Draft 2026–2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Message from the Minister

I am pleased to share Canada’s draft 2026–2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Sustainable development is about improving our daily life without sacrificing our environmental, social, and economic health in the future. This draft Strategy shows how the Government continues to build on its work to protect our environment, grow one strong Canadian economy, and make sure everyone in Canada lives in a fair and resilient society.

During the 120-day public consultation period, the Government is seeking feedback and ideas from Canadians to help us ensure that the draft Strategy reflects your priorities. All Canadians—youth, older adults, Indigenous Peoples, businesses, community organizations, and all those interested in sustainable development—are invited and encouraged to provide input. Your comments will help us shape and strengthen the final Strategy before it is tabled in Parliament in November 2026.

This is Canada’s sixth Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. It is streamlined with goals that focus on how federal organizations will work together over three years to improve quality of life for Canadians. It is focused on prioritizing the very issues that are important to Canadians—including creating jobs, bringing down costs, making housing more affordable, and fighting climate change—while ensuring that public resources are used wisely and efficiently.

As we face a world of rapid change—economic uncertainty, climate change, and evolving global relationships—we must build the Canada of the future. It has never been more clear that fighting climate change and building a strong competitive economy go hand in hand. The draft Strategy recognizes that these challenges also present a tremendous opportunity to imagine and build a prosperous, resilient, and fair Canada where Canadians can get ahead and no one is left behind. It also acknowledges that these efforts must be made in partnership—with other orders of government, Indigenous Peoples, the private sector, and civil society.

Measurable and time-bound targets reflect the Government’s commitment to celebrate diversity, care for the vulnerable, reinforce national unity, advance reconciliation, and protect the right to a healthy environment, while building the strongest economy in the G7. The final Strategy will reflect the Government’s new directions as well as the input we receive during the consultation.

On behalf of all my colleagues, I thank you for sharing your thoughts on this plan for a sustainable future.

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, P.C., M.P.
Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Introduction

Sustainable development

Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. It is about striking a balance between protecting the environment, economic growth, and helping people live better lives. A healthy environment is key to building a strong, unified Canadian economy and a more resilient and inclusive society. By taking a sustainable approach, we can build stronger, more resilient communities, foster innovation, position Canada as a leader in clean growth, and create a healthier, fairer society.

The draft 2026–2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) outlines the Government of Canada’s sustainable development priorities, establishes corresponding goals and targets, and identifies federal plans to achieve them. As Canada’s legislated, whole-of-government framework for sustainable development, the FSDS fosters transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement through regular public reporting and renewal every three years under the Federal Sustainable Development Act. The Act requires every new FSDS to undergo a public consultation period of at least 120 days before it is tabled in Parliament.

Unless stated otherwise, information in this Strategy is current as of December 12, 2025.

Why the FSDS matters

The FSDS shows how federal actions are aligned with shared Canadian priorities, such as taking steps to deal with climate change; building one strong, resilient Canadian economy; advancing reconciliation and inclusion; and improving the quality of life of all Canadians. By setting specific, time-bound targets, establishing implementation strategies, and regularly reporting on results, the FSDS shows Canadians how the federal government is moving forward on decisions that affect their daily lives.

The FSDS also provides a framework that recognizes Indigenous leadership and decision making, while encouraging collaboration and partnerships across all orders of government, with Indigenous Peoples, and with civil society to advance sustainable development.

How the FSDS is implemented

The 2026–2029 FSDS will be the sixth since the Federal Sustainable Development Act was enacted in 2008 and since the first FSDS was tabled in Parliament in 2010. Federal organizations implement the FSDS through their own Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies (DSDSs). These strategies reflect how their policies and programs contribute to FSDS goals and targets. Progress on departmental actions is tracked through transparent reporting, driving delivery of government priorities.

Federal organizations also integrate the FSDS into their decision making by conducting Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessments for proposals submitted to Cabinet. Through these assessments, organizations examine how their proposals may affect the FSDS goals and targets.

The relationship between the DSDSs and the FSDS defines how departmental actions connect to the key components of the FSDS. The FSDS establishes high-level goals, measurable targets, and implementation strategies. Goals are objectives that reflect the Government of Canada's sustainable development priorities. Targets are concrete objectives that contribute to achieving an FSDS goal. Implementation strategies are the federal government’s plan of action that support a specific FSDS target. Departmental actions, identified in the DSDSs, are concrete activities that directly contribute to specific implementation strategies.

Environment and Climate Change Canada reviewed the list of federal entities designated under the Federal Sustainable Development Act and decided to focus on those whose mandates most directly advance sustainable development, enhancing policy coherence and improving efficiency across government efforts. The designated entities that have been tagged to the draft 2026–29 FSDS are best positioned to make policy and operational commitments in their DSDSs that meaningfully advance the FSDS and still allow for a whole-of-government approach to reporting on sustainable development.

While the FSDS focuses on what federal organizations can do and influence, it can inspire action across the country.

Provinces and territories, municipalities, and Indigenous governments are taking action to advance sustainable development across Canada. Provinces and territories are responsible for many areas that directly impact sustainable development in everyday life, from managing natural resources and land use to overseeing education, health care, and infrastructure. Municipalities build sustainable communities through decisions about transit, housing, and local planning. Indigenous governments and communities bring essential leadership grounded in Indigenous Knowledge, rights, and governance systems, stewarding the land and waters in ways that support long-term sustainability. These efforts are guided by principles such as Free, Prior, and Informed Consent in decisions affecting Indigenous rights, communities, and territories; distinction-based and place-based approaches; and recognition of treaty rights as a foundation for reconciliation.

Civil society organizations help advance and implement community-based solutions, while the private sector plays a vital role driving innovation, advancing clean technologies, and sustainable business practices. Most importantly, individual Canadians shape our future by adopting sustainable lifestyles, supporting local initiatives, and taking part in community efforts to build a healthier environment, a stronger economy, and a more resilient society.

Building the draft strategy

The 2026–2029 FSDS has three sections that reflect the interconnected pillars of sustainable development:

• Building an Inclusive and Resilient Society
• Driving Sustainable Growth
• Protecting our Environment and Well-Being

Each section has goals, targets, indicators, and implementation strategies. Through a focused set of targets, this Strategy prioritizes the most critical areas where federal action can lead to measurable progress, ensuring that resources are directed toward achievable, high-impact goals with transparent accountability measures. The indicators are selected to provide clear and consistent progress reporting, maintaining accountability while delivering results to Canadians. The draft Strategy was developed with federal organizations, ensuring a whole-of-government approach, with the full list of participating organizations provided in Annex 4. It reflects the seven principles in the Federal Sustainable Development Act:

• efficient use of natural, social, and economic resources with integrated decision making
• recognizing sustainable development as a continually evolving concept
• intergenerational equity
• openness and transparency
• involving Indigenous Peoples
• collaboration
• a results and delivery approach

The draft 2026–2029 FSDS reaffirms the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples, as reflected in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

To promote policy coherence and respect Canada’s international commitments, we have aligned the FSDS goals with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Where possible, indicators for targets are aligned with the Canadian Indicator Framework for the SDGs and the Quality of Life Framework. The SDGs provide an internationally recognized framework for achieving sustainability and equity. The Quality of Life Framework measures quality of life and well-being in Canada, and this data helps support federal budgeting and policy development. Aligning federal initiatives, including the Greening Government Strategy, helps ensure a coordinated federal approach.

Listening to Canadians

Public consultation will consider the views of many to help shape the final FSDS, including:

• the public
• the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development
• the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources
• the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
• the Sustainable Development Advisory Council

How to participate

The draft 2026–2029 FSDS is just the start. We’re sharing this early version with you so that your ideas, priorities, and feedback can shape the final Strategy.

We welcome your feedback until May 12, 2026, via our consultation page.

What happens next

Once the consultation period closes, we’ll carefully review all feedback received to help shape the final 2026–2029 FSDS, which will be tabled in Parliament in November 2026. After this, federal organizations subject to the Federal Sustainable Development Act will develop their own DSDSs that outline their actions in support of the FSDS, taking into account comments made during the public consultation, as required by the Act. DSDS progress reports also tell Canadians about the strides made toward meeting FSDS commitments. We will continue to share updates online and through the FSDS Progress Report.

Building an inclusive and resilient society

Vision: A safe, inclusive, and resilient society where no one is left behind

Democratic institutions, universal access to education, decent work, safe communities, and an inclusive society that respects and celebrates human rights, culture, and identity are the foundations of a strong society. This section focuses on:

• building confidence in democratic institutions
• strengthening Canadians’ sense of belonging
• protecting communities and cultures
• reducing inequalities
• enhancing safety, quality of life, and well-being for individuals and communities

Taking action on these issues will strengthen sustainable development in Canada by fostering an inclusive, safe, resilient, and united society for current and future generations. Economic opportunity and security, healthy behaviours and outcomes, gender equality, and protection from racism and discrimination are essential conditions for good health. Strengthening Canadians’ sense of belonging encourages community engagement, environmental action, and resilience in the face of challenges. Just as important is addressing the needs of youth, who face unique pressures. By working to ensure all Canadians can fully participate in Canada’s opportunities and decision making, the federal government helps enhance their physical and mental health and well-being.

Achieving this vision requires all orders of government and civil society organizations to work together. Engaging the full diversity of Canadian society, including Indigenous communities, official language minority communities, and equity-deserving groups, is essential to ensure that policies reflect the distinct needs of all.

Budget 2025 announced new investments in affordability, including a middle-class tax cut, permanent funding for the National School Food Program, and automating federal benefits for low-income individuals to ensure support reaches families more quickly. These measures are designed to ease everyday costs, improve food security for children, and reduce administrative barriers for vulnerable households. The Budget also included targeted funding to prevent gender-based violence, recognizing the need for stronger supports for survivors. It announced investments in infrastructure projects to advance Indigenous economic reconciliation and create opportunities for Indigenous-led development, ensuring communities benefit directly from growth. It also announced funding for youth employment and skills programs, such as the Youth Climate Corps, which help young Canadians gain work experience and build skills for the future.

Goal 1.1: Improve confidence in government

Trust in democratic institutions can make government policies and services more effective and efficient, foster civic engagement, reduce crime and anti-social behaviours, and help people and communities become more resilient. For example, when people have trust in institutions, they are more likely to rely on Government of Canada communications to stay informed and prepare for emergencies, including climate-related weather events and disasters. Canadians’ trust in public institutions declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, but after a sharp decline in 2021, confidence in the justice system has rebounded. In 2022, 50% of Canadians were confident or moderately confident that the justice system was fair to all, while 58% believed it was accessible to all. Trust in the federal government has yet to climb back to pre-pandemic levels. While above the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average of 37%, it has fallen from a high of 60.3% in 2019 to 47.5% in 2024.

Trust in institutions tends to be lower among persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, Indigenous Peoples, and those living in rural areas. Black people and Indigenous Peoples are overrepresented in Canada’s criminal justice system, as victims and survivors, and as those accused or convicted. They tend to have lower trust in the overall system.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the Trust and Transparency Strategy, which, through specific commitments on transparency, accountability and public engagement, aims to ensure the public has ready access to services and information and understands how the Government makes decisions
• the Digital Citizenship Initiative, a strategy to build resilience against online disinformation
• the AI Strategy for the Federal Public Service, which sets safeguards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), while recognizing the opportunities to enhance public services
• establishing the Office of the National Counter-Foreign Interference Coordinator, which will inform the public on how to counter foreign interference and support communities subject to transnational repression and manipulation of information by foreign entities
• implementing the Indigenous Justice Strategy, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, which includes actions to address systemic discrimination, reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system, and support the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal orders
• the Implementation Plan for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, which establishes a 10-year framework to reduce the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system by strengthening institutional knowledge of anti-Black racism and outreach to Black communities, and promotes greater access to Black-specific programs and services, including support for Black victims and survivors of crime

Trust in public institution erodes when Canadians fear that their voices are not being heard or that the democratic process is unfair or manipulated. It is also impacted when public institutions are found to be lacking efficiency, transparency, and accountability, or when they do not handle sensitive personal information responsibly. The spread of misinformation and disinformation online and on social media, including the deliberate spread of inaccurate information by people or groups intending to weaken Canada’s unity, can make these issues worse, especially because digital literacy gaps make some Canadians more vulnerable to misleading content. Systemic racism and discrimination can also be a persistent barrier to trust, as some marginalized groups can feel excluded from public institutions and be mistrustful of them.

To overcome these barriers, public institutions must demonstrate the highest level of integrity, reliability, and competence. The democratic process must be protected from misinformation and interference, and Canadians should be encouraged to improve their digital literacy. Working with community organizations and non-governmental organizations to hear the views of Indigenous and Black communities helps address systemic racism and discrimination, ensure no one is left behind, and broadens opportunities for all Canadians to fully participate in society.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.1.1.1: Ensure responsible use of public funds, deliver accessible and effective government services, and support innovative ideas, tools, and processes to better meet the needs and expectations of Canadians.

