Departmental Results Report 2020 to 2021, supplementary tables: Department of Environment, chapter 3

Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)

Section 1: Institutional GBA+ Capacity
Section 2: Gender and Diversity Impacts, by program
Section 3: Program links to Gender Results Framework
Section 4: Program links to Quality of Life Framework

Section 1: Institutional GBA+ Capacity

To ensure that Gender-based Analysis plus (GBA+) is integrated in the Department’s decision-making processes, the Department has a GBA+ Centre of Expertise (CoE) which resides in its Strategic Policy Branch. The Assistant Deputy Minister of this branch is the Department’s GBA+ Champion, while the Director General of Strategic Policy manages the day-to-day operation of the CoE. The CoE is staffed by two dedicated FTEs (one analyst and one senior analyst) who report to a Director. The CoE provides support to the department, including:

Developing tools and guidance to facilitate GBA+ analysis of policy and program proposals, including maintaining and growing a body of research and resources;
Offering advice and support to departmental staff undertaking GBA+ analysis;
Providing an internal challenge function to ensure that mandatory GBA+ analyses such as Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and Budget proposals are complete and rigorous;
Identifying training needs and opportunities to support professional development and enhance GBA+ capacity through the department;
Chairing the ECCC GBA+ Branch Advisory Network; and,
Liaising with the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WaGE) and collaborating with GBA+ leads in other government departments.

The GBA+ Branch Advisory Network aims to strengthen GBA+ capacity throughout the Department by facilitating the sharing of information, best practices and resources. The network consists of approximately 25 members from across the Department.

Additional specific activities for 2020-21 included the development of:

Additional research resources to help guide GBA+ to nature and biodiversity
A compendium of Canadian resources on the intersections of race, culture, gender, socio-economic status and the environment.

These resources helped advance the integration of GBA+ across all departmental activities to support evidence-based decision-making and to continue to build a culture of inclusiveness.

In addition, GBA+ activities fed into the Department’s Working Group on Diversity and Inclusion, supported by two ADM Co-Champions.

Section 2: Gender and Diversity Impacts, by program

Core Responsibility: Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Program: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Target population

All Canadians

Key impacts – other

Climate change affects all Canadians. However, individual experiences differ according to geographic location, gender, income level, ethnicity and other socio-economic factors. For example, large urban centers experience amplified heat waves, whereas those in rural areas who depend on agriculture can experience loss of livelihood. Studies demonstrate that children, people with lower income, and Indigenous people tend to be more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In Canada, northern and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Indigenous communities and people living in northern and remote areas experience disproportionate impacts from climate change. Budget 2019 notes that people living on First Nations reserves in Canada are on average 18 times more likely to be evacuated because of disasters such as wildfires, floods and severe storms, compared to people living off reserve.
Policies to expand the use of clean electricity can improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollutants that are linked to premature deaths, asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems. The benefits of increased use of zero emission vehicles would accrue to all individuals, in particular those residing in urban and suburban areas (over 80% of Canadians). Evidence shows that reducing carbon pollution can provide co-benefits for health outcomes and well-being for communities, particularly the young, older adults, people with physical or mental health issues, and people in low-income groups.
Measures to improve energy efficiency can help lower energy bills, make homes more comfortable through better insulation and more energy efficient windows and doors, and reduce GHG emissions to help Canada meet its climate change target. Investments in clean technology, including low-emission and climate resilient green infrastructure are expected to support healthier and safer environments for isolated and northern populations, and a more reliable, energy efficient power supply can reduce financial losses experienced by businesses as a result of outages, such as a restaurant that loses food inventory through spoilage.
Overall, mitigating the effects of climate change in a balanced and inclusive manner will benefit all Canadians and, in particular, will help alleviate the impacts that will be disproportionally felt by certain vulnerable groups.

Supplementary information sources

GBA+ data collection plan

Disaggregated data, broken down by gender, age, race, ethnicity, and income were collected to understand how certain groups may be disproportionately impacted, and to determine strategies to mitigate impacts. The 2020 Climate Action and Awareness Fund community-based climate action intake included a GBA+ question in the project application for reporting and assessment purposes. The question was asked in the context of communities the proposals were intended to target. Applicants were asked if the community included any of the following groups: LGBTQ2+; Living with disabilities; Low-income; New Canadians; Rural or remote communities; Small to medium sized businesses (fewer than 500 employees); Visible minorities; or Youth (ages 15 to 30). If the community included any of those groups, the applicant was asked to explain how the groups identified were going to be included. This information was reviewed during assessment and is available to be reported on. It may also help inform future program design.

