Info Source

General information

Introduction to Info Source

Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information provides information about the functions, programs, activities and related information holdings of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. It provides individuals and employees of the government (current and former) with relevant information to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions subject to the Privacy Act and to exercise their rights under the Privacy Act.

The Introduction to Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information and an index of institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act are available centrally.

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.

Background

The Department of the Environment was established by the Government Reorganization Act, 1970-71-72, ch. 42 on June 10, 1971. The Department, also known as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), reports to Parliament through the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is the lead federal department for a wide range of environmental issues, including taking action on clean growth and climate change. The Department is also engaged in activities aimed at preventing and managing pollution, conserving nature, and predicting weather and environmental conditions. The Department addresses these issues through various actions including the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth And Climate Change, engaging with our strategic partners including provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples; monitoring; science-based research, policy and regulatory development; and through the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. The Department's program focus reflects the interdependence between environmental sustainability and economic well-being.

Responsibilities

A number of Acts and regulations provide the Department with its mandate and allow it to carry out its programs. Under the Department of the Environment Act, the powers, duties and functions of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change extend to and include matters relating to: the preservation and enhancement of the quality of the natural environment, including water, air and soil quality; renewable resources, including migratory birds and other flora and fauna; water; meteorology; the enforcement of any rules or regulations made by the International Joint Commission relating to boundary waters; and the coordination of the policies and programs of the Government of Canada respecting the preservation and enhancement of the quality of the natural environment.

Beyond those authorities conferred under the Department of the Environment Act, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change exercises additional authorities provided under other Acts and regulations including (but not limited to) the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Federal Sustainable Development Act, and several pieces of legislation relating to the protection of biodiversity and water and the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Environment and Climate Change Canada provides information and analysis to others (as a federal authority) and is also a department with decision-making responsibilities (as a responsible authority).

The Department is a key partner for other federal departments (including its ministerial portfolio partners, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and Parks Canada), where statutes provide Environment and Climate Change Canada with secondary or shared responsibility for the successful execution of other federal departments’ mandates. These statutes include, among others, the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act (Transport Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Natural Resources Canada), the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology Act (Natural Resources Canada), the Fisheries Act (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) and the Marine Liability Act (Transport Canada). For more information on specific plans and initiatives, please refer to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Departmental Plan.

Institutional functions, programs and activities

Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Through engagement with other federal departments and agencies, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and external experts, Environment and Climate Change Canada works to support and coordinates the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; works to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; develops regulatory instruments; supports businesses and Canadians to adapt and become more resilient to climate change; and contributes to international climate change actions to increase global benefits.

Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

The Government of Canada has committed to a national emissions target of 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. The Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation program develops and implements regulations and other instruments to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas, transportation, electricity and other industrial sectors, which make a significant contribution to total GHG emissions in Canada. This will be done through a comprehensive approach which includes climate science, policy, technical and economic analysis; developing and implementing regulations and other tools targeting emissions for key sources; negotiating agreements with provinces and territories to reduce emissions of GHGs and short-lived climate pollutants; maintaining an inventory of emissions; and making science and data accessible to support regulatory development and performance monitoring.

Industrial sector emissions
Description: Information is available on the sector-by-sector regulatory approach for addressing GHG emissions from industrial sources and the Air Quality Management System, including Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, industrial emissions requirements and air zone management and air sheds framework. Information is also available on the health and ecosystem impacts of air pollutants in Canada, as well as on the Canada/US Air Quality Agreement.
Document Types: Correspondence, regulatory documentation, briefing notes, agendas and meeting agendas and minutes, presentations, position papers and contracts
Record Number: EC CCC 211

Transportation sector emissions
Description: Information is collected on policies and regulations to reduce emissions of air pollutants and GHGs from transportation sources (vehicles, engines and fuels) in Canada. Information is also available regarding work with federal government departments, provincial governments, vehicle and fuel industries, and internationally with other governments and organizations. Documentation exists on the following subjects: development of GHGs and air pollutant regulations; implementation and administration of those regulations; scientific testing and emissions verification to ensure compliance with standards; Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)’s work with Transport Canada to develop new domestic and international standards to address air pollutant and GHG emissions from maritime shipping; Canada's collaboration with the International Maritime Organization to recommend practices for marine vessels; and ECCC's work done through a Mobile Sources Working Group to share information and identify areas of joint interest with provinces and territories toward reducing emissions.
Document Types: Correspondence, briefing notes, technical analyses, reports and regulatory documentation, meeting agendas and minutes, presentations and contracts
Record Number: EC CCC 212

International Climate Change Action

The Program establishes Canada’s international climate change strategy and ensures Canada’s international engagement is reflective of, and advances Canada’s domestic climate change priorities. The Program leads Canada’s efforts in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with a focus on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and provides leadership, expertise and advances Canada’s priorities in other international fora. The Program contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and short-lived climate pollutants to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy through the co-management of the Prime Minister’s $2.65B pledge for climate financing. Financing is also provided to domestic and international organizations, and to climate science and other environmental organizations that work to advance global climate change action. The Program also works with the United States and Mexico on joint climate change and broader environmental challenges to increase environmental benefits.

International climate change and clean air partnerships
Description: Information is available on the development and implementation of bilateral and international agreements to address air pollutants and global greenhouse gas emissions, and on Canada's policy, negotiating positions, participation and contribution in relevant international fora such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants, the Arctic Council, the Global Methane Initiative, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research. Information is also available on the department's works under the Canada-US Air Quality Agreement to manage transboundary air pollution. Information is also available on the work to implement the US-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue to support bilateral collaboration on clean energy priorities, as well as with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to address common issues related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. In addition, information exists on the department's participation in the negotiation and implementation of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and participation under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its Multilateral Fund.
Document Types: Correspondence, reports, briefing notes, position papers, annual reports, meeting agendas and minutes, contracts, memoranda, legal opinions, Contribution Agreements and planning documents
Record Number: EC CCC 223

Climate Change Adaptation

The Government of Canada has committed to taking action to adapt to current and future climate impacts to help protect Canadians, build resilience, reduce costs, and ensure that society thrives in a changing climate. The Climate Change Adaptation program coordinates action on the adaptation and climate resilience elements of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. This includes work with other federal departments, provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples and ongoing policy development. This program will also directly deliver on the commitment to establish a Canadian Centre for Climate Services to improve access to foundational climate science, information, and services.

Climate information, predictions and tools
Description: Information is available on past climate; predictions, tools, and Canada's existing and changing climate. This includes information on hazards for disaster management and climate design values for infrastructure codes and standards. Data, science and information is shared with all levels of government in Canada, academia, industry, consortia, standards councils, and the national and international scientific community, including organization such as the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the World Meteorological Organization. Information is gathered on the contributions to specific activities such as climate change science, as well as contributions to support university research regarding climate change and its impact.
Document Types: Correspondence, research data, scientific reports, published papers, grants and agreements, planning documents, fellowship arrangements, training and development documents, National Climatological Archive data, modelling data, ice data, contribution agreements, impact and adaptation strategies
Record Number: EC WES 213

Applications for research science grants
Description: Each entry in the bank contains information of the following type: educational, financial support for research, new scientific concepts, personal statement of productivity, third party evaluation of the entry. All assessments and grants are processed at Environment and Climate Change Canada headquarters from Canadian university faculty members.
Class of Individuals: Faculty members of Canadian universities in the environmental sciences or faculties related thereto.
Purpose: To provide information used in the annual selection of research proposals to be funded by this institute.
Consistent Uses: To assess research proposals in order to award research funds.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Maximum five years, destroyed after two years.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC WES 213
TBS Registration: 001394
Bank Number: EC PPU 010

