Environment and Climate Change Canada's 2024-25 Departmental Results Report

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Progress on results
• Details on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

ECCC, along with other federal departments, took action in 2024-25 to advance the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) to achieve Canada’s emissions reduction target of 40 percent to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. In December 2024, the Department provided a measure-by-measure update on the implementation of the ERP and other climate initiatives in Canada’s First Biennial Transparency Report in accordance with the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. The Department also supported efforts to mobilize Canada towards a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 and helped position Canada as a leading competitor in the global transition to cleaner industries and technologies.

In addition to providing general coordination and oversight of ERP, the Department developed regulatory measures to reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles; finalized the Clean Electricity Regulations that will set limits on carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel electricity generation; and published a draft cap on oil and gas sector emissions. As required under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, the Department provided provinces, Indigenous Peoples, the Net-Zero Advisory Body, and interested persons the opportunity to provide submissions on plans to achieve net-zero objectives.

The Department supported climate action across Canada by helping provinces and territories to reduce carbon pollution through projects aimed at developing a low carbon economy. To support climate action across the country, ECCC continued to implement the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF), providing funding to reduce carbon pollution. The Department continued to work with provinces and territories to help them deliver on their commitments to reduce carbon pollution and contribute to meeting Canada’s 2030 climate target to reduce emissions by 40 to 45 percent relative to 2005 levels. Since 2017, the LCEF has committed $2.1 billion towards more than 370 projects from coast-to-coast-to-coast, and these completed and ongoing projects are expected to achieve approximately 108 megatonnes of GHG emissions reductions by 2050. Additionally, the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan included an announcement for the Indigenous Leadership Fund and Implementation Readiness Fund program streams under LCEF.

In 2024-25, ECCC continued to help ensure that the requirements of the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act were met. In December 2024, ECCC supported the Minister in fulfilling the requirements of the Act by setting a national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target for 2035. Under the Act, the Government of Canada must establish five-year national emissions reduction targets, 10 years in advance, on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050. Canada’s 2035 target of reducing GHG emissions by 45-50 percent below 2005 levels reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to tackling the global climate crisis and will shape our next decade of climate action, aligning environmental progress with economic growth. The 2035 target was informed by the best available science, Canada’s international climate commitments, Indigenous Knowledge, and advice from the Net-Zero Advisory Body. The target was also informed by engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, industry stakeholders, and interested Canadians.

The Net-Zero Advisory Body submitted its second annual report to the Minister in December 2024. The report provides independent, expert advice on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, recommends additional measures to help Canada meet its 2030 emissions reduction target, and provides advice on Canada’s 2035 emissions reduction target. As required by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, ECCC supported the Minister in meeting the requirements of the Act by publishing the Net-Zero Advisory Body’s second annual report in January 2025 and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change's official response in March 2025.

In 2024-25, ECCC took significant steps to finalize regulations to fight climate change and improve air quality towards achieving Canada’s GHG emission reduction target of 40 percent to 45 percent below 2005 emission levels by 2030. This included initiatives such as:

• working with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders to design and finalize the Clean Electricity Regulations;
• developing an approach to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by at least 75 percent below 2012 levels by 2030;
• developing and publishing a proposed approach to cap oil and gas sector emissions; and
• publishing draft regulations aimed at reducing landfill methane emissions by 50 percent relative to 2019 levels by 2030.

The Department published the final Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) in December 2024. The CER is an integral part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to meet growing electricity demand with affordable, reliable and clean electricity and to set the country on a path to net-zero by 2050. The Clean Electricity Regulations are part of a broader federal clean electricity strategy, called Powering Canada's Future, which combines historic investments and fair policies to ensure that building more clean, reliable electricity to meet demand is affordable for ratepayers.

The Department also made progress implementing Faster and Further: Canada’s Methane Strategy to reduce methane emissions across the economy. The Strategy is consistent with the Global Methane Pledge, which unites 159 participating countries and the European Commission, and calls for a reduction in global methane emissions of 30 percent across all economic sectors and is considered one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change. Canada’s plan is expected to result in a reduction of methane emissions of at least 35 percent below 2020 levels by 2030. Towards achieving this goal, the Department published draft regulations aimed at reducing landfill methane emissions by 50 percent by 2030. It also made progress towards finalizing an enhanced GHG methane regulation for the oil and gas sector to help meet Canada’s target to reduce oil and gas methane emissions by 75 percent below 2012 levels by 2030.

In 2024-25, ECCC invested more than $239,450 in the second year of funding through the Emerging Approaches for Reducing Landfill Methane Emissions Fund. This funding supported four pilot-scale projects testing innovative monitoring and automation systems to reduce methane emissions at Canadian landfills:

• Comcor Environmental Limited, in Cambridge, Ontario, received $1,950 to finalize work to identify methane surface emissions and compare field method approaches and detectors at three Canadian landfills.
• Carbonaxion Bioénergies Inc., in Québec, received $100,000 to complete work to demonstrate and validate advanced technologies for monitoring landfill gas recovery systems.
• The University of Western Ontario received $97,500 to complete studies to monitor methane emissions from the City of London’s W12A Landfill using several emerging technologies; and
• The City of Vancouver received $40,000 to evaluate and compare the use of several technologies for monitoring landfill methane emissions.

The Department continued to implement Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. The system gives municipalities, foresters, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, and others a market-based incentive to undertake innovative projects that reduce GHGs, either by preventing GHG emissions or removing GHGs from the atmosphere. Registered participants carry out projects following a federal offset protocol that sets out a consistent approach for implementing given project types, including how to quantify GHG emissions reductions or removals for specific types of projects. These projects can generate one tradeable offset credit for every tonne of emissions reduced or removed from the atmosphere. Once a credit is earned, it can be sold to others to help them meet their compliance obligations under the federal carbon pollution pricing system, the Clean Electricity Regulations, or other voluntary emission reduction goals.

ECCC worked with the Department of Finance, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Natural Resources Canada to develop a plan to deliver Made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines and to mandate climate-related financial disclosures for large federally incorporated private companies. These sustainable finance initiatives seek to mobilize further private sector capital towards activities essential to building a net-zero economy. In addition, ECCC continued to support the Department of Finance in administering Canada’s Green Bond program, which issued $4 billion in 2024-25.

ECCC provided ongoing support to the Department of Finance to implement Clean Economy investment tax credits, including decision-making on provincial and territorial eligibility for the Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Investment Tax Credit. These credits support green innovation in the private sector, grow the economy, and create or secure thousands of good middle-class jobs. They also help stimulate Canada’s transition to net-zero by mobilizing additional investments in clean growth projects such as clean electricity, hydrogen, clean technology manufacturing, electric vehicles, and batteries. ECCC also continued to work with the Department of Finance to implement the phase out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, in line with the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, released in July 2023.

The Department launched the new Cabinet Directive on Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment (SEEA) on April 1, 2024, to replace the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, which had not been updated since 2010. Through the application of a Climate, Nature, and Economy Lens (CNEL) across government, the SEEA modernizes environmental and economic analysis in the development of policies, programs, and regulations intended for Cabinet or funding consideration. Development of the SEEA and the CNEL was informed by the Integrated Climate Lens pilot which came to an end with the launch of the new directive.

In 2024-25, ECCC maintained and further developed the Government of Canada’s publicly available Fuel Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Model to support multiple Government initiatives. The Fuel LCA Model is a tool to calculate the life cycle carbon intensity (CI) of fuels and energy sources used and produced in Canada. The CI of a fuel is a measure of the GHG emissions from the extraction, refining, distribution, and use of the fuel, expressed per unit of energy produced, which is in megajoules (MJ). For example, under the Clean Fuel Regulations, the carbon intensity reduction requirement started at 3.5 gCO2e/MJ in 2023 and increases by 1.5 gCO2e/MJ each year, reaching 14 gCO2e/MJ in 2030. To achieve this, fuel producers will need to provide innovative solutions. The Fuel LCA Model is designed to:

• provide transparent and traceable CI calculations;
• account for Canadian and worldwide data, where appropriate, to accurately reflect Canada’s fuel production profile and pathways;
• follow robust guidelines outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), particularly standards 14040 and 14044 dealing with life cycle environmental assessment and management principles and frameworks; and
• inform and support the development of several Government of Canada GHG policies and programs.

In 2024-25, ECCC continued to implement the federal performance-based carbon pricing system for industrial facilities, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS). The OBPS is designed to ensure there is a price incentive for industrial emitters to reduce their GHG emissions and invest in decarbonization while maintaining competitiveness. The federal OBPS applies in Manitoba, PEI, Yukon and Nunavut, while all other provinces and territories implement their own industrial pricing systems. ECCC made consequential amendments to the OBPS regulations in response to the government’s decision to set fuel charge rates to $0 in March 2025. ECCC supported these goals by:

• continuing to administer the federal OBPS for industrial emitters; and
• submitting ECCC’s annual report to Parliament on the administration of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

In 2024-25, ECCC continued to return proceeds from the federal carbon pollution pricing system to jurisdictions of origin through federal programming. Participating provincial and territorial governments that have committed to addressing climate change by voluntarily adopting the federal industrial carbon pricing system receive these proceeds directly from the Government of Canada. In the remaining jurisdictions where the federal price on carbon pollution was in effect in 2024-25, the Government of Canada returned the proceeds through several mechanisms. Most fuel charge proceeds went directly to Canadian households through quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate payments delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

In March 2025, The Government of Canada made regulations that ceased the application of the federal fuel charge, effective April 1, 2025, and removed requirements for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price as of that date. These actions refocus federal carbon pollution pricing on industrial emissions.

In 2024-25, ECCC launched implementation of the Fuel Charge Proceeds Fund for Indigenous Governments (FCPFIG) to return a portion of federal fuel charge proceeds to Indigenous governments in the eight jurisdictions where federal fuel charge programming was in effect. The FCPFIG was established to return $531.49 million in fuel charge proceeds collected over the 2020-21 to 2024-25 period. There are 347 Indigenous governments that are eligible to receive FCPFIG funding through grant agreements. ECCC will continue to work with eligible FCPFIG recipients to return those fuel charge proceeds specified by the Minister of Finance for the 2020-21 to 2024-25 period. The Department also continued managing the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) Proceeds Fund, which facilitates the return of proceeds to provinces where the federal OBPS has been applied, in support of industrial decarbonization and clean electricity projects.

