Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 2025-26 Departmental plan

From the Minister

Canada recently announced a new ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 to 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2035. In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to take action to accelerate the shift to cleaner and more resilient industries, businesses, and infrastructures to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and enable benefits for Canadians.

As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather continue to increase, ECCC’s timely and high-quality weather and climate science and services have never been more important. That’s why the Department recently updated the WeatherCAN app to help Canadians prepare and quickly respond to rapidly changing weather. ECCC will do its part in carrying out the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan and ensure Canadians are prepared for a changing climate.

The Government has made progress with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to protect nature. Building on the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, work will continue to advance under Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy. These efforts will help us secure a nature-positive future for this generation and those to come.

To address the growing threat of plastic pollution to ecosystems and human health worldwide, ECCC is working closely with all orders of government, industry, and non-governmental organizations to continue to move forward on a comprehensive plan to reduce plastic waste and pollution and move towards a circular plastics economy. The Government recently launched the new Federal Plastics Registry that requires companies, including producers and other service providers, to report annually on the quantity and types of plastic they manufacture, import, and place on the Canadian market and how it is managed at its end-of-life.

It is also important to continue to work toward improving environmental outcomes for everyone. ECCC is working with partners to develop a national strategy to advance environmental justice and to assess, prevent and address environmental racism. I am committed to ensuring industry does its fair share to reduce human and environmental exposure to harmful chemicals as required by the updated Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

ECCC recognizes that the leadership of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples is critical to addressing environmental challenges. The Department respects Indigenous knowledge and rights and fosters partnerships that advance Indigenous-led environmental stewardship and participation in decision-making processes. ECCC will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous partners to develop initiatives that reflect shared responsibilities and support tangible progress towards reconciliation.

As the 2025 G7 Presidency, Canada will work with G7 partners on ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of our citizens in a rapidly changing world. Through our G7 Presidency, Canada will lead work to respond to global challenges and seize new opportunities for economic progress, as well as to deepen the political, economic, and security ties between G7 partners that serve us all so well.

The world faces a growing number of challenges that will result in an ambitious year ahead. I look forward to working with ECCC’s hardworking employees and with partners across the country to advance Canada’s environmental sustainability and economic well-being.

Plans to deliver on core responsibilities and internal services

Core responsibilities and internal services:

• Core responsibility 1: Taking action on clean growth and climate change
• Core responsibility 2: Preventing and managing pollution
• Core responsibility 3: Conserving nature
• Core responsibility 4: Predicting weather and environmental conditions
• Internal services

Core responsibility 1: Taking action on clean growth and climate change

In this section

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Indicators, results and targets
• Plans to achieve results
• Key risks
• Planned resources to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

Description

Support and coordinate the development and implementation of Canada’s environmental and climate change policies, programs, and plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support a transition to a resilient, inclusive low-carbon economy. This will be achieved by developing and implementing climate mitigation measures; supporting adaptation to climate change; contributing to international environment and climate-related actions and initiatives; and engaging with other federal government departments, Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, domestic and international partners and stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and other interested parties.

Quality of life impacts

This core responsibility plays a pivotal role within the “Environment” domain of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada. Specifically, it contributes to the “Greenhouse gas emissions” and “Climate Change Adaptation” indicators through a range of activities inherent to the core responsibility. Furthermore, its influence extends into the “Prosperity” domain, notably affecting indicators such as “GDP per capita” and “firm growth” among others. In addition to these key connections, it exhibits a strong alignment with the overarching lens of “Sustainability and Resilience.”

Indicators, results and targets

This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, and the targets and target dates approved in 2025-26 for taking action on clean growth and climate change. Details are presented by departmental result.

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Plans to achieve results

The following section describes the planned results for taking action on clean growth and climate change in 2025-26.  

Overall supporting efforts

The Department will continue to work with partners to achieve Canada’s climate objectives. In December 2024, Canada announced its 2035 emissions reduction target of 45 to 50 percent below 2005 levels. A number of initiatives have been put in place to support this objective. This includes support for green innovation, clean electricity, and electric vehicles.

ECCC will continue to advance Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, which establishes a vision for a more resilient Canada and sets a whole-of-society blueprint for more coordinated and ambitious action on adaptation. The Department will continue to deliver climate data, information, and services to help Canadians understand the risks they face from climate change.

ECCC will engage Canadians to communicate the impacts of climate changes. In 2025-26, ECCC will lead advertising and social marketing campaigns on climate, nature and weather, as well as support the development of environmental literacy projects that will increase environmental literacy of young Canadians, their educators, and families, and implement a National Framework on Environmental Learning in collaboration with partners and stakeholders . ECCC will continue its work to connect Canadians to experts and a network of partners in environmental literacy, and to mobilize existing knowledge and expertise in environmental learning. ECCC will also continue to communicate the linkages and impacts of climate change on severe weather through media briefings, news releases and information campaigns.

Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to help ensure that the requirements of the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act are met. The Act—which received Royal Assent in June 2021—formalized Canada’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. It requires the Government to set national targets at least 10 years in advance for the reduction of GHG emissions in five-year intervals and sets a framework for transparency and accountability, while enshrining the role of Indigenous Knowledge in the climate accountability process.

ECCC will continue work to reduce GHG emissions from industry, including methane emissions from the oil and gas sector towards meeting Canada’s climate goals, and make progress in implementing Canada’s Methane Strategy and meeting the Global Methane Pledge. The Pledge calls for a 30 percent reduction in global methane emissions across all economic sectors.

ECCC will continue to implement Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System, which gives municipalities, foresters, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, and others an economic incentive to undertake innovative projects that reduce GHGs by preventing emissions and removing GHGs from the atmosphere. Participants can generate a tradeable offset credit for every tonne of emissions reduced or removed from the atmosphere, which can be used for compliance under the federal OBPS and the Clean Electricity Regulations.

ECCC will continue its commitment to modernize its digital services to improve access to authoritative foundational climate science and information. This modernization will further enable the work of ECCC scientists to inform and support clean growth and climate change program priorities. ECCC will continue to work with partners to gather the best available science, track emissions at the national, provincial/territorial and facility level and provide the most recent information on GHG emissions and air pollutants. It also enables wider dissemination and access to modelling, data and analysis on environmental issues affecting Canadian businesses and communities.^{Footnote 42}

In 2025-26, the Department will undertake efforts to improve the efficiency of its permitting processes, focusing on streamlining procedures and enhancing coordination. ECCC will prioritize policy and program improvements aligned with the Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects. Specific efforts include:

• developing internal guidance and policies to support ECCC’s obligations under various federal environmental assessment regimes;
• enhancing integration between environmental assessment and permitting processes, with particular attention to addressing cumulative environmental effects;
• updating the Memorandum of Understanding with the Impact Assessment Agency and revising internal agreements to improve clarity and specificity following amendments to the Impact Assessment Act; and
• supporting the creation of Government of Canada communication materials to better communicate permitting requirements to external stakeholders.

This work also supports to the core responsibility of preventing and managing pollution by promoting and enforcing compliance with environmental laws and regulations. It also aligns with the core responsibility of conserving nature by protecting species at risk and supporting climate change mitigation through evidence-based decision-making considering cumulative effects and engagement with Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to refine the Government of Canada’s publicly available Fuel Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Model (the Model) to support multiple Government initiatives. The Model is a tool to provide transparent and traceable calculations of the life cycle carbon intensity (CI) of fuels and energy sources used or produced in Canada which take into account Canadian and worldwide data, where appropriate, to accurately reflect Canada’s fuel production profile and pathways.

ECCC will continue to implement the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) to support the Government of Canada’s plans to achieve GHG emissions reductions in 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The LCEF supports climate action across Canada by collaborating with a variety of partners to invest in projects that reduce GHG emissions, generate clean growth, build resilient communities and create good jobs for Canadians. 

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to administer the Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF). This funding initiative will invest up to $206 million over five years to support Canadian projects that help to reduce Canada’s GHG emissions and build a sustainable net-zero emissions economy by 2050. ECCC will continue to apply monies from the Environmental Damages Fund to support environmental initiatives under three priorities: youth climate awareness and community-based climate action; climate science and technology; and climate research at Canadian think tank organizations and in academia.

Nature-based solutions (see the Conserving Nature section below) will reduce emissions by five to seven megatonnes annually. Climate change and biodiversity loss are dual crises for which integrated and complementary solutions are both crucial and urgent. Canada has a role to play in developing and implementing such solutions given the country’s vast landscapes of forests, wetlands, peatlands, and other carbon-rich ecosystems which form one of the world’s largest carbon stores. By conserving, restoring and improving management practices in carbon-rich ecosystems, such as wetlands, Canada will build climate resilience by reducing net GHG emissions while providing co-benefits for nature, including habitat for species, and for Canadians in supporting the well-being of people across Canada. ECCC will support the implementation of major initiatives under the overarching Natural Climate Solutions Fund which is comprised of:

• $3.2 billion over 10 years to plant two billion trees (led by Natural Resources Canada);
• $1.4 billion over 10 years to conserve, restore, and enhance forests, wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands to store and capture carbon through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (led by ECCC); and
• $889 million over 10 years to establish a new Agricultural Climate Solutions program (led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada).

Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change

ECCC will continue to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to address climate change and its impacts, and chart collaborative strategies. Indigenous Peoples have long histories of adapting to and stewarding the environment, and are leaders in climate action at local, regional, national and international levels. They are advancing responses to climate change in ways that reflect their Indigenous Knowledge systems, legal systems, governance, values, worldviews and nationhoods. Recognizing that Indigenous Knowledge systems and ways of doing must be a cornerstone of national climate policy, Canada has committed to implementing a model of partnership that empowers self-determined climate action, leverages the transition to a net-zero economy in ways that respects Indigenous rights and supports self-determination and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PDF), and supports the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in national climate policy.

Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally

ECCC will continue to lead Canada’s engagement on climate change and the environment in various multilateral fora. This includes work supporting Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency, as well as with the G20, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Environment Program, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the Global Environment Facility and others, to help advance the ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement, which Canada ratified in October 2016. Canada is preparing for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change planned for November 2025, at which ECCC will continue to lead Canada’s engagement and ensure that all Parties undertake ambitious actions under a common framework that reflects the highest standards of transparency and environmental integrity.

During Canada’s G7 Presidency in 2025, ECCC will continue to work with its domestic and international partners, including South Africa’s G20 presidency, to support ambitious G7 outcomes on climate and the environment that help to drive global ambition and action through the G20 and other multilateral fora and international engagements. ECCC’s international work also includes engaging Indigenous Peoples in developing international climate policy and promoting gender equality and the role of women in climate action around the world.

In collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and the implementing partners, ECCC will continue to support the adaptation and mitigation efforts of developing countries. Efforts will focus on small island states and least developed countries that are particularly vulnerable and at risk of climate-related emergencies. In June 2021, Canada announced a doubling of its international climate finance to $5.3 billion over the next five years to support developing countries in their transition to sustainable, low-carbon, climate-resilient, nature-positive, and inclusive development. ECCC and Global Affairs Canada will continue to co-chair interdepartmental governance committees to ensure an effective whole-of-government approach to the implementation of Canada’s climate finance commitment. In addition, ECCC will continue to lead on implementing—through bilateral and multilateral channels—approximately $181 million in climate finance over five years (fiscal years 2021-22 to 2025-26) to support climate action in developing countries. For example, the Department manages projects that support energy transition and energy access in developing countries, and climate governance, including implementation of national climate change mitigation and adaptation plans and access to early warning systems for climate-related risks.

In 2025-26, the Department will also continue to advance international climate action—particularly related to adaptation—through involvement in targeted multilateral initiatives. This includes Canada’s participation in the international Champions Group on Adaptation Finance, which it joined in 2022. Canada is working in concert with other members to accelerate adaptation finance and improve its quality and accessibility, particularly for least developed countries and small island developing states. Canada will also further its engagement on adaptation through the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR), which it joined in the fall of 2022 to promote locally led adaptation.

In 2025-26, ECCC will also continue international partnerships, initiatives, and bilateral cooperation to advance clean growth and climate action. Initiatives like the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), the Breakthrough Agenda, and the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge are creating momentum to phase-out emissions from coal power, accelerating clean technology transitions and promoting flexible and powerful policy tools to align economic incentives with net-zero objectives.

ECCC will support the inclusion of effective environmental provisions in free trade agreements (FTAs). ECCC’s work in this area includes promoting international cooperation on a range of global environmental issues, including illegal wildlife trade, pollution reduction, climate change, and clean technology. ECCC implements these commitments as part of Canada’s FTAs and other bilateral and regional cooperation instruments with key trading partners, including the United States, Mexico, Chile, the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and countries party to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Department will continue to advance domestic and international work to reduce short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emissions in line with Canada’s Strategy on Short-lived Climate Pollutants. SLCPs such as black carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons and ground-level ozone are potent GHGs and air pollutants. They contribute to climate warming and can affect air quality. In 2025-26, Canada will continue to contribute to global efforts to reduce SLCP emissions through participation in international fora, such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Arctic Council, and the Global Methane Initiative.

Canadian communities, economies, and ecosystems are more resilient

ECCC will continue to provide people in Canada with authoritative climate data and information through the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS).  The CCCS collaborates with partners and stakeholders to provide data, information, training, tools, and support to those seeking to understand and reduce their vulnerability to climate change. The CCCS will continue to support the national network of climate service organizations to increase local adaptation capacity and will continue to collaborate with partners to develop climate data, information products, and tools to help Canadians use climate information, including through the Climate Services Support Desk.

Additionally, ECCC will continue to conduct state-of-the-art climate modelling and research, and disseminate this information through the CCCS to help businesses and Canadians make climate-informed decisions. Work will include delivery of a new Canada-wide climate science assessment, which will provide authoritative knowledge and data about climate change in Canada to inform future adaptation approaches. This work also includes the provision of Canadian-focused climate predictions, projections, and scenarios at high spatial and temporal resolution, including the development of regional ocean modelling capacity (CanTODS). Under this investment, ECCC developed a prototype rapid extreme weather event attribution system capable of quickly establishing the link between human-caused climate change and extreme hot temperature events, with the delivery of the near-real-time event attribution system by 2027-28. The current prototype system allows climate scientists to explain impacts in making a recent heat event more likely within about a week after the event happens. Work is underway to extend the system to cold events and heavy rainfall events.

In 2025-26, ECCC and other federal departments and agencies will continue work under the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS). This will be done through three streams of work:

1. Federal actions: ECCC and other federal departments and agencies will continue to deliver a suite of federal actions in support of climate change adaptation.
2. Provincial and Territorial cooperation: ECCC will continue to lead work with provinces and territories to develop bilateral action plans and improve coordination for support of local adaptation priorities. 
3. Indigenous Climate Leadership: The Government of Canada will work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis on a distinction basis.

Key risks

To pursue the effective delivery of results for Canadians on clean growth and climate change in the context of rapidly changing science, technology, and domestic and geopolitical dynamics, ECCC needs to work closely with a wide array of partners and stakeholders, including federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous, and international partners, as well as with the private and non-profit sectors and civil society.

To ensure coordinated implementation of efforts, ECCC continues to work diligently to harmonize its engagement activities, especially when dealing with the same partners on multiple issues. For instance, Canada continues to maintain strong partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis through the Senior Bilateral Tables on Clean Growth and Climate Change. These tables were established in 2016 and continue to be instrumental in fostering relationships between the federal government and Indigenous partners, sharing climate action that Indigenous Peoples are leading, and providing opportunities for cultural teachings and land-based learning.

The Department is also taking measures to build trust and mitigate risks to continue international cooperation on the implementation of the Paris Agreement. ECCC’s efforts include constructively engaging in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process to build consensus and trust with international partners and deliver on its climate finance commitments. These measures are intended to ensure that the international process delivers results for Canadians and mitigate risks to cooperation posed by geopolitical dynamics and macroeconomic conditions.

In addition, to attenuate the potential negative effects of a changing climate on departmental operations, ECCC will continue to implement its Departmental Adaptation Plan and identify priority measures to protect departmental assets and enable the continuity of departmental operations and services. Among other things, ECCC helps protect its assets and avoid service interruptions by ensuring that the potential impacts of climate change are considered in the development and implementation of all its programs.

Planned resources to achieve results

Complete financial and human resources information for the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government priorities

Gender-based analysis plus

It is well understood that Canada’s changing climate exacerbates existing challenges and health stressors for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Climate change also disproportionately impacts northern, rural, remote, and coastal communities, younger and older generations, people with health issues or disabilities, low-income groups, women, and those at the intersection of these identities. ECCC will continue to consider the impacts of its climate change policies, regulations, and programs to avoid, as much as possible, any further negative impacts on affected populations. With this in mind, ECCC prepared a Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) which is published in Annex 7 of the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. The Government will continue to conduct additional GBA Plus for each policy, regulatory and program initiative to maximize benefits, and minimize barriers to accessing, participating, or otherwise benefitting from initiatives, for those most impacted by the negative effects of climate change.

There is recognition that climate change can have widespread and often disproportionate impacts on different segments of society, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities and compounding risks among already impacted populations. The National Adaptation Strategy includes a set of guiding principles to ensure adaptation investments and solutions in Canada are fair, inclusive, and equitable. ECCC is continuing its ongoing engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation partners through senior-level bilateral tables to support self-determination and enable Indigenous-led climate solutions. On the international front, GBA Plus considerations are included during the negotiation and implementation of free trade agreements and are integrated into bilateral and regional environmental cooperation activities with international partners. Canada also continues to implement the Gender Action Plan that was adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Gender Action Plan aims to increase women’s participation and leadership in climate action and to better integrate gender considerations in national climate plans and policies. Under Canada’s current climate finance commitment, 80 percent of climate finance will target gender equality outcomes.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

More information on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Program inventory

Taking action on clean growth and climate change is supported by the following programs:

• Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation
• International Climate Change Action
• Climate Change Adaptation

Additional information related to the program inventory for taking action on clean growth and climate change is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Core responsibility 2: Preventing and managing pollution

In this section

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Indicators, results and targets
• Plans to achieve results
• Key risks
• Planned resources to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

Description

Develop measures to reduce releases of harmful substances into the environment; monitor levels of pollutants and pollution precursors in air, water, and soil; promote and enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations; and implement pollution reduction and restoration actions and programs. This will be achieved by coordinating, collaborating, and consulting with other federal government departments, provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, non-governmental organizations, international partners, and other stakeholders.

Quality of life impacts

This core responsibility contributes to the “Environment” domain of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada and, more specifically, the “Air quality” and “Water quality in Canadian rivers^{Footnote 43}” indicators through reduction of releases and monitoring levels of contaminants in air and water, the “Waste management” indicator by promoting and enforcing compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and, the “Satisfaction with local environment” indicator through the prevention and management of pollution.

Indicators, results and targets

This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates approved in 2025-26 for preventing and managing pollution. Details are presented by departmental result.

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Plans to achieve results

The following section describes the planned results for preventing and managing pollution in 2025-26.   

Canadians have clean air

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to work with its key federal partners, including Health Canada and the National Research Council of Canada, to implement the Air Quality Program. The Program aims to improve air quality and reduce the impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment. ECCC will continue to collaborate with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality Management System (AQMS)—a comprehensive approach to reducing outdoor air pollution in Canada. ECCC, Health Canada, and provincial and territorial partners, will work to develop and implement recommendations from the AQMS Stocktake, a retrospective analysis aimed at further advancing and optimizing the AQMS. The Department will also facilitate the implementation of the 2025 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for ground-level ozone, NO₂ and SO₂, and work with partners to put in place updated CAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5).

ECCC will continue to monitor levels of key air pollutants, in collaboration with provinces and territories, through the National Air Pollution Surveillance Program. It will also continue to maintain the Air Pollutants Emissions Inventory, a comprehensive inventory of air pollutants at the national, provincial and territorial levels. The Department will leverage its high-performance computing infrastructure to conduct research to better understand the impacts of air pollutants on ecosystems and human health. It will work to improve models to predict atmospheric contaminant effects on air quality and to provide scenarios to support policy development. In addition, the Department will continue to deliver and improve its daily Air Quality Health Index observation and forecast services to support Canadians in making decisions to protect their health.

The Department will also continue to develop, administer and amend, where appropriate, regulations to reduce air pollutant emissions from industrial sources, vehicles, engines and fuels, and consumer and commercial products. For example, ECCC will continue to administer the Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), the Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds Regulations (Petroleum Sector), and numerous regulations related to fuels and engines, as well as various non-regulatory instruments that address air pollutant emissions from industrial sectors. It will also continue to assess options to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and other air pollutants from the oil and gas sector.

The Department will continue efforts to reduce emissions of benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from petroleum storage tanks and loading operations. VOCs lead to the formation of PM_2.5 and ozone, which are the main components of smog. ECCC will administer the suite of instruments addressing VOCs in products, including Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations, published in January 2022. These provisions will reduce VOC emissions from approximately 130 product categories and subcategories of personal care products, automotive and household maintenance products, adhesives, adhesive removers, sealants and caulks, as well as other products.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to maintain the National Pollutant Release Inventory, ensuring public access to industrial, commercial and institutional pollutant data (releases to air, water and land as well as disposals and transfers), fostering accountability and awareness, and supporting environmental protection. The data is used by citizens and scientists alike to track, monitor, and assess the impact of pollution at local and national scales.