Program: Climate Change Adaptation

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

Climate change can transform the economy and significantly affect the daily lives of Canadians. Certain populations are disproportionately affected by a changing climate, depending on region of residence, sex, gender, age, income, employment status, family status, Indigenous identity, visible minority status, and disability status. For example, low-income individuals and those living in flood- and fire-prone areas are more vulnerable to a loss of property and livelihood following natural disasters.
Integrating such considerations can help ensure that adaptation policy and programs fulfill the diverse needs of the most affected populations (e.g. providing culturally-relevant climate information and services, focusing investments in areas with high-risk groups of people), do not exacerbate inequalities or create new ones, and helps to ensure the equal participation of diverse groups of people in the decision-making and implementation phases of these activities.
To address these issues and build on recent efforts to include diverse perspectives in adaptation policy, a GBA+ lens was applied to the ongoing development of adaptation policy advice and related programs. In addition, in 2020-21, ECCC started engaging partners, including consultations with Indigenous peoples, to develop a shared national vision and identify key priorities to enhance climate resilience in Canada. While this work will bring wide-ranging benefits to all Canadians, it is likely to have the greatest impact on populations who are disproportionately affected by climate change.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Program: International Climate Change Action

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 1
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 1

Key impacts: other

Canada’s international engagement on climate change, including its climate finance pledge for developing countries, serves to reduce the impacts of climate change on those most vulnerable (women, Indigenous people, youth, etc.). The repercussion from droughts, floods, extreme weather events, and food and water insecurity have a greater and differentiated effect on these vulnerable groups, especially the poor. To address these issues, proposed programming was specifically targeted at women, girls, and Indigenous people by integrating GBA+ considerations into climate change actions alongside developmental considerations, such as health.
In line with Canada’s Gender Results Framework Goals, GBA+ is considered during the negotiation and implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as well as in other bilateral and regional environmental cooperation agreements with strategic partners, including the United States and Europe. Multilateral and bilateral engagement increased throughout 2020-21. Canada’s international environmental cooperation had potential positive impacts on individuals and groups outside of Canada by improving environmental conditions in the most vulnerable locations, including in Southeast Asia and Latin America. GBA+ considerations were also integrated through the development of bilateral environmental cooperation activities with international partners to incorporate women and Indigenous peoples’ perspectives in these activities, as they are some of the populations most impacted by climate change; and to provide women and Indigenous peoples equitable access to and benefits from the opportunities created by FTAs in green goods and services.
Since 2017, Canada has been investing in women’s leadership to address climate change by helping to train women negotiators from various developing regions to support them in influencing international climate discussions. In October 2020, ECCC provided $15K to support a virtual workshop, which included over 200 participants from more than 25 countries. By taking part in these workshops, women from the poorest and most vulnerable countries can hone their negotiations and leadership skills and learn how to make their voices heard at the decision-making table. These workshops also contribute to empowering women to become climate action leaders in their own communities.
Canada continued to support implementation of the Gender Action Plan adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which aims to increase women’s participation and leadership in climate action and to better integrate gender considerations in national climate plans and policies.

Supplementary information sources

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992)
UNFCCC Gender Action Plan
UNFCCC – Introduction to Gender and Climate Change
Information on GBA+ for Canada-Mercosur FTA negotiations: Summary of Initial GBA+ for Canada-Mercosur FTA Negotiations
Information on GBA+ of the Canada-United Sates-Mexico Agreement

GBA+ data collection plan

Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Core Responsibility: Preventing & Managing Pollution

Program: Air Quality

Target population

All Canadians

Key impacts: statistics	Observed results	Data source	Comment
1.39 million sensitive individuals reached by Air Quality Health Index (AQHI risk) communications	The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) program is designed to provide all Canadians with information on how to protect their health against air pollution. This index pays particular attention to people who are sensitive to air pollution and provides them with advice on how to protect their health during air quality levels associated with low, moderate, high and very high health risks. Health messages are customized to each category for both the general population and the ‘at risk’ population.	AQHI Public opinion research Information from AQHI partners EC Alert-me WeatherCan App AQHI App ECCC Weather Office	Individuals ‘at risk’ are Canadians that self-identify in the 2017 survey as being either: 65 years of age or older, under 12 years of age, have heart of lung disease or are active outdoors. A recent study in 2019 from Health Canada estimates at least 66% of Canadians fall into the sensitive category.

Key impacts: statistics

Observed results

Data source

Comment

1.39 million sensitive individuals reached by Air Quality Health Index (AQHI risk) communications

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) program is designed to provide all Canadians with information on how to protect their health against air pollution.

This index pays particular attention to people who are sensitive to air pollution and provides them with advice on how to protect their health during air quality levels associated with low, moderate, high and very high health risks.

Health messages are customized to each category for both the general population and the ‘at risk’ population.

AQHI
Public opinion research
Information from AQHI partners
EC Alert-me
WeatherCan App
AQHI App
ECCC Weather Office

Individuals ‘at risk’ are Canadians that self-identify in the 2017 survey as being either: 65 years of age or older, under 12 years of age, have heart of lung disease or are active outdoors.

A recent study in 2019 from Health Canada estimates at least 66% of Canadians fall into the sensitive category.

Key impacts: other

While air pollutant emissions affect the health of all Canadians, certain populations are more vulnerable to air pollution depending on sex, gender, age, income, employment status, family status, previous health status, geography, Indigenous identity, previous health status and other factors. Detrimental health effects of air pollution can be compounded in individuals who have multiple risk factors. For example, a person could be disproportionately affected by air pollution if they are elderly, have chronic health conditions, and live in an area that has a higher degree of air pollution, as opposed compared to someone who is elderly but to whom additional risk factors do not apply.
A GBA+ lens has been applied to the development of some policy recommendations, programs and measures to address air pollution and improve air quality.
ECCC is developing a more systematic approach and will explore ways to ensure that vulnerable groups are considered are considered in air quality work, such as Indigenous communities in geographic areas located near downwind of large industrial complexes and those affected by smoke during wildfires.
ECCC continued to work with provinces and territories to monitor air quality on a daily basis through the National Air Pollution Surveillance Program. ECCC also continued to provide information for the AQHI, which pays particular attention to and is tailored to vulnerable groups who are sensitive to air pollution, and provides messaging on the health risks of air pollution and personal actions to reduce these risks.