• ESDC, FIN, PSPC, SSC, TBS

Implementation strategy 1.1.1.2: Strengthen the Government of Canada’s capacity to proactively prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber security events to safeguard government systems and protect Canadians’ information.

• SSC, TBS

Implementation strategy 1.1.1.3: Protect against foreign interference, boost digital literacy, counter misinformation and disinformation, and strengthen the resilience of Canadians and Canadian critical infrastructure to threats, including cyber threats, to increase confidence in federal government actions and activities.

• PCH, PCO, PS, RCMP, StatCan, TBS

Implementation strategy 1.1.1.4: Increase publicly available federal data, while respecting Indigenous data sovereignty, to enhance federal government transparency.

• CRTC, CSPS, DFO, IAAC, ISED, NRC, PHAC, RCMP, TBS

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.1.2.1: Implement Canada’s Black Justice Strategy in consultation with provinces and territories and Black communities, and implement the Indigenous Justice Strategy in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples and provinces and territories to reduce the overrepresentation of Black people and Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

• CSC, CSPS, JUS, PS

Implementation strategy 1.1.2.2: Review and update existing legal frameworks to address and reduce racism and systemic discrimination in the criminal justice system.

• JUS

Implementation strategy 1.1.2.3: Support the development of culturally and developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and responsive victim services for underserved victims of crime, promote access to them, and expand their geographic reach into underserved areas to improve support for victims, survivors, and their families.

• JUS, RCMP

Implementation strategy 1.1.2.4: In consultation with racialized and marginalized communities, provide access to cultural competency-type courses and recruit and retain a diverse and skilled workforce that reflects the communities served to improve fairness in the justice sector.

• JUS, RCMP

Goal 1.2: Reinforce Canadian culture and identity

There is global consensus that culture is critical to sustainable development because of the many ways it shapes our identity, influences how we interact with others, and supports mental and physical health and well-being. In 2024, half of Canadians reported a strong sense of belonging to their local community, with sense of belonging being stronger in small towns and rural Canada than in urban Canada. There is potential to build stronger identity by celebrating our official languages, fostering dialogue between diverse groups, investing in Canada’s natural heritage and culture sectors, and supporting Indigenous Peoples in preserving, protecting, and promoting their linguistic and cultural heritage. Efforts to build culture and identity have economic benefits: in 2024, Canada’s vibrant cultural sector added over $65 billion to the national economy.

Certain groups are less likely to have a strong sense of belonging to their local community, especially persons with a disability and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Canadians at risk of social isolation experience barriers to cultural participation and accessibility barriers prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in society and cultural life, which can reduce sense of belonging.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• implementing the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which emphasizes that cultural diversity is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity and promotes the idea that all Canadians should have the opportunity to preserve, enhance, and share their cultural heritage
• supporting a thriving cultural sector and national identity through direct and indirect subsidies, infrastructure investment, policies that safeguard access to Canadian content, and the Creative Canada Policy Framework
• funding research in arts and culture, which fosters innovation through new creative practices, facilitates dialogue between artists, scholars, and cultural institutions, supports emerging talent, and informs policy
• implementing the Official Languages Act, which considers languages’ uniqueness, diversity, and historical and cultural contributions to Canadian society, in particular Part VII, which commits to enhancing the vitality of linguistic minorities in Canada and supporting their development through initiatives such as the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration
• supporting Indigenous language rights and cultural identity through the Indigenous Languages Act and Canada’s National Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages
• engaging with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other bodies to support global initiatives on cultural rights and linguistic diversity

Language barriers and social and economic challenges limit participation in Canada’s cultural life, lessening Canadians’ sense of belonging and identity. In a globalized world, Canadian content is becoming harder to find, so targeted efforts are needed to maintain its appeal, competitiveness, and pivotal role in bringing Canada’s culture, identity, and values to Canadians and the world. The culture sector is facing challenges such as funding gaps, systemic barriers for artists, and the need to adapt to digital changes and audience behaviours.

By partnering with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the federal government encourages intercultural dialogue and social cohesion, fosters inclusion and respect, and enables a sense of belonging rooted in equity. By supporting the arts, cultural and creative innovation, Indigenous languages, and official language minority communities—while also protecting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage—the federal government strengthens our identity and helps build resilient communities.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.2.1.1: Promote intercultural dialogue and support the vitality and development of official language minority communities to foster a sense of Canadian identity and belonging.

• ESDC, IRCC, JUS, LAC, NFB, PCH

Implementation strategy 1.2.1.2: Ensure participation in and the expression, preservation, revitalization, creation, and promotion of culture, arts, and ways of life to celebrate and promote the diversity of cultures and cultural expressions in Canada.

• LAC, NCC, NFB, PC, PCH

Implementation strategy 1.2.1.3: Support Indigenous Peoples’ efforts to preserve, revitalize, and promote Indigenous languages, contributing to intergenerational and cross-societal transmission of Indigenous languages and cultures.

• ISC, PCH

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.2.2.1: Support improvements to cultural facilities and expand access to exhibitions, cultural sites, and heritage sites to boost cultural participation and grow Canada’s cultural economy.

• ISED, LAC, NCC, PC, PCH

Implementation strategy 1.2.2.2: Support research in the cultural sector, promote access to education, skills training, and job opportunities, and help improve working conditions so that more people can contribute to Canada’s creative and cultural economies.

• PCH, SSHRC

Implementation strategy 1.2.2.3: Ensure that Canadian content is easy to find and consume on digital platforms to increase the competitiveness of Canada’s creative and cultural products and industries in domestic and global markets.

• CRTC, NFB, PCH

Goal 1.3: Reduce poverty in Canada

Poverty in Canada has significantly declined since 2015. However, in recent years, the number of people living below Canada’s Official Poverty Line has increased, reflecting challenging economic conditions, inflation, as well as the full phase-out of emergency supports provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Canada’s overall poverty rate was 10.2%, up from the historical low of 6.4% in 2020, but similar to pre-pandemic levels (10.3% in 2019). Rising inflation has made it harder for individuals and families to afford essential items such as food and housing. Poverty is also a driver of inadequate housing or homelessness, poor physical and mental health, food insecurity, and lower educational outcomes. These issues underscore the need for action.

Marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by poverty. Certain populations, including Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities, face greater hardship due to the intersection of multiple factors. For example, in the Arctic and the North, poverty is driven by issues including remoteness, high costs of living, and the impact of historical policies on Indigenous communities.

The Government of Canada’s efforts encompass a broad range of measures to prevent or reduce poverty, and initiatives that are helping alleviate financial pressures and improve Canadians’ economic security, including:

• Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy, which established an official measure of poverty, set poverty reduction targets, and established the National Advisory Council on Poverty to advise on poverty reduction and report to the public annual on progress toward targets
• income security programs, such as the Canada Child Benefit, the Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Canada Pension Plan, the Canada Disability Benefit, and the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits
• protecting programs that are already saving families thousands of dollars every year, including pharmacare and the Canadian Dental Care Plan
• the introduction of automatic enrolment to the Canada Learning Bond, which will help more families with low incomes build education savings and better futures for their children, making it easier to access post-secondary education, improve outcomes, and reduce risk of poverty
• transferring funds to provinces and territories to support social assistance programs
• working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system that aims to ensure all children in Canada have access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive child care, no matter where they live
• working collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous partners to implement Canada’s National School Food Program to ensure children and youth have access to the healthy food they need to grow, play, learn, and reach their full potential

Poverty has many causes and the best strategies to fight and prevent it vary due to diverse needs; delivering tailored, efficient support is needed to make progress. This is especially important in the context of rising costs and economic uncertainty.

By supporting people living in or at risk of poverty, and individuals experiencing housing and food insecurity, the federal government can help reduce inequalities and improve physical and mental health outcomes and well-being across Canada. Investments in income supports, research, and partnerships will lead to more effective, inclusive solutions.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.3.1.1: Support families with the cost of living and raising children, offer ongoing support to older adults and persons with disabilities, and raise awareness of rights and benefits to improve financial resilience and reduce poverty.

• CHRC, CRA, ESDC, ISC

Implementation strategy 1.3.1.2: Provide access to health-related information, benefits, and services to reduce disparities in health and improve job opportunities, educational outcomes, and overall well-being.

• HC, ISC

Implementation strategy 1.3.1.3: Support the co-development and implementation of Indigenous-led poverty-reduction strategies, informed by culturally appropriate indicators on Indigenous experiences of poverty, to improve quality of life in Indigenous communities, reduce poverty, and advance reconciliation.

• CIRNAC, ISC

Implementation strategy 1.3.1.4: Support local and Indigenous-led food systems and improve access to traditional and healthy store-bought foods for Indigenous Peoples and residents of remote areas, including the Arctic and the North, to increase food security, support food sovereignty, and improve affordability. 

• CIRNAC, DFO, ISC, NRC 

Goal 1.4: Reduce systemic racism and discrimination

Discrimination is treating someone unfairly by either imposing a burden or denying a privilege, benefit, or opportunity enjoyed by others because of their race, citizenship, family status, disability, sex, gender, or other personal characteristics. It can stem from individual actions or from institutional-level policies, practices, or behaviours that create or perpetuate disadvantages. Environmental racism occurs when environmental decisions, policies, and practices disadvantage some people due to their race. It disproportionately affects Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities by exposing them to greater environmental risks, such as polluting industries near their communities. Statistics Canada data from 2024 shows that over a third of people in Canada have experienced some form of discrimination or unfair treatment in the last five years. In 2024, hate crimes motivated by race or ethnicity were the most common in Canada, followed by hate crimes motivated by religion, with Jewish populations being by far the most frequently targeted religious group. Discrimination can occur in various settings, including education, employment, housing, and health care. It harms individuals and stifles innovation as diversity fosters creativity and economic growth.

Discrimination and unfair treatment disproportionally affect racialized groups, Indigenous people, women, 2SLGBTQI+ populations, people living with disabilities, and young adults. When people belong to more than one equity-deserving group, they can be affected by multiple forms of discrimination.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, the Official Languages Act, and the Accessible Canada Act, which protect people living in Canada from discrimination and foster inclusion
• the Employment Equity Act, which focuses on improving representation for designated groups in federally regulated workplaces
• the Pay Equity Act, which aims to achieve pay equity for employees by addressing gender-based discrimination in the pay practices and systems of employers
• the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, which outlines the core values and expected behaviours for public servants in Canada, including respect for people
• Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act, which apply an intersectional lens to all federal policies, programs, and initiatives, helping assess and address systemic inequalities and risks experienced by diverse individuals and groups in Canada
• the Gender Results Framework, which tracks how Canada is performing on gender equality, defining what is needed to improve equality, and determining how progress will be measured
• the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities, which respond to barriers faced by specific groups
• the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, whichaffirms the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a universal international human rights instrument with application in Canadian law and provides a framework for the implementation of the Declaration
• implementing Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, which has a vision of an inclusive, equitable society free of racism, where everyone can fully and meaningfully participate and thrive in all economic, cultural, social, and political spheres, and is complemented by the Action Plan on Combatting Hate
• recognizing the need to advance environmental justice across Canada through the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act

Efforts to eliminate discrimination are hindered by several challenges. Rising income inequality and the increasing cost of living worsen social divides. Limited access to affordable early learning and child care is a key barrier to gender equality and women's economic participation. Accessibility challenges prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in society. In addition, the spread of misinformation fuels discrimination, hate, violence, and unfair treatment.

Building an inclusive society means removing barriers and giving equity-deserving groups the support they need to fully participate in Canada’s economic, social, environmental, and cultural life. This involves upholding rights through legislation and targeted programs, as well as eliminating barriers stemming from historic and systemic discrimination. It also means collecting and analyzing information about different communities separately to better understand their unique needs, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.4.1.1: In partnership with all orders of government and populations experiencing discrimination, reduce systemic barriers to economic, social, and cultural participation and decision making to reduce discrimination and unfair treatment.

• CHRC, CRTC, ESDC, JUS, PC, PCH, RCMP

Implementation strategy 1.4.1.2: Address systemic barriers, improve data on representation, increase the diversity of senior leaders, and promote engagement and awareness to ensure equity and fairness in the federal public service.

• CSPS, PCO, PSC, TBS

Implementation strategy 1.4.1.3: Expand the collection and disaggregation of data and research on people’s experiences of racism and discrimination to inform strategies aimed at reducing discrimination and unfair treatment.

• RCMP, TBS

Implementation strategy 1.4.1.4: Strengthen efforts to assess, prevent, and address environmental racism to reduce the exposure of Indigenous, racialized, and marginalized communities to environmental risks and to advance environmental justice.

• ECCC

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.4.2.1: Invest in women’s skills development and training, improve access to employment, and support leadership development and career advancement to increase women’s participation in the workforce.

• CIHR, ESDC, ISED, NSERC, SSHRC, TBS

Implementation strategy 1.4.2.2: Support efforts that protect the right to equal pay for work of equal value, including establishing and maintaining pay equity plans under the Pay Equity Act, to reduce discrimination and unfair treatment in federally regulated workplaces.