ECCC continued its commitment to improve access to authoritative, foundational climate science and information through the modernization of its digital services. This modernization further enabled the work of ECCC scientists to inform and support clean growth and climate change program priorities. ECCC worked with partners to gather the best available science and provide the most recent information on GHG emissions and air pollutants. This information was published by ECCC in the following annual inventories and reports:

• National Inventory Report: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada
• Overview of Reported Emissions: Facility Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
• Canada’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory
• Canada’s Black Carbon Emissions Inventory

ECCC engaged Canadians to promote a better understanding of the impacts of climate change. In 2024-25, ECCC continued to use the latest behavioural research to inform a multi-pronged approach to reach Canadians. This included targeted advertising and social marketing campaigns, the delivery of over $14.4 million to support environmental literacy projects under the Climate Action and Awareness Fund, and the development of a National Strategy on Environmental Learning, in consultation with provincial and territorial governments and environmental non-government organizations. These initiatives connected Canadians to experts and a network of partners in climate change literacy and philanthropy, mobilizing existing knowledge and expertise in environmental education.

The Department continued to administer the Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF). This is a funding initiative that is investing up to $206 million over five years to support Canadian projects that help to reduce Canada’s GHG emissions and build a sustainable net-zero emissions economy by 2050. CAAF was created with contributions from the Climate Action Fund, as well as a significant investment from the Environmental Damages Fund. In 2024-25, ECCC applied over $34 million from this fund to support 87environmental projects under three priorities: youth climate awareness and community-based climate action; climate science and technology; and climate research at Canadian think tank organizations and in academia. Since its creation and as of March 31, 2025, $183 million has been allocated to 147 projects across Canada.

ECCC encouraged businesses to voluntarily commit to developing credible and effective plans to transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 through the Net-Zero Challenge. The Net-Zero Challenge is a national initiative launched in 2022 for businesses and organizations operating in Canada. Net-Zero Challenge participants benefit from technical guidance, best practices, a community of peers and the opportunity to highlight their commitment to planning for net-zero emission reductions. ECCC also continued to support the work of Transport Canada in rolling out a $547.5 million, four-year purchase incentive program for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles to help businesses upgrade their fleets. This incentive complemented other programs supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

ECCC continued to provide Canadians with authoritative climate data and information through the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS). The CCCS works with partners and stakeholders to help Canadians increase their resilience to climate change through the provision of information, training, guidance, and resources to support climate-smart decisions. The Department continued to support the national network of regional climate service organizations to increase the capacity of regional climate services. The CCCS collaborated with partners to develop climate information products and tools to help Canadians use climate information. Expert support was also provided to respond to individual enquiries sent through the National Inquiries Response Team, the Prediction and Applied Climatology Services, and the Climate Services Support Desk. Demand for CCCS’ products and services continues to grow, with 295,068 individuals, businesses, and governments accessing climate services in 2024-25, the highest number since its establishment and an increase over the record set in 2023-24 (252,340).

The CCCS also produced a report to inform the development of a Climate Risk Data Strategy. This report and strategy aim to create an enabling environment for the implementation of climate change-related risk assessments for infrastructure, financial disclosures, and for the development of net-zero plans for federally regulated institutions, including financial institutions, pension funds and government agencies. Physical and transition risk assessments underpin these commitments and require climate data. To develop this strategy, the CCCS created a Climate Risk Data Strategy Secretariat that engaged with over 50 organizations and teams, analyzed over 100 documents, and reviewed four federal climate data inventories containing hundreds of datasets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Department is investing $70.28 million over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28) on improving and disseminating climate science and information. This work includes the delivery of a new Canada-wide climate science assessment, which provides authoritative knowledge and data about climate change in Canada to inform future adaptation approaches.

The Department continued to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and received region-specific climate strategies and recommendations from partners on how to support Indigenous-led, self-determined approaches to climate action. Indigenous Peoples have long histories of adapting to and stewarding the environment. They are also leaders in climate action—at local, regional, national and international levels. They are advancing responses to climate change in ways that reflect their Indigenous Knowledge systems, legal systems, governance, values, worldviews and nationhoods. Recognizing that Indigenous Knowledge systems and ways of doing must be cornerstones of Canadian climate policy, Canada has committed to implementing a model of partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a low carbon economy in ways that support self-determination and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supports the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in national climate policy. Key initiatives advanced in 2024-25 include engaging with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to advance a distinctions-based Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda; implementing the National Adaptation Strategy; and advancing Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects under LCEF’s Indigenous Leadership Fund.

ECCC and other federal departments and agencies continued to work under the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) through the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan (GOCAAP). The NAS and GOCAAP build on a strong foundation of action already in motion across the country. The NAS lays out goals, objectives, and targets to reduce the risks associated with climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support a strong economy and workers. The GOCAAP complements the adaptation efforts of provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples. It includes over 70 federal actions to advance NAS priority areas, including $2.1 billion in recent investments.

In 2024-25, the Department continued supporting the $530 million expansion of the Green Municipal Fund, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. This investment supports community-based adaptation initiatives and represents one of the largest investments in building liveable and climate-resilient communities in Canadian history. Through collaboration with local governments, the Green Municipal Fund supports adaptation planning, capacity building, implementation of resilience measures, and financing initiatives to help municipalities and their partners build long-term, resilient communities. It is a key initiative under Canada’s NAS.

ECCC continued to lead Canada’s engagement on climate change and the environment in various multilateral fora. This included ongoing work with the G7 and G20, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and others, to help advance the implementation of the Paris Agreement. In February 2025, the Government of Canada formally submitted its 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution of 45-50 percent below 2005 levels to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), representing a progression from its 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution and fulfilling its obligations under the Paris Agreement.

Canada attended the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2024, with ECCC leading Canada's engagement. At COP29, Canada played a key role in climate finance negotiations which resulted in almost 200 countries agreeing to the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance. This agreement will contribute to supporting climate action in developing countries by increasing contributor countries’ public funding from US$100 billion to US$300 billion each year by 2035.

ECCC’s international work also includes engaging Indigenous Peoples in developing international climate policy and promoting gender equality and the role of women in climate action around the world. For example, at COP29, Canada supported a new work plan for country governments and Indigenous Peoples to work together towards climate solutions and successfully negotiated a ten-year extension to a program that promotes the importance and benefits of involving women in climate action. Canada also sits on the board of the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, where it advocates for simple and rapid access to funding for small island developing states, least developed countries, and frontline communities, including Indigenous Peoples.

In 2024-25, the Department continued to work with its G7 and G20 partners to support ambitious outcomes on climate and the environment under Italy’s G7 presidency and Brazil’s G20 presidency, helping set the groundwork for Canada’s G7 presidency in 2025. After Canada assumed the G7 Presidency in January 2025, the Department engaged G7 climate and environment counterparts and international and domestic partners and stakeholders to help inform policy priorities and advance technical work under the environment track.

ECCC continued to support the adaptation and mitigation efforts of developing countries in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and the implementing partners. These efforts focus especially on small island states and least developed countries that are particularly vulnerable and at risk of climate-related emergencies. In 2024-25, ECCC and Global Affairs Canada continued to co-chair interdepartmental governance committees to ensure an effective whole-of-government approach to the implementation of Canada’s climate finance commitment. In addition, ECCC continued to lead on implementing—through bilateral and multilateral channels—more than $180 million in climate finance over five years (FY 2021-22 to 2025-26) to support climate action in developing countries. For example, the Department supported Pacific Alliance countries (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru) along with Ecuador and four West African countries (Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Togo) to strengthen their national climate measurement, reporting and verification systems.

In 2024-25, the Department also continued to advance international climate action—particularly related to adaptation—through involvement in targeted multilateral initiatives. This includes Canada’s participation in the international Champions Group on Adaptation Finance, through which Canada worked with other members to accelerate adaptation finance and improve its quality and accessibility, particularly for least developed countries and small island developing states. Canada also furthered its engagement on adaptation and promoted locally led adaptation through the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR). ECCC continued international partnerships, initiatives, and bilateral cooperation to advance clean growth and climate action in other ways, including by:

• continuing to co-lead the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) with the United Kingdom in support of the goals of the Paris Agreement;
• representing Canada as a member of the Breakthrough Agenda Oversight group and supporting the strategic direction, oversight, and overall coordination of Canada’s participation in the Breakthrough Agenda initiatives; and
• continuing its leadership in the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge, working with international partners to work to expand carbon pricing by strengthening existing systems and supporting emerging ones.

ECCC supported initiatives by Canada to promote clean growth and climate change interests through ambitious, comprehensive, and enforceable environmental provisions in its free trade agreements (FTAs). ECCC’s work in this area includes negotiating obligations to maintain robust environmental governance as trade and investment are liberalized, and commitments and international cooperation on a range of global environmental issues, including illegal wildlife trade, pollution reduction, climate change, and clean technology. These commitments continue to be implemented as part of Canada’s FTAs and other bilateral and regional cooperation instruments with key trading partners, including the United States, Mexico, Chile, the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and countries party to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In 2024-25, Canada was CPTPP Chair and led discussions reviewing the past 5 years of environmental cooperation. In 2024-25, ECCC supported the work of Global Affairs Canada in concluding trade negotiations with Indonesia and Ecuador and continuing negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Canada in 2023 pledged $450 million to the Green Climate Fund, established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This establishes a financial mechanism to assist developing countries to counter climate change through adaptation and mitigation practises. This is backed up by Canada’s commitments to end inefficient fossil fuel subsidies; support a global target to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030; increase the production of hydrogen and other clean energy sources; and continue working towards phasing out emissions from unabated coal power in developed countries by 2030, and in the rest of the world by 2040.

The Department continued to advance domestic and international work to reduce short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emissions in line with Canada’s Strategy on Short-lived Climate Pollutants. SLCPs such as black carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ground-level ozone, contribute to climate warming and can degrade air quality. In 2024-25, Canada continued to contribute to global efforts to reduce SLCP emissions through participation in international fora, such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Arctic Council, and the Global Methane Initiative. Canada leveraged its role as a Global Methane Pledge Champion to spur global efforts to reduce methane emissions from key sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, and waste.

In March 2025, ECCC announced that over $3 million from the Environmental Damages Fund will be contributing towards five active transportation projects in Quebec. These projects will help the community transition to green travel options through initiatives such as bike lending, bike shares, cargo bikes, training sessions, and awareness campaigns. The five projects, based in urban centres such as Montréal, Laval, and Québec, as well as regions across the province, are expected to:

• Prevent 2,852 tonnes of GHG pollution
• Mobilize 168 partners in support of active transportation options
• Conduct consultations and studies on active transportation solutions
• Engage over 69,000 members of the public as participants in active transportation projects

These projects complement the Government of Canada’s commitment to take action to increase active transportation across the country through the first National Active Transportation Strategy.