The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances

ECCC and Health Canada will work together to implement the modernized Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), for which their Ministers have shared responsibility, to strengthen environmental protection and safeguard human health In 2025-26 this includes advancing the implementation framework on the right to a healthy environment that guides how the right to a healthy environment will be considered in administering the Act and a new Plan of Priorities, outlining Canada’s upcoming priorities for assessing and managing substances that pose risks to human health and the environment.

ECCC will continue to lead the Government of Canada’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and pollution and transition to a circular plastics economy. This ranges from developing standardized scientific methods to undertaking research and monitoring to better understand the potential effects of plastics—including nano- and microplastics—on human health and the environment.

In 2025-26 ECCC, in collaboration with Health Canada, ECCC will publish a supplemental report to the 2020 Science Assessment of Plastics Pollution which focuses on microplastics. The report will evaluate whether previously identified knowledge gaps regarding microplastics (methods, effects and occurrence) have been addressed, and provide an update specific to the Canadian context to inform whether additional action is needed to manage microplastics in Canada.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to work with partners to support evidence-based environmental action. For example, the Department is supporting the Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium that brings together manufacturers, brands, exporters, recyclers, charities, and other organizations to improve textile and apparel circularity. The Department is also supporting regional reuse pilots in the food and food services sectors to prevent single-use plastic packaging waste and pollution. It will also implement Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),

ECCC will continue to support Canadian leadership in addressing plastic waste and pollution internationally. Canada works with other countries and stakeholders—including as an inaugural member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution—to improve plastic management and tackle plastic pollution. The Department has led the Government of Canada’s active participation in the development of the global instrument through the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC). After successfully hosting the fourth session of the INC for this agreement in April 2024, ECCC will continue to ensure that Canada’s priorities continue to be reflected in the negotiations. ECCC also supports Canada’s advocacy for ambitious action on plastic pollution in international fora and initiatives, including the G7, G20, OECD, and UNEA.

ECCC will continue efforts to strengthen the management of cross-border hazardous waste in alignment with Canada’s commitments under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. It will continue to administer the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations (XBR), and consider amendments to strengthen the regulations. The Department will continue work with its partners to increase the level of compliance with the XBR and manage the risks to human health and the environment posed by hazardous waste.

ECCC will continue to deliver on pollution prevention under the Fisheries Act. The work will entail leading the administration and enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations. A cornerstone of the pollution prevention provisions is the prohibition on the release of pollution, or deleterious substances, into waters frequented by fish. ECCC will continue to administer the amended Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations which aim to strengthen environmental protection and to improve transparency and regulatory oversight of wastewater effluent and disposal at sea.

In 2025-26, the Department will continue its work to address the environmental impacts of industrial effluent on aquatic ecosystems, such as the development of Coal Mining Effluent Regulations. Effluent from industrial activities such as coal mines in Canada can be a source of pollution that poses risks to water quality, fish populations, and their harms aquatic life, including fish and fish habitats, and the use of fish by humans. The Department’s efforts will focus on strengthening regulatory tools and developing measures to mitigate these risks and protect aquatic ecosystems, including exploring updates to regulatory approaches based on monitoring and assessment results to reduce harmful substances and improve environmental outcomes.

In 2025-26, the Department will continue to work with the Crown-Indigenous Working Group to explore options to manage the risks from oil sands process-affected water. ECCC will continue to work with Indigenous partners, stakeholders, land users and communities, and will conduct research and monitoring to inform decision-making regarding contaminants in Canadian ecosystems, including in northern and arctic environments, and in traditionally harvested foods. The Department will also support domestic and international chemical management initiatives, enforcement, food safety and security.

ECCC will continue to deliver Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in collaboration with Health Canada. The CMP is a Government of Canada initiative designed to reduce risks posed by chemical substances to both Canadians and the environment. Under the CMP, the Government assesses and manages risks associated with chemical substances found in food, consumer products, cosmetics, drugs, drinking water, and industrial releases. Since the launch of the CMP in 2006, the number of new or enhanced risk management measures implemented for toxic substances has more than doubled from about 200 in 2006 to over 500 in 2023. CMP research will continue in 2025-26 on 23 projects to address issues of chemical fate, bioaccumulation, and the effects of CMP priority substances. ECCC will also continue its efforts to reduce the impacts of landfill leachate, to prioritize substances of eco-concern, and to raise awareness and understanding of chemical issues.

In 2025 the Department, in partnership with Health Canada, will release a strategy for enhancing the availability of information on chemicals in products. The strategy will support Canada’s chemicals regulatory framework and contribute to Canada’s efforts to prevent the impact of pollution on the environment and human health.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to provide expert advice under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) to support informed approaches to the clean-up of contaminated sites and improvements in waste reduction and diversion. Efforts will be focused on helping federal custodians assess and remediate their contaminated sites to ensure that the highest-priority sites are remediated, and that risks to human health and the environment are reduced. This includes increasing scientific knowledge and improving ECCC’s ability to provide up-to-date guidance on how to manage sites contaminated with the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to work with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to assess disposal at sea applications in the Burrard Inlet, British Columbia. This work is a landmark first-of-its-kind agreement for Burrard Inlet that involves collaborative decision-making between the Department and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation under ECCC’s Disposal at Sea Program. This agreement recognizes the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s essential role as a partner with Canada in monitoring, protecting, and restoring the health of the Burrard Inlet and its long stewardship over the land.

The Department will support Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan (OPP). ECCC will continue to invest in a suite of new measures and expand existing OPP initiatives designed to strengthen Canada’s marine safety system and protect coastal ecosystems. In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to focus on increasing scientific knowledge and improving ECCC’s ability to provide comprehensive, up-to-date technical and scientific advice during the response to marine oil spills. ECCC will also continue to advance work on increasing knowledge of environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife in Canada’s marine ecosystems, and will advance science to support responses to incidents involving non-oil-related hazardous substances. ECCC will continue to improve its modelling and pollution detection capability, and develop a framework for the federal government on recovery from marine oil pollution incidents. In addition, ECCC will advance reconciliation through partnership and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples on OPP initiatives.

ECCC will continue to assess the potential environmental impacts of Canadian activities proposed for Antarctica through a permit system under the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act and its Regulations. These activities deliver on Canada’s responsibilities and obligations under the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (also known as the Madrid Protocol), and serve to strengthen Canada’s international influence. In 2025-26, ECCC will complete amendments to the Antarctic Environmental Protection Regulations that are required to implement changes to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings.

ECCC will continue to provide recommendations to Fisheries and Oceans Canada regarding the health and safety of shellfish bearing waters. The Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) is a federal food safety program that aims to minimize health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated bivalve molluscan shellfish while enabling international trade. The CSSP is jointly delivered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The Department activities aim to enable the harvest of safe shellfish for international and interprovincial trade, recreation, and in support of Indigenous rights. As a key partner in the CSSP, ECCC will provide science-based advice through such ongoing activities as the monitoring of bacteriological water quality, and the identification and evaluation of sanitary pollution sources. In addition to this science-based advice, the Department will continue to undertake water quality assessments following any significant environmental events, such as extreme weather events, accidental wastewater discharge, or agricultural runoff. The Department will also continue to provide recommendations to Fisheries and Oceans Canada regarding any need for emergency closures of shellfish harvest areas.

Additional expected departmental results

The Department will continue to verify compliance with environmental legislation and associated regulations that prohibit or control the pollution of air, water, and soil. ECCC will continue to take enforcement actions, where warranted, when non-compliance is found. The Department, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to prioritize its activities based on the risk of harm to the environment and human health from non-compliance. The Department will continue to concentrate on capacity building by on boarding and training newly recruited enforcement officers, and by providing recertification training for existing designated enforcement officers.

In 2025-26, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will continue developing Canada’s first National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice, following the royal assent of Bill C-226, An Act Respecting the Development of a National Strategy to Assess, Prevent and Address Environmental Racism and to Advance Environmental Justice. Through the Act, the Minister will develop, within two years, a national strategy to promote efforts across Canada to advance environmental justice and to assess, prevent, and address environmental racism. The strategy may include measures such as possible amendments to federal laws, policies, and programs. The Minister will also report on progress every five years thereafter. The eventual strategy will be developed in consultation with interested persons, bodies, organizations, or communities, including representatives of governments in Canada and Indigenous Peoples and communities. The process of developing the strategy presents an opportunity for Indigenous, racialized or other marginalized communities to help define the problem and contribute to solutions, and the strategy will help frame necessary actions by a wide range of government and non-government actors in response to these challenges.

ECCC will continue to support the implementation of the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and develop a draft 2026-2029 FSDS for public consultation and engagement. The FSDS sets out the federal government’s sustainable development priorities, establishes goals and targets, and identifies actions to achieve them, with a view of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. These goals include achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, conserving nature and biodiversity for future generations, advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, promoting gender equality, and supporting innovation and growth.

Key risks

Extensive collaboration with strategic partners is key to the Department’s efforts to deliver programs that prevent and manage pollution. Similarly, the promotion and enforcement of compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a shared responsibility with provincial and territorial governments. The achievement of shared objectives can therefore be put to the test if efforts are not well aligned and coordinated in the face of competing priorities, changing political landscapes, advances in science and technology, and resource constraints.

To ensure the Department’s priorities are well coordinated with those of its partners and stakeholders, ECCC will continue to develop and build important relationships. For example, ECCC will keep on working with Indigenous partners, stakeholders, land users and communities by continuing to monitor priority contaminant trends in ecosystems, including in northern and Arctic environments, in support of domestic and international chemical management initiatives, food safety and security, and the maintenance of traditional ways of life.

ECCC will continue to work with its external partners through existing and new governance bodies and will continue to explore technological solutions that foster collaboration between them. Among other things, this will support the Department in its continuous efforts to promote a sensible, collaborative approach to the development and effective implementation of flagship initiatives—including the implementation of a strengthened Canadian Environmental Protection Act —and ensuring maximum buy-in among targeted partners and sectors.

In addition, continuous risk-based planning of enforcement initiatives and maintenance of strong relationships will help ensure resources are allocated to address the highest non-compliance risks and that operations are well coordinated and executed across jurisdictions.