• CHRC, TBS

Implementation strategy 1.4.2.3: Increase access to family and care benefits and quality, culturally appropriate child care to improve women’s recruitment and retention in the workforce.

• ESDC

Goal 1.5: Reduce gender-based violence

Gender-based violence is violence directed at someone because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. It disproportionately affects women, girls, and gender-diverse people. According to Statistics Canada data there were 1,125 gender-related homicides of women and girls in Canada between 2011 and 2021, two thirds (66%) of which were perpetrated by an intimate partner. Gender-based violence has deep and lasting health, social, and economic impacts, often leading to intergenerational cycles of violence and abuse.

Although gender-based violence can affect anyone, equity-deserving groups are more likely to experience violence or face greater barriers when seeking support. This includes Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrant, and refugee women and girls, who experience higher rates of violence because of colonialism, historical trauma, economic marginalization, and systemic discrimination. For example, in 2024, the homicide rate for Indigenous women was more than eight times higher than that for non-Indigenous women (6.74 versus 0.80 per 100,000 population). Other groups at risk include women and girls with disabilities, older women, women in northern, rural, and remote communities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The federal government coordinates with all orders of government and partners with victims/survivors, their families, Indigenous leaders and organizations, civil society, front-line service providers, municipalities, the private sector, researchers, and advocacy groups to address gender-based violence.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which sets a framework for anyone facing gender-based violence to have reliable and timely access to protection and services, no matter where they live
• the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet and the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, which contribute to reducing gender-based violence
• the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, which outlines how the federal government collaborates with partners to respond to the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• prioritizing the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan to address the root causes of intimate partner violence against Indigenous women

Several challenges hinder these efforts, including limited access to culturally appropriate and trauma‑informed services, particularly in rural, remote, and northern communities, as well as the lack of supports in Indigenous and other languages. Mistrust of institutions, especially law enforcement and the justice system, remains a barrier for many victims and survivors. Stigma, shame, and fear also continue to silence those affected by gender-based violence, preventing them from seeking support. Economic insecurity, housing instability, and lack of access to transportation can increase vulnerability.

To break the cycle of trauma and address gender-based violence, it is essential to increase awareness and invest in support for victims and survivors. Investment is needed in culturally appropriate, place-based, and responsive services, safe and affordable housing, community physical and mental health resources, transportation services, and legal support to protect and empower victims and survivors. Consistent and disaggregated data collection and reporting across law enforcement and justice sectors is also essential to ensure accurate tracking, up‑to-date statistics, and accountability, which are key foundations for effective and coordinated responses.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.5.1.1: Support access to culturally appropriate and competent services and supports that are trauma- and violence-informed, and responsive to the needs of victims, survivors, and their families, including Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, in their communities to reduce intimate partner violence.

• ISC, JUS, PHAC, RCMP, WAGE

Implementation strategy 1.5.1.2: Support the development of community-identified capacity building and social infrastructure priorities to provide opportunities and options for those who are experiencing, are at risk of experiencing, or have experienced gender-based violence, and address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.

• CIRNAC, CSC, ISC, JUS, NRCan, PS, RCMP, WAGE

Implementation strategy 1.5.1.3: Promote community-based and evidence-based public awareness efforts to prevent gender-based violence, improve its reporting, and increase the use of support services.

• PS, RCMP, WAGE

Goal 1.6: Improve Indigenous Peoples’ prosperity

Indigenous Peoples in Canada experience socio-economic gaps compared with non-Indigenous populations, which have arisen because of colonialism, systemic discrimination, and marginalization. A key challenge is the employment rate gap. Employment disparities among Indigenous Peoples have far-reaching consequences, including lower incomes and poorer health. In 2021, for people 15 years and older, the non-Indigenous employment rate was 57.4%, compared with the Indigenous employment rate of 50.5%. When broken down by identity group, the rate was:

• First Nations on reserve: 37.5%
• First Nations off reserve: 50.1%
• Inuit: 46.4%
• Métis: 57.5%

Statistics Canada census data show that the employment rate gap is widest among those without formal educational qualifications and narrows with higher levels of education. Therefore, improving educational outcomes addresses the employment gap and advances economic reconciliation.

The employment rate gap is widest for First Nations people living on reserve and Inuit. The lowest employment rates are in very remote areas, such as the Arctic and the North, where infrastructure gaps, including limited access to high-speed Internet and transportation, as well as lower educational attainment rates, are more common.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, which includes commitments to help improve Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the economy
• the federal government’s Indigenous labour market programs, the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, and the Skills and Partnership Fund, which aim to reduce the skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples
• supporting Indigenous businesses through community-based economic development programming, federal procurement opportunities, skills training, entrepreneurship, and loans programs, including the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program and the Community Opportunity Readiness Program
• the Building Canada Act, which will drive growth with Indigenous Peoples as key partners and requires that advancing Indigenous interests be a determining factor in project approvals, creating opportunities for meaningful participation
• working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation partners to implement distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies, which reflect unique priorities and include culturally relevant student supports, community-based programming, and education governance capacity, while respecting the principle of Indigenous control of Indigenous education

Several interconnected challenges limit Indigenous Peoples’ opportunities. These include low rates of high school completion and barriers to post-secondary education and skills training. Discrimination in hiring and in the workplace and difficulties accessing financing, particularly for First Nations living on reserve, are also barriers to economic participation. In addition, inadequate infrastructure, inequitable health outcomes, food insecurity, remoteness, and a lack of safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate child care, all affect workforce participation.

Increasing Indigenous participation in the economy requires collaboration with Indigenous partners and targeted actions that recognize the relationship between training, educational attainment, job opportunities, and other socio-economic factors. These actions include developing culturally appropriate education, training, and leadership opportunities that align with Indigenous priorities. They also include providing financial support to strengthen Indigenous businesses, improve participation in major projects, promote Indigenous equity ownership, support co-development of infrastructure, and expand Indigenous-led employment. By investing in dual-use infrastructure (infrastructure that can serve both civilian and military purposes) such as ports, highways, and energy systems, particularly in Arctic and northern regions, Canada can enhance Indigenous prosperity, strengthen export corridors, and link northern communities to global markets while securing Arctic sovereignty. By respecting self-determined economic priorities, reinforcing partnerships with Indigenous communities, and supporting Indigenous-led solutions, Canada can advance reconciliation and prosperity for Indigenous Peoples. A strong Indigenous economy will grow the broader Canadian economy, and closing the economic gap could add $27.7 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 1.6.1.1: Support capacity-building, skills development, entrepreneurship, participation in major projects, entry into infrastructure supply chains, access to financing, supplier participation in federal procurement, and other actions that will generate own-source revenue to advance economic inclusion, prosperity, and reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples.

• CanNor, CED, CIRNAC, DFO, ESDC, FedNor, ISC, ISED, PacifiCan, PrairiesCan, PSPC, SSC

Implementation strategy 1.6.1.2: Support improved access to post-secondary education and community programming, and remove barriers to access and completion to increase the number of Indigenous students who complete a post-secondary degree, diploma, and/or certificate.

• ISC

Implementation strategy 1.6.1.3: Support elementary and secondary education on reserve, including access to adult education, while implementing the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education to improve secondary school completion rates and reduce socio-economic gaps experienced by First Nations.

• ISC

Implementation strategy 1.6.1.4: Support the implementation of co-developed, distinctions-based post‑secondary education strategies that meet the unique needs of Indigenous students and institutions, and strengthen Indigenous self-determination, leadership, and capacity in research and research training to improve Indigenous prosperity.

• CIHR, ISC, NSERC, POLAR, SSHRC

Goal 1.7: Address the illegal drug crisis

Overdose deaths and substance use-related harms are having a devastating impact on people and communities across the country. According to Public Health Agency of Canada data, the rate of toxicity deaths per 100,000 population has increased substantially in Canada since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2019 to 2023, the rate rose from 10.0 to 21.0 for opioids and from 6.4 to 15.1 for stimulants. In 2024, the rate of apparent drug toxicity deaths declined to 17.6 per 100,000 population for opioids but increased to 16.4 per 100,000 population for stimulants. Although this marks a 16% decline in opioid-related deaths, both these rates remain above pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels and reflect an average of more than 20 people dying per day. This demands urgent action to address this crisis and connect more people to vital services, including treatment and recovery.

Substance-related harms negatively affect people’s physical and mental health, livelihoods, and relationships. The illegal drug crisis often coincides with other challenges such as housing instability, affordability concerns, poverty, systemic racism, trauma, and mental health challenges. It can also be worsened by unequal access to care and social supports, which is often the case in rural areas, as well as the use of more than one drug or substance: most apparent toxicity deaths from opioids also involves a stimulant. While anyone could be affected by the harms caused by substance use and the illegal drug supply, some populations in Canada have been disproportionately impacted. In 2024 and 2025, the majority of apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, and among males. People living with other health conditions, including mental health conditions and chronic pain, are at increased risk of overdose. Communities impacted by substance use-related harms and the illegal drug crisis are increasingly concerned about safety, social cohesion, and community well-being.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS), which is the federal government’s comprehensive response to substance use-related harms, including the illegal drug crisis, is centred on promoting public health and protecting public safety, supporting efforts to address the role of organized crime in illegal drug production and trafficking, promoting research, and uniting partners across health, social services, criminal justice, and law and border enforcement sectors
• Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, who collaborates across orders of government and with counterparts in the U.S. to help stop the production and trafficking of illegal fentanyl
• funding provincial and territorial health care and leading border security efforts through Canada’s Border Plan to combat smuggling
• engaging with and learning from Indigenous Peoples, people with lived and living experience, and representatives of diverse communities and the community-based organizations that support them

Several factors continue to impact efforts to address substance use-related harms, including the rate of deaths attributable to substance use. These include the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the illegal drug supply, barriers to accessing harm reduction and treatment services and supports, and the stigma surrounding substance use. Stigma can cause people to hide their drug use and avoid seeking health and social services. It can also reduce the quality and availability of services.

In response, the Government of Canada supports a comprehensive public health and safety approach to the illegal drug crisis, focusing on reducing harms, preventing deaths, and connecting people with the necessary services and supports.

Our plans to Achieve the Target

Implementation strategy 1.7.1.1: Develop evidence-informed prevention and education initiatives, support harm reduction measures, expand access to treatment and recovery, and develop, implement, and enhance substance controls to minimize substance use-related harms for individuals, families, and communities in Canada.

• HC, PHAC, RCMP

Implementation strategy 1.7.1.2: Strengthen laws and ensure law enforcement has the tools to strengthen border security, combat organized crime, and disrupt the illegal supply chains for synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals.

• CBSA, HC, JUS, PS, PSPC, RCMP

Driving clean growth

Vision: To enable prosperous and fulfilling lives for Canadians while ensuring economic progress aligns with environmental and social sustainability

Sustainable development relies on vibrant and resilient communities where wealth, decent work, knowledge, resources, and opportunities are accessible to all, including future generations. This can be achieved through a vision for long-term economic growth that integrates environmental and social considerations. This section focuses on building a productive, prosperous, and low-carbon national economy supported by partnerships at home, by securing new partnerships abroad, and through investments in projects of national interest. It will be complemented by energy efficiency efforts, protecting farmers and bolstering food production, increasing the availability of quality and affordable housing, and delivering sustainable transportation solutions across the country.

These efforts will help Canadians, including young people, feel optimistic about their future, take risks, and drive innovation and environmental performance based on confidence in a strong, inclusive, and resilient low-carbon economy.  

Budget 2025 announced an industrial strategy to protect Canadian workers, buy Canadian goods, and diversify exports while improving productivity and competitiveness. It will mobilize unprecedented capital investment to modernize infrastructure, advance clean energy projects, and develop transportation networks including airports, railways, and ports. It will grow opportunities for converting critical minerals and resources into high value inputs for batteries, clean technologies, and advanced materials. It introduces the Productivity Super-Deduction and will strengthen innovation and commercialization supports such as the Strategic Response Fund and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentives. It also aligns industrial growth to Canada’s net-zero trajectory by embedding clean technology deployment and low-carbon activities as drivers of competitiveness.

Goal 2.1: Build a productive and low-carbon economy

In a changing global trade landscape, Canada must strengthen its economic foundations to secure prosperity, unity, and affordability while accelerating its transition to a net-zero economy. Reducing the carbon intensity of our economy can support this effort by positioning Canada to be more competitive in the low-carbon economy of the future. As a supplier of energy, Canada’s decarbonization pathway is more complex than other countries, but the last three decades have demonstrated that progress is possible as greenhouse gas emissions per dollar produced have been cut almost in half. Advances in environmental and clean technologies are needed to sustain this trend, and Canada is at the forefront of the sector with over 2,400 firms developing and deploying innovative solutions to local and global markets.

Improvements in productivity—the dollar value of what a worker produces in one hour—are needed economy-wide but are especially important in industries exposed to international competition and for firms wanting to grow through exports. Investments in decarbonization can support their efforts as it is increasingly becoming a condition for market access and a way to attract capital moving toward lower-risk, climate-resilient investments. The benefits of productivity gains and decarbonization are not limited to businesses. A dynamic, low-carbon economy can create and safeguard jobs, strengthen public finances and social services, and make goods and services more affordable. These positive outcomes tend to benefit households with low incomes the most as they are the first impacted by economic downturns and environmental degradation.