Supplementary information sources

GBA+ data collection plan

Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Program: Community Eco-Action

Target population

All Canadians

Key impacts: Statistics	Observed results	Data source	Comment
# of Projects that engage Indigenous peoples (EcoAction Program)	25 projects or 46% of total projects funded are engaging Indigenous peoples	ECCC’s program indicator data source	In 2020-21, 54 EcoAction projects were funded
# of Projects that engage Youth (up to 24 years of age) (EcoAction Program)	23 projects or 43% of total projects funded are engaging Youth	ECCC’s program indicator data source	In 2020-21, 54 EcoAction projects were funded
# of Projects north of 50°N (EcoAction and EDF Programs)	8 EcoAction projects or 15% of total projects are located in Northern Canada	ECCC’s program indicator data source	8 EcoAction projects or 15% of total projects are located in Northern Canada
# of Projects aimed at improving understanding of climate change for Kindergarten to Grade 12 (Environmental Damages Fund Program)	10 projects	ECCC’s program indicator data source	These projects will involve work with youth (Kindergarten to Grade 12) to teach them how their daily actions collectively make a meaningful contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help address climate change.

Key impacts: other

In general, the EcoAction Community Funding Program and the Environmental Damages Fund aim to have a positive impact on the lives of Canadians and their communities, by providing funding for community-based projects that benefit the environment. The programs strive to reach many Canadians to promote actions that benefit the environment, engage communities and build capacity in those communities. Evaluation criteria for the programs include environmental benefits and needs, technical solutions and community engagement. Consistent assessment tools are used to review proposals from different applicant groups and regions. For EcoAction, once the proposals have been reviewed, funds are allocated on a priority basis to projects that engage youth, Indigenous peoples, or partner with small businesses to align with departmental priorities. The programs’ eligible funding recipients may include environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, youth and students groups, universities and academic institutions, and Indigenous organizations. For example:
- Through the Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF), funded in large part by the EDF, 10 projects were funded in 2020 that were aimed at improving understanding of climate change for Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12; Maternelle-CEGEP in Quebec) youth across Canada. These projects will involve work with youth to teach them how their daily actions collectively make a meaningful contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help address climate change.
- Through the EcoAction Community Funding Program, the project, “Clean Water Champions” submitted by Sea Smart School Society was provided funding to promote water conservation, protection and stewardship practices to reduce chemical and plastic pollution throughout Vancouver, British Columbia, by engaging students and the community with educational and hands-on activities. The project expects to engage up to 2,500 youth in project activities.
Communications to the public (i.e., calls for proposals and general program information) are available publically on ECCC websites and via social media in both official languages to ensure ease of access by interested applicants. It is possible that individuals who do not speak English or French will find it challenging to understand information on federal programming. Demographic groups who have difficulties accessing the various methods of engagement offered publically by ECCC (e.g., difficulties with Internet access for remote communities, language barriers, low-income families without Internet access), may be inadequately serviced. During intake periods, staff were available to answer inquiries and provide advice on proposal development to groups that are under-represented or have less capacity or experience in applying for funding.
As an example of a key impact, during one intake of the CAAF in 2020, a small number of Indigenous organizations indicated that they were unable to use the online application portal (GCEMS); as a result, the organizations were permitted to submit their applications via email using the intake’s Word version of the application form.
Concrete actions were taken to recognize various cultures and languages through the engagement of Indigenous communities and Official Languages Minority Communities to build awareness of funding opportunities. These included:
- ensuring different subgroups of the population were aware of funding opportunities;
- using of a linguistic lens when answering inquiries and evaluating proposals that involve Official Language Minority Communities;
- providing program material in both official languages;
- funding projects in communities negatively impacted by climate risks, e.g., coastal, northern communities;
- including members of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and regions in the review process; and,
- Promoting culturally sensitive sessions and training to staff who answer inquiries, review proposals, and work with recipients.

Supplementary information sources

N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

The EcoAction Community Funding Program collects data related to applications submitted by, or funds allocated to, Indigenous organizations. Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to identify in their application if the project will engage one or more of Departmental Priority Groups: Indigenous peoples, Youth and Small Businesses. Statistics for applications submitted by Indigenous Organizations and applications that will engage Indigenous peoples are collected annually.