Applications for studentship in meteorology or atmospheric science
Description: To provide personal and academic information used in the annual selection for the provision of studentships at Canadian universities.
Class of Individuals: Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have graduated with 3.5 courses in physics and 4.5 courses in mathematics with a 66% average.
Purpose: To assess potential recipients of studentships.
Consistent Uses: To assess applications for Meteorological Service of Canada Studentships.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records are retained for a period of two years and are then destroyed. If the applicant becomes an employee, the application is placed on his/her personnel file.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC WES 213
TBS Registration: 001397
Bank Number: EC PPU 025

Applications for visiting fellowship awards
Description: Contains information of the following types: demographics, employment, educational, personal references, third party evaluations. All assessments are processed at Environment and Climate Change Canada headquarters. Awards are granted to visiting fellows for their work at headquarters.
Class of Individuals: Generally restricted to environmental scientists who have recently completed their doctoral degrees.
Purpose: To provide personal and academic information used in the annual selection of visiting fellows to this institute.
Consistent Uses: To assess potential candidates for visiting fellowship awards. The file is shared with NSERC.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Maximum five years, destroyed after three years.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC WES 213
TBS Registration: 001395
Bank Number: EC PPU 015

Preventing and Managing Pollution

Environment and Climate Change Canada collaborates with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop and administer environmental standards, guidelines, regulations and other risk management instruments to reduce releases and monitor levels of contaminants in air, water and soil; and promotes and enforces compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Air Quality

The Air Quality Program aims to improve the quality of ambient air and to reduce adverse effects of air pollution on human health and the environment. The Program contributes air quality science (research, monitoring and modeling), analysis, advice and emissions data as well as technical and policy advice to federal, provincial, territorial and international governments and partners (including the US). 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. The Program also includes active participation in international air quality forums, with the goal of action by international partners to reduce transboundary air pollution for the benefit of all participants.

Community Eco-Action

The Community Eco-Action Program is a suite of initiatives aimed at increasing Canadians’ participation in activities to protect, conserve and restore the environment. EcoAction Community Funding encourages local action-focused projects that will protect, rehabilitate, or enhance the natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities into the future. The Environmental Damages Fund receives monies from environmental infractions to support projects that restore or enhance degraded environments. Funding to employers for youth internships through the Science Horizons Youth Employment Initiative enables youth to acquire the skills, learning experiences and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in environmental fields. The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators provide tools, information and indicators to enable the consideration of the state of the environment and sustainable development in environmental decision-making of Canadians, the federal government and Parliament.

EcoAction Community Funding
Description: Information is available on Environment and Climate Change Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program, which provides financial support to community groups for projects that protect, rehabilitate or enhance the environment, and build the capacity of communities and individuals to sustain these activities into the future. Information is also collected on the projects funded by the program.
Document Types: Correspondence, funding applications, funding agreements, financial data, reports, meeting agendas and minutes, management frameworks, operational guidelines and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 331

Environmental Damages Fund
Description: Information is available on the Environmental Damages Fund, which manages funds received as compensation for environmental damages. Financial information is collected related to the funds, which are received through fines, court awards, out-of-court settlements and voluntary payments. Information regarding the types of projects that receive funding through the Environmental Damages Fund is also available. Projects implemented through the Environmental Damages Fund will restore natural resources of a similar ecological function to those affected and improve the environmental quality of different natural resources than those affected.
Document Types: Correspondence, funding applications, funding agreements, financial data, reports, meeting agendas and minutes, operational guidelines, management framework and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 332

Environmental Damages Fund (EDF)
Description: This bank describes information that is related to the administration of the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF), which directs funds received as compensation (fines, court orders) for environmental damage to environmental restoration projects. Personal information may include name, contact information, financial information, view or opinions of or about individuals, biographical information, and signature.
Class of Individuals: Representatives of non-profit groups (e.g. community-based environmental groups), universities and academic institutions, indigenous communities and organizations (e.g. First Nation Councils, Inuit, and Métis Associations) and provincial, territorial, municipal governments who apply for the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) and representatives of businesses who partner with the aforementioned entities; landowners; others involved or consulted in the project (e.g. representatives of other funding sources and community representatives).
Purpose: Personal information is used to administer the Environmental Damages Fund program and is collected pursuant to the Financial Administration Act and section 4 of the Department of the Environment Act. 
Consistent Uses: Personal information may be shared with the technical review team which includes officials of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada, to evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit. Information concerning projects of successful EDF recipients is disclosed on the Environment and Climate Change Canada website. The information may be used or disclosed for the following purposes: evaluation and reporting.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for seven years after last administrative use and then are transferred to Library and Archives Canada (LAC) as archival records. 
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Class of Record Number: EC SUS 332
TBS Registration: 20110310
Bank Number: EC PPU 332

Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
Description: Records relating to projects that enable youth to access employment, and information and correspondence on services and interventions tailored to meet the needs of youth and to facilitate integration into employment. Science Horizons is an ongoing collaborative effort with industry, non-government organizations, municipal/provincial/territorial governments, Indigenous organizations, non-profit organizations, and academia to offer internship opportunities to Canadian youth in obtaining employment or returning to advance level studies by gaining hands-on experience working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) under the mentorship of experienced scientists and managers. Using a third-party delivery model, ECCC provides funding for internships through contribution agreements. The recipient organizations take responsibility for delivering the internship funding to hiring organizations that host the interns. Information is collected on the contribution agreements and internships.
Document Types: Advice, workshops, policies, procedures, studies, regulations, applications, audits, authorizations, briefing notes, budgeting, transfer payments, Treasury Board submissions, Memoranda to Cabinet, Memoranda of Understanding, communication plans, complaint management, consultations, reports, contracts, contribution agreements, correspondence, funding, media relations, monitoring, presentation decks, research, risk management, standards, regulations, evaluations, planning, publications, program review, provincial and territorial relations.
Record Number: EC SUS 333

Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
Description: This bank describes information related to individuals who participate in the Science Horizons Youth Internship program. ECCC participates as one of the Government of Canada departments and agencies in the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, led by ESDC. Personal information collected may include: name; date of birth; contact information; employee personnel information; biographical information; education information; official language preference; employment equity information; citizenship status; medical information; and opinions and views of, or about, individuals.
Class of individuals: Youth between the ages of 15 and 30; representatives of participating employers and representatives of contribution agreement recipients (Delivery Agents).
Purpose: Personal information is used for reporting and evaluation purposes. Personal information is collected pursuant to Department of the Environment Act, subsection 4(1) and section 5.
Consistent Uses: ECCC discloses information to ESDC for their for reporting and evaluation purposes. With consent, participants may be profiled in the department’s success stories publications. The information may be used or disclosed for the purposes of internal reporting, performance measurements and audit.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Information associated with the contribution agreement is retained for six complete fiscal years, then destroyed. Information about participants, such as youth interns and employers is retained for five years after the last administrative use, then destroyed.
RDA: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC SUS 333
TBS Registration: 20230029
Bank Number: EC PPU 333
Last Updated: 2023

Sustainability reporting and indicators
Description: Information is collected on sustainability policy as well as reporting and analysis of environmental indicators that allow governments at all levels, the private sector, and Canadians a better understanding of both the environmental context of their decision making, and the federal government's environmental sustainability priorities, its targets and its strategies to meet those targets. Indicators track multiple issues of concern, such as air quality, water quality and quantity, protected areas and greenhouse gas emissions, which are reported through the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators initiative. Information exists on the following subjects: Environment and Climate Change Canada's Sustainable Development Strategy, Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, environmental information networks, e-reporting, strategic environmental sustainability indicators, ecosystem indicators and state of the environment.
Document Types: Correspondence, statistical data and methods, scientific data and methods, contracts, statements of work, proposals, memoranda, policies, legal opinions, public opinion research, meeting agendas and minutes, reports and published papers
Record Number: EC SUS 131

Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution

The objective of this Program is to minimize damage to the environment from pollution by actively promoting compliance with, and enforcing environmental laws, regulations and other instruments administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Through a range of activities, including developing and disseminating information, training, and responding to enquiries, the Program engages individuals and organizations subject to the laws and regulations to promote awareness of, and compliance with legal requirements. Inspections and intelligence contribute to the detection and identification of non-compliance, which is then addressed by an array of enforcement measures ranging from warnings, tickets, and administrative monetary penalties, to orders to comply, and directions. For more serious offences, prosecution may be sought following the results of investigations, which may involve referrals to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. Compliance is secured to protect air, water and land from harmful substances, and offenders are held accountable for their wrongdoing.

