Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, 2020 to 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Take regulatory action on emissions from the transportation sector including:

• strengthening regulations to limit GHG emissions from post-2018 heavy-duty trucks;
• implementing regulations amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine GHG Emission Regulations;
• Published Canada’s midterm evaluation in February 2021 on standards for model years 2022 to 2025 under the light-duty vehicle GHG regulations; and
• Implementing regulations amending the Light-duty GHG Regulations to align with the United States Environmental Protection Agency equivalent regulations for up to model years 2026.^{Footnote 1}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS targets or goal:

Regulating GHG emissions and pricing carbon pollution drives low cost emission reductions required to meet the 2030 GHG reduction target and pave the way for Canada’s longer-term low-carbon transformation. The Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations are estimated to lead to annual CO2e emission reductions of about 6Mt from all heavy-duty vehicles in 2030.

Other key regulations and instruments will reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas, transportation, electricity and other industrial sectors that contribute significantly to total GHG emissions in Canada:

• The Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector), 2018 will reduce fugitive and venting emissions of methane, a potent GHG and a short-lived climate pollutant that contributes to climate change. Between 2018 and 2035, the cumulative GHG emissions reductions attributable to the regulations are estimated to be approximately 232 Mt of CO2e. The regulations will deliver on the government of Canada’s March 2016 commitment to reduce emissions of methane from the upstream, oil and gas sector by 40% to 45% below 2012 levels by 2025.
• The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations will prevent the release of HFCs, which are powerful short-lived climate pollutants that contribute to climate change. These controls are expected to prevent the release of 1Mt of CO2 equivalents in 2020 and 7Mt in 2030. The HFC phase-down is in effect as of January 1, 2019.

Putting a price on carbon pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce GHG emissions. Provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pricing systems, aligned with national stringency criteria (federal ‘benchmark’). The federal backstop carbon pollution pricing system (including a charge on fossil fuels and regulated trading system for heavy industry) applies in jurisdictions that request it or that have not implemented a system that meets the benchmark. Where the federal system applies, the Government of Canada returns all direct proceeds to the jurisdiction of origin. In provinces where proceeds are returned directly, the majority are returned to households through Climate Action Incentive payments; most households receive more in payments than they face in costs from pricing pollution. Proceeds from the federal Output-Based Pricing System for industrial emitters will be returned to the jurisdiction to support industrial decarbonization and grid-greening projects.

The Federal GHG Offset System will encourage cost-effective, voluntary emissions reductions and removals in Canada from activities not covered by carbon pricing, expanding the financial incentives to reduce carbon pollution across the economy. It will create opportunities for foresters, farmers, Indigenous communities and other project developers who implement innovative projects to reduce carbon pollution. Federal offset credits can be used by industrial facilities as a form of payment under Canada’s industrial pricing system, the Output-Based Pricing System. In addition, other groups, including governments and businesses, can use offset credits to meet internal climate objectives.^{Footnote 2}

Coal-fired electricity generating units are the highest emitting stationary sources of GHGs and air pollutants in Canada. Amendments to the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations, published in December 2018, are expected to reduce GHG emissions by 12.8Mt of CO2e in 2030.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy (Target 7.2)

UN SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth (Target 8.4)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: GHG emissions from heavy-duty vehicles from the 2018 model year.

Performance Indicator: Percentage improvement in GHG emissions performance for manufacturer model year 2021–2023 reporting (heavy-duty vehicles)

Target:

• 2%—heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans
• 13%—Combination tractors
• 8%—Vocational vehicles^{Footnote 3}

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions.” This measure assesses the effectiveness of regulations on heavy-duty vehicles.

Departmental Results Framework Program: Clean Growth and Climate Change Mitigation

Continue to implement regulations to phase down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption in line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and to prohibit the import and export of certain products that contain or are designed to contain HFCs.

Continue to implement Canada’s Strategy on Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), by:

• publishing a progress report on commitments under the SLCP Strategy; and
• continuing to advance domestic and international work to reduce SLCPs.

Starting point: Annual HFC consumption baseline of 18,008,795 tons CO2e calculated from the average HFC consumption over the years 2011-2013.

Performance Indicator: HFC emissions.

Target: Total reduction of 15,307,475 tons of CO2e from the annual HFC consumption baseline by 2036 (85% reduction).

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions.” The consumption reduction of HFC is a good indicator as it provides a direct measurement of actual reduction in the quantities of HFCs consumed annually. The reduction in HFC consumption correlates to reductions of GHG emissions. The consumption reduction schedule follows international obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

Starting point: 4 of 13 provinces and territories had in place carbon pollution pricing as of October 2016.

Performance Indicator: Carbon pricing systems are in place in Canada.

Target: All provinces and territories have carbon pollution pricing systems in place that meets the federal benchmark stringency requirements or the federal backstop system applies.

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions.” This measure assesses the application of carbon pollution pricing systems to a broad set of emission sources throughout Canada and with increasing stringency over time either through a rising price or declining caps.

Take action on coal-fired electricity emissions from electricity generation, including by:

• accelerating the phase out of traditional coal-fired electricity units, and proposing regulations to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector;
• implementing amended coal-fired electricity regulations to accelerate the phase out of traditional coal-fired electricity generation by 2030; and
• Implementing new performance standards imposing emissions limits on natural-gas-fired electricity generation.

Starting point: 100% in 2018-19.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of coal-fired electricity generation units meeting their regulated GHG emissions intensity performance requirement

Target: 100% by December 2022.

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions” and demonstrates progress toward achieving the Government of Canada’s commitment to the 2030 targets on GHG emissions reduction. This measure specifically assesses the effectiveness of regulations on coal-fired electricity.

Take action on emissions from the oil and gas sector by:

• continuing to implement regulations reducing the release of methane and certain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from the upstream oil and gas sector that aim to reduce methane emissions;
• implementing amendments to coal-fired electricity generation regulations that will reduce GHG emissions, as well as natural gas-fired electricity generation regulations; and
• implementing regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40–45% by 2025.

Starting point: 45 Mt CO2e in 2012.

Performance Indicator: Reduced methane emissions from the oil and gas sector

Target: Annual decrease towards a 40-45% methane emission reduction from upstream oil and gas by 2025.

Note: The Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector), will reduce fugitive and venting emissions of methane, a potent GHG and a short-lived climate pollutant that contributes to climate change. Between 2018 and 2035, the cumulative GHG emissions reductions attributable to the regulations are estimated to be approximately 232 Mt of CO2e. The regulations will deliver on the government of Canada’s March 2016 commitment to reduce emissions of methane from the upstream, oil and gas sector by 40% to 45% below 2012 levels by 2025.

Develop a Clean Fuel Standard to reduce Canada’s GHG emissions through the increased use of lower-carbon fuels and alternative technologies.

Publish proposed regulations for liquid fossil fuels in 2020, and final regulations are expected in 2022.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

ECCC will develop a Clean Fuel Standard, which will reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of liquid fuels used in Canada i.e. at all stages of fuel production and use – from extraction through processing, distribution, and end-use. It will also support the production of cleaner fuels in Canada and incent clean technologies.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: GHG emissions in 2016.

Performance Indicator:

Emissions reductions are being achieved under the Clean Fuel Standard building on the Renewable Fuels Regulations

Target: Over 20 Mt of annual GHG emissions reductions by 2030.

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions.” This measure assesses the effectiveness of regulations on fuels that are used primarily in transportation.

Work closely with provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous partners as well as businesses, non-governmental organizations, academics, experts, Canadians, and other stakeholders to meet ECCC climate change objectives, including by:

• engaging and collaborating with Indigenous peoples on policies, programs and other priorities, including through distinctions-based bilateral tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation;
• engaging with partners, including provinces and territories, National Indigenous Organizations and Representatives on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan as required under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act;^{Footnote 4}
• working with other partners, including international organizations, to address GHG emissions from the transportation sectors;
• supporting the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, an independent non-profit organization focused on clean growth and climate change to generate, communicate, and mobilize trusted information, policy advice, and best practices for Canadians, governments, and stakeholders;
• providing support through the Climate Action Incentive Fund for projects and measures undertaken by small and medium enterprises (SME Project stream), municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals (MUSH Sector), and not for profit organizations;

Note: Please also refer to the departmental action that speaks to the delivery of the Champions and Partnerships streams of the Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund (Goal 1);

• working with partners to implement projects that reduce GHG emissions through the Low Carbon Economy Fund;

Note: Please also refer to the departmental action that speaks to the implementation of the Low Carbon Economy Fund (Goal 1); and

• leading Government-wide efforts to develop a plan to achieve a prosperous net-zero emissions future by 2050 and set legally binding, five-year emissions-reduction milestones.^{Footnote 5}

Engage partners, in particular the Canadian private sector, in projects that advance the role of clean technology in addressing emissions of air pollutants and/or GHGs, including by:

• collaborating with provinces and territories to improve the consistency of emission data across Canadian jurisdictions;
• expanding the collection of facility data to enable integration in the national GHG inventory; and
• working with provinces and territories to ensure carbon pollution pricing applies to a broad set of emission sources across Canada with increasing stringency over time.

Work with provinces and territories to publish the Annual Synthesis Report on progress made toward PCF implementation.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

ECCC will continue its partnerships with Indigenous peoples, who are vital to successful implementation of the PCF. ECCC will continue to collaborate through distinction-based tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation, in partnership with each of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council. These tables support the implementation of the PCF on an ongoing basis, and help to inform the design of clean growth and climate change policy and programs to support Indigenous peoples’ leadership on climate action.

ECCC is engaging Indigenous peoples in the development of protocols under the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System. ECCC is also exploring measures to reduce barriers and increase participation of Indigenous peoples in the federal offset system so that they can benefit from climate mitigation and economic development opportunities.^{Footnote 6}

ECCC will also continue to work with other federal government departments, provinces and territories, and other partners and stakeholders to implement and report on progress in implementing the PCF. Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments publish an annual synthesis report to fulfill the commitment in the PCF for governments to report regularly to Canadians and First Ministers on their progress in its implementation. The report provides factual information on climate-related actions undertaken by governments during the past year, and is published on the canada.ca website.

ECCC is also active in the Canadian Council of the Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and is co-chair of its Climate Change Committee. This FPT committee enables the exchange of ideas and information related to climate change priorities and programming. The committee also executes project activities that are of mutual interest and benefit to its members. Areas of interest include net-zero initiatives, green economic recovery, climate change risk assessment, natural infrastructure and improved adaptation and mitigation metrics. These collaborations foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge that can be leveraged to advance adaptation action, as well as find ways to increase the use of clean technologies, which will contribute to reducing GHG emissions. Also, better data will inform GHG-related decisions thus resulting in more effective actions to reduce GHG emissions.

Through its funding programs (including the Low Carbon Economy Fund and programs to return carbon pollution pricing proceeds), ECCC supports a diverse range and size of projects, including those from ECCC’s partners, to bring effective and innovative approaches to reduce emissions and to further provincial, territorial and local priorities.

Furthermore, through the Climate Action Fund, ECCC provides support for projects that raise awareness of climate change and build capacity in order to increase climate actions that contribute to Canada’s clean growth and climate change plan.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4)

Starting point: Work is ongoing in order to develop the indicators.

Performance Indicator:

Co-development of indicators with Indigenous Peoples to ensure they are engaged in the implementation of the PCF, through three distinct senior-level joint tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation.

Target: Indicators will be co-developed with Indigenous peoples by March 2023.^{Footnote 7}

Note: This measure respects the rights of Indigenous peoples to be engaged in the implementation of the PCF through participation in robust, meaningful engagement and reiterates the federal government’s commitment to renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown, and government-to-government relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation.

Starting point: Baseline at zero.

Performance Indicator:

The number of participants involved or engaged in project activity (ies)/events related to building capacity for climate action supported through the Climate Action Fund.^{Footnote 8}

Target: An increase beyond the baseline of zero.

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Goal 1 “Effective Action on Climate Change.” The indicator will help to quantify the increase in climate awareness or capacity for climate action perceived by funding recipients.

Provide climate change policy coordination, including engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and federal partners on climate change issues and support for PCF interdepartmental governance. This includes work with provinces and territories that have adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change to help them deliver on leadership commitments to reduce GHG emissions, including those outlined in the framework, through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.

Implement the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) to support projects to mitigate climate change and support Canada’s transition to a low carbon economy, including both the:

• LCEF Leadership Fund (up to $1.4B): bilateral funding agreements with provinces and territories to help them deliver on their commitments to reduce GHG emissions; and the
• LCEF Challenge Fund (approximately $500M) (Champions stream—for provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, businesses and not-for-profit organizations, and Partnerships stream for Indigenous communities and their organizations, small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations and small municipalities.

Starting point: Starting point is baseline emissions in absence of LCEF funding.^{Footnote 9}

Performance indicator:

Annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 (Mt)

Target: 7 Mt (annual non-cumulative target).

Note: This indicator demonstrates the direct impact of actions taken with partners through LCEF projects to reduce GHG emission and mitigate climate change.

Continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to international leadership on clean growth and climate change, including by:

• leading Canada’s participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the aim of strengthening global efforts to implement the Paris Agreement;
• continuing to engage internationally to advance ambitious and inclusive climate action, including through ensuring Indigenous peoples are engaged in developing international climate policy, and by promoting gender equality and the role of women in climate action around the world, as well as continuing efforts to ensure that all Parties to the Paris Agreement undertake ambitious actions under a common framework reflecting the highest standards of transparency and environmental integrity;^{Footnote 10}
• leading Canada’s participation in the Montreal Protocol, while promoting ratification and global implementation of the Kigali Amendment on the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons; and
• promoting Canadian climate and environmental objectives in regional trade agreements and international fora such as the G7, G20, OECD, Francophonie, Commonwealth, the World Meteorological Organization and in other Ministerial meetings.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By taking a leadership role and contributing expertise to key international climate and economic fora, ECCC will strengthen Canada’s capacity to contribute to a worldwide reduction of GHGs to meet global targets.

Working with international partners will contribute to international goals under the PCF, such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the delivery of Canada’s $2.65B to support developing countries in tackling climate change.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.A)

Starting point: Baseline to be established in March 2022.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of decisions or outcomes at multilateral decision-making body meetings (such as the UNFCCC, G7, G20, and UNEP, etc.) that reflect Canadian objectives

Target: 70% by March 31, 2023.^{Footnote 11}

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Goal 1 “Effective Action on Climate Change.” Playing an active role in multilateral fora, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), G7, G20 and UNEP, is an important part of Canada’s global leadership on climate change. This indicator can provide Canadians with a better understanding of governmental engagement in multilateral decision-making body meetings.

Report on the 2015 $2.65 billion climate finance commitments delivered between 2016 and 2021 to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Deliver on the $5.3 billion climate finance commitment between 2021-22 and 2025-26 to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilience economy, including by:

• continuing collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, including through multilateral financial mechanisms: Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility;
• ensuring that finance for adaptation would increase to a minimum share of 40% , that at least 20% would support nature-based solutions with biodiversity co-benefits and that 80% of projects would target gender equity outcomes; and
• increasing support for the transition to clean energy and phasing-out of coal, with special consideration for the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries.^{Footnote 12}

Starting point: The measures begin at zero.^{Footnote 13}

Performance Indicator: GHG reductions resulting from international initiatives funded by Canada

Target: Higher cumulative reductions from year to year, from the baseline, reaching minimum reduction of 200 Mt of GHGs.

Note: A reduction of GHG emissions in developing countries allows for measurement of progress towards mitigation of climate change from Canada’s support to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon economy.

Starting point: N/A

Performance Indicator: Total value of Canada’s contributions.

Target: $2.65B disbursed cumulatively by March 2021 (information on 2020/2021 disbursements will only be available in March 2022).

Note: These measures assess, in part, Canada’s leadership, through international agreements, to support mitigation and adaptation action internationally that will lead to measurable GHG emission reductions, thus contributing to reducing GHGs globally, and increase climate resilience globally.

Starting Point: 0 in 2016-17.

Performance Indicator: Cumulative number of people in developing countries who benefitted from Canada's adaptation funding

Target: At least 10,000,000 direct beneficiaries by Dec 2030.

Note: Measuring the cumulative number of people in developing countries who benefited from Canada’s adaptation funding provides information related to the extent to which Canada supports adaptation action in developing countries via international leadership, ultimately contributing to the transition to a climate-resilient development pathway.

Starting Point: In June 2018, Canada and Argentina announced they would be partnering to perform peer review.

Performance Indicator: Input provided to Finance Canada to support progress towards Canada’s peer review

Target: ECCC Input provided to Finance Canada.

Note: In June 2018, Canada and Argentina announced they would be partnering to perform peer reviews to ensure both countries are on track to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The peer review process is a good opportunity to seek feedback from international peers on our approach.

Starting point: A starting point will be identified once the baseline is established.

Performance Indicator: Number of bilateral and/or trilateral meetings held between partners^{Footnote 14}

Target: Maintain the average number of meetings per year (11-12) per year.

Note: Meetings with key partners in the implementation on climate, clean energy and environmental initiatives can be used to enable initiatives that lead to environmental and economic opportunities. As such, this represents a good measure of Canada’s leadership in international agreements and initiatives on climate change

Starting point: This indicator is under development. Baseline will be established approximately 1 year after the finalization of the methodology.

Performance Indicator: Integration of robust environment and climate change provisions in FTAs and other environmental cooperation instruments (indicator under review)

Target: Increased evidence of environment and climate change provisions in FTAs.

Note: This is a good measure of Canada’s leadership in international agreements and initiatives on climate change because the integration of robust environment and climate change provisions in FTAs and other cooperation instruments is a demonstration of Canada’s progress in leading these initiatives towards positive climate outcomes.

Promote the global reduction of GHG emissions through the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), co-founded by Canada and the United Kingdom.

Note: This departmental action also contributes to FSDS Goal 5: Clean Energy, by demonstrating Canada’s leadership in an initiative dedicated to advancing the transition from coal to cleaner sources of energy.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

ECCC will continue to advance Canada’s leadership role in the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which calls on governments and organizations to phase out traditional coal power in a timeframe compatible with the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement (i.e., keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius). Transitioning to a low-carbon economy will require cleaner sources of energy, and coal phase-out is a key part of Canada’s plan to reduce its GHG emissions.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (Target 7.2, Target 7.A)

SDG 13: Climate Action(Target 13.2)

Starting point: Engagement with international governments, businesses, civil society, PTs.

Performance Indicator: Collaborative processes conducted with stakeholders writ large.

Target: Listing type/category of stakeholders met each year. A number has no value. (March 31 of each year)

Note: This indicator relates directly to FSDS Goal 1 “Effective Action on Climate Change”, as stakeholder engagement will build growing support for the transition to a low-carbon energy sector and economy in Canada and abroad. The FSDS Target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions” also indicates that phasing out traditional coal-fired electricity is a key element of Canada’s plan to reduce GHG emissions, which will come from an increased PPCA membership. And, since Canada is a Co-Chair of the PPCA, this indicator also demonstrates the impact of Canada’s international climate leadership, which aligns with the contributing action.

Implement recommendations of the Arctic Council’s Expert Group on Black Carbon and Methane to contribute to the achievement of the collective goal on black carbon, including by:

• providing expertise, leadership and climate finance contributions, including for the reduction of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), through key partnerships such as with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Arctic Council, the Global Methane Initiative, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the World Bank, the International Maritime Organization;
• updating and publishing comprehensive inventories of air pollutant, GHG and black carbon emissions according to established timelines to fulfill domestic needs and international commitments; and
• ongoing implementation of Canada’s Strategy on SLCPs, including publication of a progress report on commitments under the SLCP Strategy.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By taking a leadership role and contributing expertise to key international climate and economic fora, ECCC will strengthen Canada’s capacity to contribute to a worldwide reduction of GHGs and SLCPs to meet global targets. A reduction in black carbon emissions will directly contribute to attaining Canada’s goal to reduce black carbon emissions by 25% below 2013 levels, which will in turn help limit the global average temperature rise.

Working with international partners will contribute to international goals under the PCF, such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the delivery of Canada’s $2.65B to support developing countries in tackling climate change.

Public Policy Statement on Thermal Coal Mines (2021) will reduce the contribution of Canadian thermal coal exports to coal-fired electricity generation.^Footnote15

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.A)

Starting point: 2013 national emission levels

Performance Indicator: Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada’s Black Carbon Emissions Inventory

Target: 25% decrease from an annually calculated 2013 baseline of national emissions by December 2025

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Goal 1 “Effective Action on Climate Change.” This measure assesses the implementation of recommendations of the Arctic Council’s Expert Group on Black Carbon and Methane that contribute to the achievement of the collective goal on black carbon.

Continue to track Canada’s GHG emissions, collect emissions data, support academic research, provide information to support policy development and help Canadians make climate-related decisions, including by:

• ensuring public access to information and research findings pertaining to sustainable development and environmental governance; and
• providing key economic analysis to assess incremental impacts of regulatory proposals that combat climate change and reduce GHG emissions and meet national emissions-reductions targets.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting scientific and economic research and analysis, ECCC will support evidence-based climate-related decisions, including to reduce GHG emissions. For example, 100% of upstream GHG assessments are reviewed as per the Environmental Assessment process and timelines. This ensures the quality of the assessments which lead to better decisions and more effective action to reduce emissions.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production (Target 12.8)

Starting point: 225,068 site visits in 2018.

Performance Indicator: Number of visits to the CESI web site

Target: 230,000 by March 2022.

Note: This indicator measures the degree to which these objectives have been realized and purposes fulfilled which makes environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament and engages Canadians in sustainable development. For these reasons, this indicator measures the aspect of “ensuring public access to information and research findings pertaining to sustainable development and environmental governance.”

Starting point: 27,039 visits in 2017.

Performance Indicator: Number of visits to the FSDS web site

Target: 30,000 by March 2022.

Note: This indicator measures the degree to which these objectives have been realized and purposes fulfilled which makes environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament and engages Canadians in sustainable development. For these reasons, this indicator measures the aspect of “ensuring public access to information and research findings pertaining to sustainable development and environmental governance.”

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By establishing the CCCS as an authoritative access point for climate information, tools and support, ECCC supports informed decision-making, contributing to climate resilience in communities, economies and ecosystems.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Targets 13.1and 13.3)

Starting point: In 2019-2020, 179 750 visits were registered on the climate information portals supported by the CCCS, where stakeholders accessed climate and adaptation information.

Performance Indicator:

Number of clients accessing climate information through CCCS climate information portals.^{Footnote 16}

Target: Annual increase from 2019-2020 starting point^{Footnote 17}

Note: An increasing number of stakeholders accessing climate and adaptation information is an indication of greater awareness that the climate is changing and will change in the future. This information is important in the decision-making and planning process to enhance resilience and better prepare for climate-related risks and impacts.

Conduct targeted scientific and engineering studies to quantify GHG emissions and associated costs by technology, equipment type, fuel, and operating conditions, including by:

• maintaining comprehensive GHG emission and air pollutant inventories that are up-to-date, informative, and relevant to all Canadian jurisdictions; and
• conducting climate research and analysis to develop climate data and scenarios, which will inform mitigation actions and effective adaptation planning and support active participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting scientific research and maintaining inventories, ECCC will contribute to current knowledge and data that support improved global and domestic air quality, reduction of GHG emissions, and adaptation planning.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Targets 13.1 and 13.3)

Starting point: 83,139

2014-15 through 2016-17 (3 year rolling average)^{Footnote 18}

Performance indicator: Annual number of downloads of climate datasets (based on a 3 year rolling average)

Target: 220,000 by March 2023

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions.” Historical and predicted climate data is used as a basis for climate impacts, adaptation and mitigation studies and planning. The Department provides this foundational data via the web. Multiple climate data sets are available to download for historical climate datasets, climate model datasets, and ensemble climate scenario datasets (for multiple climate parameters such as temperature and precipitation). The indicator represents user demand for this information, which underpins adaptation and mitigation analyses to inform decision-making that supports efforts to limit the increase of GHG emissions.

Conduct GHG science, modelling and long-term monitoring of atmospheric GHGs to understand sources and sinks in support of domestic legislation and international commitments.

Prepare Canada’s annual National Inventory Report on Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada and submitting it to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Undertaking research, modelling, and long-term atmospheric GHG monitoring increases ECCC’s understanding of the implications of climate change on human health. This informs risk assessments, communication and adaptation actions that support domestic legislation and international commitments that contribute to reaching the goal of the FSDS.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Targets 13.1and 13.3)

Starting point: 100% in 2018-2019.^{Footnote 19}

Performance indicator: % of requested products delivered to senior management and decision makers.

Target: 100% annually in April^{Footnote 20}

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS Target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions” by continuing to track Canada’s GHG emissions, collecting emissions data, providing information to support policy development and helping Canadians make climate-related decisions. This indicator represents the percentage of requested products delivered to senior management related to information and analysis on atmospheric monitoring and modelling, and emissions. These products support evidence-based decision-making related to climate change mitigation.

Deliver the Champions (approximately $450 million) and Partnerships (up to $50 million) streams of the Low Carbon Economy Challenge to support businesses in reducing GHG emissions and driving clean economic growth.

Note: Please also refer to the departmental action that speaks to the implementation of the Low Carbon Economy Fund (Goal 1).

Deliver climate programs to return carbon pollution pricing proceeds to support priority action areas, such as industrial decarbonisation projects and greening the electricity sector.^{Footnote 21}

Note: Please also refer to the departmental action that speaks to the implementation of projects through the Low Carbon Economy Fund (Goal 1).

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

The Low Carbon Economy Fund and other climate programs provide funding for eligible partners (such as private enterprises, not for profit organizations, indigenous organizations and communities, municipalities and others) to undertake projects that decrease energy usage, reduce GHG emissions and support clean growth.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4)

Starting point: Baseline at zero.

Performance indicator: Annual GHG emission reductions in 2030.

Target: 7 Mt (annual non-cumulative target).

Note: This indicator measure the effects of direct action with partners, including business, in mitigating climate change.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

ECCC will continue to work with federal partners to accelerate the uptake of zero-emission vehicles to contribute to the FSDS goal of GHG emission reductions by 2030.

In January 2019, the Government of Canada announced the following federal ZEV sales targets:

• 10% of new light-duty vehicles sales by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040

Budget 2019 allocated $700M in new measures to support increased uptake of ZEVs, including:

• $300M for purchase incentives for eligible ZEVs;
• $265M for full tax write-off for eligible ZEVs acquired by businesses; and,
• $135M to support charging stations in more localized environment.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG Goal 3: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: 2011 (331 g/Mile—passenger vehicle and light truck combined standard).

Performance Indicator: GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles.

Target: Under review^{Footnote 22}

Note: This indicator is aligned to the FSDS target “reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions.” This measure assesses the effectiveness of regulations in reducing emissions from light-duty vehicles.

Actions Supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change.

This section is for actions that support the Effective Action on Climate Change goal but do not directly support a FSDS target.

Support a coordinated and strategic government-wide approach to adaptation and climate resilience.

Note: The Canadian Centre for Climate Services will provide technical support for climate resilience, please also refer to the contributing action “Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change” above.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Contributes to the FSDS Goal of taking effective action on climate change, as it supports a coordinated and strategic approach to adaptation and climate resilience.

Support to related SustainableDevelopment Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1)

Starting point: Baseline at zero.

Performance Indicator:

Development of metrics to improve our understanding of Canada's resilience to climate change.

Target: By March 2026, at least 5 indicators developed that support the National Adaptation Strategy.^{Footnote 23} 

Note: This indicator shows the development of the Monitoring and Evaluation framework of the National Adaptation Strategy.

Real Property

All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing.

Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation.

Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings.

In all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres, landlords must report building energy and water usage and waste generated using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.^{Footnote 24}

Determine the most cost-effective pathway to achieve low-carbon operations, as well as opportunities for portfolio rationalization and space optimization, by undertaking a strategic evaluation of the Department’s real property portfolio. The Department will ensure that these findings are then taken into consideration in investment planning associated with GHG emission reductions projects in the Department’s real property portfolio and that all new buildings and major building retrofits prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and lifecycle and total-cost-of-ownership assessments, which incorporate shadow carbon pricing.

Require specification of low embodied carbon materials and/or substitution of low embodied carbon materials in construction and renovation projects.^Footnote25

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

ECCC will contribute to further reduce GHG emissions from its facilities by:

• ensuring that the most cost-effective pathway to achieve low-carbon operations is pursued
• taking into consideration opportunities for portfolio rationalization and space optimization in investment planning associated with GHG emission reductions projects in its real property portfolio
• ensuring that all new buildings and major building retrofits prioritize low-carbon investments.

The reduction of GHG emissions from ECCC’s facilities directly contributes to advancing towards the FSDS Greening Government goal.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: Energy-related GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2018-19 were 11.9 ktCO₂e, representing a cumulative reduction of 29.8% relative to the baseline year 2005 to 2006.

Performance indicator:

Percentage change in energy-related GHG emissions from facilities relative to baseline year 2005 to 2006

Target: 40% reduction in energy-related GHG emissions from facilities relative to fiscal year 2005–06 by 2025.^{Footnote 26}

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Mobility and fleet

Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.

Support the reduction of energy use in ECCC’s fleet and the adoption of low-carbon mobility solutions, including by deploying zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging stations within its facilities, where operationally feasible.

Note: The procurement and installation of Charging Stations are part of the departmental Real Property Function. It is listed here because it is related to the Mobility and Fleet function.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By reducing the energy use in its fleet and deploying ZEV charging stations, and by developing a strategic approach to decarbonizing its fleet and optimizing its fleet management, ECCC will further reduce GHG emissions from its fleet. This enables ECCC to contribute directly to meeting the FSDS Greening Government Goal and the FSDS Target, as well as increased the deployment of ZEV charging stations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: Energy-related GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2018-19 were 3.0 ktCO₂e, representing a cumulative reduction of 35.5% relative to the baseline year emissions of 4.6 ktCO₂e in 2005–06.

Performance indicators: Percentage change in energy-related GHG emissions from fleet relative to baseline year 2005–06.

Target: 40% reduction in energy-related GHG emissions from fleet relative to fiscal year 2005–06 by 2025.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Starting point: In FY 2019-20, 50% of the Department’s purchase of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicles was comprised of ZEVs or hybrids, and no new executive vehicle was purchased.^{Footnote 27}

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of ZEVs or hybrids in annual purchase of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicles
• Percentage of ZEVs or hybrids in purchase of new executive vehicles

Targets:^Footnote28

• 75% of annual purchases of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids
• All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Procurement

Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects.^{Footnote 29}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By adopting innovative solutions that displace and/or offset the GHG emissions associated with electricity used in its operations, ECCC will contribute to meeting FSDS Target “Use 100% clean electricity by 2025.” Moreover, by undertaking clean technology demonstration projects and adopting innovative services and goods, the Department will demonstrate federal leadership in the use of clean technologies as a strategy to meet the FSDS goal of transitioning to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green government operations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (Target 7.2)

UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: In 2019-20, 88% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations was from clean generation sources.^{Footnote 30}

Performance indicator:

Percentage use of electricity from clean generation sources in its building operations, including procurement of renewable energy credits

Target: By 2025, 100% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations is from clean generation sources, including procurement of renewable energy credits.

Note: The Department will assess opportunities to deploy clean electricity projects in its buildings and work with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to prioritize clean electricity contracts and/or procurement of renewable energy credits to offset GHG emissions from the conventional grid-tied electricity used by the Department.

Departmental Results Framework Programs:

Internal Services

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By implementing procedures to manage building operations and taking advantage of programs, such as waste reduction and diversion work plans, ECCC will increase waste diversion rates in its buildings and thereby contribute directly to meeting the FSDS target.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.5)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: In February 2020, initial waste audits started to be performed at priority sites, which will provide preliminary information on Departmental waste diversion performance and actions needed to achieve a 75% waste diversion rate by 2030.

Performance indicators:

Percentage (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste diverted from landfill

Targets: At least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste diverted from landfill by 2030.

Note: This indicator shows how the Department is progressing towards meeting the FSDS short-term milestone of waste diversion rates tracking and disclosure by 2022.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By implementing procedures to manage building operations, such as tracking systems for waste diversion rates, and potable water usage, ECCC will contribute directly to meeting FSDS short-term milestones of waste diversion rates and potable water consumption tracking and disclosure by 2022.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.5)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: In February 2020, initial waste audits started to be performed at priority sites, which will provide preliminary information on Departmental waste diversion performance and actions needed to achieve a 75% waste diversion rate by 2030.

Performance indicators:

1. Percentage completion of Departmental waste diversion rates tracking system.
2. Percentage completion of Departmental potable water consumption tracking system.
3. Percentage (by weight) of plastic waste diverted from landfills^{Footnote 31}

Targets:

1. Completion of Departmental waste diversion rates tracking system by 2022.
2. Completion of Departmental potable water consumption tracking system by 2022.
3. At least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste diverted from landfills by 2030

Note: This indicator shows how the Department is progressing towards meeting the FSDS short-term milestone of waste diversion and potable water consumption tracking and disclosure by 2022.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Procurement

Departments will take actions to report and address non-hazardous operational waste, including:

• Eliminating the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings

When procuring products that contain plastics, departments will promote the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste.^{Footnote 32}

Develop a Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan that will include:

• promoting use of sustainable plastic in goods that contain plastic and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste; and
• eliminating unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By adopting green procurement practices, including the use of environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in procurement decisions, the Department will contribute to meeting the FSDS goal of transitioning to green government operations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting Point: In 2020, the Department started to work with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to identify high impact categories of goods and services purchased.

Performance Indicator: The Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized.

Additional performance indicators will be identified once the Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized in FY 2021-22.

Target: The Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized in FY 2021-22.

The target date for additional indicators will be established once the Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized in FY 2021-22.

Note: A Departmental Green Procurement Working Group will be established to develop an action plan, which will include metrics (i.e. performance indicators) to indicate how the Department is progressing towards achieving all short-term procurement milestones prescribed in the FSDS.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to reduce the environmental impact of Departmental building operations and materials, including:

• waste reduction and diversion work plans; and
• life-cycle assessment techniques to minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By implementing procedures to manage building operations and taking advantage of programs, such as waste reduction and diversion work plans, ECCC will increase waste diversion rates in its buildings and thereby contribute directly to meeting the FSDS target.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.5)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: In February 2020, initial waste audits started to be performed at priority sites, which will provide preliminary information on Departmental waste diversion performance and actions needed to achieve a 75% waste diversion rate by 2030.

Performance indicators:

Percentage (by weight) of construction, renovation and demolition waste diverted from landfills.

Target: At least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste diverted from landfills by 2030 (strive to achieve 100%).

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Mobility and fleet

Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By reducing the energy use in its fleet and deploying ZEV charging stations and by developing a strategic approach to decarbonizing its fleet and optimizing its fleet management, ECCC will further reduce GHG emissions from its fleet. This enables ECCC to contribute directly to meeting the FSDS Greening Government goal and develop a strategic approach that incorporates specific procurement targets for ZEVs contribute directly to meeting the FSDS target.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: As of March 31, 2020, 33% of the Department’s executive fleet and 1% of its administrative fleet was comprised of ZEVs.^{Footnote 33}

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of executive fleet comprised of zero-emission vehicles.
• Percentage of administrative fleet comprised of ZEVs.

Target:

• At least 80% of executive fleet comprised of ZEVs by 2030.
• At least 80% of administrative fleet comprised of zero-emission vehicles by 2030.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Adaptation to climate change

Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

Apply climate-resilient building guidance being developed by National Research Council Canada

Take action to understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect ECCC assets, services and operations.

Develop measures to reduce climate change risks to ECCC assets, services and operations.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Actions and measures are part of a Departmental adaptation plan that will improve ECCC’s understanding of the impacts of climate change and support the transition to more climate-resilient departmental operations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1)

Starting Point: In 2018-19, ECCC undertook a comprehensive Climate Change Risk Assessment. In 2021-22, based on the results of the 2018-19 Risk Assessment, ECCC completed and began to implement a Climate Change Adaptation Plan.”^{Footnote 34}

Performance Indicators:

• Climate change risk assessment completed (yes/no).
• Departmental adaptation plan that identifies actions to address climate change risks developed (yes/no).

Target: ECCC will assess climate-related risks to its assets, services and operations by 2021 and develop measures to address these risks by 2022.

Note: This indicator measures the completion of a Climate Change Risk Assessment which aligns with FSDS Greening Government goal and performance indicator (i.e., % of departments that have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations identified through departmental climate change risk assessment processes).

Departmental Results Framework:

Internal Services

Procurement

Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects.^{Footnote 35}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By adopting innovative solutions that displace and/or offset the GHG emissions associated with electricity used in its operations, ECCC will contribute to meeting the FSDS target. Moreover, by undertaking clean technology demonstration projects and adopting innovative services and goods, the Department will demonstrate federal leadership in the use of clean technologies as a strategy to meet the FSDS goal of transitioning to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green government operations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (Target 7.2)

UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Target 9.4)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting point: In FY 2019-20, 88% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations was from clean generation sources.^Footnote36

Performance indicator: Percentage use of electricity from clean generation sources in its building operations, including procurement of renewable energy credits

Target: By 2025, 100% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations is from clean generation sources, including procurement of renewable energy credits.

Note: The Department will assess opportunities to deploy clean electricity projects in its buildings and work with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to prioritize clean electricity contracts and/or procurement of renewable energy credits to offset GHG emissions from the conventional grid-tied electricity used by the Department.

Departmental Results Framework Programs:

Internal Services

Actions supporting the Goal:

Greening Government.

Procurement

Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions

Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees

Develop a Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan that will include:

• identifying high impact categories of goods and services purchased (i.e. with significant influence in achieving low-carbon and green operations);
• using environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in procurement decisions, in particular, those involving high impact categories of goods and services,^{Footnote 37} and
• establishing metrics to measure progress over time.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By adopting green procurement practices, including the use of environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact of, and ensure best value in, procurement decisions, the Department will contribute to meeting the FSDS goal of transitioning to green government operations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Starting Point: In 2020, the Department started to work with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to identify high impact categories of goods and services purchased.

Performance Indicator:

The Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized.

Additional performance indicators will be identified once the Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized in FY 2021-22.

Target: The Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized in FY 2021-22.

The target date for additional indicators will be established once the Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan is finalized in FY 2021-22.

Note: A Departmental Green Procurement Working Group will be established to develop an action plan, which will include metrics (i.e. performance indicators) to indicate how the Department is progressing towards achieving all short-term procurement milestones prescribed in the FSDS.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Strengthen support for green procurement and contracting responsibilities, including by:

• developing guidelines and resources to help Government Acquisition Card holders and specialists in procurement buy green goods and services;
• developing and providing training for employees with procurement and contracting responsibilities; and
• ensuring that procurement and contracting employees continue to adhere to the requirements and the spirit of the PSPC Policy on Green Procurement and related, relevant legislation.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By developing guidelines, resources and training needed to ensure procurement decision-makers are able to buy green goods and services, ECCC will facilitate, provide and promote mechanisms for green procurement, which is a key step in elevating the rate with which green procurement practices are pursued in the department.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

Starting Point: An Advanced Green Procurement training course will be available to employees in FY 2022-23.^{Footnote 38}

Performance indicator:

Percentage of employees with procurement and contracting responsibilities that have completed the Advanced Green Procurement training course.

Target: 100% employees with procurement and contracting responsibilities have completed the Advanced Green Procurement training course by March 31, 2023.

Note: Overall, this indicator shows the Department’s progress toward the development of guidelines, resources and training needed to ensure procurement decision-makers are able to buy green goods and services.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal Services

Continue to track GHG emissions from work-related air travel by employees to raise awareness.

Promote lower-carbon alternatives to work-related air travel through implementation of the Departmental Sustainable Business Travel Awareness Campaign.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Actions to promote less GHG-intensive modes of work-related air travel will have an impact on the selection of lower-carbon alternative mode of transportation by business travelers. The behavioral change will contribute to meeting the FSDS goal of transitioning to low-carbon and green government operations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.7)

Starting Point: In December 2019, a Departmental Sustainable Business Travel Awareness Campaign was completed.

Performance Indicator:

Completion of the communications activities listed in the Departmental Sustainable Business Travel Awareness Campaign.

Target: Completion of the communications activities listed in the Departmental Sustainable Business Travel Awareness Campaign by March 31, 2023.

Note: In 2019, the Department put in place a system to track GHG emissions from employee business travel and developed a communication plan to educate employees on sustainable business travel practises.

Departmental Results Framework Program:

Internal services

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

This program provide funding for projects that decrease energy usage, reduce GHG emissions and support clean growth.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

(Target 9.4, Target 9.5)

Starting point: Baseline at zero.

Performance indicator: Annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 (Mt).

Target: 7 Mt (annual non-cumulative target).

Note: This indicator demonstrates the direct impact of actions taken with partners through LCEF projects to reduce GHG emission and mitigate climate change, including through clean technology.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

ECCC efforts to support the development, demonstration, commercialization, deployment, adoption, and export of plastics clean technologies that reduce environmental impacts, , contribute to meeting the goal of clean growth, faster clean technology innovation, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16)

Starting point: In 2018–2019, awarded 6 companies $150K each to develop a proof of concept ($900K total for Phase I funding) solution to reduce waste in the construction waste, recycling and food packaging sectors. During Spring 2020, 3 of these companies will be awarded $1 million each to develop a prototype.

In 2020, a second Plastics Innovation Challenge was launched. ECCC will award four companies $150K each to develop a proof of concept ($600K total for Phase I funding) to reduce plastic waste in the packaging and textiles and microfibers sectors. In the fall of 2020, two of these companies will be awarded $1M each to develop a prototype.

Performance indicator: Number of proofs of concept developed; Number of additional prototypes developed

Targets:

• 4 proofs of concept, by March 31, 2022.^{Footnote 39}
• 2 prototypes, by March 31, 2022.^{Footnote 23} 

Note: This indicator will show the extent of ECCC’s Plastics Innovation Challenges funding to facilitate the early development, testing of prototypes, demonstration, and the commercialization of clean technologies to support sustainable plastics products and clean technologies.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Support the development, verification and demonstration of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing funding, strategic direction, governance, and partnerships for clean technology investment initiatives such as Sustainable Development Technology Canada and the Green Municipal Fund.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

(Target 7.1, Target 7.2 and Target 7.3)

Starting point: 2005 levels^{Footnote 40}

Performance indicator: Annual emissions of GHGs (megatons)

Target: 30% reduction in GHG emissions from 2005 levels

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

The projects and measures supported by the Low Carbon Economy Fund support Canadians in reducing their energy usage.

ECCC supports a diverse range and size of projects, including those of ECCC’s partners, to bring effective and innovative approaches to reduce emissions and energy usage.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

(Target 7.1, Target 7.2 and Target 7.3)

Starting point: Baseline of zero.

Performance indicator: Annual energy savings (petajoules)

Target: 18 petajoules annually^{Footnote 41}

Note: This indicator measures progress on the contributing action and the FSDS Target on reducing energy costs and working with partners to increase energy efficiency, by measuring the energy savings as a result of direct actions with partners to reduce energy usage.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Well-managed conserved areas help preserve species and their habitats for present and future generations by reducing direct human development stresses. As a party to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Canada reports on progress toward its area-based conservation targets once every four years, with frequent releases of national data in the interceding period. Frequent reporting provides a transparent way for Canadians to track progress toward our area-based conservation targets and can serve to motivate all Canadian jurisdictions to further advance their efforts related to protected area establishment and conserved area recognition and reporting.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water

(Target 14.1, Target 14.2, Target 14.5)

Starting point: 7.75%

Performance indicator: Percentage of total coastal and marine areas that are conserved through networks of protected areas, Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)

Target: 25% of terrestrial, coastal, and marine areas conserved by 2025.^{Footnote 43}

Note: The percentage of Canada’s marine territory that is conserved is a direct measurement of the FSDS contributing action and progress towards Canada’s target. These are national starting points and targets -- i.e., they also include Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada Agency.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

The Metal and Diamond Mines Effluent Regulations (MDMER) to protect fish, fish habitat and use of fish in marine and freshwater ecosystems by putting in place limits on the levels of pollution in effluents released from mines into waterbodies. Program studies indirectly support sustainable fisheries by consider effects on fish from Metal and Diamond Mines.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water

(Target 14.2, Target 14.4)

Starting point: 71% in 2002–2017. It requires 2 studies (6 years) before a mine can confirm the effect on fish size, habitat and tissue.

Performance indicator: Percentage of regulated mines facilities reporting confirmed effects above the critical effect size for fish, fish habitat or fish tissue

Target: Reduction over time. Specific target will be established once there is sufficient environmental effects monitoring data to analyze.

Note: The MDMER is a regulatory program that sets limits on pollution in effluent from mines entering marine and fresh waterbodies. It contributes to protecting the health of coastal and marine ecosystems and the sustainability of the fisheries. The monitoring results used for the indicator provide increased knowledge about the impact of mine effluent on the fisheries resource.

Support and conduct science on sources, fate, distribution and impacts of marine litter, including plastic litter and microplastics.

Participate in and contribute to international discussions, negotiations and reviews on plastic waste and marine litter.

Amend the Convention to control plastic waste, updating guidelines related to managing plastic waste, and launching a partnership composed of governments, industry, and NGOs, with the goal to improve and promote the environmentally sound management of plastic waste and reduce plastic waste generation.

Conduct targeted education, outreach, and engagement with key sectors and stakeholders.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

The Basel Convention aims to protect human health and the environment by controlling the movement of hazardous waste and other waste. In 2019 a number of actions were launched domestically and internationally to ensure plastic waste is managed appropriately, with an aim to reduce marine litter. The involvement and leadership of Canada contributes to the FSDS Target.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water

(Target 14.2, Target 14.4)

Starting point: Work is ongoing in order to develop a National Roadmap.^{Footnote 44}

Performance indicator: Published roadmap for single-use and disposable plastic products.^{Footnote 45}

Target: Roadmap for single-use and disposable plastic products published by March 2022.^{Footnote 46}

Note: Ratifying the amendments on plastic waste on the Basel Convention is a measure of Canada’s participating in and contribution to international discussions, negotiations, and reviews on plastic waste and marine litter. The ratification of the amendments is the point at which Canada is bound to the new controls. The development of the guidelines is an international process and its completion date is currently unknown.

Lower risks posed by aquatic invasive species to Canada’s coastal ecosystems through updates to Canada’s Ballast Water regulations, giving effect to the International Ballast Water Convention in Canada.

Assess and deliver permits for disposal at sea and Antarctic expeditions in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act and their regulations, based on the latest scientific and technical information and public and indigenous consultations, as appropriate.

Meet Canada’s international obligations under the London Convention and Protocol and Antarctic Treaty to prevent marine pollution and protect coastlines and Oceans.

Administer, promote compliance and implement a risk-based approach to enforcing federal environmental laws.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

The implementation of the London protocol and Antarctic Treaty contributes to supporting the FSDS Goal, as it aims to protect and preserve the marine environment from all sources of pollution and take effective measures, according to scientific, technical and economic capabilities to prevent, reduce and, where practicable, eliminate pollution caused by dumping. Canada implements these treaties through permit processes, which assess applicants for suitability. Approved permits place specific controls in place to protect the marine environment or other users of the sea. For disposal at sea, specific disposal sites are monitored to verify effectiveness of measures.

By enforcing sections of Division 3 of Part 7 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which is consistent with the London Convention and its Protocol, using the risk-based enforcement approach will ultimately aid in the Government’s ability to achieve the contributing goal.^{Footnote 47}

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water

(Target 14.2, Target 14.4)

Starting point: 100% in 2014-15.

Performance indicator: Percentage of monitored ocean disposal sites with no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities.

Target: 100% annually in March.

Note: If permitting of the disposal or tourist activity is done in accordance with the relevant acts and regulations, the activities can be done without causing marine pollution. Where monitoring data produces no evidence of marine pollution it corroborates that the legislative and regulatory controls on disposal at sea were correct and sufficient to protect the marine environment, which makes this indicator a good measure of the contributing action “use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans.” These controls implement the international obligations under the treaties to prevent marine pollution via a legal permit, assessment and monitoring system.

Continue to implement ECCC’s initiatives contributing to Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, such as enhanced 24/7 response capacity, integrated risk-based response planning, enhanced marine weather forecasting and alternative response measures, to strengthen 24/7 emergency response capacity to ensure the environment is protected in the event of an oil spill.

Improve guidance for permit applicants for the Disposal at Sea program and the Antarctic program, including the development of a revised set of internal monitoring guidance, strategies, policies and site management plans.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

The Ocean Protection Plan enhances the capacity of the Government of Canada and of communities to prevent and mitigate the impacts of accidental marine oil spills, and reduce their environmental impact on the marine environment.

The Disposal at Sea and Antarctic permitting systems enable certain activities while simultaneously putting in place measures which will prevent marine pollution. Program decisions will indirectly support the FSDS Healthy Coasts and Oceans goal and targets by conserving and protecting coastal and marine area function, or by contributing to the science and understanding of these systems.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water

(Target 14.2, Target 14.4)

Starting point: 100% in 2014-15.

Performance indicator: Percentage of monitored ocean disposal sites with no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities.

Target: 100% annually in March.

Note: This is a regulatory program that prohibits all disposal at sea except for a small list of low-risk wastes that may be assessed and disposed of in a controlled fashion, supporting the FSDS Goal. The monitoring results confirm that the program is sustainable and disposal when allowed under a CEPA DAS permit will not cause marine pollution.

Work to protect Canada’s freshwater and priority ecosystems such as the Great Lakes through sound science and regulatory tools and in collaboration with Indigenous and other partners across Canada.

Collaborate with other governments, Indigenous peoples and regional stakeholders, in an integrated watershed management approach, to improve water quality and restore key aquatic ecosystems, including through:

• the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement;
• the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health; and
• the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan.

Implement the 2021 Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health^{Footnote 48} which aligns with Canada’s commitments under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to address key challenges in the Lakes (such as algae in Lake Erie).

Provide application-based funding to support partner-led projects to advance efforts to address priority areas under the Great Lakes Protection Initiative.

Continue to collaborate with the United States to restore and protect the Great Lakes and their environmental and economic benefits to both countries, under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By sharing science and expertise, financially supporting stakeholder-driven nutrient reduction demonstration projects, and developing and enforcing regulations in collaboration with Canadian partners, ECCC supports partners to take action to improve water quality and ecosystem health, including by reducing phosphorus loading in key ecosystems. For example, through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, ECCC works with partners and stakeholders to restore and protect Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health. A key priority under the initiative is preventing toxic and nuisance algae in Lake Erie, which directly contributes to the achievement of phosphorus load reductions to Lake Erie from Canadian sources.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

(Target 6.3, Target 6.6)

Starting point: 9 tonnes in 2018.

Performance indicator: Total annual reduction in tonnes of phosphorus loads, causing toxic and nuisance algae, from Canadian sources to Lake Erie.^{Footnote 49}

Target: 20 tonnes in 2022.

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the FSDS Goal 7 and the contributing action to “work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health” because the State of the Great Lakes report illustrates the environmental results of our collaborative efforts to restores and protect Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health. The Report is collaboratively prepared and is intended to assess the overall state of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Contributors to the State of the Great Lakes report provide a narrative assessment of the temporal and spatial variation in the Great Lakes’ physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

Provide information, data and expertise for domestic and international water boards to support efforts to regulate lakes and river basins through:

• collaboration with the provinces, by way of agreements;
• collaboration with the U.S. through the international Joint Commission;
• participation in targeted studies focus on improving inter-jurisdictional water management;
• partner with Indigenous peoples to increase collaboration in major basins.

Contribute to the effective management of other boundary and transboundary waters.

Starting point: 35 in July 2018.

Performance indicator: Number of Indigenous organizations/ communities participating in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality

Target: 35 by March 2023.^{Footnote 50}

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the FSDS goal, target and contributing action because it demonstrates how Canada is working with Indigenous communities and organizations to address Great Lakes issues, and ensuring Indigenous partners have a role in Great Lakes governance and decision-making.

Starting point: 70% in May 2015.^{Footnote 51}

Performance Indicator: Percentage of water board members rating their satisfaction with Environment and Climate Change Canada's involvement on water boards and committees as 8 out of 10 or higher.

Target: 80% by May 31, 2023.^{Footnote 52}

Note: Water Boards that manage water resources in several inter-jurisdictional basins across Canada are a major client of the data and information collected and disseminated by the National Hydrometric Program (NHP). The federal component of the NHP, the Water Survey of Canada, solicits feedback from these water board clients through an annual survey, developed with input from the International Joint Commission, which is responsible for many but not all international boards between Canada and the USA.

Support projects to improve water quality and help restore ecosystems in the Great Lakes including action to:

• restore water quality and ecosystem health of Great Lakes Areas of Concern;
• reduce nutrient pollution;
• reduce releases of harmful chemicals;
• increase public engagement through citizen science; and
• engage Indigenous peoples.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By supporting local ecosystem improvement projects, ECCC will engage Canadians in long-term sustainability of healthy and productive ecosystems.

ECCC provides funding to partner-led projects (through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative) and other regional initiatives that restore and protect water quality and ecosystem health. Project funding is leveraged by encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project(s).

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3,  Target 6.B)

Starting point: 2.47 (Result for fiscal year 2017-18 for Great Lakes Protection Initiative application-based projects. Measured in October 2018.^{Footnote 53}

Performance indicator: Value of resources contributed by partners per dollar contributed by ECCC through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative

Target: $2 by March 31, 2022.^{Footnote 54}

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the FSDS Goal 7 as it demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide funding and support for projects while encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project.

Conduct targeted research studies and national water quality monitoring programs for chemicals to inform decision-making for the preservation and protection of Canadian freshwater quality, including through the release of reports on:

• groundwater science;
• the fate and effect of metals associated with regulated mining discharge into lakes and rivers;
• the state of the Great Lakes.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By contributing expertise and conducting and sharing research and monitoring data to decision makers, ECCC enables sound decisions and appropriate actions to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of Canada’s freshwater.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3,  Target 6.5)

Starting point: 22% in March 2017^{Footnote 55}

Performance indicators:

Percentage of Great Lakes indicators that have been assessed as “good” through the State of the Great Lakes assessment (9 indicators in total).

Target: 22% in June 2022.^{Footnote 56}

Note: ECCC conducts science in collaboration with its partners which serves to inform ecosystem management decisions, and restore and conserve priority ecosystems. Making data publicly available ensures that decision makers have the necessary knowledge and information to inform decisions.

Work to protect Canada’s freshwater and priority ecosystems, such as the Lake Winnipeg Basin through sound science and regulatory tools and in collaboration with Indigenous and other partners across Canada.

Collaborate with other governments, Indigenous peoples and regional stakeholders, in an integrated watershed management approach, to improve water quality and restore key aquatic ecosystems, including through the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.

Continue to support nutrient-reduction efforts in Lake Winnipeg through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, through basin-wide collaboration and engagement of Indigenous peoples on freshwater issues, and through the renewal of the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By sharing science and expertise, financially supporting stakeholder-driven nutrient reduction demonstration projects, and developing and enforcing regulations in collaboration with Canadian partners, ECCC supports partners to take action to improve water quality and ecosystem health, including by reducing phosphorus loading in key ecosystems. Similarly, ECCC works with partners and stakeholders in the Lake Winnipeg Basin to reduce nutrient loading and support collaborative approaches and engagement of Indigenous peoples on efforts that improve water quality and the ecosystem health of the Lake Winnipeg.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

(Target 6.3, Target 6.6)

Starting point: 29.7 tonnes (program result for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative -2007-2017

Performance indicator: Total annual reduction in tonnes of phosphorus, causing toxic and nuisance algae, from Canadian sources to Lake Winnipeg.^{Footnote 57}

Target: 44.7 tonnes by March 2022.^{Footnote 58}

Note: The Lake Winnipeg Basin Program is a means by which the Government of Canada can work with others to support actions that reduce nutrient loading and demonstrate the type of projects/activities that can be effective. Phosphorus is the key nutrient associated with harmful and nuisance algal blooms and Lake Winnipeg is the receiving water body of excess nutrient loading in the basin. The current target of 44.7 tonnes by March 2022 builds on the nutrient reduction achievements since 2007.^{Footnote 59}

Provide information, data and expertise for domestic and international water boards to support efforts to regulate lakes and river basins through:

• collaboration with the provinces, by way of agreements;
• collaboration with the U.S. through the international Joint Commission
• participation in targeted studies focus on improving inter-jurisdictional water management; and
• partner with Indigenous peoples to increase collaboration in major basins.

Contribute to the effective management of other boundary and transboundary waters.

Starting point: 0 partnership with Indigenous governments, organizations, or communities.

Performance indicator: Number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in efforts that restore and protect Lake Winnipeg water quality

Target: 10 by March 2022.^{Footnote 60}

Note: Healthy waterbodies and watersheds are required to sustain the traditional cultural, spiritual, and economic activities of Indigenous people and their communities. Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities have historically been underrepresented in efforts to improve water quality in Lake Winnipeg and its basin.

Support projects to improve water quality and help restore ecosystems in the Lake Winnipeg Basin, including action to:

• reduce nutrient pollution;
• reduce releases of harmful chemicals;
• increase public engagement through citizen science;
• engage Indigenous peoples;
• enhance research and monitoring capacity essential to the restoration of the watersheds; and
• enhance collaboration to protect freshwater quality throughout the watersheds.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By supporting local ecosystem improvement projects, ECCC will engage Canadians in long-term sustainability of healthy and productive ecosystems.

Canadians engaged in funded projects will take action to help protect the quality of freshwater resources across Canada, including diverting and reducing harmful substances, improving freshwater management, and increasing climate resilience through action involving the development and/or restoration of natural infrastructure.

ECCC provides funding to partner-led projects through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. Project funding is leveraged by encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project(s).

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3,  Target 6.B)

Starting point: $3.54 for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. It is the result for FY 2017-18 application-based projects measured in June 2018.^{Footnote 61}

Performance indicator: Value of resources contributed by partners per dollar contributed by ECCC through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program and other regional initiatives

Target:

• Lake Winnipeg Basin Programs: $2 by March 31, 2022 (The target is $2 of non-federal funding for every $1 of federal funding for a federal target of 1/3 funding per project).^{Footnote 62}

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the FSDS Goal 7 as it demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide funding and support for projects while encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project.

Conduct targeted research studies and national water quality monitoring programs for chemicals to inform decision-making for the preservation and protection of Canadian freshwater quality including through release of reports on:

• groundwater science;
• the fate and effect of metals associated with regulated mining discharge into lakes and rivers; and
• the state of Lake Winnipeg.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By contributing expertise and conducting and sharing research and monitoring data to decision makers, ECCC enables sound decisions and appropriate actions to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of Canada’s freshwater.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3,  Target 6.5)

Starting point: 100% in March of 2019.

Performance indicators: Percentage of scientific information (information, research findings, factsheets, webinars, reports, journal articles, etc.), made available publicly per year.

Target: 100% by March 2022.^{Footnote 63}

Note: ECCC conducts science in collaboration with its partners, which serves to inform ecosystem management decisions, and restore and conserve priority ecosystems. Making data publicly available ensures that decision makers have the necessary knowledge and information to inform decisions.

Actions supporting the Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers.

Note: In cases where departmental actions do not include specific site information, they can to some extent also contribute to the targets.

Work to protect Canada’s freshwater and priority ecosystems such as the St. Lawrence River and other major river basins in Atlantic, Western, and Northern ecosystems, through sound science and regulatory tools and in collaboration with Indigenous and other partners across Canada.

Collaborate with other governments, Indigenous peoples and regional stakeholders, in an integrated watershed management approach, to improve water quality and restore key aquatic ecosystems, including through:

• the Canada-Quebec Agreement 2011–2026 and the St. Lawrence Action Plan (including to publish 21 water quality indicators in 2020-21);
• the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives; and
• the Saint John River/Wəlastəkw initiative (Freshwater Action Plan, Other Major Basins).

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Establish partnerships to implement the St. Lawrence Action Plan activities and projects to pool expertise and resources toward the common objective of protecting the St. Lawrence River ecosystem, including to address problems related to phosphorus and nitrogen levels, thus contributing to meeting FSDS Goal 7.

Support coordination and oversight to ecosystem management, develops and shares science, and funds proposals that leverage contributions from other sources.

Engage and support coordinated effort among diverse stakeholders, including other levels of government and watershed governance bodies in Canada and the U.S., Indigenous organizations, non-government organizations and industry, as well as post-secondary institutions.

By supporting and advancing governance in specific basins, ECCC enables the sharing of information, enhancing capacity via funded projects, increased coordination of effort, and engagement among stakeholders from various sectors.

Atlantic Ecosystems Initiative (AEI) supports projects that improve the health, productivity and long-term sustainability of ecosystems in Atlantic Canada. AEI projects leverage funds, build extensive partnerships, and facilitate collaborative action, resulting in projects that contribute to FSDS Goal 7 by reducing nutrients, plastics, and bacteria in priority Atlantic Canadian watersheds.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

(Target 6.3, Target 6.6)

Starting point: Of the indicators that appear in the 2019 overview, 90% are moderate to good in 2021.^{Footnote 64}

Performance indicator: Percentage of indicators (21)^{Footnote 65} in the “State of the St. Lawrence River” report which show a trend of being stable or improving

Target: 90% of the 21 environmental indicators corresponding to the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program are moderate to good by March 2023.^Footnote66

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the effectiveness of programs dedicated to improving the environment.

Starting point: 8 non-federal partnerships in March 2018.

Performance indicator: Average number of non-federal partnerships established during the implementation of the St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP) activities and projects.

Target: 8 non-federal partnerships.^{Footnote 67}

Note: The State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program (SSLMP) launched in 2003, allows federal and provincial partners to pool their expertise in regular reports on the state and evolution of the St. Lawrence River.

The resulting environmental data and information are based on the follow-up of the 21 indicators and used to facilitate decision making and determine appropriate measures for promoting St. Lawrence conservation.

The main objective of this monitoring program is to report on the state and evolution of the St. Lawrence using scientific information by:

1. coordinating the environmental monitoring activities carried out on the St. Lawrence by the participants, selected on the basis of their relevance for the entire St. Lawrence and its riparian strip;
2. optimizing the participants’ acquisition of environmental data on the St. Lawrence to avoid duplication of efforts; and
3. maximizing the environmental information that is obtained by interpreting it in light of the data collected through other SSLMP monitoring activities.

Note 2: The Community Interaction Program under the St. Lawrence Action Plan provides funding for projects led by Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and other partners, to conserve biodiversity, improve water quality, and ensure the sustainable use of the St. Lawrence. This program works to ensure the improvement of ecological health of the St Lawrence Partnerships through partnerships, thus directly contributing to the FSDS contributing action.

Provide information, data and expertise for domestic and international water boards to support efforts to regulate lakes and river basins such as the Mackenzie River Basin and the Pacific Drainage Basin through:

• collaboration with the provinces, by way of agreements;
• collaboration with the U.S. through the international Joint Commission
• participation in targeted studies focus on improving inter-jurisdictional water management; and
• partnership with Indigenous peoples to increase collaboration in major basins.

Contribute to the effective management of other boundary and transboundary waters.

Starting point: 70% in May 2015^{Footnote 68}

Performance Indicator: Percentage of water board members rating their satisfaction with Environment Canada's involvement on water boards and committees as 8 out of 10 or higher

Target: 80% by May 31, 2023.^{Footnote 69}

Note: Water Boards that manage water resources in several inter-jurisdictional basins across Canada are a major client of the data and information collected and disseminated by the National Hydrometric Program (NHP). The federal component of the NHP, the Water Survey of Canada, solicits feedback from these water board clients through an annual survey, developed with input from the International Joint Commission, who are responsible for many but not all international boards between Canada and the USA.

Support projects to improve water quality and help restore ecosystems in the St. Lawrence River, including action to:

• reduce nutrient pollution;
• reduce releases of harmful chemicals;
• increase public engagement through citizen science;
• engage Indigenous peoples;
• enhance research and monitoring capacity essential to the restoration of the watersheds; and
• enhance collaboration to protect freshwater quality throughout the watersheds.

Fund projects through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives to improve the health, productivity and long-term sustainability of the ecosystem in Atlantic Canada.^{Footnote 70}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By supporting local ecosystem improvement projects, ECCC will engage Canadians in long-term sustainability of healthy and productive ecosystems.

ECCC provides funding to partner-led projects (through the St. Lawrence Action Plan) and other regional initiatives that restore and protect water quality and ecosystem health. Project funding is leveraged by encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project(s).

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3,  Target 6.B)

Starting point:

• St. Lawrence Action Plan: 0,88 (April 2017 to March 2018).
• Other regional initiative: Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives (AEI): 1.26 (ratio of partners $ to ECCC) (October 2018)^{Footnote 71}

Performance indicator: Value of resources contributed by partners per dollar contributed by ECCC through the St. Lawrence Action Plan, and other regional initiatives.

Target:

• St. Lawrence Action Plan: $2 by March 31, 2022 (The target is $2 of non-federal funding for every $1 of federal funding.
• Other regional initiative: Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives: 1.8 (April 2022)^{Footnote 72}

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the FSDS Goal 7 as it demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide funding and support for projects while encouraging proponents to secure other sources of financial and in-kind support to maximize the impact of their project.

Starting point: 123,880. Data represents projects closed in 2017-18.^{Footnote 73}

Performance indicator: Number of Canadians engaged in activities funded by the Eco-Action Program

Target:

• 2021-22 Target: 933,461 (represents projects scheduled to close in FY 2020-21)
• 2022-23 Target: available in December 2021.

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the FSDS Goal 7 as it demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to clean and healthy lakes and rivers by providing funding support to community groups for action-based projects that provide opportunities for community engagement to deliver projects that produce measurable, positive impacts on the environment, as well as build capacity in the communities.

Starting point: 568 in March 2018.^{Footnote 74}Measurement (in hectares) of the total area of natural environments of comparable geographic location, quality, or value to those affected that has been restored, as well as the area in which the environmental quality of natural environments of different geographic location, quality, or value to those affected has been improved or enhanced.

Result is calculated annually using project results from previous fiscal year to ensure indicator data is collected from closed projects only.

Performance indicator: Area (in hectares) where natural environments are restored and/or enhanced; publicly reported.

Target: 1750 hectares by March 2023^{Footnote 75}

Note: The primary goal of the Environmental Damages Fund is to restore natural environments that have been negatively affected by an environmental incident. The Fund prioritizes restoration and environmental quality improvement projects in order to achieve positive and measurable benefits to the natural environment and Canadians.

Conduct targeted research studies and national water quality monitoring programs for chemicals to inform decision-making for the preservation and protection of Canadian freshwater quality including through release of reports on:

• groundwater science;
• the fate and effect of metals associated with regulated mining discharge into lakes and rivers; and
• the state of the St. Lawrence River.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By contributing expertise and conducting and sharing research and monitoring data to decision makers, ECCC enables sound decisions and appropriate actions to protect and preserve the quality and quantity of Canada’s freshwater.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3,  Target 6.5)

Starting point: 85% in March of 2019.^{Footnote 76}

Performance indicators:

Percentage of scientific information (information sheets, journal articles, open data etc.), made available publicly per year.

Target: The St. Lawrence Action Plan is in the process of implementing its renewed programming with the Province of Quebec. Targets are still being established.^{Footnote 77}

Note: ECCC conducts science in collaboration with its partners, which serves to inform ecosystem management decisions, and restore and conserve priority ecosystems. Making data publicly available ensures that decision makers have the necessary knowledge and information to inform decisions.

Focus scientific efforts to proactively understand, track and provide water quality and quantity information relating to Canada’s freshwater resources.

Provide analysis, guidance and economic advice and develop and provide economic models to enable environmental effects to be factored into decisions.

Starting point: 83% in the 2015 to 2017 period.

Performance indicator: (Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicator) Freshwater Indicator—percentage of sites where water quality is assessed as Fair-Good-Excellent vs. Poor-Marginal

Target: 90% percentage of sites where water quality is assessed as Fair-Good-Excellent with a Target Date of March 31, 2022.

Note: The indicator is a measure of the state of surface water quality in mostly non-remote areas of Canada. Clean freshwater is an essential resource. It protects aquatic plant and animal biodiversity. It is used for drinking, manufacturing, energy production, irrigation, swimming, boating and fishing.

Degraded water quality damages the health of all freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs and wetlands. It can also disrupt fisheries, tourism and agriculture. The results of this indicator help the Government of Canada to better understand lake and river ecosystems.

Starting point: 77% in May 2022^{Footnote 78}

Performance indicator: Percentage of program partners rating their satisfaction with Environment and Climate Change Canada's hydrological services as 8 out of 10 or higher

Target: 80% May 31, 2023^{Footnote 79}

Note: This measure is suitable for the contributing action “better understanding lake and river ecosystems” because water quantity information is primarily used by Provinces and Territories, other government organizations and targeted stakeholders to support water management and decision-making.

Administer, promote compliance with and enforce and implement a risk-based approach to enforcing federal environmental laws, including:

• the Fisheries Act pollution prevention provisions and associated regulations, including the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER), the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER), and the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER);
• the Environment Effects Monitoring (EEM) requirements under the PPER and MDMER; and
• the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) Regulations.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By administering and enforcing legislation and regulations, ECCC will contribute to better water quality in Canada’s key freshwater ecosystems by deterring actions and behaviours that contribute to the deterioration of water quality.

Ensuring high compliance rates with Fisheries Actregulations helps improve water quality in lakes and rivers, thus contributes to the FSDS goal.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Target 6.3)

Starting point: Baseline - 77% in 2015.

Performance indicator: Percentage of wastewater systems where effluent quality standards are achieved

Target: Percentage increase in order to reach 100% by 2040, compared to the baseline.

Note: In Canada, municipal wastewater is the largest point source of pollution entering lakes and rivers. Ensuring municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents comply with Wastewater System Effluent Regulations reduces the risk of contaminants in the effluent harming aquatic plants and animals.

Continue to establish and manage National Wildlife Areas and manage existing Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, and track national progress toward national targets.

Work in partnership, through a variety of collaborative forums, with Provinces. Territories, municipalities, Indigenous people, and the private and non-profit sectors to encourage the recognition and establishment of more protected and conserved areas. Provide financial incentives under the Canada Nature Fund for the establishment and recognition of more protected and conserved areas, including Indigenous protected and conserved areas.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Well-managed conserved areas help preserve species and their habitats for present and future generations by reducing direct human development stresses.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1, Target 15.2)

Starting point: 104,604 km² of terrestrial areas and inland waters (of a total 124, 490 km² when including marine habitat) were conserved as National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in 2014-15.

Performance indicator: Total area of habitat protected as ECCC National Wildlife Areas (NWAs), Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs), and Conservation Areas.

Target: 168,035 km² of terrestrial and marine areas are protected as National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and conservation areas by March 31, 2025.

Note: The percentage of Canada’s territory that is conserved is a direct measurement of the FSDS contributing action and progress towards Canada’s target. These are national starting points and targets – i.e., they also include federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous protected and conserved areas as well as other conservation measures.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Scientific research and Indigenous knowledge are required to manage lands and forests to support biodiversity targets and provide ecosystem services for generations to come.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.2)

Starting point: 61% in 2018-19.

Performance indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful.

Target: 61% in April 2023.^{Footnote 81}

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the contributing action “Better understand lands and forests” by better incorporating Indigenous knowledge because it provides an understanding of whether Indigenous peoples deem engagement with the department to be meaningful. This measure indicates whether survey respondents believe that their views were taken into consideration in the decisions/actions about which their input was sought. Moving forward, the department aims to ensure that management decisions are informed by science and Indigenous knowledge.

Secure private land, expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, increase our capacity to manage protected areas, and establish a coordinated network of conservation areas, through:

• implementation of the Nature Legacy Initiative;
• management and expansion of ECCC’s protected areas network
• supporting on-the-ground wetland restoration and enhancement projects in Canada; and
• conservation planning and actions related to Protected Areas including the development of national policies, identification of Candidate Sites, and implementing sites’ user services and site management.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By implementing the Nature Legacy Initiative, establishing protected areas and supporting wetland restoration, ECCC directly contributes to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation target of 17% with the use of both conventional (direct land securement) and innovative (incentivizing private and public stewardship and conservation through the recognition of lands and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)). By conserving natural spaces of ecological and cultural importance, Canada’s lands and forests are being sustainably managed for future generations.

Securing ecologically sensitive land contributes directly to Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas, and supports the goal of sustaining Canada’s biodiversity and ecosystem services for the long-term in Canada’s lands and forests.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: Baseline of 130,871 km² in 2013.^{Footnote 82}

Performance indicator: Total area of habitat secured directly by ECCC and through partnerships

Target: Target will be available January 2022.^{Footnote 83}

Note: This indicator is a direct measure of the growth of protected areas (NWAs and MBSs) together with the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and recognition of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) directly supports progress towards the FSDS goal that lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come by protecting and conserving important habitat. This network of protected areas also contributes directly to Canada’s total protected and conserved area and is accounted for in assessing progress towards the 17% target.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By enabling donations of ecologically sensitive lands, establishing protected areas and supporting wetland restoration, ECCC directly contributes to achieving Canada’s land and inland water conservation target of 17% with the use of both conventional (direct land securement) and innovative (incentivizing private stewardship) conservation mechanisms. By conserving natural spaces of ecological and cultural importance, Canada’s lands and forests are being sustainably managed for future generations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: 1,648 km² in 2013-14.

Performance indicator: Total area of ecologically sensitive land secured through the ecological gifts program

Target: 2,233 km² by March 31, 2023^{Footnote 84}

Note: This indicator is a direct measure of the amount of ecologically sensitive land secured through the Ecological Gift Program contributes directly to Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas, and supports the goal of sustaining Canada’s biodiversity and ecosystem services for the long-term in Canada’s lands and forests.

Work with Indigenous peoples to protect and conserve lands and waters by:

• supporting the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs);
• developing management plans for ECCC National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Nunavut as part of the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA);
• consulting with Indigenous peoples and the Government of the Northwest Territories with respect to the long-term conservation of additional sites;
• progressing on officially replacing existing names of northern protected areas with Indigenous names;
• implementing the terms of the renewed IIBA for ECCC’s conservation areas in the Nunavut Settlement Area with Inuit parties to the agreement;
• providing ongoing support for Indigenous Guardians initiatives; and
• providing funding in support of establishing (through a co-development process) three distinctions-based Nature Tables, with First Nations, Inuit and Métis^{Footnote 85}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of the environment and have deep connections to nature. ECCC consults and collaborates with Indigenous peoples and invests through the Canada Nature Fund in initiatives that protect and restore biodiversity, and strengthen and renew nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationships. Such collaboration has resulted in, for example, the 14,200 km² Edéhzhíe Protected Area in the Northwest Territories, established as the first new Indigenous Protected Area under the Nature Legacy Initiative. Edéhzhíe Protected Area contributes directly to the target of conserving 17% of terrestrial and in-land waters in Canada and marks an important step in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and sustaining Canada’s lands and forests for future generations. Also, by collaborating with Indigenous peoples in the North to create management plans for existing sites, and conservation plans for the future, ECCC will contribute to achieving land and inland water conservation targets and enabling long-term, sustainable management approaches.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.2)

Starting point: 2 National Indigenous Representative Organizations (NIROs) & 3 Communities as of March 31, 2020.

Performance Indicator: Number of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities engaged in ECCC supported habitat conservation and protection initiatives.

Target: 94 Indigenous Governments, Organizations, or Communities.

Note: Increased and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples contributes to building the capacity and support of Indigenous communities to further conserve and grow Canada’s terrestrial and freshwater network of protected and conserved areas.

Starting point: 61% in 2018-19.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful.

Target: 61% in April 2023.^{Footnote 86}

Note: This indicator is an appropriate measure as it reflects the perspective of Indigenous peoples in how meaningfully ECCC works with Indigenous partners to protect and conserve lands and waters. ECCC recognizes that improved decision-making and conservation outcomes result from inclusive processes and meaningful engagement with the Department’s partners, including Indigenous peoples.

Implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada with the collaboration of provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders, and through the following actions, enabled by investments under the Canada Nature Fund:

• partner and stakeholder engagement, cooperative conservation action planning, and the implementation of on-the-ground actions for species at risk for 11 Federal-Provincial-Territorial priority places;
• funding for 18 Community-Nominated Priority Places^{Footnote 87} where multiple partners will take action together to protect and recover species at risk;
• participation in collaborative conservation action planning initiatives for the six priority species identified by federal, provincial and territorial governments; and
• co-creation of conservation action plans with the agriculture, forest, and urban development sectors.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target or goal:

The new Pan-Canadian Approach to transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada reflects a shift to more multi-species and ecosystem-based conservation, and more targeted and collaborative FPT efforts focused on conservation planning and action on shared priority places, species, and sectors. Provinces and territories continue to lead efforts to recover species at risk and other priority species on lands under their jurisdiction, with support and partnership from ECCC.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting Point: 9% (21 out of 230) in 2018–2019.

Performance indicator:

% of SAR for which protection or recovery actions are being implemented through action for priority places, species and sectors/threats.^Footnote88

Target: 100% by March 31, 2023.^{Footnote 89}

Note: This indicator is a good measure of FSDS Target because ECCC’s work with partners to implement a Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health, it is representative of the Government of Canada’s progress with implementing the Approach.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target or goal:

Implementation of A Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health will help focus efforts and resources on shared priorities across jurisdictions and sectors and address emerging and changing threats from pathogens, contaminants, climate change globalization, landscape changes and other stressors.^{Footnote 90}

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Implement legislation, regulations and tools that support a priority-based approach to protecting species at risk and migratory birds through:

• protection of critical habitat of species as identified in recovery strategies and action plans under the Species at Risk Act (SARA);
• development of policies, standard operating procedures and/or guidance in accordance with the strategic SARA policy framework and plan;
• engagement with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, scientists, industry and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing Species at Risk Act and assess the need for modernizing the Act;
• maintain partnerships with Indigenous peoples to protect, conserve and recover species at risk and migratory birds;^{Footnote 91}
• development of tools to assess and protect habitat for species at risk, such as woodland caribou (boreal and southern mountain populations) and polar bear;
• provision of expert advice related to wildlife during assessments of human activities under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Impacts Assessment Act and the undertaking of a Strategic Assessment of Biodiversity;
• implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach and a prioritized approach for action on species at risk, and seek ways to further advance innovative approaches; and
• implementation of an improved risk-based approach to enforcing federal wildlife laws that protect species at risk, protected areas, migratory birds and wild plants and animals in international and interprovincial trade.^{Footnote 92}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared across all levels of government. Ongoing domestic and international collaboration with partners and stakeholders is key to ensure continuous progress in securing species at risk and migratory birds populations. Appropriately, the Government of Canada has been working closely with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and other partners on species at risk conservation to transform its approach to terrestrial species at risk conservation through advancing the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach and related policy and program improvements. Using a range of tools—both regulatory and non-regulatory—helps maximize conservation outcomes and supports healthy and viable populations for all species.

These tools include being able to prepare for and react strategically to unplanned occurrences which may impede our ability to employ targeted enforcement of wildlife legislation and regulations aimed at protecting plant and animal species and their habitats.

The Government of Canada has also began conceptual work on a Strategic Assessment of Biodiversity, which will help enable the continued provision of expert advice during federal project reviews and the development of policies, guidelines and tools that help address cumulative effects to biodiversity and support a balanced approach to the conservation of nature and development of the economy.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: 43% in May 2017.^{Footnote 93}

Performance indicator:

Percentage of species at risk (SAR) for which changes in populations are consistent with recovery and management objectives

Target: 60% by May 2025.

Note: Through the implementation of regulatory and policy work it can be expected that, increasingly, recovery actions will be implemented for an increasing percentage of SAR. This indicator is a measure of the progress that the Government of Canada has made. This indicator is a direct measure of the Target and Goal 9 of the FSDS.

Starting Point: 95% in 2015–2016.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions

Target: 95% April 2023.^{Footnote 94}

Note: This measure will inform the programs whether the enforcement related to the regulatory activity is effective. Successful enforcement will support the maintenance of species at risk populations, as per the FSDS Target.

Advance protection and recovery action for priority species at risk and migratory birds by conducting research, including co-application of western science and Indigenous knowledge by:

• collaborating with stakeholders and Indigenous partners via Species at Risk Act-mandated and -enabled advisory bodies (including the Species at Risk Advisory Committee, the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk and the First Nation Advisory Committee on Species at Risk, and others);
• collaborating with provinces, territories and other partners on national studies and analyses related to priority invasive species pathways;
• developing inventories and characterizations of lands to improve knowledge of ecosystems;
• participating in the National Aquatic Invasive Species Committee;
• informing recovery planning and action for listed species at risk and priority species, including caribou, polar bear and listed migratory birds;^Footnote95
• conducting collaborative research with stakeholders and partners; and
• ensuring SAR information is available to partners and the public through publication of recovery documents on the public SAR Registry.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Responsibility for managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared across all levels of government.

By collaborating with Canadian and international partners to protect animal and bird species and their habitats, ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s population goals for species at risk and their habitats.

Collaborative initiatives between partners increase the audience of conservation actions, and influence the public and interested local stakeholders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection.

Collaboration with partners, in Canada and globally, allows for sharing of expertise and advice which may promote more effective species protection.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: 93% (306 of 330) by March 31, 2019, had documents posted.

Performance indicator: Percent of legally listed species at risk with a recovery strategy, or management plan available on the Species at Risk public registry where a recovery document is due.

Target: 100% by 2023.^{Footnote 96}

Note: Working with partners to enhance foundational knowledge of species, habitats and ecosystems contributes to achieving FSDS Goal 9. Measuring the percent of recovery strategies or management plans where a recovery document is due increases the government’s understanding of the extent to which protection and recovery is occurring and where more collaboration initiatives may be beneficial to achieving the Goal.

Work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to protect, conserve and recover species at risk and migratory birds by:^{Footnote 97}

• working to renew nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous peoples as part of the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada and the Species at Risk Act;
• establishing mechanisms, including the Boreal Caribou Knowledge Consortium and others, to support co-application of Indigenous knowledge and western science;
• partnering with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis under the Canada Nature Fund, recognizing and enabling Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and interests in land and resource management;
• engaging Indigenous peoples for species and priority places, including in species assessment, recovery planning, recovery implementation (protection measures, stewardship and other actions); and
• negotiating of modern treaties and reconciliation agreements, including implementation of obligations, engagement with Indigenous peoples, and application of Indigenous knowledge.^{Footnote 98}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Indigenous engagement is an important principle guiding collaborative work to support healthy wildlife populations under the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation. Canada will work closely with Indigenous peoples to help shape and test tools to implement the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and to identify new priorities for future action.

By collaborating with international and Canadian partners, including Indigenous peoples, to protect animal and bird species and their habitats, ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s population goals for species at risk and their habitats.

Collaborative initiatives between partners, including Indigenous peoples, increase the audience of conservation actions, and influence the public and interested local stakeholders and rights-holders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection.

Collaboration with partners, in Canada and globally, allows for sharing of expertise and advice which may promote more effective species protection.

Modern treaties and reconciliation agreements with Indigenous peoples represent an opportunity for Canada and rights-holders to more formally collaborate in protecting species and their habitat.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: 61% in 2018-19.

Performance indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful

Target: 61% in April 2023.^{Footnote 99}

Note: This indicator is an appropriate measure for the FSDS Target because ECCC’s work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to protect, conserve, and recover species at risk reflects the perspective of Indigenous peoples. ECCC recognizes that improved decision-making and conservation outcomes result from inclusive processes and meaningful engagement with the Department’s partners, including Indigenous peoples.

Build capacity to protect, conserve, and restore species and their habitat through:

• support projects under the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk and the Community-Nominated Priority Places for Species at Risk that engage Canadians in conservation actions to benefit wildlife;
• support projects under the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk that engage Indigenous recipients in conservation;
• the development of research capacity in Indigenous and Northern communities to support community-based monitoring and education; and
• the investment of$2.25 million over 3 years in programs for Engaging Canadian Kids in Wildlife Conservation.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By providing expertise and funding to Indigenous peoples and other local stakeholders, ECCC will contribute to Canadians’ capacity to protect and conserve species. Supporting capacity building and education of local actors will achieve better outcomes for more species at risk, improve return on investment, and increase co-benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems.

Engagement of Canadians in conservation efforts and species protection activities supports recovery objectives for species at risk, and the population targets for migratory birds indirectly, by fostering enthusiasm for stewardship, public awareness and education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased participation in species and habitat protection beyond the initial activities.

Funding enables partnerships for the protection and recovery of species at risk with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in a manner that recognizes and enables Indigenous leadership and engagement in land and resource management.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: 25,000,000 in 2013-14.

Performance indicator: Amount of leveraged contributions (cash + in-kind)

Target: To be established.

Note: The indicator measures the level of capacity that exists within the Canadian public, which is in line with the contributing action. The indicator measures the amount of non-federal funding leveraged by federal investment.

Work with international partners to protect and conserve species at risk and fulfill Canada’s obligations under international agreements by:

• fulfilling Canada’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES);
• implementing the Wild Animal and Plant Protection Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act;
• working with international partners to implement a Circumpolar Action Plan for Polar Bears in accordance with the 1973 Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears;
• fulfilling Canada’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD);
• tracking and coordinating actions in support of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy and initiatives to advance the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada;
• coordinating Canada’s participation with the U.S. and Mexico in the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management;
• implementing the Ramsar Convention in Canada to promote the wise use of wetlands and support partners in the nomination of any new proposed Ramsar Sites;
• implementing an improved risk-based approach to enforcing federal wildlife laws that protect species at risk, protected areas, migratory birds, and wild plants and animals in international and interprovincial trade;
• working closely with foreign law enforcement agencies and intergovernmental organizations to protect domestic species and exotic species in Canadian commerce;
• participating in the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES); and
• seeking to include provisions in Canada’s free trade agreements that support Canada’s leadership role in combatting illegal wildlife trade and protecting species at risk.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with international partners, ECCC will support Canada in meeting its international wildlife commitments.

Decisions and actions taken outside of Canada can have an impact on wildlife in Canada, particularly migratory species.

By supporting actions to conserve species, through its international commitment, Canada makes important contributions to regional and global biodiversity conservation.

By ensuring the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems (in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands), securing their services, while being in line with obligations under international agreements contributes to reaching the FSDS target.

Enforcement activities contributes to the protection of wildlife and will ultimately contribute towards the Government’s ability to achieve the contributing action and upholding its international commitments related to wildlife.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters).^{Footnote 100}

Performance indicator: Percentage of Canadian areas conserved as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

Target: 25% of terrestrial lands and waters by March 2023.

Note: The federal government has committed to conserving 25% of by 2025, working towards 30% by 2030.^{Footnote 101}

Starting Point: 95% of targeted regulatees in 2015-16.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions

Target: 95% by April 2023.^{Footnote 102}

Note: Measuring prosecutions that result in convictions will provide information to help better identify the most effective measures to find non-compliance, to adjust investigation, and to take appropriate enforcement measures which will contribute to upholding international commitments related to wildlife.

Staring Point:

• CITES: 71% in 2018-19.
• CBD: 83% in 2018-19.

Performance indicator:

Number of expert groups formed to address international CITES or CBD conservation issues in which Canada participated.

Target:

• CITES 80% by 2021, and maintain going forward
• CBD 90% by 2021, and maintain going forward.

Note: This indicator provides information about the extent to which Canada’s positions and priorities are conveyed and reflected in key international biodiversity fora. Progress in promoting Canada’s positions and priorities demonstrated by ECCC within the international communities through these partnerships and the impacts they have on domestic and exotic species in Canadian commerce contributes to the FSDS target.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By focusing efforts on building, maintaining, and applying a robust knowledge foundation to support collaborative conservation action, ECCC will support Canada in meeting its commitment to maintaining and restoring healthy migratory bird populations.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: Baseline of 57% in 2014-15.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges

Target: 70% by 2030.^{Footnote 104}

Note: This measure will inform the programs whether conservation activities have been successful in maintaining and/or increasing migratory bird populations.

Promote compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 by

• providing key economic analysis in support of the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) and regulations; and
• collaborating with partners at home and internationally, and continue to monitor the status of and conduct research on migratory birds and their habitats.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By enforcing Canadian and international legislation and regulations, ECCC will support Canada’s population goals for species at risk and migratory birds.

By undertaking key economic analysis of legislation and regulation, decision-making for species conservation can be better informed, and policy options and programs can be more effectively implemented. Economic analysis can also help inform decision-making for species conservation, and policy options and programs can be more effectively implemented.

Responsibility for managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared across all levels of government. Collaborating with partners at home and internationally to ensure continuous progress in securing populations of species at risk and migratory birds listed under federal law is essential to species conservation and recovery. Using a range of tools—both regulatory and non-regulatory—helps maximize conservation outcomes and support healthy and viable populations for all species.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: Baseline of 57% in 2014-15.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges

Target: 70% by 2030.^{Footnote 105}

Note: This measure will inform the programs whether the regulations and compliance promotion activities have had the intended impact so that migratory bird populations are conserved.

Continue to monitor the status of and conduct research on migratory birds and their habitats by:

• conducting research to understand the impacts of environmental change on species protection and conservation, including long-term and targeted research to assess key threats of climate change, habitat loss and anthropogenic activities, and through collaboration with Indigenous communities to design and implement research projects (Ongoing);
• monitoring and assessing the status and trends of populations and landscapes, modelling the cause mechanisms and effects of population changes, establishing measurable population and habitat goals and conservation priorities, and identifying conservation actions in consultation with stakeholders—in support of developing regulations; and
• enabling the implementation of Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) Strategies by finding mechanisms and developing partnerships to disseminate information on the Strategies.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Responsibility for managing wildlife and ecosystems in Canada is shared across all levels of government.

By collaborating with Canadian and international partners to protect bird species and their habitats, ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s goal in increasing migratory bird species whose populations sizes fall within an acceptable range.

Collaboration with partners, in Canada and globally, may increase the audience of conservation actions, and influences the public and interested local stakeholders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection supports this goal. It allows for sharing of expertise and advice, knowledge, and information, which may promote more effective species protection through improvements to foundational understanding of species and their habitats.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting Point: 30% in 2014-15.

Performance Indicator: Proportion of migratory bird species whose population status can be assessed with high reliability.

Target: 50% by December 2025.^{Footnote 106}

Note: These two indicators are a good measure of the contributing action and the FSDS Target because they are an indication of whether partners outside of government are maintaining their end of agreements to plan and prioritize conservation and how well ECCC understands the status of migratory bird populations, respectively.

Work with international partners to protect and conserve species at risk (including migratory bird species) and fulfill Canada’s obligations under international agreements by:

• taking actions for migratory bird conservation (under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation), and delivering projects for seabird conservation in Chile (under the Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation) and for shorebird monitoring in Panama (under the Canada-Panama Environment Agreement);
• implementing the Ramsar Convention in Canada to promote the wise use of wetlands and support partners in the nomination of any new proposed Ramsar Sites;
• collaborating with international partners, including to implement the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and continuing to monitor the status of and conduct research on migratory birds, and manage and conserve migratory birds and their habitats; and
• implementing an improved risk-based approach to enforcing federal wildlife laws that protect species at risk, protected areas, migratory birds, and wild plants and animals in international and interprovincial trade.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with international partners, ECCC will support Canada in meeting its international wildlife commitments.

Decisions and actions taken outside of Canada can have an impact on wildlife in Canada, particularly migratory species.

By supporting actions to conserve species through its international commitment, Canada makes important contributions to regional and global biodiversity conservation.

By ensuring the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems (in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands), securing their services, while being in line with obligations under international agreements contributes to the FSDS target.

Enforcement activities contributes to the protection of wildlife and will ultimately contribute towards the Government’s ability to achieve the contributing action and upholding its international commitments related to wildlife.

Starting point: 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters).^{Footnote 107}

Performance indicator: Percentage of Canadian areas conserved as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

Target: 25% of terrestrial lands and waters by March 2023.^Footnote108

Note: The federal government has committed to conserving 25% of by 2025, working towards 30% by 2030.

Starting point: Baseline of 57% in 2014-15.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges^Footnote109

Target: 70% by 2030.

Note: This measure will inform the programs whether the regulations and compliance promotion activities have had the intended impact so that migratory bird populations are conserved.

Starting Point: 95% of targeted regulates in 2015-16.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions.

Target: 95% by April 2023.^{Footnote 110}

Note: Measuring prosecutions that result in convictions will provide information to help better identify the most effective measures to find non-compliance, to adjust investigation, and to take appropriate enforcement measures which will contribute to upholding international commitments related to wildlife.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Providing expertise and funding to Indigenous peoples and other local stakeholders, and collaborating with them will support capacity building and education of local actors, will indirectly provide a sense of ownership over the importance of nature and contribute to connecting Canadians with nature.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.4)

UN SDG 15: Life on Land (Target 15.5)

Starting point: 61% in 2018-19.

Performance indicator: Percentage of Indigenous peoples engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful

Target: 61% in April 2023.^{Footnote 111}

Note: Measuring the degree to which Indigenous peoples feel their engagement with ECCC was meaningful provides an understanding of built relationships and satisfaction with collaborative activities and capacity, both of which contribute to the goal of connecting Canadians with nature.

Build capacity for conservation activities by:

• developing strategic partnerships for collaborative activities such as scientific and academic research, conservation efforts, promotional campaigns and outreach activities;
• working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to deliver Government priorities, including to accelerate the rate of private land conservation and protect important natural habitat in communities across southern Canada; and
• funding the Natural Heritage Conservation Program to assist and support securing of ecologically significant areas across Canada, protect habitat for species at risk (both COSEWIC-assessed and SARA-listed) and migratory birds, and enhance connections and corridors between protected areas.

Invest in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan ($10 million over two years)) and partner with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Island Nature Trust, and the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation and others to implement the Plan.

Engage with external partners and enforce and promote compliance with federal wildlife legislation that protects plant and animal species, including in interprovincial and international trade.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in collaboration with other conservation organizations, the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP), established through an investment from the Canada Nature Fund, aims to conserve private land in southern Canada, where the most biodiversity-rich areas are found, and where most Canadians live. As such, it contributes to increasing access to natural areas for urban residents. The NHCP also advances partnership through a collaborative governance structure with project partners made up of national and local land trusts.

Funding to undertake North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) projects under the Canada Nature Fund supported private land securement of wetland and associated upland habitat, over 120km² (12,000 hectares) from 2019-20 –
2020-21, in biodiversity-rich landscapes in southern Canada. These projects contributed to the recovery of wetland-dependent species at risk and the prevention of other priority species, such as migratory birds, from becoming a conservation concern. In addition, these habitats provide numerous ecosystem services, such as carbon storage. The funds also contributed to supporting partners to undertake actions that conserve wildlife and protect and improve their habitat.

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan is an international partnership between Canada, the United States and Mexico with the goal of conserving and protecting wetland and upland habitats and associated waterfowl populations. Canada implements the plan through four regional Habitat Joint Ventures made up of a variety of cooperative public and private partners.

These Habitat Joint Ventures integrate planning, science, governance, partnerships, and management to achieve North American Waterfowl Management Plan goals in Canada. A science-based implementation plan is created to address local, regional and continental goals for each Joint Venture.

As a result of engagement of external partners to advance migratory birds conservation, Canadians will become increasingly aware of the importance of migratory birds and the threats that they face such that they are more likely to get outdoors and participate in citizen science programs.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting point: 6,382 km² on March 31, 2014.

Performance indicator: Total area of habitat secured by partners

Target: 9,500 km² by March 31, 2023^{Footnote 112}

Note: This is a summary indicator of all of the land securement efforts supported by a variety of ECCC programs. The results of this measure demonstrate the effectiveness of the ECCC support to build capacity for land securement efforts, which supports the contributing action and ultimately biodiversity conservation, as per the FSDS Target.

Promote public participation in nature through:

• continuation of efforts to increase participation in nature-based programs and visits to national wildlife areas;
• implementation of the “Connecting Canadians to Nature” Initiative in ten National Wildlife Areas by constructing new trails, bridges and exhibits, and promoting a national geocaching program (an outdoor educational game that uses GPS-enabled devices); and
• facilitation of access to nature in National Wildlife Areas close to urban centres (for example, free access to Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area in 2017).

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By increasing access to wildlife areas and expanding the range of nature-based experiences available, ECCC will make it easier for the public to get out into nature and encourage greater public participation in biodiversity and conservation activities. Such visits can foster enthusiasm for engagement in stewardship, public awareness and education.

Visits to National Wildlife Areas foster enthusiasm for nature and conservation, which in turn may encourage stewardship, education, and a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. This may further result in increased visits to NWAs and to further Connecting Canadians with Nature.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities (Target 11.7)

UN SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.8)

Starting point: 220,050 in 2015.

Performance indicator: Percentage increase in annual visitation to the ten National Wildlife Areas that are part of the Connecting Canadians to Nature Initiative since launch

Target: 25% by March 31, 2023^{Footnote 113}

Note: The initiative encourages people to get outside and to enjoy the benefits of nature. Visitation rates are a direct measure of how many people are responding to the program, and thus engaged, as per the contributing action and the FSDS Target.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By monitoring the impacts of air pollution, ECCC will be working to ensure that Canadians’ environment is sustainable.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Starting point: Baseline three-year average to be established by September 2022.

Performance indicator: Area of exceedance of ecosystem critical loads of acidity

Target: Decrease in the area of acidity critical load exceedance from a baseline.

Note: Deposition of acidifying air pollutants to lakes and soils can exceed levels at which damage is expected (critical loads). Critical load exceedances are not compatible with ecosystem health. Healthy ecosystems help ensure sustainable communities. This is therefore a good measure of the FSDS Goal.

Deposition will be estimated based on air quality monitoring and modelling and compared with previously-determined critical load values for soils and lakes to calculate exceedance areas.

Help Canadians understand air quality in their area through the Air Quality Health Index and the State of the Air website.

Implement the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to provide Canadians with greater access to local air quality information and forecasts to help make informed decisions about their health.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collecting and sharing data on air pollutants and harmful substances, ECCC will inform evidence-based decision-making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances and assist Canadians in making informed decisions about their health.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being

(Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.3)

Starting point: Target has been developed based on an initial value estimate of 400,000 at risk Canadians receiving AQHI risk communications (June 2016).

Performance indicator: Number of sensitive individuals reached by Air Quality Health Index (AQHI risk) communications

Target: 4 million by 2026.

Note: The indicator measures the sensitive population accessing the AQHI. Having information about exposure to air pollutants helps people make decisions about their health.^{Footnote 114}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with provinces, territories, stakeholders and international partners to develop and implement standards and approaches to improve air quality, ECCC works to reduce pollutants in outdoor air and increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas that meet ambient air quality standards.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Starting point: From a baseline of 60% in 2005-2007 based on 2020 CAAQS values.

Performance indicator: Percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved

Target: 85% of Canadians live in areas that meet the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) in 2030.

Note: The indicator tracks how many Canadians are living in areas with good air quality and can be used, with other indicators, to assess progress toward the reduction of outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances.

Negotiate on behalf of Canada and implement and strengthen agreements to reduce transboundary air pollution through:

• continuing work with the United States to address transboundary air pollution under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement;
• implementing the commitments under the Gothenburg Protocol to the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and continuing to demonstrate leadership under the Convention; seeking to broaden the geographic scope of cooperation to address transboundary air pollution, including through provisions in Canada’s trade agreements that require cooperation; and support; and
• engaging in efforts to take action on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and other contaminants under the Arctic Council.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target[s] or goal:

By engaging with international partners and by leveraging collective inputs, ECCC strengthens, collective efforts to manage air pollutants which will result in safer and healthier Canadian communities, therefore contributing to meeting the FSDS Goal 13.

Reductions in these key air pollutants contribute directly to the FSDS Target by contributing to improved air quality, supporting the overall goal to increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas where the air quality standards are achieved.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Starting point: Emissions of NO_x, SO₂, PM_2.5 and VOCs in 2005.

Performance indicator:

Percentage reduction of national emissions of:

• nitrogen oxides (NO_x)
• sulphur dioxide (SO₂)
• fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)
• volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Target: By 2020 (reporting in 2022), reduce and maintain the following from a 2005 baseline:

• NO_x: 35% reduction in emissions
• SO₂: 55% reduction in emissions
• PM_2.5: 25% reduction in emissions (excluding road dust, construction operations, and crop production)
• VOCs: 20% reduction in emissions

Note: Canada’s positions and priorities are conveyed and reflected in key international transboundary air pollution fora. Progress demonstrated by ECCC within the international communities through these partnerships, inclusion in free trade agreements and the impacts they have on domestic air quality, demonstrate their commitment to the FSDS target.

Starting point: 2013 national emission levels

Performance indicator: Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada's Black Carbon Emissions Inventory.

Target: 25% decrease from an annually calculated 2013 baseline of national emissions by December 2025.

Note: Black carbon, an air pollutant with climate-warming effects, is emitted as a component of PM_2.5. Reductions in PM_2.5 emissions impact ambient PM_2.5 and short lived climate pollutant levels. This indicator therefore is a measure of the FSDS Target and FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

Starting point: 45 Mt CO2e in 2012.

Performance indicator: Reduced methane emissions from the oil and gas sector

Target: 40-45% reduction relative to 2012 levels by December 2025.

Note: Methane is a potent GHG and short lived climate pollutant that is significantly more powerful than carbon dioxide, and contributes to ozone formation. This indicator therefore is a measure of the FSDS Target and FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting research, analysis and modeling, and collecting data on sources of air pollution, and impacts of measures to mitigate it, ECCC will be in a position to continue to develop effective regulations and other tools to reduce harmful pollutants and improve air quality for Canadians, contributing to safer, healthier communities.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Starting point: 2006-2008

Performance indicator:

Emissions of air pollutants from industrial, transportation and other sources in tonnes for fine particulate matter (PM2.5); sulphur oxides (SOx); nitrogen oxides (NOx); volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Target: Continued downward trend in current three-year average relative to the 2006-2008 baseline.

Note: This indicator directly tracks progress on the FSDS Target. Decreased emissions result in improved air quality and associated health benefits.

Develop, administer, implement, and enforce regulations and non-regulatory instruments to limit emissions of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by:

• continuing to implement transportation air pollutant regulations and amending, where appropriate, to achieve emissions reductions objectives, including;
  • administering amendments to regulation of on-road vehicles for 2017–2025;
  • administering Tier 3 under the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations;
• administering the petroleum and refinery air pollutant emissions regulations;
• continuing to administer the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR) and various non-regulatory instruments for industrial sectors and equipment;
• finalizing an on-line reporting system for the MSAPR for stationary spark-ignition engines;
• continuing to administer various non-regulatory instruments to reduce air pollution from industrial sectors and equipment, such as NO_x guidelines for new stationary combustion turbines and Performance Agreements for the aluminum and the iron ore pellets sectors;
• administering amendments to coal-fired electricity generation regulations;
• administering the Off-Road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations; finalizing the Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations;
• proposing amendments to the Volatile Organic Compounds Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations; and
• renewing the federal agenda on the reductions of VOC emissions from consumer and commercial products, which is expected to be published in the Spring of 2022.^{Footnote 115}

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By developing and enforcing regulations and applying other measures, ECCC will reduce the release of pollutants emissions and substances that are harmful to human health and the environment, and will decrease the three-year averages of fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and volatile organic compounds emissions, thereby contributing to the protection of human health and safe and healthy communities.

These actions contribute to the FSDS Target directly, but also to Goal 13, since emissions reductions improve air quality, resulting in associated health benefits and cleaner, sustainable communities.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Starting point: 2006-2008

Performance indicator: Emissions of air pollutants from industrial, transportation and other sources in tonnes for fine particulate matter (PM2.5); sulphur oxides (SOx); nitrogen oxides (NOx); volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Target: Continued downward trend in current three-year average relative to the 2006-2008 baseline.

Continue to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), many of which are also harmful air pollutants, by:

• continuing to implement ECCC’s Strategy on Short-lived Climate Pollutants;
• publishing a progress report on commitments under the SLCP Strategy; and
• continuing to advance domestic and international work to reduce SLCPs.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Reducing short-lived climate pollutants (black carbon, methane, ozone and HFCs) will improve air quality while contributing to reducing near-term climate change. It contributes to FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.3)

Starting point: 2013 national emission levels

Performance indicator: Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada's Black Carbon Emissions Inventory.

Target: 25% decrease from an annually calculated 2013 baseline of national emissions by December 2025.

Note: Black carbon, an air pollutant with climate-warming effects, is emitted as a component of PM_2.5. This indicator therefore is a measure of the FSDS Target and FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

Starting point: 45 Mt CO2e in 2012.

Performance indicator: Reduced methane emissions from the oil and gas sector

Target: 40-45% reduction relative to 2012 levels by December 2025.

Note: Methane is a potent GHG, significantly more powerful than carbon dioxide, and contributes to the formation of ozone. This indicator therefore is a measure of FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By developing and enforcing regulations and applying other measures, ECCC will reduce the release of pollutants and substances that are harmful to human health and the environment, thereby contributing to the protection of human health and safe and healthy communities.

Starting point: 2013 national emission levels

Performance indicator: Black carbon emissions, as reported in Canada’s Black Carbon Emissions Inventory

Target: 25% decrease from an annually calculated 2013 baseline of national emissions by December 2025.

Note: Black carbon, an air pollutant with climate-warming effects, is emitted as a component of PM_2.5, specifically referenced in this FSDS Target. Decreasing black carbon emissions will have health benefits associated with it, thereby contributing directly to FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collaborating with provinces, territories, stakeholders and international partners to develop and implement standards and approaches to improve air quality, ECCC will work to reduce pollutants in outdoor air. Through collaboration, ECCC engages partners to work on common objectives, increase capacity, improve efficacy of efforts through information sharing and other means.

Air quality standards drive local air quality improvements. Working towards the 2030 goal of 85% of the Canadian population living in areas where air quality standards are achieved means more Canadians live in safe and healthy communities.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Starting Point: Baseline of 60% in 2005–2007.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved

Target: 85% of Canadians live in areas that meet the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) in 2030.

Note: The indicator tracks how many Canadians are living in areas with good air quality, and can be used, with other indicators, to assess progress toward the reduction of outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Through Canada’s leadership role and by collecting and sharing data on black carbon and methane, ECCC will inform evidence-based decision-making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from air pollutants and harmful substances and fulfill Canada’s Arctic Council commitment.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.3)

Starting point: 2015

Performance indicator: Prepare and publish a national report on black carbon and methane every two years in line with an Arctic Council commitment.

Target: Prepare and publish a national report on black carbon and methane every two years in line with an Arctic Council commitment.

Note: Black carbon, an air pollutant with climate-warming effects, is emitted as a component of PM2.5. This indicator therefore is a measure of the FSDS Target and FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

Starting point: 45 Mt CO2e in 2012.

Performance indicator: Reduced methane emissions from the oil and gas sector

Target: 40-45% reduction relative to 2012 levels by December 2025.

Note: Methane is a potent GHG, significantly more powerful than carbon dioxide, and contributes to ozone formation. This indicator is therefore a measure of the FSDS target and Goals 1 and 13.

Develop a better understanding and capacity to manage the health and environmental risks of pollutants to Canadians by:

• continuing to deliver Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan with Health Canada, including addressing the remaining established priority chemicals,^{Footnote 116}continuing to set new directions and objectives for managing chemicals beyond 2020, and supporting greater transparency and public participation in the notification and risk assessments of new substances and organisms through the New Substances Voluntary Public Engagement Transparency Initiative; and
• collaborating with Health Canada to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA).

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Assessing and managing priority chemicals that pose a risk will help reduce the exposure of the environment and of Canadians to potentially harmful substances from hazardous chemicals, or air, water, and soil contamination.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

Starting point: Not applicable.

Performance indicator: Publication of Risk Assessments.

Target: 2022-23 Targets are not available due to uncertainty around the workplan for the fiscal year^{Footnote 117}

Note: The indicator directly reflects the identification of substances that are considered to be a health or environmental risk, and will inform their subsequent risk management.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By conducting scientific assessment on harmful substances, ECCC will inform evidence-based decision-making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances and assist Canadians in making informed decisions about their health.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Starting point: Not applicable.

Performance indicator: Publication of Risk Assessments.

Target: 2022-23 Targets are not available due to uncertainty around the workplan for the fiscal year^{Footnote 118}

Note: The indicator directly reflects the identification of substances that are considered to be a health or environmental risk, and will inform their subsequent risk management.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Plastic pollution will be diverted from the environment (captured and removed), contributing to clean communities.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources (Target 14.1)

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

Starting point: No previous funding.

Performance indicator:

1. # of kilograms of plastic litter diverted (captured or collected) from water bodies
2. # of citizen science sharing platform mechanism identified
3. # of modules, science reviews to identify plastic sources and distribution
4. # of best practices or guidance reports/tools developed.

Target:^Footnote119

1. TBD kg of plastic litter based on region and amount of pollution by March 2022;
2. Complete;
3. At least 2 by March 2022;
4. At least 2 by March 2022.

Note: These indicators are a measure of progress towards developing community-led, science backed, and effective plastic pollution capture and collection solutions for diverting plastic waste from the environment. This ultimately leads to a better understanding of the impact of substances that are harmful to the environment or human health.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By collecting and sharing data on air pollutants and harmful substances from more than 7,500 facilities across Canada through the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), ECCC will inform evidence-based decision-making to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances and assist Canadians in making informed decisions about their health.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being

(Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.3)

Starting point: Data available each year in first half of December.

Performance indicator: NPRI data is made publicly available each year

Target: NPRI 2019 reviewed data is published before the end of each calendar year (December).

Note: This indicator measures the publication of data on pollutants which helps Canadians access key information to help them make better decision for their health.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Timely decisions from senior governance meetings help to improve program delivery, thereby providing Canadians with safe and healthy communities to enjoy.^Footnote120

By remediating ECCC contaminated sites and providing expertise to remediation work of other federal departments, ECCC will reduce ecological risks related to harmful substances on these lands.

Assessment of sites reduces uncertainty related to ecological and human health risks and allows remediation to progress.

Risk reduction activities contribute to a safe and healthy environment for Canadians by minimizing impacts to human health and the environment.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Starting point: Not applicable; this is a new indicator.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of senior governance meetings that are held on time each fiscal year.^Footnote121

Target: 80% by March 31 of each fiscal year.

Note: Senior governance meetings provide the FCSAP Secretariat with strategic advice to achieve FCSAP’s ultimate objectives, which are to reduce risks to human health and the environment and to reduce environmental liability. This results in safe and healthy communities for Canadians to enjoy.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Environmental Quality Guidelines establish targets for sound decision-making for the risk management of chemicals in aquatic and terrestrial environments. They are also used to set priorities for action and serve as performance indicators of success.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Starting point: Not available.

Performance indicator: The number of substances for which Environmental Quality Guidelines are developed.

Target: Environmental Quality Guidelines will be developed for 5 substances and a protocol to protect "Marine Mammal Apex Predators" will be developed with BC by March 2023.^{Footnote 122}

Note: Environmental Quality Guidelines provide benchmarks of toxicity for substances that allows governments to make quick and informed risk management decisions, thereby contributing to meeting the target “By 2022, take risk management actions in a timely manner for 100% of substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health.”

Manage harmful substances that pose risks, and ensure risk management measures are in place for substances identified as harmful, including through:

• modelling, analysis and research, and by developing regulatory impact analysis statements to support informed federal decision-making on policy approaches to reduce air and water pollution;
• development, implementation and administration of regulatory and non-regulatory instruments to manage risks from harmful substances; and
• administering and promoting compliance and implementing a risk-based approach to enforcing regulations related to chemicals and toxic substances.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

Through this Departmental Action, ECCC will contribute to the FSDS Goal 13 - Safe and Healthy Communities. The implementation of risk management actions aims to reduce the potential environmental risks of harmful substances. This departmental action directly contributes to the FSDS target which is about taking risk management actions for substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health. Managing chemical substances protects the environment and human health.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.6)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Starting point: This indicator will be reported on for the first time in 2022-23.

Performance indicator:^{Footnote 123} Percentage of actions taken in a timely manner to protect Canada's environment from chemicals found to be a risk to the environment

Target: 100% by March 31, 2023.

Note: This indicator measures the extent to which risk management actions are taken in a timely manner, so as to reduce the potential environmental risks of harmful substances. As such, this indicator is well-aligned with the departmental action concerning the development, implementation and administration of risk management instruments for harmful substances.

This indicator is a meaningful interim measure for the FSDS Target which is “By 2022, take risk management actions in a timely manner for 100% of substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health”.

Negotiate on behalf of Canada and implement international agreements related to chemicals management, including through:

• continuing to advance the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, including its Kigali Amendment on HFCs, including by supporting bilateral projects in developing countries; and
• continuing to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through active participation in committees and subsidiary bodies to the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, supported by domestic action under the Chemicals Management Plan.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target(s) or goal:

By engaging with international partners and by leveraging collective inputs, ECCC is strengthening the impacts of its domestic actions and those of its international partners. Through ECCC’s regional action and meeting key international obligations, collective efforts to manage harmful chemicals, hazardous and other waste, and air pollutants will result in safer and healthier Canadian communities, therefore contributing to meeting the FSDS goal.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9, Target 3.D)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Starting point: Baseline of 100% for fiscal year 2020-21.

Performance indicator: Percentage of decisions or outcomes of the decision-making bodies -- the Conferences of the Parties (COPs), of the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata conventions -- that reflect Canadian objectives.

Target: The target date is to be determined.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS target[s] or goal:

By remediating contaminated sites, including those sites for which ECCC is responsible, ECCC will reduce ecological risks related to harmful substances on these lands.

The assessment reduces uncertainty related to ecological and human health risks and allows remediation to progress.

Risk reduction activities contribute to a safe and healthy environment for Canadians by minimizing impacts to human health and the environment.

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being (Target 3.9)

UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.4)

Starting point: Not applicable. This is a new indicator.

Performance indicator:

Number of planned site assessments that are completed in Phase IV^{Footnote 124}

Target: 2 sites by March 31, 2025

Note: Conducting assessments will determine the risk that a site may pose to human health and the environment and will enable remediation activities to take (place if required), providing Canadians with safe and healthy communities in which to live.

Starting point: Not applicable. This is a new indicator.

Performance indicator:

Number of FCSAP-funded sites during Phase IV that have completed remediation/risk management work (HSC ≥ 8)

Target: 3 sites by March 31, 2025

Note: Completing remediation/risk management work will ensure that risks to human health and the environment are reduced, providing Canadians with safe and healthy communities in which to live.