in long-term sustainability of healthy and productive ecosystems.

ECCC provides funding to partner-led projects (through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Great Lakes Protection Initiative, and St. Lawrence Action Plan) that restore and protect water quality and ecosystem health. Project funding is leveraged by encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project(s).

The Community Interaction Program (CIP), Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives (AEI) and Gulf of Maine Initiative (GMI) are financial assistance programs, promoting community projects aimed at conserving and improving priority ecosystems: St. Lawrence River, St. John River Watershed, Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Watershed and Gulf of Maine. Non federal partners contribute financially to the local projects funded by the CIP, AEI and GMI.

Starting point:

Target: $2 by March 31st, 2022

Baseline: N/A  

Performance indicator:
Value of resources contributed by partners per dollar contributed by ECCC through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Great Lakes Protection Initiative, and St. Lawrence Action Plan, and other regional initiatives 

Results:

For each dollar contributed by ECCC, its partners contributed $0.87, $1.70, and $0.69 through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Great Lakes Protection Initiative, and St. Lawrence Action Plan, respectively.

Results:

Proponents and partners contributed $1.36, $0.86 and $0.69 per dollar contributed by ECCC for the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives (AEI), the Gulf of Maine Initiative (GMI), and St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP, through the Community Interaction Program) G&C projects, respectively.

Better understand lake and river ecosystems

• Provide analysis, guidance and economic advice and develop and provide economic models to enable environmental effects to be factored into decisions.
• Conduct targeted research studies and national water quality monitoring programs for chemicals to inform decision-making for the preservation and protection of Canadian freshwater quality.
• Provide scientific data related to water quality, sediments and biological resources as part of the work related to the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program.
• Focus scientific efforts to proactively understand, track and provide water quality and quantity information relating to Canada’s freshwater resources.
• Monitor the physical, chemical and biological/ecosystem characteristics of waters under federal jurisdiction, including Canada’s boundary waters.
• Provide quality assured water quantity information (river flow and level) to various stakeholders to assist them in water management, planning and related decision-making.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.5)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By contributing expertise and conducting and sharing research and monitoring data to decision makers ECCC enables sound decisions and appropriate actions to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of Canada’s freshwater.

Performance indicator:

Number of beneficial uses whose status is listed as “impaired” or “requires further assessment” for Canada’s 17 Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes.

Starting point:

Decrease to 70 by December 2019, from 97 in March 2016.

Results:

78 beneficial uses whose status was listed as “impaired” (62) or “requiring further assessment “(17).

Note:

This indicator measures progress toward addressing the specific environmental impairments (i.e. beneficial use impairments) in remaining AOCs. Re-designation of all beneficial use impairments to “not impaired” status is required in order to fully restore water quality and ecosystem health in AOCs.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of Great Lakes indicators that have been assessed as "good" through the State of the Great Lakes assessment (9 indicators in total).

Starting point:

100%, measured triennially from a baseline of 22% in 2016.

Results:

Results to be reported in 2019-20.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of indicators (21) in the State of the St. Lawrence River report which show a trend of being stable or improving.

Starting point:

Target: 100% by 2026, measured every 5 years; Baseline: NA

Results:

Results are expected by April 2020.

Performance indicator:

Overall status of ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg is stable or improving as presented in the State of Lake Winnipeg Report.

Starting point:

Target: “Improving” by 2022, measured every 5 years; Baseline:  NA

Results:

The overall status of ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg is considered stable as of March 2019.

Note:

Compiling and reporting on Lake Winnipeg based science and monitoring results helps citizens and academics better understand the ecosystem health status of the lake and its response to nutrient related actions in the watershed. A better understanding helps inform and support more effective action to achieve the FSDS goal.

Use legislation and regulation to protect lake and river ecosystems

• Administer, promote compliance with and enforce:
  • the Fisheries Act pollution prevention provisions and associated regulations, including the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER), the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER), and the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER);
  • the Environment Effects Monitoring (EEM) requirements under the PPER and MMER; and
  • the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) regulations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By administering and enforcing legislation and regulations ECCC will contribute to better water quality in Canada’s key freshwater ecosystems by deterring actions and behaviours that contribute to the deterioration of water quality.

This work contributes to the FSDS industrial effluent short-term milestone in the “Pristine Lakes and Rivers” goal.

