2023-24 Departmental Results Report: Gender-based analysis plus

Section 1: institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

Governance

ECCC is pursuing mainstreaming Gender-based Analysis (GBA) Plus, meaning that all ECCC employees have a responsibility to apply GBA Plus to their work as appropriate. In 2017, the Department established a GBA Plus Centre of Expertise (CoE), which supports the integration of GBA Plus in all aspects of work. In 2023-24, the CoE continued to expand its support to the Department, including by:

• Developing tools and guidance to facilitate the application of GBA Plus in policy and program proposals, including maintaining and growing a body of research and resources;
• Offering advice and support to departmental staff undertaking GBA Plus in their work;
• Providing an internal challenge function to ensure that mandatory GBA Plus assessments, such as in 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 Plus capacity through the Department;
• Chairing ECCC’s GBA Plus Branch Advisory Network; and
• Liaising with the Department of Women and Gender Equality and collaborating with GBA Plus leads in other government departments.
• In 2023-24, the department launched a pilot interdepartmental working group with approximately 14 departments and agencies to support coordinated efforts to enhance the application of GBA Plus in the science and environmental fields.

Capacity

In 2023-24, the CoE aimed to better understand, identify, and address departmental needs and gaps related to GBA Plus implementation and mainstreaming. To enhance GBA Plus capacity, efforts focused on strengthening and engaging the GBA Plus Branch Advisory Network, which consists of representatives who take a leadership role in supporting GBA Plus within each Branch. Engagement with the network was guided by a strategic plan for 2023-24 and focused on facilitating the sharing of information, best practices, and resources. In addition, in 2023-24 the CoE underwent targeted sessions with each Branch to better understand the unique contexts, needs, and priorities related to strengthening GBA Plus across the Department’s mandate.

Broader departmental support was provided through information sessions, including a departmental event that focused on fostering a greater understanding of intersectionality, disaggregated and equity-informed data, and culturally relevant GBA Plus. Targeted advice, support and guidance was provided by the CoE to various departmental groups applying GBA Plus to their work.

Human resources (full-time equivalents) dedicated to GBA Plus

In 2023-24, there were 2.5 full-time equivalents dedicated to GBA Plus in the CoE, with several other staff across the Department applying GBA Plus as part of their work.

Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core Responsibility: Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Program name: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Program goals: Work to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, drive clean growth and develop regulatory instruments. ECCC will advance Indigenous climate leadership and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from this initiative.

Target population: All Canadians; Indigenous Peoples; variety of gender, income, age.

Distribution of benefits: Not available (N/A)

Specific demographic group outcomes: N/A

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: ECCC will advance Indigenous climate leadership, a commitment under the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP): Clean Air, Strong Economy, under the recapitalized Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF)’s Indigenous Leadership Fund by providing funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low carbon heating products led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, communities, and organizations. The Indigenous Leadership Fund will support the self-determined climate, social, and economic priorities of Indigenous Peoples, taking a collaborative, distinctions-based approach to design and deliver programming, recognizing the unique rights, interests, and circumstances of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. In addition, a portion of the program targets unaffiliated Indigenous communities. Furthermore, under the recapitalized LCEF, ECCC will implement the Implementation Readiness Fund, which aims to remove barriers to low-carbon technology adoption and 2030 climate mitigation action. ECCC will collaborate with stakeholders, communities, and organizations through the Implementation Readiness Fund to facilitate stronger partnerships with stakeholders to grow an inclusive, clean, and prosperous future together. Individuals’ adaptive capacity to cope with or manage climate change impacts is directly impacted by access to economic and other resources, and research has established that low-income households will experience the most difficulty in adapting to climate change. The recapitalized Low Carbon Economy Fund Leadership Fund provided funding to support low-income households transition off of home heating oil.

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 and programs in order to avoid, as much as possible, further negative impacts on affected populations. The Government will continue to conduct additional GBA Plus for each policy and program to maximize positive benefits for those most impacted by the negative effects of climate change.

Other key program impacts:

• Climate change affects all Canadians. However, individual experiences differ according to geographic location, gender, income level, ethnicity, age, 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 Peoples tend to experience the effects of climate change disproportionately, while also having less power, influence, and resources to respond to and manage these effects. These groups may also face greater challenges associated with the implementation of programs and policies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Canada, northern and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are facing higher costs associated with mitigation initiatives. At the same time, these groups often face geographic and structural challenges that limit their ability to cope with and adapt to severe climate impacts, or to equitably participate in the transformation to a low-carbon future and capitalize on opportunities that may arise.
• Indigenous communities and people living in northern and remote areas experience disproportionate impacts from climate change. Lower socio-economic outcomes, the legacy of colonization (including displacement from traditional territories onto reserve lands that are often more prone to flooding or fire), and a unique relationship with the land are factors that compound the effects of climate change, leading to intensified negative cultural, social, and economic impacts on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Barriers to accessing adaptation and mitigation solutions intensify the negative impacts of climate change for Indigenous People. ECCC is providing support to national Indigenous organizations to ensure broader engagement with Indigenous Peoples on the development and implementation of climate change policies and programs. The funding is intended to cover their capacity requirements, participation in meetings, hosting of engagement sessions, and other activities to support the development of Indigenous perspectives and input on climate change priorities. In 2016, the federal government committed to strengthening its collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as partners in climate action. Following joint commitments made by the Prime Minister and the National Leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council, the federal government and First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners established three distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change. These tables are based on the recognition of rights, co-operation, and partnership. They help foster a collaborative approach to ongoing engagement with Indigenous Peoples and support Indigenous climate leadership. Indigenous Peoples have cared for the land and taken effective climate action consistent with their Knowledge Systems, legal traditions, and inherent rights. Indigenous Peoples have called on Canada for a renewed relationship on climate change where Indigenous Peoples can freely exercise their right to self-determination and participate in climate-related decision-making, supported by stable, long-term funding. In response, as announced in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, ECCC and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) are working to co-develop an Indigenous Climate Leadership (ICL) Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies with First Nations, modern treaty and self-governing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
• Policies and regulations 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, particularly 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 youth, elderly, people with physical or mental health issues, and people in low-income groups. Measures such as improving energy efficiency and making home heating more affordable for families, with a focus on lower-income households, can help lower energy bills, make homes healthier and more comfortable through better insulation and more energy efficient windows and doors, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help Canada meet its climate change targets. 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 electricity supply can reduce financial losses experienced by businesses due to outages (e.g. restaurant that loses food inventory through spoilage).

Overall, adapting to the effects of climate change in a balanced and inclusive manner will benefit a wide range of Canadians and, in particular, will help alleviate the impacts that will be disproportionally felt by certain disproportionately impacted groups. As the Government continues to mitigate the effects of climate change, it will seek to do so in a balanced and inclusive manner in order to address imbalances or inequalities that may already exist, thereby advancing a more equitable, inclusive and beneficial future for Canadians. For example, in 2016, the oil and gas sector, men comprise 74% of employees and 83% of oil and gas workers were under 55 years of age, which indicates a gender and age imbalance among sector employees favouring young men. At the same time, as of 2019, the percentage of immigrants in the sector’s workforce (41%) was roughly double the national average for the immigrant population (21.9%), suggesting that the oil and gas sector is an important source of employment for immigrants to Canada. As the sector transitions towards net-zero, there will be opportunities to address detrimental imbalances, such as that with gender, age, or background, while reinforcing efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, and integration.