Planned resources to achieve results

Complete financial and human resources information for the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government priorities

Gender-based analysis plus

ECCC continues to apply a GBA Plus lens to the development of policy recommendations, programs, and measures to address air pollution and improve air quality. Exposure to air pollution can have detrimental health effects on all people. These effects can be compounded in individuals who have multiple risk factors, such as being elderly and having chronic health conditions. In addition, populations living in areas that have elevated air pollution are disproportionately impacted. The Department will continue to involve impacted populations, including Indigenous communities located near large industrial complexes or those affected by smoke during wildfires, in air quality work. ECCC’s work to identify and manage harmful substances continues to use scientific information and reflect the importance of sound risk management to reduce risks posed to at-risk groups from exposure to toxic chemicals. The Department’s work contributes to adapting compliance promotion material to better reflect the target audiences’ cultural and linguistic profiles. The Department will also continue to strengthen its hiring practices to increase representation of the Canadian population in its enforcement workforce.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

More information on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Program inventory

Preventing and managing pollution is supported by the following programs:

• Air Quality
• Community and Sustainability
• Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution
• Aquatic Ecosystems Health, Substances and Waste Management

Additional information related to the program inventory for preventing and managing pollution is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Core responsibility 3: Conserving nature

In this section

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Indicators, results and targets
• Plans to achieve results
• Key risks
• Planned resources to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

Description

Protect and recover species at risk and their critical habitat, maintain and restore healthy populations of migratory birds and other wildlife, and manage and expand Canada’s network of protected areas to conserve biodiversity, contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation and support human health and well-being. This will be accomplished through evidence-based decision-making that considers cumulative effects, promoting and enforcing applicable laws and regulations, engaging meaningfully with Indigenous Peoples, and collaborating with provinces and territories, other domestic and international stakeholders, and the public.

Quality of life impacts

This core responsibility contributes to the “Environment” domain of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada and, more specifically, the “Conserved areas” and “Canadian species index” indicators through its conservation and stewardship activities, including the protection of migratory birds, species at risk, and critical habitat. It also contributes to “Satisfaction with local environment” by collaborating with domestic partners to advance the conservation of biodiversity and “Greenhouse gas emissions” through the expansion of protected areas.

Indicators, results and targets

This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, and the targets and target dates approved in 2025-26 for conserving nature. Details are presented by departmental result.

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Plans to achieve results

The following section describes the planned results for conserving nature in 2025-26.  

Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected

The Department will continue to play a leading role in advancing the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This will be accomplished through ECCC’s leadership on the ongoing implementation of international conventions to which Canada is a party, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Domestically, ECCC will lead work under Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy in collaboration with other federal departments, provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and others, including the Nature Advisory Committee.

To maintain strong leadership and ensure actions are informed by the best available science, ECCC will continue engaging internationally to press nature as a priority, notably through the Nature Champions Network and the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People. Further, ECCC will continue to advance the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by representing Canada at meetings under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Department will continue to monitor threats to species around the world, act to effectively contribute to their conservation and sustainable use, and counter the illegal trade of wildlife. ECCC will also work with global partners bilaterally and through various other multilateral fora—such as part of Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency, the G20, UNEP, UNEA, OECD, and GEF—to advance efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss globally. This will include driving implementation of the KMGBF and other relevant international frameworks.

ECCC will continue to work with federal partners, provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, local governments, conservation organizations, the private sector, and civil society on an ambitious plan to conserve 30 percent of Canada’s lands and oceans by 2030. This target has now been formally adopted globally as part of the KMGBF. ECCC will continue to work with all partners to achieve this target through a plan that is grounded in science and respect for Indigenous rights, Indigenous Knowledge and local perspectives. Recognizing that the loss of nature is a global issue requiring global action, Canada—as a member of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People—will also continue to advocate that countries around the world implement the agreed to 30 percent area-based conservation target for 2030.

Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative supports work with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, local governments, environmental non-governmental organizations, key industry sectors, land trusts, and private landowners to continue to build a connected network of protected and conserved areas across Canada and to further advance collective progress through actions that include:

• Funding to support the establishment of additional protected areas and the recognition of additional other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs).
• Ambitious commitments by provinces and territories—including through negotiation of Nature Agreements—to advance area-based conservation and protection of habitat, the recovery of species at risk, the conservation of migratory birds, and the restoration of habitat, while recognizing and supporting Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives through collaboration and partnership.
• Investment in the Indigenous-led Area Based Conservation Program for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other Indigenous-led conservation areas, with support available exclusively to Indigenous applicants to assist the planning of future conservation goals and the establishment of IPCAs.
• Investment through Canada Nature Legacy’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program in public-private partnerships to enable the acquisition and protection of private land with significant value for biodiversity.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue working with partners including other federal organizations, Indigenous communities, philanthropic partners and provinces and territories in an ongoing whole-of-government initiative to support Indigenous Peoples in establishing and managing protected areas. Canada’s approach is centered on Indigenous leadership in conservation by empowering communities to manage land and waters while supporting job creation and sustainable economic development. The Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model brings together all partners at the beginning to identify shared goals for protecting, conserving, and sustaining nature. The aim is to halt biodiversity loss while advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Work will continue in 2025-26 to support the establishment of a network of marine protected areas for the Great Bear Sea PFP, which was signed on June 25, 2024, by coastal First Nations, the Government of Canada, the province of British Columbia, and philanthropic foundations. In addition, work will continue to finalize and implement the other PFPs, which together will contribute to Canada’s commitment to protect at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030. Other conservation initiatives in 2025-26 are expected to:

• Expand existing National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) to protect important wildlife and its habitat, such as the Lake Saint-François NWA in Québec, the Last Mountain Lake NWA in Saskatchewan, and the Shepody NWA in New Brunswick.
• Advance the establishment of marine NWAs in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland to protect nationally important habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Contribute to biodiversity conservation by recognizing areas in all 19 Biosphere Regions in Canada as other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs).
• Implement the signed Nature Agreements with the Yukon, Nova Scotia and British Columbia.
• Finalize negotiations—including Indigenous engagement—on Nature Agreements with several other jurisdictions over the coming year, to advance shared priorities related to protected and conserved areas, species at risk and migratory bird conservation, and Indigenous leadership in conservation.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue engaging in many collaborative projects across Canada that follow through on commitments to build a network of protected areas that protect biodiversity, species at risk and their habitats, natural ecosystems, valued landscapes, and lands that support traditional pursuits and cultural values. For example, the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are working together to protect environmentally sensitive land throughout the province. Supported by ECCC’s investment of nearly $10 million, in 2025-26, work will advance on establishing new and expanded protected areas, including provincial parks and conservation reserves. This work, which is expected to result in the protection of up to 170,000 hectares of land, will include the protection of acquired land in central and southern Ontario. These areas are home to some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the province and include sites that have been earmarked for protection under the Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy.

The Government of Canada will continue to take steps toward halting—and reversing—nature loss. An important step toward delivering this commitment is the identification of current species in Canada, where they occur, and their status. To that end, the Wild Species 2020 report was tabled in Parliament in November of 2022. ECCC is continuing to invest in updating the status assessments for the 2025 report (expected to be tabled in 2027) to include additional species groups and to monitor how their status is changing in response to ongoing conservation actions. This work is undertaken in close collaboration with other federal departments and with the provincial and territorial conservation data centres and NatureServe Canada. ECCC also continues to support COSEWIC in the assessment of species at risk in Canada, and in the review of classification for wildlife species already designated as being at risk. The assessment by COSEWIC, an arms-length advisory committee, is the critical first step to inform the government of Canada of species that may require protection and recovery efforts under the Species at Risk Act.

ECCC will continue to develop Nature Agreements with provinces and territories. The Nature Agreements will advance shared interests in conservation by developing collaborative approaches to accomplish multiple objectives in an integrated manner: establish protected areas; recognize protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs); protect and recover species at risk, migratory birds and their habitat; and advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through their leadership in conservation. These agreements also help support a green recovery by ensuring the coordinated delivery of nature-based solutions to climate change. In 2025-26, ECCC continue the implementation of previously signed agreements, such as $20.6 million in support of a signed agreement with the Yukon to protect up to an additional 6 percent of the Yukon’s territory by 2025, an investment of up to a total of $28.5 million for the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement, and a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation between Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations Leadership Council with up to $500 million in federal funding to support nature protection and conservation in those provinces.

The Department will build, maintain, and apply a robust knowledge foundation to conserve migratory birds and other biodiversity. Migratory bird conservation and management are foundational to the Department and linked to all biodiversity and conservation acts and regulations administered by ECCC through the established tools of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, such as agreements (Nature Agreements), and grants and contributions for collaborative management and conservation of migratory birds. To deliver on the Government of Canada’s responsibility to maintain and restore migratory bird populations and habitats. The Department will conduct focused research and deliver a suite of rigorously designed monitoring programs to inform migratory bird conservation and adaptive management, and support several other departmental priorities, including protected areas planning, species at risk recovery, impact assessment and emergency response. In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to foster collaboration domestically and abroad, and to engage individuals and communities to achieve more impactful conservation outcomes for migratory birds. For example, the Department will continue to invest to support a wide range of programs across Canada run by Birds Canada working with citizen scientists and community members to monitor and conserve migratory birds. These initiatives, which are driven by citizen science, connect Canadians to nature and assist in planning the recovery of species at risk and in protecting their habitats. Given the importance of information on the distribution and abundance of migratory birds and other species of conservation concern across the country, the Department will continue to provide investments to non-government partners. Such investments will help Birds Canada, NatureServe Canada, and the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute develop and maintain open science initiatives to create platforms to house, manage, analyze, and share biodiversity data in ways that are accessible to decision- makers and Canadians alike.

A comprehensive strategy for migratory bird conservation. In 2025-26, ECCC will pursue a well-coordinated and comprehensive action plan to protect migratory birds and their habitats incorporating the following components:

• Building and maintaining a robust knowledge foundation to support the conservation and management of Canada’s migratory birds, including those at risk, and their habitats;
• Applying this robust knowledge foundation to conserve migratory birds and other biodiversity through targeted and multispecies conservation initiatives, effective regulatory action, and management of protected areas; and
• Fostering collaboration domestically and abroad, and engaging individuals and communities to achieve more impactful conservation outcomes for migratory birds.

ECCC will leverage the “One Health” model to support wildlife health. The model is a collaborative, multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the connection between people, animals, plants, and their shared natural environment. In 2025-26, in collaboration with other federal departments, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous Peoples, ECCC will continue to provide coordination, planning, research, and monitoring support to inform decision-making on emerging pathogens and the impacts of multiple stressors and cumulative effects on wildlife health. Using the collaborative One Health approach, the Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health will encourage collaboration and cooperation across the human, animal, and environmental sectors to achieve shared benefits. The approach will include an increase in surveillance and readiness/preparedness to address environmental changes that have impacts on all sectors and will include efforts to address Indigenous food safety and security and the maintenance of traditional ways of life.

The Department will continue to implement the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) to advance projects that conserve, restore and improve the management of forests, wetlands, peatlands and grasslands that store and capture carbon. The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, established in 2021, is well underway, investing over $340 million in funding to date in 3 different streams: Emission Reduction Activities, Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions, and Science for Delivery and Accountability. In 2025-26, additional investments will be made to avoid the conversion of carbon-rich ecosystems, restore degraded ecosystems, improve land management practices; and support the monitoring and reporting of GHG emission reductions. These investments will also support wetland mapping from an Indigenous perspective on Indigenous lands as part of a new Canadian National Wetland Inventory, the first version of which will be released this year.