Ensuring high compliance rates with Fisheries Act regulations helps improve water quality in lakes and rivers.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of wastewater systems where effluent quality standards are achieved.

Starting point:

Percentage increase in order to reach 100% by 2040, compared to a baseline of 77% in 2015.

Results:

Effluent quality standards were achieved in 77% of wastewater systems in 2018-19.

Better understand lands and forest

• Develop an inventory of conserved lands to support a multi-species approach to conservation and to deliver on the “Fully Accounting for Canada’s Conservation Lands” initiative.
• Maintain and improve the Conservation Areas Reporting and Tracking System in cooperation with the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas and ECCC’s Private Conservation Lands database; enable tracking gains made towards Canada’s 2020 Biodiversity Target and FSDS goals.
• Maintain and improve the integrated Canadian Wildlife Service Geospatial Knowledge Management Initiative database, to ensure availability of geo-referenced information for conservation planning and implementation.
• Develop the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Initiative (CESI) Wetlands Extent Indicator, including methodology for indicators of the rate and intensity of change in wetlands. ECCC will provide accurate and relevant wetlands statistical data analysis and geospatial datasets.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.2)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By providing expertise and collecting and sharing data, and by developing indicators  ECCC informs conservation decision making and enables the monitoring of progress toward Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets.

Analyses of opportunities and constraints for optimizing network growth can be supported by the up-to-date information provided by the indicators, spatial database, and the reporting and tracking system on location, amount and proportion of Canada’s terrestrial (land and freshwater) and marine areas. These actions provides baseline data for future decision-making related to place-based ecosystem and habitat conservation.

Growth to the ECCC network of protected areas (NWAs and MBSs), measured in total hectares, directly supports progress towards the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal that lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come by protecting and conserving important habitat. ECCC’s network of protected areas also contributes directly to Canada’s total protected and conserved area and is accounted for in assessing progress towards the 17% target.

Performance indicator: Total area (in hectares) that is protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.

Starting Point:

13,603,600 ha before March 31st, 2020 from a baseline of 12,449,000 ha in 2014-15.

Results:

136,077 km²  [13,607,700 ha] across Canada was protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries as of March 31, 2019.

Build capacity and provide support

• Develop management plans for its National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Nunavut as part of the renewed seven-year Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA), signed in April 2016.
• Consult with Indigenous peoples and the Government of the Northwest Territories with respect to the long-term conservation of additional sites.
• Make progress on officially replacing existing names of northern protected areas with Indigenous names.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.2)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with Indigenous peoples in the North to create management plans for existing sites, and conservation plans for the future, ECCC will contribute to achieving land and inland water conservation targets and enabling long-term, sustainable management approaches.

Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of the environment and have deep connections to nature.  ECCC consults and collaborates with Indigenous peoples and invests in initiatives that protect and restore biodiversity, and that strengthen and renew nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationships. Such collaboration has resulted in, for example, the 14,200 km² Edéhzhíe Protected Area in the Northwest Territories, established as the first new Indigenous Protected Area under the Nature Legacy Initiative. Edéhzhíe Protected Area contributes directly to conserving 17% of terrestrial and in-land waters in Canada and marks an important step in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and sustaining Canada’s lands and forests for future generations.

Meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples contributes to building the capacity and support of Indigenous communities to further conserve and grow Canada’s terrestrial and freshwater network of protected and conserved areas

Performance Indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful.

Starting Point:

Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established.

Results:

61% of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC in conservation in 2018-19 indicated that the engagement was meaningful.

Performance Indicator:  Annual percentage of ECCC IIBA obligations achieved out of the number forecasted during annual planning with the Inuit parties to the Agreement.

Starting Point: Expected actions associated with the renewed IIBA to be identified during annual planning meeting.

Results:

This indicator has been retired and is no longer being monitored. IIBA implementation is now being monitored through a series of other indicators of the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program.