Program: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution

Target population

All Canadians

Key impacts: other

Compliance promotion officers tailored compliance promotion material based on the target audience’s needs and known compliance barriers, including the cultural and linguistic profile of a regulated community. For example, compliance promotion fact sheets for the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations were made available in six languages (English, French, Korean, Chinese, Punjabi and Persian) to take into consideration the demographics and language profiles of the regulated community. In addition, compliance promotion officers continued to work with various Indigenous communities and organizations to deliver compliance promotion activities that meet the needs of their communities, for example, through in-person visits or workshops.
ECCC continued to adapt its hiring practices to ensure its workforce is more representative. Additional training was provided regarding treaty rights and the unique legal status and rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada to facilitate better engagement initiatives. This will notably performed with respect to a number of laws and regulations with significant impact on these communities such as the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations and the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations. Enforcement officers continued to adapt their engagement approaches when conducting enforcement activities with diverse communities through the use of translators, for example.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

When conducting enforcement, ECCC does not propose to gather information on specific groups of Canadians given concerns about profiling. That said, all ECCC enforcement officers are required to record detailed information with respect to inspections, investigations, and enforcement action in ECCC’s database, which exists strictly for this purpose.

Program: Substances and Waste Management

Target population

All Canadians

Key impacts: other

Although the Substances and Waste Management Program benefits all Canadians, certain populations in Canada, such as expectant mothers, children, the elderly, the economically disadvantaged and Indigenous communities are more vulnerable to harmful substances, and benefit most from sound risk assessment and management.
The Chemicals Management Program (CMP) used scientific information to empirically assess the risks posed for vulnerable groups from exposure to toxic chemicals and products that contain them. Scientific information was also used to inform decisions and risk management.
The CMP held a final Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting on March 26, 2021, which focused on closing out the committee and reviewing the evaluation of the committee throughout its 5-year term. The final SAC meeting included discussions of successes such as the vulnerable population panel and of work to expand stakeholder and Indigenous representation on the committee.
Through Canadian Environmental Protection Act and CMP renewal efforts, research and investigations into GBA+ and other priority areas such as Indigenous and Youth engagement opportunities were reviewed to aid in identifying gap areas to be addressed in future work.

Supplementary information sources

There are multiple sources of scientific information used to assess the risks posed for vulnerable groups. One such example is the screening assessment for Talc, which characterizes the risk of exposure on various occupational groups and analyzes the impacts of its different properties on these occupational groups.

GBA+ data collection plan

ECCC does not collect data on the impact posed to humans by chemicals and other substances in the environment. This is the mandate of our partner department and will be more appropriately reported in the Departmental Results Report of Health Canada.

Program: Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships

Target population

All Canadians

Key impacts: other

In general, the Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships Program is expected to affect Canadians positively by providing cleaner freshwater for drinking, fishing, swimming and other uses, and healthier freshwater ecosystems.
Certain elements of the Program positively affected Indigenous peoples. Specific targeted activities under this Program sought to improve the technical capacity and engagement of Indigenous governments, organizations, individuals and communities. These activities aimed to address Indigenous peoples’ particular concerns regarding freshwater ecosystems; to include Indigenous representation at key decision-making tables, where appropriate; and to build capacity in understanding and addressing freshwater issues, especially those that have implications in Indigenous communities.
Ecosystem-specific key impacts
- Great Lakes: In 2020-21, the Great Lakes Protection Initiative funded projects that built capacity in understanding and addressing Great Lakes issues, including those that had implications for First Nations and Métis communities. Direct support was provided to support eight capacity-building projects in Indigenous communities and two capacity-building projects in regional Indigenous organizations. Through ongoing efforts related to lake-wide management and Areas of Concern, ECCC continued to engage with First Nations and Métis communities across the Great Lakes basin in taking action and decision-making. Indigenous people continued to participate in Great Lakes governance including on the Great Lakes Executive Committee, pursuant to the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and annual meetings between Canada-Ontario Agreement on the Great Lakes Executive Committee Co-Chairs and First Nations and Métis partners.
- Lake Winnipeg: In 2020-21, ECCC’s Lake Winnipeg Basin Program provided funding to support Indigenous governments and peoples in efforts to reduce nutrient loading in the Lake Winnipeg Basin through Indigenous-led projects such as community-based monitoring and projects that gather and use Traditional Knowledge to enhance the understanding of the ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg and its basin.
- St. Lawrence: In 2020-21, the St. Lawrence Action Plan continued to support projects that foster education and raise awareness of best practices among Indigenous peoples and communities to preserve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. For example, an ongoing project in the watershed engaged youth in the Mohawk community of Kanesatake through activities that recognize the traditional Kanien’kéhâ: ka knowledge and through scientific samplings of territorial rivers and scientific analysis of the aquatic ecosystem.
- Atlantic Ecosystem Initiatives: In 2020-2021, through the Atlantic Ecosystem Initiatives, projects were supported in the Saint John River Watershed that build capacity in understanding and addressing freshwater issues, including those that have implications in Indigenous communities. For example, Atlantic Ecosystem Initiatives supported a comprehensive examination of factors affecting water quality in the upper Saint John River basin, the results of which were shared with Indigenous communities and local organizations to help inform future planning and initiatives to improve water quality.

Supplementary information sources

GBA+ data collection plan

None to report for 2020-21.