Description: Information is available on the program's core activities, these include: analysis and activities to promote compliance amongst regulated communities, inspections to verify compliance with relevant acts and regulations, investigations of suspected violations, and intelligence gathering and analysis to inform inspection and investigation activities. Enforced legislation includes the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Pollution Prevention Provisions of the Fisheries Act. In addition, information exists on the various functions which support the program such as training, regulatory analysis, operational policy, guideline development, strategic planning and reporting, and management of information systems.
Document Types: Correspondence, reports, regulatory documentation, inspections and investigation data, compliance strategies, compliance promotion plans, and strategic planning documents
Record Number: EC CPE 033

Stratospheric ozone - Ozone Protection Program
Description: This bank describes information that is related to the Ozone Protection Program and the regulatory approach used to protect the ozone layer, including  the control of import, manufacture, use, sale, export and certain end-uses of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Personal information may include name, contact information, signature, views and opinions of, or about, individuals.
Note: Personal information may be stored in electronic databases.
Class of Individuals: General public, individuals, authorized representatives of companies and organizations that are subject to the Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations and the Federal Halocarbon Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. 
Purpose: Personal information is used to administer compliance and enforcement activities of the stratospheric ozone - ozone protection program. Personal information is collected pursuant to the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations 1998 (ODSR, 1998) and the Federal Halocarbon Regulations 2003 (FHR, 2003) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA, 1999).
Consistent Uses: Aggregate information is used to prepare an annual statistical report. This report is also sent to the Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations to describe quantities, type of ozone-depleting substances and type of activity. This information is then published by the United Nations on their Ozone Secretariat Website. Information, including name and location, of individuals or companies issued allowances for ozone-depleting substances may be published on the Environment and Climate Change Canada internet site. Information may also be used for program evaluation purposes.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for ten years after the last administrative use and then are transferred to Library and Archives Canada (LAC) as archival records.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC CPE 033
TBS Registration: 20110279
Bank Number: EC PPU 033

Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) compliance
Description: This bank describes information related to individuals subject to regulatory requirements of tetrachloroethylene (also known as PERC) use in dry cleaning. Personal information may include name, contact information and signature. 
Class of Individuals: Owners or operators of a dry cleaner who use Tetrachloroethylene (PERC), as well as sellers, recyclers and importers.
Purpose: Personal information is collected pursuant to the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and is used for compliance and enforcement administration.
Consistent Uses: Information may also be used or disclosed for evaluation and reporting purposes.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for ten years after the last administrative use and then are transferred to Library and Archives Canada (LAC) as archival records.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Class of Record Number: EC CPE 033
TBS Registration: 20110309
Bank Number: EC PPU 133

Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships

The Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships Program aims to contribute to the integrated management of Canada’s priority ecosystems, including improving their water quality and restoring them to a healthy, productive and sustainable state. Priority ecosystems include the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River system, Lake Winnipeg, and specific ecosystems in the Atlantic, Pacific and northern regions of Canada. Key science activities include research on the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems, and monitoring Canada’s freshwater and shellfish harvesting areas. The Program contributes coordination and oversight to ecosystem management, develops and shares science, and funds proposals that leverage contributions from other sources. It engages and supports coordinated effort among diverse stakeholders, including other levels of government and watershed governance bodies in Canada and the US, Indigenous organizations, non-government organizations and industry, as well as post-secondary institutions.

Great Lakes
Description: Information is available regarding the Great Lakes Program which is Environment and Climate Change Canada's mechanism for coordination and direct delivery of federal commitments to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem, as expressed in the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health. Information is available on the leadership, oversight and coordination and the overall governance of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Initiative. Information is also available on funding external work through grants and contribution agreements to coordinate Remedial Actions Plans related to the remediation and restoration of beneficial uses in Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes and for Lakewide Management Plans which facilitate and coordinate stakeholder and partner engagement to achieve Lakewide Management and Action Plans goals, for projects funded by the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund to provide technical and financial support to clean up and restore Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes, and for Great Lakes remediation work carried out under the Government of Canada's 2007 Clean Water Action Plan.
Document Types: Correspondence, agreements, research data, studies, position papers, statements of work, agendas, meeting agendas and minutes, reports and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 341

Integrated atmospheric deposition network (IADN)
Description: This bank describes information about individuals who request data on the assessment of the atmospheric impacts of persistent toxic substances on aquatic systems, in particular data resulting from the cooperative arrangement between partner agencies in the United States and Canada for conducting air and precipitation monitoring in the Great Lakes Basin. The personal information may include name and contact information, name of employer, personal views and opinions, user name and password.
Class of Individuals: Individuals and representatives of businesses / organizations who request scientific information pertaining to particles and related trace gases. 
Purpose: The personal information is used to monitor who is using the data with a view to improving access to data and promoting research in this field. Personal information is collected pursuant to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, recognized under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001
Consistent Uses: Aggregate (non-personal) information may be shared between the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science and Technology Branch. Information may also be used for program evaluation and reporting purposes.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for five years after last administrative use.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC SUS 341
TBS Registration: 20100111
Bank Number: EC PPU 341

St. Lawrence
Description: Documentation exists regarding the St. Lawrence program, which is implemented through a Canada-Quebec Agreement committed to the conservation, protection, restoration and enhancement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem while allowing the alignment of science for decision making and on-the-ground environmental actions. Information can be found on program leadership, oversight and coordination to the overall governance of the St. Lawrence Plan, including support for the Agreement Management Committee, issue management, planning and coordination, evaluation and reporting and leadership in the development of new agreements. Information is also available on the coordination of the Area of Prime Concern Program (also known as ZIP - Zones d'intervention prioritaire) and the Community Interactions program (also known as PIC - Programme Interactions communautaires)
Document Types: Correspondence, agreements, memoranda, research data, studies, position papers, agendas, meeting agendas and minutes, reports and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 342

Lake Winnipeg
Description: Information regarding the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative that is focused on research, information and monitoring, facilitating watershed governance across the basin and Environment and Climate Change Canada's establishment and administration of a Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund. Information regarding actions to improve the water quality of Lake Winnipeg by identifying, assessing and addressing key water quality issues within the Lake and its contributing watershed.
Document Types: Correspondence, agreements, funding documents, research data, position papers and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 344

Lake Simcoe / South-Eastern Georgian Bay
Description: Information regarding the establishment of a Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund and subsequent renewal and expansion to the Lake Simcoe / South-Eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund to provide financial and technical support to implement high-impact, priority projects aimed at reducing phosphorus inputs, rehabilitate habitats to achieve nutrient reductions, restore the cold water fishery in Lake Simcoe and South-Eastern Georgian Bay, and enhance research and monitoring capacity required for the restoration of Lake Simcoe/South-Eastern Georgian Bay and their watersheds. Information on initiatives which are expected to improve water quality, substantially reduce phosphorus loads from urban and rural sources and advance the restoration of a sustainable cold water fishery and the ecological integrity of Lake Simcoe / South-Eastern Georgian Bay.
Document Types: Correspondence, agreements, research data, reports, position papers and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 343