Conserve natural spaces

• Develop and advance the Ecological Gifts Program with a focus on increasing the amount of ecologically sensitive land or rights in land donated by Canadians.
• Manage and expand ECCC’s protected areas network. Advance the proposal for the designation Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area in 2017. Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area (NWA) is proposed for designation before 2020. Progress will be made on conserving grassland habitat in Saskatchewan in 2017–18.
• Implement the terms of the renewed IIBA for ECCC’s conservation areas in the Nunavut Settlement Area with Inuit parties to the agreement.
• Support on-the-ground wetland restoration and enhancement projects in Canada through the National Wetland Conservation Fund.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.5, Target 15.1)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By enabling donations of ecologically sensitive lands, establishing protected areas and supporting wetland restoration ECCC directly contributes to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets for 17% with the use of both conventional (direct land securement) and innovative (incentivizing private stewardship) conservation mechanisms. By conserving natural spaces of ecological and cultural importance, Canada’s lands and forests are being sustainably managed for future generations.

Securing ecologically sensitive land contributes directly to Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas, and supports the goal of sustaining Canada’s biodiversity and ecosystem services for the long-term in Canada’s lands and forests.

Growth to the ECCC network of protected areas (NWAs and MBSs), measured in total hectares, supports progress towards the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal that lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services. By protecting and conserving important habitat. ECCC’s network of protected areas also contributes directly to Canada’s total protected and conserved area and is accounted for in assessing progress towards the 17% target.

Performance indicator:

Total area of ecologically sensitive land secured (in ha) through the Ecological Gifts Program.

Starting point:

189,780 ha by March 31st, 2018 from a baseline of 164,891 ha in 2013-14.

Results:

195,400 ha of ecologically sensitive land was secured through the Ecological Gifts Program as of  March 31, 2019.

Performance indicator:
Total area (in hectares) that is protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.

Starting point:

13,603,600 ha before March 31st, 2020 from a baseline: 12,449,000 ha in 2014-15.

Results:

136,077 km² [13,607,700 ha] across Canada was protected as marine and terrestrial National Wildlife Areas and as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries as of March 31, 2019.

Work with domestic and international partners

• Maintain strong collaborative partnerships with international, federal, provincial, Indigenous and non-governmental organizations and individuals through the Habitat Stewardship Program to protect, improve and/or restore habitat to enhance the survival of migratory birds and species at risk.
• Work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to deliver government priorities through the Natural Areas Conservation Program.
• Work with Parks Canada, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP), Canadian Parks Council, and other municipal/ provincial/territorial, Indigenous and stakeholder groups to develop a national blueprint for conserved and protected areas as well as a pathway to achieve Canada’s Biodiversity Target 1 (conserving at least 17% of Canada’s terrestrial areas and inland waters by 2020).
• With regard to the Pathway to Canada’s Target 1, finalize preparations to present National Advisory Panel recommendation to Ministers in March 2018; participate in the implementation of Ministerial actions to reach Target 1 by 2020.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with key Canadian and international partners to protect habitat and biodiversity, ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation targets.

Nature conservation in Canada is a shared responsibility. All levels of government have a role in managing ecosystems and species. Many sectors have direct or indirect impact on biodiversity outcomes, and many more rely on the benefits that nature provides. Collaboration is therefore key to achieving results.

Partnerships in conservation promote innovation, enable multi-species and ecosystem-based initiatives and build relationships with Indigenous peoples, governments, industry and other resource users to enhance the overall Canadian effort. Partnerships with Indigenous communities, stakeholder groups and local actors foster enhanced stewardship of local biodiversity and ownership of conservation efforts. Partnerships with international partners promotes knowledge and experience sharing, and can increase the effectiveness of conservation efforts towards the national FSDS targets in Canada and international commitments to nature and sustainable development abroad.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful.

Starting point:
Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established.

Results:

61% of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC in conservation in 2018-19 indicated that the engagement was meaningful.

Note: Meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples supports future collaboration between ECCC and Indigenous communities to further conserve and grow Canada’s terrestrial and freshwater network of protected and conserved areas and overall biodiversity outcomes.

Use legislation and regulations to protect species at risk and migratory birds

• Provide key economic analysis in support of the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations.
• Collaborate with partners at home and internationally to protect endangered species which are in trade to meet our obligations under the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and implement the Wild Animal and Plant Protection Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.
• Collaborate with partners at home and internationally to conserve migratory birds and their habitats and implement the Migratory Birds Convention Act. The Department will continue to monitor the status of and conduct research on migratory birds and their habitats.
• Conserve biodiversity and implement the Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Bird Convention Act in Canada through cooperative, collaborative and adaptive conservation planning and action with best placed partners and supporting the use of non-regulatory stewardship tools where appropriate.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By enforcing Canadian and international legislation and regulations, ECCC will support Canada’s population goals for species at risk and migratory birds.