Supplementary information sources:

• StatCan Employment by class of worker, annual
• Women in Canada: A Gender-based Statistical Report
• Bush, E. and Lemmen, D.S.: Canada’s Changing Climate Report
• Regulations Amending the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations
• The 2019 report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: ensuring that the health of a child born today is not defined by a changing climate
• Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement for proposed Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations
• Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement for proposed Clean Fuel Standard Regulations
• Diversifying Canada’s Oil and Gas Workforce: A Decade in Review Factsheet

GBA Plus 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 Plus question in the project application for reporting and assessment purposes. The question was asked in the context of communities the proposals were intended to reach. Applicants were asked if the communities included any of the following groups: 2SLGBTQQIA+; 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 engaged in the project. This information is available to be reported on. It may also help inform future program design.

Program name: Climate Change Adaptation

Program goals: Deliver climate services, including modelling and analysis of climate information, to help users understand climate change and its impacts. The CCA Program oversees the implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) and coordinates updates to the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan (GOCAAP). In 2018, the program established the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS).

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: Not available (N/A)

Specific demographic group outcomes: The program is intended to provide benefits to the Canadian population at large. Canada cannot be resilient if certain parts of society remain disproportionately impacted by climate events. As a result, the Strategy puts a priority on advancing equity through adaptation action, with particular focus groups that are disproportionately affected by climate change which include women, Indigenous Peoples, seniors, children and youth, persons with disabilities and those from low-income households.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A.

Other key program impacts: Climate change is leading to rapid ecological changes that 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 disproportionately impacted by loss of property and livelihood following natural disasters.

There is strong evidence that Indigenous Peoples are already facing and will continue to experience climate pressures that exceed their current adaptation capacity. Budget 2019 noted that people living on First Nations reserves in Canada were, 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 and research shows that an average of more than 100 natural hazard emergencies affecting First Nations reserves every year. Flooding alone has resulted in over 160 community evacuations between 2009-17 across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. It is estimated that 25% of existing infrastructure assets across 33 communities in the Northwest Territories – worth approximately $1.3B – are at risk due to permafrost impacts. A 2018 study further estimated that up to 3.6M people and between 48-87% of Arctic infrastructure could be threatened by thawing permafrost over the next 30 years.

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 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 Plus lens was applied to the ongoing development of adaptation policy advice and related programs, including a Fall 2022 Memorandum to Cabinet and Spring 2023 Treasury Board Submission.

Supplementary information sources:

• National Adaptation Strategy
• Canada in a Changing Climate: National Issues Report
• The Health Costs of Climate Change, How Canada can adapt, prepare and save lives
• Advancing the Climate Resilience of Canadian Infrastructure

GBA Plus data collection plan: A GBA Plus lens was applied to the ongoing development of adaptation policy advice and related programs as a result of a November 2022 Off-cycle budget request and a June 2023 memorandum to cabinet.

Program name: International Environment and Climate Action

Program goals: ECCC continues to promote inclusivity, gender equality and the role of women in climate action around the world as part of its strong commitment to international leadership on clean growth and climate change.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: Individuals in low- and middle-income countries may benefit directly and indirectly from Canada’s climate finance funding. Canada’s international engagement on climate change, including its climate finance commitment to support climate action in developing countries, serves to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the impacts of climate change on disproportionately impacted populations, such as women, Indigenous Peoples, and children and youth.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Key program impact statistics: 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 and programs to avoid, as much as possible, further negative impacts on affected populations, and will lead and coordinate a whole-of-government development of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, which included the publication of GBA Plus results from the initial policy development phase. The Government will continue to conduct additional GBA Plus for each policy and program to maximize positive benefits for those most impacted by the negative effects of climate change. Internationally, Canada’s engagement on climate change serves to reduce GHG emissions and the impacts of climate change on the groups who bear a significant portion of its impacts. Moreover, the repercussion from droughts, floods, extreme weather events, and food and water insecurity have a greater and differentiated effect on these groups. To address these issues, Canada’s programming is specifically targeted at women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples by integrating GBA Plus considerations into climate change actions alongside developmental considerations of health.

Other key program impacts: Climate change affects all Canadians. However, individual experiences differ according to geographic location, gender, income level, ethnicity, age, 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 Peoples tend to experience the effects of climate change disproportionately, while also having less power, influence, and resources to respond to and manage these effects. These groups may also face greater challenges associated with the implementation of programs and policies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Canada, northern and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are facing higher costs associated with mitigation initiatives. At the same time, these groups often face geographic and structural challenges that limit their ability to cope with and adapt to severe climate impacts, or to equitably participate in the transformation to a low-carbon future and capitalize on opportunities that may arise.

Indigenous communities and people living in northern and remote areas experience disproportionate impacts from climate change. Lower socio-economic outcomes, the legacy of colonization (including displacement from traditional territories onto reserve lands that are often more prone to flooding or fire), and a unique relationship with the land are factors that compound the effects of climate change, leading to intensified negative cultural, social, and economic impacts on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Barriers to accessing adaptation and mitigation solutions intensify the negative impacts of climate change for Indigenous Peoples. ECCC is providing support to national Indigenous organizations to ensure broader engagement with Indigenous Peoples on the development and implementation of climate change policies and programs. The funding is intended to cover their capacity requirements, participation in meetings, hosting of engagement sessions, and other activities to support the development of Indigenous perspectives and input on climate change priorities. In 2016, the federal government committed to strengthening its collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as partners in climate action. Following joint commitments made by the Prime Minister and the National Leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council, the federal government and First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners established three distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change. These tables are based on the recognition of rights, co-operation, and partnership. They help foster a collaborative approach to ongoing engagement with Indigenous Peoples and support Indigenous climate leadership. Indigenous Peoples have cared for the land and taken effective climate action consistent with their Knowledge Systems, legal traditions, and inherent rights. Indigenous Peoples have called on Canada for a renewed relationship on climate change where Indigenous Peoples can freely exercise their right to self-determination and participate in climate-related decision-making, supported by stable, long-term funding. In response, as announced in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, ECCC and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) are working to co-develop an Indigenous Climate Leadership (ICL) Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies with First Nations, modern treaty and self-governing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Policies and regulations 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, particularly 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 youth, elderly, people with physical or mental health issues, and people in low-income groups. Measures such as improving energy efficiency and making home heating more affordable for families, with a focus on lower-income households, can help lower energy bills, make homes healthier and more comfortable through better insulation and more energy efficient windows and doors, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help Canada meet its climate change targets. 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 electricity supply can reduce financial losses experienced by businesses due to outages (e.g., restaurant that loses food inventory through spoilage).

Canada’s climate finance commitment is delivered in accordance with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy Environment and Climate Action Area, to help the most vulnerable countries make the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies. Under this policy, the actions towards climate mitigation and adaptation must integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. As such, Canada’s $5.3B commitment will ensure that 80% of projects integrate gender equality considerations. Internationally, Canada advocates for the public participation of non-state actors in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC process negotiations sessions and other international fora, including subnational governments, Indigenous Peoples, women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, youth, marginalized groups, civil society, and businesses. Canada also advocates for decision-making in international climate fora that incorporates ethical and equitable inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and recognizes and supports Indigenous climate leadership. Canada also advocates mainstreaming gender equality in multilateral climate institutions and for the inclusion of women as decision-makers in these processes. As part of Canada’s climate finance envelope, ECCC provides funding to the Institut de la Francophonie pour le développement durable and the Women’s Environment and Development Organization to improve inclusivity within the UNFCCC process and to deliver capacity-building workshops for women climate negotiators from developing countries.