Core Responsibility: Conserving Nature

Program: Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

ECCC sought to engage with domestic and international governments, Indigenous peoples, non-government organizations, businesses and Canadians to develop and meet Canada’s post-2020 biodiversity commitments. The conservation and protection of biodiversity is necessary for maintaining strong ecosystems, which in turn, deliver important and diverse ecosystem services to all Canadians. For example, healthy ecosystems can filter toxic substances from air, water, and soil, protect people against flooding, storm surges, and erosion, sequester carbon, maintain the water cycle, and help stabilize local climates.
To increase capacity to conserve biodiversity in Canada, the Program continued to develop; review, and share Canadian positions and policy frameworks, provided targeted funding, conducted research, and maintained and shared biodiversity data and information.
Performance indicators were assessed by ECCC Communications to gauge the level of engagement of the population through various media platforms. These indicators were point in time measurements tied to Nature Legacy advertising campaigns that tracked web, YouTube video views and so on following an ad campaign in order to gauge aggregate views. While currently these indicators provide an aggregated picture on viewership, the program will work with Communications to continue to examine ways to track GBA+ disaggregated data on the level of engagement through media platforms going forward.
In the case of Indigenous peoples, ECCC administered a survey that tracked the percentage of Indigenous peoples who engaged with ECCC in conservation and indicated that such engagement was meaningful. For 2020-21, 64% of survey respondents described this engagement as meaningful.
ECCC provides some financial capacity to support national Indigenous representatives in Canada to prepare for and participate in international negotiations related to biodiversity and conservation.

Supplementary information sources

While it is not a means of analyzing the GBA+ impact of the program, information from Statistics Canada’s Household and the Environment Survey will provide context on individuals and organizations engaged in conservation activities and the extent to which they are representative of the Canadian population.

GBA+ data collection plan

To report on the Departmental Results Framework, ECCC administers an annual survey to Indigenous peoples that ECCC has engaged on conservation to determine whether the engagement was considered to be meaningful. The survey results enable the Department to track progress on the Departmental Result, “Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation,” and provides critical information to guide engagement planning under the Conserving Nature core responsibility and by the Department, more generally.

Program: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife

Target population

All Canadians

Key impacts: other

Acts and regulations must be applied fairly and consistently within a national policy and procedure framework that recognizes regional variations and respects the unique and special needs of affected parties, especially Indigenous peoples.
ECCC is aware that certain instruments under the acts it is responsible for enforcing may present more challenges to compliance for specific groups, such as visible minorities, linguistic groups, and/or Indigenous peoples. Various compliance promotion strategies were used in response to these challenges:
- So that programs can be well understood, policies and procedures are written in a non-technical language and are widely circulated to the public. Media involvement helps to ensure the provision of timely, meaningful information on the requirements of wildlife acts and regulations.
- Adapted training and material when regulatees from Indigenous communities, part of a visible minority or linguistic group, were engaged in compliance promotion and enforcement activities
- Continued to build and promote mutual understanding and partnership between officers who meet regularly with Indigenous representatives such as in wildlife co-management committees.
- Implemented a service agreement for a Quebec Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (QC-CEGEP) to develop a college training program adapted to Indigenous students’ unique realities, culture and history. The program was designed to address the special considerations to meet GBA+ requirements through policy analysis and the development of service agreements with the affected groups
Enforcement officers took into account established precepts when determining a fair and appropriate enforcement response. Those precepts are found in our Compliance and enforcement policy for wildlife legislation, which is available on our website.
Furthermore, ECCC developed guidelines for entry and engagement on Indigenous lands, which support staff by:
- raising awareness and respect for Aboriginal treaty rights;
- instilling a greater awareness for the unique cultural and legal context of regulatory enforcement on lands where Indigenous peoples manage or control access or where Indigenous peoples exercise Aboriginal or treaty rights; and
- providing contact information and resources to leverage existing branch and departmental knowledge.

Supplementary information sources

Compliance and enforcement policy for wildlife legislation - Canada.ca

GBA+ data collection plan

Program: Environmental Assessment

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

Resource development affects the environment and can have economic, social and health consequences that are felt more heavily by some demographic groups. ECCC provided expert advice and knowledge to decision-makers for subjects within its mandate, such as water quality and biodiversity. This engagement helped to determine potential impacts of development to Canadians, including vulnerable populations.
To increase capacity to conserve biodiversity in Canada, the Program continued to develop a policy framework for the assessment of the effects to species at risk, wetlands and migratory birds.
In the case of Indigenous peoples, the EA/IA program works with other federal departments to ensure that FN Rights are addressed.

Supplementary information sources

N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Program: Habitat Conservation and Protection