The Government is collaborating closely with all orders of government, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, and the private sector to promote innovation and investment, strengthen Canada’s security and sovereignty, and position the Canadian economy for global success. It also ensures that the benefits of economic growth are shared, the environment is protected, and Indigenous rights are respected.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which requires the development of national emissions reduction targets and plans to achieve them
• an industrial carbon pricing system, which ensures big polluters have a strong financial incentive to reduce their carbon pollution to stay competitive through innovation and clean technology projects
• the Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to increase the supply of responsibly sourced critical minerals and support the development of domestic and global value chains
• the One Canadian Economy Act, which seeks to remove barriers to internal trade and labour mobility and, through the Major Projects Office, expedite approval of national interest projects to build resilient trade and energy corridors, strengthen domestic value chains, and enhance Indigenous participation in the economy
• the Sustainable Jobs Action Plans, which support regional approaches to the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which helps young Canadians through employment and skills development initiatives
• the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, which helps ensure that Indigenous communities can benefit from economic opportunities and fully participate in Canada’s growing economy

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 2.1.1.1: Attract foreign investment, technology, talent, and expertise, and support domestic businesses in scaling production and expanding internationally to foster growth and innovation.

• CBSA, GAC, IRCC, ISED

Implementation strategy 2.1.1.2: Support investments in tools, automation, equipment, software, processes, and the responsible use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to boost long-term growth and the efficient use of resources.

• ISED, NRC, PSPC

Implementation strategy 2.1.1.3: Invest in transportation, economic, and communication infrastructure to enhance accessibility and the efficient, sustainable movement of goods, people, information, and ideas.

• CRTC, DFO, HICC, ISED, TC

Implementation strategy 2.1.1.4: Strengthen Canada’s research ecosystem, promote research dissemination, and encourage businesses to invest in research, development, and demonstrations to boost innovation and lay the groundwork for future productivity growth.

• CIHR, CRA, CSA, DFO, HICC, ISED, NRC, NRCan, NSERC, SSHRC, TC

Implementation strategy 2.1.1.5: Intensify efforts to adapt regulations in consultation with Indigenous rights holders and key stakeholders to promote sustainable development, grow interprovincial trade, encourage fair competition, and reduce burdens on businesses.

• IAAC, ISED, NRCan, TBS

Implementation strategy 2.1.1.6: Expand access to skills development, training, and support to provide economic opportunities to all, address skills shortages in sectors critical to sustainable growth, and equip workers for the global energy shift.

• ESDC, NRCan

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 2.1.2.1: Attract and enable businesses and organizations in the environmental and clean technology sector at any stage of their development to improve diversification and resilience of the sector, reduce environmental impacts, and drive clean growth.

• ACOA, CED, CRA, DFO, FedDev Ontario, FedNor, IAAC, IIC, ISED, NRC, PacifiCan, PrairiesCan, PSPC

Implementation strategy 2.1.2.2: Facilitate the development and adoption of sustainable technologies and strengthen related value chains to ensure Canada remains a global clean technology leader.

• CRA, ISED, NRC, NRCan

Implementation strategy 2.1.2.3: Invest in the responsible production, processing, and recycling of critical minerals to support the development of domestic and global value chains for clean technology and other industries.

• CRA, ISED, NRC, NRCan

Implementation strategy 2.1.2.4: Support the growth of a well-functioning sustainable finance market to improve investment decision making and accelerate the movement of private capital in support of Canada’s sustainability goals.

• FIN

Goal 2.2: Strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Canadian agriculture

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is vital to the economy. In 2024, it generated nearly $150 billion in revenue and accounted for around one in nine jobs. As a leading exporter of agricultural products, Canada plays a pivotal role in the global food supply chain. The entire food system relies on farmers who continually innovate and invest to improve production sustainability, stay competitive, and ensure their farms remain resilient in the face of disruptions, including financial ones. While 92% of farms had sufficient revenue as a proportion of their expenses to be considered financially healthy in 2023, efforts are needed to maintain these results in the context of economic uncertainty and a changing climate.

Smaller producers and those with higher debt are more vulnerable to supply chain disruption and rising costs of supplies such as fuel and fertilizer. Farmers who rely on exports are more susceptible to the effects of tariffs and trade negotiations. Economic, social, and environmental challenges to agriculture and food production are particularly significant in rural regions, where the economy is less diversified.

The federal government establishes and enforces food safety, animal health, and environmental protection regulations to secure consumer trust in the agri-food system and in Canadian farming. It promotes domestic products locally, nationally, and internationally while protecting the interests of Canadian farmers in international trade negotiations. It also supports them with a range of financial programs; risk management tools; policy; and research, innovation, and climate resilience initiatives.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is an agreement between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector
• AgriStability, AgriRecovery, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance, and the Advance Payments Program which are business risk management programs that protect agricultural producers against income and production losses, helping them manage risks that threaten the viability of their farms
• services for agri-food exporters including market intelligence, participation in international trade events, and support for industries impacted by trade disruptions
• the Food Policy for Canada, which aligns federal actions across the entire food supply chain (from production to consumption) to strengthen domestic and local food systems, including supporting local food infrastructure to improve access to locally grown and culturally appropriate foods that support healthy eating

Trade uncertainty, an aging farm population, barriers to land access, climate change, and environmental degradation all threaten the financial health of farms and food production sustainability. Shifting precipitation patterns and more frequent and intense droughts, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires all pose risks to producers. These changes can disrupt food production and distribution, accelerate soil degradation, and create conditions enabling the growth of invasive species, pests, and diseases, which can put crops, livestock, and food safety at risk.

To remain financially sustainable, producers must diversify income streams and local, national, and global market/trade partners while managing increasing risks and unpredictability. Strong domestic food systems drive economic growth and rural development, complementing global trade while improving Canada’s self-sufficiency and resilience. Investments in domestic markets generate multiplier effects, creating economic, social, and environmental benefits that extend beyond the agriculture and food sector. Adopting sustainable production practices can enhance the resilience of farms, ensure their long-term viability, and support Canada’s biodiversity and climate goals.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 2.2.1.1: Support farmers through financial programs and risk management tools, as well as research, innovation, education, and climate and disaster resilience initiatives to ensure safe, diverse, and sustainable food is produced on financially healthy farms.

• AAFC, CFIA, HC

Implementation strategy 2.2.1.2: Develop and secure access to new international and domestic markets to increase the resilience of agricultural systems, create new economic opportunities for food producers, and make Canadian products available nationwide.

• AAFC, CFIA, GAC

Goal 2.3: Increase the number of households in acceptable housing

Housing is essential for health and well-being. Its affordability and availability are major concerns for Canadians. In recent decades, housing costs have increased in most areas of the country due to factors such as population growth, supply constraints, and rising material costs. The lack of housing affordability directly affects homelessness, with over 67,000 people in Canada without housing on any given night, according to the most recent Point-in-Time Counts. This may be a conservative estimate, as some forms of homelessness are difficult to track, notably in rural areas. Without stable housing, individuals who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness face greater barriers to health care, education, and employment. Homelessness also puts a strain on community resources and exacerbates social and economic disparities.

Persistent housing challenges are making it more likely that people will end up in housing that is either unaffordable, overcrowded, or in need of major repairs. This is particularly true for renters, households with low incomes and vulnerable populations. Indigenous peoples living in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities also tend to experience unacceptable housing conditions at a higher rate and a lack of culturally appropriate options. Construction and maintenance of housing in northern, rural, and remote regions present specific challenges that contribute to higher housing costs, including limited access to materials and labour, short construction seasons, increasingly unpredictable climate conditions, and a lack of sufficient housing supportive infrastructure, such as water and wastewater, roads, and community facilities. For First Nations, securing financing and insurance for on-reserve construction is more difficult, which limits housing supply and maintenance activities. Housing is an important social determinant of health; overcrowded and/or unacceptable housing contributes to poorer health outcomes and increased risk of infectious diseases. Disparities in housing outcomes between groups and regions highlight the need for more equitable solutions.

The federal government plays a key role in Canada’s housing sector and has committed to improving housing availability and affordability. Its efforts include:

• launching Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency which will catalyze a more productive homebuilding industry and support more affordable housing options for low- and middle-income households
• Canada’s National Housing Strategy and Canada’s Housing Plan, which outline a comprehensive suite of programs and initiatives to ensure more people living in Canada have access to safe, affordable, and inclusive housing
• helping Canadians who cannot afford a home by increasing the supply of affordable and non-market housing, as well as preventing and reducing homelessness through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy
• investing in Indigenous housing through the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, alongside distinction-based housing strategies, in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to support the immediate and long-term housing needs of Indigenous peoples
• the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, which helps local governments accelerate the construction and upgrading of housing-enabling infrastructure such as water lines, sewage systems, and waste management

To increase the proportion of Canadians living in acceptable housing, several key challenges must be addressed, including rising housing and construction costs, declining productivity and the slow pace of innovation in residential construction, barriers to financing, labour shortages, and regional disparities in affordable housing. Housing is vulnerable to climate change and disasters, making it essential to build in low-risk areas.

Recent federal commitments and new investments in housing provide an opportunity to build resilient, low-carbon, and energy efficient homes while promoting long-term social and economic sustainability. This reduces environmental impact, enhances disaster preparedness, and lowers energy costs for residents. Expanding Indigenous-led housing initiatives will advance reconciliation by ensuring that solutions are culturally appropriate and community-driven. By working with partners to improve housing availability and affordability, the federal government is helping more people in Canada secure safe, stable, and affordable homes.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 2.3.1.1: Reduce the cost of homebuilding, encourage the adoption of new technologies and innovative practices in housing construction, and increase the size and skills of the building workforce to support the construction of more homes.

• HICC, ISED, NRC

Implementation strategy 2.3.1.2: Implement initiatives that increase the availability of affordable housing to make it easier for Canadians to rent or buy a home.

• HICC

Implementation strategy 2.3.1.3: Promote building in low-risk areas, the adoption of updated building codes, standards, and guidance for climate and disaster resilience, and the use of low-carbon materials and designs to support the construction of low-emission, climate and disaster-resilient housing.

• HICC, ISED, NRC, POLAR

Implementation strategy 2.3.1.4: Improve the quality and availability of long-term care homes and beds to increase the proportion of the population in acceptable housing.

• ISC

Implementation strategy 2.3.1.5: Support the development of culturally appropriate Indigenous housing delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, organizations, and housing and service providers to advance community-driven acceptable housing solutions.

• CIRNAC, HICC, ISC

Implementation strategy 2.3.1.6: Support the development and implementation of community-based initiatives to prevent and reduce homelessness and improve knowledge about homelessness through research and data collection to improve housing stability and reduce homelessness.

• HICC

Goal 2.4: Promote energy efficiency

To sustain the transition to a low-carbon, productive, and competitive economy, making efficient use of energy is crucial. Electrification in housing, transportation, and other key sectors, as well as the growth of power-intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence, mean that demand for energy and clean electricity is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. To keep energy affordable and grow our economy, we must not only generate more electricity but make better use of the energy we already produce. Energy efficiency gains are delivering real benefits by reducing costs, as less energy waste means we are paying for less energy. According to Natural Resources Canada data, between 2000 and 2022, Canada improved energy efficiency by 16.7%, cutting what would have been a 29% increase in energy use nearly in half. That translated into $39.8 billion in energy cost savings in 2022 alone for households, businesses, and industry.

To ensure an equitable and feasible transition to energy efficiency, solutions and policies must support households with lower incomes and renters and consider regional disparities in energy affordability and in the practicality and availability of energy efficiency technologies.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• programs to make energy improvements more affordable, such as the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program
• establishing standards through initiatives such as the Codes Acceleration Fund, which supports the adoption of the highest energy performance standards in building codes, and ENERGY STAR Canada, which sets energy savings targets and certifies efficient products, homes, buildings, and industrial facilities
• supporting energy savings efforts in commercial and multi-residential buildings through programs such as the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative
• helping industries make more efficient use of energy through the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program
• empowering consumers with more information through efforts such as the National Approach to Home Labelling, which will create a consistent system across Canada that helps homeowners and buyers understand a home’s energy use

Shortages of skilled labour, higher costs, and supply chain pressures in the building sector, as well as low awareness among consumers and industry of products, programs, and financial incentives for energy efficiency could reduce the rate of progress toward retrofits and net-zero new construction. Finally, remote and northern regions, as well as Indigenous communities that rely on carbon-intensive energy systems, face unique challenges and need tailored and targeted support to adopt clean energy and increase their energy efficiency.

The federal government partners with provinces and territories, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and industry to advance energy efficiency initiatives. Supporting homeowners, the building sector, and industry to improve energy efficiency will help decarbonize the economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, incentives that advance deep building retrofits across households, businesses, and community infrastructure, alongside investments in innovative industry solutions, will boost prosperity while making energy more affordable.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 2.4.1.1: Advance deep building retrofits in households, businesses, and community infrastructure to improve energy efficiency.