Departmental Result: Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change.

Engagement with Indigenous Peoples is an integral component of ECCC’s approach to addressing all its core responsibilities, including clean growth and climate change. Examples of the Department’s efforts to meaningfully engage Indigenous Peoples in addressing climate change challenges are interwoven in most of the preceding narrative, including:

• supporting the development of distinctions-based Indigenous Climate Leadership agendas to transform the federal government’s partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis on climate change;
• convening regular meetings of distinctions-based, region-specific climate strategies and recommendations through an extensive engagement process with First Nations, Inuit and Métis;
• supporting Indigenous-owned and -led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects through the Indigenous Leadership Fund under the Low Carbon Economy Fund;
• enabling Indigenous representation in international delegations and fora, such as the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UNFCCC and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; and
• building capacity and undertaking on-the-ground activities for ecological restoration, land management, and conservation though Indigenous-Led Natural Climate Solutions stream investments.

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. In 2024-25, ECCC continued to consider the impacts of its climate change policies, regulations, and programs to avoid, as much as possible, any further negative impacts on affected populations, including by conducting additional GBA Plus for each policy, regulatory and program initiative to maximize benefits for those most impacted by the negative effects of climate change.

In recognition of climate change’s widespread and often disproportionate effects on different segments of society, including its ability to exacerbate existing inequalities and compound risks among already impacted populations, ECCC continued its engagement with a diverse and inclusive set of partners to inform the implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy. The strategy includes a set of guiding principles to ensure adaptation investments and solutions in Canada are fair, inclusive, and equitable. ECCC also continued its ongoing engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners through senior-level bilateral tables to support self-determination and enable Indigenous-led climate solutions.

On the international front, GBA Plus considerations were included during the negotiation and implementation of free trade agreements and were integrated into bilateral and regional environmental cooperation activities with international partners. Canada also continued to implement the Gender Action Plan that was adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Gender Action Plan aims to increase women’s participation and leadership in climate action and to better integrate gender considerations in national climate plans and policies. As part of Canada’s current climate finance commitment, 80 percent of Canada’s climate finance also targets gender equality outcomes. ECCC worked with France to hold a symposium of Canadian and French experts, government officials, and civil society on integrating gender equality considerations into our environment and climate change work.

Environmental learning is increasingly recognized within Canada and internationally as a critical tool to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, as well for its significant role in the economic prosperity, improved health and resiliency of a society. Environmental learning aims to promote environmental literacy, which involves understanding environmental issues and acting on them. Since 2022, ECCC has been conducting research and engaging with partners and stakeholders on environmental learning. Partners and stakeholders have convened with ECCC to build a National Framework for Environmental Learning. It equips Canadians–children, youth and their educators in particular–with the knowledge, skills and agency needed to take meaningful action, navigate misinformation and disinformation, and be part of resilient communities.

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

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Progress on results
• Details on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

ECCC continued to lead the Government of Canada’s agenda to reduce plastic waste and pollution and transition to a circular plastics economy. The Department’s work on plastics is grounded in science and includes the development of standardized scientific methods to better detect, characterize and understand the effects of plastics pollution, including nano- and microplastics, on human health and the environment. ECCC launched the Federal Plastics Registry with the publication of an information-gathering notice, the development of a reporting platform that requires producers to report annually on plastics products available on the Canadian market, and the publication of guidance for organizations required to report. The Department continued to work with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to implement the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste and Action Plan.

Through the Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges, the Department supported innovative projects undertaken by small- and medium-sized Canadian enterprises addressing plastic waste and pollution. Projects spanned two areas: ‘reuse to replace’ single-use plastics, and the collection and/or sorting of plastic film and flexible packaging. Successful Phase 1 applicants received up to $150,000 in 2023-24 for the development of proofs of concept. Final reports were received for these projects in 2024-25. Two successful projects subsequently moved into Phase 2, receiving an additional $800,000 to develop a working prototype. These challenges support Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs and incentivize the development of affordable, novel and environmentally preferable technologies, helping to drive Canada’s leadership in cost-effective environmental technology.

The Department provided financial support to promote innovative efforts by Canadian industries, consumers, and governments to reduce the generation of waste and to optimize diversion, reuse, recovery, and responsible disposal of domestic and industrial wastes. Recipients included:

• The Redcliff Cypress Regional Waste Management Authority (Alberta), which continued its efforts to reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by diverting organic waste from a landfill supported by a compost treatment facility funded through a government investment of $1.4 million.
• PurEnergy Inc., in Havelock Township, Ontario, which used a government investment of $10 million to build a waste diversion facility that diverts organic waste from a landfill and processes it using anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and fertilizer.

ECCC continued to support Canadian leadership in addressing plastic waste and pollution internationally. Canada continued to work with other countries, partners and stakeholders to develop a new ambitious, effective international instrument on plastic pollution that addresses the full life cycle of plastics. This was done with the aim of ending plastic pollution and protecting the environment and human health from its adverse impacts. This includes being an active inaugural member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution and being a founder of the Host Country Alliance. In April 2024, the Department led the Government of Canada’s successful hosting of the fourth, and largest, session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4), welcoming over 3,000 participants from over 170 countries focusing on finalizing this formal agreement on plastic pollution. ECCC will continue to work with other countries, partners, and stakeholders to conclude negotiations of the instrument at the upcoming fifth session of the INC (INC-5.2) in Geneva in August 2025. ECCC also supports Canada’s advocacy for ambitious action on plastic pollution in international fora and initiatives, including the G7, G20, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and UNEA.

In 2024–25, ECCC advanced Canada’s Plastics Science Agenda (CaPSA) by investing in targeted research to address key knowledge gaps. Through the NSERC–ECCC Plastics Science and Innovation for a Cleaner and More Sustainable Future initiative and the SSHRC–ECCC Indigenous Science and the Impacts of Plastic Pollution initiative, the Department launched two new programs totalling $12 million over two years. These initiatives support interdisciplinary research aligned with CaPSA themes, including the detection of plastics in the environment, the assessment of impacts on wildlife and human health, the development of alternatives, and the socio-cultural dimensions of plastic pollution, particularly within Indigenous communities. In parallel, ECCC convened a national expert roundtable to assess progress since CaPSA’s publication, identifying emerging priorities and fostering collaboration among leading Canadian researchers. Findings from the roundtable will inform the 2025 Canadian Science Symposium on Plastics and contribute to the future renewal of CaPSA.

ECCC and Health Canada worked together to implement the modernized Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). One of the key components was the development of a draft implementation framework on the right to a healthy environment, for which public consultation began on February 8, 2025. Public input will also inform the development and implementation of the framework and provide context towards the development of a national strategy to assess, prevent, and address environmental racism and advance environmental justice.

ECCC and Health Canada also implemented other changes under the amended Act, such as:

• a new chemicals Plan of Priorities;
• a proposed Watch List Approach to support the shift to safer chemicals;
• a vertebrate Animal Testing Strategy to replace, reduce, or refine the use of vertebrate animals in toxicity testing; and
• efforts to promote the development and implementation of scientifically justified alternative testing methods.

ECCC continued to deliver Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in collaboration with Health Canada. As of March 31, 2025, the two departments had addressed 4,139 of 4,363 chemicals identified in 2006 as priorities, and the remaining priority chemicals will be addressed in the coming years as required. With new chemicals introduced to market every year, an additional 500 chemicals are recommended to be prioritized for assessment over the next 8 years. CMP research continued in 2024‑25 and 23 projects were undertaken to address issues of chemical fate, bioaccumulation, and the effects of CMP priority substances.

In 2024-25, ECCC and Health Canada published 20 risk management instruments (four proposed instruments and 16 final risk management instruments) for existing substances deemed harmful to human health and/or the environment. Since the launch of the CMP in 2006, risk management measures for toxic substances have more than doubled from an estimated 200 in 2006 to over 400 in 2025.

The Department continued to implement strategic performance measurement to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management actions on toxic substances in order to protect Canadians and their environment. Evaluations are conducted based on a rolling workplan, which identifies the performance measurement evaluations currently underway or to be initiated in coming years. In 2024-25, a performance measurement evaluation report of the ecological component for inorganic cadmium compounds was published and the rolling workplan of performance measurement priorities was updated.

In collaboration with Health Canada, ECCC published a science assessment on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” that are commonly found in everyday products. Adverse environmental and health effects have been observed for well-studied PFAS and they have been shown to pose a risk to the Canadian environment. New PFAS introduced to the Canadian marketplace continue to be assessed for potential risks to human health and the environment.  

The Department also published the Notice with respect to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which collects information on the manufacture, import and use in the manufacture of PFSAs for the calendar year 2023, as well as a proposed Order adding PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA, and a Risk Management Approach for PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers. The latter document outlines the proposed phased approach to risk management actions under consideration for the class PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers. The Department also led consultations on the addition of 163 PFAS substances to the National Pollutant Release Inventory and published a Notice putting in place requirements for collection of data from industry in 2026.

The Department continued to advance its work on the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 which would further restrict three groups of oil and water repellents and two flame retardants, as well as products containing them which are already subject to the current Regulations. This work would also introduce restrictions on two additional flame retardants as well as products containing these substances. The substances prohibited by these regulations are some of the most harmful. They were declared toxic to the environment and/or human health under CEPA, and are generally persistent and bioaccumulative.

In 2024-25, as an active party of international treaties related to chemicals management (Stockholm, Rotterdam, Basel and Minamata Conventions), ECCC contributed expertise, ensuring alignment with Canada’s regulatory framework. The department contributed to the development of a renewed strategic framework for the implementation of the Basel Convention for 2025-2031, prepared the international risk management evaluation for Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) and provided funding for a global study on the supply, production, trade, and use of mercury compounds under the Minamata Convention.

Under the auspices of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Canada participated in the creation of a new science-policy interface for the sound management of chemicals and waste. Canada was also an active participant in negotiations for the creation of the new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution, which was established in June 2025 to provide scientific advice on issues of global concern.

In 2024-25, as members of the OECD’s Working Party on Risk Management, ECCC and Health Canada continued to share information with other parties on risk management approaches, instruments, and lessons learned, and to support work related to the valuation of health and environmental end points for the risk management of chemicals.

Under Canada’s Whales Initiative, ECCC continued monitoring the habitats of certain endangered whales for contaminants and continued developing and using the Pollutants Affecting Whales and their Prey Inventory Tool to track how and where contaminants are released. In addition, ECCC continued to undertake enforcement activities under its relevant legislation and conduct engagement activities with stakeholders on contaminants affecting whales, including activities to enable the transition of knowledge to support recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales and St. Lawrence Estuary Belugas.