Ecosystems partnerships
Description: This program maintains and restores the beneficial uses and environmental quality of targeted ecosystems of federal interest (e.g. Northern Canada, Western Boreal Forest, Georgia Basin, Atlantic Canada Ecosystems and others). Information is available on strategic partnerships, research and science and funding programs to improve knowledge bases, increase stakeholder capacity, increase use of best practices and improve decision-making in order to address complex environmental issues in each targeted ecosystem. Further information is available on issue management, planning, coordination, reporting, support to committees, partnerships management, community engagement, and more specifically coordination within Environment and Climate Change Canada of delivery of results.
Document Types: Correspondence, agreements, research data, reports, position papers and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 345

Water quality and aquatic ecosystems health
Description: Information is available on the impacts and risks posed to water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems. Freshwater quality monitoring is conducted to support legislated requirements and departmental priorities and results are made available through annual reports using the Water Quality Indicator, as well as through national and regionally-specific reports on status and trends, and assessment of the success of implemented risk management actions. Documents exist on the monitoring of Canadian shellfish areas in accordance with established protocols under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program. Information exists on the following subjects: water science and technology lab services, water quality and aquatic ecosystem monitoring/reporting, groundwater monitoring (priority transboundary aquifers, marine water quality monitoring, aquatic ecosystems protection research contaminants, large rivers, indicators, priority substances), hydrological and aquatic ecosystems management research.
Document Types: Correspondence, scientific reports, trends reports, position papers, published papers, annual reports and scientific data
Record Number: EC WAT 121

Environmental technology
Description: The Environmental Technology Program ended in 2012. Information remains available regarding the program activities related to the prediction, assessment, support, and verification of environmental technologies in support of federal technology investment decisions, policy making and regulations. Information also exists related to the delivery of expert environmental science and technology advice and program management for the Government of Canada's clean air and greenhouse gas technology investments.
Document Types: Correspondence, agreements and contribution agreements, briefing notes, position papers, meeting agendas and minutes, reports and planning documents
Record Number: EC CCC 323

Substances and Waste Management

The Substances and Waste Management Program aims to reduce threats to the health of Canadians and their environment from harmful substances through various actions and activities including research, monitoring, tracking and reporting of harmful substances, and assessing and managing their risks to the environment. The Program works with the public, industry, other governments across Canada, and Indigenous peoples and their organizations to increase awareness of, and promote and enforce compliance with risk management measures. It also aims to reduce threats to Canada’s aquatic system, prevent marine pollution and contributes to ecosystem health in oceans and the Antarctic, including by issuing permits for disposal of waste at sea and Canadians travelling to Antarctica. The program provides federal coordination for actions taken under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, and implements regulations to reduce and prevent environmental emergencies.

Environmental emergencies
Description: Information is available on regulatory instruments, policy, program administration, procedures, scientific research and guidance related to Environment and Climate Change Canada's responsibilities related to environmental emergencies. Information is maintained on spills notifications and environmental emergencies involving toxic and other hazardous substances that occur each year in Canada. Regulatory information is available for the Environmental Emergency Regulations, the Release and Environmental Emergency Notification Regulations and the Deposit Out of the Normal Course of Events Notification Regulations. Information is available on emergency preparedness activities including; exercises, inter-agency arrangements and contingency plans to prepare for and mitigate the effects of environmental emergencies; as well as on the operation of the National Environmental Emergencies Centre that coordinates the delivery of expertise and technical advice to protect the environment from the effects of emergency pollution incidents. Information is also available on scientific research (e.g., studies on spilled hydrocarbons fate and behaviour) and on environmental emergency advice for environmental assessments
Document Types: Correspondence, Spill Reports and advisories, scientific data, position papers, plans, meeting agendas and minutes, regulatory documentation and reports
Record Number: EC SMW 313

Contaminated sites
Description: Information is available on policy and program administration, procedures, and guidance related to Environment and Climate Change Canada's responsibilities in supporting the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan that addresses legacy contaminated sites that are owned by, or the responsibility of, the federal government. Specific information is maintained on Environment and Climate Change Canada's role as the Contaminated Sites Action Plan Secretariat, including project submissions, information management, preparation of funding requests, reporting on program performance, communications and supporting program committees, providing expert advice to other federal custodians of contaminated sites on the issue of ecological risk reduction. Information is also available on Environment and Climate Change Canada's role in the coordination of the Shared Sites Policy Framework and its role in the remediation of the Sydney Tar Ponds.
Document Types: Correspondence, submissions, reports, meeting agendas and minutes, media reports, proceedings of panel hearings, regulatory documentation and contaminated sites data
Record Number: EC SMW 314

Federal identification registry for storage tank systems (FIRSTS)
Description: This bank describes information that is related to the registration of storage tank systems for petroleum products and allied petroleum products, required under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and its related regulations. The personal information may include name, contact information, information on emergency training and development courses (for emergency response team designates), and personal identification number.
Class of Individuals: Owners (including private owners if storage tanks are located on Indigenous or federal lands), operators, and suppliers of petroleum products who are required to register their storage tank systems, and individuals designated as qualified in emergency response situations. 
Purpose: Personal information is used to ensure that storage tank systems are installed, operated, maintained, and removed in an environmentally responsible manner. Personal information is collected pursuant to section 15 of the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulation, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Consistent Uses: Under Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers are authorized to conduct inspections in order to verify compliance with the Act and its regulations; therefore, personal information may be shared with landlords and owners of storage tank systems for this purpose. Information may also be used for program evaluation and reporting purposes.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for 10 years after last administrative use.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: ECSWM 311
TBS Registration: 20100109
Bank Number: EC PPU 122

Management of toxic substances
Description: This bank describes information related to regulatory permits and consultations undertaken to develop preventive or control instruments for substances that are added to Toxic Substances listed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Personal information may include name, contact information including name of employer, signature; views and opinions of, or about, individuals; financial information. Information is gathered through regulatory forms, stakeholder consultations, and public inquiries. Documents are found in both hard copy and electronic format (e.g. inquiries are tracked in an electronic spreadsheet).
Class of Individuals: Stakeholders (e.g. general public, academia, health professionals who are consulted related to toxic substances, representatives of companies and laboratories who apply to use certain regulated toxic substances).
Purpose: Personal information is used to administer the management of toxic substances and is collected pursuant to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Some information is collected through consultations with stakeholders and experts in the domain.
Consistent Uses: Personal information may be used or disclosed for the following purposes: enforcement, safety, evaluation and for compliance verification. Information may be shared with other EC programs for scientific and statistical research. Information may also be used or disclosed for evaluation and reporting purposes.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for 10 years after last administrative use.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC SWM 311
TBS Registration: 20110280
Bank Number: EC PPU 331

Effluent management
Description: Documentation is maintained on activities performed under relevant legislation including Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Fisheries Act. Various types of information are available on industrial and wastewater sectors such as setting priorities, stakeholder engagement, governance mechanisms, risk assessments, risk management and timelines for various related activities. Information is available on how to comply with the requirements of the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations and the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations. Information is also available on other control actions taken for industrial and wastewater sectors and on the general provisions of the Fisheries Act. Mining, metals and mineral processing sector information can be found on the pollution and waste management page; forestry product sector information is available from various sources on Environment and Climate Change Canada's website; the Wastewater website, provides more information on activities related to the wastewater sector.
Document Types: Correspondence, scientific data, research reports, risk management data, position papers, communication products, published papers, regulatory documentation, agreements, annual reports and waste management data
Record Number: EC SWM 312