• HICC, NRCan, PSPC

Implementation strategy 2.4.1.2: Accelerate the development and implementation of less energy intensive practices, products, and technologies in industries and institutions to improve efficiency and reduce consumption.

• NRC, NRCan

Implementation strategy 2.4.1.3: Advance the development, deployment, and implementation of innovative building system technologies to ensure buildings are energy efficient.

• HICC, NRC, NRCan, PSPC

Goal 2.5: Expand access to sustainable transportation

Canada’s transportation system is a cornerstone of the economy, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and connecting communities. However, in 2023, the sector was responsible for 23% of Canada’s overall greenhouse gas emissions and is a major contributor to air and noise pollution. Of Canada’s 16.5 million commuters in May 2024, around 17.4% commuted by sustainable transportation, defined as the use of public transit or active transportation, while the majority travelled by car, truck, or van. It is crucial to reduce emissions by increasing the use of zero-emission vehicles and public transit, and by encouraging cycling and walking. It is also important to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability of Canada’s overall transportation system.

Travel isn’t always quick or easy. In addition to traffic congestion in densely populated metropolitan areas, it is a growing issue in small and medium-sized communities, harming local economies. Transportation also poses health risks from air and noise pollution. Solutions like public and active transportation can help improve road safety, congestion, and pollution, while zero emission vehicles can help lead to cleaner air. However, residents outside of urban areas often lack these options due to density and limited infrastructure, including fewer charging and refuelling stations.

The federal government is a major contributor to transportation infrastructure projects. Its efforts include:

• the National Active Transportation Strategy, which sets out a vision for advancing active transportation nationwide through data-driven, evidence-based investments in new and expanded networks
• the Canada Public Transit Fund, which provides permanent, predictable funding for public transit and active transportation infrastructure
• the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, which supports locally driven transit solutions, recognizing the diversity of Canada's rural and remote communities and their unique transit needs
• the development of the Alto high-speed rail network in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor, which should reduce travel times, pollution, and the reliance on private vehicles
• the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, through which the Government invests in electric vehicles and related infrastructure to promote innovation and competitiveness in Canada’s automotive and transit vehicle manufacturing sectors, while ensuring access to charging and refuelling stations across the country

Important challenges must be overcome to enable more sustainable transportation. Many neighbourhoods and communities are underserved, and the needs of persons with disabilities are not always met. Built environments that prioritize private vehicles over public transit, cycling, and walking, reduce the appeal of sustainable transportation.

Expanding public and active transportation and supporting the shift to zero-emission vehicles will promote affordability, equity, and broader social and economic opportunities.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 2.5.1.1: Invest in transportation projects that reflect best practices for active and public transit to increase the use of sustainable transportation and promote active lifestyles and behaviours.

• HICC, NCC

Implementation strategy 2.5.1.2: Invest in transportation planning research, data collection, and monitoring of traveller behaviours to inform continuous improvements to the accessibility and efficiency of active and public transportation infrastructure.

• HICC, NCC, PHAC, TC

Implementation strategy 2.5.1.3: Address structural barriers in the built environment and expand sustainable transportation options beyond major urban centres to improve equitable access to active transport and reliable public transit.

• HICC, NCC

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 2.5.2.1: Support the availability and affordability of a variety of zero-emission vehicles and encourage innovation and competitiveness in Canada’s automotive sector to increase the uptake of zero-emission vehicles.

• ISED, NRC, TC

Implementation strategy 2.5.2.2: Increase the number of electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations across the country and support research to increase confidence in and encourage public uptake of zero-emission vehicles.

• NRC, NRCan

Protecting our environment and well-being

Vision: A healthy environment that supports the needs of current and future generations of Canadians

Protecting and conserving our natural heritage and promoting responsible stewardship of resources is key to sustainable development. This section outlines efforts to build a greener, fairer future by tackling climate change, conserving nature, reducing water and air pollution, and minimizing waste.

Advancing these issues will ensure that Canada protects its environment for present and future generations while growing the economy. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions while proactively adapting to climate change is crucial to minimizing negative impacts on vulnerable populations and building economic resilience. Strategic approaches to waste and pollution management can drive economic development while supporting healthier ecosystems and communities. The Government of Canada works to empower individuals, communities, and businesses to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change, improve Canadians’ health and well-being, and safeguard nature as an integral part of Canadian identity.

Achieving this vision demands practical efforts to adapt and build resilience to environmental changes, protect Canada’s natural resources, and improve water and air quality. Robust collaboration between orders of government; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities; industry; and civil society are essential to ensure that Canada’s environment is healthy and no one is left behind.

Budget 2025 outlines the Climate Competitiveness Strategy, a roadmap to creating the conditions for a net-zero future in which Canadian businesses are well-positioned to compete and succeed in the global economy. It will strengthen industrial carbon pricing, working with provincial and territorial governments to set a multi-decade trajectory that targets net-zero by 2050, and provide clarity on regulations. It will boost investment with tax credits for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, Clean Technology, Clean Hydrogen, and Clean Electricity. It announces new supports and investments for critical mineral projects such as the Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund. It will also mobilize capital for the transition to net-zero through the development of made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines, exploration of a Sustainable Bond Framework, and working with provinces and territories to improve climate disclosure across the economy.

Goal 3.1: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Canada is warming at roughly twice the global average, with the North warming three times as fast. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will mitigate climate change and achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada joins almost every other nation in the world in working to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C over the long term. The federal government leads by example in addressing climate change, meeting its interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from real property and conventional fleets by 40% from 2005-2006 levels by 2025. Although progress has been made, emissions remain high in key sectors such as energy, transportation, buildings, industry, and agriculture. Strengthening climate action positions Canada to drive clean growth, create jobs, and build a sustainable future.

Certain populations are more affected by the impacts of climate change. They experience risks such as food insecurity, housing challenges, and infrastructure damage, which are worsened by the impacts of more severe weather events. Indigenous Peoples face increased climate-related risks because of their deep connection to the land, the challenges of living in rural, remote, and northern communities, and persistent social and economic inequalities. Cutting emissions and maintaining existing carbon stores in ecosystems is critical to limiting global temperature rise and protecting Canada’s environmental and economic future.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which provides a transparent and accountable framework to support Canada’s national efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and its interim targets of 40%–45% reduction below 2005 levels by 2030 and 45%–50% reduction by 2035
• Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which sets out the federal government’s plans to achieve its targets while also creating green jobs, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable business practices
• the Greening Government Strategy, which is a whole-of-government commitment to net-zero operational emissions by 2050 through sustainable practices in real property, procurement, materiel management, and fleet operations; all federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Strategy that are relevant to their operations
• Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessments, which require federal departments and agencies to consider greenhouse gas emissions in federal decision making
• collaborating with partners through fora like the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and other bilateral and regional engagement mechanisms
• advancing reconciliation by working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to support the development and implementation of culturally appropriate climate strategies
• working with partners to invest in clean technologies such as carbon capture, material efficiency, and renewable and non-emitting energy

As Canada transitions to a low-carbon economy, challenges remain. Reducing emissions in high‑emissions sectors requires investments, infrastructure upgrades, updated technology, and the removal of market barriers. Regional disparities in infrastructure, energy sectors, capacity, economies, and markets, particularly in northern and remote communities, further complicate these efforts.

Climate risks and energy security must be fully integrated into federal decision making to shape sustainable growth. By focusing on emissions reductions in hard-to-address sectors, integrating climate risks into economic planning, and supporting distinctions‑based Indigenous-led climate strategies, the federal government will drive innovation, strengthen economic resilience, and protect our environment as well as public health.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.1.1.1: Develop and implement solutions to support emissions reductions in high-emissions sectors, including energy production, transportation, heavy industry, buildings, agriculture, waste, manufacturing, forestry, and mining, to accelerate progress toward net zero.

• AAFC, ECCC, HICC, ISED, NRC, NRCan, PSPC, TC

Implementation strategy 3.1.1.2: Meaningfully engage National Indigenous Organizations, Indigenous rights holders, organizations, and community leaders to support Indigenous-led clean growth and climate mitigation strategies, plans, and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while prioritizing self determination.

• CIRNAC

Implementation strategy 3.1.1.3: Apply the Policy on Green Procurement, ensure compliance with the Standard on the Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Setting of Reduction Targets, and require applicable construction projects comply with the Standard on Embodied Carbon in Construction through implementation of the Greening Government Strategy to reduce Government of Canada Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.

• TBS to report on behalf of organizations who report on the Greening Government Strategy. All federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Strategy that are relevant to their operations.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.1.2.1: Invest in cost-effective pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in real property operations by leveraging opportunities for portfolio rationalization, sharing facilities, maximizing energy efficiency, phasing out fossil fuels, and ensuring new federal buildings are designed to be net-zero emissions or net-zero emissions ready to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

• TBS to report on behalf of organizations that own real property and report on the Greening Government Strategy. All federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Strategy that are relevant to their operations.

Implementation strategy 3.1.2.2: Ensure that the federal government’s conventional light-duty and commercial fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles, where operationally feasible, including facilitating the expansion of charging infrastructure across federal facilities to improve zero-emission vehicle adoption readiness.

• TBS to report on behalf of organizations that own conventional light-duty and/or commercial fleets and report on the Greening Government Strategy. All federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Strategy that are relevant to their operations.

Implementation strategy 3.1.2.3: Support the national safety and security fleets’ use of environmentally friendly technologies, zero-emission vehicles, low-carbon fuels, and permanent carbon removal, when available, affordable, compatible, and operationally feasible, to decarbonize operations without impacting operational levels, requirements, or mission parameters.

• TBS to report on behalf of organizations that own national safety and security fleets and report on the Greening Government Strategy. All federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Strategy that are relevant to their operations.

Goal 3.2: Support climate adaptation

Adaptation means planning for and acting on the anticipated impacts of climate change while resilience is the capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from impacts and disruptions. Building climate and disaster resilience is not optional. Investing in sustainable solutions to build resilience and proactively adapt to a changing climate are critical to protecting health and well-being, enhancing public safety, safeguarding biodiversity, protecting infrastructure, and increasing economic resilience. By raising awareness and deepening knowledge of social, environmental, and economic climate risks and impacts, the federal government helps communities navigate climate challenges with confidence and build a more stable, prosperous future.

Climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change. In 2023, 23% of Canadian households reported having experienced an extreme weather event or a natural disaster. Some communities face higher risks: a 2024 survey reported that an extreme weather event or natural disaster severely disrupted daily activities of approximately 80% of First Nations (living off reserve), Métis, and Inuit Peoples. Rural, remote, and Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable due to: difficulty in accessing resources, services, and support; relying heavily on natural resources sectors which are sensitive to changing climate conditions; and having inadequate transportation and communication infrastructure which impacts emergency response capabilities. Climate change worsens inequalities and affects energy, housing, and food security. It increases health risks by intensifying the impacts of extreme weather events, degrading air and water quality, disrupting food, nutrition, water, and sanitation systems, causing changes in disease spread, and impairing the delivery of health services, all of which have serious consequences for physical and mental health. Older adults, children, and youth are especially vulnerable to these issues.

The Government of Canada is a leader in adaptation and resilience planning, supporting climate-vulnerable sectors such as natural resources and transportation. Its efforts include:

• the National Adaptation Strategy, which outlines guiding principles to ensure Canada reaches its objectives in a fair, inclusive, and equitable way, while respecting jurisdictions and upholding Indigenous Peoples’ rights
• the Greening Government Strategy, through which the Government is taking action to make federal organizations’ assets, services, and activities climate resilient
• engaging with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders on the Assembly of First Nations National Climate Strategy, the National Inuit Climate Change Strategy and the Métis Nation’s National Climate Change Strategy to reflect their distinct approaches and priorities in national planning and federal climate policy

Barriers to climate adaptation and resiliency include limited public awareness, resource constraints, limited access to preparedness measures, and gaps in data and infrastructure. As climate-related events become more frequent and unpredictable, it becomes harder for Canadians to prepare. Overcoming these challenges requires investments in physical infrastructure and protecting and prioritizing natural infrastructure, such as forests and wetlands. It also requires routine monitoring and surveillance systems, capacity building, workforce training, research, education, and technology.

Preparing for and mitigating the effects of climate change is a proven, cost-effective way to increase resilience. Strong communities, well-developed social support systems, and a thriving economy enhance our ability to mitigate, adapt to, and build resilience against a changing climate at the community and individual levels. When the population is empowered to integrate climate and disaster risks into decision making, it improves preparedness, reduces recovery costs, and builds a more stable, climate and disaster‑resilient economy.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.2.1.1: Support households, especially in northern, remote, Indigenous, and higher-risk communities, to include climate adaptation in their emergency preparedness plans and build their resilience.

• ECCC, NRCan

Implementation strategy 3.2.1.2: Provide tools, information, and improved guidance on climate-related hazards and emergency preparedness to enable people to be innovative, responsive, and resilient in the face of a changing climate.