ECCC continued to lead the government's approach to federal contaminated sites, including through the administration of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) with renewed funding until 2030. ECCC also continued to collaborate with other departments in its role as Secretariat.

ECCC and the new Canada Water Agency (CWA) continued to advance efforts to ensure Canadians have access to clean water. The mandate of the CWA is to improve freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership, effective collaboration federally, and improved coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to proactively address national and regional transboundary water challenges and opportunities. Legislation to fully establish the CWA as a stand-alone entity received Royal Assent on June 20, 2024 and the Agency launched in October 2024.

In 2024-25, the CWA made progress on several key initiatives. In terms of national-scale freshwater policy and engagement, the Agency sought input from partners on how they would like to be engaged in the review of the Canada Water Act. The CWA conducted pre-engagement with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners, including National Indigenous Organizations, Indigenous provincial and territorial organizations, and modern treat and self-governing nations. The Agency also piloted an Indigenous Grassroots Water Circle to support engagement.

The CWA established the President’s Freshwater Tables to support engagement with stakeholders and to gather input from experts. The first President’s Table took place on February 28, 2025. In addition, the Agency supported Indigenous Services Canada on the proposed Bill C-61: First Nations Clean Water Act until prorogation on January 6, 2025 ended progress on the Bill. The Agency will continue to support ISC to address drinking water issues with First Nations. The CWA also engaged on development of a National Freshwater Data Strategy, including through a workshop held on September 25 and 26, in Burlington, Ontario. The strategy will make it easier for Canadians to find, access, and use freshwater data. Additionally, ECCC led engagement for the National Freshwater Science Agenda with provinces, territories, Indigenous organizations, NGOs and academia.

In 2024–25, the Department continued to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of preventing pollution from entering waterways. ECCC is the lead federal department for the administration of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, which prohibits the deposit of pollution into water frequented by fish unless authorized by a regulation. Specifically, the Department continued to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of, and the consequences of non-compliance with, the regulations by the pulp and paper sector, the metal and diamond mining sector, and wastewater systems operated by federal, provincial, and municipal governments and Indigenous communities.

The Department continued to advance its work on the development of Coal Mining Effluent Regulations. Effluent from coal mines in Canada can be a source of pollution that harms aquatic life, including fish and fish habitat. In addition, ECCC published final amendments of the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations in the Canada Gazette on June 5, 2024. These regulations aim to reduce the threats to fish and their habitat, and to human health from fish consumption. They strive to decrease the level of deleterious substances from wastewater effluents deposited into waters frequented by fish. Furthermore, in January 2024 the Department published the Modernization of the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations – Updated Detailed Proposal for Consultation, which outlined proposed amendments to strengthen the environmental protection of the current Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations. Following the 2024 updated detailed proposal publication, ECCC led engagement information sessions with pulp and paper industry stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and other interested stakeholders.

ECCC continued to work with the Crown-Indigenous Working Group to explore options to manage the risks from oil sands process-affected water. A discussion paper was released in March 2025. Discussion paper: Path forward for evaluating policy options for managing the accumulation of oil sands mine water in tailings ponds.

The CWA and ECCC continued to work on improving, restoring, and protecting transboundary and nationally significant freshwater ecosystems. Canada is home to 20 percent of the world's freshwater supply. Healthy lakes and rivers are essential to Canadians, communities, and businesses across the country. The CWA and ECCC continued to work to improve, restore, and protect transboundary and nationally significant freshwater ecosystems. This work required significant collaboration with partners, including provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, non-governmental organizations, academia, and industry. In addition to those of the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Lake Winnipeg, Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives were also established in other water bodies of national significance, including the Fraser River, the Mackenzie River, Lake Simcoe, Lake of the Woods, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River as well as Lake Simcoe.

Under the Freshwater Action Plan, the CWA, through ECCC, continued to advance the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes, aiming to clean up 12 of 14 remaining Canadian Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes by 2030, and all 14 of them within 15 years. The CWA, while it was still part of ECCC, also invested $76 million, as part of the Freshwater Action Plan, to support 50 partner-led projects in the Detroit River, the St. Clair River, and the Great Lakes ecosystems as part of the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative—one of the largest single investments in freshwater restoration efforts in Canadian history.

The Government continued to protect the Great Lakes Basin which is home to one in three Canadians and one in ten Americans and provides significant environmental and economic benefits to both countries. According to the State of the Great Lakes 2022, the overall status of the Great Lakes is currently assessed as “Fair”, and “Unchanging”. Ongoing challenges include the impacts of nutrient pollution that result in toxic and nuisance algae, aquatic invasive species that disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity, toxic chemicals that harm ecosystems and pose a risk to human health, habitat loss, and declining biodiversity. These threats are exacerbated by climate change impacts including changing precipitation patterns and fluctuating water levels.

To address these challenges and to protect and conserve the Great Lakes, the CWA has been leading the implementation of the 2012 Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) on behalf of the Government of Canada. The CWA also continued to implement the 2023-2025 Great Lakes Binational Priorities for Science and Action in cooperation with other federal departments, the Province of Ontario, U.S. federal and state agencies, Indigenous communities and organizations, as well as other partners. The CWA also led the implementation of the 2021 Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (2021-2026) with the Government of Ontario.

Collaborative efforts to conserve and protect the St. Lawrence River continued in 2024-25, including Canada and Quebec advancing the implementation of joint projects under the 2021-2026 Canada-Québec Agreement on the St. Lawrence and data collection efforts through the St. Lawrence River Monitoring Program. The St. Lawrence River system is one of the largest ecosystems in the world, draining more than 25 percent of the world’s freshwater reserves. It boasts four Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. They are: Cap Tourmente, Lac Saint Pierre, Baie de L’Isle Verte, and Lac Saint-François. Conservation and protection efforts the St. Lawrence River also continued in 2024-25.

The most recent five-year Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence report was published in fall 2024. The report reveals that the overall state of the St. Lawrence has declined slightly since 2019, from “moderate-good” to “moderate”. However, this may be related to the fact that four indicators rated as “moderate-good” in the 2019 report were omitted in the 2024 report. When only the indicators included in both overviews are considered, the overall status remains unchanged.

The Joint Evaluation of the St. Lawrence Action Plan was also published and found governance structures in place to support its mandate and effective reporting, while noting some work required in various areas, especially on external communications.

Through the Freshwater Action Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $64.5 million over 10 years to protect and restore Lake Winnipeg. This included over $2.48 million in 2024-25 (with an additional $1 million in 2025-26) to support 21 partner-led projects over 2 years that will, among other priorities, reduce phosphorus loading to Lake Winnipeg.

In 2024-25, the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Steering Committee, co-chaired by ECCC and the Government of Manitoba, proactively engaged Indigenous partners in a continuing dialogue to build relationships, bridge knowledge gaps, and explore opportunities for inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and knowledge in the work of the Committee. The five-year Canada-Manitoba MOU Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin, signed in 2021, facilitates cooperation on protecting water quality and supports engagement of Indigenous Peoples to advance reconciliation and mutual priorities related to water quality and the ecological health of Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin. Canada and Manitoba are also advancing research, monitoring, and knowledge mobilization efforts. Canada and Manitoba jointly hosted a workshop in March 2025 on “Understanding Information Needs in the Lake Winnipeg Basin” to identify and explore different ways of reporting State of Ecosystem information.

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

ECCC worked to increase enforcement capacity in response to pollution incidents. Designed to strengthen Canada’s marine safety system and protect coastal ecosystems, the renewed and expanded Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), which provided $2 billion over 9 years, was used by ECCC to invest in a suite of new measures to increase enforcement capacity in response to pollution incidents and expand existing OPP initiatives, including:

• increasing scientific knowledge and improving the Department’s ability to provide comprehensive, up-to-date technical and scientific advice during marine oil spills;
• increasing knowledge of environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife in Canada’s marine ecosystems to proactively identify areas needing special attention in the event of a spill;
• strengthening science to support responses to incidents involving non-oil-related hazardous substances;
• improving modelling and pollution detection capability; and
• providing support to address wrecked vessels that threaten to release pollution into the environment.

As part of Canada’s $3.5 billion investment, the second phase of the OPP involved the Department expanding its role and capacities to contribute to a whole-of-government response to environmental emergencies. ECCC increased the number of its environmental emergency officers as well as wildlife response and enforcement officers across Canada’s coastlines. ECCC participated in environmental pollution incidents by providing scientific expertise, data, regulatory and permitting support, and operational response. ECCC continued to advance regulatory regimes for the use of alternative response measures and wildlife response techniques, improving weather forecasting and spill trajectory modelling. Regional response planning activities are expanding on all of Canada’s coastlines and include consultation with stakeholders and training of other government departments, partners and Indigenous communities. OPP investments have further enabled ECCC to undertake targeted scientific studies to better understand ocean and coastal environmental sensitivities and address data gaps for response.

Under the OPP, ECCC also co-developed shoreline surveys with Indigenous partners on both coasts (Coastal shoreline surveys - Canada.ca). This work included training on Pre-Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Technique methods and working side-by-side with Indigenous partners during the surveys on their territories. Shoreline data are published on the ECCC Shoreline Segmentation with Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) Classification, an ECCC data catalogue.

ECCC continued to assess the potential environmental impacts of Canadian activities proposed for Antarctica under the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act and its Regulations. These assessment activities deliver on Canada’s responsibilities and obligations under the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (also known as the Madrid Protocol), and serve to strengthen Canada’s international influence. ECCC published amendments to the Antarctic Environmental Protection Regulations in Canada Gazette 1, which are required to implement changes to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings.

ECCC continued to deliver the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. This included full delivery of the first year of Budget 2024 funding for Strengthening Access to Culturally Important Foods with a focus on shellfish harvest access for Indigenous communities, as well as work to support Indigenous agency and self-management for safe shellfish harvest. As a key partner in the CSSP, ECCC provided science-based advice through ongoing activities, such as the monitoring of bacteriological water quality, the identification and evaluation of sanitary pollution sources, and emergency closure recommendations following severe weather events.

ECCC delivered science advice and analysis to support the assessment and management of environmental emergencies, as per its mandate under the Federal Emergency Response Plan. In 2024-25, the Department analyzed new oils to determine their physical and chemical properties and share the results with a national and international audience through the Environment Canada Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Database. These data are used internationally to inform spill fate and trajectory models and contribute to government commitments to open science and transparency. In 2024-25, ECCC generated over 300 spill fate and trajectory models to inform spill response measures for partners.

