Departmental Results Report 2024-25: Supplementary Information Tables

Details on transfer payment programs

Assessed contribution to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Start date: 1997

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.  

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09

Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Environment and Climate Action.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To enable Canada’s obligation to cost share, alongside the US and Mexico, the core/projected expenses of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: For the period of 2024-25, the CEC continued to deliver on the 2021-25 CEC Strategic Plan.

The 2021-25 CEC Strategic Plan serves to guide trilateral cooperation over the course of the next five years and establishes the following areas of mutual interest:

• Clean Air, Land, and Water
• Preventing and Reducing Pollution in the Marine Environment
• Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials Management
• Shared Ecosystems and Species
• Resilient Economies and Communities
• Effective Enforcement of Environmental Laws.

The results achieved for the period of 2024-25 are as follows:

• CEC launched the North American Environmental Justice Action Center (NAEJAC initiative), which will be a resource platform that will bring together community representatives, advocates and public officials from across our three countries to share and leverage best practices and tools for environmental justice.
• During this session, the Council also announced the continuation of these four initiatives on the following topics:
  • Support for monarch butterfly science
  • Data exchange system for hazardous waste transfers
  • Using large-scale public events to catalyze collective shifts toward food waste reduction
  • Sharing best practices for environmentally sound management of used lead acid.
• The CEC also launched the fourth cycle of the CEC’s Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience grant program (EJ4Climate), which provides funding directly to community-based organizations and seeks to support environmental justice by enabling communities to advance solutions and partnerships to address their environmental and human health vulnerabilities, particularly those due to climate impacts, and the first Generational Environmental Leaders Program cohort (GELP), which makes available C$15,000 in seed funding to youth entrepreneurs.
• Finally, during the 2024-2025 period, the CEC concluded the Communities for Environmental Justice Network (CEJN) initiative, which aimed to strengthen the capacity of North American Indigenous, local, vulnerable, disadvantaged, and/or underserved communities to address environmental justice concerns in the context of climate change.
• A total of $2.7M in contributions were provided to 7 different partners to support delivery of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in Canada, which partners were able to leverage to mobilize additional funds (over $3.6M) from federal and non-federal partners in Canada and the United States to create a substantial investment in wetland and upland habitat conservation efforts with 17,106 hectares of Wetlands and Uplands restored, 3,463 hectares secured (long-term or permanent) and 4,311 hectares influenced. This is match which contributes to the overall $124M ($90M USD) investment in 2024-25, supported by the Canada Grant program established by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for ongoing NAWMP conservation efforts in Canada, at least 75% of which is expected from US sources.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25:

No internal audit was completed in 2024-25 specifically related to this assessed contribution. However, an internal audit of the administration of grants and contributions (G&C) at ECCC was completed in June 2024, focused on assessing the operational effectiveness of the governance, risk management, and internal controls in place to administer departmental G&C programs.

The audit identified opportunities for improvement with respect to governance, G&C recipient-focused delivery, coordination and training, financial management, controls and reporting, and the information systems and information management mechanisms to manage G&C. Five recommendations were developed to address the opportunities for improvement identified during the audit and a management response and action plan was developed to address them.

The findings and resulting management action plan are applicable to the administration of all transfer payment programs across the department. While the audit did not examine individual programs in detail, its recommendations were intended to strengthen the overall administration framework that supports all G&C programs.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: In-line with objectives and expectations to achieve the results.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$4,402,573	$3,411,390	$3,460,777	$3,630,945	$3,630,945	$170,168
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$4,402,573	$3,411,390	$3,460,777	$3,630,945	$3,630,945	$170,168

Explanation of variances: N/A

Assessed contribution to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Start date: 1975

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Link to departmental result(s): Canada’s species at risk are recovered.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and is bound by its requirements, including the obligation to pay the assessed contribution. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The Terms and Conditions establish a result and an indicator for Canada as a Party to the Convention as follows:

• Expected Result: Canadian interests and priorities related to the international trade of endangered species are addressed by CITES.
• Indicator: Percentage of Canadian interventions and/or negotiating positions, which are adopted by the Conference of the Parties.

To achieve these results, Canada maintains membership in the convention and the associated obligations. Canada met its obligation to the Convention by paying it’s assessed annual contribution in 2024-25, for 2024 and 2025 calendar year, Canada will continue to meet its obligations to the Convention by paying its assessed annual contribution at the level agreed by the CITES Conference of the Parties (COP).

In July 2024, Canada successfully participated in the meetings of the CITES Scientific Committees (Plants Committee and Animals Committee), and in February 2025, Canada actively participated in the meeting of the CITES Standing Committee. In addition, Canada has been actively engaged this year in several CITES intersessional working groups, providing advice and views on various CITES scientific and technical matters, and taking on leadership roles as Co-Chairs on a number of these working groups.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A - no internal audit completed in 2024-25.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: A horizontal evaluation of the Species at Risk Program was completed.

Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program – January 2025

Interdepartmental governance is functioning well, with clear roles among ECCC, DFO, and PC. Communication forums are effective at both working and executive levels. However, they remain mostly reactive, and there is interest in shifting toward more proactive issue identification and intervention.

ECCC faces a significant backlog, including 138 action plans, but is testing new approaches like multi-species and joint recovery strategies to shorten consultation timelines. Still, the backlog limits coordination with partners. ECCC and PC should strengthen guidance on socio-economic analysis to better assess the societal impacts of action plans. Collaboration with Indigenous partners is improving but remains slow.

ECCC and PC use different methods to monitor species and recovery actions, reflecting their distinct mandates. Sharing best practices—especially drawing from PC’s strengths—could improve data use in decision-making. Better monitoring supports resource prioritization and more targeted strategic planning.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: As anticipated, Canadian officials engaged in the CITES governance mechanisms, specifically the CITES scientific and Standing Committee, to guide the activities of the Secretariat of the Convention.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$4,435	$458,077	$245,000	$242,711	$242,711	-$2,289
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$4,435	$458,077	$245,000	$242,711	$242,711	-$2,289

Explanation of variances: N/A

Assessed contribution to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)

Start date: 1981

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Link to departmental result(s): Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected; Canada’s species at risk are recovered; Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada has been a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention since 1981. Annual payment of assessed contributions is an obligation of the Parties based on terms agreed to at the Convention of the Parties. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: As established under the Terms and Conditions for assessed contribution to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention).

• The expected result is Canada’s interests and priorities related to wetlands are addressed by the Ramsar Convention.
• The indicator is the Percentage of Canadian interventions and/or negotiating positions that are adopted by the Conference of the Contracting Parties.

In 2024-25, Canada met its obligations to the Convention by prepaying its assessed 2025-26 annual contribution at the level agreed by the Ramsar Convention Conference of the Parties.

In 2024-25, Canada participated the 63rd and 64th meetings of the Ramsar Standing Committee as the Regional Representative for North America and contributed to advancing the intersessional work of the Convention through serving as co-chair of the working group developing the 5th Strategic Plan.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Environment and Climate Change Canada engaged the recipient through established governance mechanisms.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$0	$181,560	$206,140	$207,400	$207,400	$1,260
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$0	$181,560	$206,140	$207,400	$207,400	$1,260

Explanation of variances: N/A

Assessed contribution to the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)

Start date: 2017-18

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Environment and Climate Action.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving the social, economic, and environmental benefits for producers and users of bamboo and rattan, while maintaining a sustainable resource base by supporting innovative research and development. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan promotes the use of bamboo as an available, scalable nature-based solution and a tool for climate change mitigation in line with ECCCs Core Responsibility to take action on clean growth and climate change and conserve nature. The preservation and sustainable management of bamboo can be a critical way for countries to reach carbon neutrality, and to achieve related goals: reversing biodiversity loss, land degradation and deforestation. Ongoing projects have led to policy outcomes for restoring degraded land and forest and enhanced climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits by developing inclusive and sustainable industrial and small and medium-sized enterprises’ bamboo value chains resulting in enhanced livelihood opportunities, food security, and environmental management. 

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Through Canada’s Embassy in Beijing, where INBAR is headquartered, Canada participates in the Annual General Meeting and other regular meetings of the organization.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$36,263	$38,207	$38,000	$38,581	$38,581	$581
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$36,263	$38,207	$38,000	$38,581	$38,581	$581

Explanation of variances: N/A

Assessed contribution to the Minamata Convention on Mercury

Start date: 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have clean water; The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Substances and Waste Management.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada is a Party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (the Convention). The Convention is a multilateral treaty to protect human health and the environment from emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds resulting from human activities. The payment is made to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to support the program of work under the Convention. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: As a Party, Canada is responsible for paying its annual assessed contributions which fund activities under the Convention agreed to at the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings. At the latest meeting in October 2023, the COP agreed to the budget and program of work for 2024 and 2025, including support for the first effectiveness evaluation of the treaty (a multi-year scientific and policy initiative undertaken by the COP to assess the success of the treaty), national reporting, and communication and outreach activities. A budget and program of work for the 2026-27 biennium will be discussed at the next COP meeting scheduled for November 2025. The following performance indicators and results are expected for Minamata:

Indicator 1: Canada pays its assessed contribution on an annual basis.

• Expected Result: Canada pays its annual assessed contribution in full by the January 31 due date.
• Actual results: Target met. Canada’s assessed contribution for 2024 was paid on January 29, 2024. Canada’s assessed contribution for 2025 was paid in advance of the target on December 13, 2024

Indicator 2: Canadian interests and priorities with respect to the global control and reduction of mercury are considered.

• Expected Result: Canada actively participates in Minamata Convention work to ensure that our views are considered during the intersessional period and during COP meetings.
• Actual results: Target met. During the intersessional period following COP5, Canada continued to participate in the scientific group and the effectiveness evaluation group to support the first effectiveness evaluation of the treaty and also supported a study on the global supply, production, trade and use of mercury compounds. Canada will participate in Minamata COP6 from November 3-7, 2025.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: The funds are paid to UNEP and dispersed to the Convention Secretariat in accordance with the budget agreed to at the previous meeting of the COP.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$148,822	$102,567	$200,000	$164,658	$164,658	-$35,342
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$148,822	$102,567	$200,000	$164,658	$164,658	-$35,342

Explanation of variances: N/A

Assessed contribution to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Start date: 1994

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Link to departmental result(s): The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Substances and Waste Management.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada is a signatory to this organization and is bound by the requirements of the international convention, including the obligation to pay the assessed contribution. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Canada’s management of chemicals was enhanced through strengthened knowledge networks, improved efficiency by avoiding duplicative work, and cost savings through leveraging policy, scientific and technical expertise of other developed nations in areas of mutual interest. More specifically, the assessed contribution supported the development of tools methodologies and test guidelines for the risk assessment of chemicals, the development of chemicals-related electronic tools, exchange of best practices in risk management, and capacity building. Of particular interest to Canada, the assessed contribution supported the following results in 2024-25.

• Development of New Approach Methods, contributing to Canada’s strategy to replace, refine and reduce vertebrate animal testing;
• Launch of a new project on the safety testing of nanoplastics;
• Expansion of an ecosystem of electronic tools; and
• Adoption of an OECD Ministerial Declaration on supporting the implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals.

In addition, a new OECD legal instrument and guidance material relating to chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response were developed and published.

Other examples of 2024-25 OECD publications include a synthesis report related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Synthesis report on understanding Perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) and their life cycle), an OECD guidance document on establishing a national chemicals register, a guide for managing risks from natural hazards to hazardous installations, as well as reports led by Canada related to exposure assessment (Considerations when Estimating Exposure to Crafts and Toys in Children) and to pollutant release and transfer registers (Resource Compendium of PRTR Release Estimation Techniques, Part 1: Summary of Point Source Techniques - Third edition).

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: N/A

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$120,841	$133,340	$121,214	$150,173	$149,809	$28,595
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$120,841	$133,340	$121,214	$150,173	$149,809	$28,595

Explanation of variances: The assessed contribution amount is established yearly by the OECD based on a formula which includes OECD members’ Gross Domestic Product, the number of members in the organization, and interest rates. The OECD issues a call-out letter every year in February with payment due by March 31st. The amount must be paid in Euros, making it subject to exchange rates fluctuations.

Assessed contribution to the World Meteorological Organization

Start date: 2010-11

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada has been a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) since 1950 as one of the initial signatories to the convention. The annual assessed contribution is based on the United Nations (UN) Scale of Assessments as agreed to every three years by the U.N. General Assembly and adapted, as is normal practice, to accommodate the varying membership of UN organizations.

As a signatory to the WMO Convention, Canada is required to pay an annual assessed contribution to remain a member. Our contribution to WMO gives ECCC access to global hydrometeorological data including observational, forecasting, warning, and research information, which is essential to produce and deliver hydrometeorological services and would be prohibitively expensive to achieve on our own. For example, without data obtained through WMO, it would be impossible for ECCC to issue weather forecasts beyond 1–2-day horizon. WMO membership also provides Canada with an opportunity to influence the establishment of international systems and climate. Canada’s assessed rate for the 2024-2025 biennium was 2.59% of the WMO’s regular budget (CHF139M for the two-year period), or approximately CHF1,8M (Swiss Francs) annually.

The amount in Canadian dollars is based on current exchange rates. It should be noted that, as exchange rates fluctuate, the amount provided in Canadian funds will also fluctuate. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The associated departmental result indicator for weather is the index of the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather warnings on a scale of 0 to 10. The target of 8.4 was exceeded in 2024-25, with a result achieved of 8.5 (three-year rolling average).

WMO membership supports ECCC, along with other National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) in their provision of vital weather, water, climate, and air quality information, and in meeting international commitments in the areas of disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: N/A

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$0	$5,319,999	$2,567,785	$2,927,559	$2,927,558	$359,773
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$0	$5,319,999	$2,567,785	$2,927,559	$2,927,558	$359,773

Explanation of variances: The variance is primarily attributable to fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Canada Nature Fund

Start date: April 1,2018

End date: March 31, 2026

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Link to departmental result(s): Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected; Canada’s species at risk are recovered; Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Species at Risk; Habitat Conservation and Protection.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

The Canada Nature Fund is a critical tool for advancing actions that conserve and protect Canada’s habitat and biodiversity.

The Canada Nature Fund will conserve, establish, and expand protected areas, secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species. It will support and enable others to undertake actions that conserve wildlife and protect and improve their habitat.

The objective of the Canada Nature Fund terms and conditions is to support the Government of Canada’s plan to protect 25% of Canada’s land and freshwater by 2025 and lay a foundation toward 30% by 2030 and deepen protection for species at risk through an integrated approach to land conservation and species protection, in collaboration with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, private and non-profit sectors. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved:

The Canada Nature Fund supported and furthered collaboration and momentum for conserving Canada’s biodiversity and habitat in 2024-25 The fund demonstrated the federal government’s leadership in enabling the establishment of protected and conserved areas, and preventing, protecting, and recovering species at risk.

Projects contributed to the departmental Core Responsibility of Conserving Nature and contributed to the following key results through two streams: Spaces and Species.

• Species Stream

Under the Priority Species Directed Funding Initiative approximately $32.6M were invested in 35 projects across Canada to support the six federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) priority species (i.e. Boreal Caribou, Peary Caribou, Barren-ground Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, Greater Sage-grouse, and Wood Bison). These projects were funded through Enhanced Nature Legacy (4112) $24,651,650 and Imminent Threats to Wood Bison (4126) $2,4M. Projects involved 24 unique funding recipients, facilitated collaboration with a variety of organizations, including academic and non-profit groups, provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous governments and organization to take actions to support the conservation and recovery of all 6 priority species, including range planning, monitoring, habitat securement, and restoration.

In 2024-2025, funded projects dismantled or reforested an estimated 2,065 kilometers of roads and other linear features, restored approximately 121 hectares of crucial habitat for FPT priority species, and secured at least 2000 hectares of land for conservation.

Additionally $12.9M was provided to 68 projects addressed 23 other priority species including: Chimney Swift, Bicknell’s Thrush, Leach's Storm Petrel, Marbled Murrelet, Piping Plover (Circumcinctus and Melodus subspecies), Red Knot (Rufa subspecies), Roseate Tern, Whooping Crane, Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, Tri-colored Bat, Polar Bear, Spotted Owl (Caurina subspecies), Western Chorus Frog (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence - Canadian Shield population), Northern Goshawk (Laingi subspecies), Burrowing Owl, Grizzly Bear, Vancouver Island Marmot, Caribou (Eastern and Atlantic-Gaspésie Populations), Monarch Butterfly, Whitebark Pine, Poweshiek Skipperling, totalling $13M in investments. Projects looked to address knowledge gaps identified in schedule of studies, implement on the ground conservation actions through habitat conservation and reduction of threats to the species.

• Under the Priority Places Initiative, $27.2M was invested in 142 projects in 12 Priority Places identified collaboratively by federal, provincial and territorial governments. The projects advanced implementation of priority on-the-ground recovery actions for species at risk including restoration, education and outreach, monitoring, implementing beneficial management actions and securement of habitats and ecosystems important to species at risk and other biodiversity. Additionally, $10.6M was invested in 17 complementary Community-Nominated Priority Places for Species at Risk projects to support multi-partner initiatives across Canada, where there are opportunities to protect and recover species at risk and their habitat through multi-species and ecosystem-based conservation action.
• Under the International Threats Initiative, $322,000 was provided to address threats outside of Canada to the recovery of migratory birds that spend part of their annual life cycle in Canada. Six projects were funded to address threats to grasslands birds, aerial insectivores, shorebirds and landbirds. Results include habitat restoration and conservation in partnership with local and Indigenous communities, targeted outreach to landowners, local communities, and hunters, capacity development for local individuals and community leaders, and identifying key sites for protection and conservation efforts.
• Under the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative, $26.2M was invested in 108 projects that supported Indigenous leadership in species at risk conservation and enhancing relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Projects supported Priority Species recovery (e.g., caribou and wood bison); wildlife health monitoring; inclusion of Indigenous priorities in multi-species conservation planning; and capacity support to meet ECCC’s consultation and cooperation targets for species at risk. The funding also supported mapping and stewarding species at risk and species of cultural significance and restoring their habitats on Indigenous territories in ways that consider the future interests of Indigenous Peoples.

• Spaces Stream
• Under the Indigenous Guardians Initiative, $25M was invested in 18 nations/communities that provided First Nations, Inuit, and Métis with greater opportunity to exercise responsibility in stewardship of their traditional lands, waters, and ice. This includes a contribution agreement between ECCC and the First Nations National Guardians Network (NGN), which enabled the NGN to directly select and disburse the First Nations portion of Indigenous Guardians funding directly to recipients, representing an additional 80 First Nations Guardians projects from 2024-25 to 2025-26. (NGN Media Release; 80 Initiatives)
• Under Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation (ILABC) and Target 1 Challenge, $43.96M was invested in 86 projects to advance the establishment of protected areas, recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) or planning of future conservation goals in Canada. This land securement contributes to Canada’s area-based conservation target of 30% of lands and freshwater conserved by 2030.
• Under the Essential Partnerships sub initiative, $0.7M was invested in 3 projects to support Key Biodiversity Areas identification, tools and database infrastructures.
• Under the Nature Agreement Funding
  • Under the Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement, $6. 95M was disbursed to the Yukon Government, which advanced work towards nature-related commitments, including engagement with Indigenous groups.
  • In the Northwest Territories, $1.2M in bridge funding was provided to the Del’ine Got’ine Government in support of the planning and establishment of the Sahtu K'aowe Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area through continued collaboration with partners to determine best means of permanent protection and management of the area, continued development of monitoring activities, and continued training and engagement of Guardians members.
  • ECCC provided $400,000 in bridge funding to the Government of North-West Territories (GNWT) to support three Indigenous and Territorial Protected Areas (Dinàgà Wek’èhodì, Thaidene Nene, and Ts’udé Niliné Tuyeta) for the conservation and protection of wildlife habitat including Species at Risk and Priority Species. With GNWT support, Dehcho communities have held meetings and are participating in protected areas planning.
  • $4.28M was disbursed to the Government of Ontario in 2024-25 as part of a three-year agreement to support the Expanding Protected Areas Project (EPAP). The initiative will expand and enhance Ontario’s protected areas system by regulating outstanding sites previously identified under the Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OLL LUS), as well as various acquired land sites (acquired lands).
  • $13.5M was provided for projects within British Columbia in 2024-25 to support the co-development and implementation of the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation. This funding supports the Framework Agreement's commitment to protecting at least 30% of BC's land base by 2030, and included the planning and establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs); supporting shared stewardship and co-management of natural resources with First Nations through monitoring, assessment and land-use planning activities in regional forums; and habitat protection and management planning, including securement of ecologically valuable habitat for species at risk recovery.
  • $5.15M was provided to the province of Nova Scotia in 2024-25 to support the implementation of the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement. The funding will support increasing the amount of protected and conserved areas within the province reported to CPCAD, as well as identifying and assessing priority areas with high biodiversity values as part of achieving the province’s goal of at least 20% protected areas by 2030.
• $25M was provided to the province of Quebec in 2024-25 to support the enhancement and implementation of priority actions from Quebec’s 2030 Nature Plan. This includes land protection, protection of critical habitat for species at risk, advancement and creation of protected and conserved areas, including Indigenous initiatives, conservation of species at risk, and the protection and restoration of wetlands.
• Under the Indigenous distinctions-based Nature Tables Initiative, $3.92M in contributions were provided to the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit Circumpolar Council – Canada, Inuit regions (Makivik Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Nunatsiavut Government, and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation), Métis National Council and Governing Members (Métis Nation of Ontario and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government), and Métis Nation British Columbia. Métis Nation – Saskatchewan did not request 2024-25 funding, however, it still participated in 2024 activities. Funding supported table meetings, priority-setting discussions, and work planning for both the First Nations Nature Table and the Strawberry Moon Table on Nature (formerly Métis Nation Nature Table), and operationalization of the Inuit Nature Table, including a pre-meeting and inaugural meeting, work on the Terms of Reference, and initial discussions on shared nature priorities. Funding also enhanced Indigenous partners’ capacity to advance nature-related activities in support of the Tables.
• Over 32,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands have been secured by 64 different organizations (mostly national, regional and local land trusts) in Southern Canada under the $30M Natural Heritage Conservation Program and the Ecological Gifts Program. Under the Ecological Gifts program, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, 94 properties valued at over $87M were donated across Canada
• Under the Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECM) Initiative, $19.16 M was invested in 65 projects to support the creation and effective management of thousands of hectares of protected areas; to restore habitats and reconnect Canadians to nature at select National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs); to implement conservation measures on Biosphere Reserves.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: A horizontal evaluation of the Species at Risk Program and an evaluation of ECCC’s Indigenous Guardians Initiative were completed.

Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program – January 2025 (key findings previously described)

Evaluation of ECCC’s Indigenous Guardians Initiative – August 2024

There are strong linkages with Government of Canada and ECCC priorities, as well as key commitments made under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Global Biodiversity Framework. The Indigenous partners that were interviewed all highlighted a strong need for guardians and more stable, long-term funding for the future.

The initiative resulted in numerous activities with strong linkages to their objectives, such as supporting Indigenous rights and responsibilities, protecting and conserving ecosystems, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, connecting to natural landscapes and Indigenous cultures, and knowledge generation and sharing between youth and Elders. Challenges with regards to the delivery of the initiatives were primarily tied to very lengthy processes from application to receiving the funding. However, this was mitigated by the secretariat’s ability to be flexible and provide adjustments to support the achievement of results with the partners. Some challenges were noted in the governance at ECCC of the Indigenous Guardians Initiative, with important delays in the approval of agreements and disbursement of funds.

While there is limited direct data that measures any of the departmental results for the Indigenous Guardians Initiative, interviewees, case studies and internal evaluations have all pointed to meaningful engagement of Indigenous partners.

Nonetheless, there is a need at this juncture to improve the collection of data to demonstrate results, especially with the dual role the initiative seeks to have with regards to conservation and reconciliation. Work is already taking place to advance this.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified based on their unique ability to address targeted program results. The Department employs one or a combination of the following strategies to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable, and accessible manner: publicity in news media; information provided on the departmental website; letter-writing activities; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$243,135,370	$298,531,158	$309,608,419	$338,906,043	$324,635,265	$15,026,846
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$243,135,370	$298,531,158	$309,608,419	$338,906,043	$324,635,265	$15,026,846

Explanation of variances: Internal reallocations, including support for $25M in 2024-25 for Quebec Nature Agreement, normal program operational slippage and the withdrawal or cancellation of some projects in the fourth quarter account for the variance.

Canada's International Climate Finance Program

Start date: 2021-22

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Environment and Climate Action.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to promote change towards addressing climate change and policies in developing countries. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: In 2021, Canada announced its $5.3B climate finance commitment over five years to support developing countries to combat climate change, while striving to address biodiversity loss around the world, as well as a number of initiatives supported under the commitment. Canada’s climate finance programming is being implemented by ECCC and Global Affairs Canada. ECCC disbursed $46.4 M in climate finance in 2024-2025, in line with the funding profile.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: ECCC engaged with recipients to ensure appropriate disbursement of funds in-line with strategic and policy objectives. Activities were implemented in-line with planned activities outlined in the 2024-25 Departmental Plan.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$11,282,500	$27,952,293	$23,460,000	$21,472,550	$21,472,550	-$1,987,450
Total contributions	$31,450,000	$22,997,550	$22,000,000	$23,987,450	$23,987,450	$1,987,450
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$42,732,500	$50,949,843	$45,460,000	$45,460,000	$45,460,000	$0

Explanation of variances: An amount of $1,987,450 was reallocated from the Grants budget to Contributions. This transfer accounts for the observed variance between the two categories

Conserving Nature

Start date: 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Link to departmental result(s): Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected; Canada’s species at risk are recovered; Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation.

With potential projects that contribute to other departmental results: Canada contributes to biodiversity conservation domestically and internationally; Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced; Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Species at Risk; Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships; Migratory Birds and other Wildlife; Environmental Assessment; Habitat Conservation and Protection; and Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife; Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation; International Environment and Climate Action; Climate Change Adaptation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: to advance conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development; to conserve, protect and recover Canada’s wildlife including species at risk and their habitat, and healthy populations of migratory birds. Actions taken will also contribute to Canada’s Nature strategy and related domestic and international partnership interests, including the establishment and management of protected areas, other effective conservation measures, Indigenous protected and conserved areas and Indigenous People’s capacity and participation in conservation; and support actions to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The Conserving Nature Program supported biodiversity conservation domestically and internationally. Specifically, in 2024-25, projects funded contributed to the departmental Core Responsibility of Conserving Nature, and to the following Departmental Results:

1. Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected:
   • The Protected Areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures Initiative provided $2.26M to 26 projects to support creating and effectively managing thousands of hectares of marine protected areas, and to connect Canadians to nature at select National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.
   • A total of $2.7M in contributions were provided to 7 different partners to support delivery of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in Canada, which partners were able to leverage to mobilize additional funds (over $3.6M) from federal and non-federal partners in Canada and the United States to create a substantial investment in wetland and upland habitat conservation efforts with 17,106 hectares of Wetlands and Uplands restored, 4,877 hectares secured (long-term or permanent) and 4,622 hectares influenced. This is match which contributes to the overall124M ($90M USD) investment in 2024-25, supported by the Canada Grant program established by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for ongoing NAWMP conservation efforts in Canada, at least 75% of which is expected from US sources.
   • In 2024-25, $1,395,888 in contributions was transferred to Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) to support its Conservation Grant Program. This amount included $1,330,888 from the Stamp Initiative (consisting of funds from the sale of Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamps that are affixed to the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permits) and $65,000 from the National Habitat Conservation. The two contribution agreements, along with funds from other with conservation partners, enabled WHC to fund 24 projects that supported waterfowl and migratory birds by conserving, enhancing, or restoring 9,000 hectares of habitat across Canada and provided approximately 203,600 Canadians the opportunity to engage in conservation and stewardship activities.
   • The Wildlife Health initiative provided $459,038 to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to support national leadership, partnership, investigation, and communications for wildlife health, funding was also provided to support the hiring of a national Avian Influenza Coordinator to address issues related to the avian influenza outbreak in Canada.
   • $253,565 was provided to Invasives Canada (formerly the Canadian Council on Invasive Species) to develop and expand on behavioral change programs aimed at addressing key pathways of invasive alien species spread, strengthen and expand the National Invasive Species and Climate Change Network in Canada, and integrate Indigenous knowledge and values into their invasive species programs and strategies.
   • $2,473,600 was provided under the Bird Monitoring and Conservation Initiative to 18 different recipients to advance monitoring and conservation projects related to migratory birds. Collectively, these agreements engage more than 10,000 Citizen Scientists, together with professionals in projects such as breeding bird atlases, marsh bird monitoring, eBird, migration monitoring, Christmas Bird Counts, Motus Wildlife Tracking System, and others. These have resulted in hundreds of thousands of new data records on bird distribution and movement that are published in open databases such as NatureCounts and WildTrax, and incorporated into the State of Canada's Birds report. There were also conservation projects addressing selected key threats to migratory birds such as cat predation, window collisions, and other anthropogenic impacts on birds. 
   • Under the International Conventions Initiative, a total of $995,000 was provided to 9 projects supporting implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna and knowledge tools to support international conservation decision-making. Notably, $71,250 was provided to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to fund the participation of some 485 delegates from developing parties in CBD meetings (including SBSTTA 26, SBI-4, OEWG-2 on DSI and COP 16). The funding also supported the preparation of materials for a workshop to support the development of guidance on nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction pursuant to COP-16 Decision 16/22 paragraph 17. This guidance will be further developed and considered by the subsidiary body on scientific, technical and technological advice, and could be adopted by Parties in 2026. Additionally, $235,000 in funding provided to IUCN to under this initiative aimed at supporting the development of knowledge tools that assist countries to meet their commitments under international conventions. Key amongst the tools was $200,000 to support inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in global species status assessments under the IUCN Red List, with a pilot study on freshwater fishes. The IUCN Red List of Species, which is a globally significant product; and will be greatly improved with the steps IUCN is taking to braid in multiple sources of knowledge to arrive at robust status assessments, a priority for Canada.
2. Canada’s species at risk are recovered.
   • The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk awarded over $5.8M in funding to 103 projects to support stewardship activities for the recovery of terrestrial species at risk. More than 15 species at risk were targeted in efforts to protect, secure, or improve their habitat, abate threats to their habitats or individuals, conduct inventories and monitoring, and educate targeted audiences.
   • The Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Lands Initiative invested over $2.4M in one new project and seventeen previously approved multi-year projects to conserve and protect species at risk on agricultural lands. The projects contributed to increasing capacity for farmers and ranchers to integrate conservation into farm-level operations through strategic and farm-level conservation action planning, and the implementation of beneficial habitat management practices, as well as piloting innovative approaches to habitat conservation such as tax incentives and term conservation easements.
   • $1,250,000 was provided to NatureServe Canada to work with provincial and territorial Conservation Data Centres to collect, manage and disseminate information on species of conservation concern in Canada ($600,000) and to continue the second year of a 4-year collaborative update with all jurisdictions of the Canadian Terrestrial Ecological Framework ($650,000). Data are used to support the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife (COSEWIC) status assessment process, the Wild Species report as well as federal and provincial recovery planning under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
3. Indigenous peoples are engaged in conservation.
   • The Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk fund (formerly known as the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk) awarded over $2.6M to 53 projects to support the development of Indigenous capacity to participate in the implementation of SARA, and to support and promote the conservation, protection, and stewardship of SARA-listed and/or COSEWIC-assessed species, including species of cultural significance and restoring their habitats on Indigenous territories in ways that consider the future interests of Indigenous Peoples.
   • $400,000 was invested in 5 Métis organizations/governments under the Powley Initiative in order to support capacity building in migratory bird harvest management, including sharing of migratory game bird harvest data.
   • To support ECCC’s role in preparing for and responding to pollution events in marine environments, the Oceans Protection Plan has provided ECCC with G&C funding for distribution to partners under two funding streams: Community-Based Partnerships (CBP) initiative and Advancing Evidence-Based Decisions (AED) initiative. The Community-based Partnerships initiative funds community-based migratory bird monitoring programs with Indigenous communities. The Advancing Evidence Based Decisions initiative engages key partners and stakeholders by funding agreements that support Indigenous engagement in marine bird/SAR data collection. Both initiatives integrate Indigenous engagement in marine bird/species at risk data collection in high priority areas that have been identified as at-risk from potential marine pollution incidents. Marine migratory birds (including species at risk) are a focus as they are the main resource at risk in marine emergencies pertaining to CWS’ mandate and also are often identified as a shared resource of interest by Indigenous rights holders. For fiscal year 24-25 ECCC-Canadian Wildlife Service received a total allocation of $1.325M for the two funding initiatives. An augmented total of $1.365M was ultimately distributed to 14 different recipients of the two funding streams: $440K for the AED initiative; and $925K for the Community-based Partnerships (CBP) initiative. This distribution of funds included nine multi-year projects for which funding had been previously committed through FY24-25. For FY24-25 the CBP initiative allocated new funds to two new community-based migratory bird monitoring programs and the AED initiative allocated new funds to three new agreements.
   • $144,031 in contributions were provided to the Canadian Wildlife Federation for the Hinterland Who’s Who program. Sixteen public service announcements (PSAs) on the Beluga and the Arctic Fox were distributed to media and made available to Canadians in French and English.  
   • $965,869 in contributions was provided to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated via the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in the Nunavut Settlement Area to support ecotourism and enable participation in protected areas co-management committees.
   • A total of $142,105 in contributions were provided to six National Indigenous Organizations to support them in preparing for and participating in international and domestic meetings related to biodiversity, including those related to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
4. Support actions to reduce Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through projects funding that contributed to helping Canada achieve its 2030 and 2050 GHG emission reduction commitments by using natural climate solutions to sequester and store carbon to fight climate change, while achieving biodiversity and other co-benefits, including adapting, and building resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.
   • In 2024-25, $76M was invested across Canada in 63 emission reductions Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund projects to reduce GHG emissions through the protection, improved management, and restoration of grassland, wetland, peatland, and forest ecosystems.
   • $8.2.M was invested in 30 Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions (ILNCS) projects to support Indigenous organizations and communities to lead capacity-building activities and on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration, improved land management, conservation of wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Projects will result in reduced GHG emissions and carbon sequestration, and will maximize co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency and human well-being.
   • $325,000 was invested in 6 Indigenous-led projects to map wetlands and integrate Indigenous perspectives and values into conservation and wetland mapping through the Canadian National Wetland Inventory. Data will be integrated into an openly accessible database needed to model and ensure accurate mapping and time series analyses of wetland types and carbon storage potential across the country.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: A horizontal evaluation of the Species at Risk Program, an evaluation of ECCC’s Indigenous Guardians Initiative, and an evaluation of the Conservation Exchange Pilot were completed.

Horizontal Evaluation of the Species at Risk Program – January 2025 (as previously described)

Evaluation of ECCC’s Indigenous Guardians Initiative – August 2024 (as previously described)

Evaluation of the Conservation Exchange Pilot – June 2024:

Program components are designed but not fully implemented; the Conservation Exchange (CX) created partnerships with key conservation actors; the pilot largely adhered to its implementation plan; early adopters are willing to continue participating in the Conservation Exchange; and ECCC is innovating in the nature conservation policy area.

Conditions for high demand are not realized; challenges exist related to the biodiversity benefits estimation process’ capacity to scale up; impact beyond outputs is difficult to assess; and costs are high on a per-project basis.

There are opportunities to assess the applicability of biodiversity benefits estimation to other conservation programs; leverage effectiveness monitoring; diversify corporate participation beyond resource sectors; and contribute to sustainable finance norm and rulemaking.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified based on their unique ability to address targeted program results. The Department employs one or a combination of the following strategies to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable, and accessible manner: publicity in news media; information provided on the departmental website; letter-writing activities; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$73,674,268	$151,362,709	$147,966,304	$113,713,902	$110,392,971	-$37,573,333
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$73,674,268	$151,362,709	$147,966,304	$113,713,902	$110,392,971	-$37,573,333

Explanation of variances: The variance accounts for Budget Adjustments of $100,000 budgets being transferred to fund other priority projects, decreased revenue from the sale of the Migratory Game Bird Hunting permit and its associated habitat conservation stamp, and over $2M being returned to reserves from projects not using full funding or being cancelled. Additional variance comes from over $33M in transfers to fund other priorities, including transfers to support a $25M Quebec Nature Agreement in the Enhanced Nature Legacy (Canada Nature Fund Transfer Payment Program)

Contributions in support of Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions

Start date: 2018-19

End date: 2033-34

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings; Hydrological Services.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to encourage and support individuals and organizations engaged in activities that enable Canadians to access, understand, and use information on changing weather, water, climate, and air quality conditions. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The expected results are linked to the Departmental Result that Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.

The associated Departmental Result indicator for Weather is the index of the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather warnings on a scale of 0 to 10. The target of 8.4 was exceeded in 2024-25, with a result achieved of 8.5 (three-year rolling average).

The associated Departmental Result indicator for Hydro is the percentage of program partners rating their satisfaction with ECCC's hydrological services as 8 out of 10 or higher. The target of 80% partner satisfaction was met in 2024-25, with a result achieved of 94%. The National Hydrological Service (NHS) saw significant improvement on this indicator over the last two reporting periods largely due to eliminating most data backlogs that partners had described as limiting satisfaction in the past. In addition, NHS has continued to focus on strengthening client relationships and encouraging partners to respond to the satisfaction survey for a more comprehensive understanding of client needs.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: The delivery of this Contribution is a mix of directed and application-based funding programs. ECCC is committed to explore opportunities for innovative approaches to delivering its Grants & Contributions programs and explore novel projects, including the engagement of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$3,766,638	$3,509,371	$3,671,753	$3,537,566	$3,489,042	-$182,711
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$3,766,638	$3,509,371	$3,671,753	$3,537,566	$3,489,042	-$182,711

Explanation of variances: An allocation of $133,700 was redirected to support other initiatives. The remaining unspent funds were lapsed

Contributions in Support of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory System

Start date: April 2019

End date: 2027-28

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s): Canada’s wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected; Canada’s species at risk are recovered; Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Environmental Assessment; Habitat Conservation and Protection; Species at Risk; Migratory Birds and other Wildlife.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The overall objective of these terms and conditions is to advance ECCC’s contribution to the “Cumulative Effects, Open Science and Evidence” approach. This includes the development of an open science and data platform; supporting regional assessments; conducting strategic assessments, including ones on climate change and biodiversity; and coordinating departmental, federal, and inter-jurisdictional efforts to implement the proposed approach to addressing the cumulative effects of natural resource development. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Reduced environmental impact from projects subject to Impact Assessment (IA):

• Regional Assessment Ring of Fire, Ontario:
  In 2024-25, for the Ring of Fire Regional Assessment, $265,000 was invested in two contribution agreements with Indigenous organizations - Matawa Four Rivers (GCXE24C226; $200,000) and Mushkegowuk Council (GCXE21X122; $65,000) - to develop and implement Indigenous-led biodiversity surveys and assemble Indigenous Traditional Knowledge related to caribou and other species in the Ring of Fire region of Ontario’s Far North.
• Regional Assessment – St. Lawrence River Area:
  In 2024-25, under the Impact Assessment - Cumulative Effects Initiative, $200,000 was invested in three projects in Quebec Region for the following recipients: Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki ($112,500), Mohawk Council of Kanesatake ($37,500), and Mohawk Council of Kahnawake ($50,000). These projects supported Indigenous capacity to contribute to the Regional Assessment of the St. Lawrence River Area (e.g., gathering of Indigenous Knowledge, identification of ecosystem values related to species in the Saint. Lawrence valley and leading to Indigenous-led biodiversity surveys and targeted research). These projects contribute to key research on species at risk nesting in key habitats along the Saint. Lawrence river, such as Bank Swallow and Least Bittern.
• Cumulative Effects – Open Data:
  In 2024-25, under the open data component, funding was provided to four recipients: Birds Canada (BC) ($500,000); NatureServe Canada (NSC) ($1,045,000); Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) ($360,000), and the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) ($150,000). This was the second year of 5-year agreements with the first 3 recipients, and the start of a new 4-year agreement with CWF. All funds were fully expended as allocated including mid-year top-ups to two agreements to expand work that could be accomplished. Collectively, these recipients manage or coordinate some of the most important collections of wildlife data in Canada, for migratory birds (BSC and ABMI) and for species of conservation concern (NSC, CWF), including species listed under the Species at Risk Act. Funding was used to further develop platforms that allow for better management of these data and openly displaying these data at appropriate levels of resolution to match the sensitivity associated with the data, as well as for preparation and analysis of data to support decision-making. Specifically, the funds have supported development of the NatureCounts platform to display and manage migratory bird data (BC); WildTrax for managing data collected with a variety of sensors, including acoustic recorders and camera traps that can be used by many different users including government, environmental non-governmental organizations, private citizens, and industry proponents (ABMI), and NatureServe Explorer 2.0 which allows sharing of data on species of conservation concern from all of the Conservation Data Centres in Canada in ways that support decision-making for conservation planning and impact assessment (NSC); and enhancements to the Citizen Science iNaturalist platform to enhance its value for gathering data on species of conservation concern. All platforms are now operational, and in use by a wide range of users including citizen, scientists, government, researchers and industry proponents. Additional development of new data and features, improved linkages with other platforms, and enhanced decision-support tools will continue over the duration of the agreements.
• Funding was provided to two recipients under Cumulative Effects – Open Data, namely:
  • University of British Columbia: $50,000 a year over five years (starting in 2022-23) to undertake research to identify the data and/or science publications required to inform cumulative effects assessment in the Prairies and Pacific regions of Canada, specifically as relates to the biophysical environment, based on those regions’ particular characteristics, challenges and opportunities. Results will inform recommendations for future policy decision-making and prioritization related to making federal science and data more openly accessible (e.g., through the federal Open Science and Data Platform), as well as future data or research priorities.
  • University of Saskatchewan: $50,000 a year over five years (starting in 2022-23) to undertake research to identify opportunities and make recommendations to increase the amount and accessibility of open data and geospatial information broadly relevant to those wishing to address Indigenous food security and sovereignty through regional-scale cumulative effects assessment in Canada. Specifically, the research purpose is to identify and address biophysical data gaps, allowing Indigenous communities and impact assessment practitioners to more easily and thoroughly evaluate the cumulative impacts of proposed or anticipated developments on regional food systems.
• Cumulative Effects – Research:
  In 2024-25, under the Impact Assessment – Cumulative Effects Initiative, ECCC invested $735,400 in Grants and Contributions (G&C) projects that supported research that contributes scientific information to inform cumulative effects assessment on wildlife and habitat. The following G&C projects were approved for 2024-25:
  • Trent University: (GCXE22S093: $75,000.00, Spent: 75,000, Lapsed: NA). Implementing genomics-based monitoring to assess the impact of proposed mining activities in the Far North region of Ontario. This was the first year of a 2-year extension for the project to fund the analysis of more samples (5 caribou ranges now systematically surveyed, 2800 samples analysed), collected over a larger geographical area. Results will be used for population and demographic analyses, and to assess the feasibility of assigning individual caribou to their respective Designable Unit (DU) as the basis for a long-term monitoring framework (Boreal Caribou vs Eastern Migratory Caribou).
  • Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute: (GCXE22S045: $50,000: Spent: $50,000: Lapsed: NA) Study of supplemental feeding as a short-term management action for caribou. Caribou declines across Canada have been attributed to cumulative effects of habitat alteration and climate change, including climate-driven food limitation. This project is testing the effectiveness of supplemental caribou feeding as a potentially effective management lever to sustain small/declining populations until habitat improves. This project was extended for an additional year. Initial trials conducted in 2022-23 in collaboration with the local Indigenous community (Simpcw First Nation) were useful to prioritize the placement and distribution of feeders to maximize access by caribou, and ultimately were successful in attracting caribou to feed without any negative impacts observed. The extension of funding covered a second year of food, helicopter transport to feeding sites, and trail cameras. The observed use of feeders by caribou allowed further refinement of ideal timing and location of feeding supplementation and will inform the design of any additional future feeding trails.
  • Université du Québec à Rimouski – (GCXE24S059: $40,000, Spent: $40,000, Lapsed: NA). This project, spanning over 3 years, aims to improve knowledge on best practices for habitat restoration and conservation offsets tailored to the needs of boreal caribou in the context of cumulative impact assessments for resource extraction activities, with a particular focus in eastern Canada. This research seeks to evaluate the application of a diversity of approaches and tools (utilized outside and within ECCC) for habitat restoration and offsetting. It is meant to take an objective look at the tools currently in use (or being developed) in this rapidly evolving field, to validate species-specific information with experts in the field, to explore the different tools “under the hood,” and to evaluate the benefits of using multi-tool approaches. The first year of funding primarily involved planning, recruitment of employees and students, and marked the onset of a broad-scale literature review.
  • Queen’s University – (GCXE24S051: $25,000, spent: $25,000, Lapsed: NA). This project, spanning over 5 years, aims to better understand the environmental presence, transformation, and effects of 6PPD—a common chemical used in tire rubber—and its by-products. Through a systematic review of scientific literature, the research will identify what is currently known and where knowledge gaps remain. This work will help assess the risks these substances pose to aquatic ecosystems and support Environment and Climate Change Canada’s efforts to protect freshwater resources.
  • University of Saskatchewan – (GCXE24S049: 35,000, Spent $35,000, Lapsed: NA): This project, spanning over 3 years, aims to assess how short-term exposure to individual chemicals, mixtures, and combined environmental stressors affects gene expression in northern leopard frog tadpoles. Using the EcoToxChip tool, the study will explore whether toxicogenomics can serve as an effective monitoring approach for this native Canadian species. The findings will support ecological risk assessments of high-priority substances and help evaluate cumulative environmental effects. The project also contributes to advancing high-throughput screening methods, potentially reducing the number of animals used in testing. This work aligns with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s mandate to protect freshwater ecosystems and will be conducted in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
  • University of Ottawa – (GCXE24S052: $25,000, Spent: $25,000, Lapsed: NA) This five-year project aims to develop effective captive breeding methods for the Western chorus frog, focusing on its breeding biology, endocrinology, and husbandry. The goal is to enable large-scale production of tadpoles and metamorphs for reintroduction into natural habitats, supporting recovery efforts for this threatened species. The research will also generate valuable data for the species’ Recovery Strategy under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and contribute to broader conservation goals, including biodiversity protection and pollution assessment. Additionally, the methods developed could be applied to other frog species and support toxicological research using Canadian native amphibians. The project will be conducted in Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Institut de la recherche scientifique – (GCXE24S053 : $35,000, Spent: $35,000, Lapsed: NA). This five-year project aims to develop a nonlethal method for assessing the effects of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on birds by studying how these chemicals impact nucleated red blood cells using advanced transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. Traditionally, liver tissue is used in avian toxicity studies, but this approach is invasive. By focusing on red blood cells, the project introduces a less invasive alternative that could be applied in toxicology, ecology, and conservation programs. The research will also help evaluate PFAS risks to bird species known to be highly exposed, supporting Environment and Climate Change Canada’s mandate to protect wildlife and freshwater ecosystems.
  • The Royal Institute for the Advancement of Learning - McGill University – (GCXE24S050: $40,000, Spent: $40,000, Lapsed: NA). This three-year project will study how climate change and environmental pollutants together affect Arctic seabirds—an important traditional food source for Indigenous communities in Nunavut and Nunatsiavut. In collaboration with Indigenous partners, the research will examine how changes in sea-ice habitat and exposure to contaminants influence seabird health, behaviour, migration, and contaminant uptake. By tracking birds and analyzing their physiological responses, the project will also assess food safety concerns and help determine whether birds with higher contaminant levels show altered responses to changing ice conditions. The findings will support Environment and Climate Change Canada’s efforts to protect wildlife and understand the cumulative effects of pollution and climate change in the North.
  • The Royal Institute for the Advancement of Learning - McGill University – (GCXE24S054: $35,000, Spent: $35,000, Lapsed: NA). This five-year project will assess how multiple environmental contaminants—such as plastics-related chemicals, PFAS, flame retardants, and mercury—combined with climate change, are affecting seabirds in the St. Lawrence region. Using advanced tools like GPS tracking, remote sensing, and molecular biomarkers, the study will link contaminant exposure and habitat changes to seabird health. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Indigenous communities, incorporating traditional knowledge to guide research and decision-making. Findings will support Environment and Climate Change Canada’s mandate by informing the assessment of risks to migratory birds and helping to protect ecosystems impacted by pollution and climate change. Fieldwork will take place in the St. Lawrence, with research led by McGill University.
  • Université de Laval – (GCXE24S074: $130,000, Spent: $130,000, Lapsed : NA). This project, spanning over 6 years aims to build on recent collaborative research to better understand how climate change and human activities—like logging or development—are affecting mature and old forests in Québec. The project brings together government agencies, First Nations, and academic researchers to study how these disturbances lead to forest loss, fragmentation, and changes in forest structure. The goal is to assess how these changes impact important forest ecosystem services, such as biodiversity (including species at risk like boreal caribou and certain birds), carbon storage, forest regeneration, and cultural values important to Indigenous communities. By working together, the project hopes to support more effective and inclusive forest management strategies.
  • Biodiversity Research Institute - (GCXE24S073: $ 175,400, Spent: $ 175,400, Lapsed: NA) This project, spanning over 4 years aims to better understand how offshore wind farms in Atlantic Canada might affect wildlife—especially migratory birds, bats, and species at risk. Over two years, the project will gather the best available knowledge on how to assess these impacts and how well current mitigation strategies work. It will also create a regional method for evaluating different offshore wind development scenarios, focusing on species identified in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). This work supports federal commitments to improve environmental assessments and public trust in the process. Because Canada has limited experience in this area, the research will be led by the U.S.-based Biodiversity Research Institute’s Centre for Research on Offshore Wind and the Environment (CROWE), which specializes in studying the effects of offshore wind on birds and bats.
  • University of Saskatchewan- (GCXE24S087: 120,000, Spent: $ 120,000, Lapsed: NA). The aim of this 3-year project is to understand how climate change and resource development together affect forests in Northern Canada—especially how these changes impact boreal caribou and the Indigenous communities that rely on these ecosystems. Researchers will model how things like more frequent wildfires, rising temperatures, and industrial activity change forest conditions. They’ll also study how these changes allow animals like deer, moose, and their predators to move into new areas. This will help test how well different habitat protection strategies work for boreal caribou under future climate conditions. Additionally, part of the project will focus on building research skills within Indigenous communities so they can better understand and respond to the effects of climate change and development on their well-being.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: recipients through application-based process, and/or recipients based on their unique ability to address targeted program results. The Department employs one or a combination of the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable and accessible manner: publicity in news media; information provided on the departmental website; letter-writing activities; email correspondence with targeted interest groups; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$3,382,400	$4,170,600	$3,350,400	$3,940,400	$3,893,395	$542,995
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$3,382,400	$4,170,600	$3,350,400	$3,940,400	$3,893,395	$542,995