By undertaking key economic analysis of legislation and regulation, decision-making for species conservation can be better informed, and policy options and programs can be more effectively implemented.

Responsibility for managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared amongst all levels of government. Collaborating with partners at home and internationally to ensure continuous progress is made in securing populations of species at risk and migratory birds listed under federal law is essential to species conservation and recovery.  Using a range of tools – both regulatory and non-regulatory – helps maximize conservation outcomes.

Monitoring migratory birds is essential for determining if migratory bird species populations are within an acceptable range and to inform conservation planning. Migratory bird species indicate healthy ecosystems in Canada and abroad.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of species at risk for which changes in populations are consistent with recovery objectives.

Starting point:

60% by May 2025 from a baseline of 43% (2017).

Results:

41% of species at risk had population trends that were consistent with recovery objectives.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges

Starting point:
60% by 2020, from a baseline of 57% in 2014.

Results:

58% of migratory bird species are within target population ranges.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions.

Starting Point:

Targeted regulatees are penalized when non-compliant with wildlife laws and regulations administered by ECCC.

Target: 95% by April 2018

Baseline: 95% in 2015-16.

Results:

98% of prosecutions resulted in convictions.

Note:

The high rate of convictions signifies that regulations and legislation are functioning as intended, to penalize crimes against species at risk and migratory birds. Regulatory approaches to nature conservation are intended to prevent worst-case scenarios (extinction, critical habitat loss, etc.) but require high costs and high capacity to implement. High conviction rates confirm their suitability as a tool for conservation. 

Work with partners to protect species and their habitats

• Work with partners to finalize a Species at Risk Act Management Plan for the polar bear. In addition, work with international partners to implement a Circumpolar Action Plan for polar bear in accordance with the 1973 Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears.
• Seek to enable the implementation of Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) Strategies. This will involve finding mechanisms and developing partnerships in order to disseminate the information available in BCR Strategies.
• Support the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in Canada through the collaborative Habitat Joint Venture partnerships. These focus on retention and restoration of wetlands and associated uplands in priority landscapes for migratory waterfowl.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and Indigenous partners at home via various Species at Risk Act (SARA) mandated and SARA-enabled advisory bodies including but not limited to the Species at Risk Advisory Committee, the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk and the First Nation Advisory Committee on Species at Risk to protect species and their habitats.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Responsibility for managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared amongst all levels of government.

By collaborating with Canadian and international partners to protect animal and bird species and their habitats, ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s population goals for species at risk and their habitats.

Collaborative initiatives between partners increases the audience of conservation actions, and influences the public and interested local stakeholders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection.

Collaboration with partners in Canada and globally, allows for the sharing of expertise and advice which may promote more effective species protection.

Collaborative initiatives may also increasingly influence decision-making and can result in identifying shared priorities and areas for investment.

Performance indicator:

Total priority waterfowl habitat managed and/or enhanced by  partners in support of North American Waterfowl Management Plan objectives

Starting point:

7.1 million ha by March 31^st from a baseline of 5.2 ha in 2013-14.

Results:

9.0 million ha as of March 31, 2018.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful.

Starting point:

Target will be identified once the 2018–19 baseline is established.

Results:

61% of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC in conservation in 2018-19 indicated that the engagement was meaningful.

Note:  Meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples supports collaboration between ECCC and Indigenous communities to protect species and their habitats.

Build capacity and promote education

• Provide analysis, guidance and economic advice and develop and provide economic models.
• Provide funding through the Habitat Stewardship Program to contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern. This will include engaging Canadians from all walks of life in conservation actions to benefit wildlife.
• Provide funding through the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk to support Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.5)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By providing expertise and funding to Indigenous peoples and other local stakeholders, ECCC will contribute to Canadians’ capacity to protect and conserve species.  Supporting capacity building and education of local actors will achieve better outcomes for more species at risk, improve return on investment, and increase co-benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems.