ECCC continued to work with its key federal partners, including Health Canada and the National Research Council of Canada, to implement the Air Quality Program. The aim of the program is to improve air quality and reduce negative air quality impacts on human health and the environment. The Department continued its collaboration with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality Management System (AQMS)—a comprehensive collaborative approach to reducing outdoor air pollution in Canada. ECCC, in collaboration with Health Canada, advanced the AQMS stock-take to assess progress on implementation since its adoption which will inform possible refinements to the System. ECCC also worked with Health Canada and provincial and territorial partner to finalize the review of the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter.

ECCC continued to monitor levels of key air pollutants, in collaboration with provinces and territories, through the National Air Pollutant Surveillance Program. The Department also advanced work to renew the National Pollution Surveillance Network Memorandum of Understanding between ECCC and provinces and territories to continue a 56-year partnership to monitor air pollution at over 250 sites across Canada. In addition, the Department continued to deliver and improve its daily Air Quality Health Index observation and forecast services to support Canadians in making decisions to protect their health.

ECCC continued to develop, administer and amend regulatory measures to reduce emissions of air pollutants from industry, vehicles, engines and fuels, and consumer and commercial products. This includes the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), the Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations, and the Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Regulations (Petroleum Sector). ECCC also continue to administer various non-regulatory instruments that address air pollutant emissions from industrial sectors. The Department is amending Part I of the MSAPR to improve testing provisions for boilers and heaters. In May 2024, an Interim Order was issued to urgently address health concerns in the Sarnia area, where benzene emissions from the petrochemical industry caused above-acceptable levels of exposure to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation community. The Department subsequently published the Reduction in the Release of VOCs (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on March 26, 2025. These regulations require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment to prevent VOCs, including cancer-causing benzene, from being released into local communities.

ECCC continued to support the implementation of the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and began developing a draft 2026 to 2029 FSDS for public consultation and engagement. The FSDS sets out the federal government’s sustainable development priorities, establishes goals and targets, and identifies actions to achieve them, with a view of presenting the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.

The Department verified the compliance with environmental legislation and associated regulations that prohibit or control the pollution of air, water and soil by conducting approximately 4,359 inspections under the CEPA 1999, the Fisheries Act, and the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act , including 60 inspections related to engines and fuels risk-based priorities. The inspections initiated 33 new investigations under pollution regulations, and resulted in the implementation of 744 enforcement measures, including Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), compliance orders, tickets, warnings, directions, and one alternative measure. Investigations led to 10 convictions and 2 new prosecutions. In 2024-25, a total of $14 million in penalties resulted from prosecutions. Additionally, monetary penalties resulting from AMPs totalled $651,300.

For instance, under the Fisheries Act, ECCC led the administration and enforcement of pollution prevention provisions that prohibit the deposit of a deleterious (harmful) substance into water frequented by fish, or in any place where the deleterious substance may enter any such water. This work resulted in charges or fines directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, such as:

• A fine of $250,000 to Twin Rivers Paper Company Inc. on May 30, 2024.
• 5 charges on July 10, 2024, against Teck Coal Limited.
• A fine of $8 million to the Canadian National Railway Company on July 22, 2024.
• A fine of $100,000 to 2253457 Ontario Inc. on August 15, 2024.
• A fine of $50,000 to 11204572 Canada Corporation on September 17, 2024.
• A fine of $1 million to Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. on October 11, 2024.
• A fine of $2 million to Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc. for violations of the Fisheries Act and the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations on January 13, 2025.

ECCC continued to apply a GBA Plus lens to the development of policy recommendations, programs, and measures to address air pollution and improve air quality. The detrimental health effects of air pollution can be compounded in individuals who have multiple risk factors. For example, a person could be disproportionately affected by air pollution if they are elderly, have chronic health conditions, or live in an area that has a higher degree of air pollution. In 2024-25, the Department continued to ensure that more at-risk populations, including Indigenous communities located downwind of large industrial complexes and those affected by smoke during wildfires, are involved through the established partnership table with Aamjiwnaang First Nation to develop solutions to address air quality issues impacting their community.

Similarly, the Department continued to engage with Indigenous communities on the modernization of the Canada Water Act and water quality initiatives in key freshwater ecosystems, including in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, the St. Lawrence River watershed, and the Wolastoq [Wəlastəkw]/Saint John River Watershed. Projects are aimed at addressing communities’ concerns, increasing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making and governance of water agreements, and expanding the use of Indigenous Knowledge in water quality initiatives.

ECCC’s work to identify and manage harmful substances continues to use scientific information and reflect the importance of sound risk management to reduce risks posed to at-risk groups from exposure to toxic chemicals. Effective target audience characterization contributes to adapting compliance promotion material to better reflect the regulated communities’ cultural, linguistic, education, and geographic distribution profiles.

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

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Progress on results
• Details on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

The Department continued to advance the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, including at the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Colombia in November 2024. At COP16, the Canadian delegation worked diligently—through negotiations, bilateral discussions, and side events—to bring countries together to advance the implementation of the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). A significant achievement of COP16 was the creation of a permanent Indigenous subsidiary body, which was a priority for Canada. This represented an important step in giving a stronger voice to Indigenous Peoples in this UN Convention. To maintain strong leadership and ensure the Framework is informed by the best available science, ECCC continued engaging internationally through the Nature Champions Network as well as in other fora.

In 2024-25, ECCC worked with global partners through various other multilateral fora, such as the G7, G20, UNEA, and others, to advance efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss globally. In addition to driving the implementation of the KMGBF, ECCC also continued to advance Canada’s priorities through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Department continued to monitor threats to species around the world, and act to effectively contribute to their conservation and sustainable use.

The Department developed Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy in collaboration with other departments and external partners including provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, the Nature Advisory Committee, and others. Published in 2024, the Strategy charts a path for how Canada will implement the KMGBF domestically. It establishes a shared vision to address biodiversity loss and builds on existing initiatives across the country, guiding actions by ECCC and others to conserve nature.

For the first time, First Nations Guardians’ funding has been independently managed by the National Guardians Network, the world’s first Indigenous-led national stewardship network. In 2024, a contribution agreement was signed between ECCC and the First Nations National Guardians Network (NGN) enabling the NGN to disburse the First Nations portion of Indigenous Guardians funding to recipients, resulting in 80 First Nations Guardians projects being funded through the NGN from 2024-25 to 2025-26. Longstanding initiatives, such as the Matawa First Nations’ Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network, are concrete examples of Guardians’ initiatives in action—acting as “eyes and ears” on the ground by monitoring ecological health and working to preserve and pass on Indigenous knowledge and nature-based learning to inspire future Guardians. The evaluation of ECCC’s Indigenous Guardians Initiative found that the initiative’s funding supported numerous activities related to these objectives, although more work is required to report on the Initiative’s achievements and performance.

ECCC continued to work with Indigenous communities, philanthropic partners and provinces and territories in a whole-of-government initiative to support Indigenous Peoples in establishing and managing protected areas. In 2024-25, four Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) conservation initiatives were advanced in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, and Ontario. Canada’s approach is centred on Indigenous leadership in conservation, empowering communities to manage land and waters while supporting job creation and sustainable economic development. The PFP model brings together all partners to identify shared goals for protecting, conserving, and sustaining nature. The aim is to halt biodiversity loss while advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

In 2024-25, Canada reached final agreements on three of the four PFPs first announced in December 2022:

• Great Bear Sea (GBS) PFP in British Columbia, led by DFO, reached a final agreement in June 2024. A $200 million grant agreement was signed and the funds transferred to “Coast Fund”, the recipient and independent fund manager for the GBS PFP, on January 27, 2025.
• ECCC and Indigenous Partners, the Government of the Northwest Territories and philanthropic partners reached agreement in November 2024 on the Our Land for the Future PFP in the Northwest Territories and a $300 million federal grant was transferred to “Our Land for the Future Trust”, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization and independent fund manager for the PFP, on August 7, 2025.
• The Sinaa PFP in Nunavut, led by DFO, reached final agreement in February 2025 and is awaiting appropriation via Parliamentary Estimates to sign the grant agreement and transfer $200 million to “Aajuraq Conservation Fund Society”, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization and the independent fund manager for the PFP.

• Parks Canada is in ongoing discussions with partners and Ontario on the development of the Omushkego Wahkohtowin PFP in northern Ontario. Should negotiations be successful, $100 million has been set aside for this PFP.

In 2024-25, ECCC added and expanded National Wildlife Areas preserving habitat for species at risk. The Department continued to manage its existing network of 64 National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) to protect 3.5 million hectares of habitat and worked to establish new ones. Notably, ECCC:

• Acquired lands adjacent to existing NWAs, such as the Columbia NWA in British Columbia and Portobello NWA in New Brunswick, for future NWA expansions and to protect important wildlife and habitat.
• Completed a commitment made under the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in the Nunavut Settlement Area to rename 7 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Nunavut with Indigenous names.
• Reorganized the Prairie NWA into 5 new NWAs to allow for enhanced efficiency and effective use of resources to focus on lands of high conservation value.
• Advanced the establishment of marine National Wildlife Areas to protect nationally important habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Enhanced management of biodiversity conservation areas in the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region in Cape Breton and the Southwest Nova Biosphere Region in southwestern Nova Scotia.
• Completed, in collaboration with the province of Ontario, a Scientific Assessment of Federal and Provincial Frameworks for the Conservation of Boreal Caribou in Ontario.
• Established three new National Wildlife Areas in Nova Scotia’s Country Island, Isle Haute, and St. Paul Island. The newly designated National Wildlife Areas will provide protection for migratory birds and species at risk in rare and otherwise vulnerable Atlantic offshore island habitats. The protection of these ecologically significant islands represents an important contribution to biodiversity conservation in Nova Scotia.
• Continued supporting the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association and 19 UNESCO biosphere regions by announcing over $11.7 million in funding from 2023 to 2026.

ECCC continued to build, maintain, and apply a robust knowledge foundation to conserve migratory birds and other biodiversity. The Department continued to deliver on the Government of Canada’s responsibility for migratory birds by ensuring that their populations and habitats were maintained and restored, helping to leave a legacy of biodiversity for future generations. This was accomplished in part by conducting focused research and delivering a suite of rigorously designed monitoring programs. The results informed migratory bird conservation and adaptive management, and supported several other departmental priorities, including protected areas planning, species at risk recovery, impact assessment, and optimizing wildlife emergency response advice and data availability for oil spills.