• ECCC, HC, HICC, NRCan, PS

Implementation strategy 3.2.1.3: Support research and the increase of knowledge, including Indigenous-designed and led research, on the social, environmental, health, and economic impacts and risks of climate change in Canada to inform culturally appropriate decision making.

• DFO, HC, HICC, POLAR, SSHRC

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.2.2.1: Conduct organization-level climate risk assessments and take measures to reduce the identified risks to minimize disruptions to critical services and activities and manage financial risks related to the impacts of climate change.

• TBS to report on behalf of organizations that have critical services and activities and report on the Greening Government Strategy. All federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Strategy that are relevant to their operations.

Implementation strategy 3.2.2.2: Ensure that climate risks to critical assets are assessed to address risks to Government of Canada assets.

• TBS to report on behalf of organizations that own critical assets and report on the Greening Government Strategy. All federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Strategy that are relevant to their operations.

Goal 3.3: Protect and restore Canada’s ecosystems and biodiversity

Nature is core to Canada’s identity. It supports livelihoods, the economy, health and well-being, and climate and disaster resiliency. While progress has been made in conserving Canada’s land and waters, protecting species, and increasing ecological connectivity, biodiversity loss continues to accelerate. This puts ecosystems at risk, impacts the recovery of species at risk, and affects quality of life. Addressing threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss and invasive alien species, is important to conserving our natural environment.

In 2025, nature and national parks topped the list of the most meaningful sources of Canadian identity. Biodiversity loss affects air and water quality; degrades soil health; reduces food security; limits natural and precursor sources of medicine; and increases vulnerability to floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures. This reduces health and prosperity for people in Canada. Indigenous communities are particularly affected because their cultural practices, traditions, food sources, and livelihoods are closely tied to the land and ecosystems. Local economies that depend on recreation and tourism (such as national parks, national marine conservation areas, and national urban parks) and key economic sectors that rely on healthy ecosystems (like fishing) are negatively affected by ecosystem degradation.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• implementing federal legislation such as the Oceans Act, the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and the Canada Wildlife Act
• developing Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy and the Oceans Protection Plan
• the Indigenous Guardians program, which respects the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples and supports their stewardship of Indigenous modern and traditional lands, waters, and ice
• implementing ecosystem and biodiversity-related commitments in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
• participating in global conservation efforts including the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar Convention) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity

Barriers to protecting and restoring Canada’s ecosystems and biodiversity include dependency on short-term or project-based funding; capacity gaps; competing area use demands; and complex jurisdictional responsibilities that require coordination across orders of government and with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, as well as modern treaty holders and self-governing Indigenous governments.

Protecting biodiversity is both an environmental and economic objective. To future-proof Canada’s natural environment, biodiversity conservation and recovery planning require long-term investment, coordination across sectors, and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. Integrating nature’s value into decision making can counter the misperception that economic growth and sustainability are at odds.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.3.1.1: Support the recovery, protection, restoration, resiliency, and sustainable use of Canada’s terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems through protected and conserved areas such as national parks, other effective area-based conservation measures, and collaborating on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas to preserve Canada’s natural environment.

• DFO, DND, ECCC, NRC, PC

Implementation strategy 3.3.1.2: Support the recovery, protection, restoration, resiliency, and sustainable use of Canada’s marine ecosystems, including coastal areas, through protected and conserved areas such as marine protected areas, national marine conservation areas, other effective area-based conservation measures, and collaborating on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas to preserve Canada’s natural environment.

• CSA, DFO, ECCC, NRC, PC, TC

Implementation strategy 3.3.1.3: Promote and provide access to Canada’s natural heritage, encouraging Canadians to learn more about the environment, and connect with nature, including in urban environments, to facilitate the recovery, protection, restoration, and resilience of the natural environment.

• NCC, PC

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.3.2.1: Support regulatory and policy tools through regular review to maintain and improve the legislated protection of Canada’s wildlife.

• ECCC, PC

Implementation strategy 3.3.2.2: Partner with Indigenous Peoples, provinces, territories, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners through bilateral/multilateral agreements, funding programs, and other tools to protect Canada’s wild plants and animals.

• CER, DFO, ECCC, JCCBI, NCC, NRCan, PC

Implementation strategy 3.3.2.3: Prevent, detect, respond to, control, and manage invasive alien species and address the illegal wildlife trade in Canada by working with domestic and international partners to reduce pressure on native species.

• CBSA, CFIA, DFO, ECCC, NCC, NRCan, PC, TC

Goal 3.4: Improve water and air quality

Freshwater and clean air are vital resources that sustain life, support public health and well-being, and are central to Canada’s economy, identity, and environment. Clean water and air are critical to our Indigenous, rural, and urban communities; our recreational and cultural activities; and wildlife and their habitats. Canada faces interconnected freshwater challenges: despite holding 20% of the world’s supply, only 7% is renewable; and most of Canada’s economic activity and population are located in stressed interprovincial and international watersheds, requiring careful water management. Canada has made significant progress in reducing emissions of air pollutants from industry, transportation, and other sources. Air pollution data is showing an increasing trend of Canadians living in areas where the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards have been met. However, the most frequently reported type of impact of extreme weather or natural disaster event in 2023 was poor air quality. According to Health Canada’s 2021 report using 2016 data, outdoor air pollution in Canada is estimated to contribute to 15,300 premature deaths each year with a total economic cost of $120 billion.

Water and air pollution disproportionately impact First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities; remote regions of Canada; children; older adults; people with pre-existing health conditions; and those with lower socio-economic status. Poor water and air quality affect housing and manufacturing; raise health care and infrastructure costs; and harm biodiversity, fisheries, and agricultural production.

Freshwater governance in Canada is complex, with responsibilities shared between Indigenous and all orders of government, and with the United States for boundary and transboundary waters. The federal government shares the responsibility for wastewater systems on reserves with First Nations communities while regulating wastewater systems in Canada where provinces, territories, and municipalities don’t have primary jurisdiction. Addressing air quality in Canada is also a joint effort among domestic and international governments, Indigenous Peoples, industry, and other stakeholders—especially as it can travel across borders, affecting communities far from its original source. Collaboration is the foundation of effective, large-scale freshwater stewardship and protecting human health and the environment from air pollutants.

The Government of Canada’s efforts include:

• the implementation framework for the right to a health environment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
• applying the Canada Water Act and the Fisheries Act to protect water in Canada and developing pollution prevention measures
• the Freshwater Action Plan, which engages partners and stakeholders in freshwater stewardship; advances freshwater science and data; supports the use of Indigenous knowledge; and restores, protects, and manages water bodies of national significance through the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives
• creating the Canada Water Agency to strengthen freshwater protection in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, non-governmental organizations, scientists, industry associations, businesses, and the public
• implementing water-related commitments in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
• the Chemicals Management Plan, which assesses and manages risks to human health and the environment from potentially harmful substances, including those entering water and air
• working with provincial and territorial governments through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to develop national guidelines for water and air quality, such as the Water Quality Index and implementing the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards as part of the Air Quality Management System
• increasing public awareness of air quality, including during severe weather and pollution events, and promote actions to protect the health of people in Canada through tools such as the Air Quality Health Index
• implementing international agreements, such as the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution and the Canada–US Air Quality Agreement, to address cross-border pollution

Barriers to water and air pollution management in Canada include aging infrastructure, high upfront costs to adopting clean technology, continued reliance on fossil fuel use and generation, a lack of standardized reporting systems, and inconsistent funding for projects. Gaps in water, air, and pollution data availability are also an impediment.

Clean water is crucial for protecting Canada’s rich biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems, and aquatic ecosystems are integral to the overall health of the environment. Ensuring that wastewater systems and air pollution sources meet regulatory limits supports clean growth and protects public health, especially for marginalized groups. Expanding training for water operators in northern and Indigenous communities creates job opportunities while respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples’ rights to self-determination. Effective air pollution management improves indoor and outdoor air quality and prevents human health issues, easing pressure on the health care system.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.4.1.1: Support investment in infrastructure, Indigenous-led initiatives, ecosystem protection initiatives, and pollution prevention to restore and protect water quality and aquatic ecosystem health in the water bodies supported by the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives.

• CNSC, CWA, DFO

Implementation strategy 3.4.1.2: Advance research, monitoring, and data availability/collection for water quality and quantity, and provide expert guidance in partnership with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial governments, and domestic and international partners to improve decision making and take effective action on freshwater issues.

• CWA, ECCC

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.4.2.1: Promote and enforce compliance and invest in priority wastewater projects to maintain and improve infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements and ensure healthy wastewater systems.

• ECCC, HICC, ISC

Implementation strategy 3.4.2.2: Support First Nations communities in prioritizing infrastructure projects, capacity building, creating self-determined service delivery models, and advancing wastewater service transfer to reduce risk to First Nations wastewater systems.

• ISC

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.4.3.1: Develop, administer, and enforce regulatory and non-regulatory measures to reduce air pollution from industry, transportation, and other sources, and support and collaborate with Indigenous, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to reduce outdoor air pollution across Canada.

• CSA, ECCC, HC, NRC, TC

Goal 3.5: Reduce and manage waste

Waste from industrial processes, products, and households affects land and water ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. In 2022, Canada generated 36.5 million tonnes of solid waste, of which 9.9 million tonnes were diverted. Plastics, in particular, that are not diverted end up in landfills or incinerators or are released into the environment where they can enter food webs, harm wildlife, damage habitats, and potentially affect human health. A resource-efficient circular economy reduces waste and maximizes resource value by prioritizing reuse, repair, remanufacturing, refurbishment, and recycling. Reducing waste, preventing pollution, and investing in a circular economy means less demand for resources and less risk for our ecosystems and our health.

Inefficient waste management practices and a lack of infrastructure disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, including Indigenous populations, equity-deserving groups, and low-income communities. Northern and remote communities often have limited or no access to recycling programs, hazardous household waste disposal options, and properly designed waste management facilities. This results in environmental and health risks for northern and remote communities, especially when waste is openly burned.

The Government of Canada’s effort include:

• working with provinces and territories to implement the Canada-wide Strategy and Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste and the Canada-wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility
• advancing circular economy principles at the community and municipal levels through funding opportunities such as the Food Waste Reduction Challenge
• participating in and leading international initiatives and commitments, including the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency and the Ocean Plastics Charter, to advance waste solutions, especially for plastic waste such as ghost gear
• collaborating internationally through the Basel Convention to regulate cross-border movement of hazardous waste

Inconsistent national and regional data on waste flows makes it difficult to set targets and track progress. Progress is further slowed by economic challenges, including high upfront costs for infrastructure improvements and data collection, high business innovation costs, and low disposal fees. Achieving sustainable waste reduction, effective waste management, and a circular economy requires long-term investments, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven solutions.

Waste management is a shared responsibility in Canada, requiring collaboration between all orders of government. Reducing waste and advancing circularity can drive innovation, create jobs, and stimulate market opportunities in reuse, repair, remanufacture, refurbishment, and recycling, while also assessing Canada’s waste stream. Canada’s leadership in clean technologies can build a thriving green economy while supporting resource-efficient value chains and reducing dependence on raw materials.

Our plans to achieve the target

Implementation strategy 3.5.1.1: Reduce waste and marine pollution, including plastics, by prioritizing reuse, repair, and recycling in cooperation with provinces and territories, industry, academia, and civil society to increase resource recovery toward a circular economy.

• DFO, ECCC, VAC

Implementation strategy 3.5.1.2: Support advances in waste reduction, recycling, and reuse by assessing the national waste stream, researching and creating new technologies, investing in innovation to drive market transformation, and promoting secondary markets for reclaimed, recycled, and remanufactured materials to reduce the amount of waste sent to disposal.

• ECCC, ISED, NRC

Annex 1: Performance measurement

Sustainable development reporting in the government of Canada

The Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) requires the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature to develop a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and report on its progress once in every three-year period. The FSDA requires federal organizations to prepare their own Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies (DSDS) that comply with the FSDS. These must be tabled within one year of the FSDS’ release and reported on in subsequent years. The FSDS, its progress reports, and the DSDSs foster transparency and accountability in sustainable development decision making. They are complemented by the Cabinet Directive on Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment that requires consideration of FSDS goals and targets in Cabinet, regulatory, and Budget proposals.

Structure of the FSDS

According to the FSDA, the federal strategy must:

• establish goals and measurable targets with defined timeframes
• provide an implementation strategy for each target
• identify a minister responsible for meeting each target

The goals of the FSDS address the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. They align with the federal government’s priorities and mission. Each FSDS goal is supported by at least one target. Targets are meant to capture whole-of-government efforts and meaningful outcomes that improve the lives of Canadians. Indicators are used to monitor progress. Implementation strategies provide elements of the plan to achieve each target through coordinated governmental action.

Departmental sustainable development strategies

A DSDS describes an organization’s efforts in support of the FSDS implementation strategies for which they are responsible through departmental actions, performance indicators, and SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) targets.

Organizations are not required to include actions directly related to the FSDS targets or interim targets as these are reported separately through the Progress Report on the FSDS.