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

The core outcome of the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program is the protection of important wildlife habitat through the regulation, purchase or donation of land and water for conservation purposes. Impacts and benefits would accrue to different demographics throughout the process of achieving this outcome. A breakdown from each core initiative is below:
- The Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation (CWHC) Stamp initiative enabled the Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) to manage the funding of 36 projects ($1.7M) that supported waterfowl and other migratory birds and wildlife, conserved or restored wetland and upload habitat across Canada, and engaged Canadians in conservation and stewardship activities. The WHC’s conservation grant program, funded through the sales of the CWHC Stamp is anticipated to improve the environment for all Canadians, men and women equally.
- The Ecological Gifts Program component provided tax incentives to landowners who donated property to eligible governments or charities. These tax benefits are predominantly located in rural communities and held by non-Indigenous families of retirement age.
- The North American Waterfowl Management Plan component provided contribution agreement funding for waterfowl conservation based on international planning efforts involving partners in Canada and the United States of America. The funds are used by ECCC partners for a variety of habitat securement and improvement activities, which lead to increases in the populations of waterfowl. The environmental outcomes, which include increased waterfowl populations, largely benefit hunters, rural and Indigenous communities.
- The Target 1 Challenge and the Natural Heritage Conservation Programs are a part of the Canada’s Nature Legacy initiative. They supported the efforts of partners to protect and conserve spaces of ecological and biodiverse importance in Canada. Partners come from a variety of demographic backgrounds including those from rural or remote populations and Indigenous peoples. Indigenous reconciliation is a priority of the work being done as a part of the Nature Legacy.
- The Indigenous Guardians program was developed by working individually with First Nations, Inuit and Métis. This component largely benefits Indigenous peoples in Canada. It supports Indigenous groups in exercising their rights and responsibilities to the land, waters, and ice of their traditional territories through on-the-ground and community-based stewardship initiatives. Guardian opportunities are available to both men and women and often provide opportunities for young Indigenous peoples.
While the processes of land, water securement, and protection tend to involve and favour specific groups of Canadians (landowners, governments, non-government organizations), the long-term ecosystem services (such as climate regulation, erosion control, tourism and recreation, education, knowledge systems and cultural heritage) gained by conserving ecosystems and landscapes are most often to the benefit of lower-income, rural and Indigenous communities.
- GBA+ assessments were conducted in 2020-2021 for the Enhanced Nature Legacy Treasury Board Submission. The assessments concluded that Canadians of all genders broadly benefit from nature conservation, and that Canadians broadly support nature conservation. The implementation approach will:
  - Encourage and facilitate the creation of new protected and conserved areas across Canada, including in urban, peri-urban and rural areas.
  - Continue to implement planning guidelines and consultation processes.
  - Encourage equal participation of diverse populations when consulting with different Canadians.
  - Actively consider gender and other equity factors when establishing and implementing key governance and decision-making mechanisms.
  - Design engagement and outreach activities to increase opportunities and reduce barriers to participation in conservation activities for all.
  - Make nature more accessible for Canadians and encourage—where possible—inclusive design of natural public spaces and infrastructure.
  - Leverage new and existing partnerships with Indigenous peoples.
  - Work with representatives of Indigenous peoples in planning and implementing conservation initiatives.
  - Support the transfer and nurturing of Indigenous knowledge.

Supplementary information sources

N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

Departments are working on developing a Quality of Life (QOL) indicator relating to access to nature, building on the whole of government work on QOL indicators. This indicator will likely build on Statistics Canada’s research on proximity to, and use of, parks and public green spaces from the 2017 Households and the Environment Survey.
A GBA+ data collection and reporting plan has been developed as part of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund (NCSF) Treasury Board Submission. ECCC-HCP will contribute to this plan as a supporting partner and lead on the Nature-Smart Climate Solutions (NSCS) stream. NSCS will require large and medium-sized organizations funded by NSCS to report on the development of Diversity and Inclusion Plans that support the inclusion of underrepresented groups in NSCS activities. This will be required after consultation with recipients in year 1 of the initiative, starting with funding recipients with more than 50 employees. This requirement will be voluntary for small organizations such as community-based groups since these organizations may find the requirement for a Diversity and Inclusion Plan overly burdensome. Indigenous organizations and communities may also be excluded from this requirement. ECCC will also collect information on the number of Indigenous-led projects through NSCS to support GBA+.

Program: Migratory Birds and other Wildlife

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

ECCC is responsible for implementing the Migratory Birds and Other Wildlife Program and the Minister of the ECCC provides advice to the Governor in Council with respect to migratory birds and other wildlife. Such advice is based on science, including Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and on consultations with affected parties for expected socio-economic impacts.

Supplementary information sources

N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Program: Species at Risk

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

Preserving biodiversity is necessary for maintaining strong ecosystems, which in turn, deliver important and diverse ecosystem services to Canadians. The performance indicators measured in the Species at Risk (SAR) Program reflect not only the ability to protect species at risk, but also examine, to some extent, how the Program might affect, either directly or indirectly, GBA+ demographic groups. For example, one indicator measures how recovery actions for Species at Risk are being implemented by partners, and another measures specifically the Indigenous partners receiving project funding to support Species at Risk protection. The SAR Program will continue to consider ways that issues concerning SAR – including private landowners, industry, and other orders of government, non-governmental organizations and Indigenous peoples, may also affect other groups.
In 2020-21, the Program had direct effects on Indigenous peoples; given that Indigenous reserves and lands often provide important refuge for species at risk. Canada’s Indigenous peoples are also the holders of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) essential to achieving the protection and recovery goals for many species. Additionally, the Program consults with Indigenous peoples to ascertain impacts to treaty rights. For this reason, some negative Program effects were related to consultation fatigue and the continuous, repeated gathering of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge on species at risk. Efforts were made to reduce these effects by focusing more on ecosystem-based and multi-species conservation approaches as well as improving coordination among federal departments and provincial/territorial governments.
A GBA+ analysis was undertaken as part of the Enhanced Nature Legacy Memorandum to Cabinet and Treasury Board submission, which also considered species at risk.

Supplementary information sources

N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Core Responsibility: Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Program: Hydrological Services

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

Natural disasters in Canada, including water-related disasters such as floods and droughts, have significant psycho-social impacts, especially on those citizens who lack sufficient social infrastructure or those who were vulnerable prior to the event, such as citizens living near a body of water or within a floodplain, which would put them at risk of flooding. Hydrometric data are essential information to be used by flood forecasting agencies (provincial and territorial). The flood forecasts are then used by emergency management agencies to help protect lives and properties.

Hydrometric data can be used by outside organizations in combination with socio-economic data to identify potential impacts of water hazards on vulnerable groups and to implement mitigation measures accordingly. For example, in the case of flooding, hydrometric data provide the core information to develop flood maps which, when combined with geo-referenced socio-economic data, such as household income, age and sex, can be used to generate detailed risk assessments to prioritize actions targeting the groups that are the most at risk, including optimizing the monitoring network to enhance coverage for Canadians.

Supplementary information sources

GBA+ data collection plan

Nothing to report for 2020-21.

Program: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings

Target population

All Canadians

Distribution of benefits

by gender – men (1) to women (5): 3
by income level – low (1) to high (5): 3
by age group – youth (1) to senior (3): 2

Key impacts: other

Canadians, and especially people living in northern and rural areas, are dependent on weather forecasts, warnings and expert advice to safely plan their daily activities. For example, persons in these rural and remote areas rely on weather services that are essential to transportation activities in order to reach isolated areas in the North where there are no permanent (or 'all-weather') roads and significant infrastructure gaps. As a result, alternative methods of transportation are used that are enabled by weather and environmental services. These include the use of seasonal winter roads on top of ice cover, and the transportation of essential goods (e.g. food) through air travel. During shoulder seasons (i.e. fall and spring periods), where there is less certainty in ground conditions, there exists a heightened risk of accidents that is rising (e.g. doubled over the past decade in Nunavut). Weather and sea-ice climate information have direct ties to mitigating these risks by equipping communities, individuals, and first responders with accurate information to support the planning of their activities. Canadians and other stakeholders rely on ECCC for authoritative information on weather, water, climate, marine, ice and air quality. Weather warnings provide information that can assist vulnerable Canadians, such as the elderly, children, or those with certain chronic illnesses or their caretakers, to make informed decisions in weather scenarios that may pose increased risks to these populations (e.g., extreme heat, extreme cold). This also applies to information that might be used to support other populations such as homeless people (i.e., extreme cold responses). An important aspect of these warnings is determining how best to communicate with all Canadians, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Recognizing the different needs of Canadians, ECCC provided weather and environmental information through a wide range of platforms including the WeatherCAN application, weather radios, webinars, data offerings, tailored weather products focusing on potential impacts of a weather situation, and stakeholder engagement. ECCC also improved the accessibility and documentation of its weather and environmental datasets and products through the ECCC Datamart and GeoMet. In addition, ECCC produced jointly with the US, for Alaska and Northwestern Canada, a quarterly overview of the latest season’s significant weather, sea ice, and climate events and impacts, as well as an outlook for the upcoming quarter. Together, these strategies will help better communicate risk to a wide variety of Canadians and prepare them for potential impacts of hazardous weather.

Supplementary information sources

GBA+ data collection plan

ECCC will explore the development of a GBA+ Data Collection Plan for existing weather services programs, and a GBA+ Data Collection Plan will be established for future new services.

Internal Services

Target population

N/A

Key impacts: other

Evaluation

ECCC is committed to integrating GBA+ in evaluation. Two evaluations were completed in 2020-21 and included findings and recommendations related to GBA+. For example, the Evaluation of the Addressing Air Pollution Horizontal Initiative found that GBA+ had been integrated into the program design and some activities but that data is not always available to support GBA+. Further, the evaluation identified an opportunity to improve program design with a greater focus on Indigenous peoples. The report made a recommendation to support more meaningful engagement and consultation with Indigenous peoples and explore options for greater Indigenous involvement in air quality monitoring and management.

Procurement

In its role as an enabler in the delivery of services by program branches, ECCC is participating on inter-departmental working group committees that addresses the topic of social procurement. A pilot is currently being conducted by PSPC on the integration of social procurement considerations as part of procurement processes. ECCC and other client departments are following progress on the pilot with a view towards greater integration into ECCC procurement practices when methodologies are clearly established by central agency leads.

Workplace adaptation

A built-in GBA+ component was integrated in the consideration of project investment in IM/IT. Digital tools, primarily remote work and the use of GCworkplace, were deployed to enhance inclusion and meet the needs of all employees. ECCC has encouraged flexible work arrangements for employees to ensure that family situations and family roles are considered, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To enhance inclusion, workplace solutions such as GCworkplace has been implemented or is ongoing in new projects in Montreal, Winnipeg, Yellowknife, Calgary and Toronto. The GCworkplace vision was formed and oriented towards the following seven dimensions: flexible, digital, efficient, green, inclusive, collaborative and healthy.
Implementation of touchless door buttons, touchless water and soap dispensers. Some locations completed and ongoing across Canada.
There are also considerations for gender neutral bathrooms as part of new projects and one implemented as part of the Winnipeg project.
ECCC implemented a single-window approach for accommodation requests, to facilitate and expedite getting the measures needed for staff with disabilities/accommodation requirements.
The "Booking Assistant" feature was added to the Return to the Workplace application, allowing the submission of a request on behalf of another user who is unable to do so themselves.