Engagement of Canadians in conservation efforts and species protection activities supports the target of meeting the recovery objectives for species at risk and the population targets for migratory birds indirectly by fostering enthusiasm for stewardship, public awareness and education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased participation in species and habitat protection beyond the initial activities.

Undertaking economic analysis helps inform decision-making for species conservation, and policy options and programs can be more effectively implemented.

Funding enables partnerships for the protection and recovery of species at risk with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in a manner that recognizes and enables Indigenous leadership and engagement in land and resource management.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of Canadian households in which one or more people engaged without pay in activities aimed at conservation or protection of the environment or wildlife.

Starting point: 30% by 2021, 17% in 2015.

Results:

18% in 2017 (latest results available).

Uphold international commitment related to wildlife

• Undertake international actions for the conservation of migratory birds (under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation), and deliver projects for seabird conservation in Chile (under the Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation) and for shorebird monitoring in Panama (under the Canada-Panama Environment Agreement).
• Coordinate Canada’s participation with the U.S. and Mexico in the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management, and support trilateral working group to ensure the conservation of the Monarch butterfly migration, as per the 2016 North American Leaders Summit commitment.
• Track and coordinate actions in support of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, and initiatives to advance the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada, including by implementing the actions agreed to by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for conservation, wildlife and biodiversity, and through actively participating in and leading Canadian delegations at international meetings in support of biodiversity.
• Participate with national and international partners in the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance to contribute to wetland conservation in Canada.
• Implement the Ramsar Convention in Canada to promote the wise use of wetlands and support partners in the nomination of any new proposed Ramsar Sites.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with international partners, ECCC will support Canada in meeting its international wildlife commitments.

Decisions and actions taken outside of Canada can have an impact on wildlife in Canada, particularly migratory species.   

By supporting actions to conserve species throughout their range sharing experiences with others, including through its international commitment, Canada makes important contributions to regional and global biodiversity conservation.

Program outcomes such as the total priority waterfowl habitat managed and/or enhanced in support of NAWMP objectives directly contribute to the protection of species at risk habitat and the protection of migratory bird population sizes. By managing and/or enhancing millions of hectares of waterfowl habitat, the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of healthy wildlife populations is being supported, as wetlands and other similar habitats are essential for a wide variety of Canadian species, including a number of at-risk reptiles and amphibians and a number of migratory birds.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of Canadian areas conserved as protected areas and other effective areas-based conservation measures.

Starting Point:

Increase toward achievement of 17% from a baseline of 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters).

Results:

11.8% of Canadian areas were conserved as protected areas and by other effective areas-based conservation measures.

Note: Growth of the Canadian network of areas conserved as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures supports progress towards the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of healthy wildlife populations by directly providing habitat space and refuge for species, which in turn directly supports improvements in species at risk and migratory bird population trends.

Performance indicator: Total priority waterfowl habitat retained by partners in support of North American Waterfowl Management Plan objectives (In million ha).

Starting point:

8.8 ha by March 31st, 2018 from a baseline of 7.5 ha in 2013-14.

Results:

9.0 million ha as of March 31, 2018.

Build capacity for conservation activities

• Work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to deliver Government priorities, including to accelerate the rate of private land conservation and protect important natural habitat in communities across southern Canada.
• Fund the Natural Areas Conservation Program to:
  • assist and support the securement of ecologically significant areas across Canada;
  • protect habitat for species at risk (both COSEWIC-assessed and SARA-listed) and migratory birds; and
  • enhance connections and corridors between protected areas.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.4)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By partnering with an established organization that leads and inspires Canadians to conserve natural areas and biodiversity, ECCC will strengthen and expand its reach to local communities in support of biodiversity conservation, and make it easier for the public and interested local stakeholders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection.

Engagement of Canadian’s in conservation efforts and nature protection activities directly supports the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of increasing participation in biodiversity conservation activities.

Public participation fosters enthusiasm for stewardship, public awareness and education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased participation in biodiversity and conservation activities.

Performance Indicator:

Number of Canadians engaged in individual and collective actions funded by the EcoAction Program.

Starting Point:

110,000 by March 31st, 2020. Baseline to be determined in 2018-19.

Results:

In 2017-2018, 120,079 Canadians were engaged in individual and collective actions funded by the EcoAction Program.