The Department also continued to foster collaboration and engaged individuals and communities to achieve more impactful conservation outcomes for migratory birds. For example, the Department continued to support a wide range of programs run by Birds Canada to monitor and conserve migratory birds. These initiatives, which are driven by citizen science, connect Canadians to nature and assist in planning the recovery of species at risk and in protecting their habitats. Given the importance of information on the distribution and abundance of migratory birds and other species of conservation concern across the country, the Department continued to provide over $1.3 million per year to non-government partners. This investment helped Birds Canada, NatureServe Canada, and the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute develop and maintain open science initiatives to create platforms to house, manage, analyze, and share data. This effort included the 2024 launch of a new website, jointly developed by Birds Canada and the Department, that synthesized the best available information on the status of all species of birds in Canada and make it available for Canadians and decision makers.

The Department continued to implement the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) to advance projects that restored and enhanced wetlands, peatlands and grasslands that store and capture carbon and create a Canadian national wetlands inventory. Established in 2021, NSCSF supported 152 projects that provided a total of $88.5 million in 2024-25. More specifically, ECCC funded 56 projects for a total of $9.7 million under Strategy 1: Science for Initiative Delivery and Accountability; 62 projects for a total of $70.3 million for greenhouse (GHG) gas emission reduction projects under Strategy 2: Emission Reduction Activities; and 34 projects for a total of $8.5 million under Strategy 3: Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions. Together, these projects will reduce GHG emissions, improve the state of knowledge on natural climate solutions, and support the leadership of Indigenous Peoples in advancing natural climate solutions and participating in research and data collection.

An additional $2.4 million in funding was made in 2024-25 to the Bruce Trail Conservancy. This funding is in addition to a $5 million investment awarded in 2022. The additional funding advances the conservation of over 300 hectares of important habitat and contributes to capturing and storing GHG emissions by securing carbon-rich forest, wetlands, and grassland ecosystems within the Niagara Escarpment.

ECCC continued to fulfill key statutory obligations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) by providing protection and recovery of Canada’s species at risk and their habitats based on sound science and Indigenous Knowledge. In 2024–25, ECCC advanced a range of actions focused on collaboration, transparency, and delivering results for Canadians. This included supporting the assessment and listing of species at risk; consulting the public on proposed listings; developing and publishing action plans; improving public reporting on critical habitat protection; enhancing species monitoring through national bird surveys; acoustic monitoring of grassland birds and endangered Whooping Cranes; publishing updated critical habitat data through open data platforms; advancing recovery planning for Boreal Caribou; and strengthening protections for species at risk through targeted conservation measures.

The Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program noted sizeable progress in recent years. For example, the Program completed over 90 percent of required recovery strategies, action plans, and management plans. Continued improvement will be focused on ensuring information is available to decision makers.

ECCC continued to engage with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, as well as academia, scientists, industry, and other stakeholders, in the delivery of SARA activities. The Department delivered on its management action plans in response to recommendations from audits by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on Departmental Progress in Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies—Species at Risk and Discretionary Powers to Protect Species at Risk, and on the Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program. Actions included improving performance indicators and reporting on critical habitat protection to strengthen transparency; finalizing tools and guidance to enhance accountability in conservation agreements and policy development; publishing a new policy and guidance on assessing imminent threats to species at risk; and strengthening interdepartmental governance through updated Terms of Reference.

The Department continued providing best available science advice to processes under the Impact Assessment Act, and supporting regulatory efficiency in impact assessment and permitting processes. ECCC advanced draft guidance, tools and processes to support project proponents and create a more efficient application and review process for authorizations, leading to better conservation outcomes.

Efforts under the Pan-Canadian Approach continued to promote and facilitate collaborative conservation efforts focused on a set of shared priority places, species, and sectors across Canada. In 2024–25, ECCC implemented priority on-the-ground recovery actions for species at risk including restoration, invasive species removal, education and outreach, monitoring, implementing beneficial management actions, and securement of habitats and ecosystems important to species at risk and other biodiversity in 12 Priority Places.

For federal, provincial, and territorial priority species, accomplishments include:

• the development or implementation of 23 boreal caribou range plans, supported in part by SARA Section 11 conservation agreements;
• implementation of national recovery strategies for priority species;
• targeted efforts to address key knowledge gaps essential to recovery and SARA obligations;
• the completion or implementation of 90 percent of recovery actions for Wood Bison;
• the finalization of the Amended Recovery Strategy for the Northern Spotted Owl in British Columbia; and
• active engagement with 37 Indigenous communities through workshops, meetings, and direct funding to support recovery initiatives.

Under the Priority Sectors Initiative, provincial, territorial, Indigenous, industry and other partners contributed to the development of Strategic Conservation Frameworks for Species at Risk with the Forest and Urban Development sectors. In addition, a decision tool for agricultural producers that promotes the conservation of habitats and biodiversity on farmland was launched in all nine provinces with significant agricultural lands.

The Department continued to take action to protect the Boreal Caribou. In May 2024, the Department released the Report on the Progress of the Recovery Strategy Implementation (Period 2017–2022) and the Action Plan Implementation (Period 2018–2023) for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Boreal Population. The Report highlights federal, provincial, and territorial progress over the last five years in implementing the federal Recovery Strategy and Action Plan for the species. It includes assessments of population and habitat conditions and summarizes key recovery measures taken nationally, as well as in each province and territory. Overall, the report shows that some progress has been made in key areas, but much remains to be done to achieve the goals set out in the Boreal Caribou Recovery Strategy.

Priority species efforts also include supporting ongoing monitoring of caribou population size and trend data. As of 2024-25, results from survival and recruitment monitoring suggest that boreal caribou populations in British Columbia are relatively stable.

For Southern Mountain Caribou, which range through British Columbia and parts of Alberta, due to population management actions, there are now more subpopulations that are stable or increasing in size than are decreasing. An amendment to the federal recovery strategy for Southern Mountain Caribou was further advanced in 2024-25 through four virtual workshops with participation from 45 Indigenous communities and organizations, verification meetings with Indigenous groups, and collaboration with provincial governments, Parks Canada, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This collaboration served to incorporate varied perspectives into the recovery strategy, strengthen partnerships, support reconciliation, and enable more effective conservation outcomes through critical habitat identification and the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge.

ECCC continued to meaningfully engage with Indigenous Peoples through the implementation of programs that supported reconciliation and Indigenous-led action to achieve conservation outcomes. For example, ECCC’s three distinctions-based Indigenous Nature Tables met in 2024-25 as part of ECCC’s external engagement model, providing advice to ECCC on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis priorities for nature.

The Department continued to renew relationships with Indigenous Peoples as part of the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach to Species at Risk Conservation in Canada and SARA. Under the Canada Nature Fund’s Indigenous Partnerships Initiative (IPI), partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis advanced the conservation of species at risk and culturally significant species in a manner that recognized and enabled Indigenous leadership, knowledge systems, and interest in land management. To date, the IPI invested $63 million, matched by $24 million, in 185 projects benefiting nearly 200 unique species. The IPI initiated cornerstone projects with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council to identify species at risk priorities and establish knowledge networks and dialogues. IPI projects have also implemented recovery actions for priority species such as Boreal Caribou and Southern Mountain Caribou, supported conservation action for priority threats such as wildlife health (e.g., chronic wasting disease), and leveraged Indigenous knowledge to direct stewardship strategies. The IPI has been instrumental in establishing a mechanism to more effectively address the many consultation obligations under the Species at Risk Act.

In 2024-25, IPI projects contributed to building Indigenous partners’ capacity to:

• Lead the development and implementation of recovery and protection measures for at-risk species, including several culturally significant caribou species. For example, in British Columbia:
  • Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation hosted Ndi yun k’ut khusna (“On this living land”) to address critical wildlife topics for the Nation, including strategies to recover caribou; the impacts of human activity and climate change on grizzly bear behaviour, bear habitat and diet, wolverine population density and distribution; and the impact of logging practices on fisher den site selection.
  • Tŝilhqot’in National Government conducted an aerial survey of feral horses across British Columbia’s Chilcotin region to gain insight into how wolf control, one of the main predator management measures conducted in the area to support caribou recovery, may be impacting local feral horse populations.
• Negotiate and implement conservation agreements for the collaborative conservation of species at risk. This included the posting in November 2024 of a proposed agreement between McLeod Lake Indian Band in British Columbia and the Government of Canada related to Southern Mountain Caribou conservation.
• Support meaningful participation in SARA consultation and cooperation processes. For example:
  • Three virtual Grizzly Bear Management Plan workshops were held in British Columbia with 65 Indigenous Nations and organizations to complete the Grizzly Bear management plan, which is now in jurisdictional review.
  • An in-person Workshop was held with 10 First Nations to engage and consult on the multi-SAR Listings and on the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Strategy science.

After carefully assessing project proposals throughout 2024-25, ECCC announced that over $12.2 million from the Environmental Damages Fund will contribute to 22 projects across Canada focusing on restoring or improving the natural environment, supporting wildlife, improving environmental quality, and research and development leading to restoration. Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund uses fines from environmental infractions to support projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment, usually in the area where the violation occurred. The projects announced in 2024-25 are led by 14 non-governmental organizations, six Indigenous organizations, one municipality, and one university. These projects focus on protecting nature, restoring habitats, and preserving wildlife populations.

ECCC inspections initiated 255 new investigations under wildlife legislation and resulted in the issuance of 608 enforcement measures, including warnings, Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), and tickets. Alternative measures, compliance orders and recommendations for prosecution were also issued. Investigations led to 9 convictions and 11 new prosecutions. In 2024-25, a total of $2,765,550^{Footnote 48} in penalties resulted from prosecutions. Additionally, monetary penalties resulting from AMPs totalled $199,950.

Additionally, ECCC verified compliance with wildlife legislation and associated regulations that protect migratory birds, species at risk, wildlife in trade, and protected habitats by conducting approximately 10,141 compliance verifications under the Canada Wildlife Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Species at Risk Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.

In 2024–25, ECCC incorporated GBA Plus considerations across its Conserving Nature program activities, recognizing that the impacts and benefits of conservation efforts can vary based on identity factors, knowledge systems, and lived experiences. The Department applied this lens in areas such as species at risk recovery, migratory bird conservation, habitat conservation, and biodiversity partnerships. In delivering its Species at Risk Act (SARA) obligations, ECCC identified that barriers such as limited capacity and consultation fatigue can affect the ability of Indigenous Peoples to engage fully in recovery efforts. To help address these impacts, the Department supported Indigenous-led recovery initiatives through the Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk (IPSAR) program and the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative (IPI), which has invested $63 million in 185 projects to date, benefitting nearly 200 species and supporting Indigenous leadership, knowledge systems, and stewardship strategies. ECCC also advanced collaboration through distinctions-based Indigenous Nature Tables and supported the Indigenous Guardians Program, enabling Indigenous partners to lead monitoring, protection, and conservation of sensitive areas and species. While disaggregated identity-based data on participation and outcomes remains limited, ECCC continues to build capacity to report on gender and diversity impacts, including through co-development approaches and initiatives such as the Western Boreal Initiative and the Manitoba Nature Agreement collaboration.