Human resources

Diversity, Inclusion, and Employment Equity (DIEE) remained a critical departmental and government-wide priority. The Department continued to contribute to a leadership culture that promotes and builds a healthy, harassment-free, accessible, respectful and supportive work environment and used tools and resources to support the mainstreaming of GBA+ in all ECCC activities and to build a culture of inclusiveness.
A comprehensive DIEE governance structure remained in place, with semi-annual deputy-minister chaired Diversity and Inclusion leadership council meetings, and quarterly DIEE working group meetings taking place throughout the year involving network and branch representatives.
A Black Employees Network was established and integrated into this governance structure.
On a quarterly basis, Branch Heads received their Employment Equity gaps report and were asked to take action via their HR planning process.
A departmental Diversity and Inclusion fund remained in place, and supported a number of network and departmental DIEE related initiatives.
Regular communication and awareness of DIEE activities and events took place throughout the fiscal year

Supplementary information sources

N/A

GBA+ data collection plan

Human resources

Human Resources collects various demographic information on employees that are sensitive and protected. Some notable actions are being taken to develop data collection for 2020-21 such as:

Consultations with all diversity, inclusion and employment equity networks will be used to collect qualitative information on the various challenges faced by these groups of individuals.
A self-identification Awareness Campaign helped the department identify changes in policies, practices and systems aimed at achieving fairness and equity in employment. All self-identification information will be used for statistical purposes, in compiling workforce representation figures for the Department and to report to Parliament on employment equity in the Public Service.

Various barriers were linked to data collection such as the protection by the Code of Confidentiality, access to technology access and timing related to the COVID-19 situation.

Section 3: Program links to Gender Results Framework

Core Responsibility: Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Program	Education and skills development	Economic participation and prosperity	Leadership and democratic participation	Gender-based violence and access to justice	Poverty reduction, health and well-being	Gender equality around the world
Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation	-	-	-	-	Yes	-
Climate Change Adaptation	-	Yes	-	Yes	Yes	-
International Climate Change Action	Yes	Yes	-	-	Yes	Yes

Core Responsibility: Preventing & Managing Pollution
Program	Education and skills development	Economic participation and prosperity	Leadership and democratic participation	Gender-based violence and access to justice	Poverty reduction, health and well-being	Gender equality around the world
Air Quality	-	-	-	-	Yes	-
Community Eco-Action	-	Yes	-	-	-	-
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution	Yes	Yes	-	-	-	-
Substances and Waste Management	-	-	-	-	Yes	-
Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships	Yes	-	-	-	Yes	-

Core Responsibility: Conserving Nature
Program	Education and skills development	Economic participation and prosperity	Leadership and democratic participation	Gender-based violence and access to justice	Poverty reduction, health and well-being	Gender equality around the world
Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships	Yes	-	Yes	-	-	-
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife	-	-	Yes	-	-	-
Environmental Assessment	-	-	-	-	Yes	-
Habitat Conservation and Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-	-
Migratory Birds and other Wildlife	-	Yes	-	-	-	-
Species at Risk	-	Yes	-	-	-	Yes

Core Responsibility: Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions
Program	Education and skills development	Economic participation and prosperity	Leadership and democratic participation	Gender-based violence and access to justice	Poverty reduction, health and well-being	Gender equality around the world
Hydrological Services	Yes	Yes	-	-	Yes	-
Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings	Yes	Yes	-	-	Yes	-

Core Responsibility: Internal Services
Program	Education and skills development	Economic participation and prosperity	Leadership and democratic participation	Gender-based violence and access to justice	Poverty reduction, health and well-being	Gender equality around the world
Internal Services	-	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-

Section 4: Program links to Quality of Life Framework

Core Responsibility: Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Program	Prosperity	Health	Environment	Society	Good governance
Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation	-	-	Yes	Yes	Yes
Climate Change Adaptation	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	Yes
International Climate Change Action	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	-

Core Responsibility: Preventing & Managing Pollution
Program	Prosperity	Health	Environment	Society	Good governance
Air Quality	-	Yes	Yes	-	-
Community Eco-Action	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-
Substances and Waste Management	-	-	Yes	-	-
Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-

Core Responsibility: Conserving Nature
Program	Prosperity	Health	Environment	Society	Good governance
Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships	-	-	Yes	Yes	Yes
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-
Environmental Assessment	-	-	Yes	-	-
Habitat Conservation and Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	-
Migratory Birds and other Wildlife	-	-	Yes	-	-
Species at Risk	-	-	Yes	-	-

Core Responsibility: Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions
Program	Prosperity	Health	Environment	Society	Good governance
Hydrological Services	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	-
Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	-

Core Responsibility: Internal Services
Program	Prosperity	Health	Environment	Society	Good governance
Internal Services	Yes	-	Yes	Yes	Yes

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Date modified:: 2022-02-01