Marine pollution
Description: Information is available on regulatory and non-regulatory instruments to prevent marine pollution. Information is maintained on the provision of technical expertise and advice on marine pollution, meeting international obligations and commitments, ship pollution conventions and contributions to federal coordination of ship-sourced marine pollution prevention efforts. Information is also available on the risk of impacts to the marine environment as a result of Canadians or Canadian maritime traffic in the Antarctic. Documentation is also available on activities aimed at ensuring that obligations under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 for Disposal at Sea are undertaken. These include: the assessing and issuing of permits as per the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 requirements, and research into the development of decision making tools, monitoring tools and standards. Information is available on the environmental assessment and permitting of Canadian activities in the Antarctic under the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act. Information is also available on international obligations which include the London Convention and Protocol, the Antarctic Treaty and the Madrid Protocol.
Document Types: Correspondence, regulatory documentation, scientific data, agreements, reports, and marine waste management data
Record Number: EC SWM 122

Disposal at Sea Program
Description: This bank describes information related to the administration of the permit system that controls the disposal of waste and other matter at sea. Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, each permit granted under the Disposal at Sea Program follows a detailed assessment and sets the conditions to protect the marine environment and human health. Personal information may include name, contact information, financial information (i.e. for payment of application fee), other identification numbers and any other personal information related to the proposed disposal activity.
Class of Individuals: Individuals and representatives and/or technical contacts of companies or agencies seeking or applying for permits to dispose of waste or other matter at sea, individuals responsible for loading or disposal on behalf of the applicant, owners or representatives of carriers, ship, aircraft, or other means used to carry out the disposal.
Purpose: The personal information is used to administer the disposal of waste or other matter at sea through a disposal at sea permit system program or activity. Personal information is collected pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and related regulations.
Consistent Uses: Permit applications may be shared with other government departments (e.g. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO PPU 080 - Habitat Management Referrals and Notification), provincial and territorial government agencies or resources management boards during the application consultation process. Environment and Climate Change Canada may also conduct public consultations. Once the permit is approved, the official text is published on the Internet in Part I of the Canada Gazette. Information may be shared with enforcement authorities within Environment and Climate Change Canada to conduct surveillance and inspections at load and disposal sites to ensure compliance with ocean disposal permit conditions. Information may be disclosed for program evaluation or reporting purposes (e.g. Annual Reports to Parliament, regulated community, and the International Maritime Organization).
Retention and Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for ten years after last administrative use, some records may be retained indefinitely.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC SWM 122
TBS Registration: 20100110
Bank Number: EC PPU 311

Conserving Nature

Environment and Climate Change Canada's activities aim to protect and recover species at risk and their critical habitat; conserve and protect healthy populations of migratory birds; engage and enable provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, and the public to increase protected areas and contribute to conservation and stewardship activities; expand and manage the Department’s protected areas; and collaborate with domestic and international partners to advance the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.

Species at Risk

The Species at Risk Program aims to prevent wildlife species from being extirpated or becoming extinct, to provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are extirpated, endangered or threatened, and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened. The Program undertakes an integrated range of activities such as assessment of species; support and scientific advice to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC); development of recovery documents for at-risk species; protection of at-risk species and their critical habitat; compliance promotion and enforcement, management of at-risk migratory birds and tracking and reporting recovery actions and their results. Through engagement with other federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous peoples and organizations, wildlife management boards, owners and users of land where at-risk species exist, and local organizations and stakeholders, recovery actions are implemented.
Document Types: Correspondence, research data and studies, reports, orders, agreements, meeting agendas and minutes, permits, recovery documents, position papers, planning documents, contribution agreements, financial data, operational guidelines
Record Number: EC BIO 112

Migratory Birds and other Wildlife

The objective of this Program is to contribute to maintaining healthy populations of migratory birds and other wildlife by reducing threats to populations and by conserving, protecting and enhancing priority habitats. The Program partners with and supports organizations and individuals, including those subject to harvest regulations, Indigenous peoples, and organizations and decision-makers involved in bird and other wildlife conservation and land-use planning. To support and promote management and stewardship, the Program monitors populations, undertakes research into the causes of population change, and consults with stakeholders to set population goals. Actions are identified to conserve populations and habitat and to reduce threats; efforts are also invested to minimize human-wildlife conflicts. A national approach to proactively manage wildlife health and disease is promoted among partners.
Description: Information is collected on the protection and conservation of populations of migratory bird and other species to contribute to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems, and to meet requirements of international agreements related to biological diversity and species conservation. Documentation is maintained on conserving populations, conservation actions, and policies related to the Species at Risk Act and its regulations; protection of important habitats; minimizing other stressors that affect population status; and, managing emergencies regarding health and safety issues associated with migratory birds and other wildlife. Documentation is available on the following general topics: conservation actions, research and monitoring, international initiatives for migratory bird and other wildlife conservation, indigenous rights and migratory birds and other wildlife, migratory game birds hunting permits and the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
Document Types: Correspondence, research data, funding agreements, position papers, permits, reports, minutes from meetings and planning documents
Record Number: EC BIO 113

Wildlife permit information
Description: This bank contains information gathered from permits required by Act of Convention for the purposes of protecting, managing, and regulating the use of certain species of birds or animals and their habitat. Specific information includes the Migratory Birds Permit information, which is gathered under the legal requirements of the Migratory Birds Convention Act such as avicultural permits, taxidermist's permits, scientific permits, migratory bird damage permits, airport permits, eiderdown permits, Cap Tourmente hunting permits, Migratory Birds Convention Act permits; banding and collecting permits, migratory game birds hunting permits and special permits. Information obtained through the system permit for the import, export or transit of endangered species is also contained in this database.
Class of Individuals: Information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, occupations, and type of permit requested are kept on individuals applying for Migratory Birds Permits in the regions (Atlantic and Quebec, Ontario, and West and North Regions); information on banding permits and Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permits is kept at Headquarters.
Purpose: To compile information under the Migratory Birds Convention Act if any enquiries are made for legal or other purposes.
Consistent Uses: No consistent uses at this time.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Retention of fifteen years; active for five years and dormant for ten years, then transferred to the Library and Archives Canada for selective retention.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC BIO 113
TBS Registration: 001393
Bank Number: EC PPU 005

Biodiversity Partnerships and Policy

This Program aims to conserve biodiversity by: 1) engaging with domestic and international governments, Indigenous organizations, non-government organizations, businesses, and Canadians to develop and meet Canada’s biodiversity commitments and to influence international policy related to biodiversity; and 2) participating in modern treaty negotiations with Indigenous Peoples to ensure conservation needs and the reconciliation agenda are met. Contributions include representing Canadian priorities and interests in domestic and international negotiations and forums, and providing technical and scientific advice to a range of federal departments and international entities (including the Arctic Council, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)). To increase capacity to conserve biodiversity in Canada, the Program develops, reviews and shares Canadian positions and policy frameworks (including the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy and the Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada), provides targeted funding, issues CITES permits, conducts research, and maintains and shares data and information.

Habitat Conservation and Protection

The objective of the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program is to secure, protect, improve and restore ecologically sensitive habitat to contribute to the conservation and protection of migratory birds, species at risk and other wildlife. In collaboration with other levels of government, Indigenous organizations, private land owners, non-government organizations, ecological gift donors and recipients, industry, and a range of protected area users, the Program implements a range of initiatives including the Protected Area Program, North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the Natural Areas Conservation Program, the National Wetland Conservation Fund and the Ecological Gifts Program, and contributes to the Ramsar Convention (an international wetlands conservation treaty). Strategic program activities and tools include assessing market value of ecologically significant lands, providing funding (through grants and contributions) to secure, improve and restore lands, as well as managing and expanding the network of protected areas.  