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

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Progress on results
• Details on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

ECCC continued to improve its meteorological services through scientific expertise, the application of a leading-edge approach to data management, and a continued focus on the changing needs of its clients and stakeholders. As the climate continues to change, causing more frequent and intense high-impact weather events, the provision of timely and high-quality weather services is increasingly important. In 2024-25, the Department continued to use its state-of-the-art High-Performance Computing (HPC) system to bring together 13 million observations a day to perform numerical weather forecasting.

Canada’s HPC solution for weather and environmental prediction is comprised of supercomputers that are among the fastest in the world. Mathematical models of the atmosphere and oceans are run on the HPC solution to predict future states of the weather and the environment. Advancements in technology and science have allowed ECCC to go beyond traditional weather forecasts and into environmental applications, such as air quality, oceanography, sea ice, storm surge, wave, and water level forecasts. For instance, the Department now predicts levels of nitrogen oxides, ozone, and harmful particles released from anthropogenic resources and wildfires in its air quality forecast maps.

In 2024-25, the Department continued to explore emerging trends and innovate in many areas related to numerical weather prediction, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). AI and ML are transforming numerous sectors, and ECCC is exploring the integration of AI and ML in its weather and environmental prediction systems. One such example is the development of a hybrid system using a spectral nudging technique, which combines traditional methods with AI. This system is planned to become operational in 2026 and will become the first AI-based hybrid weather forecasting system in Canada, and likely the world. ECCC’s advancements in AI and weather and environmental prediction are guided by its AI Road Map, which outlines and prioritizes activities, pinpoints areas for collaboration, and considers ethics and alignment with Government of Canada AI guidelines.

ECCC also continued to improve the accessibility and reliability of its meteorological and environmental data offerings through backend and software application improvements, as well as advances in cloud sharing. Canadian individuals and businesses had access to more than 120 additional or improved open weather and environmental data products through ECCC’s open data platforms in 2024. Data provided through these platforms were leveraged by various external users to perform investigations, develop innovations promoting economic growth and efficiency, and make operational decisions regarding health and safety and the protection of property.

The Department continued to leverage social media and emergency alerts to communicate with Canadians so they can make informed decisions to mitigate weather and climate change risks to life, property, and the environment. ECCC’s state-of-the-art weather forecasting systems continued to alert Canadians of approaching high-impact weather such as severe storms, poor air quality, heat waves, atmospheric rivers, and hurricanes. Meteorologists continued to focus their attention on meteorological events that have the potential to affect Canadians and the Canadian economy. The Department has enhanced its focus on marginalized Canadians and communities, which is particularly important given Canada’s changing climate and associated unprecedented weather events—such as poor air quality, heat waves, and floods—may pose increased risks for them. Canadians continued to have access to updated forecasts, warnings, and air quality information by visiting ECCC’s weather website (with over 413 million visitors in 2024), the WeatherCAN app, and subscribing to ECCC’s hurricane e-bulletins.

ECCC continued to modernize and increase the resilience of its critical infrastructure and to undertake life cycle management activities across its monitoring networks. In 2024-25, the Department completed the installation of six more automated weather balloon launching systems, for a total of 10 so far with more to come and upgraded surface weather station instrumentation that will result in improved data availability and networks resiliency. The Department also evaluated new technologies and assessed options to modernize operations and improve the environmental sustainability of its monitoring networks.

In 2024-25, the Department advanced the renewal of its satellite receiving infrastructure. ECCC operates four satellite ground receiving stations located in Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Alberta. These receive data from polar-orbiting environmental satellites to support weather and environmental forecasting programs and services. The Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES) Network Renewal Project—announced in Budget 2021 with $4.8 million in funding over five years—will replace existing satellite data receiving infrastructure with modern antenna reception systems. In 2024-25, as part of the POES Renewal Project, the first new antenna was installed in Alberta, with site preparations underway for a second in Newfoundland. The Department also initiated technical staff training and initial data delivery operations as part of the project. By integrating advanced satellite technologies, the renewed infrastructure will enhance Canada’s space-based weather observation capacity, enable increased Northern and Arctic operations, and improve the resilience and accuracy of national forecasting capabilities.

ECCC continued to operate and improve its national hydrometric monitoring program to better meet the needs of Canadians. Systematic monitoring of water levels and flow has always been a priority in Canada and continues to be increasingly important as Canada’s climate is warming at twice the average global rate. A warmer climate means more extreme weather, including more droughts and floods. ECCC provides high-quality data and information on water levels and flows in real time to provincial and territorial partners, including emergency management organizations and weather-sensitive businesses. This helps them prepare for severe weather and environmental events and become more resilient to the consequences of climate change. During extreme events, ECCC works to ensure field equipment is kept operational and critical data services are maintained. This can often mean taking fast action to replace monitoring stations that are damaged or responding to requests for enhanced or additional data services. In 2024-25, ECCC enhanced the safety and resilience of the National Hydrometric Program (NHP) through infrastructure improvements to the hydrometric network, completing 9 major rebuilds, 11 critical repairs, 14 site remediations, and more than 60 low-cost upgrades while also conducting 48 engineering inspections and decommissioning 4 sites.

The Department enabled an ongoing life cycle management approach to water quantity monitoring. Through an $89.9 million investment beginning in 2018, ECCC’s National Hydrological Service (NHS) has modernized and improved its water quantity monitoring program to more effectively support the management of Canada’s changing water resources. In 2024-25, the focus of the NHS shifted from evaluating new technologies for hydrometric monitoring to implementing the most promising of those technologies into operations. Specifically, three new discharge measurement techniques were approved for use in 2024-25 including salt dilution, surface velocity radar and image velocimetry (including via microdrones). To complete the implementation of these methods into operations, the NHS is producing standards for their use, upgrading data systems to accept the resulting new data, and providing training to staff.

The NHS also continued to pursue operating efficiencies while responding to the needs of the National Hydrometric Program’s partners. The Department provided 40-year historical streamflow and full water cycle simulations nationwide under the National Adaptation Strategy to allow quantitative evaluation of freshwater risks nationally and with those shared with U.S. transboundary basins.

ECCC provided expertise and support to 71 flood hazard mapping projects across Canada, published the Geomorphic Considerations in Flood Mapping technical bulletin, and collaborated with other government departments and provincial and territorial partners to through the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP). Additionally, the Department launched the event attribution system for extreme hot and cold events ahead of schedule, and contributed to the implementation of severe weather event attribution research under the Priority Climate Data, Services and Assessments Program of the National Adaptation Strategy The Government of Canada is investing an additional $164.2 million as part of the Strategy to provide five more years of funding towards projects under the FHIMP, thus working to advance nationwide flood mapping coverage and to share accessible flood hazard information to help Canadians protect their health, safety, and economic prosperity.

ECCC began the dissemination of new coastal flooding forecasts and alerts using new national prediction systems and new capacities of production systems. These new forecasts and alerts were developed in response to the growing frequency and severity of coastal flooding events and to support resilient coastal communities and safer near-shore marine navigation. This new national prediction system supported evacuation and recovery efforts due to wildfires in Labrador City and Jasper and provided early warnings, forecasts, and decision support advice before, during, and after the landfall of Tropical Cyclones Beryl and Debbie.

The Department continued to provide leadership and technical support to international water boards and committees. ECCC provides data, technical, scientific engineering and communication support on both water quantity and water quality to IJC boards and committees and takes part in a total of 15 IJC boards and committees, three non-IJC international committees and four domestic water management bodies. These actions deliver on commitments in the International Joint Commission (IJC) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), as well as other interprovincial and international MOUs.

ECCC continues to deliver weather forecasts, warnings, and expert advice to support the needs of Canadians, including those most impacted by extreme weather and environmental events (such as floods). In Canada, disproportionately or differentially impacted populations may include northern/rural dwellers, older Canadians and children, people with health issues or disabilities, low-income communities, and people experiencing homelessness.

To enhance the reach and accessibility of ECCC’s information, ECCC employs several strategies to better communicate risk to a wide variety of Canadians and prepare them for the potential impacts of hazardous weather. ECCC provides weather and environmental information through a wide range of dissemination platforms (including the WeatherCAN app, weather website, and webinars), and directly to key decision makers, such as provincial emergency management and public health organizations. The WeatherCAN app is also fully compliant with the current accessibility standards under the Accessible Canada Act. The Department continues to improve the accessibility and documentation of its weather and environmental data and services based on the results of stakeholder engagement.

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

• Description
• Progress on results
• Resources required to achieve results
• Contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

• Spending
• Funding
• Financial statement highlights
• Human resources

Over the past three fiscal years, actual spending increased from $1,929.7 million in 2022-23 to $2,965.8 million in 2024-25, representing an overall increase of $1,036.1 million. This growth is primarily attributed to the implementation of key government priorities related to climate change, nature conservation, and environmental protection, as well as salary adjustments from signed collective agreements.

The significant increase between 2022-23 and 2023-24 ($432.5 million) was mainly driven by:

• Increased distribution of revenues from the Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund to provinces;
• Higher investments in climate initiatives, such as the Low Carbon Economy Fund and Canada’s International Climate Finance Program;
• Salary increases and retroactive payments following the signature of collective agreements;
• Additional grants and contributions to conserve Canada’s land and freshwater, protect species, advance Indigenous reconciliation and increase access to nature (Enhanced Nature Legacy).

Between 2023-24 and 2024-25, there was an additional $603.6 million increase in spending, mainly due to:

• The up-front multiyear payment to the Green Municipal Fund, the return of fuel charge proceeds to Indigenous governments, and revenue distributions to provinces from excess emissions charge payments supporting the Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund.
• These increases are offset by reductions in Contributions payments under the Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Natural Climate Solutions Fund.

The Finances section of the Infographic for ECCC on GC Infobase offers more financial information from previous years.

The Canada Water Agency’s spending increased from $0 in prior fiscal years to $43,218,773 in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The Canada Water Agency became an independent Agency on October 15, 2024. The 2024-25 spending reflects a partial fiscal year. 2022-23 and 2023-24 fiscal year spending is $0 as the Canada Water Agency was not yet an independent Agency in Schedule IV of the Financial Administration Act.