Canada’s species at risk are recovered

In 2025-26, the Department will continue to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to managing priority species at risk to achieve targeted outcomes. This will focus on the recovery and conservation of six federal, provincial, and territorial priority species: Barren-ground Caribou (including the Dolphin and Union population); Boreal Caribou; Greater Sage-grouse; Peary Caribou; Southern Mountain Caribou: and Wood Bison, as well as other species of federal interest. ECCC will support recovery through collaborative efforts, including matched investments from partners and ongoing multi-jurisdictional conservation planning arrangements with scientists and Indigenous Peoples. The initiatives reflect a range on interventions, including identifying and taking measures to protect critical habitat, addressing knowledge gaps, negotiating, implementing and reporting on conservation agreements, addressing imminent threats to the survival or recovery of species, and empowering provincial and territorial conservation management and Indigenous leadership.

The Enhanced Nature Legacy Initiative will continue to support the ongoing implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada. This is supported by investments over five years—started in 2021-22—of $209 million to implement conservation actions in priority places and $377 million to support recovery actions for priority species. The latter includes funding available to Indigenous Peoples through the Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk initiative.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to invest in projects to support ongoing species at risk conservation in 12 federal-provincial-territorial priority places. For example:

• The Island Nature Trust will receive up to $200,000 through the Enhanced Nature Legacy (until March 31, 2026) to work with owners of forested wetlands and coastal forests in PEI to identify and protect forest habitat for species at risk. This habitat is known to support 10 species at risk, including the Little Brown and Northern Myotis bat species and the Canada Warbler.
• ECCC will also continue to administer the Canada Nature Fund’s Community-Nominated Priority Places for Species at Risk. This is a multi-year funding initiative that supports 17 community-led projects selected through two open calls for proposals.
• The Department is also investing up to $1.73 million in the Appalachian Corridor over the next two years to help protect and recover species at risk by reducing threats that they face and enhancing their habitats in the Northern Green Mountains region of southern Québec.

ECCC will continue to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to co-develop strategic conservation frameworks for species at risk with the agriculture, forest and urban development sectors, and explore early opportunities for implementation. The frameworks will seek to advance opportunities to achieve better conservation outcomes for species at risk and enhance sector sustainability.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to fulfill key statutory obligations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), providing protection and recovery of Canada’s species at risk and their habitats based on sound science and Indigenous Knowledge. ECCC, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Natural Resources Canada will continue monitoring, protecting, and promoting the recovery of species at risk to help restore their populations. ECCC will continue to engage with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, scientists, industry, and other stakeholders in the delivery of SARA activities.

In 2025-26, the Government’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP) will continue to provide funding for projects, submitted by Canadians, that contribute directly to the recovery objectives and population goals of species at risk listed on Schedule 1 of SARA or designated at risk by COSEWIC. ECCC administers HSP funds that support terrestrial stewardship projects while Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for administering those supporting aquatic species at risk.

ECCC will continue to protect endangered whales and their habitat. Canada's oceans are home to more than 30 species of whales, which play a critical role in the health of oceans and carry important cultural significance for many Indigenous and coastal communities. ECCC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, and Parks Canada will continue efforts to protect endangered whales and their habitats, focusing on the North Atlantic Right Whale, the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga, and British Columbia’s Southern Resident Killer Whale, all of which are vital to Canada's marine ecosystems. ECCC supports the recovery of endangered whales by addressing the threat of contaminants through dedicated environmental monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement of environmental legislation.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to focus enforcement efforts on Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)-listed species. As part of its efforts to continue to curb illegal wildlife trade, the Department recently completed a threat risk assessment of high-risk species and will allocate enforcement resources to these priority and higher risk species.

Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation

ECCC will continue to meaningfully engage with Indigenous Peoples through the implementation of programs that support reconciliation and Indigenous-led action to achieve conservation outcomes. For example, ECCC’s three distinctions-based Indigenous Nature Tables will continue to advance shared nature priorities with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

ECCC will continue to renew relationships with Indigenous Peoples as part of the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach and SARA, and by implementing the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative (IPI). The IPI supports Indigenous-led conservation efforts to advance the protection and recovery of species at risk. Supporting the leadership of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in the stewardship of lands, waters, and ice—and the species that reside there—is essential to addressing shared concerns about the loss of biodiversity and impacts on future generations. Through partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, the IPI advances the conservation of species at risk in a manner that recognizes and enables Indigenous leadership, rights, knowledge systems and interests in land management. Projects build capacity to support Indigenous-led design, development and implementation of species conservation and stewardship actions on Indigenous lands and territories through unique projects to connect species, places and cultures. In 2025-26, projects will contribute to building Indigenous partners’ capacity to:

• Lead the development and implementation of recovery and protection measures for at-risk species, including several culturally significant caribou species;
• Negotiate and implement conservation agreements for the collaborative conservation of species at risk; and
• Support meaningful participation in SARA consultation and cooperation processes.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to support Indigenous Guardians and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). Supporting Indigenous engagement in conservation is integral to the achievement of Canada’s domestic and global biodiversity targets. ECCC continues to support new and existing Indigenous-led Guardians initiatives, the development of national Indigenous Guardians Networks, and Indigenous-led area-based conservation. Funding for Indigenous Guardians is co-designed and co-delivered in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners using a distinctions-based approach. It supports Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations in protecting sensitive and culturally important areas and species, monitoring ecological health, developing, and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between natural landscapes and Indigenous cultures.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to administer the Government’s Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR).  Established in 2004, AFSAR provides funding to Indigenous recipients for projects that support the engagement and leadership of Indigenous Peoples and the development of Indigenous capacity to contribute directly to the conservation, protection, and recovery of species at risk and species of cultural significance—as well as their habitats—on Indigenous lands and territories. ECCC administers AFSAR funds that support terrestrial species projects, while Fisheries and Oceans Canada administers funds that support aquatic species projects.

Additional expected departmental results

The Department’s on-the-ground wildlife enforcement officers will continue to verify compliance with wildlife legislation and associated regulations that protect migratory birds, species at risk, wildlife in trade and ECCC’s protected habitats. In 2025-26, ECCC, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce wildlife legislation, and manage impacts by prioritizing enforcement activities according to the assessed risk and impact of non-compliance, and in consideration of areas and species of concern that are vulnerable to illegal activities. ECCC will monitor rates of non-compliance through inspections and realign its efforts accordingly.

Under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), ECCC will continue to provide expert advice related to climate change, air quality, water quality, environmental preparedness and emergencies, and biodiversity. This will include guidance for project proponents on standard methodologies to address common issues, such as guidance provided by the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change (SACC).

Key risks

Conservation outcomes are dependent on access to critical datasets and meaningful engagement and collaboration with partners, including Indigenous Peoples and provinces and territories. ECCC will continue to collaborate with external partners for the collective advancement of critical conservation efforts, such as through partnerships, the provision of leadership, strengthened intergovernmental relationships, the incorporation of Indigenous communities’ perspectives, co-development, and collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.

Efforts are also underway to implement ECCC's Digital Strategy, which will enable digital modernization through a strategic and practical approach to investments in information management systems, infrastructure, and digital tools. This, coupled with the implementation of the departmental Data and Analytics Strategy, will enable more effective data management, which is paramount to enable the dissemination of monitoring data and research results that support decision-making toward conservation targets.

Planned resources to achieve results

Complete financial and human resources information for the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government priorities

Gender-based analysis plus

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to work to achieve protection and recovery goals for species, including through the expansion of Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas, while recognizing that Indigenous lands often provide important refuge for species at risk and migratory birds. Indigenous Peoples in Canada are also the holders of Indigenous Knowledge essential to achieving these goals. To ensure the respectful inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge systems while reducing the impact of consultation fatigue and repeated gathering of knowledge on species, the Department focuses efforts on ecosystem-based and multi-species conservation approaches, and on improving coordination among federal departments and provincial/territorial governments. In its efforts to meet Canada’s biodiversity commitments, ECCC actively engages diverse groups of people in Canada, including Indigenous Peoples, in conservation initiatives. Through the federal assessment process, the Department will continue to provide expert advice and knowledge to support resource development decisions that mitigate negative impacts on at-risk populations.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

More information on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Program inventory

Conserving nature is supported by the following programs:

• Species at Risk
• Migratory Birds and Other Wildlife
• Habitat Conservation and Protection
• Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships
• Environmental Assessment
• Compliance Promotion and Enforcement—Wildlife

Additional information related to the program inventory for conserving nature is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Core responsibility 4: Predicting weather and environmental conditions

In this section

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Indicators, results and targets
• Plans to achieve results
• Key risks
• Planned resources to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

Description

Provide authoritative forecasts, warnings, data, and information services related to weather, hydrological, and environmental conditions using a wide range of dissemination systems to help Canadians, public authorities, and targeted weather sensitive sectors make informed decisions about health, safety, and economic prosperity. This will be achieved by: monitoring weather, water quantity, ice, air quality and climate conditions; conducting research and development activities targeting continuous improvement; operating advanced integrated weather and environmental prediction models using high performance computing platforms; exchanging data in near real time, on a continual basis, with members of the World Meteorological Organization to ensure accurate and timely predictions; and collaborating closely with other nations’ weather and hydrologic institutions, and international organizations, to improve services for citizens everywhere.

Quality of life impacts

This core responsibility contributes to the “Environment” domain of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada. More specifically, it contributes to the “Air quality” and “Natural disasters and emergencies” indicators by ensuring Canadians use weather and related environmental condition information to make decisions about their health and safety.

Indicators, results and targets

This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates approved in 2025-26 for predicting weather and environmental conditions. Details are presented by departmental result.

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Plans to achieve results

The following section describes the planned results for predicting weather and environmental conditions in 2025-26.

Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about health and safety

ECCC will continue to provide uninterrupted 24/7 weather and environmental predictions services while also transforming and improving its services to adapt to the changing context and increasing user needs. Given the highly operational nature of its mandate, ECCC’s overall priority is always to sustain the uninterrupted delivery of its 24/7 services to Canadians and their institutions, as service interruption could put lives at risk. As climate change continues to cause more frequent and intense high-impact weather events, the demand for timely and high-quality weather services for Canadians, public authorities and civil society organizations is increasing. Meanwhile, technological advancements are opening new doors to enhance predictive capabilities and services. Therefore, ECCC must continue to balance the delivery of mission-critical operational activities while transforming its services to adapt to the changing context and increasing user needs.

In 2025-26, the Department will work with Shared Services Canada to perform a planned upgrade of ECCC’s High Performance Computing (HPC) system. The upgraded HPC will feature enhanced modelling capabilities to provide Canadians and public authorities with the information they need to face increasingly severe and unprecedented weather. The HPC system is at the heart of ECCC’s 24/7 forecasting and prediction activities. The Department’s meteorologists and scientists—operating in prediction centres across the country—transform the results of numerical models run on ECCC’s HPC into warnings, forecasts, and expert advice on weather, water and environmental conditions. These are relied upon for decision-making by public authorities such as emergency managers and civil aviation authorities, as well as the Canadian public. In 2025-26, ECCC will procure advanced workstations for meteorologists nationwide as part of its life cycle management program. This strategic upgrade is essential for maintaining the operational integrity and effectiveness of the meteorological infrastructure, ensuring that Canada's weather forecasting capabilities remain robust.