FSDS progress reports

A progress report must be prepared for every FSDS. It is the main accountability document for the Strategy and its primary focus is to assess progress toward FSDS targets. This assessment is made by comparing the observed rate of progression (or growth rate) of each indicator with the rate required to meet the target. The comparison of the two trends is expressed as a ratio which is used to provide an assessment for each target:

• On track: the ratio is 95% or above
• Progress made, but acceleration needed: the ratio is between 60% and 95%
• Limited progress: the ratio is between 0% and 60%
• Deterioration: the ratio is negative
• Target achieved: the target has already been met

While the Progress Report provides valuable information on sustainable development outcomes, it is important to note that responsibility for the actions needed to meet high-level targets is shared across orders of government as well as with public and private stakeholders. The Government of Canada supports sustainable development within the constraints of federal jurisdiction and authorities.

Information on the targets

The following table lays out the information to be used for reporting and assessing progress on the targets of the Strategy. It includes a description of the indicator and its source, a time frame for achieving the target, and a starting point for establishing a progression trend.

Targets: Building an inclusive and resilient society

Target	Date to achieve target	Minister responsible	Indicators	Starting point	Source
1.1.1: Confidence in Canada’s government reaches 55%	2035	All ministers	Percentage of population aged 15+ who answered “yes” to the question, “Do you have confidence in Canada’s national government?”	47.5% in 2023	Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Trust in Government Survey
1.1.2: At least 70% of Canadians think the criminal justice system is fair and accessible to all people	2030	Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada	Percentage of Canadians with moderate-to-high confidence that the criminal justice system is fair to all people	Fair – 50% in 2022	Department of Justice, The National Justice Survey
			Percentage of Canadians with moderate-to-high confidence that the criminal justice system is accessible to all people	Accessible – 58% in 2022
1.2.1: 56% of Canadians have a strong sense of belonging to their local community	2030	Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture	Percentage of persons aged 15 and over who reported their sense of belonging to their local community as being strong or somewhat strong	53.5% in 2024	Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey
1.2.2: The real gross domestic product of Canada’s cultural sector increases by 4%	2030	Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture	Real gross domestic product of the Canadian cultural sector based on 2017 constant prices	$54.03 billion in 2023	Statistics Canada, National culture and sport indicators
1.3.1: Reduce the poverty level by 50%	2030	Minister of Jobs and Families	Overall poverty level, as measured by Canada’s Official Poverty Line – the Market Basket Measure (MBM)	2015 level	Statistics Canada, Dimensions of Poverty Hub, Market Basket Measure Poverty Index
1.4.1: The share of Canadians reporting discrimination or unfair treatment is reduced by five percentage points	2030	Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture	Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment	37% in 2024	Statistics Canada, Quality of Life Framework: Discrimination and unfair treatment
1.4.2: Reduce the gap between men and women’s labour force participation to six percentage points	2029	Minister of Jobs and Families	Labour force participation rate of 15- to 64-year-olds by gender	6.4 percentage points recorded in 2024	Statistics Canada, Labour force characteristics by age group
1.5.1: Reduce self-reported rates of intimate partner violence by five percentage points	2030	Minister of Women and Gender Equality	Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the last 12 months	12.1% in 2018	Statistics Canada, Intimate partner violence, since 15 and in the past 12 months
1.6.1: Reduce the employment rate gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples by 2.1 percentage points	2029	Minister of Indigenous Services; Minister of Jobs and Families	Difference in employment rate between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people (15+)	8.4% in 2016	ISC Custom Tabulations, 2021 Census of Population; Indigenous Economic Progress Report, 2024
1.7.1: Reduce the rate of deaths attributable to substance use to 10 accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths per 100,000 population and six apparent stimulant toxicity deaths per 100,000 population	March 31, 2028	Minister of Health	Rate of deaths attributed to substance use per 100,000 population	Pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels of opioid and stimulant accidental toxicity deaths – 9.9 accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2019; 6.0 apparent stimulant toxicity deaths in 2019. (Target represents a reduction of 53% in apparent opioid toxicity deaths and 69% apparent stimulant toxicity deaths from 2023 levels.)	Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada, Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada

Targets: Driving clean growth

Target	Date to achieve target	Minister responsible	Indicators	Starting point	Source
2.1.1: Over 2026 to 2029, Canada’s annual labour productivity growth exceeds the G7 nations’ average	2029	Minister of Industry	Real gross domestic product per hour worked in 2020 constant prices	Over 2022 to 2024, Canada’s productivity declined by 2.1% while G7 countries’ productivity declined by 0.5%	Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development, Productivity growth rates
2.1.2: Canada’s environmental and clean technology sector accounts for 3% of national gross domestic product	2029	Minister of Industry	Percentage of the Canadian real gross domestic product that is produced by the environmental and clean technology sector	3% in 2023	Statistics Canada, National Gross Domestic Product by Income and by Expenditure and Clean Technology Data Strategy
2.2.1: The percentage of financially healthy farms remains above 90%	2030	Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food	Percentage of farms that have sufficient free cash flow and/or a low debt-to-asset ratio* *The percentage of farms falling in the low or medium risk range for free cash flow or debt-to-asset ratio, or in the high-risk category of one but the low-risk category for the other variable. Risk for cash flow is established with the official poverty line and it follows industry standards for debt-to-asset ratio.	92% in 2023	Statistics Canada, Farm Financial Survey
2.3.1: More than 72% of households live in acceptable housing	2036	Minister of Housing and Infrastructure	Percentage of households living in acceptable housing* *Unacceptable housing is defined as housing that is either unaffordable, overcrowded, or in need of major repairs.	69% in 2022	Statistics Canada, Canadian Housing Survey
2.4.1: Canada saves the equivalent of the annual energy use of more than 12 million homes nationwide through energy efficiency improvements (1,200 petajoules)	2030	Minister of Energy and Natural Resources	Difference in final energy use (in petajoules) with and without energy efficiency improvements	0 petajoules of energy saved in 2000	Energy Efficiency Trends in Canada
2.5.1: 22% of commuters use sustainable transportation	2030	Minister of Housing and Infrastructure	Proportion of commuters using public transit or active transportation* *Public transit includes bus, subway, elevated rail, light rail, streetcar, commuter train, and passenger ferry, while active transportation includes walking and cycling.	19.3% in 2016	Statistics Canada, Main mode of commuting
2.5.2: Zero-emission vehicles represent 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales*	2035	Minister of Transport	Share of new light-duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles	15.4% in 2024	Canada’s Zero-Emission vehicle sales targets and ZEV Council Dashboard

*Note that this target will be updated in the final FSDS: the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, including the targets and flexibilities, is being reviewed to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and cost-effective.

Targets: Protecting our environment and well-being

Target	Date to achieve target	Minister responsible	Indicators	Starting point	Source
3.1.1: Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions	2050	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature	National greenhouse gas emissions Greenhouse gas emissions projections	Greenhouse gas emissions in megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2005	Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, National greenhouse gas emissions and Greenhouse gas emissions projections
3.1.2: Reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% for federal government real property and conventional fleets and reduce by 50% the average net-emission intensity for all national safety and security fleet operations	2030 for real property and conventional fleets; 2040 for national safety and security fleets	Ministers responsible for organizations who report on the Greening Government Strategy	Percentage change in Scope 1 and Scope 2 federal greenhouse gas emissions from real property relative to fiscal year 2005 to 2006	Real property: 1,642 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in fiscal year 2005 to 2006	Treasury Board of Canada, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
			Percentage change in Scope 1 and Scope 2 federal greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fleets relative to fiscal year 2005 to 2006	Conventional fleet: 163 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in fiscal year 2005 to 2006
			Percentage change in Scope 1 and Scope 2 federal net greenhouse gas emission intensity from national safety and security fleets relative to fiscal year 2005 to 2006	National safety and security fleet: 72 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule in fiscal year 2005 to 2006
3.2.1: 60% of households factor climate change into their decision making	2030	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Percentage of Canadian households that factor climate change into their decision making	38% in 2024	Environment and Climate Change Canada
3.2.2: At least 75% of federal organizations have taken measures to address climate risks to their critical services and activities and ensure that climate risks to at least 75% of critical assets are assessed	2030	Ministers responsible for organizations with critical services, activities, and assets in accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat Directive on Security Management and related guidance who report on the Greening Government Strategy	Percentage of federal organizations that have taken measures to address the risks to their critical services and activities identified in the organization’s climate risk assessment	73% of organizations initiated or completed measures to address the risks to their critical services and activities in fiscal year 2024 to 2025	Treasury Board Secretariat
			Percentage of critical assets identified by federal custodian organizations for which climate risks have been assessed	15% of organizations completed risk assessments on critical assets in fiscal year 2024 to 2025
3.3.1: Conserve 30% of land and inland waters, and 30% of coastal and marine areas, in support of Canada’s biodiversity commitments	2030	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature; Minister of Fisheries	Proportion of terrestrial area conserved	Conserved terrestrial area was 4.4% in 1990	Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, National conserved areas
			Proportion of marine area conserved	Conserved ocean area was 0.9% in 2010
3.3.2: 60% of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit population trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans	2030	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Proportion of species at risk showing progress toward their population and distribution objectives	42% in 2019	Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, Species at risk population trends
3.4.1: 80% of water bodies of national significance supported by Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives achieve freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health indicators of good/fair with a trend of stable or improving	2033	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Percentage of Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives* where freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health indicators are reported as good/fair *The water bodies included in the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives indicator for the 2026 to 2029 period are: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, the St. Lawrence River, the Fraser River, and the Mackenzie River.	TBD% in 2026	Canada Water Agency
3.4.2: 100% of wastewater systems achieve effluent quality standards	2040	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Percentage of wastewater systems where effluent quality standards are achieved	77% in 2015	Environment and Climate Change Canada
3.4.3: 85% of the population across Canada lives in areas where air pollutant concentrations are less than or equal to the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards	2030	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature; Minister of Health	Population exposure to outdoor air pollutants	63% in the 2005 to 2007 period	Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, population exposure to air pollutants
3.5.1: Reduce the amount of solid, non-hazardous waste Canadians send to disposal by 30% (139.8 kilograms)	2030	Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Solid waste diversion and disposal	699 kilograms per person per year in 2014	Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, solid waste diversion and disposal

Annex 2: Roles and responsibilities of federal organizations

The Sustainable Development Office, housed in Environment and Climate Change Canada, is responsible for coordinating the development of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). It develops and maintains systems and procedures to monitor progress on its implementation and prepares the FSDS Progress Report at least once in every three-year period.

Sustainable development cuts across many federal organizations’ mandates. The Federal Sustainable Development Actrequires federal organizations named in Schedule I, I.1, and II of the Financial Administration Act to contribute to the development of the FSDS. They must also prepare and report on their own Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies (DSDSs) that support the implementation of FSDS goals and targets. These strategies are tabled in Parliament within one year of the tabling of the federal Strategy and departments report on them the two subsequent years.

The goals in the 2026–2029 FSDS are supported by measurable and time-bound targets for which ministers are identified as responsible. Federal organizations take responsibility for implementation strategies and, through their DSDSs, present relevant departmental actions supported by their own targets and indicators.