Explanation of variances: N/A

Grant for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Start date: 1994-95

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

Link to departmental result(s): Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: International Environment and Climate Action.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

• To pay up to 20% of Canada’s mandatory annual contribution to the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF); and
• To reimburse the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the differential administrative costs associated with locating the MLF Secretariat in Montreal as compared to UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi.

The MLF assists developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol. Global Affairs Canada pays the remaining 80% of Canada’s contribution. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The MLF continued to assist developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol with a view to reducing emissions of ozone-depleting and/or global-warming substances. In this way, the main expected results:

• Continued gradual elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• Gradual reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 

Based on latest MLF progress report available (for the year 2023), to date the MLF has supported the elimination of 498, 607 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances consumption and production. In addition, 8,446,038 mtCO2eq (megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents) of HFC consumption have been approved for phase out, of which 305,336 mtCO2eq have been eliminated. 

The MLF has also supported positive change in national policies, legislation, and regulatory systems, and contributed to substantial global-scale environmental, human health and climate change mitigation impacts.

Canada’s contribution has also allowed the MLF Secretariat to operate successfully in Montreal since the Fund’s inception and paying the differential administrative costs ensured the efficient functioning of the Secretariat which contributed to demonstrating Canadian leadership and Montreal’s global reputation as an international city, while generating benefits to the Canadian economy flowing from the activities of the Secretariat’s staff and from the holding of frequent Montreal Protocol-related international meetings in Montreal.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: There are no applicants. The grant is paid to UNEP as host and administrator of the MLF.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$3,517,500	$3,290,156	$3,740,000	$3,740,000	$3,739,216	-$784
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$3,517,500	$3,290,156	$3,740,000	$3,740,000	$3,739,216	-$784

Explanation of variances: N/A

Grants in support of Innovation Solutions Canada (ISC)

Start date: 2019-20

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

Link to departmental results: The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Substance and Waste Management.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Incentivize clean technology development and innovation to reduce plastic waste and pollution. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: In 2024-25, ECCC continued support of three Phase 1 grants (proofs of concept) for projects to mitigate the release of microplastics from tire wear. ECCC also launched two new challenges in September and awarded nine Phase 1 grants (proofs of concept) for projects to advance reuse to replace single-use plastics and to improve the collection and/or sorting of plastic film and flexible packaging.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: ECCC continued to collaborate with previous recipients to ensure the continued commercialization of innovations.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$1,024,148	$1,249,237	$1,600,000	$1,600,000	$1,599,679	-$321
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$1,024,148	$1,249,237	$1,600,000	$1,600,000	$1,599,679	-$321

Explanation of variances: N/A

Grants in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Start date: 2010-11

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians use authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to encourage and support individuals and organizations engaged in activities that enable Canadians to access, understand, and use information on changing weather, water, climate, and air quality conditions. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: This low-risk transfer payment program encouraged and help foster young Canadians to study and pursue careers in the atmospheric sciences, a field of expertise which is central to ECCC.

In total, 26 applications were received during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Following an internal assessment of the applications, 9 were selected to receive the Undergraduate supplement, valued at $1,000 and 6 applications were selected to receive the Post Graduate supplement of $5,000.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: This ECCC Grant Program assists the applicants with undertaking the projects that will connect to ECCC’s Atmospheric and Meteorological Graduate and Undergraduate supplements. Applicants review the criteria on the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada website, where they can determine their eligibility. In addition, contact details to directly interact with a Departmental Representative for questions, concerns, issues, or clarification are available.

All applications were evaluated during the specified reporting year, and payments were made to the majority of successful candidates in the winter of 2024 (as the number of 2024-25 applications well exceeded that of previous years, only 6 out of 15 PostGrad students with successful applications were paid $5K each).

Director General Level Notification letters are drafted to inform the applicants of their grant award along with other relevant paperwork (Vendor Template, Direct Deposit).

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$18,000	$15,000	$44,000	$44,000	$44,000	$0
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$18,000	$15,000	$44,000	$44,000	$44,000	$0

Explanation of variances: N/A

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Start date: 2017

End date: 2029

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Link to departmental result(s): Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) is a tool for advancing incremental domestic climate change mitigation action under the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy – Canada's strengthened climate plan, and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF).  

The LCEF supports projects to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, generate clean growth, build resilient communities, and create good jobs for Canadians. Specifically, the LCEF supports actions that reduce GHG emissions, are incremental to current plans, and achieve reductions within the period of Canada’s first Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Continue to support collaboration and maintain momentum with provinces and territories, Indigenous leaders, and other stakeholders, effectively implementing proposals approved for funding under the LCEF in order to contribute to Canada’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A - no internal audit completed in 2024-25

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: An Evaluation of the LCEF was undertaken in 2024-25, led by ECCC’s Audit and Evaluation Branch. The evaluation recommendations from the May 2025 Final Report were as follows:

Recommendation 1: ECCC should develop a clear and transparent process for setting and adjusting targets, including setting intermediate milestones to track progress more effectively. 

Recommendation 2: ECCC should consider adjustments to the GHG accounting could be considered to ensure reductions are attributable to Low Carbon Economy Fund funding, avoid double-counting with other federal departments (stacking funding), and better incorporate uncertainty analysis. 

Recommendation 3: ECCC should aggregate and use the information on co-benefits gathered in the biannual performance reports to demonstrate the additional value of the Low Carbon Economy Fund.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: The LCEF has four funding streams that engage various applicants and recipients: 

• Leadership Fund: Between January and December 2024, the Leadership Fund was on pause due to refocused government spending and the need for a program reset. However, using direct conversations, and correspondence at the DM, DG and working levels, ECCC remained engaged with provinces and territories to provide updates on the pause and reset as information was available. When the pause was lifted in December, officials resumed engagement to provide clarification on program criteria, discuss potential proposal ideas, and provide feedback on proposal submissions. Biannual Agreement Oversight Committees were also convened with provinces and territories in 2024-25, both face-to-face and virtually, to review the status and progress of ongoing Leadership Fund programming, identify public communications opportunities, and address any questions or issues.
• Challenge Fund: To support the Challenge Fund’s 2023 intake, ECCC engaged with applicants through webinars, program inboxes, targeted correspondence and direct conversations during the program’s application and assessment processes. ECCC also engaged applicants to negotiate and execute funding agreements for approved projects under Challenge 2023. For those who were not selected for funding, ECCC met with some applicants as requested, through virtual meetings, to provide details on why applications were not approved or selected for funding.   
• Implementation Readiness Fund (IRF): ECCC engaged with applicants through targeted correspondence, a program inbox, and direct conversations during the project design phase. ECCC also engaged applicants to negotiate and execute funding agreements for approved projects under IRF.

Indigenous Leadership Fund (ILF): ECCC engaged with applicants and recipients through face-to-face and/or virtual meetings to provide information on the program, discuss proposed project ideas, provide feedback on application packages, and support funding agreement negotiations. Additionally, ECCC maintained an ILF program inbox for applicant inquiries and correspondence. ECCC officials under the ILF participated in in-person events, conferences, and distinctions-based senior bilateral tables to collaborate and engage with Indigenous proponents and partners, such as Goose Moon Table to identify barriers to the Métis Nation’s participation in decision-making and access to climate change programs. At these events, conferences, and tables, ECCC officials discussed updates on the program and projects, and heard from partners about priorities in the climate space. ECCC also engaged a First Nations Advisory Circle to discuss the implementation of the First Nations stream, and to collect valuable insight and advice.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$2,500,000	$0	$0	-$2,500,000
Total contributions	$190,825,185	$237,167,988	$226,993,665	$257,832,265	$192,118,466	-$34,875,199
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$190,825,185	$237,167,988	$229,493,665	$257,832,265	$192,118,466	-$37,375,199

Explanation of variances: Authorities available for use exceeded actual spending because recipients were unable to spend as much as expected under their funding agreements on their projects due to various factors, including implementation delays from supply chain interruptions. Several recipients have encountered delays in permitting, contracting, and completing environmental assessments, which have impacted construction timelines and activities. In addition, the implementation of the recapitalized LCEF has been delayed due to adjustments in available funding requiring a program review.

Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund

Start date: 2021

End date: 2030

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory Funding through the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA), Carbon Pricing Proceeds Return: Output Based Pricing System (OBPS). Reported through annual report to Parliament.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result(s): Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change; Canadian Greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The federal carbon pollution pricing system, as detailed under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, returns all proceeds collected under its application back to jurisdictions of origin, including proceeds collected from the federal Output Based Pricing System (OBPS). Participating provincial and territorial governments that have accepted the adoption of the federal OBPS system can receive collected proceeds directly from the Government of Canada. In provinces where the federal OBPS was applied and not requested, the Government of Canada returns proceeds through its OBPS Proceeds Fund.

The OBPS Proceeds Fund facilitates the return of OBPS proceeds in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick, and will support the long-term decarbonization of Canada’s heavy industry sector through supporting clean technology implementation projects and large-scale clean electricity initiatives. 

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The OBPS Proceeds Fund, comprised of the Decarbonization Incentive Program (DIP) and the Future Electricity Fund (FEF), has committed approximately $815.6M in support of decarbonization and clean energy projects through concluded funding agreements with OBPS regulated facilities and provinces. Under the DIP there are currently 48 signed funding agreements leading to approximately $175.2M in OBPS proceeds being returned in support of clean technology implementation projects.

Under the FEF, ECCC has concluded funding agreements with the Governments of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick that is expected to see approximately $640.4M in OBPS proceeds returned and invested in 15 projects that will advance provincial clean energy initiatives. Approximately, $538.3M in Saskatchewan will support 12 projects, $26.4M in Manitoba will support 1 project, $55.6M will support 1 project in Ontario and $20.1M will support 1 project in New Brunswick.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: ECCC officials engaged with applicants and recipients through targeted correspondence, generic programming inboxes, publicized communications materials, and through direct conversations with provincial and territorial officials, including through Ministerial correspondence.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$12,050,308	$75,825,140	$0	$144,672,429	$144,672,429	$144,672,429
Total program	$12,050,308	$75,825,140	$0	$144,672,429	$144,672,429	$144,672,429

Explanation of variances: The source of funds is statutory and, ultimately, all proceeds collected will be returned to the jurisdictions of origin.

Preventing and Managing Pollution

Start date: April 1, 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have clean air; Canadians have clean water; The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Air Quality; Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships; Community Eco-Action; Substances and Waste Management.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to protect, conserve and have a positive impact on the environment through the following actions:

• Reduce releases and monitor levels of contaminants in air, water and soil;
• Promote and enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations; and
• Develop and administer projects that have positive impacts on the environment, environmental standards, emergency preparedness or response, guidelines, regulations, and other risk management instruments by collaborating with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, community-based groups, and other stakeholders.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: In 2024–25, projects funded under the Preventing and Managing Pollution program contributed to meaningful progress across its three key outcomes: clean air, clean water, and protection from harmful substances. These initiatives, led by Indigenous communities, academic institutions, non-profits, and intergovernmental organizations, reflect a strong emphasis on collaboration, scientific research, and community-based environmental stewardship.

Clean Air

Funded projects advanced Canada’s air quality science and monitoring capacity. Academic research improved modeling of pollutant dispersion, remote sensing, and the chemical behavior of airborne contaminants, including ammonia, mercury, microplastics, and persistent organic pollutants. Studies explored health and ecological impacts of air pollution, particularly in urban and Arctic environments. Contributions to international air pollution agreements and Indigenous-led monitoring initiatives strengthened Canada’s ability to assess and manage air quality risks.

Clean Water

A significant number of projects addressed freshwater quality, watershed health, and regulation of industrial effluents. Community-based monitoring programs in oil sands regions, scientific research on chemical mixtures in watersheds, and open-access water data platforms contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of water pollution and mitigation. Indigenous participation in regulatory development processes ensured water governance was inclusive and informed by affected communities. These initiatives generated critical data and built local capacity to protect and manage water resources sustainably.

Protection from Harmful Substances

The program supported a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing pollution and managing environmental risks. Projects focused on plastic waste reduction, chemical safety, and cumulative impacts of resource extraction. By supporting both policy development and on-the-ground action, the program advanced environmental standards and risk management tools. Indigenous stewardship, environmental monitoring, and international collaboration reflect a holistic approach to pollution prevention.

Key Highlights of Funded Projects in 2024–25

• ECCC provided an annual contribution of $100,000 to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to support implementation of a collaborative decision-making agreement concerning management of the Point Grey Disposal at Sea Site. This represents a continued step toward meaningful reconciliation and marine environment protection.
• ECCC contributed $25,000 annually to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for work under the Working Party on Chemical Accidents. In 2024–25, three documents were published addressing hazardous substances in ports, process safety risks from energy transition technologies, and managing risks from natural hazards. A webinar series on hydrogen fuel risk and a thematic session on Process Safety Engineer training were also held.
• Over $1.2 million was provided to twenty projects aligned with the waste hierarchy to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. These included lifecycle analyses, litter audits, open data research, reuse pilots, and strategic advancement in key sectors such as healthcare, quick service restaurants, textiles, and construction.
• ECCC provided $40,000 to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to support a two-year study on the global supply, trade, production, and use of mercury compounds. The draft report was released for comment in March 2025 and the final report will be discussed at the Minamata COP6 in November 2025.
• ECCC provided $30,000 to the International Maritime Organization to support the London Protocol Secretariat’s efforts to build technical capacity on marine pollution prevention to enable countries to implement and ratify the London Protocol.
• ECCC distributed a total of $205,000 to five recipients supporting emission reductions from vehicles. Projects included:
  • $50,000 to the University of Toronto for advanced modeling of greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from heavy-duty vehicles in the Toronto region.
  • $90,000 to Aamjiwnaang First Nation for engagement and collaboration on air pollution and toxic substance management, including monitoring related to dinoseb and benzene.
  • $30,000 to the Métis National Council to coordinate regional input on transportation and energy initiatives.
  • $20,000 to the Manitoba Métis Federation and $15,000 to the Métis Nation of Alberta to ensure Métis perspectives in Clean Electricity Regulation’s development.
• Since 2018, ECCC allocated $32.9 million over six years to 108 Indigenous communities and organizations in Alberta and mainland British Columbia on the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion consultation list. These projects, part of the Terrestrial Cumulative Effects Initiative (TCEI), advanced understanding, capacity building, and decision-making related to cumulative effects. Activities included surveys, monitoring, information system development, and community engagement to identify concerns and priorities. A TCEI Toolkit was co-developed with Indigenous recipients containing tools and resources on cumulative effects.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A - no internal audit completed in 2024-25

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: An evaluation of the St. Lawrence Action Plan Program (joint with the Quebec Government) was completed.

The evaluation findings were related to governance, reporting, and external communications:

The governance structure supports the fulfilment of SLAP’s mandate by promoting information-sharing, consultation, and monitoring of program projects. The Issues Committees and Working Groups are carrying out their roles effectively. Opportunities for contribution to the SLAP are limited for First Nations and the municipal and community sectors.

Generally speaking, the reporting process is effective and helps in tracking project progress and achievements. Not all the information collected is used to support decision-making or the achievement of SLAP objectives. Several users find the electronic reporting platform difficult to work with.

SLAP external communications are guided by an overall strategy, but that strategy does not have a performance measurement framework. It is impossible to determine whether objectives have been achieved.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Applicants and recipients are engaged under this program in two ways:

• Recipients through application-based process,
• Recipients based on their unique ability to address targeted program results.

The Department employs the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable, and accessible manner: social media; information provided on the departmental website; email correspondence with targeted interest groups; and meetings with targeted recipient communities.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$33,930,857	$47,287,768	$46,669,664	$26,295,303	$26,026,134	-$20,643,530
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$33,930,857	$47,287,768	$46,669,664	$26,295,303	$26,026,134	-$20,643,530

Explanation of variances: ECCC transferred $24.8 million to the Canada Water Agency (CWA) to support the continued delivery of this program but spent $4.2 million in approved projects from this amount in 2024–25, resulting in a variance of approximately $20.6 million. The $4.2 million shortfall in the transfer amount was resourced internally.

CWA Financial Information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$0	$0	$0	$24,841,900	$24,330,459	$24,330,459
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$0	$0	$0	$24,841,900	$24,330,459	$24,330,459

Explanation of variances: The variance for CWA is due to the fact that no planned spending was allocated for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Start date: 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s): Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced; Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change; Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience globally; Canadian communities, economies, and ecosystems are more resilient.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation, International Climate Change Action, and Climate Change Adaptation.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to promote change towards sustainable environmental and climate change development and policies.