The Finances section of the Infographic for CWA on GC Infobase offers more financial information from previous years.

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

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

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

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

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

The Finances section of the Infographic for ECCC on GC Infobase offers more detailed financial information related to future years.

The decrease in Freshwater Stewardship funding from the 2025-26 to 2026-27 fiscal year is predominantly represented by the sunset of funding of certain engagement activities.

The Finances section of the Infographic for CWA on GC Infobase offers more detailed financial information related to future years.

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

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

The Finances section of the Infographic for ECCC on GC Infobase offers information on the alignment of ECCC’s spending with Government of Canada’s spending and activities.

Totals may not add up due to rounding

See Budgetary Performance Summary and Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars) sections above.

Consult the Public Accounts of Canada for further information on ECCC’s departmental voted and statutory expenditures.

The 2022-23 and 2023-24 statutory and voted funding is zero as the Agency’s inception was on October 15, 2024. The Canada Water Agency’s first year of statutory and voted funding is in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This year is a partial year beginning on October 15, 2024, and ending on March 31, 2025. 

The decrease in funding from the 2025-26 to 2026-27 fiscal year is predominantly represented by the sunset of funding for certain engagement activities.

Consult the Public Accounts of Canada for further information on Canada Water Agency`s departmental voted and statutory expenditures.

Total departmental expenses by Core Responsibility amounted to $3,145.1 million for 2024-25. The increase of $136.8 million or 4.5 percent in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s planned results is mainly attributable to an increase to contributions in support of the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) Proceeds Fund and to grants to return charge proceeds to Indigenous Governments.

The 2024–25 planned results information is provided in ECCC’s Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and Notes 2024–25.

Expenses by Core Responsibility

Total departmental expenses by Core Responsibility amounted to $3,145.1 million for 2024-25 ($2,647.0 million for 2023-24). The increase of $498.1 million or 18.82 percent in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s expenses is mainly attributable to:

• an up-front contribution payment to the Green Municipal Fund to build strong and resilient communities by reducing the impacts of climate-related disasters, improving health and well-being, protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity, building and maintaining resilient infrastructure and supporting the economy and workers; and
• an increase in salary and employee benefits.

Offset by:

• a decrease in Great Lake Ecosystem Initiatives due to the transfer of activities to the Canada Water Agency (CWA) on October 15, 2024.

Revenues by Type

Total revenues amounted to $103.5 million for 2024-25 ($91.1 million for 2023-24). This amount excludes $28.4 million earned on behalf of Government. Revenues at Environment and Climate Change Canada come mostly from sales of goods and information products and services of a non-regulatory nature. Major revenue items include, for example: Oil Sands monitoring activities, Ocean disposal permit applications, Hydrometric services, Ocean disposal monitoring fees, Weather and environmental services as well as fines and court orders directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.

The increase in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s revenue is mainly attributable to:

• an increase in deferred revenues for the Randle Reef project which occurred before the Canada Water Agency came into force on October 15, 2024. As of March 31, this project is under Canada Water Agency’s mandate.
• an increase in services of a non-regulatory nature.

Liabilities by Type

Total liabilities were $1,230.1 million at the end of 2024-25. This represents a decrease of $177.3 million or 12.6 percent from the previous year’s total liabilities of $1,407.5 million. The accounts payable and accrued liabilities ($815.5 million) and the environmental liabilities and asset retirement obligation ($277.9 million) are the largest components of liabilities in 2024-25 and represent 89.0 percent of total liabilities.

The decrease in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s total net liabilities valuation is mainly attributable to a decrease in:

• accrued liabilities mostly resulting from a decrease in outstanding payables at year-end in Grants and Contributions,
• deferred revenues resulting from the transfer of responsibility to Canada Water Agency of some miscellaneous project deposits, and,
• environmental liabilities.

Assets by Type

Total net financial assets ($810.2 million) and non-financial assets ($750.8 million) of $1,561.0 million have decreased by $72.8 million or 6.25 percent in 2024-25. The amount due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund represents the largest component of assets at $806.1 million (51.6 percent of total assets) in 2024-25.

The decrease in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s total net assets valuation is mainly attributable to a decrease in:

• financial asset mainly due to a decrease in accounts receivable

Offset by an increase in:

• non-financial assets primarily due to an increase in tangible capital assets.

For fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24, the figures shown represent the actual FTEs as reported in previous Departmental Results Reports.

The overall increase of 427 FTEs between 2022-23 and 2023-24 is the result of increasing activities within the Department, such as:

• the implementation of the next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan;
• the ongoing development, implementation and administration of carbon pricing and Clean Fuel Regulations;
• the renewal and reprofile of the Low Carbon Economy Fund;
• to advance a circular economy for Plastics in Canada;
• the renewal of the Impact Assessment Act;
• the top up of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund;
• to support amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; and
• for Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, including the Canadian Centre for Climate Services.

The overall increase of 232 actual FTEs between 2023−24 and 2024−25 is the result of increasing activities within the Department, such as:

• increase in digital services for new projects in 2024-25 such as for the Regulatory Services and Stakeholder Management platforms;
• the ongoing development, implementation and administration of carbon pricing and Clean Fuel Regulations;
• increasing capacity and support for various activities under the Meteorological Services; and,
• top up funding for the Canadian Centre Climate Services under the National Adaptation Strategy.

Offset by decreasing activities related to:

• the Canada water Agency becoming a stand-alone agency as of October 15, 2024; and;
• Conserving Canada’s land and freshwater, protecting species, advancing Indigenous reconciliation, increasing access to nature and continuing efforts to protect species at risk (Enhanced Nature Legacy)

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

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

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

• Greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation and waste sectors, administration of carbon pollution proceeds return, enhancing climate change policy capacity and implementing the Climate Lens, under the Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change Core Responsibility;
• Protecting Canadians and the Environment from harmful chemical through the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), under the Preventing and Managing Pollution Core Responsibility; and
• Conserving Canada’s land and freshwater, protecting species, advancing Indigenous reconciliation, increasing access to nature and continuing efforts to protect species at risk (Enhanced Nature Legacy) and implementing Canada’s new marine conservation targets under the Conserving Nature Core Responsibility.

The overall decrease of 135 FTEs between the 2026-27 and 2027-28 planned FTEs is the result of the sunsetting of initiatives for advancing a circular economy for plastics in Canada and strengthening environmental protection for a healthier Canada (CEPA), under the Preventing and Managing Pollution Core Responsibility.

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

The decrease in FTEs from the 2025-26 to 2026-27 fiscal year is attributed to the sunset of funding related to the freshwater pillars contributions agreements netted against the increased funding for the Fraser, Wolastoq/Saint John, Mackenzie River, and the St. Lawrence River Basins. 

Appropriate minister: Julie Dabrusin, P.C., M.P.

Institutional head: Mollie Johnson

Ministerial portfolio: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Enabling instruments:

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

Year of incorporation / commencement: 1971

Mailing address:

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Inquiries Centre
Place Vincent Massey Building
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-800-668-6767

Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

Website(s): Environment and Climate Change Canada

appropriation (crédit)

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

budgetary expenditures (dépenses budgétaires)

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

core responsibility (responsabilité essentielle)

An enduring function or role of a department. The departmental results listed for a core responsibility reflect the outcomes that the department seeks to influence or achieve.

Departmental Plan (plan ministériel)

A report that outlines the anticipated activities and expected performance of an appropriated department over a 3-year period. Departmental Plans are usually tabled in Parliament in spring.

departmental priority (priorité)

A plan, project or activity that a department focuses and reports on during a specific planning period. Priorities represent the most important things to be done or those to be addressed first to help achieve the desired departmental results.

departmental result (résultat ministériel)

A high-level outcome related to the core responsibilities of a department.

departmental result indicator (indicateur de résultat ministériel)

A quantitative or qualitative measure that assesses progress toward a departmental result.

departmental results framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)

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

Departmental Results Report (rapport sur les résultats ministériels)

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

Full-time equivalent (équivalent temps plein)

Measures the person years in a departmental budget. An employee's scheduled hours per week divided by the employer's hours for a full-time workweek calculates a full-time equivalent. For example, an employee who works 20 hours in a 40-hour standard workweek represents a 0.5 full-time equivalent.

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) (analyse comparative entre les sexes plus [ACS Plus])

An analytical tool that helps to understand the ways diverse individuals experience policies, programs and other initiatives. Applying GBA Plus to policies, programs and other initiatives helps to identify the different needs of the people affected, the ways to be more responsive and inclusive, and the methods to anticipate and mitigate potential barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

government priorities (priorités pangouvernementales)

For the purpose of the 2024–25 Departmental Results Report, government priorities are the high-level themes outlining the government’s agenda as announced in the 2021 Speech from the Throne.

horizontal initiative (initiative horizontale)

A program, project or other initiative where two or more federal departments receive funding to work collaboratively on a shared outcome usually linked to a government priority, and where the ministers involved agree to designate it as horizontal. Specific reporting requirements apply, including that the lead department must report on combined expenditures and results.

Indigenous business (entreprise autochtones)

For the purposes of a Departmental Result Report, this includes any entity that meets the Indigenous Services Canada’s criteria of being owned and operated by Elders, band and tribal councils, registered in the Indigenous Business Directory or registered on a modern treaty beneficiary business list.

non‑budgetary expenditures (dépenses non budgétaires)

Net outlays and receipts related to loans, investments and advances, which change the composition of the financial assets of the Government of Canada.

performance (rendement)

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

performance indicator (indicateur de rendement)

A qualitative or quantitative measure that assesses progress toward a departmental-level or program-level result, or the expected outputs or outcomes of a program, policy or initiative.

plan (plan)

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

planned spending (dépenses prévues)

For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to the amounts presented in Main Estimates. Departments must determine their planned spending and be able to defend the financial numbers presented in their Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports.

program (programme)

An Individual, group, or combination of services and activities managed together within a department and focused on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.

program inventory (répertoire des programmes)

A listing that identifies all the department’s programs and the resources that contribute to delivering on the department’s core responsibilities and achieving its results.

result (résultat)

An outcome or output related to the activities of a department, policy, program or initiative.

statutory expenditures (dépenses législatives)

Spending approved through legislation passed in Parliament, other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose and the terms and conditions of the expenditures.

target (cible)

A quantitative or qualitative, measurable goal that a department, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period.

voted expenditures (dépenses votées)

Spending approved annually through an appropriation act passed in Parliament. The vote also outlines the conditions that govern the spending.