Promote public participation

• Implement the “Connecting Canadians to Nature” Initiative in ten National Wildlife Areas by constructing new trails, bridges and exhibits, and promoting a national geocaching program (an outdoor educational game that uses GPS-enabled devices).
• Facilitate Canadians’ access to nature in National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) close to urban centres. For example, free access to the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area in 2017 was provided as part of the 150th anniversary of Confederation celebrations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities (Target 11.7)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By increasing access to wildlife areas and expanding the range of nature-based experiences available, ECCC will make it easier for the public to get out into nature  and encourage greater public participation in biodiversity and conservation activities, such visits can foster enthusiasm for engagement in stewardship, public awareness and education.

Visitation to National Wildlife Areas fosters enthusiasm for nature, and conservation which in turn may encourage stewardship, education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased visitations to NWAs and further participation in biodiversity and conservation activities.

Performance indicator:

Percentage increase in annual visitation to the ten National Wildlife Areas that are part of the Connecting Canadians to Nature Initiative since launch.

Starting point:

25% by 2020 (280,062 visitors from a baseline of 224,050 in 2015).

Results:

9% (244,230 visitors) in 2018.

Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

Better understand air pollutants by:

• Providing air quality monitoring data, expertise, maps and analysis to guide implementation of the Air Quality Management System (AQMS) and to track benefits of the Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting research, analysis and collection of data on sources of air pollution, ECCC will inform the development of effective regulations and other tools to reduce harmful pollutants and improve air quality for Canadians, providing safer and healthier communities.

Performance Indicator:

Emissions of air pollutants from industrial and transportation sources in tonnes for fine particulate matter (PM2.5); sulphur oxides (SOx); nitrogen oxides (NOx); volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Starting Point:

Continued downward trend in rolling three-year average emissions from 2006-2008 from a baseline of the previous year's result.

Results:

The results represent a downward trend from the 2014 to 2016 period with lower SOx, NOx, and VOCs emissions reported this year.

The difference between 2014-2016 average to the 2015-2017 average:

VOC = -48,657 tonnes

NOx = -24,508 tonnes

SOx = -71,745 tonnes

PM2.5 = -3,637 tonnes

Baseline

(% change from 2006-2008 to 2015-2017)

VOC = -22.76%

NOx = -20.97%

SOx = -44.60%

PM2.5 = -34.89%

Note: The results represent a downward trend from the 2014 to 2016 period with lower SOx, NOx, and VOCs emissions reported this year.

Better understand harmful substances by:

• Conducting scientific assessment to determine the risks to the environment from substances that are already in commerce (existing substances) and substances proposed for use in Canada (new substances). The assessment provides the evidence needed to determine whether a substance is toxic, and ultimately, whether risk management is required.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting scientific assessment on harmful substances, ECCC will inform evidence-based decision making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances and assist Canadians in making informed decisions about their health.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of substances that are found to be toxic to the environment that have controls in place within legislated timelines.

Starting point:

Target of 100% by March 2018.

Results:

This is a new indicator. First results are expected by March 31, 2020 to be able to report on the 2019-20 fiscal year.

Provide information to inform action and decision making

Provide information to inform action and decision-making on air quality by:

• Collecting and publishing National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) data for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 reporting years. NPRI includes data on releases (to air, water and land), disposals and recycling of over 300 air pollutants and other harmful substances, from industrial and other facilities across Canada.
• Implementing the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to provide Canadians with greater access to local air quality information and forecasts to help make informed decisions about their health.
• Finalizing and publishing a strategy to address short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). The SLCP Strategy was published in July 2017.
• Preparing and publishing a national report on black carbon and methane every two years in line with Arctic Council commitments.
• Contributing to the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI), which track Canada’s performance on key sustainability issues related to air pollutant emissions and air quality and ensures that national, regional, local and international data are publicly accessible and transparent.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.3)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collecting and sharing data on air pollutants and harmful substances, ECCC will inform evidence-based decision making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances and assist Canadians in making informed decisions about their health.

Increasing the number of individuals that have access to the AQHI has helped Canadians to better inform their actions regarding their health and safety.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of the general population within selected regions receiving AQHI who report that they recall seeing or hearing AQHI information.

Starting point:

15-20% from a most recent measure of 15% in 2011.

Results:

As of October 2017, 14% of the general population within selected regions reported that they recalled seeing or hearing AQHI information (results do not include data from Quebec due to limited availability of AQHI data in the province).

Use legislation and regulation to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances

Use legislation and regulation to address outdoor air pollutant emissions by:

• Undertaking modelling, analysis and research to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches and regulatory development to reduce air pollution.
• Developing, and/or finalizing and implementing industrial emissions requirements for various equipment types and sectors, using regulatory and non-regulatory instruments such as the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), NOx guidelines for new stationary combustion turbines and Performance Agreements for the aluminum and the iron ore pellets sectors.
• Developing, implementing, administering and enforcing regulations to reduce air pollutant emissions, specifically from the transportation and oil and gas sectors. This activity will include the finalization of regulation for off-road small spark ignition engines, implementation of amendments to regulation of on-road vehicles for 2017–2025, and proposed regulation of petroleum and refinery air pollutant emissions.
• Implementing measures to reduce black carbon emissions from wood-burning appliances and new stationary diesel engines.

Use legislation and regulation to address harmful substances by:

• Undertaking modelling, analysis and research, and by developing regulatory impact analysis statements to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches to reduce air and water pollution. Key economic analysis will include the assessments of regulations such as the off-road small spark ignition engines. The analysis will also support the development of air quality standards and the phase-out of subsidies for the fossil fuel industry over the medium-term, with an aim to provide incentives for clean investments.
• Developing, implementing and administering regulatory and voluntary instruments to manage risks from harmful substances, waste and effluents and to improve administration of the Fisheries Act.
• Taking domestic regulatory action to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) consumption and prohibit the import and manufacture of products that contain HFCs.
• Developing, finalizing, administering, and enforcing regulatory instruments to manage and reduce risks from harmful substances, such as the Prohibition of Certain Substances Regulations, 2012 and the new Asbestos Regulations under CEPA 1999.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By developing and enforcing regulations and applying other measures, ECCC will reduce release of pollutants emissions and substances that are harmful to human health and the environment, and decrease the three year average of nitrogen oxide emissions to protect human health and provide safe and healthy communities

Through partnerships that include the public, civil society, Indigenous organizations and industry stakeholders, the Program develops Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, monitors and reports on ambient air quality, and develops and implements regulations and other tools to limit emissions of air pollutants from sources, including industry transportation and consumer products.

As more regulatees become compliant with federal air pollution measures, the impact of reduced emissions will contribute to most of the FSDS goals, including safe and healthy communities.

The Multi-Sector Air Pollutant Regulations set mandatory and consistent air pollutant emission standards for nitrogen oxides (Nox) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the cement sector and from boilers, heaters and stationary spark-ignition engines that are used in several industrial sectors. The Regulations will result in emission reduction across Canada. Between 2016 and 2035, it is estimated that there will be a 99kt reduction in NOx emissions due to these regulations and will minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The expected benefit is valued at around $410 million.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of regulatees that are in compliance with federal air pollution measures.

Starting Point:

Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations was registered and published in June 2016 to address air pollutant emissions from boilers and heaters, engines, and the cement sector. Initial reporting requirements begin in 2017 for boilers, heaters, and stationary spark-ignition.

Results:

Data not validated at time of publication.

Performance indicator:

Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada’s Black Carbon Emissions Inventory.

Starting point:
10.5 Kt reduction by 2025 (Equivalent to 25% decrease from a baseline of national emissions of 42 Kt in 2013).

Results:

Results are expected in summer 2020.

Performance indicator:

HFC Emissions

Starting point:
10% reduction in consumption in 2019 from a calculated HFC consumption baseline in tonnes CO₂e, towards an 85% reduction in 2036.

Results:

Results are expected in April 2020.

Work with partners on outdoor air quality by:

• Continuing to implement the AQMS, a comprehensive framework to address air pollution in Canada and improve the health of Canadians and the environment; in collaboration with provinces, territories, and with the engagement of stakeholders.
• Publishing CAAQS for sulphur dioxide (SO₂), which were announced by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in October 2016, in the Canada Gazette.
• Developing new CAAQS for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂),and reviewing the CAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone; in collaboration with Health Canada, provinces, territories, and in consultation with stakeholders through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
• Working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the transboundary flow of air pollutants and implement the Vehicles and Engines Action Plan under the Canada- U.S. Air Quality Agreement.