Results achieved: Nature Smart Climate Solution Fund (NSCSF) – Science and Data Initiative:

• In 2024-25, $5.6M was allocated in funding to twelve projects contributing to the advancement of knowledge and information on natural climate solutions in Canada. This investment will contribute to improving Canada’s knowledge on fighting climate change by conducting research on historical baselines, projections, and drivers of ecosystems conversion. Four of these initiatives are Learning and Knowledge Hubs aimed at advancing and disseminating essential and technical knowledge to support the implementation of natural climate solutions in Canada, while optimizing the co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being. 
• $296K was invested in four projects, to acquire new wetlands coverage as well as collect, compile, and process ground truth data to help strengthen the Canadian National Wetlands Inventory (CNWI). By developing a standardized ground-truth database to support Canada-wide wetlands classification, and through increased mapping efforts, this helped increase and improve wetlands data coverage across Canada.
• In 2023-24, ECCC began supporting with climate finance funds, four methane emission mitigation projects, three in the biogas sector in India, Serbia, and Cote d’Ivoire, and one in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Environment and Climate Change Canada engages applicants and recipients under this program in two ways: applicants through applications related to specific program elements; and recipients through single or named recipients identified based on their unique ability to address targeted program results. The Department employs one or a combination of the following initiatives to provide access to the program in a clear, understandable, and accessible manner: publicity in news media; information provided on the departmental website; letter-writing activities; and meetings with targeted recipient communities. Administrative requirements have been tailored to evaluated risk levels, and efficiency is being addressed through simplified agreement templates.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$560,560	$877,500	$3,650,000	$195,554	$165,701	-$3,484,299
Total contributions	$25,485,021	$28,199,952	$32,253,411	$35,416,171	$34,983,604	$2,730,193
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$26,045,581	$29,077,452	$35,903,411	$35,611,725	$35,149,305	-$754,106

Explanation of variances: The variance is mainly due to funding returned to reserve, lapsed amounts and exchange rate impacts. Positive adjustments came from transfers received from Conserving Nature programs, approved pressure funding, and reallocations between Grants and Contributions. Certain items were excluded due to separate Terms and Conditions.

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Start date: 1997

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: The program is appropriated annually through Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have clean air; Canadians have clean water; The Canadian environment is protected from harmful substances.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Community and Sustainability

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: ECCC manages Science Horizons Youth Internship Program (Science Horizons). It is funded through the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is the Government of Canada’s response to helping young Canadians ages 15-30 gain the skills and work experiences required to get job ready and successfully transition into the labour market.

Science Horizons is designed to increase youth employment in the environmental field across Canada. Science Horizons provide a wage subsidy of up to $25,000 and an additional financial support of up to $5,000 in skills development, training, and wraparound services to eligible employers to hire a recent graduate to work in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) sectors. Three-year contribution agreements are currently in place (2023-26) for four delivery organizations, who administer the program, including all activities related to matching eligible employers and interns. There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: 693 interns received funding supports in 2024-25. Results for 2024-25 indicate that 12,1% were youth with disabilities, 28.1% were racialized youth, 4.6% were Indigenous youth, 18.9% were youth who are members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and 58.6% were women. Science Horizons is on a three-year cycle and these results are for the second year of the cycle.

Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: N/A - no internal audit completed in 2024-25

Three external recipient audits were undertaken in 2024-25 of Science Horizons recipients for the time period covering 2021-2023. Financial adjustments were identified, and recommendations related to improving internal controls, information collection, financial controls and policies, and processes and controls for managing contribution agreements were made by the auditor. Management Action Plans are being finalized.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25:

In September 2023, A horizontal evaluation of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) Evaluation Directorate conducted a Horizontal Evaluation of the YESS program and finalized their report September 2024. Key objectives were to determine the early results achieved by the strategy’s two main components: Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) and Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ). Overall, YESS participants showed increased employment levels from before to after the program, especially those with lower levels of education. They also emphasized that delivery models that recognize that in addition to lack of skills and work experience, youth may face additional structural or individual barriers that prevent them from improving their labour market attachment have been proven more effective. Wage subsidies in combatting youth unemployment have been proven most effective. Recommendations include ESDC to pursue efforts to maintain and strengthen data collection by establishing a new YESS data collection system with appropriate privacy and legal provisions and information-sharing agreements, to ensure that proper data elements are collected by all federal partners to allow for contracting participants for the conduct of qualitative lines of evidence, and to prioritize data integrity including validating data uploads. ECCC continues to collaborate with ESDC on the Management Response and Action Plan as a listed supporting YESS partner, has been completed. Note that ECCC only had minor funding under the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program.

High levels of satisfaction with the program are reported by both participants and employers/sponsors.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25:

In November 2022, ECCC initiated a call for proposals (via internet and social media) from potential recipients to collaborate in the delivery of the Science Horizons Program for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years.

Each recipient targets a specific market segment within environmental and clean technology sectors to leverage their own network of organizations and educational institutions to promote Science Horizons. This includes promoting the program through their networks, attending career or job fairs, and participating in conferences and networking events with organizations in the environmental and clean technology industry. Official quarterly program updates are conducted by the Science Horizons team to the recipients to address irregularities and issues arising with any employers/ interns, update on the outreach plan and targets, and any organization updates.

In addition, ECCC promotes the program annually to applicants (both employers and interns) through Ministerial Announcements in coordination with social media communications and the program’s departmental internet site.

Financial information (dollars):

Type of transfer payment	2022-23 actual spending	2023-24 actual spending	2024-25 planned spending	2024-25 total authorities available for use	2024-25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned)
Total grants	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total contributions	$14,337,000	$18,029,021	$18,071,803	$18,071,803	$18,071,803	$0
Total other types of transfer payments	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total program	$14,337,000	$18,029,021	$18,071,803	$18,071,803	$18,071,803	$0

Explanation of variances: N/A

Gender-based analysis plus

Section 1: institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

Governance

ECCC is pursuing mainstreaming Gender-based Analysis (GBA) Plus, meaning that all ECCC employees have a responsibility to apply GBA Plus to their work as appropriate. In 2017, the Department established a GBA Plus Centre of Expertise (CoE), which supports the integration of GBA Plus in all aspects of work. In 2024-25, the CoE continued to expand its support to the Department, including by:

• Developing tools, training and guidance to facilitate the application of GBA Plus in policy and program proposals, including maintaining and growing a body of research and resources;
• Offering advice and support to departmental staff undertaking GBA Plus in their work;
• Providing an internal challenge function to ensure that mandatory GBA Plus assessments, such as in Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and Budget proposals are complete and rigorous;
• Identifying training needs and opportunities to support professional development and enhance GBA Plus capacity through the Department;
• Chairing ECCC’s GBA Plus Branch Advisory Network; and
• Liaising with the Department of Women and Gender Equality and collaborating with GBA Plus leads in other government departments.
• In 2024-25, the department continued the pilot interdepartmental working group, that has grown to 19 departments and agencies, to support coordinated efforts to enhance the application of GBA Plus in the science and environmental fields.

Capacity

In 2024-25, the CoE aimed to better understand, identify, and address departmental needs and gaps related to GBA Plus implementation and mainstreaming. To enhance GBA Plus capacity, efforts focused on strengthening and engaging the GBA Plus Branch Advisory Network, which consists of representatives who take a leadership role in supporting GBA Plus within each Branch. Engagement with the network was guided by a strategic plan for 2024-25 and focused on facilitating the sharing of information, best practices, and resources. In addition, in 2024-25 the CoE continued to advance the update of the departmental policy to serve as the foundational piece of an Enhanced ECCC GBA Plus Framework, aligning with whole-of-government efforts to improve the way that equity is considered in decision-making.

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

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

In 2024-25, there were 2 full-time equivalents dedicated to GBA Plus in the CoE, with several other staff across the Department applying GBA Plus as part of their work.

Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core Responsibility: Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Program name: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

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

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

Distribution of benefits: N/A

Specific demographic group to be monitored: N/A

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: In 2024-25, ECCC continued to work in close collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to advance the recapitalized Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF)’s Indigenous Leadership Fund. This initiative is providing funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low carbon heating projects owned and led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, communities, and organizations. The Indigenous Leadership Fund will support the self-determined climate, social, and economic priorities of Indigenous Peoples, taking a collaborative, distinctions-based approach to design and deliver programming, recognizing the unique rights, interests, and circumstances of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. In addition, a portion of the program targets unaffiliated Indigenous communities. Furthermore, under the recapitalized LCEF, ECCC will implement the Implementation Readiness Fund, which aims to remove barriers to low-carbon technology adoption and 2030 climate mitigation action. ECCC will collaborate with stakeholders, communities, and organizations through the Implementation Readiness Fund to facilitate stronger partnerships with stakeholders to grow an inclusive, clean, and prosperous future together. Individuals’ adaptive capacity to cope with or manage climate change impacts is directly impacted by access to economic and other resources, and research has established that low-income households will experience the most difficulty in adapting to climate change. The recapitalized Low Carbon Economy Fund Leadership Fund provided funding to support low-income households transition off of home heating oil.

It is well understood that Canada’s changing climate exacerbates existing challenges and health stressors for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Climate change also disproportionately impacts northern, rural, remote, and coastal communities, younger and older generations, people with health issues or disabilities, low-income groups, women, and those at the intersection of these identities. ECCC will continue to consider the impacts of its climate change policies and programs in order to avoid, as much as possible, further negative impacts on affected populations. The Government will continue to conduct additional GBA Plus for each policy and program to maximize positive benefits for those most impacted by the negative effects of climate change.

Other key program impacts:

• ECCC is providing support to National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs) to ensure broader engagement with Indigenous Peoples on the development and implementation of climate change policies and programs. ECCC provides $1.2M in annual contribution funding for communication and engagement on climate change, which is intended to provide NIOs with additional capacity so they can participate in meetings, host engagement sessions, and lead other activities to support the development of Indigenous perspectives and input on climate change priorities. In 2016, the federal government committed to strengthening its collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as partners in climate action. Following joint commitments made by the Prime Minister and the National Leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council, the federal government and First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners established three distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change. These tables are based on the recognition of rights, co-operation, and partnership. They help foster a collaborative approach to ongoing engagement with Indigenous Peoples and support Indigenous climate leadership. Indigenous Peoples have cared for the land and taken effective climate action consistent with their Knowledge Systems, legal traditions, and inherent rights. Indigenous Peoples have called on Canada for a renewed relationship on climate change. In 2024-25, following an extensive engagement period, First Nations, modern treaty and self-governing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments and regional organizations shared their climate strategies and recommendations with Canada, which included region-specific proposals to strengthen how the federal government supports Indigenous-led climate action. 
• Policies and regulations to expand the use of clean electricity can improve air quality, reduce exposure to air pollutants that are linked to premature deaths, asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems, and contribute to overall household energy savings over long-term haul. The benefits of increased use of zero-emission vehicles would accrue to all individuals, particularly those residing in urban and suburban areas (over 80% of Canadians). Evidence shows that reducing carbon pollution can provide co-benefits for health outcomes and well-being for communities, particularly youth, elderly, people with physical or mental health issues, and people in low-income groups. Measures such as improving energy efficiency and making home heating more affordable for families, with a focus on lower-income households, can help lower energy bills, make homes healthier and more comfortable through better insulation and more energy-efficient windows and doors, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help Canada meet its climate change targets. Investments in clean technology, including low-emission and climate resilient green infrastructure, are expected to support healthier and safer environments for isolated and northern populations, and a more reliable, energy efficient electricity supply can reduce financial losses experienced by businesses due to outages (e.g. restaurant that loses food inventory through spoilage).

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

Supplementary information sources:

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

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan: Disaggregated data, broken down by gender, age, race, ethnicity, and income, were collected to understand how certain groups may be disproportionately impacted, and to determine strategies to mitigate impacts. The 2020 Climate Action and Awareness Fund community-based climate action intake included a GBA Plus question in the project application for reporting and assessment purposes. The question was asked in the context of communities the applications were intended to reach. Applicants were asked if the communities included any of the following groups: 2SLGBTQQIA+; Living with disabilities; Low-income; New Canadians; Rural or remote communities; Small to medium sized businesses (fewer than 500 employees); Visible minorities; or Youth (ages 15 to 30). If the community included any of those groups, the applicant was asked to explain how the groups identified were going to be engaged in the project. This information is available to be reported on. It may also help inform future program design.

Program name: Climate Change Adaptation

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: N/A

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: Climate change is leading to rapid ecological changes that can transform the economy and significantly affect the daily lives of Canadians. Certain populations are disproportionately affected by a changing climate, depending on the region of residence, sex, gender, age, income, employment status, family status, Indigenous identity, visible minority status, and disability status. The Climate Change Adaptation Program seeks to provide climate information to support decision-making for the Canadian population at large, as well as strategic coordination for whole-of-society actions to adapt to a changing climate. The program advances key policy and foundational science work to inform how adaptation actions are designed with equity considerations through the Strategy’s guiding principles.

The program’s leadership in implementing the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) has strengthened whole-of-society collaboration and governance around climate adaptation. It supports knowledge sharing and alignment of federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous approaches to adaptation, and ensures adaptation priorities reflect Canada’s diverse regional and demographic contexts. Through the application of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus), the program ensures adaptation actions account for and address the needs of groups disproportionately affected by climate impacts. For example, the program has integrated equity principles the NAS Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. By enabling more inclusive and evidence-informed adaptation planning, the program supports long-term resilience across sectors and geographies, while also helping ensure that adaptation actions do not unintentionally reinforce existing social or economic inequities.

Supplementary information sources:

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

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

Program name: International Environment and Climate Action

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	60 per cent - 79 per cent women
By income level	Somewhat benefits low-income individuals
By age group	Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: It is well understood that Canada’s changing climate exacerbates existing challenges and health stressors for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Climate change also disproportionately impacts northern, rural, remote, and coastal communities, younger and older generations, people with health issues or disabilities, low-income groups, women, and those at the intersection of these identities. ECCC will continue to consider the impacts of its climate change policies and programs to avoid, as much as possible, further negative impacts on affected populations, and will lead and coordinate a whole-of-government development of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, which included the publication of GBA Plus results from the initial policy development phase. The Government will continue to conduct additional GBA Plus for each policy and program to maximize positive benefits for those most impacted by the negative effects of climate change. Internationally, Canada’s engagement on climate change serves to reduce GHG emissions and the impacts of climate change on the groups who bear a significant portion of its impacts. Moreover, the repercussion from droughts, floods, extreme weather events, and food and water insecurity have a greater and differentiated effect on these groups. To address these issues, Canada’s programming is specifically targeted at women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples by integrating GBA Plus considerations into climate change actions alongside developmental considerations of health.

Other key program impacts: Climate change affects all Canadians. However, individual experiences differ according to geographic location, gender, income level, ethnicity, age, and other socio-economic factors. For example, large urban centers experience amplified heat waves, whereas those in rural areas who depend on agriculture can experience loss of livelihood. Studies demonstrate that children, people with lower income, and Indigenous Peoples tend to experience the effects of climate change disproportionately, while also having less power, influence, and resources to respond to and manage these effects. These groups may also face greater challenges associated with the implementation of programs and policies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Canada, northern and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are facing higher costs associated with mitigation initiatives. At the same time, these groups often face geographic and structural challenges that limit their ability to cope with and adapt to severe climate impacts, or to equitably participate in the transformation to a low-carbon future and capitalize on opportunities that may arise.

Indigenous communities and people living in northern and remote areas experience disproportionate impacts from climate change. Lower socio-economic outcomes, the legacy of colonization (including displacement from traditional territories onto reserve lands that are often more prone to flooding or fire), and a unique relationship with the land are factors that compound the effects of climate change, leading to intensified negative cultural, social, and economic impacts on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Barriers to accessing adaptation and mitigation solutions intensify the negative impacts of climate change for Indigenous Peoples. ECCC is providing support to national Indigenous organizations to ensure broader engagement with Indigenous Peoples on the development and implementation of climate change policies and programs. The funding is intended to cover their capacity requirements, participation in meetings, hosting of engagement sessions, and other activities to support the development of Indigenous perspectives and input on climate change priorities. In 2016, the federal government committed to strengthening its collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as partners in climate action. Following joint commitments made by the Prime Minister and the National Leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council, the federal government and First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners established three distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change. These tables are based on the recognition of rights, co-operation, and partnership. They help foster a collaborative approach to ongoing engagement with Indigenous Peoples and support Indigenous climate leadership. Indigenous Peoples have cared for the land and taken effective climate action consistent with their Knowledge Systems, legal traditions, and inherent rights. Indigenous Peoples have called on Canada for a renewed relationship on climate change where Indigenous Peoples can freely exercise their right to self-determination and participate in climate-related decision-making, supported by stable, long-term funding. In response, as announced in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, ECCC and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) are working to co-develop an Indigenous Climate Leadership (ICL) Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies with First Nations, modern treaty and self-governing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Policies and regulations to expand the use of clean electricity can improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollutants that are linked to premature deaths, asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems. The benefits of increased use of zero-emission vehicles would accrue to all individuals, particularly those residing in urban and suburban areas (over 80% of Canadians). Evidence shows that reducing carbon pollution can provide co-benefits for health outcomes and well-being for communities, particularly youth, elderly, people with physical or mental health issues, and people in low-income groups. Measures such as improving energy efficiency and making home heating more affordable for families, with a focus on lower-income households, can help lower energy bills, make homes healthier and more comfortable through better insulation and more energy-efficient windows and doors, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help Canada meet its climate change targets. Investments in clean technology, including low-emission and climate resilient green infrastructure, are expected to support healthier and safer environments for isolated and northern populations, and a more reliable, energy efficient electricity supply can reduce financial losses experienced by businesses due to outages (e.g., restaurant that loses food inventory through spoilage).

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

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

Supplementary information sources

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

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

Core Responsibility: Preventing and Managing Pollution

Program name: Air Quality

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

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

Distribution of benefits: N/A

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics:

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

Other key program impacts:

• An Interim Order was issued to 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. It brought forward elements of the subsequently published Reduction in the Release of VOCs (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations, in consideration of disproportionately impacted communities.
• Continued to provide Air Quality health Index (AQHI) observations, forecasts, and alerts to the general population and at-risk groups. The health risks of air pollution and the AQHI are posted on social media to raise awareness and recommend actions to reduce exposure.

Supplementary information sources:

• Air Quality Health Index
• ECCC on X
• Each province has a X account, e.g. ECCC Weather Ontario
• Interim Order 
• Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations

GBA Plus data collection plan: Uses existing data and tools to understand the intersectional impacts of air pollution on diverse population groups in Canada.

Program name: Community and Sustainability

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

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

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	For Science Horizons Youth Internship Program: Broadly gender-balanced
By income level	N/A
By age group	For Science Horizons Youth Internship Program: Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics:

Statistic	Observed results	Data source	Comment
EDF
% of approved projects containing engagement activities to support EDF Priority groups	82%	Approved EDF projects from the 2023-24 FY.	Projects contain engagement activities supporting either youth, Indigenous Peoples, or small to medium sized businesses. Indigenous Peoples are individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples Youth are considered individuals in Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12;Maternelle-CEGEP in Quebec) Small to medium-sized businesses are businesses with fewer than 500 paid employees
% of projects incorporating a knowledge transfer strategy for creating and disseminating project knowledge	82%	Approved EDF projects from the 2023-24 FY.	Projects contain aknowledge transfer component. Knowledge created (Indigenous Knowledge, engagement, etc.) is disseminated to the impacted groups in the community.
% of projects producing project materials in a language other than French and English	21%	Approved EDF projects from the 2023-24 FY.	Projects plan toproduce materials in a language other than French or English. Other languages indicated for translation include: Cree, Stoney, Michif, Inuktitut, Mi'kmaw, Punjabi, and Gujarati.
Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
% of Indigenous youth hired	4.6%	Program Reporting Documents	N/A
% of racialized youth hired	28.1%	Program Reporting Documents	N/A
% of youth with disabilities hired	12.1%	Program Reporting Documents	N/A
% of women hired	58.6%	Program Reporting Documents	N/A

Other key program impacts: The EDF aims to have a positive impact on the lives and natural environment of Canadians and their communities, by providing funding for community-based projects that benefit the environment. The program strives to reach many Canadians to promote actions that benefit the environment, engage communities, and build capacity in those communities. Evaluation criteria for the program include environmental benefits and needs, technical solutions and community engagement. Consistent assessment tools are used to review proposals from different applicant groups and regions. The programs’ eligible funding recipients are not-for-profit organizations including environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and academic institutions, and Indigenous organizations. Through the Climate Action and Awareness Fund, created from the largest EDF fund ever received, 145 projects for a total of approximately $180M have been approved so far and projects are ongoing. Communications to the public (i.e., calls for applications and general program information) are available publicly on ECCC websites and via social media in both official languages to ensure ease of access by interested applicants. Demographic groups who have difficulties accessing the various methods of engagement offered publicly by ECCC (e.g., difficulties with Internet access for remote communities, language barriers, low-income families without Internet access), may be inadequately serviced. During intake periods, staff were available to answer public inquiries and provide advice on application development to groups, including those that are underrepresented or have less capacity or experience in applying for funding. Concrete actions were taken to recognize various cultures and languages through the engagement of Indigenous communities and Official Language Minority Communities to build awareness of funding opportunities. These included:

• Ensuring different subgroups of the population were aware of funding opportunities by conducting outreach via email to individual Indigenous groups;
• Using a linguistic lens when answering inquiries and evaluating proposals that involve Official Language Minority Communities;
• Providing program material in both official languages;
• Funding projects in communities negatively impacted by climate risks (e.g., coastal, northern communities);
• Including members of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and regions in the review process; and,
• Promoting culturally sensitive sessions and training to staff who answer inquiries, review proposals, and work with recipients.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: The EDF collects data related to applications submitted by, or funds allocated to, Indigenous organizations. Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to identify in their application if the project will engage one or more of Program Priority Groups: Indigenous Peoples, Youth and Small Businesses. Applicants were also encouraged to work with or engage underserved communities including, but not limited to, visible minorities and diversity groups,2SLGBTQIA+ individuals or groups, low-income communities, new Canadians, rural or remote communities, and individuals living with disabilities. Statistics for applications submitted by Indigenous Organizations and applications that will engage Indigenous Peoples are collected annually. EDF is working to facilitate the inclusion of GBA Plus factors in order to gather intersectional information that will help identify barriers and impacts of the program related to underrepresented populations. The EDF has added additional questions to the program application to continue strengthening data collection related to GBA Plus factors including how projects planned to incorporate GBA Plus throughout the life of the project. The program continues to work with the GBA Plus Centre of Expertise to ensure gaps and limitations continue to be addressed. New GBA Plus, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and distinction-based questions were added to the EDF application in 2023-24, as they will be useful from a GBA Plus perspective in helping to advance our understanding of equity groups, data gaps, and addressing these gaps. Applicants were asked to explain how the principles of EDI would be incorporated into their projects and identify concrete EDI-based practices that would be implemented during the project. Quantitative data related to the EDF will be collected through the application forms. Additionally, the EDF has taken into consideration its accessibility to potential recipients. While the submission of an online application is strongly encouraged throughout Call for Applications products, a paper application can be made available to applicants requiring an alternative submission process.

The Science Horizons Youth Internship program continued its commitment to help enable employment and skills training for youth furthest away from employment. For its new program delivery cycle for fiscal years 2023-26, the program has incorporated new targets and increased targets for equity seeking groups, specifically Indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, youth from an official language minority community, youth from rural, remote, and fly-in communities, 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth and women. Targets were informed by industry research and are proportionally representative to the size of the respective equity-seeking groups in Canada, with the goal of increasing participation and resources directed towards youth.

Program name: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Pollution

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

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

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

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: Compliance Promotion Officers engage with regulated communities to understand their needs through a variety of mechanisms. These include site visits, formal target audience surveys, voluntary feedback forms, and one-on-one discussions at compliance promotion workshops, events, and tradeshows. Furthermore, Compliance Promotion Officers deliver compliance promotion activities in various Indigenous communities in a way and with material that is tailored to the context and needs of the community, for example through an in-person visit. Work is ongoing to identify compliance promotion needs within targeted communities, and to develop relevant and culturally appropriate material. In 2024-25, Compliance Promotion Officers engaged with Indigenous communities through participation in conferences, in-person visits, and remote meetings, among others. The focus was on improving and maintaining compliance with the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER), and the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, by providing tailored support and strengthening relationships with communities. Tailored presentations were delivered at a technical training workshop for Indigenous communities. The presentations, which received positive feedback from the audience, aimed to increase awareness and understanding of requirements related to the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, PCB Regulations, and Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2022. A tailored email campaign was also distributed to raise awareness of newly published amendments to the Products Containing Mercury Regulations among specific Indigenous communities, making use of personalized messaging and building on established relationships.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: Since 2021, ECCC has been conducting research and analysis of census, geographical, and enforcement data to verify where correlations between non-compliance detection rates and gender, income levels, and equity seeking groups exist. Where correlations are identified, additional qualitative research is being conducted to better understand why they exist. Where correlations are determined to be inconsistent with ECCC’s Compliance and Enforcement policies, reviewing and modifying planning is required.

ECCC developed guidelines for Entry and Engagement on Indigenous Lands, where one of the objectives is to support the Enforcement Branch’s ability to build and maintain relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Since their development, the guidelines have supported staff by:

• Raising awareness and respect for treaty and Aboriginal rights;
• Increasing sensitivities to the unique cultural and legal context of regulatory enforcement on lands where Indigenous Peoples manage or control access or where Indigenous Peoples exercise Aboriginal or treaty rights; and
• Providing contact information and resources to leverage existing Branch and departmental knowledge.

Further, in 2022-23, ECCC planned and developed a GBA Plus survey which was distributed in 2023-24. The survey was completed by Environment and Wildlife Enforcement Officers and examined recruitment, retention, training, equipment and operational processes to identify conscious and unconscious bias. The survey results led to recommending a series of actions to establish a healthier, more inclusive workplace. Implementation of action items began in 2024-2025. Some deliverables to date include: GBA Plus awareness session for all employees, review of training materials from a GBA Plus lens, a panel discussion on supporting officers who face discrimination in the field, creation of an ongoing GBA Plus support group, increase in diverse staffing boards and representatives on uniform committee. Compliance promotion and enforcement activities contribute to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all Canadians, including disproportionally impacted populations. ECCC will continue to engage provinces and territories and work with industry and other stakeholders through standard departmental regulatory processes to determine potential impacts to all Canadians, regardless of gender, race, or linguistic profile.

Program name: Substances and Waste Management

Program goals: The Substances and Waste Management Program aims to reduce threats to the health of Canadians and their environment from harmful substances and waste. It does this through research, monitoring, risk assessment and management, regulations, and emergency response. The program works with stakeholders including the public, industry, other governments, and Indigenous Peoples to raise awareness and support risk reduction. It also helps prevent marine pollution, protects ocean ecosystems and the Antarctic, issues permits for disposal of waste at sea, and coordinates federal actions on contaminated sites.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: N/A

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: Although the Substances and Waste Management Program benefits all Canadians, certain populations in Canada, such as expectant mothers, children, the elderly, the economically disadvantaged and Indigenous communities are disproportionately impacted by harmful substances and benefit most from sound risk assessment and management. The CMP used scientific information to empirically assess the risks posed for disproportionately impacted groups from exposure to toxic chemicals and the products that contain them. Scientific information was also used to inform decisions and risk management. Through the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and CMP renewal efforts, research, and investigations into GBA Plus and other priority areas such as Indigenous and Youth engagement opportunities were reviewed to aid in identifying gap areas to be addressed in future work.

ECCC continued to explore ways to ensure that disproportionately impacted groups are considered in substances and waste management work. In certain situations where the impact is on the industrial sector and there is no cost to disproportionately impacted social groups, there were no specific GBA Plus considerations (e.g., in 2025 for the Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations). In other cases, the analysis resulted in special considerations through a risk management decision. An example of this, is the Environmental Performance Agreement for the Formulation of Chlorhexidine Products published in 2022, where a First Nation was identified as impacted due to proximity to a production facility; the resulting action is expected to be positive by implementing an agreement that would result in minimizing the releases of chlorhexidine from industrial facilities to levels that are protective of the aquatic environment.

In addition to CMP, the Substances and Waste Management program, through the OPP, ECCC supports emergency responses by providing scientific advice, coordinating federal actions in marine emergencies, improving pollution detection and modelling, and collecting data on coastal environmental sensitivities (including impacts on marine birds), while advancing reconciliation through partnership and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples.

Measures under the OPP benefit individuals living in proximity to Canada’s Coastal regions (approx. 6.5 million people) as well as Indigenous communities, many of whom retain close ties to the coasts. The OPP supports enhanced participation of Indigenous communities in emergency preparedness response and recovery, ultimately supporting increased Indigenous leadership in the marine safety and conservation space.

In 2024–25, OPP programs began implementing a GBA Plus Framework developed by ECCC to guide OPP engagement planning, gather feedback from partners and engagement participants, and report on outcomes. The framework supports the consistent application of GBA Plus to OPP engagement activities. Engagement activities in 2024-25 included co-development of data collection plans and training programs, presenting at workshops and meetings with Indigenous partners, and relationship building. Year-end reports submitted to the OPP Secretariat confirmed strong integration of equity, diversity and inclusion principles across activities. The results also underscored that Nation-to-Nation co-development and co-leadership remain central to the department’s approach to working with Indigenous partners under the OPP. Results from this year’s reporting will inform future engagement planning, and the Department will continue to track GBA Plus data and information for OPP engagement activities.

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

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

Program name: Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: N/A

Specific demographic group to be monitored: Certain elements of the Program will positively affect Indigenous Peoples. Specific targeted activities under this Program seek to improve the technical capacity and engagement of Indigenous governments, organizations, individuals, and communities. These activities aim to address Indigenous Peoples’ particular concerns regarding freshwater ecosystems; to include Indigenous representation at key decision-making tables, where appropriate; and, to build capacity in understanding and addressing freshwater issues, especially those that have implications in Indigenous communities.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics:

Statistic	Observed results	Data source	Comment
Number of Indigenous organizations or communities participating in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality.	N/A	Great Lakes Program Files	One of the priorities of the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is to increase Indigenous engagement and participation in Great Lakes decision-making processes as well as the implementation of projects that restore and protect the Great Lakes. This is supported through the delivery of Great Lakes governance processes, engagement and grants and contributions funding.
Number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality.	26 Indigenous governments, organizations, or communities were engaged in efforts that support Lake Winnipeg Basin Program objectives from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2023.	Lake Winnipeg Basin Program annual program reports	One of the goals of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program is to increase collaborative nutrient reducing actions among stakeholders in the basin, as well as enhance Indigenous capacity and engagement in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality. Under the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, ECCC is working to enhance Indigenous capacity and engagement through Grants and Contribution funding.

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

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

Supplementary information sources: N/A

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

Core Responsibility: Conserving Nature

Program name: Biodiversity Policy and Partnerships

Program goals: Collaborate and apply a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach with other federal departments, provincial, territorial, Indigenous partners, and conservation stakeholders to develop and meet Canada’s biodiversity commitments and obligations and to influence domestic and international policy related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Program officials also participate in policy development discussions that support modern treaty negotiations with Indigenous Peoples on conservation and to ensure reconciliation commitments are met.

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: N/A

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: GBA Plus analysis was conducted for major initiatives, including Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy, which was published in June 2024. In this case, GBA Plus considerations led to a broad and inclusive approach to engagement focused on gathering insights from a range of voices and perspectives and reflecting them in the Strategy. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes targets on the full participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and on gender equality. The Minister’s Environment and Climate Change Youth Council provided advice to ensure youth perspectives were reflected in Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy. More generally, the impacts of Program activities on Canadians are indirect and difficult to separate from impacts of other actors (municipal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous, non-profit) working towards similar goals. It is not expected that the Program has regional impacts, given the focus on national and international policy, as well as the small amount of grants and contributions supporting the Program. In a general sense, key stakeholders and partners in Canada that could be affected socio-economically by conservation activities include federal, provincial, and territorial government organizations, Indigenous Peoples, natural resource sectors (e.g., agriculture, forestry, mining, energy), and landowners (public and private). Biodiversity conservation efforts generally accrue positive socio-economic impacts upon the angling, hunting, and trapping, and outdoor sport and recreational communities.

Other key program impacts: N/A

Supplementary information sources:

• Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy: Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss in Canada - Canada.ca
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Parks and green spaces
• 2012 Canadian Nature Survey

GBA Plus data collection plan: The program currently lacks indicators that can be disaggregated by gender or socio-economic factors and is considering how to fill this data gap as indicators are updated or replaced. To address the lack of disaggregated data, the program is working to supplement existing indicators and background information sources with new data.

To report on the Departmental Results Framework, ECCC administers an annual survey to Indigenous Peoples that ECCC has engaged on conservation to determine whether the engagement was considered meaningful. The survey results enable the Department to track progress on the Departmental Result, “Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation” and provides critical information to guide engagement planning under the Conserving Nature Core Responsibility and by the Department, more generally. These data cannot be disaggregated by gender due to the small sample size.

Program name: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Wildlife

Program goals: Protect plant and animal species and habitats, including migratory birds. Enforces laws and regulations that protect threatened or potentially threatened species. Regulates human interventions, such as hunting or trade that could adversely affect long-term wildlife conservation. Wildlife enforcement officers verify compliance with five federal statutes that address activities that harm wildlife both domestically and abroad. Non-compliance is addressed by warnings, tickets, administrative monetary penalties, and referrals to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for prosecution.

Target population: All Canadians and the global community.

Distribution of benefits: N/A

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: N/A

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: Since 2021, ECCC has been conducting research and analysis of census, geographical, and enforcement data to verify where correlations between non-compliance detection rates and gender, income levels, and equity-seeking groups exist. Where correlations are identified, additional qualitative research is being conducted to better understand why they exist. Where correlations are determined to be inconsistent with ECCC’s Compliance and Enforcement policies, reviewing and modifying planning is required.

In 2024-2025 ECCC continued to work with the Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) de St-Félicien to develop a dedicated training program for Cree people to become wildlife officers as part of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement; continued to build and promote mutual understanding and partnership through a group of officers who meet with Indigenous representatives such as in wildlife co-management committees. An internal GBA Plus survey of the enforcement officer cadre and an internal action plan to address the barriers and biases identified is being implemented.

ECCC developed guidelines for Entry and Engagement on Indigenous Lands, where one of the objectives is to support the Enforcement Branch’s ability to build and maintain relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Since their development, the guidelines have supported staff by:

• Raising awareness and respect for treaty and Aboriginal rights;
• Increasing sensitivities to the unique cultural and legal context of regulatory enforcement on lands where Indigenous Peoples manage or control access or where Indigenous Peoples exercise Aboriginal or treaty rights; and
• Providing contact information and resources to leverage existing Branch and departmental knowledge.

Further, in 2022-23, ECCC planned and developed a GBA Plus survey which was distributed in 2023-24. The survey was completed by Environment and Wildlife Enforcement Officers and examined recruitment, retention, training, equipment and operational processes to identify conscious and unconscious bias. The survey results led to recommending a series of actions to establish a healthier, more inclusive workplace. Implementation of action items began in 2024-2025. Some deliverables to date include: GBA Plus awareness session for all employees, review of training materials from a GBA Plus lens, a panel discussion on supporting officers who face discrimination in the field, creation of an ongoing GBA Plus support group, increase in diverse staffing boards and representatives on uniform committee.

Compliance promotion and enforcement activities contribute to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all Canadians, including disproportionally impacted populations. ECCC will continue to engage provinces and territories and work with industry and other stakeholders through standard departmental regulatory processes to determine potential impacts to all Canadians, regardless of gender, race, or linguistic profile.

Program name: Environmental Assessment

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits: N/A

Specific demographic group to be monitored: N/A – The Program’s activities and outcome do not target any specific group of Canadians. It provides science-based knowledge and expert advice related to reducing the environmental impacts of development projects. Therefore, no GBA Plus information is generated or collected by ECCC’s Environmental Assessment Program; instead, it is gathered by other federal authorities involved in environmental assessments.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: Resource development affects the environment and can have economic, social and health consequences that are felt more heavily by some demographic groups. ECCC provided expert advice and knowledge to decision makers for subjects within its mandate, such as water quality and biodiversity. This engagement helps determine potential impacts of development to Canadians, including disproportionately impacted populations. In the case of Indigenous Peoples, the environmental assessment and impact assessment program works with other federal departments to ensure that First Nations Rights are addressed.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: N/A

Program name: Habitat Conservation and Protection

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

Target population: All Canadians

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	Positive benefits are gender neutral – Canadians of all genders benefit from nature conservation
By income level	While all Canadians benefit from nature conservation, the benefits derived from increased access to nature are strongest to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who currently face access barriers.
By age group	Positive benefits are age neutral – Canadians of all ages benefit from nature conservation.

Specific demographic group to be monitored: While the processes of land and inland water securement and protection tend to involve and favour specific groups of Canadians (landowners, governments, non-government organizations), the long-term ecosystem services (such as climate regulation, erosion control, tourism and recreation, education, knowledge systems and cultural heritage) gained by conserving ecosystems and landscapes most often benefit lower-income, rural and Indigenous communities. 

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: In 2024-25, Indigenous leadership in conservation continued to be an important theme of the HCP Program. Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation provided funding for Indigenous-led projects that will contribute to Canada’s area-based conservation targets. Additionally in 2024, a contribution agreement was signed between ECCC and the First Nations National Guardians Network, resulting in 80 First Nations Guardians projects being funded from 2024-25 to 2025-26. This funding supports Indigenous Peoples in protecting sensitive and culturally important areas and species, monitoring ecological health, and developing and maintaining sustainable economies. Since 2018, over 170 Guardians initiatives have been supported by HCP programming. 

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan: The GBA Plus data collection and reporting plan was developed as part of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund Treasury Board Submission. ECCC will contribute to this plan as a supporting partner and lead on the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) stream, including the Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions (ILNCS) sub-stream. NSCSF requires large and medium-sized organizations funded by NSCSF to report on the development of Diversity and Inclusion Plans that support the inclusion of underrepresented groups in NSCSF activities. This will be required after consultation with recipients in year 1 of the initiative, starting with funding recipients with more than 50 employees. This requirement will be voluntary for small organizations such as community-based groups since these organizations may find the requirement for a Diversity and Inclusion Plan overly burdensome. Indigenous organizations and communities may also be excluded from this requirement. ECCC will also collect information on the number of Indigenous-led projects through NSCSF to support GBA Plus. This new requirement and the new indicator will provide information for the program to better understand diversity and inclusion outcomes. Additionally, GBA Plus assessments were conducted on the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative in 2021. Findings and activities through this assessment will be implemented within the Enhanced Nature Legacy work through both the Habitat Conservation and Protection and Species at Risk Programs.

Program name: Migratory Birds and Other Wildlife

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	N/A
By income level	N/A
By age group	N/A

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics:

Statistic	Observed results	Data source	Comment
Percentage of migratory bird monitoring and research projects in which Indigenous Peoples participate	18%	ECCC - Wildlife Monitoring and Assessment Committee Inventory	This is based on 2023 data and the first year with results

Other key program impacts: Preserving biodiversity is necessary for maintaining strong ecosystems, which in turn, deliver important and diverse ecosystem services to Canadians. The performance indicators measured in the MBOW Program reflect not only the ability to conserve and manage migratory birds and other wildlife, but also to examine to some extent how the Program might affect directly or indirectly different demographics.

Supplementary information sources:

26% of Canadians made purchases to feed or shelter birds on their property, or to watch birds in 2023.

8% of Canadians made purchases to watch birds, such as binoculars, bird books, or travel for birdwatching trips in 2023.

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

Program name: Species at Risk

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

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

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	N/A
By income level	N/A
By age group	N/A

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

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

Other key program impacts: The Species at Risk Program has direct impacts on Indigenous Peoples, who play key roles in species recovery and stewardship. Through initiatives such as the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative (IPI), the Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk (IPSAR) program, and distinctions-based Indigenous Nature Tables, participants shared that strengthened Indigenous leadership and co-development processes have improved the relevance and cultural appropriateness of recovery actions. Indigenous partners also highlighted ongoing challenges related to capacity limitations and consultation fatigue. Increased support for Indigenous-led approaches through the SAR Program is helping address these barriers and advance more inclusive conservation outcomes

Supplementary information sources

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

GBA Plus data collection plan:

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

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

Core Responsibility: Predicting Weather and Environment Conditions

Program name: Hydrological Services

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	N/A
By income level	N/A
By age group	N/A

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

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: N/A

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

Hydrometric data and information are essential for provincial and territorial flood forecasting agencies and emergency management organizations who are responsible for preparing and responding to floods to save lives and protect infrastructure and properties. Organizations can use hydrometric data, in combination with socio-economic data, to identify potential impacts of water hazards on disproportionately impacted groups and to implement mitigation measures.

Supplementary information sources:

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

GBA Plus data collection plan: N/A

Program name: Weather and Environmental Observations, Forecasts and Warnings

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

Target population: All Canadians.

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	Broadly gender-balanced
By income level	No significant distributional impacts
By age group	No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation

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

• Canadians who live in remote areas where internet access is not constant or even available at all. They may have difficulty accessing ECCC’s information and services that are disseminated through modern platforms (e.g. via digital services).
• Newcomers or immigrants who may be unaware of ECCC’s existing services or how to access them, especially those who do not communicate in French or English.
• Seniors who may have difficulty accessing ECCC’s information and services that are disseminated through modern platforms (e.g., via digital services); and
• Although the WeatherCAN app is fully compliant with the current accessibility standards under the Accessible Canada Act, persons with health issues or certain disabilities such as visual impairment, deafness, or other conditions, may face obstacles accessing the information

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics: Please refer to statistics for the Air Quality Program.

Other key program impacts:

Weather warnings provide information that can assist disproportionately impacted Canadians (e.g. elderly, children, those with chronic illnesses, those experiencing homelessness) or their caretakers or first responders in making informed decisions when confronted with extreme weather scenarios such as extreme heat or extreme cold that may pose increased risks. They also help people in remote areas who rely on weather services to plan transportation.

Recognizing the different needs of Canadians, ECCC provides weather and environmental information through a wide range of platforms including the weather.gc.ca website, the WeatherCAN mobile application, WeatherRadio, webinars, data offerings, tailored weather products focusing on potential impacts of weather situations. In addition, ECCC’s weather information is retransmitted by third parties, including through traditional media.

Supplementary information sources:

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

GBA Plus data collection plan: N/A

Internal Services

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

Target population: ECCC’s employees and all Canadians

Distribution of benefits:

Distribution	Group
By gender	broadly gender-balanced
By income level	somewhat benefits high income individuals
By age group	no significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors

Specific demographic group to be monitored: Not applicable (N/A)

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: N/A

Key program impact statistics:

Statistic	Observed results	Data source	Comment
Gender representation at ECCC.	Women are slightly overrepresented at ECCC at 53.3%.	Internal Administrative Data	N/A

Other key program impacts:

IT Apprenticeship Program for Indigenous Peoples:

The IT Indigenous Apprenticeship Program is a Government of Canada initiative that helps recruit digital talent from Indigenous communities by offering a supportive, inclusive pathway into the federal public service. Designed by, with, and for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, the program removes traditional barriers to employment—such as formal education requirements—by focusing on potential and passion for technology. It reflects the values and needs of Indigenous learners and communities, and creates opportunities for meaningful careers in IT, contributing to a more diverse and representative digital workforce.

Information Management and Information Technology:

Diversity and inclusion remain critical priorities for both the department and the Government of Canada. To foster a more inclusive digital environment that reflects the diversity of the Canadian population, ECCC has adopted a digital profile naming protocol that enables employees to display their preferred pronouns across various digital platforms, including EnviroTel, MS Teams and Outlook. This initiative supports a culture of inclusion and respect for identity. Further efforts are underway to implement processes and protocols related to the use of chosen or preferred names, thereby enhancing support for employees in affirming their personal identity within the workplace. Additionally, to promote equitable access to digital services, ECCC also continues to perform both manual and automated accessibility testing on its applications. These activities ensure compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG), helping to remove digital barriers and improve usability for all Canadians, including persons with disabilities.

Human Resources:

Diversity, Inclusion, and Employment Equity (DIEE) remained a critical departmental and government-wide priority. ECCC sought greater inclusion and to be representative of the overall Canadian population. The Department continued to contribute to a leadership culture promoting and building a healthy, harassment-free, accessible, respectful, and supportive work environment, while using tools and resources to support the mainstreaming of GBA Plus in all ECCC activities and to build a culture of inclusiveness. The department continued implementation of its 2021-24 Diversity, Inclusion and Employment Equity Strategy; which included efforts in recruitment, retention through targeted career development programs and intentional talent management; as well as continued governance mechanisms such as its semi-annual Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council meetings, and quarterly DIEE Working Group meetings. Departmental and Branch-level hiring goals were published on a quarterly basis. Supported by the Human Resources Branch, employee networks played a critical role in embedding equity and inclusion values in the workplace by promoting and hosting events for all employees; over $57,000 was made available to networks and employees through the departmental diversity and inclusion fund to support diversity and inclusion activities.

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

Inclusive job posters:

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

Workplace adaptation:

In 2022, ECCC the successfully completed a two-day accessibility workshop organized by the Real Property and Infrastructure Integration Division (RPIID), in collaboration with the Accessibility Secretariat and the Employee Accessibility Network (EAN). The workshop strengthened communication among groups, provided practical tools and guidance to RPIID, and increased awareness of accessibility considerations in the workplace. Since then, RPIID has been participating in ongoing meetings with the Accessibility Secretariat and the Employee Accessibility Network to ensure continuous collaboration and alignment with accessibility priorities in the workplace. During the last fiscal year, accessibility considerations were integrated into renovation projects wherever feasible. Additionally, the implementation of touchless door buttons, water, and soap dispensers was completed at several sites and continues to be rolled out across Canada.

Evaluation:

A GBA Plus lens was considered during the planning of every evaluation project initiated in 2024-2025. When appropriate, GBA Plus coverage was included in evaluation plans, such as in the evaluations of the Low Carbon Economy Fund, Trans Mountain Expansion Project – Terrestrial Cumulative Effects Initiative, Habitat Conservation and Protection, International Climate Finance Program and Enforcement Modernization Initiative. These evaluations provide findings on the integration of GBA Plus considerations in program design and delivery and identify opportunities for improvement. In addition, some evaluation projects (e.g., the evaluations of the Indigenous Guardians Initiative and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project – Terrestrial Cumulative Effects Initiative) aimed at incorporating Indigenous perspectives and experiences by engaging with Indigenous Elders, partners or communities.

In 2024-2025, the Audit and Evaluation Branch completed an internal analysis of its capacity to apply a GBA Plus lens. To address capacity gaps, a presentation was held on applying GBA Plus in the ongoing work and in program reviews. In addition, guidance and tools were developed and a practice-oriented approach to capacity building was adopted to better equip evaluators and strengthen the GBA Plus analysis at every phase of evaluation projects.

Procurement:

In its role as an enabler in the delivery of services by program Branches, ECCC continued to integrate GBA Plus considerations in procurement practices with the intent to make procurement inclusive by design and accessible by default. In line with this, accessibility considerations must now be integrated into procurement processes for goods, services, and construction. ECCC has established a departmental working group to support the implementation of a single-window, centralized intake process for all accessibility requests. This initiative aims to enhance both the quality and timeliness of responses to accessibility-related requests. ECCC continues to monitor best practices and approaches from central agency leads and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and to integrate new methodologies and lessons learned to increase GBA Plus representation in ECCC procurement practices.

Supplementary information sources: N/A

GBA Plus data collection plan:

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

• Consultations with all diversity, inclusion and employment equity networks were used to collect qualitative information on the various challenges faced by these groups of individuals;
• A self-identification Awareness Campaign helped the Department identify changes in policies, practices and systems aimed at achieving fairness and equity in employment. All self-identification information was used for statistical purposes, in compiling workforce representation figures for the Department and to report to Parliament on employment equity in the Public Service; and
• Preparation for modernized self-identification form through Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. 

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

Workplace adaptation:

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

Response to parliamentary committees and external audits

Response to parliamentary committees

In 2024-25, there weren’t any Parliamentary Committee reports that required a response.

• November 2024 – ENVI appearance to discuss CESD fall 2024 reports
• November 2024 – ENEV appearance to discuss CESD fall 2024 reports
• October 2024 Senate ENEV Committee – CESD report on Contaminated Sites in the North
• May 2024 – ENVI appearance to discuss CESD spring 2024 reports

Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)

List of titles and chapters of the audit reports

Spring 2024 Reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Zero Plastic Waste

• The audit objective was to determine whether key federal organizations led by ECCC were on track to achieve their intended contributions to the Canada-wide goal of reaching zero plastic waste by 2030 to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the environment.
• The audit concluded that key federal organizations led by ECCC began implementing activities to contribute to the Canada-wide goal of reaching zero plastic waste by 2030 but had not yet gathered all the information needed on plastic waste or fully established targets and monitoring systems to track progress against the goal.
• The were 6 recommendations directed to ECCC. The Department agreed with them and prepared a management action plan to address them.
• The report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the OAG website - Report 3—Zero Plastic Waste.

Contaminated Sites in the North

• The audit objective was to determine whether Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC) and Transport Canada (TC), working with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), effectively managed federal contaminated sites in the North by reducing the risk to the environment and human health and the associated financial liability for current and future generations.  
• The audit concluded that contaminated sites in the North were not managed effectively to meet the objectives of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) and Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (NAMRP). Despite work undertaken by departments to assess and remediate contaminated sites, the financial liability had increased significantly since 2005. Gaps remained in practices intended to reduce the risks to the environment and human health for current and future generations.
• There were 3 recommendations directed to ECCC. The Department agreed with them and prepared a management action plan to address them.
• The report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the OAG website - Report 1—Contaminated Sites in the North

Fall 2024 Reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Departmental Progress in Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies – Clean Energy

• The audit objective was to determine whether the selected federal organizations contributed to meeting the target on clean power generation and the target on energy efficiency under the Clean Energy goal in the 2019-2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and reported on their results towards the achievement of related targets 7.2 (to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix) and 7.3 (to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency) under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), as applicable to each organization.
• The audit concluded that audited organizations contributed to meeting the government’s clean power generation and energy efficiency targets in the 2019-2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy; however, their contribution was limited because they had not fully implemented their departmental plans. Also, gaps in information in progress reports made it unclear to what extent the results achieved contributed to the federal targets.
• There was 1 recommendation in the report directed to ECCC and other entities in the audit scope. ECCC agreed with the recommendation and prepared a management action plan to address it.
• The report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the OAG website - Report 8—Departmental Progress in Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies—Clean Energy

Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act – 2024 Report

• The audit objective was to determine whether the selected federal entities had made progress toward effectively implementing selected measures to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and whether ECCC had reported on progress in a transparent manner.  
• The audit concluded that federal organizations had made some progress towards implementing the measures assessed from the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan; however, overall implementation of measures remain insufficient to meet Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target. In addition, progress in advancing previous audit recommendations was not always timely.
• The report also concluded that ECCC’s first Progress Report on Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan met legislative requirements but missed opportunities to enhance transparency.
• There were 2 recommendations directed at ECCC. The CESD divided the recommendations in sub-bullets or sections: ECCC agreed with most of them and prepared a management action plan to address them.
• The report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the OAG website - Report 7—Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act—2024 Report

Supporting Species at Risk Status Assessment and Reassessment

• The audit objective was to determine whether Environment and Climate Change Canada met requirements so that status assessments and timely reassessment for species at risk were completed.
• The audit concluded that overall ECCC had not provided the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) with the support necessary to complete all planned status assessments, or timely reassessments for species at risk. The targets set by the department will neither address the known number of potentially at-risk species nor allow for timely reassessment.
• There were 2 recommendations addressed to ECCC. The Department agreed with both and prepared a management action plan to address them.

The report and ECCC’s response can be viewed on the OAG website - Report 9—Supporting Species at Risk Assessment and Reassessment—Environment and Climate Change Canada

Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

List of titles and chapters of the audit reports

2024 Public Service Commission of Canada

Audit of System-Wide Staffing

• The audit objectives were to determine whether:
  • appointments and appointment processes comply with specific legislative, policy and other requirements;
  • the choice of the appointment process (advertised or non-advertised) adhered to the direction established by the deputy head.
• Overall, the PSC found high compliance on several requirements. However, the audit did identify an area of improvement with respect to official languages obligations in appointment process information. This area was identified in the previous systemwide staffing audit and which the PSC had committed to addressing.
• The new recommendation in this audit report is intended to bring more attention to this persistent gap in the staffing system. The PSC and deputy heads are encouraged to take action as part of their shared accountability for oversight of the staffing system to ensure that improvements are seen in future systemwide audits.
• The report can be viewed on the PSC website - Results of the Second System-Wide Staffing Audit - Canada.ca

Audit on the Application of the Order of Preference for Veterans During the Data Transfer Outage Between the Department of National Defence and the Public Service Commission of Canada

• The audit objective was to determine if the order of preference was applied for veterans who were eligible for preference at the time of appointment but whose names and service numbers were not included in the Public Service Resourcing System due to the data transfer outage.
• The audit found that of the 2 893 veterans examined, 1 643 were not affected by the data transfer outage. It also found that the order of preference was not applied for 168 veteran applications, which resulted in 87 eligible veterans for whom the order of preference was applicable and yet not applied. These are veterans who may have been affected by the data transfer issue.
• There were no recommendations addressed to ECCC.
• The report can be viewed on the PSC website - Audit on the Application of the Order of Preference for Veterans During the Data Transfer Outage Between the Department of National Defence and the Public Service Commission of Canada - Canada.ca

Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects

The Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects focuses on the federal efforts needed to accelerate regulatory efficiency for clean growth projects. It is intended to help get clean growth projects built faster by accelerating decision-making related to these projects. For more information, please visit the Clean Growth Office.

Section 1. Overview of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Role in Supporting Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency

ECCC has authorities over regulatory processes as well as permitting, licencing, and regulatory authorization (hereinafter referred to as ‘permits’) processes for impacts within federal jurisdiction resulting from infrastructure, large-scale energy development, and major natural resource projects. ECCC, as a Federal Authority, is also responsible for providing specialist or expert information or knowledge within its possession to support federal environmental assessments of projects when requested by the authority responsible for the assessment.

In alignment with the Cabinet Directive on Regulatory and Permitting Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects, ECCC contributes by:

• Collaborating with other federal departments, Indigenous partners, provinces, and territories to identify opportunities for efficiency and to streamline regulatory processes;
• Ensuring environmental assessments and permitting processes are conducted efficiently while maintaining robust environmental protections and respecting Indigenous rights;
• Ensuring permitting decisions are provided in a timely manner, based on robust science and information, due diligence, and respect for Indigenous knowledge;
• Engaging with proponents to provide timely guidance and support for clean growth projects; and
• Providing risk-based advice in the context of federal impact assessments to support streamlined assessments in a manner that also contributes to Canada’s domestic and international commitments on biodiversity (e.g., Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy, Federal Sustainable Development Strategy).

Section 2. Results for Thematic Areas of the Cabinet Directive

Theme 1: Strengthening service standards

Results Achieved: ECCC undertook activities to strengthen service standards associated with environmental assessment and permitting processes.

• ECCC is analyzing internal processes and structures to identify opportunities to further streamline processes and implement efficiencies. This work is reducing duplication of process, facilitating meaningful consultations and engagements with Indigenous groups and proponents, and reducing the amount of time required to get to decision points for Clean Growth projects.
• ECCC has developed internal guidance to support environmental assessment and permit application reviewers, and promotes consistency in approaches, advice, input, and decisions provided by ECCC experts across Canada’s regional offices. Clearer and more accessible external guidance for project proponents is also being developed to enhance proponent understanding and process predictability.
• ECCC collaborated with the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that enhanced cooperation and coordination in respective activities, mandates, and resource sharing. This supports a single-window approach for environmental assessments and regulatory activities, aligning with the Cabinet Directive’s efficiency goals.

Theme 2: Providing timely guidance to proponents

Results Achieved: ECCC worked to provide timely and meaningful guidance to proponents.

• ECCC has made significant progress towards updating the tri-departmental policy on permitting under the SARA, to provide greater predictability and transparency to project proponents applying for SARA permits.
• ECCC has introduced a service‑oriented approach to enhance information transactions and permitting guidance for project proponents.

Theme 3: Coordinating consultation with Indigenous Peoples

Results Achieved: ECCC contributed to coordinating efforts of consultation with Indigenous Peoples.

• Representatives from ECCC were engaged in activities to define the scope and plan for implementation of coordinated Crown Consultations in efforts to ensure a consistent, efficient, coordinated and meaningful approach. The Department provided advice and input to the responsible authority, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, based on its consultation experiences and expertise.
• ECCC has worked with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and other federal departments to update and improve Indigenous consultation coordination by notably developing a draft rights-based Duty-to-Consult (DTC) analysis tool and integrating the Crown Consultation Coordination (CCC) Process for Designated Projects to include permitting or authorization requirements.  
• In parallel, ECCC developed integrated environmental assessment and permitting process for key permit types with a focus on finding opportunities to combine consultation activities for environmental assessments and permitting. These improved processes will streamline operations and support reduced duplication in consultations without compromising quality.

Up-front multi-year funding

General information on up front multi year funding to Green Municipal Fund (GMF)

Recipient information: Green Municipal Fund (GMF). For more information, please visit the Green Municipal Fund site.

Start date: February 2000

End date: Ongoing

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment: Between 2000 and 2018, the Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $675M in funding to administer a revolving fund for grants, loans, and loan guarantees to encourage investment in municipal environmental projects. As per Budget 2019, the Government of Canada transferred an additional $950M to FCM for GMF. As of January 1, 2023, the total amount transferred from the Government of Canada for the GMF amounted to $1.625B.

In April 2024, the Government of Canada transferred an additional $530M to the GMF, bringing the total invested to $2.155B. This funding is related to Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy. Programs under this additional investment will consist of Climate-Ready Plans and Processes ($130M), Adaptation in Action ($227M), and Financing Adaptation ($173M).

The GMF was established to have a positive impact on the health and the quality of life of Canadians by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and tackling the effects of climate change, improving local air, water, and soil quality, and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency by supporting feasibility studies, pilot projects and capital projects within the municipal sector. The GMF also undertakes capacity-building activities and programs.

There are no repayable contributions.

Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: N/A

Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: N/A

Summary of results achieved by the recipient: Final results for fiscal 2024-25 will be released by the GMF by September 2025, as stipulated in the 2023 Government of Canada – Federation of Canadian Municipalities Funding Agreement.

Total funding approved (dollars): In April 2024 an up-front multi-year payment was made to GMF to fund Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA), which comprises Climate-Ready Plans and Processes in the amount of $130M; Adaptation in Action in the amount of $227M; and Financing Adaptation in the amount of $173M.

Total funding received (dollars): $530 million

Financial information (dollars)

Planned spending in 2024–25	Not applicable (N/A) – The GMF does not set official and public targets for funding allocation beyond those stipulated in the Government of Canada – Federation of Canadian Municipalities Funding Agreement.
Total authorities available for use in 2024–25	$0
Actual spending (authorities used) in 2024–25	$0
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)	$0
Explanation of variance	N/A

General information on up-front multi-year funding to Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT)

Recipient information: Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT). For more information, please visit the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust site.

Start date: February 2000

End date: Ongoing

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment: Creation of an endowment fund for the CBT, which is the cornerstone of the Clayoquot Sound United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve. The CBT will use the income from the endowment fund to support local research, education, and training in the Biosphere Reserve region. There are no repayable contributions.

Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: No concerns were identified in the annually required independent audit of CBT.

Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: As required by paragraph 10 in the Annex of the Canada Fund Agreement, the Executive Director reported on program accomplishments for the reporting year and on outcomes for the upcoming year.

Program accomplishments are detailed in the next section, “Summary results achieved by the recipient.”

With respect to future plans, the CBT will focus on the following objectives and deliverables for 2025-26 :

Deliver a range of grants for regional initiatives in the areas of research and environment, arts and culture, community development, youth and education, and conservation action.

Host a Vital Conversation on Climate Planning and build partnerships towards a regional climate adaptation project at the regional scale.

Proceed with construction of the Biosphere Centre - a social-purpose, mixed-use building to serve as a permanent office for the CBT and a regional hub for communities, organizations, and researchers.

Host two regional stewardship and restoration forums with a focus on environmental research, stewardship, restoration, and sustainable development.

Support Indigenous-led stewardship and restoration projects that meaningfully contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.

Host a 25th anniversary celebration of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere in partnership with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.

Summary of results achieved by the recipient:

Delivered 119 grants for regional initiatives in the areas of research and environment, arts and culture, community development, youth and education, and conservation research for a total value of almost $1M.

Published the 2023 Vital Signs report and presented the report to local partners including residents, employers, networks, and governments.

Completed the design of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre - a social-purpose, mixed-use building to serve as a permanent office for the CBT and a regional hub for communities, organizations, and researchers and sought capital funding for the $15M project.

Installed new wayfinding and interpretive signage communicating the significance of the UNESCO Biosphere designation to locals and visitors.

Facilitated the first regional forum bringing together over 65 representatives from First Nations, local governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals involved in environmental research, stewardship, restoration, and sustainable development to build relationships, share information, and support collaboration.

Hosted the first BC Biosphere Gathering in person with the Mount Arrowsmith and Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Regions to listen, discuss, and build relationships.

Co-developed stewardship and restoration projects with First Nations that meaningfully contribute to biodiversity conservation within the Biosphere Region and leveraged project funding.

Total funding approved (dollars): $12 million

Total funding received (dollars): $12 million (in 2000)

Financial information (dollars):

Planned spending in 2024–25	$0
Total authorities available for use in 2024–25	$0
Actual spending (authorities used) in 2024–25	$0
Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)	$0
Explanation of variance	N/A

Horizontal initiatives

Enhanced Nature Legacy

General information

Name of horizontal initiative: Enhanced Nature Legacy for Canada

Lead department: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Federal partner departments: Parks Canada Agency (PC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Start date of the horizontal initiative: 2021-22

End date of the horizontal initiative: 2025-26

Description of the horizontal initiative: The objectives of the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative are that: 1) Canada’s species at risk are recovered and 2) Canada’s ecosystems, landscapes and biodiversity are protected.

Work to meet these objectives will be conducted in ways that a) advance reconciliation through support for Indigenous leadership and engagement in nature conservation, wildlife management and sustainable resource practices; and b) enhance the well-being of Canadians through employment, natural infrastructure and increased access to nature.

Governance structures: Continuing the model from the 2018 Nature Legacy initiative, ECCC convenes a Horizontal Initiative Oversight Committee, chaired by the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), and including the Vice-President of Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation at PC, the ADM of Aquatic Ecosystems at DFO, the ADM of Canadian Forestry Service, NRCan and the ADM of Policy and Results, HICC. The Oversight Committee developed for Nature Legacy has been combined with Enhanced Nature Legacy to ensure consistency and efficiencies between initiatives. The Oversight Committee is responsible for ensuring that the initiative is properly managed. To that end, it meets at least yearly during the life of the initiative—on an ad hoc basis when useful—and guides effective and efficient implementation of the initiative, ensures coordination, and supports timely and accurate reporting on results. It is also responsible for resolving any disputes related to implementation of the Enhanced Nature Legacy.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars): $2,377,392,272

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars): $1,116,442,674

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars): $1,054,327,131

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative: Not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars): Not applicable

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars): $184,045,993

Total planned spending since the last renewal: Not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: TBD

Performance highlights: The Enhanced Nature Legacy (ENL) initiative continues to advance the Government of Canada’s nature agenda, building on the foundation of the 2018 Nature Legacy (NL). Reflecting commitments made in the 2020 and 2021 Speeches from the Throne, and reaffirmed in 2025, the initiative contributes directly to Canada’s goal of conserving 25% of its land and oceans by 2025 and working toward 30% by 2030. The 2025 Speech from the Throne reinforced nature as core to Canada’s identity and emphasized continued, on-the-ground action to meet these ambitious targets.

In 2023, additional elements from NL were renewed, including those related to the Government’s implementation of the Species at Risk (SAR) Program to meet key statutory obligations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The successful renewal of Funding to Continue to Protect and Recover SAR complements the Government’s broader nature agenda, ensuring that efforts to conserve our lands and ocean go hand in hand with those to protect and recover SAR.

Recognizing that the loss of nature is a global issue requiring global action, the Government, as a member of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, also advocated that countries around the world set a “high ambition” of 30% conservation for 2030. Through Canada’s strong leadership, this ambition was formalized through the adoption of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal in December 2022, that included a global commitment to protecting 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030.

In May 2025, the Prime Minister’s mandate letter highlighted the need to invest in the Canadian economy and support the development of major Canadian projects. ENL activities contribute to these priorities by generating conservation data that informs land-use planning and enables the integration of biodiversity considerations into project design and decision-making, ensuring growth and sustainability go hand in hand.

Protected areas

ECCC

The Department continued to work with partners through the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative and the Canada Nature Fund to protect and conserve 25% of Canada’s terrestrial lands and inland waters by 2025 and 30% by 2030. By the end of 2024, 13.8% of Canada’s land and freshwater have been protected and conserved.

• ECCC continued work to establish and expand National Wildlife Areas (NWAs). In 2018 there were 150,000km² protected in 55 NWA, 76 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBS) and 1 conservation area. As of the end of 2024, there are over 151,000km² protected in 64 NWA, 76 MBS and 4 conservation areas. Recent efforts include:
  • St. Paul Island NWA, Country Island NWA and Isle Haute NWA were designated as NWAs on January 1, 2025 (5.88km²).
  • Delisting of specific units of the Prairie NWA and designation of the Great Sandhills NWA, Harris Sandhills NWA, Longspur NWA, Moose Mountain NWA and Thickwood Hills NWA on March 26, 2025 (14km²).
  • Proposals to expand a number of existing NWAs as well as to designate the Atlantic Archipelago NWA are currently in development.
  • An Order in Council was approved in June 2024 to expand authorities for acquiring lands to be added to the Protected Areas Network.
  • Numerous private land acquisitions continued to advance to facilitate additional designations and expansions in the future in addition to collaboration with other departments for receiving surplus lands suitable for conservation.
• Expanding the monitoring of ecosystems and measurement of conservation outcomes and evaluating the effectiveness of ECCC protected areas.
  • ECCC negotiated and signed the NWT Our Land for the Future Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) Agreement which brings together 21 Indigenous Governments and organizations, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and donors to form a $375M Indigenous-led trust that commits to conserving 77,000 km² with a strong likelihood of being added to CPCAD by 2028, equivalent to 6% of the NWT; and initiating work towards advancing up to an additional 50,000 km² to CPCAD by 2035. Together, these areas are equal to 1.25% of Canada.
• In 2024-25, 94 ecological gifts were completed, conserving over 112km² of ecologically sensitive land. This has brought the cumulative value of ecological gifts donated to over $1.3 billion since the Ecological Gifts Program’s inception in 1995.
• Under the Natural Heritage Conservation Program Initiative, $30M was invested in national, regional and local land trusts to secure over 330km² of ecologically sensitive lands in Canada’s southern landscape.
• The reporting of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) continued to increase from a wide variety of partners, with a total of 372 OECMs reported in CPCAD as of 2024.
• The Conservation Exchange Pilot, an initiative to incentivize voluntary private sector investments in conservation, continued to test and streamline the biodiversity benefits assessment methods for conservation projects. Two additional conservation projects – funded by Aviva Insurance and to be carried out by Nature Conservancy of Canada – were added to the Pilot, bringing the total conservation projects to six across Canada, reaching the Pilot’s goal. Funding for the six projects are from businesses in the resource, agriculture, and finance and insurance sectors, and range from saltmarsh creation to grassland and sand dune restoration, that are estimated to have biodiversity benefits for more than 60 terrestrial and aquatic species at risk. The Pilot also supported market research to explore the feasibility of a national online matchmaking platform to accelerate nature investment in Canada.
• Through Target 1 Challenge and Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation initiatives, ECCC has helped partner’s secure over 160,000km² across Canada from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

PC

Parks Canada continued to advance its commitment to expanding Canada’s protected areas network, working toward the establishment of up to ten new national parks and up to four freshwater national marine conservation areas. In 2024-25, Parks Canada established Pituamkek National Park Reserve in Prince Edward Island and advanced negotiations for the establishment of a national park in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia. The proposed national park reserve in the Seal River Watershed of northern Manitoba was determined to be feasible and negotiation begun for an establishment agreement.  A feasibility assessment was conducted for a proposed national park in the Peel River Watershed, with publication of the findings expected autumn 2025.

Parks Canada effectively manages existing national parks to maintain and improve ecological integrity, contributing to efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in administered places. Monitoring results indicate that Parks Canada’s management actions are helping to stabilize and improve ecological integrity, while threats such as climate change, invasive species, and overbrowse by hyperabundant species continue to affect ecosystems. In 2024-25, Parks Canada invested $16,2 million in 27 conservation projects aimed at improving ecological conditions in 20 Parks Canada-administered places. For instance, in Elk Islands National Park, the grassland ecosystem improved from poor and declining in 2024 to fair and stable by 2025, in part due to the active removal of invasive plants and a successful prescribed fire program, which were supported by conservation restoration investments.

Indigenous Guardians

ECCC

• In 2024-25, ECCC continued to support new and existing Indigenous Guardians initiatives using a distinctions-based approach with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.
• In 2024, ECCC and the First Nations National Guardians Network (NGN) signed a contribution agreement that enabled the NGN to independently launch its first call for proposals. This marked a significant step in transferring funding administration responsibilities from ECCC to the NGN. Through this agreement, the NGN is administering funding to 80 end-recipients from 2024-25 to 2025-26. The NGN now serves as the main mechanism for administering Guardians funding for First Nations.
• Since 2018, the Indigenous Guardians Initiative has funded over 240 Indigenous Governments, organizations, and communities to support Indigenous leadership in conservation. This investment has contributed to the creation of more than 1,500 culturally meaningful employment opportunities.
• In 2024-25, ECCC continued to strengthen partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations through Guardians initiatives that simultaneously advance reconciliation and Indigenous-led conservation. These initiatives support the unique priorities, needs, and rights of Indigenous partners related to their traditional lands, waters, and ice.  Progress was reflected in both the continuation and launch of Indigenous-led initiatives, as well as in the establishment of the contribution agreement enabling the NGN to administer Guardians funding to First Nations.
• In 2024, a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis of the Indigenous Guardians Pilot was completed, showing that Indigenous Guardians promote social and community well-being through connections to the land, culture, and language, and generate a return of investment of approximately $2.80 for every federal dollar invested.
• Budget 2021 announced up to $100 million over five years to extend Guardians funding through the Enhanced Nature Legacy to support new and existing Indigenous Guardians initiatives and the development of Indigenous Guardians Networks for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. To date, all Indigenous Guardians funding has been allocated to Indigenous partners.

PC

• Partnerships with Indigenous peoples to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leadership to advance reconciliation, and to support conservation planning and action led by Indigenous peoples, reflecting their unique priorities, needs, and rights related to lands and wildlife. Parks Canada will continue to work with Indigenous partners to strengthen cooperative and collaborative management of protected areas. This work will be measured by the overall number of Indigenous led projects.
• In 2024–25, Parks Canada worked with Indigenous partners to strengthen cooperative and collaborative management of protected areas. For instance, in 2024-25, the Multi-species Action Plan for Prince Edward Island National Park and National Historic Sites was published. This action plan was developed in full collaboration with the two Mi’kmaq First Nations on Prince Edward Island, Abegweit First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation.
• Parks Canada continues to invest in species conservation. In 2024-25, Parks Canada published one Multi-species Action Plan and advanced the development of 18 more. These plans consider opportunities for Indigenous-led conservation, landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity and climate-smart actions. Parks Canada also published one five-year implementation report for the Bolander’s Quillwort Recovery Strategy outlining contributions to species recovery.
• Federal departments will also continue to invest in nature conservation and natural infrastructure where the majority of Canadians live through supporting the creation of national urban parks, ecological corridors and natural infrastructure. Parks Canada with input from partners and key stakeholders, published the interim National Urban Parks Policy in September 2024 to support the creation of a network of national urban parks across Canada that will protect nature, connect Canadians to nature and foster reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Parks Canada continued working in collaboration with municipalities, provinces, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to plan, consult and negotiate the necessary agreements to designate a new national urban park in Windsor by the end of 2025 and another in Saskatoon in 2026. Furthermore, work is under way for future national urban parks to be designated in the Victoria region, Winnipeg, Halifax, and St. John’s. Additionally, Parks Canada advanced work on the ecological corridors program.  A national definition, criteria and 23 priority areas for ecological corridors were published in 2025 following input from experts, Indigenous partners, provinces and stakeholders. An additional 16 projects led by environmental non-profit and Indigenous organizations or communities across the country were supported in 2024/25, bringing the total supported since 2022 to 26 corridor initiatives, and resulting in improved connectivity of over 500 protected and conserved areas.

Species at risk

ECCC

Through the Enhanced Nature Legacy (ENL), ECCC continued to strengthen the conservation and recovery of species at risk (SAR) in 2024–25. Building on Nature Legacy 2018, ENL supports measurable, science-based conservation outcomes, promotes Indigenous leadership, and enables stronger collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors. The Department’s SAR Program helps deliver on requirements under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and on broader conservation goals through the Pan-Canadian Approach (PCA) to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation.

1. Delivering on SARA Obligations

SARA provides the legal framework for the recovery and protection of wildlife species at risk in Canada and their critical habitats. It requires science-based assessment, planning, recovery, and protection actions, supported by collaboration across jurisdictions and with Indigenous peoples. ECCC fulfilled core responsibilities under SARA, including species assessment, listing decisions, recovery planning, habitat protection, and policy development:

• Species assessment: The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed 26 wildlife species; 16 received new classifications. As of May 2025, COSEWIC has assessed 864 species, including 378 Endangered, 201 Threatened, 263 Special Concern, and 22 Extirpated. An additional 25 species have been assessed as Extinct, 62 as Data Deficient, and 200 as Not at Risk.
• Listing decisions: Nine species were added to Schedule 1 of SARA, reducing the backlog and bringing the total number of listed species to 672 as of March 31, 2025.
• Recovery planning: ECCC published 14 recovery strategies and 6 management plans for SAR under its responsibility, achieving 90% compliance with SARA requirements.
• Critical habitat protection: Two federal progress reports were published on actions by provinces, territories, and federal authorities to protect critical habitat for terrestrial species. ECCC also published two critical habitat descriptions for listed species, achieving 96% compliance for critical habitat protection on federally protected areas under section 58(2) of SARA.
• Federal lands: Eight projects were funded on federally-administered lands, contributing to the recovery of 58 listed species and the conservation of critical habitat.
• Policy development: ECCC published the Policy on assessing imminent threats under sections 29 and 80 of the Species at Risk Act: terrestrial species, along with the associated operational guide. Together, these instruments provide a consistent, transparent process for assessing imminent threats to the survival or recovery of SAR.

2. Advancing SARA Implementation under the Pan-Canadian Approach (PCA)

The PCA supports multi-species, ecosystem-based action across jurisdictions and sectors, reinforcing SARA delivery through collaborative and place-based conservation. In 2024–25, efforts under the PCA focused on priority places, sectors, and species.

a. Priority Places and Community-Nominated Priority Places

• 159 projects were implemented across 12 Priority Places (PP) and 17 Community-Nominated Priority Places (CNPP).
• Activities included habitat improvement, restoration, education and outreach, monitoring, and habitat securement.
• Maamwi Anjiakiziwin (CNPP; ON): 196 hectares of habitat improved through invasive species removal.
• Summit to Sage (PP; AB): Over 650 hectares protected via Best Management Practices implemented by landowners; 270 hectares restored for sage-grouse through native seeding.
• St. Lawrence Lowlands (PP; QC): 25 hectares protected through land acquisition.

b. Priority Sectors and Species Initiatives

• Strategic Conservation Frameworks were developed with the agriculture (finalized), urban development (planning completed), and forest (planning underway) sectors. A decision-support tool for producers was launched in six provinces with significant agricultural land.
• In 2024-25, ECCC continued support for 35 projects advancing the recovery of six priority species — Barren-ground Caribou, Boreal Caribou, Greater Sage-grouse, Peary Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, and Wood Bison.
• 11 finalized and one draft section 11 conservation agreement under SARA (since 2018).
• Development and implementation of range plans, particularly for caribou, in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous governments.
• Implementation of recovery strategy actions and studies to address key knowledge gaps.
• 37 Indigenous communities engaged through workshops, meetings, and direct funding (since 2021).
• Evidence of overall population recovery for Southern Mountain Caribou and Boreal Caribou populations showed relative stability; Greater Sage-grouse declines were halted.
• 1,700 km² added to Klinse-za/Twin Sisters Park in British Columbia — all critical SAR habitat. An additional $13 million supported 71 projects addressing conservation of 23 other species (e.g., Monarch Butterfly, Polar Bear, Western Chorus Frog), through habitat protection, threat reduction, and data gathering.

c. Indigenous Partnerships Initiative

• 108 new and ongoing projects supported Indigenous-led conservation for SAR and culturally significant species. Projects reflected Indigenous priorities, knowledge systems, and stewardship approaches.
• McLeod Lake Indian Band (BC): Signed a conservation agreement on Southern Mountain Caribou.
• Michipicoten First Nation (ON): Advanced restoration of Boreal Caribou herds in the Lake Superior range.
• Tallcree First Nation (AB): Led the reintroduction of Wood Bison to traditional lands to support long-term biodiversity goals.

Nature Agreements

Nature Agreements are whole-of-government partnership tools that help Canada meet its international biodiversity commitments, including the Global Biodiversity Framework target to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30x30). These agreements support conservation action across jurisdictions, promote Indigenous-led stewardship, and strengthen relationships among federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners.

As of May 2025:

• Four bilateral agreements have been signed with Yukon, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, and Quebec.
• One Tripartite framework agreement was signed with British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council.
• A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with Manitoba to develop a future Nature Agreement.

Key Results in 2024–25:

Yukon

• Protected area coverage increased by 2%, reaching 21.1% — the highest in Canada.
• Launched the Indigenous-led Conservation Capacity Fund; $2.1 million invested in 7 projects led by Yukon First Nations and transboundary Indigenous governments.
• Surveys and research advanced for Collared Pika and Northern Mountain Caribou.

British Columbia

• The Tripartite Framework Agreement was signed with the Government of Canada and the First Nations Leadership Council in November 2023.
• 13 new or expanded conservancies established, adding 76,000 hectares of protected areas, including old-growth forests and SAR habitat.
• Over 1.074 million hectares of land were restored through funded projects.
• Klinse-za/Twin Sisters Park was expanded from 2,689 to nearly 200,000 hectares, protecting critical Southern Mountain Caribou habitat.
• Protected area coverage rose to 19.9% — an increase of 0.27% since 2023.

Nova Scotia

• Protected land area increased by 0.25%, reaching 13.7%.
• The province purchased 3,074 hectares of land for conservation.
• Work is underway to potentially protect up to an additional 27,594 hectares — a potential 0.5% gain.
• 17 designated or interim areas (8,765 ha) were reported to CPCAD; work is in progress to have their status changed to protected areas.

Accountability and Transparency

• In October 2024, Yukon released its first Annual Progress Report on implementation of its Nature Agreement.
• In February 2025, British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council published their first joint annual report: Working together to safeguard healthy ecosystems and communities in British Columbia.

DFO

The core renewal of Enhanced Nature Legacy allows DFO to use the momentum of Enhanced Nature Legacy and Nature Legacy funding to further support in-the-water, multi-species approaches to protect and recover aquatic species at risk. DFO will continue to use the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) to aim to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories, industry and other partners for aquatic SAR by supporting and encouraging stewardship actions through the implementation of multi-species, threat, and place-based approaches to recovery and protection. To more effectively implement requirements of SARA, DFO is finalizing the development of a policy framework (Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation) to help guide DFO and key partners in applying collaborative, multi-species conservation approaches. In addition, in 2024, DFO launched a new grant under the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk to enable meaningful Indigenous participation in the listing of aquatic species at risk and associated recovery document preparation.  To support active engagement and awareness around species at risk, DFO maintains an interactive Aquatic Species at Risk SAR Mapping Tool, which is one of the most visited webpages on DFO’s corporate website. In 2024-2025, the National Aquatic Species at Risk Map received an average of 881 unique page views per week, for an overall 45,815 unique page views.

PC

In 2024-25, Parks Canada implemented 85% of the recovery measures of multi-species action plans for that year, advancing the completion of these plans and demonstrating strong progress in species recovery. A total of 24 multi-species action plans has been posted to the Species at Risk Public Registry, supporting continued momentum toward established conservation targets. Additionally, Parks Canada made significant progress toward the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in Jasper National Park. This included the completed construction of a dedicated conservation breeding centre, the successful relocation of 10 caribou from the wild to support the breeding program, and continued efforts to restore caribou habitat impacted by wildfire.

Contact information

Nature Legacy Secretariat
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard, Gatineau QC  J8Y 3Z5

ec.secretariatdupatrimoinenaturel-naturelegacysecretariat.ec@canada.ca

Shared outcomes

1) Canada’s species at risk are recovered and 2) Canada’s ecosystems, landscapes and biodiversity are protected.

Theme	Species at Risk	Protected and Conserved Areas	Indigenous led Conservation and Stewardship	Canadians and Nature	Internal Services
Theme outcome(s)	Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced.	Canada’s terrestrial lands and inland waters are protected.	Indigenous People are engaged in conservation.	Increased co-benefits to Canadians and nature	Not applicable
Environment and Climate Change Canada	Total: $526,958,156 ENL: $455,885,356 SAR Renewal: $71,072,800	$586,416,488	$354,061,462	–	Total: $44,011,716 ENL: $36,008,686 SAR Renewal: $8,003,029
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	Total: $205,785,960 ENL: $121,629,639 SAR Renewal: $84,156,321	–	$51,361,569	–	Total: $33,261,429 ENL: $29,502,234 SAR Renewal: $3,759,195
Parks Canada	Total: $50,034,586 ENL: $23,979,706 SAR Renewal: $26,054,880	$267,399,905	$58,000,041	$139,612,113	Total: $30,328,463 ENL: $28,252,046 SAR Renewal: $2,076,417
Natural Resources Canada	SAR Renewal: $2,761,992	–	–	–	SAR Renewal: $264,912
Infrastructure Canada	–	–	–	$135,000,000	$7,800,000

Performance information

Horizontal initiative overview

¹ Target was not met as progress remains slow due to an increasing number of species being listed and delays in COSEWIC assessments, which prioritize species at greatest risk. Recovery is a long-term process, but measurable progress is occurring.

² While Canada continues to invest time and resources into collaborating with a broad range of partners to advance shared conservation priorities, the process of increasing the amount of protected and conserved area in Canada is long and complex. Limited federal jurisdiction, competing priorities (e.g., economic development) and lack of ongoing sustainable financing remain impediments to the establishment of new protected areas.

Theme horizontal initiative activities

Theme 1 details

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

³ Target is published as 100% in the 2024-25 DP, however the target was revised for FY 2024-25 to 90% as it would be impossible to achieve a 100% target as the number of listed species increases each year.

⁴ As of February 2024, litigation related to a Protection Statement under the Migratory Birds Convention Act has affected progress toward the target, resulting in the exclusion of certain species from the performance metric. ECCC is reassessing its approach and advancing regulatory work to support future habitat protection.

Theme 2 details

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

⁵ No concerns as this target is actually 60-75%. This indicator is reporting every 3 years, with the latest result being 60.7% in 2023-24.

Theme 3 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal	2024–25 federal theme planned spending	2024–25 federal theme actual spending	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target	2024–25 actual results
Indigenous Conservation	$463,423,072	$122,057,998	$135,184,538	Increased Indigenous leadership and participation in conservation efforts	Percentage enhanced nature legacy contribution agreements that are Indigenous-led	40%	2025-26	51%

Theme 3 horizontal initiative activities

Theme 4 details

Theme 4 horizontal initiative activities

⁶ The dates to achieve the targets for the Natural Infrastructure Fund have been adjusted to align with the newly extended program end date of March 31, 2029.

Total spending, all themes

Theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal	2024–25 total federal planned spending	2024–25 total federal actual spending
Theme 1	$785,540,694	$194,687,034	$188,919,389
Theme 2	$853,816,393	$236,767,990	$236,282,420
Theme 3	$463,423,072	$122,057,998	$135,184,538
Theme 4	$274,612,113	$118,518,446	$47,213,806
Total, all themes	$2,377,392,272	$672,031,468	$607,600,153

Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan

General information

Name of horizontal initiative: Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP)

Lead department: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) with support from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)

Federal partner departments: Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Service Canada, Defence Construction Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated, Marine Atlantic Inc., National Capital Commission, National Defence, National Research Council of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transport Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, VIA Rail Canada

Start date of the horizontal initiative: FCSAP was approved in 2005, as a 15-year program. It followed after the two-year Federal Contaminated Sites Accelerated Action Plan program, which began in 2003.

End date of the horizontal initiative: FCSAP has been extended to March 31, 2035, with funding currently approved until March 31, 2025.

Description of the horizontal initiative: FCSAP provides a long-term mechanism to address the highest-priority federal contaminated sites. Although responsibility for the management and remediation of federal contaminated sites rests with responsible custodial departments, the FCSAP program is administered by ECCC with support from the TBS.

Governance structures: The FCSAP Assistant Deputy Ministers Oversight Board is supported by the Director Generals Advisory Committee and ECCC’s FCSAP Secretariat, which provides overall program coordination.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars): $6,227,545,649 (excluding $516,883 of Refocusing Government Spending) from April 1, 2003, to March 31, 2025 (Phase I, II, III and IV)

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars): Not available

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars): $5,612,822,274 from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2024

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative: The FCSAP Horizontal Initiative was renewed in 2019 until March 31, 2035.

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars): $1,404,497,818

• $1,353,191,618 Budget 2019
• $50,866,795 additional funding received after the last renewal (Budget 2015)
• $956,288 Cost share adjustments from different departments
• (516,883) Refocusing Government Spending

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars): N/A

Total planned spending since the last renewal: $1,154,690,444

Total actual spending since the last renewal: $1,026,389,308

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation led by Environment and Climate Change Canada concluded in 2024–25

Performance highlights: Shared outcome of federal partners: Reduce risks to human health and the environment from federal contaminated sites and decrease associated environmental liability in the Public Accounts of Canada

Performance Indicator: Percentage of FCSAP eligible sites (based on the FCSI, as of March 31st 2020) closed or in long-term monitoring (Highest Step Completed (HSC≥9)
Target: 60%
Date to achieve target: March 31, 2025
Result: 71%, cumulative result after five years of Phase IV

Performance Indicator: Reduction of total environmental liability (in dollars) by implementing remediation at FCSAP funded sites that have existing risk reduction plans (HSC≥7)
Target: $554 million
Date to achieve target: March 31, 2025
Result: Net liability increase of $244 million after five years of Phase IV.

Theme 1 outcome: More efficient spending leads to a more timely program delivery

Performance Indicator: Percentage increase in average allocated annual assessment, remediation, and expert support funding that is spent in Phase IV is higher than in Phase III
Target: 5%
Date to achieve target: March 31, 2025
Result: Average annual spending decreased by 0.8% after five years of Phase IV compared to Phase III.

Theme 2 outcome: Whole-of-government collaborative solutions lead to improved spending

Performance Indicator: Percentage decrease in average annual funding surpluses in Phase IV compared to Phase III
Target: 4%
Date to achieve target: March 31st, 2025
Result: Average annual surplus increased by 0.8% after five years of Phase IV compared to Phase III.

Contact information

FCSAP Secretariat
Contaminated Sites Division
10th floor, Place Vincent Massey
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau, QC  K1A 0H3

pascf-fcsap@ec.gc.ca

Shared outcomes

1) Reduce risks to human health and the environment from federal contaminated sites

2) Reduction in environmental liability due to implementation of risk reduction plans at FCSAP funded sites during Phase IV

Theme	Risk reduction	Collaborative Governance	Internal services
Theme outcome(s)	More efficient spending leads to a more timely program delivery	Whole-of-government collaborative solutions lead to improved spending	Not applicable
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada	20,742,899	337,020	0
Canada Border Services Agency	1,239,275	0	0
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada	194,753,370	2,447,376	0
Indigenous Services Canada	232,644,018	13,548,489	366,520
Correctional Service Canada	1,518,575	721,783	0
Defence Construction Canada	N/A	N/A	N/A
National Defence	339,238,646	10,063,106	0
Environment and Climate Change Canada	147,199,498	13,862,919	2,187,135
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	112,028,548	4,373,570	0
Health Canada	12,504,662	0	1,599,860
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada	1,545,221	606,870	0
Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated	49,309,467	0	0
National Capital Commission	19,381,548	488,790	0
National Research Council of Canada	3,766,476	0	0
Natural Resources Canada	1,075,813	0	26,441
Parks Canada	28,013,650	2,542,478	787,805
Public Services and Procurement Canada	72,053,169	3,667,109	0
Transport Canada	91,101,190	7,627,124	609,508
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat	N/A	2,786,469	246,000
VIA Rail Canada	13,308,689	0	0

Performance information

Horizontal initiative overview

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

¹ Significant liability-reducing expenditures have occurred in the first five years of this phase. However, the positive impact of these liability-reducing expenditures was offset by increased site costs arising from factors such as the discovery of additional contamination on sites, project delays, weather conditions, and procurement processes, which resulted in higher-than-expected contract costs.

Theme horizontal initiative activities

Theme 1 details

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

² The target date is March 31, 2025, marking the end of FCSAP Phase IV. Indicators and targets have been updated to align with Phase V and are reflected in the DP 2025–26 HI table.

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

³ Two sites are in place to carry out the work: Pleasant Camp POE and Fraser POE. Both projects are located in Northern BC and will remediate fuel spillage and water table contamination.

⁴ The first two years of the phase were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting custodians' ability to carry out planned work, for example due to restricted access to sites on First Nations reserves and, in the North. Natural disasters, procurement and regulatory permit delays, and staffing shortages in both public and private sectors further impacted progress. In Phase V, custodians will continue remediation and risk management efforts, and a contingency factor was added to Phase V targets to improve achievability, addressing the shortfall from Phase IV.

⁵ In 2024-25, DFO’s Internal Services reported an actual result of 43% for Activity B (Design and implement remedial action plan at highest priority eligible contaminated sites); this figure is based on the Phase IV five-year target of 65%, which measures the percentage of FCSAP-funded sites that have completed R/RM works (i.e., sites where HSC ≥ 8). It is important to note that of the 270 FCSAP R/RM-funded DFO sites closed during Phase IV, 142 were at HCS 6 or 7, which are not included in the reported results for Activity B.

⁶ The site originally identified over 5 years ago when target was set, did not end up requiring remediation. The new site (Algonquin) with FCSAP remediation expenditure remains in progress and has not reached completion of remediation activity. The Algonquin site required assessment before it could progress to remediation.

Theme 2 details

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

⁷ The target date is March 31, 2025, marking the end of FCSAP Phase IV. Indicators and targets have been updated to align with Phase V and are reflected in the DP 2025–26 HI table.

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

⁸ Science Expert Support from DFO, ECCC, and the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) Secretariat did not collectively meet the targets due to program constraints, including reduced capacity, and the reallocation of staff resources to support funding renewal efforts and reviews.

Total spending, all themes

Theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*	2024–25 total federal planned spending	2024–25 total federal actual spending
Theme 1	1,341,424,715	305,428,847	338,601,806
Theme 2	63,073,103	12,627,939	12,826,403
Total, all themes	1,404,497,818	318,056,786	351,428,209

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada

General information

Name of horizontal initiative: Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada

Lead department: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Federal partner departments: Health Canada, National Research Council, Transport Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Statistics Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Start date of the horizontal initiative: April 1, 2019 for Plastics 1, and April 1, 2022 for Plastics 2

End date of the horizontal initiative: March 31, 2027

Description of the horizontal initiative: The Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada horizontal initiative (2022-2027) seeks to make progress on Canada’s 2030 goal of zero plastic waste, and longer-term goal of a circular plastics economy that keeps plastics in the economy and out of the environment. It is widely acknowledged that plastic pollution has a negative impact on the environment and could potentially harm human health. Furthermore, landfilling of recoverable plastics is a significant economic loss to the Canadian economy. To address these challenges, seven federal departments will undertake a range of activities in five priority areas: (1) expanding knowledge on plastics in the environment and the economy; (2) developing and implementing management measures; (3) supporting innovation and market transformation; (4) preventing and reducing plastic pollution; and (5) reducing waste from federal operations.

Summary roles of each partner:

• ECCC is responsible, as the lead department for the initiative, for oversight of the performance management, data analytics and results achieved. ECCC is contributing to scientific research and monitoring of plastics in the environment and its impacts; developing, implementing, and updating management measures deployed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and other applicable federal law; and supporting innovative solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste in key sectors and encouraging market transformation.
• HC is responsible for scientific research on microplastics and nanoplastics and their potential impacts on human health, strengthening food chemical safety oversight of food packaging materials and identifying the risks for humans from microplastics, and chemical additives found in plastics.
• NRC is responsible for developing a Decision Support System that will leverage data on the fate and movement of plastics in different Canadian water-based environments.
• StatCan is responsible for the development and annual publishing of statistical data on plastic flows through the economy, via the Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material.
• CIRNAC is responsible for conducting research and monitoring of plastic pollution in Canada’s North via its Northern Contaminants Program.
• DFO is responsible for managing the Ghost Gear Program, modernizing Canada’s domestic fisheries operations and regulatory regime, and improving solid waste and plastics management at DFO Small Craft Harbours, Real Property and Canadian Coast Guard sites.
• TC is responsible for filling knowledge gaps on the contribution of specific marine transportation pathways to plastic marine litter, associated socioeconomic impacts, and best practices and opportunities for pollution reduction.

Governance structures: Oversight for the implementation of this initiative is led by Environment and Climate Change Canada through three interdepartmental committees: the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Director General (DG) and Director-level Zero Plastic Waste and Circular Economy committees.

The ADM Committee meets quarterly, and

• Provides overall strategic direction and linkages with other GOC priorities;
• Identifies cross-departmental and whole-of-government issues that impact progress; and
• Improves policy coherence for the federal zero plastic waste agenda.

The DG committee meets quarterly and

• Receives updates on the five priorities (science, regulations, industry sectors, ghost gear and federal operations); and
• Addresses cross-departmental policy coherence and issues.

The Director committee meets quarterly and

• Provides updates, tracks progress and exchanges on activity-level work within the horizontal initiative.

A secretariat, run by ECCC, provides support to the three committees. It updates progress trackers and dashboards with reporting by participating departments on the horizontal initiative’s activities, performance indicators, and targets.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars): Plastics 1 (2019-22): $68,180,154 ($59,101,686 in new funding; $9,078,468 of existing funding)

Plastics 2 (2022-27): $196,845,764 ($188,275,889 in new funding including Refocusing and transfers in/out; $8,569,875 of existing funding)

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars): Plastics 1 (2019-22): $68,180,154 ($59,101,686 in new funding; $9,078,468 of existing funding)

Plastics 2 to March 2024: $79,735,287 (new funding)

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars): $48,797,499 (Plastics 1) and $70,186,420 (Plastics 2 to March 2024 in new funding)

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative: April 1, 2022

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars): $188,275,889 (new funding including Refocusing and transfers in/out)

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars): Not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal: $79,735,287 to March 2024 (new funding)

Total actual spending since the last renewal: $70,186,420 to March 2024 (new funding)

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2026-27

Performance highlights

ECCC

• Canada continued to play a leadership role in the negotiations of an international legally-binding instrument on plastic pollution, and its positions were informed by ECCC-supported research and monitoring results. Federal websites on plastic science, pollution and waste were accessed by the public (ECCC).
• In 2023-24, proposed regulatory measures under Priority 2, such as recycled content and compostability and recyclability labelling requirements, were put on hold as a result of a November 16, 2023, Federal Court decision which declared the 2021 Order adding “plastic manufactured items” to the List of Toxic Substances in Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 invalid and unlawful. This order underpins the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations, which remain in force. The Government of Canada filed an appeal of the Federal Court decision. (ECCC).
• On April 20, 2024, the Government of Canada launched the Federal Plastics Registry, the most comprehensive of its kind worldwide. This foundational data gathering initiative requires companies, including producers and service providers, to report annually on the quantity and types of plastic they manufacture, import, and place on the Canadian market and how it is managed at its end-of-life. The Federal Plastics Registry was established to help the Government review the risks to the environment and human health posed by plastics, help ensure harmonized and consistent data across the country to support provincial and territorial Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, and ensure data is available to strengthen Canada’s plastics supply chains. By tracking plastic through its full life cycle, Canadian governments and industry will be better equipped to address plastic waste and pollution through increased transparency and informed decision-making. A suite of reporting aids was also released in 2024-2025 to support organizations in fulfilling their reporting requirements. This includes a Guidance Document for Phase 1, an Excel Reporting Template and Foreign Supplier Letters (available in 4 languages). On March 7, 2025, a new, modern reporting platform was also released to support data collection for the Registry. The release followed two training environments where organizations were able to test the system, ensuring that the end-users of the platform were able to contribute to its development. (ECCC)
• A discussion document on how to address plastic pollution and waste from the textile and apparel sector was released for public consultation, as a next step to inform potential action on reducing this sector’s environmental impacts and the quantities of this waste stream being disposed of in landfill. (ECCC)
• The department provided $3.3 million in funding to support Canadian organizations that, in 2024-25, worked to develop Canadian-made innovative solutions to address plastic pollution. This included funding for two project streams of the Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges that went to nine small and medium sized companies working on reusable solutions and the sorting of flexible plastics. Part of this funding also went to 12 recipients for projects that will identify new opportunities, facilitate collaboration and information sharing, help reduce investment risk, and encourage the adoption of circular solutions. (ECCC)

HC

• Researched the potential impacts of microplastics on human health (HC): HC supported three projects under the Environmental Health Research Contribution Program (EHRCP).
  • Under the EHRCP, methods development work advanced to produce and characterize microplastics, and detect and quantify microplastics in food, drinking water, indoor air, placental tissue, and blood. The projects also began investigating chemical additives in microplastics and the potential associations between human exposure and adverse impacts on early life development.
  • Progress was reported to HC and achievements to date were communicated through conference presentations, seminars, and publications.
• Internal research projects were conducted and progress made was reported, including on data generation, analysis and interpretation (HC).
• The results of three internal research projects to better understand the human health effects of microplastics exposure were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at conferences (HC). Key results include:
  • Optimization of methods to produce environmentally relevant microplastics in laboratories, enabling new studies to generate data to address knowledge gaps and support human health risk assessment related to environmental exposure to microplastics.
  • Identification of microplastics in human placentas, suggesting fetal exposure, as well as evidence suggesting that microplastics may potentially alter placenta formation and function.
  • The size, concentration, and nature of microplastics in water sources influences the by-product formation process during water disinfection, showing the need to consider the indirect impacts of plastics pollution and providing preliminary evidence on how microplastics may potentially impact human health.
• Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution (HC, ECCC): Continued the literature review of the human health and environmental impacts of microplastics pollution.
• Development of a mandatory food chemical safety program for food packaging (HC): Continued with stakeholder consultations and analysis of input to develop options for the introduction of a mandatory food chemical safety program for food packaging materials.

NRC

• The NRC expanded efforts to address microplastics and nanoplastics pollution in Canadian waters. These minuscule plastic particles, often originating from the breakdown of larger plastic items and synthetic fibers, threaten marine life across Canada's extensive coastal and freshwater ecosystems. Working with partners from academia, industry and Indigenous organizations, the NRC entered into 4 new data-sharing agreements to enhance knowledge exchange and generate accurate information on plastic accumulation zones and transport pathways in marine systems. These efforts are critical to shaping effective policies and mitigation strategies.

CIRNAC

• In 2024–2025, 22 projects funded by the Northern Contaminants Program provided data that contributed to 36 plastics-related contaminant datasets across the Canadian North and Arctic. These projects are advancing knowledge on plastic fragments, microplastics, and plastic additives, helping to detect specific plastics of concern and track long-term trends in air, water, and key wildlife species. Many of these projects represent the first plastics data collected in their northern regions or in certain species, providing important baseline information for broader observation systems and international assessments, including those under the Arctic Council. Together, these efforts strengthen Canada’s capacity to monitor and address plastics in the Arctic environment.

StatCan

• Statistics Canada published additional data on the flows of plastics in the Canadian Economy in March 2025, with the release of the annual Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material (PFAPM). The time series starts with 2012 and now includes 2021. In addition to the data released for 2021, some estimates for 2020 were revised to reflect updated data sources. StatCan continued to work closely with partners at ECCC to ensure the PFAPM development work responds to their evolving data needs. Work continued on assessing various ways to increase disaggregation within the account. Additionally, efforts were directed towards transitioning production activities to open-source software, in order to generate operational efficiencies and allow a refocusing on new data priorities.

TC

• Continued to advance studies to better understand the contributions of the marine transportation sector to marine plastic litter, and inform future policy development. This included a Port Waste Study conducted to assess current waste management capacity and practices at Canadian ports, and collaborative scientific research with ECCC to examine the accumulation of microplastics from ship hull coatings and the combined impacts of microplastics and greywater discharges. These studies are helping to fill critical knowledge gaps and inform targeted policy interventions to reduce ship-sourced plastic pollution in marine environments. Transport Canada also advanced an Innovative Solutions Canada challenge to develop a prototype to capture microplastics in ship greywater.

DFO

• In 2024-2025, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans continued to implement solid non-hazardous waste and plastic waste management improvements at the 79 targeted sites by identifying specific actions needed to address waste management issues, and assessing whether those actions were practical and achievable. In some cases, teams were working on both identifying the issues and evaluating solutions and feasibility at the same time. This work is to be completed before the end of the program on March 31, 2027. Risks to completion of the objectives include various operational issues associated with reliance on third parties.

Contact information

Sarah Fiset
Building Place Vincent Massey
351, boul. Saint-Joseph
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0H3

sarah.fiset@ec.gc.ca

Shared outcomes

Plastic waste is kept out of the environment /  Plastic waste is kept out of landfills and incinerators.

Theme	Expand knowledge in plastics in the economy and the environment	Develop, implement and update management measures	Support innovation and market transformation	Prevent and reduce plastic pollution	Reduce plastic waste in federal operations	Internal services
Theme outcome(s)	Government policy-makers make evidence-based decisions on plastics. Knowledge on plastics and the zero plastic waste agenda is accessed by users	Problematic, hard-to-recycle single-use plastics are no longer in circulation in Canada. Resins commonly used in packaging are safely recycled. Plastic waste (in tonnes) going to landfilled from recycling facilities is reduced	Targeted industry sectors to reduce their plastic waste	Marine pollution from ghost gear is reduced	Plastic waste is reduced in DFO/CCG operations	Not applicable
Environment and Climate Change Canada	$30,641,366	$58,840,335	$12,961,515	NA	NA	$10,447,327
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	NA	NA	NA	$34,997,602	$6,102,998	$3,756,104
National Research Council	$12,669,699	NA	NA	NA	NA	$253,715
Health Canada	$8,902,366	$5,327,998	NA	NA	NA	$1,024,542
Statistics Canada	$7,099,965	NA	NA	NA	NA	$273,284
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada	$5,237,378	NA	NA	NA	NA	$108,220
Transport Canada	NA	NA	NA	$5,494,667	NA	$655,448

Performance information

Horizontal initiative overview

¹ In 2025, ECCC established a 2019 baseline for plastic leaked into the natural environment, from both terrestrial and aquatic based sources. ECCC remains committed to report on the amount of plastics entering the natural environment as pollution in Canada, in relation to the 2019 baseline, in 2026-27.

² Baseline and results for “Amount (in tonnes) of plastic waste disposed of at landfill and incineration (with and without energy recovery)” obtained from the latest available data from Statistics Canada’s PFAPM.

³ Compared to the 2017 baseline (4,480,688 tonnes), the 2021 results (4,594,024 tonnes) represent a 2.5% increase in the amount of plastic disposed of at landfill and incineration. This increase was primarily driven by rising production and consumption of plastics in Canada, coupled with a low and steady recycling rate. The actual baseline that was used to calculate the increase was from year 2017 to align with existing baseline amounts; this indicator will be adjusted to better reflect PFAPM data in future reporting iterations.

Theme horizontal initiative activities

Theme 1 details

⁴ No results to report in 2024-25. A one-time assessment will be conducted in 2026-27.

⁵ The cumulative result for “Number of website visits and citations of representative federal scientific and policy reports combined” is 29,643 website visits.

⁶ The cumulative result for “Number of website visits and citations of representative federal scientific and policy reports combined” is 133 citations.

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

⁷ The cumulative result for “Number of visits to the federal plastic waste and pollution reduction website pages combined” is 520,571 website visits.

⁸ The operational considerations for gathering the information required for this performance indicator are in development, and target results are expected to be available in March 2027.

⁹ Citation scores are being monitored on an annual basis and the result for the 3-year average citation score will be available at the end of FY 2026-27.

¹⁰ Survey results will be available in FY 2026–27.

¹¹ Data will be collected twice, in 2026-27 and 2028-29.

¹² Data will be collected twice, in 2026-27 and 2028-29.

¹³ Data will be collected twice, in 2026-27 and 2028-29.

¹⁴ In 2024-25, StatCan reported a total of 9,987 page views to PFAPM related products (tables and articles), for a cumulative total of 25,356 page views since April 1, 2022.

¹⁵ In 2024-25, there were a total of 67 pieces of digital content (news articles, academic literature, published reports, etc.) that referenced or cited the PFAPM, for a cumulative total of 88 since April 1, 2022.

¹⁶ In 2024-25, projects funded by the Northern Contaminants Program supported the extension of 36 long-term plastics-related contaminants datasets across the Canadian North and Arctic.

¹⁷ In 2024-2025, the Northern Contaminants Program supported 22 plastics pollution projects that are producing data and information in relation to plastic fragments, microplastics and specific plastic additives, and which have the potential to contribute to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments, including under the Arctic Council.

Theme 2 details

¹⁸ In 2022, the government finalized the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR). In 2023, a Federal Court judgment overturned the addition of “plastic manufactured items” to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which provided the legal authority to enact the SUPPR. The Government of Canada has appealed this decision. The Regulations remain in force. However, data to measure their compliance is not yet available.

¹⁹ Baseline and results for “Percentage of resins commonly used in packaging that are recycled (PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE and PP)” obtained from the latest available data from Statistics Canada’s PFAPM.

²⁰ Baseline and results for “Tonnes of plastic waste collected for recycling that are rejected” obtained from the latest available data from Statistics Canada’s PFAPM.

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

[* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.]

[** These actions may change to reflect an expected Federal Court of Appeal decision.]

²¹ In 2022, the government finalized the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. In 2023, a Federal Court judgment overturned the addition of "plastic manufactured items" to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which provided the legal authority to enact the SUPPR. The Government of Canada has appealed this decision. The Regulations remain in force. However, data to measure their compliance is not yet available.

²² The Federal Court decision of November 2023 is affecting work on measures for single-use plastics. The Government is not planning to consult on potential measures for additional single-use plastics unless a favourable outcome is received from the ongoing judicial process. In the meantime, further analysis and non-regulatory actions (e.g., awareness raising) is being pursued.

²³ In 2023, ECCC consulted on a regulatory proposal that would, among other things, require minimum levels of recycled plastic in certain categories of packaging and single-use plastics. This proposal has been paused due to a Federal Court judgment that overturned the addition of "plastic manufactured items" to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which provided the legal authority to regulate. The Government of Canada has appealed this decision. As a result, there are no regulatory requirements for recycled content against which this target can be measured.

²⁴ Proposed regulations are on pause while awaiting Federal Court of Appeal ruling.

²⁵ Proposed regulations are on pause while awaiting Federal Court of Appeal ruling.

²⁶ First reporting cycle will be completed by September 2025, after which progress on the performance indicator can be measured.

²⁷ No results to report for 2024-25. A one-time survey to be completed in 2027-28.

²⁸ Consultations and development are ongoing, on track to meet target (6) in 2026-27.

Theme 3 details

[* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.]

²⁹ In March 2024, Statistics Canada’s methodology was revised, and as a result, the baseline numbers for 2018 were adjusted.

³⁰ Baseline and results for “Amount of plastic waste (in tonnes) sent to landfill or incinerated or recovered for energy by each supported industry sector” obtained from the latest available data from Statistics Canada’s PFAPM.

Theme 3 horizontal initiative activities

[* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.]

³¹ The amount of textile waste is increasing in Canada and globally. ECCC is developing a draft roadmap for addressing plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector, which would outline proposed actions that the federal government could take to advance circularity in the sector and would commit to reporting on the progress of these actions and their overall success. Results are expected after 2026.

³² Baseline and results for “Volume of textile waste (tonnes) going to landfill or incinerated or recovered for energy has decreased from the 2018 baseline” obtained from the latest available data from Statistics Canada’s PFAPM.

³³ The current national collection for recycling rate for plastic beverage containers in 2023 was estimated at 66%. The 2024 data for most provinces and territories are currently not available.

³⁴ Results will be available from 2026-27 as part of program evaluation.

Theme 4 details

[* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.]

Theme 4 horizontal initiative activities

[* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.]

³⁵ The Ghost Gear Program has identified 12 key species targeted by fixed gear fisheries. The Snow Crab Fishery in Eastern Canada was the first to undergo a comprehensive review, including licences and supporting documentation. The Program is currently conducting a similar review of the lobster fishery.

³⁶ Ghost Gear Program has implemented in-season retrieval pilots in two commercial fisheries that uses mobile gear for incidental ALDFG retrieval authorized in NAFO Divisions 0A/0B for offshore Greenland Halibut and in Shrimp Management Areas 0, 1, Davis Strait East (DSE), Davis Strait West (DSW), Nunavut East (NUE), Nunavik East (NKE), 4, 5, and 6 for northern shrimp harvesters (with the exclusion of Nunavut/ Nunavik West). A third in-season pilot is being implemented for the Maritimes Inshore Scallop and Groundfish Fishery for Fall 2025.

³⁷ An alternative tag (steel tags) pilot was completed. Trials took place in the Pacific and Gulf regions testing on aquaculture gear, sport fishing prawn gear and commercial crab traps. Types of gear trialed on were: Floats for trap fishing (Styrofoam and Scotsman), Oyster Baskets (floating/surface), Stainless Steel commercial crab traps, metal framed prawn traps with mesh, and on ropes.

³⁸ Completed baseline study on ship to port waste gaps for plastics. Advanced studies under TC/ECCC MOU on microplastics from hull coatings and ship greywater. Advanced ISC challenge for prototype development to capture microplastics in ship greywater. Participated in review of IMO’s Marine Plastic Litter Action Plan, informed by discussions with stakeholders.

Theme 5 details

[* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.]

³⁹ In 2024-2025, DFO continued to implement solid non-hazardous waste and plastic waste management improvements at the 79 targeted sites by identifying specific actions needed to address waste management issues and assessing whether those actions were practical and achievable. This work will be completed before the end of the program on March 31, 2027. Risks to completion of the objectives include various operational issues associated with reliance on third parties.

Theme 5 horizontal initiative activities

[* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.]

⁴⁰ In 2024-2025, DFO continued to implement solid non-hazardous waste and plastic waste management improvements at the 79 targeted sites by identifying specific actions needed to address waste management issues and assessing whether those actions were practical and achievable. This work will be completed before the end of the program on March 31, 2027. Risks to completion of the objectives include various operational issues associated with reliance on third parties.

Total spending, all themes

Theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*	2024-25 total federal planned spending	2024-25 total federal actual spending
Theme 1	$64,550,774	$13,305,672	$14,179,445
Theme 2	$64,168,333	$13,552,085	$12,385,509
Theme 3	$12,961,515	$2,989,111	$3,615,688
Theme 4	$40,492,269	$6,207,474	$5,646,785
Theme 5	$6,102,998	$1,220,600	$1,421,289
Total, all themes	$188,275,889	$37,274,942	$37,248,716

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.