ECCC frequently engages with stakeholders such as, youth, civil society, business, and labour, on key international climate negotiation issues and Canadian positions. This includes engagement with the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council (ECCYC), which is a ministerial council comprised of ten young Canadians, selected for their environmental and climate leadership and with consideration for the diversity of youth from across Canada. As regular practice, members of advisory committees, established under bilateral agreements, are appointed with consideration of regional, sectoral, gender and demographic representation, as is the inclusion of Indigenous partners. ECCC consults these advisory groups during the planning process of cooperation activities, including diversity, gender and Indigenous aspects of the events, these consultations are informal in nature and can take place during meetings or via email.

Supplementary information sources

• StatCan Employment by class of worker, annual
• Women in Canada: A Gender-based Statistical Report
• Bush, E. and Lemmen, D.S.: Canada’s Changing Climate Report
• Regulations Amending the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations
• The 2019 report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: ensuring that the health of a child born today is not defined by a changing climate
• Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement for proposed Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations
• Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement for proposed Clean Fuel Standard Regulations
• Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
• UNFCCC Gender Action Plan

GBA Plus data collection plan: For Canada’s $5.3B Climate Finance Program, a gender equality policy marker will be used to track gender equality considerations in projects against the 80% target. This policy marker is assigned to projects based on GBA Plus to determine if gender equality is the main objective of the project and if it is fundamental in its design and expected results, or if gender equality is an important and deliberate objective of the project. The program will report on the impacts of the new Climate Finance Program by tracking and reporting qualitative and quantitative results annually. The program’s performance indicators include an indicator on cumulative number of people in developing countries who benefitted from Canada’s adaptation finance to measure the program’s impact on increasing capacity for resilience. Where possible, data on beneficiaries will be disaggregated by gender to measure the differential impact of the projects. Qualitative results will also be collected on projects to assess the impact and co-benefits of projects, including impact on women’s empowerment and gender equality. Regarding data collection, Global Affairs Canada and ECCC have established a performance management framework for the $5.3B climate finance commitment that includes indicators and targets at all levels of outcomes from the program’s logic model for the following key performance indicators: number of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduced, number of people with increased resilience to the effects of climate change and private finance mobilized. Gender-responsive considerations will be integrated in the indicators to assess impact on women and other disproportionately impacted groups throughout the project’s implementation.

Core Responsibility: Preventing and Managing Pollution

Program name: Air Quality

Program goals: The goal of the Air Quality Program is to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. To reach this goal, work within the Program includes science and reporting, policy development, and mitigation activities that lead to the outcome of clean air for all people living in Canada. The program continues to use GBA Plus to examine how to reduce disparities amongst at-risk groups in the development of policies, programs, and actions to improve air quality.

Target population: All Canadians, and all people living in Canada.

Distribution of benefits: Not available (N/A)

Specific demographic group outcomes: Exposure to air pollution can have detrimental health effects on all people. However, some people, such as pregnant women, infants and children whose respiratory systems have not yet fully developed, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions may be particularly sensitive to the negative health impacts from exposure to pollution. In addition, some populations (e.g., Indigenous, immigrant, and low-income communities) have been, and continue to be, disproportionately impacted by air pollution due to the proximity of their residence, work, or learning environment to industrial complexes, major transportation hubs, and other sources of air pollutant emissions. If a person is disproportionately impacted by air pollution they are at elevated risk of negative health impacts. Those who have intersecting risk factors are at even greater risk.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics:

Other key program impacts: While air pollutant emissions affect the health of all people living in Canada, some populations are more susceptible to the impacts of air pollution depending on sex, gender, age, income, employment status, family status, geography, race, 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 with a respiratory condition who lives in a low-income community exposed to air pollution from nearby industry may experience difficulties breathing that decreases their ability to work. This health and economic burden will be greater than on someone who has less intersecting risk factors.

ECCC continued to explore ways to ensure that disproportionately impacted communities are considered in air quality work. These groups include Indigenous communities in geographic areas located near large industrial complexes and communities affected by wildfire smoke. For example, ECCC participated in a summit meeting with the Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Province of Ontario and began the work to establish a partnership table to seek solutions to address the air quality concerns of the community.

Air pollution reduction policies and regulations, such as the proposed Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations, are key to reducing the disproportionate exposure of some communities (e.g., the Aamjiwnaang First Nation) to certain air pollutants. In addition, policies and regulations 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, particularly those residing in urban and suburban areas (over 80% of Canadians). Evidence shows that reducing air pollution provides benefits for health outcomes and well-being for communities, particularly those sensitive to the impacts of air pollution exposure. 

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 Air Quality health Index (AQHI) observations, forecasts, and alerts to the general population and at-risk groups who may be sensitive to air pollution. Statements on the health risks of air pollution along with the AQHI values are posted on social media to raise awareness and recommend personal actions to reduce exposure risks. Social media messaging was enhanced during the wildfire events of 2021-22 with engagements on X (Twitter) ranging from 121 to 406 per event. Increasing social media engagement on X using @EnvironmentCA and @ECCCWeather accounts ensures we reach partners, stakeholders, at-risk groups, and the general public effectively with appropriate messaging to support increased public awareness on air pollution and air quality.

Supplementary information sources:

• Air Quality Health Index
• https://twitter.com/environmentca/ https://twitter.com/environnementca
• https://twitter.com/ECCCWeatherON Each province has a X account in English and French.
• Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement for the Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations

GBA Plus data collection plan: Uses existing data and tools to understand of the intersectionality of how air pollution affects the various cohorts of people living in Canada.

Program name: Community Eco-Action

Program goals: The Community and Sustainability Program is a suite of initiatives aimed at increasing Canadians’ participation in activities to protect, conserve and restore the environment. It includes funding programs suck as the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) program and the Science Horizons program, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Target population: All Canadians, permanent resident youth (age 15-30).

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: The EDF provides funding to projects led by or engaging the Program’s priority groups: Youth, Indigenous Peoples, and Small to medium sized businesses. The Science Horizons Program is targeted towards youth between the ages of 15-30 who are recent university, college, and polytechnic graduates for internships in environmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics sectors. More specifically, the program also has targets in place to hire women, Indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth. These youth face substantial barriers towards employment and skills training, and the Science Horizons Program provides the opportunity to acquire skills needed to be successful in high growth sectors such as green economy.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

2023–24 results.
Note that Science Horizons is on a two-year cycle and these results are for the first year of the cycle. Official program results are measured at the end of the two-year cycle.

Other key program impacts: The EDF aims to have a positive impact on the lives and natural environment of Canadians and their communities, by providing funding for community-based projects that benefit the environment. The program strives to reach many Canadians to promote actions that benefit the environment, engage communities, and build capacity in those communities. Evaluation criteria for the program includes environmental benefits and needs, technical solutions and community engagement. Consistent assessment tools are used to review proposals from different applicant groups and regions. The programs’ eligible funding recipients includes not-for-profit environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and academic institutions, and Indigenous organizations. Through the Climate Action and Awareness Fund, funded in large part by the EDF, 130 projects for a total of approximately $167M have been approved so far and projects are ongoing. The following projects were approved in 2023-24:

• 3 community-based climate action projects will develop knowledge, tools and/or skills that engage communities in climate action. Community-based climate action projects help to support Canada’s goals for climate action, such as net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The types of support, outreach, and resources provided through Community-based climate action projects may include workshops, networking, training, virtual platforms, climate awareness activities, including those related to Indigenous Knowledge, and more. These activities should enable communities to take action on climate change.
• 8 Indigenous-led projects advancing climate change science and technology will strengthen Canada’s science capacity to identify, accelerate, and evaluate mitigation actions towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Communications to the public (i.e., calls for proposals and general program information) are available publicly on ECCC websites and via social media in both official languages to ensure ease of access by interested applicants. Demographic groups who have difficulties accessing the various methods of engagement offered publicly 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 public inquiries and provide advice on proposal development to groups, including those that are under-represented or have less capacity or experience in applying for funding. Concrete actions were taken to recognize various cultures and languages through the engagement of Indigenous communities and Official Language Minority Communities to build awareness of funding opportunities. These included:

• Ensuring different subgroups of the population were aware of funding opportunities by conducting outreach via email to individual Indigenous groups;
• Using 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 Plus data collection plan: The EDF 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 Program 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. EDF is working to facilitate the inclusion of GBA Plus factors in order to gather intersectional information that will help identify barriers and impacts of the program related to underrepresented populations. The EDF has added additional questions to the program application to continue strengthening data collection related to GBA Plus factors.  The program will continue to work with the GBA Plus Centre of Expertise to ensure gaps and limitations continue to be addressed. New GBA Plus, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and distinction-based questions were added to the EDF application in 2023-24, as they will be useful from a GBA Plus perspective in helping to advance our understanding of equity groups, data gaps, and addressing these gaps. Quantitative data related to the EDF will be collected through the application forms. Additionally, the EDF has taken into consideration its accessibility to potential recipients. While the submission of an online application is strongly encouraged throughout Call for Proposals products, a paper application can be made available to applicants requiring an alternative submission process.

The Science Horizons Youth Internship program continued its commitment to help enable employment and skills training for youth furthest away from employment. For its new program delivery cycle for fiscal year 2023-24, the program has incorporated new targets and increased targets for equity seeking groups, specifically Indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, youth from an official language minority community, youth from rural, remote, and fly-in communities, 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth and women. Targets were informed by industry research and are proportionally representative to the size of the respective equity-seeking groups in Canada, with the goal of increasing participation and resources directed towards youth.

Program name: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution

Program goals: Minimize pollution damage through activities, including developing and disseminating information, training, responding to enquiries, engaging individuals and organizations to promote awareness and compliance with legal requirements. Non-compliance is addressed by enforcement measures including warnings, tickets, monetary penalties, orders to comply, directions, and referrals to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Target population: Regulated communities comprised of a number of demographic profiles including those with varying levels of education, particular geographic distributions, Indigenous communities, language preferences, etc.

Distribution of benefits: ECCC’s is aware that enforcement activities can have different impacts on different Canadian communities, including specific equity seeking groups, such as visible minorities, linguistic groups, and Indigenous Peoples. ECCC collects data on the type, outcomes, and location of its enforcement activities, which is overlaid with geographically based data from other sources, including with respect to demographics and socio-economic indicators, such as income level and the relative presence of equity seeking groups, where available, to monitor for potential bias.

Specific demographic group outcomes: The outcome is to increase the awareness among the regulated communities of their obligations to comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA) the Fisheries Act, and their risk management instruments. Compliance promotion officers tailor compliance promotion material based on the target audience’s needs and known compliance barriers. Material may be tailored based on demographic profiles, including linguistic preferences, average level of education, or geographic distribution of a regulated community.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available (N/A)

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: Compliance Promotion Officers engage with regulated communities to understand their needs through a variety of mechanisms. These include site visits, formal target audience surveys, voluntary feedback forms, and one-on-one discussions at compliance promotion workshops, events, and tradeshows. Furthermore, Compliance Promotion Officers deliver compliance promotion activities in various Indigenous communities in a way and with material that is tailored to the context and needs of the community, for example through an in-person visit. Work is ongoing to identify compliance promotion needs within targeted communities, and to develop relevant and culturally appropriate material. In 2023-24, Compliance Promotion Officers engaged with Indigenous Communities through participation in conferences, in-person visits, and remote meetings, among others. The focus was on improving and maintaining compliance with the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER), and the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, by providing tailored support and strengthening relationships with communities. In-person engagement through site-visits, has resulted in increased compliance of wastewater systems.  Tailored presentations were developed for use at a technical training workshop for Indigenous Communities. The presentations, which received positive feedback from the audience, aimed to increase awareness and understanding of requirements related to the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, PCB Regulations, and Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2022.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: ECCC will conduct additional analysis of census, geographical, and enforcement data to verify where correlations between non-compliance detection rates and gender, income levels, and equity seeking groups exist. Where correlations are identified, additional qualitative research will be conducted to better understand why they exist. Where correlations are determined to be inconsistent with ECCC’s Compliance and Enforcement policies, reviewing and modifying planning is required. For example, in 2019 ECCC developed guidelines for Entry and Engagement on Indigenous Lands, where one of the objectives is to support the Enforcement Branch’s ability to build and maintain relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Since their development, the guidelines have supported staff by:

• Raising awareness and respect for treaty and Aboriginal rights;
• Increasing sensitivities to 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.

Further, in 2022-23, ECCC planned and developed a GBA Plus survey for distribution in 2023-24. The survey will be completed by Environment and Wildlife Enforcement Officers to identify barriers and biases and to develop an action plan to help address them. Compliance promotion and enforcement activities contribute to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all Canadians, including disproportionally impacted populations. ECCC will continue to engage provinces and territories and work with industry and other stakeholders through standard departmental regulatory processes to determine potential impacts to all Canadians, regardless of gender, race, or linguistic profile.

Program name: Substances and Waste Management

Program goals: To protect the environment and Canadians from harmful substances and waste, ECCC continued to deliver Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in collaboration with Health Canada through a predictable, science-based regime. CMP aims to reduce risks posed by chemicals by assessing and managing diverse chemicals and products, including foods, consumer products, cosmetics, pesticides, and drugs.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: Not available (N/A)

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: 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 disproportionately impacted by harmful substances and benefit most from sound risk assessment and management. The CMP used scientific information to empirically assess the risks posed for disproportionately impacted groups from exposure to toxic chemicals and the products that contain them. Scientific information was also used to inform decisions and risk management. Through the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and CMP renewal efforts, research, and investigations into GBA Plus 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.

ECCC continued to explore ways to ensure that disproportionately impacted groups are considered in substances and waste management work. In certain situations where the impact is on the industrial sector and there is no cost to disproportionately impacted social groups, there were no specific GBA Plus considerations (e.g., in 2022-23 for the Prohibition of the Manufacture and Importation of Wheel Weights Containing Lead Regulations). In other cases, the analysis resulted in special considerations through a risk management decision. An example of this, is the Environmental Performance Agreement for the Formulation of Chlorhexidine Products published in 2022, where a First Nation was identified as indirectly impacted due to proximity to a production facility; the resulting action is expected to be positive by implementing an agreement that would result in minimizing the releases of chlorhexidine from industrial facilities to levels that are protective of the aquatic environment.

In addition to CMP, the Substances and Waste Management program, through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), continued to protect, preserve, and restore Canada’s oceans and waterways, and strengthen marine research and science, while advancing reconciliation through partnership and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. Measures under the OPP benefit individuals living in proximity to Canada’s Coastal regions (approx. 6.5 million people) as well as Indigenous communities, many of whom retain close ties to the coasts. The OPP supports enhanced participation of indigenous communities in emergency preparedness response and recovery, ultimately supporting increased Indigenous leadership in the marine safety and conservation space. Through the OPP, ECCC supported emergency responses through developing and coordinating scientific information and advice for emergency response partners and lead federal coordination for managing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of environmental emergencies in Canadian oceans and coastal areas; developing internal modelling and pollution detection which advance its capacity to support emergency responses to pollution incidents, including collecting critical environmental sensitivities data that relates to marine birds in all coastal areas of the country (Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic).

Supplementary information sources: There are multiple sources of scientific information used to assess the risks posed for disproportionately impacted 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 groups.

GBA Plus data collection plan: ECCC does not collect data on the impacts to humans by chemicals and other substances in the environment. This falls under the mandate of our partner department and will be more appropriately reported in the Departmental Results Report of Health Canada.

Program name: Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships

Program goals: Manage priority ecosystem, improving water quality, and restoring to healthy, productive, and sustainability by overseeing ecosystem management, developing and sharing science, and funding proposals from diverse partners (Canadian and U.S. governments, Indigenous organizations, NGOs, industries, and post-secondary institutions). Priority ecosystems include Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Lake Winnipeg Basin, Fraser River, Mackenzie River, Wolastoq/Saint John River.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: N/A

Specific demographic group outcomes: Certain elements of the Program will positively affect Indigenous Peoples. Specific targeted activities under this Program seek to improve the technical capacity and engagement of Indigenous governments, organizations, individuals, and communities. These activities aim 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.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity:  Not available (N/A)

Key program impact statistics:

Other key program impacts: In 2023-24, the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative (FEI) funded Indigenous-led projects that build capacity in understanding and addressing Great Lakes issues. Eleven Great Lakes FEI-funded projects supported Indigenous communities’ participation in assessment, decision-making, and remediation of Areas of Concern. Two Great Lakes FEI-funded projects supported Indigenous capacity to participate in Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health issues and in Great Lakes governance and decision-making processes. Through ongoing efforts related to lake wide management and Areas of Concern under the 2012 Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA), ECCC also continued to engage with First Nations and Métis communities across the Great Lakes basin in taking action and in Great Lakes decision-making. Indigenous participation continued in Great Lakes governance, including membership and participation from Indigenous organizations and communities on the Great Lakes Executive Committee, pursuant to the 2012 GLWQA, as well as Indigenous participation in meetings of the Canada-Ontario Agreement on the Great Lakes (COA) Executive Committee and annual meetings between the COA Executive Committee Co-Chairs and First Nations and Métis partners.

In 2023-24, the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program invested $0.81M in stakeholder-led actions to support nutrient reduction, advance science, and support collaboration and Indigenous engagement on freshwater issues. Lake Winnipeg is intrinsic to the cultural, social, spiritual, and economic well-being of Indigenous Peoples. The Lake Winnipeg Basin Program (LWBP) supports opportunities to build capacity and increase engagement of Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities on water quality issues, including community-based monitoring and incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge systems in discussions and decision making related to the ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg. The LWBP also supports efforts to increase participation by Indigenous Peoples in freshwater management. For example, in March 2024, ECCC collaborated with Manitoba Environment and Climate Change and the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium to host a special session with scientists, non-government organizations and Indigenous partners to initiate a dialogue on potential options and considerations for future State of the Lake Reporting with a key objective to discuss opportunities for how diverse knowledge systems and perspectives can be included in future reporting efforts.

Supplementary information sources: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan: As part of the renewal of the Freshwater Action Plan (FWAP) through Budget 2023, a Treasury Board Submission, including a Performance Information Profile and GBA Plus, were developed to support implementation of the strengthened FWAP which includes the following priority freshwater ecosystems: Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Simcoe, Lake of the Woods, St, Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. This work is being coordinated through the new Canada Water Agency Branch, launched in June 2023.

Core Responsibility: Conserving Nature

Program name: Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships

Program goals: Collaborate work with provincial, territorial, Indigenous, and other conservation partners to develop and meet Canada’s biodiversity commitments and obligations and to influence international policy related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Program officials also participate in policy development to support modern treaty negotiations with Indigenous Peoples to ensure conservation and reconciliation are met.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: Not available (N/A)

Specific demographic group outcomes: The degradation of natural ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity impact everyone regardless of gender, race, age or income level. However, the extent to which biodiversity loss impacts individuals varies depending on factors such as indigeneity, economic status, region, gender, and health status. Canadians derive both ‘use values’ (e.g., recreation, cleaner air, and water) and ‘non-use’ values (e.g., existence and cultural values) from efforts to reduce the loss of biodiversity, and thus from the Program’s activities. With respect to use values, it is likely that individuals with the least access to nature or greatest exposure to environmental pollutants (e.g., those in marginalized communities) would generally have lower ‘use’ values and thus benefit less from biodiversity conservation. In 2021, 9% of Canadians did not have a park or green space close to home. Children, youth and future generations will be disproportionately impacted by the acceleration of biodiversity loss. Youth are also more likely than older adults to experience negative mental health impacts associated with climate change. Fostering a connection to nature is particularly important for these groups, as it can help mitigate negative mental health impacts.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: GBA Plus analysis was conducted for major initiatives, including a draft of Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy that was posted in December 2023. In this case, GBA Plus considerations led to a broad and inclusive approach to engagement focused on gathering insights from a range of voices and perspectives and reflecting them in the Strategy. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes targets on the full participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and on gender equality. The Minister’s Environment and Climate Change Youth Council has been consulted and provided advice on biodiversity issues, to ensure youth perspectives are reflected in Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy. More generally, the impacts of Program activities on Canadians are indirect and difficult to separate from impacts of other actors (municipal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous, non-profit) working towards similar goals. It is not expected that the Program has regional impacts, given the focus on national and international policy, as well as the small amount of grants and contributions supporting the Program. In a general sense, key stakeholders and partners in Canada that could be affected socio-economically by conservation activities include federal, provincial, and territorial government organizations, Indigenous Peoples, natural resource sectors (e.g., agriculture, forestry, mining, energy), and landowners (public and private). Biodiversity conservation efforts generally accrue positive socio-economic impacts upon the angling, hunting, and trapping, and outdoor sport and recreational communities.

One important but older source of information is the 2012 Canadian Nature Survey – a national survey that asked Canadians to report on their nature-based activities – which found that 89% of adult Canadians participated in nature-based activities for non-commercial, personal enjoyment. The survey found that participants in volunteer nature conservation activities were broadly representative of the diverse Canadian population, in terms of gender, household income, educational level, urban or rural, and immigrant or first generation Canadian status. In terms of employment in sectors that would be affected by biodiversity loss, natural resources and agriculture employ a large percentage of men, visible minorities, and middle-aged individuals (25-64). Similarly, among those to benefit from investments in biodiversity science or monitoring are natural and applied science workers which are largely made up of men, visible minorities, and middle-aged individuals (25-64) (Statistics Canada, 2023).

Other key program impacts: Not available.

Supplementary information sources:

• Parks and green spaces
• 2012 Canadian Nature Survey

GBA Plus data collection plan: The program currently lacks indicators that can be disaggregated by gender or socio-economic factors and is considering how to fill this data gap as indicators are updated or replaced. For example, the program still refers to the 2012 Canadian Nature Survey, as a newer version of the survey has not been conducted. To address the lack of disaggregated data, and considering the new Global Biodiversity Framework, the program is considering how to update, replace or supplement older indicators and background information sources.

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 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. These data cannot be disaggregated by gender due to the small sample size.

Program name: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife

Program goals: Protects plant and animal species including migratory birds and threatened or potentially threatened species through risk-based approach to wildlife laws and regulations to regulate human interventions, such as hunting or trade, that adversely affect wildlife conservation. Non-compliance is addressed by warnings, tickets, monetary penalties, orders to comply, directions, and referrals to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Target population: All Canadians and the global community.

Distribution of benefits: Not available (N/A)

Specific demographic group outcomes: ECCC is aware that enforcement activities can have different impacts on different Canadian communities, including specific equity seeking groups, such as visible minorities, linguistic groups, and Indigenous Peoples.  ECCC collects data on the type, outcomes, and location of its enforcement activities, which is overlaid with geographically based data from other sources, including with respect to demographics and socio-economic indicators like income level and the relative presence of equity seeking groups, where available to monitor for potential bias.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available (N/A)

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: N/A

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: ECCC will conduct additional analysis to verify where correlations between non-compliance detection rates and gender, income levels, equity seeking groups, and environmental quality exist. This analysis will be supplemented with additional work to determine where correlations exist between the above indicators and absolute inspection and investigation numbers. Where correlations are identified, additional qualitative research will be conducted. Where correlations are determined to be inconsistent with ECCC Compliance and Enforcement policies, the Enforcement Branch will review and modify its planning as required.

Further, the Program continued to work with the Collège d’enseignement général et professional St-Félicien to launch a dedicated training program for Cree people to become wildlife officers as part of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 2023-24; continued to build and promote mutual understanding and partnership through a group of officers who meet regularly with Indigenous representatives such as in wildlife co-management committees; and completed an internal GBA Plus survey of its enforcement officer cadre. The organization developed an internal action plan to address the barriers and biases identified in the exercise.

Program name: Environmental Assessment

Program goals: Support the assessment, evaluation, and management of Canada’s ecosystems aiming to reduce environmental impact of development projects subject to environmental/impact assessments by reviewing the characterization of environmental effects and proposed measures to mitigate these effects, in areas within the Department’s mandate, including climate change, air quality, water quality, biodiversity, environmental preparedness and emergencies.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: Not available (N/A)

Specific demographic group outcomes: N/A – The Program’s activities and outcome do not target any specific group of Canadians. It provides science-based knowledge and expert advice related to reducing the environmental impacts of development projects. Therefore, no GBA Plus information is generated or collected by the Program.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: 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 helps determine potential impacts of development to Canadians, including disproportionately impacted populations. In the case of Indigenous Peoples, the environmental assessment and impact assessment program works with other federal departments to ensure that First Nations Rights are addressed.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: N/A

Program name: Habitat Conservation and Protection

Program goals: The core outcome of the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program is the conservation and protection of important wildlife habitat through the regulation, purchase or donation of land and inland water for conservation purposes. Impacts and benefits accrue to different demographics, but Canadians of all demographics benefit from nature conservation.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: While the processes of land and inland 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 most often benefit lower-income, rural and Indigenous communities. 

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available N/A)

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: GBA Plus assessments were conducted in 2020-21 for the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative, which continues to be implemented. The assessments concluded that Canadians of all genders broadly benefit from nature conservation, and that Canadians broadly support nature conservation. The implementation approach:

• Encourages and facilitates the creation of new protected and conserved areas across Canada, including in urban, peri-urban, rural and remote areas;
• Continues to implement planning guidelines and consultation processes;
• Encourages equal participation of diverse populations when consulting with different Canadians;
• Actively considers gender and other equity factors when establishing and implementing key governance and decision-making mechanisms;
• Designs engagement and outreach activities to increase opportunities and reduce barriers to participation in conservation activities for all;
• Makes nature more accessible for Canadians and encourages, where possible, inclusive design of natural public spaces and infrastructure;
• Leverages new and existing partnerships with Indigenous Peoples;
• Works with representatives of Indigenous Peoples in planning and implementing conservation initiatives; and
• Supports the transfer and nurturing of Indigenous Knowledge.

The Habitat Conservation and Protection Program works with many key partners in protecting and conserving nature, including provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, industry, environmental and other non-profit groups, and private landowners and land trusts. In 2023-24, Indigenous leadership in conservation was an important theme of the Program. Indigenous-led Area Based Conservation provided funding for Indigenous-led projects that will contribute to Canada’s area-based conservation targets. Additionally, in December 2022 the new First Nations Guardians Network was launched, representing a significant step in reconciliation. Indigenous Guardians are the “eyes and ears on the ground” in Indigenous territories, and a unique example of reconciliation in action. They monitor ecological health, maintain cultural sites, and protect sensitive areas and species. Since 2018, over 170 Guardians initiatives have been supported by HCP Programming, which has contributed to the development of capacity and employment in Indigenous communities across the country.   

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: The GBA Plus data collection and reporting plan was developed as part of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund Treasury Board Submission. ECCC will contribute to this plan as a supporting partner and lead on the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) stream, including the Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions (ILNCS) sub-stream. NSCSF requires large and medium-sized organizations funded by NSCSF to report on the development of Diversity and Inclusion Plans that support the inclusion of underrepresented groups in NSCSF 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 NSCSF to support GBA Plus. This new requirement and the new indicator will provide information for the program to better understand diversity and inclusion outcomes. Additionally, GBA Plus assessments were conducted on the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative in 2021. Findings and activities through this assessment will be implemented within the Enhanced Nature Legacy work through both the Habitat Conservation and Protection and Species at Risk Programs.

Program name: Migratory Birds and Other Wildlife

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: Benefitting groups may not always experience all benefits from the MBOW program over the short and medium-term as conservation and management of migratory birds and other species and the associated co-benefits of functioning and resilient ecosystem services (clean air, water, soil restoration) can take decades to be experienced fully. However, over the short and medium-term, rural communities and Indigenous communities will likely experience benefits through MBOW conservation and management in their immediate area which sets a path towards long-term benefits associated with preserving nature. MBOW Program Performance Information Profile reflects not only the ability of the Program to conserve and manage migratory birds and other wildlife, but also how the Program might impact, either directly or indirectly, different demographic groups whose land-use, reliance on local natural resources, relationship to the land, and vulnerability to conservation measures may differ according to a combination of socio-economic factors. Demographic groups may include private landowners, industry (tourism, natural resources, etc.), other levels of government, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and cultural minorities.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available (N/A)

Key program impact statistics:

Other key program impacts: 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 MBOW Program reflect not only the ability to conserve and manage migratory birds and other wildlife, but also to examine to some extent how the Program might affect directly or indirectly different demographics.

Supplementary information sources: N/A.

GBA Plus data collection plan: Statistics Canada continues to be the main source for data pertaining to the initial assessment. Branch and Department human resources and economic information is the source for data to support an ongoing analysis. Further, the Program collects data to enable it to monitor and report program impacts by gender and diversity.

Program name: Species at Risk

Program goals: The Species at Risk (SAR) Program aims to prevent wildlife species from extirpation or extinction. SAR also provides for the recovery of extirpated, endangered, or threatened wildlife species, and manages species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened.

Target population: All Canadians – GBA Plus assessments were conducted on the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative in 2021 and Budget 2023 proposal. The assessments concluded that Canadians of all genders broadly benefit from nature conservation, and that Canadians broadly support nature conservation.

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: Gender Balanced; Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Metis); Rural or remote populations; and Workers

Benefitting groups may not always experience all benefits from the SAR program over the short and medium-term as recovery and restoration of critical habitat and the associated co-benefits of functioning and resilient ecosystem services (clean air, water, soil restoration) can take decades to be experienced fully. However, over the short and medium-term, rural communities and Indigenous communities will likely experience benefits through SAR protection and recovery in their immediate area which sets a path towards long-term benefits associated with preserving nature. SAR Program Performance Information Profile reflects not only the ability of the Program to conserve and manage migratory birds and other wildlife, but also how the Program might impact, either directly or indirectly, different demographic groups whose land-use, reliance on local natural resources, and relationship to the land may differ according to a combination of socio-economic factors. Demographic groups may include private landowners, industry (tourism, natural resources, etc.), other levels of government, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and cultural minorities.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available (N/A)

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: 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 SAR Program reflect not only the ability to protect species at risk, but also examine to some extent how the Program might affect directly or indirectly on different demographics. For example, one indicator measures how recovery actions for Species at Risk are being implemented by partners, and other measures specifically the Indigenous partners receiving project funding to support Species at Risk protection. ECCC will continue to consider ways that the SAR Program affects private landowners, industry, and other levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous Peoples, and how it may also affect other groups. A GBA Plus was undertaken as part of the Enhanced Nature Legacy Memorandum to Cabinet and Treasury Board submission, as well as the Budget 2023 Proposal for Funding to Continue to Protect, Monitor and recover SAR.

In 2023-24, the Program had direct effects on Indigenous Peoples; given that Indigenous reserves and lands often provide important refuge for species at risk. Indigenous Peoples living in Canada are also the holders of Indigenous Knowledge essential to achieving the protection and recovery goals for many species. Additionally, the Program consults with First Nations, Inuit and Metis to ascertain impacts to Aboriginal and treaty rights. ECCC administers a survey collecting the percentage of Indigenous Peoples engaged with ECCC [in conservation] who indicate that the engagement was meaningful. This allows assessment of ECCC’s engagement efforts with Indigenous Peoples, including those involved with Canada’s Nature Fund and implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). This indicator is however not specific to SARA program activities, rather it is an important Departmental Results Indicator for ECCC.

Supplementary information sources

• Nearly Nine in 10 Canadians (89%) Consider Preventing the Extinction of Wild Plants and Animals Important
• Three in Five (62%) Canadians Say the Federal Government is Doing Too Little to Protect Species at Risk

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Statistics Canada continues to be the main source for data pertaining to the initial assessment. Departmental human resources and economic information is the source for data to support an ongoing analysis. Further, the Program collects data to enable it to monitor and report program impacts by gender and diversity, as outlined below:

ECCC Canada Nature Fund contribution agreements under the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative will require large and medium-sized recipients of grants and contributions funding to have Diversity and Inclusion Plans. The requirement may be voluntary for small organizations as they may find the requirement for a Diversity and Inclusion Plan overly burdensome. Indigenous organizations and communities may also be excluded from this requirement. The grants and contributions (G&C) programs will collect data on GBA Plus considerations to assess the effectiveness of Diversity and Inclusion Plans and improve understanding of worker diversity and the associated workforce where possible. Specifically, this would require collection and reporting of information by medium and large-sized organization funding recipients on the number of under-represented groups, such as women, immigrants, people with disabilities, and visible minorities, in the workforce supported by G&C funding as well as a breakdown of jobs created in urban and rural or remote areas. Contribution agreements will also require reporting of whether funding recipients have: 1) provided training targeting to under-represented groups for career development; and 2) been involved in activities to promote workforce diversity. Funding departments will also collect information on the number of Indigenous-led projects through G&C funding to support GBA Plus. Departments will only collect aggregate information and anticipate no privacy issues. For the Community Support Trust component of the Southern Mountain Caribou Partnership Agreement initiative, funding recipients will be requested to include disaggregated data in their reports to the Department. Regional employment and labour force data collected through Statistics Canada’s Census Program are expected to indirectly reflect the impacts of this initiative. For the remainder of the Southern Mountain Caribou initiative, results, including those with a GBA Plus component, will be evaluated in the context of the broader Habitat Conservation and Protection Program and the Species at Risk Program.

Core Responsibility: Predicting Weather and Environment Conditions

Program name: Hydrological Services

Program goals: ECCC’s National Hydrological Services provide water level, flow data, information, and supports interjurisdictional water management through domestic and international transboundary water boards. ECCC continues to work with and identify clients to ensure that the hydrometric network supports water resource management in areas likely to be affected by climate change.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: Specific partners and stakeholders across various sectors of Canada’s economy that are known users of hydrometric data and information include: provincial, territorial, and local governments, other federal departments, Indigenous communities, land, and resource clients (hydroelectric, forestry, mining, agriculture, oil, and gas), transportation clients (navigation, road, and rail), insurance companies, recreationists, tourism and the scientific community. These groups benefit from the hydrometric data to develop supplementary data or information products, to support statutory and regulatory requirements and to inform decision-making regarding water resource allocation, as well as community and individual health and safety, including in areas likely to be affected by climate change, such as Northern, Indigenous and remote communities.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available (N/A)

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: Extreme weather events and natural disasters in Canada, including water-related disasters such as floods and droughts, have significant impacts on Canadians’ health, safety, property, finances, and social well-being. Vulnerable Canadians are more likely to be impacted by natural disasters and may experience disproportionate physical and mental health impacts associated with extreme weather.

Hydrometric data and information are essential for provincial and territorial flood forecasting agencies and emergency management organizations who are responsible for preparing and responding to floods to save lives and protect infrastructure and properties. Organizations can use hydrometric data, in combination with socio-economic data, to identify potential impacts of water hazards on disproportionately impacted groups and to implement mitigation measures. For example, in the case of flooding, hydrometric data can provide the foundation for the development of 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 that prioritize actions to target the most at-risk groups. Analysis was conducted by ECCC’s National Hydrological Service to identify key user groups and assess monitoring gaps of the hydrometric network design for climate change, natural resource economy, cryosphere, Indigenous communities, and community resilience.

Supplementary information sources:

• Hydrology of Canada - Canada.ca
• Real-Time Hydrometric Data - Water Level and Flow - Environment Canada (ec.gc.ca)

GBA Plus data collection plan: N/A

Program name: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings

Program goals: Monitor weather, water, air quality and climate conditions; provide forecasts, information and warnings to Canadians and targeted sectors; conduct research; develop and maintain computer-based prediction models; and collaborate and exchange data with international partners. ECCC has adopted strategies to improve risk communication to all Canadians to support weather resilience.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: Some groups may encounter difficulty accessing ECCC’s information directly, or through its dissemination channels and services, including:

• Newcomers or immigrants who may be unaware of ECCC’s existing services or how to access them, especially those who do not communicate in French or English.
• Seniors who may have difficulty accessing ECCC’s information and services that are disseminated through modern platform (e.g. via digital services); and
• Persons with disabilities or health issues such as blindness, deafness, or other conditions, may face a physical barrier in accessing ECCC’s information and services.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available (N/A)

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: Canadians depend on weather forecasts, warnings, and expert advice to safely plan their daily activities. For example, people in remote areas rely on weather services to plan transportation. This is particularly important for isolated areas in the North with significant infrastructure gaps such as no permanent “all-weather” roads and where alternative methods of transportation are used including seasonal winter roads on top of ice covers and air travel for transportation of essential goods. These alternative methods are enabled by weather and environmental services particularly during fall and spring when there is less certainty in ground conditions and an increasing risk of accidents. Weather and sea-ice climate information contributes 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 quantity, climate, marine, ice and air quality. Weather warnings provide information that can assist disproportionately impacted Canadians (e.g. elderly, children, those with chronic illnesses, those experiencing homelessness) or their caretakers or first responders in making informed decisions when confronted with extreme weather scenarios such as extreme heat or extreme cold that may pose increased risks.

Recognizing the different needs of Canadians, ECCC provides weather and environmental information through a wide range of platforms including the weather.gc.ca website, the WeatherCAN mobile application, WeatherRadio, webinars, data offerings, tailored weather products focusing on potential impacts of weather situations, and stakeholder engagements. ECCC also improved the accessibility and documentation of its weather and environmental datasets and products through the ECCC DataMart and GeoMet. ECCC reaches Canadians by using a variety of dissemination channels and implementing regular improvements to provide vital information about weather and environmental conditions and to communicate risks of impending hazardous weather.

Supplementary information sources:

• Canada: Quarterly bulletins: climate impacts and outlook
• US: Quarterly Climate Impacts & Outlook for Alaska & Northwestern Canada - March 2024
• MSC Datamart
• MSC GeoMet
• WMO Strengthens Gender Action Plan

GBA Plus data collection plan: Not available.

Internal Services

Program goals: ECCC manages resources and services to support programs and corporate obligations as well as human resources which promotes an equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. This effort enhances policy making by building GBA Plus capacity, resulting in a more representative public service that retains diverse talent and reduces systemic barriers.

Target population: ECCC’s employees and all Canadians

Distribution of benefits:

Specific demographic group outcomes: Not applicable (N/A)

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics:

Other key program impacts:

Digital Talent (Women in Digital):

To harness digital skills to progress the Government of Canada Digital Ambition, and as part of our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, ECCC collaborated with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Transport Canada (TC) to launch the first engagement phase dedicated to “Women in Digital”. This strategic partnership aims to bridge the gender gap in the digital sector while fostering innovation. By facilitating this initiative, ECCC continues to reinforce its position as a leading advocate for inclusivity and an equitable workforce.

Information Management and Information Technology:

Diversity and inclusion remain a critical departmental and government-wide priority and, in support of greater inclusion that is representative of the overall Canadian population, the Department adopted digital profile display name protocol that includes preferred pronouns on various digital platforms such as EnviroTel, MS Teams and Outlook, to build a culture of inclusiveness. Work continues within ECCC on the implementation of chosen or preferred name processes/ protocols to further support employees in their preferred reflection of identity. Additionally, to make services more widely available, ECCC performs both manual and automated accessibility testing on its applications to ensure compliance with the standards of the Web Content Accessibility Guideline.

Human Resources:

Diversity, Inclusion, and Employment Equity (DIEE) remained a critical departmental and government-wide priority. ECCC sought for greater inclusion and to be representative of the overall Canadian population. The Department continued to contribute to a leadership culture promoting and building a healthy, harassment-free, accessible, respectful, and supportive work environment, while using tools and resources to support the mainstreaming of GBA Plus in all ECCC activities and to build a culture of inclusiveness. The department launched in June 2021, a renewed Diversity, Inclusion and Employment Equity Strategy for 2021-24 and continued with its 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. Departmental and Branch-level gaps were published on a quarterly basis. Branch heads receive their gap reports and were asked to take action via their human resources planning process. The departmental diversity and inclusion fund remained in place and supported several network and departmental DIEE-related initiatives and regular communication and awareness of DIEE activities and events took place throughout the fiscal year. Moreover, ECCC’s Youth Engagement Framework has been updated for 2024-27, and one of its guiding principles is to ensure youth employees at ECCC have access to effective onboarding, networking, mentoring, coaching, training, and leadership opportunities as well as exposure to senior-level decision-making.

To become an inclusive workplace requires both the collective and personal responsibilities of each employee and manager. We met our goal through everyone’s commitment to continuous learning, open conversations, supportive processes, and communication. As a department, we embarked on a transformational journey by adopting a “Culture of Care” model. A culture that is based on the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and respectfulness to support the creation and implementation of a barrier-free workplace. It is through the adoption of a culture of care that everyone can develop the empathy and compassion to analyze their work through different lenses, including the lens of persons with disabilities, and make a positive difference. ECCC’s Accessibility Secretariat supports the Disability and Accessibility Champions in the development and implementation of the Accessibility Strategy. It also supports the work of the departmental Accessibility Advisory Committee and plays a significant role in the development of the departmental Accessibility plan. The Accessibility Advisory Committee guides and supports the development and implementation of the ministry’s Accessibility Strategy. It is also intended as an advisory forum for Branches and regions to prioritize initiatives that support ECCC compliance.

Inclusive job posters:

Recognizing the significance of a diverse and skilled workforce, ECCC took proactive measures to enhance our recruitment approach. We successfully developed inclusive job posters tailored to attract a wide spectrum of talent, particularly individuals with digital expertise. By employing inclusive language, these job posters promote an environment that welcomes and values individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring our workforce reflects the rich range of Canadian culture. Through this, ECCC aims to bolster the integration of digital skills within our organization, furthering our capacity to address environmental challenges using innovative.

Workplace adaptation:

ECCC is currently nearing completion of additional modernized spaces and accessibility is a key part of these projects. Key partners such as the Employee Accessibility Network have been consulted to provide project teams with guidance, insight, and knowledge on the various types of disabilities and how we can adapt our workplaces accordingly. Real Property Management Division (RPMD) organized a two-day accessibility workshop in collaboration with the Accessibility Secretariat and the Employee Accessibility Network (EAN). The main goal was to enhance communication between the three groups, provide tools and guidance to RPMD management, shift perspectives, and enhance awareness regarding accessibility. This workshop highlighted the importance of communication and resulted in an implication of RPMD in the EAN quarterly meeting and a presence in the Accessibility Secretariat team channel to promptly address emerging accessibility issues and ensure active engagement. Implementation of touchless door buttons, touchless water, and soap dispensers across some locations is now completed and ongoing across Canada. There are also considerations for gender neutral bathrooms as part of new projects and one implementation as part of the Winnipeg project.

Evaluation:

As part of its commitment to integrate GBA Plus, the Audit and Evaluation Branch at ECCC undertook a project to improve the integration of GBA Plus in the delivery of the evaluation activities. Current practices in place, such as the inclusion of GBA Plus in the scoping of each evaluation, led to the identification of opportunities for improvement in applying GBA Plus in the evaluation of the Saint Lawrence Action Plan, which was completed in 2023-24. The Evaluation Division is in the early stage of the project and works on identifying successes of current practices and gaps to inform the next steps of the project.

Procurement:

In its role as an enabler in the delivery of services by program Branches, ECCC continued to integrate GBA Plus considerations in procurement practices with the intent to make procurement inclusive by design and accessible by default. In line with this, accessibility considerations must now be integrated into procurement processes for goods, services, and construction. A pilot was conducted by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on the integration of social procurement and supplier diversification considerations   in procurement processes. Once the pilot is completed, best practices will subsequently be shared with other government departments. As part of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Social Procurement, ECCC will continue to follow progress on this front. When methodologies are clearly established by central agency leads, the goal of ECCC and other client departments following progress on the pilot will be to integrate the new methodologies and lessons learned to increase GBA Plus representation in ECCC procurement practices.

Supplementary information sources: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan:

Human Resources collects various demographic information on employees that are sensitive and protected. Some notable actions being taken to develop data collection include:

• Consultations with all diversity, inclusion and employment equity networks was 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 was used for statistical purposes, in compiling workforce representation figures for the Department and to report to Parliament on employment equity in the Public Service; and
• Preparation for modernized self-identification form through Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Various barriers were linked to data collection such as the protection by the Code of Confidentiality and access to technology

Workplace adaptation:

Following the Accessibility Plan ECCC published on December 30^th, 2022, in accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, the Real Property Management Division technical services completed seven accessibility audits at ECCC owned buildings in 2023-24 as prescribed by the Canadian Standards Association, Standard on Accessible Design for the Built Environment. The outcomes of the audits were to assess and determine possible actions to improve accessibility to specific ECCC-owned buildings, identify and describe obstacles for persons with mobility or sensorial deficiencies, recommend solutions aiming to eliminate or reduce these obstacles and ultimately remove and ultimately prevent barriers to realize barrier-free ECCC-owned buildings by 2040. With several investments planned over the next decade, the results of these audits will be used to ensure that upgrades and renovations take into consideration all aspects of accessibility to realize a barrier-free workplace.