Work with partners on chemical management by:

• Participating in international chemicals- and waste-related fora and continuing to engage and consult with relevant national and international stakeholders.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with provinces, territories, stakeholders and international partners to develop and implement standards and approaches to improve air quality, ECCC will work to reduce pollutants in outdoor air. Collaboration means that ECCC engages partners to work on common objectives, increase capacity, improve the efficacy of efforts through information sharing, etc.

Working towards the 2030 goal of 85% of the Canadian population living in areas where air quality standards are achieved means more Canadians live in safe and healthy communities.

Performance Indicator:

% CAAQS reviewed and updated.

Starting Point:

100% of CAAQS will be reviewed on a five-year cycle from date of initial publication and, where necessary, will be made more stringent to encourage continuous improvement in air quality.

Results:

100% of Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) that required review in 2018-19 were reviewed and updated. Ozone CAAQS to be met in 2020 have been reviewed, and new CAAQS for 2025 were published in summer 2019.

Note: Timely review and update of the applicable CAAQS works to ensure clean air and more safe and healthy communities.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved.

Starting Point:

85% of Canadians live in areas that meet the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) in 2030, from a baseline of 60% in 2005-2007.

Results:

During the period of 2014-16 (most recent data available), 77% of Canadians were living in areas where air quality standards were achieved.

Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals manage-ment and trans-boundary air pollution

Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management by:

• Implementing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, including its Kigali Amendment on HFCs. Continue to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through active participation in committees and subsidiary bodies to the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, supported by domestic action under the Chemicals Management Plan.
• Canada continues to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through active participation in committees and subsidiary bodies to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the Minamata Conventions, as well as through domestic implementation actions, including strengthening of domestic regulations.

Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on transboundary air pollution by:

• Ratifying the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol (of the UNECE Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution).
• Engaging in efforts to take action on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and other contaminants under the Arctic Council.
• Continuing to work with the U.S. through the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement to reduce transboundary air pollution.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By engaging with international partners and by levering the collective inputs, ECCC is strengthening its domestic actions and those of its international partners. It is through ECCC’s regional action and meeting key international obligations that the collective efforts to manage harmful chemicals and air pollutants will be resulting in safer and healthier Canadian communities, therefore contributing to meeting the FSDS goal.

Performance indicator:

HFC Emissions.

Starting point:
10% reduction in consumption in 2019 from a calculated HFC consumption baseline in tonnes CO₂e, towards an 85% reduction in 2036 as per the Kigali Amendment.

Results:

Results are expected in April 2020.

Performance indicator:

Achievement of indicative 2020 Canadian emissions reduction commitments (in Canada’s commitments under the Gothenburg Protocol).

Starting point:
Canada signed the Gothenburg Protocol December 1, 1999; ratify the Gothenburg Protocol.

Results:

Date to achieve target is 2020. Reporting of results to follow in 2021.

Note: Canada ratified the Gothenburg Protocol and its amendments on November 28, 2017.

Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites

• Assess and remediate sites for which ECCC is responsible.
• Provide expert advice to help federal custodians assess and remediate their contaminated sites to ensure that the highest-priority sites are remediated under Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) and to reduce the ecological risks they pose.
• Provide program oversight for the ongoing delivery of the FCSAP, in partnership with other federal departments and agencies and consolidated Crown corporations.
• Prepare a public progress report on the results of the FCSAP.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By remediating ECCC contaminated sites and providing expertise to other work of other federal departments ECCC will reduce ecological risks related to harmful substances on these lands.

The Assessment reduces uncertainty related to ecological and human health risks and allows remediation to progress.

Risk reduction activities contribute to a safe and healthy environment for Canadians by minimizing impacts to human health and the environment.

Performance indicator:

Number of funded sites where assessment activities have been conducted during Phase III of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.

Starting point:

From zero sites assessed as of April 1, 2016, the beginning of Phase III of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) to 569 sites assessed by March 31, 2020.

Results:

230 sites were assessed in 2018-19.

In total, 804 s sites have been assessed in the first three years of Phase III (2016-17 and 2018-19).

Contribution to the goal and target: The Assessment reduces uncertainty related to ecological and human health risks and allows remediation to progress.