The Department will continue to explore emerging trends and to innovate in many areas related to numerical weather modelling, including integrating Artificial Intelligence-based (AI-based) methods into its forecasting systems. So far, AI-based weather models have shown their potential in specific aspects of weather forecasting. In 2025-26 ECCC will explore how these models—and the improvements they might bring—could be integrated with current traditional models to verify, augment, and enhance weather forecasts. If successful, such innovations would allow ECCC to better serve Canadians with improved information on changing weather and environmental conditions. Work in 2025-26 will be guided by ECCC’s recently issued an Artificial Intelligence Integration Road Map for Numerical Weather and Environmental Predictions, which outlines and prioritizes activities, pinpoints areas for collaboration, and considers ethics and alignment with Government of Canada AI guidelines.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to improve the accessibility of its meteorological and environmental data offerings through backend and software application improvements, as well as advances in cloud sharing. Individuals and businesses will have access to several new and improved open weather and environmental data products through ECCC’s open data platforms in 2025, to perform investigations, develop innovations promoting economic growth and efficiency, and make operational decisions regarding health, safety and the protection of property. ECCC will continue to advance the implementation of the World Meteorological Organization Information System (WIS 2.0), allowing weather services around the globe to share trusted data and information seamlessly. The Department will also continue advancing the transformation of services toward the delivery of impact-based decision services which, for example, can support public authorities in their decision-making process.

ECCC will also enhance warning and decision-support services, modernize public forecast products, and upgrade dissemination platforms like the WeatherCAN application and ECCC’s weather website to improve warning and decision-support services related to weather, climate, and environmental extremes that directly impact public health, safety, and the economy. ECCC will also modernize some of its public forecast products and services, ensuring that they remain aligned with the evolving needs of Canadians, with an enhanced focus on marginalized Canadians and communities. Advancing services toward impact-based decision support and early notification will enhance the relevance and effectiveness of weather-related products for public authorities who depend on hazard information to make informed, timely decisions. Along with AlertReady’s broadcast immediate functionality these tools will continue to deliver high-impact weather-related information to Canadians.

ECCC will continue to modernize its critical infrastructure and to undertake life cycle management activities across its monitoring networks. In 2025-26, the Department will continue to optimize and stabilize atmospheric monitoring networks to ensure their efficient and sustainable operation, including continuous improvement of technologies, and asset and data management. In particular, ECCC’s life cycle management activities will include station and sensor maintenance to ensure data integrity. Work will also continue to advance ECCC’s meteorological monitoring test site program, along with priority engineering projects to support the operational networks. Innovations to enable environmentally sustainable operations are also being explored to reduce material waste, energy use, and transport emissions in day-to-day operations.

Together with other government departments, industry, academia and international partners, ECCC will also continue to lead the implementation of the Federal Satellite Earth Observation strategy and the development of new satellite technologies and missions. ECCC currently operates four satellite ground receiving stations (one in each of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador, and two in Alberta), which receive data from polar-orbiting environmental satellites to support operational weather and environmental monitoring and forecasting programs and services. The Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellites Network Renewal Project will decommission existing satellite data receiving infrastructure and install modern antenna reception systems at four locations in Canada (Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut). These upgrades will increase network resilience and redundancy, thus ensuring access to next-generation satellite data used to provide meteorological information to ECCC and stakeholders.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to operate and improve its national hydrometric monitoring program to better meet the needs of Canadians. ECCC will continue to evaluate and operationalize new hydrometric monitoring technologies and methods in partnership with provinces and territories. Systematic monitoring of water levels and flow is increasingly important as Canada’s climate is warming at twice the average global rate and a warmer climate means more weather extremes, including droughts and floods. ECCC provides high quality data and information on water levels and flows in real time to provincial and territorial partners—including emergency management organizations, flow-forecasting agencies, industry, academia, and the Canadian public. In addition to providing long-term hydrological data archives, this data helps users to prepare for severe weather and environmental events, and to become more resilient to the consequences of climate change.

The Department will pursue an ongoing life cycle management approach to water quantity monitoring infrastructure. Following an $89.9 million investment to modernize its water quantity monitoring program, the ECCC will continue to operate its hydrometric network and improve hydrological services through the evaluation of new technologies and methods for hydrometric monitoring and implementing the most promising of those technologies into regular use, in collaboration with provincial and territorial partners. Along with other initiatives—such as workflow and fieldwork planning optimization projects—the Department will continue to pursue operating efficiencies while responding to the needs of the National Hydrometric Program partners. Following observations and recommendations from a 2022-23 summative evaluation of ECCC’s National Hydrological Services, the Department committed to enhancing collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and began the development of an Indigenous Engagement Strategy in 2023-24, which it expects to begin implementing in 2025-26.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue implementing the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP). Through the FHIMP, ECCC provides science and engineering support to Natural Resources Canada and provincial and territorial partners to advance nationwide flood mapping coverage and the sharing of accessible flood hazard information to better protect Canadians from flooding, with the aim of ensuring flood maps are developed according to the most up-to-date principles of hydrotechnical engineering and are suitable for use in a regulatory setting by those dealing with municipal planning and urban development. Efforts will include the development of a number of technical bulletins to support the Federal Flood Mapping Guidelines series, and will cover several topics, including accounting for uncertainty in flood hazard mapping for several pilot areas across Canada, a manual for flood frequency analysis and design flow estimation, and guidelines for flood hazard mapping. In addition, funding under the FHIMP will support academic research and the development of new engineering guidance to strengthen the science of flood hazard mapping in Canada.

Key risks

The timely provision of weather and climate information and services to Canadians depends on the ongoing maintenance and investment in capital and technological infrastructure to prevent rust-out and to ensure functionality and data quality. Damage to this infrastructure may be exacerbated by more frequent severe climate change-related events, such as catastrophic flooding, droughts, and wildfires. To address these risks, ECCC proactively identifies infrastructure deficits and determines priorities and funding needs through a robust capital and technological planning approach. ECCC also continues to modernize and strengthen hydrological and meteorological engineering, technical capacity, and infrastructure.

The Department’s capacity to sustain timely delivery of high quality meteorological, environmental, and hydrological information to Canadians is closely linked to its ability to efficiently access, manage, analyze, and share increasingly large and complex data. To address uncertainties in this area, ECCC continues to invest in information management systems, infrastructure, tools, and personnel to support the appropriate management of information and seamless data mining, interoperability, and sharing. Further, ECCC future-proofs its operations by securing uninterrupted access to high-performance computing and adapting its modelling capabilities to evolving demands and technical advances.

ECCC relies on highly specialized employees with specific scientific and technical expertise. Faced with limited budgets, there is a risk that the Department will be unable to attract and retain staff and leaders with appropriate skill sets. ECCC aims to modernize routine public forecast products and services by leveraging evolving technology, deploying strategies to develop skills in current staff and applying expertise where it is most effective.

Developing and maintaining strategic partnerships is central for the Department to provide authoritative forecasts, warnings, data, and information services. Collaboration with various domestic and international partners is required to access vital data from around the globe, benefit from technological and scientific advancements, and support specific functions such as inter-jurisdictional and transboundary water management. The Department mitigates uncertainties in these areas by sustaining strong lines of communication and being actively engaged nationally and internationally.

Planned resources to achieve results

Complete financial and human resources information for the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government priorities

Gender-based analysis plus

ECCC continues to deliver weather forecasts, warnings, and expert advice to support the needs of Canadians, including those most impacted by extreme weather and environmental events (such as floods). In Canada, disproportionately or differentially impacted populations may include northern/rural dwellers, older Canadians and children, people with health issues or disabilities, low-income communities, and people experiencing homelessness. To enhance the reach and accessibility of ECCC’s information, ECCC employs several strategies to better communicate risk to a wide variety of Canadians and prepare them for potential impacts from hazardous weather. ECCC provides weather and environmental information through a wide range of dissemination platforms (including the WeatherCAN app and webinars), and directly to key decision-makers, such as provincial emergency management and public health organizations. The Department continues to improve the accessibility and documentation of its weather and environmental data and services based on the results of stakeholder engagement.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

More information on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Program inventory

Predicting weather and environmental conditions is supported by the following programs:

• Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings
• Hydrological Services

Additional information related to the program inventory for predicting weather and environmental conditions is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Internal services

In this section

• Description
• Plans to achieve results
• Planned resources to achieve results
• Planning for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

Description

Internal services are the services that are provided within a department so that it can meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. There are 10 categories of internal services:

• management and oversight services
• communications services
• legal services
• human resources management services
• financial management services
• information management services
• information technology services
• real property management services
• materiel management services
• acquisition management services

Plans to achieve results

This section presents details on how the department plans to achieve results and meet targets for internal services.

In 2025-26, ECCC will renew its Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Strategy. Through its renewed 5-year strategy, ECCC will take concrete and measurable actions to accelerate progress on building a diverse workforce by ensuring representation of employment equity and equity-seeking groups; while also embedding reconciliation, inclusion, equity and anti-racism into workplace practices, science, programs and services. This work will involve continued collaboration and co-development with employees, employee-led networks, managers and senior management to drive and implement actions, as well as apply consequential accountability to deliver concrete results. ECCC will also take measurable and concrete actions to advance its Nunavut Agreement article 23 obligations by continuing the implementation of the 2023-2033 Inuit Employment Plan in line with the whole of government Inuit Employment Plan.

The Department will implement and promote a more comprehensive Values and Ethics Code. The renewed Code has incorporated expected behaviours related to anti-racism and reconciliation and underscores the value of traditional Indigenous knowledge in Departmental science. It includes clear approvals processes for higher risk activities including public servants contracting with the Government of Canada and research partnerships. Through modernized science tools and processes like ECCC’s Scientific Integrity Policy, the Department will also continue applying core values for science outlined in the new ECCC Science Strategy that complement and reinforce the public service values of evidence-informed decision-making, impartiality and respect for democracy.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the delivery of its mandate and the development of policies, programs, and legislation. To facilitate respectful relationships and respect for Indigenous rights, ECCC will enhance internal coordination and communication measures, and continue to develop new guidance for officials who consult and   engage with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners including in respect to whole-of-government obligations and commitments, including those flowinf from the of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the Inuit Nunangat Policy.

The Department will continue to adapt and adjust its workplace policies and invest in its digital transformation. In 2025-26, the Department will continue to take action in line with the Government’s direction regarding the modernization of work arrangements—and any associated adjustments and reductions of office facilities and footprints. In addressing the recommendations of the TBS Horizontal Fixed Asset Review, the Department will continue a full review of its real property portfolio. In support of the changing way that ECCC employees are working, the Department will also continue to modernize its workspace, providing an effective and efficient footprint, and improving the workspace experience for staff in a hybrid work environment.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to advance its digital service modernization and transformation agenda. The Department is focused on enhancing its cyber security posture, enhancing the data foundation, enabling science and emerging technology, and delivering enterprise platforms. Furthermore, the Department will continue to analyze its services and support applications with the aim of further transforming digital services and internal operations. This will include increased emphasis on resiliency in emergency planning and continued diligence in mitigating security risks in a constantly evolving environment.

In 2025-26, ECCC will advance the integration of data and information management as a unified function, establishing a foundation for AI readiness across the Department. The Department will continue to improve its data and analytics capabilities using solutions that can easily grow and adapt. The Department will also focus on implementing tools that benefit the whole organization, to make its operations more efficient, provide easier access to data, and to make better decisions.

ECCC will also continue to modernize the delivery of key programs and services to Canadians by reducing its reliance on costly and siloed, aged information technology. In 2025-26, the Department will continue to advance key enterprise platforms such as the Regulatory Services Platform including electronic permitting (ePermitting) capabilities, Enterprise Stakeholder Management, and the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System. Building capabilities such as ePermitting on an enterprise platform will not only improve service delivery and provide a better experience for Canadians, but also improve ECCC's security posture and reduce inefficiencies and costs by reusing common permitting design components. ECCC is developing these digital solutions to provide Canadians with modern services, which will help build trust in the government. By adopting these standard enterprise solutions across the Department, ECCC will make departmental operations more efficient and reduce the complexity, time and cost to digitally implement and maintain more permit types.

In 2025-26, ECCC remains committed to the mobilization of science information and advice to inform programs, policies, and services by advancing its Science Advisory Governance Framework. The framework strengthens the role, relevance, and impact of science and technology in decision-making and program delivery by providing a process to inform decisions in a systematic, transparent, and consistent manner. Additionally, it allows for the prioritization of resources and capacity to address science needs; identifies emerging science issues and directions; and increases collaboration across the organization on issues related to science needs and advice.

The Department will continue to advance open science and mobilize knowledge by making its science and research more transparent, accessible, and inclusive through the continued implementation of the ECCC Open Science Action Plan 2021-2026. ECCC recognizes the importance of transparency and openness in increasing public confidence in decision-making. Moreover, the Department will continue to implement and report on its renewed Science Strategy 2024-2029 which reflects the interconnectivity of diverse environmental challenges and recognizes the need for collaboration to find and implement effective solutions, including the bridging, braiding and weaving of Indigenous science. The Strategy articulates a new science vision to better support the Department’s response to urgent environmental challenges and the horizontal nature of the Department’s work.

ECCC will continue fostering horizontal innovation across branches by integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), High-Performance Computing (HPC), and genomics to enhance environmental modelling, improve monitoring and ensure protection remains a priority in 2025-26. The responsible use of AI and the potential of HPC are key to tackling complex environmental challenges, including climate modelling, weather forecasting, and ecosystem health analysis. By leveraging expertise, collaboration among researchers and policymakers is facilitated, establishing robust standards that ensure the reliability and comparability of complex data and large datasets. This collaboration enhances scientific rigour and informs the integration of these technologies into policies and programs. Leveraging these technological advancements aims to optimize data analysis, streamline business processes, and enhance decision-making for environmental protection. ECCC is committed to minimizing the environmental impacts associated with technology use, ensuring that initiatives contribute to sustainable practices in environmental science while delivering innovative solutions that support the mandate.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to take a strategic approach to reducing the environmental impact of its procurement practices. The Department will advance its Departmental Green Procurement Plan, which includes promoting the procurement of environmentally preferable goods and services and developing and applying criteria to reduce the environmental impact of procurement decisions.

ECCC remains committed to transitioning to net-zero carbon and climate-resilient operations while also reducing other environmental impacts, including waste, water, and biodiversity. The Department is on track to meet its goal of reducing GHG emissions from its real property and conventional fleet operations by 40 percent from 2005 levels by 2025, and will continue to implement measures and assess the transition to net zero emissions by 2050. The Department continues to implement the departmental waste management action plan to reduce the generation, and increase the diversion of non-hazardous operational waste. The Department’s objective is to divert at least 75 percent of non-hazardous operational and plastic waste, and 90 percent of construction and demolition waste, from landfills by 2030, in line with the Greening Government Strategy. In 2025-26, ECCC will also continue to implement actions identified in its Departmental Adaptation Plan to address climate change risks to its assets, services, and operations.

ECCC will continue its efforts to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its financial management to better enable its programs and priorities on behalf of Canadians in an evolving fiscal context. ECCC will continue to work collaboratively with Finance Canada, the Office of the Comptroller General of Canada and other federal partners to ensure the continued financial sustainability of the Department to deliver on its mandate.

Planned resources to achieve results 

Complete financial and human resources information for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Planning for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada departments are to meet a target of awarding at least 5 percent of the total value of contracts to Indigenous businesses each year. ECCC will continue to work throughout 2025-26 to meet and exceed the minimum 5 percent target for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses that took effect April 1, 2024. To achieve this, ECCC is working to reconcile its contracts with the Indigenous supplier database at Indigenous Services Canada to ensure contracts with Indigenous businesses are properly identified and reported. In addition, the Department is targeting voluntary set-aside opportunities^{Footnote 52} with Indigenous businesses where feasible and appropriate in collaboration with program clients.

^* The 2025-26 planned result is based on the average of actual results obtained over the last two fiscal years (6.97% in 2023-24 and 5.55% in 2022-23).

Planned spending and human resources 

This section provides an overview of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s planned spending and human resources for the next three fiscal years and compares planned spending for 2025-26 with actual spending from previous years.

In this section

• Spending
• Funding
• Future-oriented condensed statement of operations
• Human resources

Spending

This section presents an overview of the department's planned expenditures from 2022-23 to 2027-28.

Budgetary performance summary

Analysis of the past three years of spending

Please refer to Graph 1 below for an analysis of the past three years of spending.

More financial information from previous years is available on the Finances section of GC Infobase.

Analysis of the next three years of spending

Approximately $3,127.3 million in total funding is anticipated for 2025-26. The $51.9 million decrease in planned spending from the 2024-25 forecast to the 2025-26 planned spending is primarily due to significant reductions in the funding profiles for the Canada's National Adaptation Strategy one-time payment to the Green Municipal Fund and for the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, as well as the sunset of the British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund. This decrease is partially offset by an increase in statutory funding allocated for returning Fuel Charge Proceeds to Indigenous Governments, as well as a one-time payment to the “Our Land for the Future Trust – Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence” which is an Indigenous-led conservation initiative that supports long-term, large-scale protection of lands and inland waters in the Northwest Territories.

Overall, there is a decrease in planned spending over the 2025-26 to 2027-28 planning horizon. This is the result of sunsetting initiatives with temporary funding and variations in funding profiles for other initiatives. Funding requests to renew sunsetting initiatives are subject to government decisions and will be reflected in future Budget exercises and Estimates documents, if approved.

Initiatives with significant decreases in funding or that will sunset in 2026-27 include:

• Returning Fuel Charge Proceeds to Indigenous Governments will decrease, as all of the current proceeds have to be returned by March 31, 2026;
• A decrease in planned Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund returns;
• The sunsetting of the initiative “Conserving Canada’s land and freshwater, protect species, advance Indigenous reconciliation, increase access to nature and continue efforts to protect species at risk (Enhanced Nature Legacy)”;
• A decrease associated with the Our Land for the Future Trust – Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence, due to the up front multi-year one-time payment in 2025-26; and
• The sunsetting of Canada’s International Climate Finance program.

Major initiatives whose funding profile will decrease significantly in 2027-28 include:

• A significant reduction in the planned Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund returns; and
• A decrease in contributions for the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF).

More detailed financial information on planned spending is available on the Finances section of GC Infobase.

Analysis of budgetary gross and net planned spending summary

Environment and Climate Change Canada's major sources of revenues netted against expenditures are the following:               

• Provinces which receive water quantity monitoring services (Hydrometric);
• NAV CANADA, to which ECCC provides aviation weather services;
• Third parties, to which ECCC provides scientific and analytical projects services, as well as rental of non-research facilities;
• Department of National Defence, to which ECCC provides detailed weather services in support of its military operations;
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, which funds the Joint Canada-Alberta implementation Plan for Oil Sands;
• Canadian Coast Guard, to which ECCC provides marine and ice monitoring forecasts and services;
• Third parties, to which ECCC provides permits to dispose of non-hazardous substances into the sea; and,
• Fees for new chemical substance notification submissions.

Information on the alignment of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s spending with Government of Canada’s spending and activities is available on GC InfoBase.

Funding

This section provides an overview of the department's voted and statutory funding for its core responsibilities and for internal services. For further information on funding authorities, consult the Government of Canada budgets and expenditures.

Graph 1: Approved funding (statutory and voted) over a six-year period

Analysis of statutory and voted funding over a six-year period

For fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24, the amounts shown represent the actual expenditures as reported in the Public Accounts.

For fiscal year 2024-25, the forecast spending represents the planned budgetary and statutory expenditures as presented in the Estimates documents (Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates B), the Operating and Capital budget carry forward, approved reprofiles of funds to future years, and other adjustments from Treasury Board central votes.

For the period from 2025-26 to 2027-28, the planned spending reflects approved funding through the 2025-26 Main Estimates by Treasury Board to support departmental priorities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada's actual spending for 2023-24 was $2,362.1 million, a year-over year increase of $432.4 million (22.4%) from the 2022-23 actual spending. This increase is mainly due to an increase in the funding to conserve Canada’s land and freshwater, protect species, advance Indigenous reconciliation and increase access to nature (Enhanced Nature Legacy), increased payments for permanent salary expenditures and retroactive payments in 2023-24 following the newly signed collective agreements, the distribution of revenues to provinces from excess emissions charge payments for the contributions in support of the Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund, for the renewal of funding of the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) and to new funding for the Natural Climate Solutions Fund.

The increase of $817.1 million (34.6%) from 2023-24 actual expenditures of $2,362.1 million to 2024-25 forecast spending of $3,179.2 million is mainly due to the distribution of statutory revenues to provinces from excess emissions charge payments for the contributions in support of the Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund, and to return Fuel Charge Proceeds to Indigenous Governments. There are also increases associated with Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy due to the one-time payment to the Green Municipal Fund, as well as to conserve Canada’s land and freshwater, protect species, advance Indigenous reconciliation and increase access to nature (Enhanced Nature Legacy).

For explanations of the variance between 2024-25 forecast spending and 2027-28 planned spending, please see the Budgetary planning summary section.

For further information on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s departmental appropriations, consult the 2025-26 Main Estimates.

Future-oriented condensed statement of operations

The future-oriented condensed statement of operations provides an overview of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s operations for 2024-25 to 2025-26.

Analysis of forecasted and planned results

Total expenses are expected to decrease by $17.6 million in 2025-26 in comparison with the forecast results of 2024-25. The decrease is mostly due to a decrease in funding profile for Canada's National Adaptation Strategy, for the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund and to the British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund. This decrease is partially offset by an increase in funding profile for the distribution of carbon pollution pricing proceeds and for the Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future Project Finance for Permanence.

Compared to fiscal year 2024-25, total revenues for 2025-26 are expected to decrease by $5.6 million mostly due to a decrease in expenses and revenue recognition related to the Randle Reef cost-shared remediation project of which the responsibility has been transferred to Canada Water Agency on October 15, 2024.

For comparative purposes, planned results are based on historical data and trends, and include 2025-26 Main Estimates. 2024-25 forecast results give the reader information on 2024-25 estimated spending based on historical data and trends, the 2024-25 Main Estimates, Supplementary Estimates (B) as well as government-wide initiatives and carry forward funding.

A more detailed Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and associated Notes for 2025-26, including a reconciliation of the net cost of operations with the requested authorities, is available on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website.

Human resources

This section presents an overview of the department’s actual and planned human resources from 2022-23 to 2027-28.

Analysis of human resources over the last three years

One FTE equals one person working a 37.5-hour work week for the entire year, or any number of part-time employees whose combined hours of work equal one FTE.

For fiscal years 2022−23 and 2023−24, the amounts shown represent the actual FTEs as reported in the Departmental Results Report. The overall increase of 427 FTEs between the 2022−23 and 2023−24 is the result of increasing activities mainly to support the Oceans Protection Plan, to develop, implement and administrate the carbon pricing and Clean Fuel Regulations, to reprofile the Low Carbon Economy Fund, to advance a circular economy for Plastics in Canada, to renew the Impact Assessment Act, to the top up of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, to support amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and to the new Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, including the Canadian Centre Climate Services.

Overall, FTEs have remained stable between the 2023−24 actuals and the 2024-25 forecast, with increases in some programs offsetting decreases in others.

Analysis of human resources for the next three years

One FTE equals one person working a 37.5-hour work week for the entire year, or any number of part-time employees whose combined hours of work equal one FTE.

The overall decrease of 176 FTEs between the 2024-25 forecast and the 2025-26 planned FTEs is the result of:

• A decrease for the administration of the Carbon Pollution Proceeds Return and for the Development of Climate Change Communications, Public Education and Advertising, under the Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change Core Responsibility;
• The Canada Water Agency becoming a stand-alone agency as of October 15, 2024, under the Preventing and Managing Pollution Core Responsibility;
• The sunsetting of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, under the Conserving Nature Core Responsibility; and
• The sunsetting of the support for High Performance Computing, under the Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions Core Responsibility.

Overall, there is a decreasing trend in planned FTEs over the 2025-26 to 2027-28 planning horizon. This is the result of sunsetting initiatives with temporary funding. Funding requests to renew such initiatives are subject to government decisions and will be reflected in future Budget exercises and Estimates documents if approved.

The overall decrease of 737 FTEs between the 2025-26 and 2026-27 planned FTEs is the result of a decrease in funding profile and sunsetting initiatives with temporary funding related to:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Transportation and Waste sectors, administration of Carbon Pollution Proceeds Return, Enhancing Climate Change Policy Capacity and implementing the Climate Lens, under the Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change Core Responsibility;
• Protecting Canadians and the Environment from Harmful Chemical through the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), under the Preventing and Managing Pollution Core Responsibility; and
• Conserving Canada’s land and freshwater, protecting species, advancing Indigenous reconciliation, increasing access to nature and continuing efforts to protect species at risk (Enhanced Nature Legacy) and implementing Canada’s new marine conservation targets under the Conserving Nature Core Responsibility.

The overall decrease of 135 FTEs between the 2026-27 and 2027-28 planned FTEs is the result of the sunsetting of Advancing a circular economy for Plastics in Canada and Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada (CEPA), under the Preventing and Managing Pollution Core Responsibility.

Corporate information

Departmental profile

Appropriate minister(s): The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, P.C., M.P.

Institutional head: Jean-Francois Tremblay

Ministerial portfolio: Environment and Climate Change

Enabling instrument(s):

• Department of the Environment Act, 1971
• Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• Fisheries Act, 1985 (administration and enforcement of the Pollution Prevention Provisions)
• Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, 2018 (joint responsibility with Finance Canada)
• Species at Risk Act, 2004
• Manganese-based Fuel Additives Act, 1997
• Antarctic Environmental Protection Act, 2003
• Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Virtual Elimination Act, 2008
• Canada Wildlife Act, 1985
• Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
• Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, 1992
• National Wildlife Week Act, 1985
• Canada Water Act, 1985
• International River Improvements Act,1985
• Lake of the Woods Control Board Act, 1921
• Canada Emission Reduction Incentives Agency Act, 2005
• Weather Modification Information Act, 1985
• Canadian Environmental Week Act, 1985
• Environmental Enforcement Act, 2010
• Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Act, 2009
• Federal Sustainable Development Act, 2008
• National Strategy for Safe and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Lamps Containing Mercury Act, 2017
• Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act, 1985
• Bridge to Strengthen Trade Act, 2012
• Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology Act, 2001
• Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act, 1985
• Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, 1987
• Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, 1988
• Energy Supplies Emergency Act, 1985
• Income Tax Act, 1985
• Marine Liability Act, 2001
• Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act, 2013
• Resources and Technical Surveys Act, 1985
• Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, 2003

Year of incorporation / commencement: 1971

Departmental contact information

Mailing address:

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Inquiries Centre
Place Vincent Massey Building
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Toll Free: 1-800-668-6767

Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

Website(s): Environment and Climate Change Canada

Supplementary information tables

The following supplementary information tables are available on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website:

• Details on transfer payment programs
• Gender‑based analysis plus
• Horizontal initiatives
• Up-front multi-year funding

Information on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s departmental sustainable development strategy can be found on ECCC’s website.

Federal tax expenditures

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Departmental Plan does not include information on tax expenditures.

The tax system can be used to achieve public policy objectives through the application of special measures such as low tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and credits. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for these measures each year in the Report on Federal Tax Expenditures.

This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs as well as evaluations and GBA Plus of tax expenditures.

Definitions

appropriation (crédit)

Any authority of Parliament to pay money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

budgetary expenditures (dépenses budgétaires)

Operating and capital expenditures; transfer payments to other levels of government, departments or individuals; and payments to Crown corporations.

core responsibility (responsabilité essentielle)

An enduring function or role performed by a department. The intentions of the department with respect to a core responsibility are reflected in one or more related departmental results that the department seeks to contribute to or influence.

Departmental Plan (plan ministériel)

A report on the plans and expected performance of an appropriated department over a 3year period. Departmental Plans are usually tabled in Parliament each spring.

departmental result (résultat ministériel)

A consequence or outcome that a department seeks to achieve. A departmental result is often outside departments’ immediate control, but it should be influenced by program-level outcomes.

departmental result indicator (indicateur de résultat ministériel)

A quantitative measure of progress on a departmental result.

departmental results framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)

A framework that connects the department’s core responsibilities to its departmental results and departmental result indicators.

Departmental Results Report (rapport sur les résultats ministériels)

A report on a department’s actual accomplishments against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the corresponding Departmental Plan.

full-time equivalent (équivalent temps plein)

A measure of the extent to which an employee represents a full person-year charge against a departmental budget. For a particular position, the full-time equivalent figure is the ratio of number of hours the person actually works divided by the standard number of hours set out in the person’s collective agreement.

gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus) (analyse comparative entre les sexes plus [ACS Plus])

Is an analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

Using GBA Plus involves taking a gender- and diversity-sensitive approach to our work. Considering all intersecting identity factors as part of GBA Plus, not only sex and gender, is a Government of Canada commitment.

government priorities (priorités gouvernementales)

For the purpose of the 2025-26 Departmental Plan, government priorities are the high-level themes outlining the government’s agenda in the most recent Speech from the Throne.

horizontal initiative (initiative horizontale)

An initiative where two or more federal departments are given funding to pursue a shared outcome, often linked to a government priority.

Indigenous business (entreprise autochtones)

For the purpose of the Directive on the Management of Procurement Appendix E: Mandatory Procedures for Contracts Awarded to Indigenous Businesses and the Government of Canada’s commitment that a mandatory minimum target of 5% of the total value of contracts is awarded to Indigenous businesses, a department that meets the definition and requirements as defined by the Indigenous Business Directory. 

non‑budgetary expenditures (dépenses non budgétaires)

Non-budgetary authorities that comprise assets and liabilities transactions for loans, investments and advances, or specified purpose accounts, that have been established under specific statutes or under non-statutory authorities in the Estimates and elsewhere. Non-budgetary transactions are those expenditures and receipts related to the government's financial claims on, and obligations to, outside parties. These consist of transactions in loans, investments and advances; in cash and accounts receivable; in public money received or collected for specified purposes; and in all other assets and liabilities. Other assets and liabilities, not specifically defined in G to P authority codes are to be recorded to an R authority code, which is the residual authority code for all other assets and liabilities.

performance (rendement)

What a department did with its resources to achieve its results, how well those results compare to what the department intended to achieve, and how well lessons learned have been identified.

performance indicator (indicateur de rendement)

A qualitative or quantitative means of measuring an output or outcome, with the intention of gauging the performance of an department, program, policy or initiative respecting expected results.

plan (plan)

The articulation of strategic choices, which provides information on how a department intends to achieve its priorities and associated results. Generally, a plan will explain the logic behind the strategies chosen and tend to focus on actions that lead to the expected result.

planned spending (dépenses prévues)

For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to those amounts presented in Main Estimates.

A department is expected to be aware of the authorities that it has sought and received. The determination of planned spending is a departmental responsibility, and departments must be able to defend the expenditure and accrual numbers presented in their Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports.

program (programme)

Individual or groups of services, activities or combinations thereof that are managed together within the department and focus on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.

program inventory (répertoire des programmes)

Identifies all the department’s programs and describes how resources are organized to contribute to the department’s core responsibilities and results.

result (résultat)

A consequence attributed, in part, to a department, policy, program or initiative. Results are not within the control of a single department, policy, program or initiative; instead they are within the area of the department’s influence.

statutory expenditures (dépenses législatives)

Expenditures that Parliament has approved through legislation other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose of the expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made.

target (cible)

A measurable performance or success level that a department, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period. Targets can be either quantitative or qualitative.

voted expenditures (dépenses votées)

Expenditures that Parliament approves annually through an appropriation act. The vote wording becomes the governing conditions under which these expenditures may be made.