Habitat conservation partnerships
Description: Information is collected on the creation of incentives for voluntary action on the part of other levels of government and non-government organizations, Indigenous groups and private sector partners in priority ecosystems across Canada. The program is  involved in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, a Canada-United States-Mexico partnership of federal, provincial/state and non-governmental organizations that aims to conserve wetlands in North America. The program supports many organizations and individuals as "stewards" in their efforts to protect, improve or restore habitat for species at risk and thereby meet the requirements of the National Recovery Program and the Species at Risk Act. The program also supports the delivery of Environment and Climate Change Canada's obligations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Canadian Wildlife Act by funding projects to protect habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. To support program activities documents exist on the following topics: Grants and Contributions funds to Support Environmental and Sustainable Development Initiatives, the Wildlife Habitat Canada Foundation and Habitat Stewardship Program Contribution. Also included is the Ecological Gifts Program, a tax incentive program under the federal Income Tax Act.
Document Types: Correspondence, funding applications, position papers, meeting agendas and minutes, reports and planning documents
Record Number: EC BIO 141

Ecological Gifts Program
Description: This bank describes information that is related to the Ecological Gifts Program which enables individuals and corporate landowners to protect their properties by donating ecologically sensitive lands to environmental charities or government bodies. Personal information may include name, contact information, financial information, biographical information, identification numbers, opinions or views of or about individuals, any other personal information regarding the donation, and signature.
Class of Individuals: Individuals or representatives of corporations who apply to donate land as an ecological gift; appraisers of the land; and representatives of recipients of the ecological gifts (other governments and environmental charities).
Purpose: Personal information is used to determine whether applicants (donors and their land appraisers, recipient charities) are eligible to fulfill the requirements of the program and for the administration of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s responsibilities under the Ecological Gifts program. These responsibilities include the certification of ecological sensitivity and fair market value of the land and approval of charitable recipients. The authority to collect personal information is authorized by Section 118.1 of the Income Tax Act.
Consistent Uses: Personal information may be used to determine possible income tax deductions or credits for an Ecological Gift. Information may be shared with the respective recipient organization/other government. Aggregate information is used for Ecological Gift Program statistics. Information may also be used or disclosed for evaluation, reporting, mailing list or distribution purposes.
Retention & Disposal Standards: Records will be retained for ten years after last administrative use, some records may be retained indefinitely.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC BIO 141
TBS Registration: 20110278
Bank Number: EC PPU 141

Protected Areas
Description: Information is collected on the strategic planning, establishment (funding), coordination and management of Protected Areas for migratory birds, species at risk, wildlife of national interest, and their associated habitats, as well as coordination of national and international activities related to protected areas. Documentation exists on the following subjects: the number, location and spatial extent of federal, provincial, and territorial protected areas; policies, strategies, and plans with respect to protected areas, funding agreements for the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association and the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas; agreements and plans on protected areas in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut; and planning documents and policies on protected marine areas.
Document Types: Correspondence, agreements, funding documents, position papers, meeting agendas and minutes, reports and planning documents
Record Number: EC BIO 143

Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife

The objective of this Program is to protect migratory birds, their nests, and eggs as well as at-risk species, their residences and their habitats by actively promoting compliance with, and enforcing wildlife regulations and other tools administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Through an array of activities, including developing and disseminating information and responding to enquiries, the Program engages individuals and organizations subject to regulations to promote awareness of compliance and regulatory requirements. Using tools ranging from warnings, tickets and monetary penalties, to orders to comply, to referrals to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for court resolution, offenders are brought back into compliance. Inspections and intelligence gathering activities detect non-compliance and help identify and target promotion and enforcement activities to protect Canada’s wildlife, their residences and habitats and support recovery of endangered species.
Description: Information is available on the program's core activities. These include: analysis and activities to promote compliance amongst regulated communities, inspections to verify compliance with relevant acts and regulations, investigations of suspected violations, and intelligence gathering and analysis to inform inspection and investigation activities. Information exists on enforced legislation such as the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Canada Wildlife Act, the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, and the Species at Risk Act. In addition, there is information on the various functions which support the program: training, regulatory analysis, operational policy / guideline development, strategic planning and reporting, and management of information systems.
Document Types: Correspondence, reports, regulatory documentation, inspections and investigation data, compliance strategies, compliance promotion plans and strategic planning documents
Record Number: EC CPW 014

Environmental Assessment

The Environmental Assessment program consists of a consolidated range of activities that support the assessment, evaluation and management of Canada’s ecosystems with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of development projects subject to environmental assessments. Contributions include direct participation in federal environment assessments, and provision of scientific expertise, guidance and advice to decision makers within and outside the federal government. The Program aims to ensure that ecosystem information and environmental effects of development proposals can be factored into decisions, sustainability policies and strategies. Active collaboration with government agencies, environmental review panels, Indigenous peoples, industry and others supports: identification and consideration of environmental impacts of development projects prior to their approval, measures to prevent or otherwise manage adverse impacts, and action to build more resilient communities, economies and ecosystems.

Ecosystem and environmental assessments and monitoring
Description: Documentation is available on a consolidated range of activities that support the assessment, evaluation and management of Canada's ecosystems in a sustainable manner. Information is also available on the coordination of policy, program, scientific expertise, and advice to policy decision-makers, other federal departments, other levels of government, environmental non-governmental organizations, the research community, and the general public. Data is collected and collated on various environmental media such as water, air, biodiversity, to conduct research, and monitor, assess and report on the health of ecosystems and biodiversity as the program aims to ensure that ecosystem information and environmental effects of development proposals can be factored into decisions. Other information is available on consolidated environmental assessment, the coordination and participation in the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network, the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program, the Ecosystem Status and Trends report, and the identification of priority ecosystems in Canada.
Document Types: Correspondence, scientific data, policy papers, research reports and planning documents
Record Number: EC SUS 132

Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Environment and Climate Change Canada monitors weather, water, air quality and climate conditions; provides forecasts, information and warnings to the Canadian public and targeted sectors through a range of service delivery options; conducts research; develops and maintains computer-based models for predicting weather and other environmental conditions; and collaborates and exchanges data with other national meteorological services and with international organizations.

Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings

The objective of this Program is to provide authoritative weather and related environmental information to enable Canadians to make decisions about their health and safety. The Program provides tailored weather services to Environment and Climate Change Canada clients (including other federal departments and weather-sensitive economic sectors, such as aviation and marine) and exchanges weather data and modelling approaches with other countries. A comprehensive array of activities includes monitoring, prediction, outreach and consultation with partners and clients, and science and technology research to support innovation. Through collaboration with international meteorological service providers, other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments and local health authorities, academia and the private sector, the Program delivers weather forecasts, severe weather warnings and watches, information on local weather quality (through the Air Quality Health Index), as well as marine forecasts, and ice information and warnings.

Post-graduate fellowships
Description: Post-graduate Fellowships are intended to provide financial assistance to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in an MSc or PhD program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Services.
Class of Individuals: Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have completed undergraduate degrees.
Purpose: To provide information in the annual selection of candidates for post-graduate fellowship awards.
Consistent Uses: Primary use is to assess fellowship applications.
Retention and Disposal Standards: Maximum five years, destroyed after two years.
RDA Number: 2015/014
Related Record Number: EC WES 211
TBS Registration: 001396
Bank Number: EC PPU 020

Health-related meteorological information
Description: Information is available on forecasts, tools and information on atmospheric conditions that affect health such as ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures and air quality. Documents exist on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), info smog, UV Index forecast and other projects that assist Canadians in making informed decisions to protect their health and reduce pollution, and that enable health agencies to help vulnerable populations respond to changing atmospheric conditions. Research information is available in a number of areas including: ultraviolet effects on the impact on wetlands; the National Atmospheric Change - Ozone Depletion Ultraviolet-B initiative; the relationships among the biogeochemical changes occurring within aquatic ecosystems; and, research collaborations with other government and university scientists.
Document Types: Correspondence, research data, reports, published papers, plans and policies, environmental monitoring reports, contribution agreements and data sets
Record Number: EC WES 212

Meteorological services in support of air navigation
Description: Information is available regarding meteorological observations, forecasts and warnings provided to the aviation industry. Documents are available on the services that are provided under a cost-recovery agreement between Environment and Climate Change Canada and NAV CANADA, Canada’s air navigation system operator, and support decision-making throughout the aviation industry, including domestic and international airlines and the regulating body, Transport Canada. Information supports both tactical and strategic decisions to optimize air transportation safety and efficiency.
Document Types: Correspondence, meteorological data, research information, contracts, and data sets
Record Number: EC WET 221

Meteorological and ice services in support of marine navigation
Description: Information is available regarding forecasts of the sea state, ice conditions and weather in Canadian waters provided to marine industries and regulatory agencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Information is also collected on the ice science research.
Document Types: Correspondence, scientific data and research reports
Record Number: EC WET 222

Meteorological services in support of military operations
Description: Records are collected regarding meteorological and oceanographic information, predictions and tools provided to the Department of National Defence for operations in Canada and abroad.
Document Types: Correspondence, scientific data, research reports, weather predictions and agreements
Record Number: EC WET 223

Hydrological Services

The objective of the Hydrological Services Program is to support water management decisions that protect the health and safety of Canadians and ecosystems. The Program collects, generates and shares information on water quantity and flow in Canadian and cross-border waters in support of Canada’s domestic and international water management commitments and obligations. Its coordinated suite of activities includes generating real-time hydrometric data and models, and providing engineering studies and analysis to a diverse range of users. These include provincial, territorial and municipal water management authorities, hydro-electric power generators, industry, Indigenous organizations, waterfront residents, and commercial and recreational water users. The Program contributes to global water management through provision of technical advice and data contributions to the International Joint Commission, which works to protect waters shared by Canada and the US, as well as to Canada-US water boards and other global users of water data.

Water resource management and use
Description: Information is collected on the promotion of wise and efficient management and use of water resources. Documents exist to support integrated water management decisions at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels. Science-based information is available to inform decision making in an integrated and coherent manner consistent with the Department of the Environment Act, International Boundary Waters Treaty Act, Canada Water Act and International River Improvements Act. Documentation is available on water quality and water quantity science and monitoring which is used to inform decisions, policy development and management approaches. Science, engineering and monitoring information is available on domestic water boards and international Canada-US water boards (e.g. International Joint Commission, Lake of the Woods Control Boards), in order to regulate water levels and flows to protect ecosystems and a wide range of socio-economic interests related to domestic and Canada-US transboundary waters.
Document Types: Correspondence, research data, policies, meeting agendas and minutes, reports and planning documents
Record Number: EC WAT 122

Hydrometric services
Description: Information is available on the water cycle within Canada to enable decision making to protect the health and safety of Canadians (e.g. flood forecasting and prevention), scientific research, and support improved economic efficiency (e.g. agriculture, hydroelectricity and international shipping). Hydrometric data and information is collected to allow Canadian jurisdictions to make informed water management decisions. The information provided by this program protects the health and safety of Canadians by supporting the goals and mandates of all levels of government that manage water. The data supports the economic efficiency in the agriculture, hydroelectricity, and transportation sectors. Documentation exists on the domestic and international water management boards under the Water Resource Management and Use program, international, federal, provincial, territorial and municipal agencies that rely on hydrometric services data for the regulation of, and response to changing water levels and flows. Information exists on the Canada Water Act, such as monitoring activities that are carried out through cost-shared bilateral agreements between Environment and Climate Change Canada and each of the provinces and territories (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada represent Nunavut). These agreements create the national framework within which Environment and Climate Change Canada collects, interprets and provides water level and flow information, and supports both decision making and scientific investigations.
Document Types: Correspondence, research data, monitoring reports, position papers, agreements, published papers and planning documents
Record Number: EC WAT 123

Internal Services

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are:

• Acquisitions Services
• Communications Services
• Financial Management Services
• Human Resources Management Services
• Information Management Services
• Information Technology Services
• Legal Services
• Management and Oversight Services
• Material Services
• Real Property Services
• Travel and Other Administrative Services

Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Acquisitions Services

Acquisition Services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfil a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.

• Procurement and Contracting Class of Record
  
  • Professional Services Contracts Personal Information Bank

Communications Services

Communications Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well-coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public - internal or external - receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

• Communications Class of Record
  
  • Internal Communications Personal Information Bank
  • Public Communications Personal Information Bank

Financial Management Services

Financial Management Services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

• Financial Management Class of Record
  
  • Accounts Payable Personal Information Bank
  • Accounts Receivable Personal Information Bank
  • Acquisition Cards Personal Information Bank

Human Resources Management Services

Human Resources Management Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

• Awards (Pride and Recognition) Class of Record
  • Recognition Program Personal Information Bank
• Classification of Positions Class of Record
  • Staffing Personal Information Bank
• Compensation and Benefits Class of Record   
  • Attendance and Leave Personal Information Bank
  • Pay and Benefits Personal Information Bank
• Employment Equity and Diversity Class of Record  
  • Employment Equity and Diversity Personal Information Bank
• Hospitality Class of Record
  • Hospitality Personal Information Bank
• Human Resources Planning Class of Record
  • Human Resources Planning Personal Information Bank
  • Workplace Day Care Personal Information Bank
• Labour Relations Class of Record
  • Canadian Human Rights Act - Complaints Personal Information Bank
  • Discipline Personal Information Bank
  • Grievances Personal Information Bank
  • Harassment Personal Information Bank
  • Disclosure of Wrongdoing in the Workplace Personal Information Bank
  • Values and Ethics Codes for the Public Sector and Organizational Code(s) of Conduct Personal Information Bank
• Occupational Health and Safety Class of Record
  • Employee Assistance Personal Information Bank
  • Harassment Personal Information Bank
  • Occupational Health and Safety Personal Information Bank
  • Vehicle, Ship, Boat and Aircraft Accidents Personal Information Bank
• Official Languages Class of Record
  • Official Languages Personal Information Bank
• Performance Management Reviews Class of Record
  • Discipline Personal Information Bank
  • Employee Performance Management Program Personal Information Bank
• Recruitment and Staffing Class of Record
  • Applications for Employment Personal Information Bank
  • Employee Personnel Record Personal Information Bank
  • EX Talent Management Personal Information Bank
  • Personnel Security Screening Personal Information Bank
  • Staffing Personal Information Bank
  • Values and Ethics Codes for the Public Sector and Organizational Code(s) of Conduct Personal Information Bank
• Relocation Class of Record 
  • Relocation Personal Information Bank
• Training and Development Class of Record
  • Training and Development Personal Information Bank

Information Management Services

Information Management Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency, and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.

• Access to Information and Privacy Class of Record
  • Access to Information Act and Privacy Act Requests Personal Information Bank
• Information Management Class of Record
  • Library Services Personal Information Bank

Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.

• Information Technology Class of Record 
  
  • Electronic Network Monitoring Logs Personal Information Bank

Legal Services

Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.

• Legal Services Class of Record

Management and Oversight Services

Management and Oversight Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

• Cooperation and Liaison Class of Record
  • Lobbying Act Requirements Personal Information Bank
  • Outreach Activities Personal Information Bank
• Executive Services Class of Record  
  • Executive Correspondence Personal Information Bank  
• Internal Audit and Evaluation Class of Record
  • Evaluation Personal Information Bank
  • Internal Audit Personal Information Bank
• Planning and Reporting Class of Record

Materiel Services

Materiel Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that material can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

• Materiel Management Class of Record
  • Vehicle, Ship, Boat and Aircraft Accidents Personal Information Bank

Real Property Services

Real Property Services involve activities undertaken to ensure real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

• Real Property Management Class of Record
  • Real Property Management Personal Information Bank

Travel and Other Administrative Services

Travel and Other Administrative Services include Government of Canada travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not smoothly fit with any of the internal services categories.

• Administrative Services Class of Record
  • Parking Personal Information Bank
• Boards, Committees and Council Class of Record
  • Governor in Council Appointments Personal Information Bank
  • Members of Boards, Committees and Councils Personal Information Bank
• Business Continuity Planning Class of Record
  • Business Continuity Planning Personal Information Bank
• Disclosure to Investigative Bodies Class of Record
  • Disclosure to Investigative Bodies Personal Information Bank
• Proactive Disclosure Class of Record
  • Hospitality Personal Information Bank
  • Travel Personal Information Bank
• Security Class of Record
  • Physical Access Controls Personal Information Bank
  • Disclosure of Wrongdoing in the Workplace Personal Information Bank
  • Personnel Security Screening Personal Information Bank
  • Security Incidents and Privacy Breaches Personal Information Bank
• Travel Class of Record
  • Travel Personal Information Bank

Legend

• Standard Classes of Records (CoRs)
  • Standard Personal Information Banks (PIBs)

Classes of personal information

In the course of conducting the programs and activities of Environment and Climate Change Canada, categories of personal information may be accumulated which are not contained in specific banks described in this entry.

General correspondence and enquiries

Personal information is also stored within subject files where records are not normally retrieved by the name of the individual or other personal identifier. This form of personal information consists of requests for publications, reports etc. and enquiries for information of a general nature. It is normally retrievable only if specifics are provided concerning the subject matter. Retention of this form of personal information is controlled by the records schedules of the subject files in which the information is stored.

Ministerial correspondence

This class of information contains correspondence addressed to the Minister and/or the Deputy Minister and received by the Departmental Correspondence Unit from external organizations and individuals in the form of requests for information, complaints, opinions and other submissions related to a broad range of policy issues pertaining to Environment and Climate Change Canada's activities, wherein some unsolicited personal information has been provided by the correspondent. This form of information would be retrievable only if specifics of name, date of communication and subject were provided; it is not arranged or retrievable by personal identifiers. The retention period of these classes of personal information are controlled by the records schedules of the subject files in which the information is stored.

Manuals

• A Guide to the New Substances Fees Regulations for the Notification of Chemicals and Polymers and other Services
• Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk Application Guidelines
• Abstracting Recorded Precipitation - AE209
• Air Quality Standard Operating Procedures (AIRPRO)
• Analytical Methods Manual (for water quality)
• Biological Test Method: Reference method for determining the toxicity of sediment using luminescent bacteria in a solid-phase test. 2002 EPS 1/RM/42
• Biological Test Method: Sub-lethal toxicity tests to assess sediments intended for disposal at sea. 2001 EPS 1/RM/40
• Canadian Ecological Gifts Program Handbook
• Canadian Wildlife Service Sign Manual
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Identification Guide - Birds
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Identification Guide - Butterflies
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Identification Guide - Crocodilian
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Identification Guide - Hunting trophies
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Identification Guide - Sturgeons and paddlefish
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Identification Guide - Tropical woods
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Identification Guide - Turtles and tortoises
• COSEWIC Operation and Procedures Manual
• The Ecological Gifts Program in Quebec. A Step-by-Step Guide
• Environmental Assessment Handbook (Revised- March 2002)
• Evaporation - AE016
• Federal Guidelines for the National Flood Damage Reduction Program
• The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation: Implementation Guide for Federal Land Managers.
• Guidance Document on the Collection and Preparation of Sediments for Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Testing. EPS 1/RM/29
• Guidance for Applications to the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund
• Guidance Manual for the Categorization of Organic and Inorganic Substances on Canada's Domestic Substances List
• Guide for Reporting to the National Pollutant Release Inventory
• Guidelines for Joint Federal-Provincial River Basin Planning Projects
• Guidelines for Reporting for the Domestic Substances List
• Guidelines for the Notification and Testing of New Substances: Chemicals and Polymers
• Guidelines for the Notification and Testing of New Substances: Organisms
• Guidelines for Wildlife Policy in Canada
• Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk Application Guidelines
• Hydrodynamic Model Documentation Manual
• Hydrologic Design Methodologies for Small Scale Hydro at Ungauged Sites
• Hydrometric Surveys - Field and Office Manual (approximately 45, including manuals on HYDAT - a database for stream flow and water level data)
• Implementation Guidelines for Part 8 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 - Environmental Emergency Plans
• Instructions for Marine Weather Local Observations (English Manual Only)
• Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program Application Guidelines
• Manual of Climatological Observations
• Manual of Marine Weather Observing (MANMAR) - AE003
• Manual of Standards and Procedures for Issuing Aviation Weather Forecasts in Graphic Format (GRAPHPRO)
• Manual of Standards and Procedures for Issuing Aviation Weather Forecasts Using Observations from Automated Weather Observing System (AWSPRO)
• Manual of Standards Operational Procedures for Issuing Aerodrome Forecasts in TAF Code (TARPRO)
• Manual of Standards Operational Procedures for Issuing Marine Weather Forecasts and Warnings (MARPRO)
• Manual of Standards Operational Procedures for Issuing Public Weather Forecasts and Warnings (PUBPRO)
• Manual of Standard Procedures for Issuing Aviation Forecast Bulletins, Advisories and Messages (MANAIR) - AE005
• Manual of Surface Weather Observations (MANOBS) - AE001
• Manual of Upper Air Observations (MANUPP) - AE002
• Manual of Word Abbreviations (MANAB) - AE205
• Migratory Birds - Bird Banding Manual
• Monograph Series
• National Code of Practice for Automotive Recyclers Participating in the National Vehicle Recycling Program
• National Environmental Indicator Series
• National Guidelines for Monitoring Dredged and Excavated Material at Ocean Disposal Sites. EPS M-386
• National Public Warning Program Work Instruction
• National Reports on Climate Change
• Protected and Conserved Areas Using Manual
• Reference Guide to Automatic Weather Observing System Reports - AE017
• Sampling for Water Quality
• Small-Hydropower Handbook for British Columbia
• Snow Surveying - AE208
• Soil Temperature - AE015
• Solar Radiations
• Standards Manual Writing Procedures (STANPRO)
• Storm Rainfall in Canada - AE230
• Sunshine - AE012
• Type and Scope of Genots (MANGEN)
• Water Management Model Manual
• Water Use Analysis Model Manuals
• Wind - AE20

Additional information

For additional information about the programs and activities of Environment and Climate Change Canada, please contact:

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Enquiries Centre
7th floor, Fontaine Building
200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

Telephone: 819-938-3860

Toll Free: 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only)

Email: ec.enviroinfo.ec@ec.gc.ca

Submitting a request

For information on how to file a request under the provisions of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act please visit Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy webpage. You may also use the ATIP Online Request service, which is a faster, easier and more convenient way to submit formal access to information or privacy requests.

The Government of Canada encourages the release of information through requests outside of the ATIP process. You may wish to consult the Open Information Completed Access to Information Request page and Open Data. To make an informal request, please contact the ATIP Office or e-mail us at ecatip-ecaiprp@ec.gc.ca or by fax at 819-938-3303.

Reading room

In accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, the applicant may wish to review material on site at:

National Capital Region
Environment and Climate Change Canada Departmental Library
Place Vincent Massey, Annex 1st floor
351 St-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0H3