 

Implementation strategies by responsible organization

Responsible Organization	Building an Inclusive and Resilient Society	Driving Clean Growth	Protecting Our Environment and Well-Being
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)	-	2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2	3.1.1.1
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)	-	2.1.2.1	-
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)	1.7.1.2	2.1.1.1	3.3.2.3
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)	1.6.1.1	2.1.2.1	-
Canada Energy Regulator (CER)	-	-	3.3.2.2
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)	1.3.1.1	2.1.1.4, 2.1.2.1, 2.1.2.2, 2.1.2.3	-
Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)	1.1.1.4, 1.1.2.1, 1.4.1.2	-	-
Canada Water Agency (CWA)	-	-	3.4.1.1, 3.4.1.2
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)	-	2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2	3.3.2.3
Canadian Heritage (PCH)	1.1.1.3, 1.2.1.1, 1.2.1.2, 1.2.1.3, 1.2.2.1, 1.2.2.2, 1.2.2.3, 1.4.1.1	-	-
Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)	1.3.1.1, 1.4.1.1, 1.4.2.2	-	-
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)	1.4.2.1, 1.6.1.4	2.1.1.4	-
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)	1.6.1.1	-	-
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)	-	-	3.4.1.1
Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)	1.1.1.4, 1.2.2.3, 1.4.1.1	2.1.1.3	-
Canadian Space Agency (CSA)	-	2.1.1.4	3.3.1.2, 3.4.3.1
Correctional Service Canada (CSC)	1.1.2.1, 1.5.1.2	-	-
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)	1.3.1.3, 1.3.1.4, 1.5.1.2, 1.6.1.1	2.3.1.5	3.1.1.2
Department of Finance Canada (FIN)	1.1.1.1	2.1.2.4	-
Department of Justice Canada (JUS)	1.1.2.1, 1.1.2.2, 1.1.2.3, 1.1.2.4, 1.2.1.1, 1.4.1.1, 1.5.1.1, 1.5.1.2, 1.7.1.2	-	-
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)	1.1.1.1, 1.2.1.1, 1.3.1.1, 1.4.1.1, 1.4.2.1, 1.4.2.3, 1.6.1.1	2.1.1.6	-
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)	1.4.1.4	-	3.1.1.1, 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.2, 3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2, 3.3.2.1, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3, 3.4.1.2, 3.4.2.1, 3.4.3.1, 3.5.1.1, 3.5.1.2
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)	1.6.1.1	2.1.2.1	-
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)	-	2.1.2.1	-
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)	1.1.1.4, 1.3.1.4, 1.6.1.1	2.1.1.3, 2.1.1.4, 2.1.2.1	3.2.1.3, 3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3, 3.4.1.1, 3.5.1.1
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)	-	2.1.1.1, 2.2.1.2	-
Health Canada (HC)	1.3.1.2, 1.7.1.1, 1.7.1.2	2.2.1.1	3.2.1.2, 3.2.1.3, 3.4.3.1
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC)	-	2.1.1.3, 2.1.1.4, 2.3.1.1, 2.3.1.2, 2.3.1.3, 2.3.1.5, 2.3.1.6, 2.4.1.1, 2.4.1.3, 2.5.1.1, 2.5.1.2, 2.5.1.3	3.1.1.1, 3.2.1.2, 3.2.1.3, 3.4.2.1
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)	1.2.1.1	2.1.1.1	-
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)	1.1.1.4	2.1.1.5, 2.1.2.1	-
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)	1.2.1.3, 1.3.1.1, 1.3.1.2, 1.3.1.3, 1.3.1.4, 1.5.1.1, 1.5.1.2, 1.6.1.1, 1.6.1.2, 1.6.1.3, 1.6.1.4	2.3.1.4, 2.3.1.5	3.4.2.1, 3.4.2.2
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)	1.1.1.4, 1.2.2.1, 1.4.2.1, 1.6.1.1	2.1.1.1, 2.1.1.2, 2.1.1.3, 2.1.1.4, 2.1.1.5, 2.1.2.1, 2.1.2.2, 2.1.2.3, 2.3.1.1, 2.3.1.3, 2.5.2.1	3.1.1.1, 3.5.1.2
Invest in Canada (IIC)	-	2.1.2.1	-
Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI)	-	-	3.3.2.2
Library and Archives Canada (LAC)	1.2.1.1, 1.2.1.2, 1.2.2.1	-	-
National Capital Commission (NCC)	1.2.1.2, 1.2.2.1	2.5.1.1, 2.5.1.2, 2.5.1.3	3.3.1.3, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3
National Defence (DND)	-	-	3.3.1.1
National Film Board (NFB)	1.2.1.1, 1.2.1.2, 1.2.2.3	-	-
National Research Council Canada (NRC)	1.1.1.4, 1.3.1.4	2.1.1.2, 2.1.1.4, 2.1.2.1, 2.1.2.2, 2.1.2.3, 2.3.1.1, 2.3.1.3, 2.4.1.2, 2.4.1.3, 2.5.2.1, 2.5.2.2	3.1.1.1, 3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2, 3.4.3.1, 3.5.1.2
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)	1.5.1.2	2.1.1.4, 2.1.1.5, 2.1.1.6, 2.1.2.2, 2.1.2.3, 2.4.1.1, 2.4.1.2, 2.4.1.3, 2.5.2.2	3.1.1.1, 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.2, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC)	1.4.2.1, 1.6.1.4	2.1.1.4	-
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI)	-	-	-
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)	1.6.1.1	2.1.2.1	-
Parks Canada (PC)	1.2.1.2, 1.2.2.1, 1.4.1.1	-	3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2, 3.3.1.3, 3.3.2.1, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3
Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)	1.6.1.4	2.3.1.3	3.2.1.3
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)	1.6.1.1	2.1.2.1	-
Privy Council Office (PCO)	1.1.1.3, 1.4.1.2	-	-
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)	1.1.1.4, 1.5.1.1, 1.7.1.1	2.5.1.2	-
Public Safety Canada (PS)	1.1.1.3, 1.1.2.1, 1.5.1.2, 1.5.1.3, 1.7.1.2	-	3.2.1.2
Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC)	1.4.1.2	-	-
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)	1.1.1.1, 1.6.1.1, 1.7.1.2	2.1.1.2, 2.1.2.1, 2.4.1.1, 2.4.1.3	3.1.1.1
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)	1.1.1.3, 1.1.1.4, 1.1.2.3, 1.1.2.4, 1.4.1.1, 1.4.1.3, 1.5.1.1, 1.5.1.2, 1.5.1.3, 1.7.1.1, 1.7.1.2	-	-
Shared Services Canada (SSC)	1.1.1.1, 1.1.1.2, 1.6.1.1	-	-
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)	1.2.2.2, 1.4.2.1, 1.6.1.4	2.1.1.4	3.2.1.3
Statistics Canada (StatCan)	1.1.1.3	-	-
Transport Canada (TC)	-	2.1.1.3, 2.1.1.4, 2.5.1.2, 2.5.2.1	3.1.1.1, 3.3.1.2, 3.3.2.3, 3.4.3.1
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)	1.1.1.1, 1.1.1.2, 1.1.1.3, 1.1.1.4, 1.4.1.2, 1.4.1.3, 1.4.2.1, 1.4.2.2	2.1.1.5	3.1.1.3 (on behalf of organizations who report on the Greening Government Strategy), 3.1.2.1 (on behalf of organizations that own real property and report on the Greening Government Strategy), 3.1.2.2 (on behalf of organizations that own conventional light-duty and/or commercial fleets and report on the Greening Government Strategy), 3.1.2.3 (on behalf of organizations that own national safety and security fleets and report on the Greening Government Strategy), 3.2.2.1 (on behalf of organizations that have critical services and activities and report on the Greening Government Strategy), 3.2.2.2 (on behalf of organizations that own critical assets and report on the Greening Government Strategy)  Note that all federal organizations are required to execute all parts of the Greening Government Strategy that are relevant to their operations.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)	-	-	3.5.1.1
Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE)	1.5.1.1, 1.5.1.2, 1.5.1.3	-	-

Annex 3: Alignment with other frameworks and federal strategies

Several strategies and frameworks are used by the Government of Canada to advance sustainable development and improve quality of life. These include the following overarching frameworks, but other thematic and sectoral strategies not listed here also contribute to federal goals.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. Canada reports progress on the SDGs through the Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF), which encompasses the 17 SDGs and adds Canadian ambitions and targets, where available.

The Quality of Life Framework (QoL) for Canada aims to measure what matters most to Canadians, to help drive evidence-based budgeting and decision making at the federal level. It consists of a set of 91 indicators, organized into a series of domains: prosperity, health, society, environment, and good governance, which are complemented by the two cross-cutting lenses of Fairness and Inclusion and Sustainability and Resilience.

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) contributes to advancing Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy for the SDGs and to improving the quality of life in Canada, with the CIF, QoL, and FSDS sharing several of the same indicators. Areas of alignment with these and other federal strategies related to the goals of the FSDS are described in the table below.

Alignment: Building an inclusive and resilient society

Goal	Corresponding SDGs and CIF indicators	Corresponding QoL domain, sub-domain, and indicators	Related government of Canada strategies and/or horizontal initiatives
1.1: Improve trust in government	10: Reduced Inequalities 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	Domain: Good governance Sub-domain: Democracy and institutions	Trust and Transparency Strategy National Action Plan on Open Government AI Strategy for the Federal Public Service (2025–2027) Indigenous Justice Strategy Implementation Plan for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy
1.2: Reinforce Canadian culture and identity	8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10: Reduced Inequalities 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions CIF: 11.7.1	Domain: Society Sub-domain: Culture and identity	Creative Canada Policy Framework
1.3: Reduce poverty in Canada	1: No Poverty 2: Zero Hunger 3: Good Health and Well-Being 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth CIF: 1.1.1	Domain: Prosperity Sub-domain: Economic security and deprivation Indicator: Poverty	Poverty Reduction Strategy
1.4: Reduce systemic racism and discrimination	5: Gender Equality 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 10: Reduced Inequalities 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	Domain: Good governance Sub-domain: Justice and human rights Indicator: Discrimination and unfair treatment	Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 Action Plan on Combatting Hate Gender Results Framework Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan 2022 Disability Inclusion Action Plan Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
1.5: Reduce gender-based violence	5: Gender Equality 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions CIF: 5.2.1	Domain: Good governance Sub-domain: Safety and security	National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence The Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
1.6: Improve Indigenous Peoples’ prosperity	1: No Poverty 4: Quality Education 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 10: Reduced Inequalities	Domain: Prosperity Sub-domain: Skills and opportunity; Employment and job quality	Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program Skills and Partnership Fund United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
1.7: Address the Illegal Drug Crisis	3: Good Health and Well-Being 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions CIF: 3.13.1	Domain: Health Sub-domain: Healthy care systems Domain: Good governance Sub-domain: Safety and security Sub-domain: Justice and human rights	Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy

Alignment: Driving clean growth

Goal	Corresponding SDGs and CIF indicators	Corresponding QoL domain, sub-domain and indicator	Related government of Canada strategies and/or horizontal initiatives
2.1: Build a productive and low-carbon economy	4: Quality Education 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 13: Climate Action	Domain: Prosperity Sub-domain: Income and growth	Sustainable Jobs Action Plans Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Critical Minerals Strategy
2.2: Strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Canadian agriculture	2: Zero Hunger 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 13: Climate Action	Domain: Prosperity Sub-domain: Economic security and deprivation	Food Policy for Canada Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
2.3: Increase the number of households in acceptable housing	1: No Poverty 3: Good Health and Well-Being 10: Reduced Inequalities 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Domain: Prosperity Sub-domain: Economic security and deprivation Indicator: Core housing need	National Housing Strategy Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy Veteran Homelessness Program Canada's Housing Action Plan
2.4: Promote energy efficiency	7: Affordable and Clean Energy 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 13: Climate Action	Domain: Environment Sub-domain: Environment and people	Canada Green Buildings Strategy Powering Canada’s Future: A Clean Electricity Strategy
2.5: Expand access to sustainable transportation	3: Good Health and Well-Being 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 13: Climate Action CIF: 11.5.1	Domain: Environment Sub-domain: Environment and people	National Active Transportation Strategy (2021-2026)

Alignment: Protecting our environment and well-being

Goal	Corresponding SDGs and CIF indicators	Corresponding QoL domain, sub-domain and indicator	Related government of Canada strategies and/or horizontal initiatives
3.1: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions	3: Good Health and Well-Being 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10: Reduced Inequalities 13: Climate Action	Domain: Environment Sub-domain: Ecological integrity and environmental stewardship	2030 Emissions Reduction Plan Greening Government Strategy Strategy on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Faster and Further: Canada’s Methane Strategy
3.2: Support climate adaptation	3: Good Health and Well-Being 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 10: Reduced Inequalities 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 13: Climate Action	Domain: Environment Sub-domain: Environment and people	National Adaptation Strategy Greening Government Strategy
3.3: Protect and restore Canada’s ecosystems and biodiversity	11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 14: Life Below Water 15: Life on Land CIF: 14.1.1, 15.2.1, 15.4.1	Domain: Environment Sub-domain: Ecological integrity and environmental stewardship	Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy Oceans Protection Plan United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
3.4: Improve water and air quality	3: Good Health and Well-Being 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10: Reduced Inequalities 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 14: Life Below Water CIF: 6.5.1, 11.3.1	Domain: Environment Sub-domain: Environment and people	Freshwater Action Plan Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Air Quality Management System Canada’s Air Quality Program
3.5: Reduce and manage waste	8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 14: Life Below Water	Domain: Environment Sub-domain: Ecological integrity and environmental stewardship	Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste

Annex 4: List of contributing federal organizations

Currently, 59 active federal organizations contributed to the development of this Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

1. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
2. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
3. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
4. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
5. Canada Energy Regulator (CER)
6. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
7. Canada School of Public Service (CSPS)
8. Canada Water Agency (CWA)
9. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
10. Canadian Heritage (PCH)
11. Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)
12. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
13. Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
14. Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
15. Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
16. Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
17. Correctional Service Canada (CSC)
18. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
19. Department of Finance Canada (FIN)
20. Department of Justice Canada (JUS)
21. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
22. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
23. Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
24. Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
25. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
26. Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
27. Health Canada (HC)
28. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC)
29. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
30. Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)
31. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
32. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
33. Invest in Canada (IIC)
34. Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI)
35. Library and Archives Canada (LAC)
36. National Capital Commission (NCC)
37. National Defence (DND)
38. National Film Board (NFB)
39. National Research Council Canada (NRC)
40. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
41. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC)
42. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI)
43. Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
44. Parks Canada (PC)
45. Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)
46. Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
47. Privy Council Office (PCO)
48. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
49. Public Safety Canada (PS)
50. Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC)
51. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
52. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
53. Shared Services Canada (SSC)
54. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
55. Statistics Canada (StatCan)
56. Transport Canada (TC)
57. Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)
58. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
59. Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE)