2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report, Environment and Climate Change Canada

This report on progress supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole‑of‑government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.

The departmental information reported accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

This report details Environment and Climate Change Canada’s individual departmental actions that support the targets and/or goals of the 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). For information on the Government of Canada’s overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report, which, per the requirements of the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, is released at least once in each three-year period.

1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Environment and Climate Change Canada has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2. Sustainable Development at Environment and Climate Change Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy describes the department’s actions in support of achieving the following 10 out of the 13 FSDS goals:

This report presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Previous years’ reports are posted on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website.

This report details Environment and Climate Change Canada’s individual departmental actions that support the targets and/or goals of the 2019 to 2022 FSDS. For information on the Government of Canada’s overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report, which, per the requirements of the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, is released at least once in each three-year period.

3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal

Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations

Context: Greening Government

Goal 2

ECCC contributes to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green government operations with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its buildings and fleet. To support lower emissions in its buildings, the largest source of energy-related GHG emissions from the Department’s operations, ECCC takes action on a number of fronts, including making operational improvements and energy efficiency improvements. To reduce GHG emissions from its vehicles, the Department follows a strategic approach to decarbonize its fleet, including through purchases of zero-emissions vehicles or hybrids, by purchasing based on essential needs and departmental targets, and through vehicle sharing. ECCC also plays an active role in promoting and supporting the achievement of the Government’s Zero Plastic Waste Strategy, and related efforts to increase the reuse, recycling and recovery of wastes from government operations, diversion from landfills, and prevention of release of waste into the environment, consistent with the global movement toward a “circular economy”. ECCC provides science and guidance to other federal departments and agencies in support of a more comprehensive, consistent and evidence-based government-wide approach.

FSDS target
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral)
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

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.

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.Footnote 1

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 2

In 2021-22, a 39% reduction in energy-related GHG emissions from facilities was achieved relative to the baseline year 2005-06.

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; and
  • 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)

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.

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.

In 2021-22, a 45.3% reduction in energy-related GHG emissions from fleet was achieved relative to baseline year 2005-06.

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)

Develop a strategic approach to decarbonize ECCC’s fleet, including approaches such as purchasing ZEVs or hybrids (for new executive vehicles and unmodified administrative fleet vehicles) and facilitating the sharing of fleet vehicles across the department. The Department will also optimize fleet management by expanding the use of telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced, provided that essential operational needs and departmental targets are met.

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 3

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:Footnote 4

  • 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

In 2021-22, there were no new purchases of the Department’s executive fleet, and 70% of new light-duty unmodified fleet vehicle purchases were ZEVs or hybrid HEV.

Note: there was no green option available at the time of purchase for the remaining 30% new light-duty unmodified fleet vehicle purchased in 2021-22.

Procurement

Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects.Footnote 5

Undertake clean technology demonstration projects and adopt clean technology through procurement of innovative solutions that displace and/or offset the GHG emissions associated with electricity used in departmental operations.

Starting point: In 2019-20, 88% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations was from clean generation sources.Footnote 6

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.

In 2021-22, 86.3% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations was from clean generation sources.

Note: The Department has signed a Service Level Agreement with Public Services and Procurement Canada for the procurement of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to displace the emitting portion of electricity from those jurisdictions where short- or medium-term local opportunities to acquire clean renewable electricity are not currently feasible.

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)

FSDS target
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Real Property 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.

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.

40% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste was diverted from landfill.

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)

FSDS target
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Real Property Implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to reduce the environmental impact of Departmental building operations and materials, including tracking systems for waste diversion rates, as well as potable water usage in high-occupancy buildings.

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 landfillsFootnote 7

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.

  1. 100% completion of Departmental waste diversion tracking system (Completed in FY 2020-21).
  2. 100% completion of Departmental potable water consumption tracking system.
  3. 18% (by weight) of plastic waste was diverted from landfill.

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)

FSDS target
Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030)
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Real Property

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.

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%).

Results not available for 2021-22. Work was initiated to identify a process to assess Departmental performance related to diversion of construction, renovation, and demolition waste from landfills.

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)

FSDS target
Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

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.

Develop a strategic approach to decarbonize ECCC’s fleet, including approaches such as purchasing ZEVs or hybrids (for new executive vehicles and unmodified administrative fleet vehicles) and facilitating the sharing of fleet vehicles across the department. The Department will also optimize fleet management, by expanding the use of telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced, provided that essential operational needs and departmental targets are met.

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 8

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.
100% of the Department’s executive fleet and 1% of its light-duty fleet (administrative fleet) was comprised of ZEVs as of March 31, 2022.

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)

FSDS target
By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

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.

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.

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 9

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).

The following were completed in 2020-21:

  • Climate change risk assessment; and
  • Departmental adaptation plan that identifies actions to address climate change risks.

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)

FSDS target
Use 100% clean electricity by 2025
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Procurement

Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects.Footnote 10

Undertake clean technology demonstration projects and adopt clean technology through procurement of innovative solutions that displace and/or offset the GHG emissions associated with electricity used in departmental operations.

Starting point: In FY 2019-20, 88% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations was from clean generation sources.Footnote 11

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.

In 2021-22, 86.3% of electricity used in ECCC’s building operations was from clean generation sources.

Note: The Department has signed a Service Level Agreement with Public Services and Procurement Canada for the procurement of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to displace the emitting portion of electricity from those jurisdictions where short- or medium-term local opportunities to acquire clean renewable electricity are not currently feasible.

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)

FSDS target

Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government

This section is for actions that support the Greening Government goal but do not directly support a FSDS target.

FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

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 12 including criteria that:
    • promote the use of sustainable plastic in goods that contain plastic and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste; and
    • eliminate unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings
  • establishing metrics to measure progress over time.

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.

The Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan was finalized in 2021-22.

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)

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.

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

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.

The development of the course was delayed due to COVID-19. It is now expected to be available to employees in 2023.

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)

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.

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.

All communications activities related to the promotion of lower-carbon alternatives to work-related travel have been put on hold due to the travel restrictions associated with the pandemic.

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)

Effective Action on Climate Change: A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degree Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius

Context: Effective Action on Climate Change

Goal 1

ECCC plays a lead federal role in taking effective action on climate change and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy in partnership with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, industry and international organizations. For example, ECCC played a key role in leading the development of the Government of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP), an ambitious and achievable roadmap that outlines a sector-by-sector path for Canada to reach its emissions reduction target of 40-45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. ECCC is responsible for the coordination of all measures included in the ERP, and furthermore accountable for leading many of the distinct measures the Government of Canada has committed to in this plan. The plan includes new investments, and reflects economy-wide measures such as carbon pricing and clean fuels, while also targeting actions sector by sector ranging from oil and gas industry and the transportation sector. These measures will drive down greenhouse gas emissions while creating jobs for workers and opportunities for businesses. ECCC is working with Canadians in all parts of the country and many sectors of the economy to achieve Canada’s climate goals and seize new economic opportunities. As a leader in international agreements and initiatives on climate change, ECCC pushes for global action to implement the Paris Agreement and to support the integration of sustainable development considerations in Canada’s Free Trade Agreements and environmental cooperation instruments. This includes Canada’s climate finance support under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to help developing countries reduce GHG emissions and enhance resilience for the poorest and most vulnerable around the world. In addition, ECCC advances Canada’s climate agenda through bilateral and regional relations, and promotes Canadian clean technology abroad, including to support climate change mitigation and adaptation.

FSDS target
By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Use legislation and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions

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 13

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:

  • 13%—heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans
  • 11%—Combination tractors
  • 5%—Vocational vehicles

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.

The performance results for the 2020 model year fleet are as follows (based on information submitted by companies in their end of model year reports which were due on June 30, 2021):

  • 15%: heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans
  • 19%: Combination tractors
  • 9%: Vocational vehicles

Note that the results prior to 2021 model year use the 2010 model year as the starting point.

Contribution to meeting the FSDS targets or goal:

The regulations amending 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 greenhouse gas (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 (OBPS) for industrial emitters are returned to the jurisdiction to support industrial decarbonization and grid-greening projects. In February 2022, the department launched the OBPS Proceeds Fund to return proceeds collected under the pricing system to jurisdictions of origin. The program includes two streams: the Decarbonization Incentive Program and the Future Electricity Fund.

Canada’s GHG Offset Credit System encourages 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 14

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)

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: 10% reduction in consumption relative to calculated Canadian HFC baseline of 18,008,795 tonnes of CO2e.

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.

Consumption: 38.5% below baseline for calendar year 2021.
Continue to take action on carbon pollution, including by implementing pan-Canadian pricing of carbon pollution, working with provinces and territories.

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.

13 provinces and territories have carbon pollution pricing systems in place that align with the federal benchmark or the federal system applies. ECCC annually verifies provincial and territorial carbon pricing systems continue to meet the minimum national stringency standards.
Take action on coal-fired electricity emissions from electricity generation by implementing amended coal-fired electricity regulations to accelerate the phase out of traditional coal-fired electricity generation by 2030.

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 2021.

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.

100% of the coal-fired electricity generation units are meeting their regulated GHG emissions intensity performance requirement as of December 31, 2021.

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; 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.

From 2020 NIR, published in 2022:

  • 2012: 58 Mt CO2e
  • 2019: 49 Mt CO2e
  • 2020: 32 Mt CO2e

Methane emissions from upstream oil and gas in 2020 were approximately 45% lower than 2012 baseline year. (2020 was an exceptional year marked by pandemic and global energy system disruption; the change in emissions may not be wholly attributable to regulatory compliance activity).

Develop Clean Fuel Regulations (previously known as the Clean Fuel Standard) to reduce Canada’s GHG emissions through the increased use of lower-carbon fuels and alternative technologies.Footnote 15

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

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.

Results not available. Note: The Clean Fuel Regulations were published on July 6, 2022.

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

The Clean Fuel Regulations will reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of liquid fuels (gasoline & diesel) used in Canada i.e. at all stages of fuel production and use – from extraction through processing, distribution, and end-use. They will also support the production of cleaner fuels in Canada and incent clean technologies.Footnote 16

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

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

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

Work with partners on climate change

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 17
  • 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 18

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.

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 Canada’s climate plan, through three distinct senior-level joint tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation.

Target: Not available. Co-development indicator will be retired once the co-development of indicators with Indigenous Peoples has been completed.

Note: This measure respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples to be engaged in the implementation of Canada’s climate plan 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.

This indicator will be retired and replaced in 2023-24 with an indicator that demonstrates ECCC’s progress in ensuring Indigenous Peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change. 

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

ECCC will continue its partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, who are vital to successful implementation of Canada’s climate plan. 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 Canada’s climate plan 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.Footnote 19

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 20

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 Canada’s climate plan. Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments publish an annual synthesis report to fulfill the commitment in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change 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 canada.ca.

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 has provided 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)

Support students, youth, and Indigenous Peoples to increase climate change awareness through the Climate Action Fund.

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 21

Target: An increase from 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.

243,628 participants were involved/engaged in Climate Action Fund projects.

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, and 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 (0Mt) in absence of LCEF funding.Footnote 22

Performance indicator:

Annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 (Mt)

Target: 7Mt in 2030

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

Expected annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 is 4.0 Mt CO2e as of March 31, 2022.

Leadership: 50 projects, expected reductions ~2.8Mt

Champions: 55 projects, expected reductions ~1.2Mt

Partnerships 1: 21 projects, expected reductions ~0.03Mt

Partnerships 2: 13 projects, expected reductions ~0.001Mt

Take a leading role in international agreements and initiatives on 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 23
  • 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.

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, 2022.

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.

90% of decisions reflected Canadian objectives.

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)

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 24

Starting point:
The measures begin at zero.Footnote 25

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.

An estimated cumulative reduction of 228.6 Mt of GHGs is expected from Canada’s $2.65B climate finance commitment to date.

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.

CAD $898.62 million in FY 2020-21.

Information on 2021-22 disbursements expected to be available in March 2023.

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.

A cumulative estimate of 6.6 million people with increased resilience are expected from Canada’s $2.65B climate finance commitment to date.
Continue to push forward the global momentum to identify and reduce inefficient fossil fuel subsidies through the G20 process, including by working with Finance Canada to support Canada’s peer review in partnership with Argentina.

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 by March 31, 2023.Footnote 26

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.

ECCC and Finance Canada are finalizing the assessment of relevant measures.
Advance priorities and climate change-related commitments with the U.S. and contributing expertise and advancing Canada’s environmental priorities through bilateral partnerships with Mexico, Chile, China and the European Union.

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

Performance Indicator: Number of bilateral and/or trilateral meetings held between partnersFootnote 27

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.

18 meetings occurred in 2021-22:

  • Five bilateral meetings were held at the Ministerial level with U.S. counterparts;
  • Eight meetings were held with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) Alternate Representatives;
  • Three Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement trilateral meetings, including Deputies-level Free Trade Commission meeting;
  • One Canada-Mexico Partnership Meeting; and
  • One Canada-Mexico Bilateral meeting at the ministerial level.
Seek to include provisions in Canada’s free trade agreements (FTAs) that support Canada’s leadership role 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

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.

No new negotiations were launched in 2021-22, however, the Government of Canada has announced the launch of new FTA/ Canadian Environmental Protection Act negotiations with the United Kingdom, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Indonesia.

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.

Starting point: Engagement with international governments, businesses, civil society, Provinces/Territories (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.

Multiple engagements took place throughout the year with representatives from PTs, environmental non-governmental organizations, businesses, youth, and Indigenous groups regarding UN Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations.

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)

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:

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.

There was a reduction of 22% from the baseline (29Kt in 2020).

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 Pan-Canadian Framework, such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the delivery of Canada’s $2.65B to support developing countries in tackling climate change. In 2021, Canada committed to doubling its international climate finance funding to $5.3 billion, which includes some funding directed toward methane.Footnote 28

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.A)

Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change.

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.

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.”

305,337 visits in 2021.

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: 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.”

38,953 visits in 2021.
Support and continue to implement the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS), an important part of the Pan-Canadian Framework and the official source for reliable climate data, information, tools, training and user support to help increase climate resilience across Canada.

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 29

Target: Annual increase from 2019-2020 starting pointFootnote 30

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.

262,293 users accessed climate information on Climate Information portals supported by the CCCS.

Breakdown:

CCCS Website number of user visits: 79,329

ClimateData.ca number of user views: 182,964

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)

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).

Starting point: 83,139

2014-15 through 2016-17 (3 year rolling average)Footnote 31

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

Target: 220,000 by March 2022.

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.

624,558 downloads in 2021-22.

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)

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.

Starting point: 100% in 2018-2019.Footnote 32

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

Target: 100% annually in April.Footnote 33

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.

100% of requested products were delivered to senior management and decision makers in 2021-22.

ECCC measures this result on an on-going basis.

(Measured in April of every year.)

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 13.1 and 13.3)

Support businesses and Canadians in taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Deliver the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (up to $1.4B), as well as the Champions (approximately $450 million) and Partnerships (up to $50 million) streams of the Low Carbon Economy Challenge to support businesses and Canadians 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 34

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

Starting point: Starting point is baseline emissions (0Mt) in absence of LCEF funding.Footnote 35

Performance indicator:

Annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 (Mt)

Target: 7Mt in 2030

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

Expected annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 is 4.0 Mt CO2e as of March 31, 2022.

Leadership: 50 projects, expected reductions ~2.8Mt

Champions: 55 projects, expected reductions ~1.2Mt

Partnerships 1: 21 projects, expected reductions ~0.03Mt

Partnerships 2: 13 projects, expected reductions ~0.001Mt

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

The Low Carbon Economy Fund provides funding for eligible partners (such as private enterprises, not for profit organizations, Indigenous organizations and communities, municipalities, provinces and territories and others) to undertake projects that decrease energy usage, reduce GHG emissions and support clean growth.Footnote 36

Support to related Sustainable Development Goals:

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

FSDS target
Zero-emission vehicles will represent 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040Footnote 37
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Work with partners on climate change Continue laying the groundwork towards Canada’s zero-emission vehicle targets of 10% light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040, in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada.Footnote 38

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

Performance Indicator: GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles.

Target: 27% improvement in performance vs 2011 standard (measured by CO2e g/mile) for manufacturer model year 2019 reporting by December 2020.

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.

23% improvement in performance vs 2011 standard (measured by CO2e g/mile) for manufacturer model year 2019 reported by December 2020.

Performance is trending slightly below target for 3 primary reasons:

  1. Expiration of flex fuel vehicle credit continues to negatively impact the performance of several manufacturers
  2. Consumer choice continues to shift/has shifted between segments, specifically away from passenger cars and towards light trucks
  3. Consumer choice has shifted towards vehicles with slightly larger footprints within segments.

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 2040Footnote 39

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 13: Climate Action (Target 13.2)

FSDS target

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.

FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Provide support and funding for climate resilience

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.

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 40

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

Two indicators available as of March 31, 2022.

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 Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 13: Climate Action (Target 13.1)

Clean Growth: A growing clean technology industry in Canada contributes to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy

Context: Clean Growth

Goal 3

ECCC will invest in clean growth through the Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Climate Action Incentive Fund to support initiatives that support greenhouse gas reductions, and will collaborate with a diverse range of partners to deliver Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges to support the growth of clean technologies that reduce plastic waste.

FSDS target
Increase the value of Canada’s clean technology exports to $15.6 billion by 2025.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Invest in clean technologies. Deliver the Low Carbon Economy Fund which provides funding to projects that reduce energy use, reduce GHG emissions and generate clean growth.Footnote 41

Starting point: Starting point is baseline emissions (0Mt) in absence of LCEF funding.Footnote 42

Performance indicator:

Annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 (Mt)

Target: 7Mt in 2030

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.

Expected annual GHG emission reductions in 2030 is 4.0 Mt CO2e as of March 31, 2022.

Leadership:
50 projects, expected reductions ~2.8Mt

Champions:
55 projects, expected reductions ~1.2Mt

Partnerships 1:
21 projects, expected reductions ~0.03Mt

Partnerships 2:
13 projects, expected reductions ~0.001Mt

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

This program provides 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)

Collaborate with stakeholders and partners to support the growth of clean technology in Canada. Deliver a series of Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges to support the growth of clean technologies that reduce plastic waste.

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 43
  • 2 prototypes, by March 31, 2022.

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.

By March of 2022, 4 proof of concepts were developed through the Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenge program, with 4 related Phase 1 reports submitted.

Additionally, 1 prototype was developed through the Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenge program, with 1 related Phase 2 report submitted. The second prototype was delayed due to pandemic-related issues.

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)

Clean Energy: All Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy

Context: Clean Energy

Goal 5

ECCC supports a growing clean technology industry in Canada and transition to a low-carbon economy by working with a diverse range of partners, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (by investing in the Green Municipal Fund), to increase energy efficiency in buildings, and through the Climate Action Incentive Fund and the Low Carbon Economy Fund to support initiatives that decrease energy use, save money and reduce carbon pollution particularly for those groups of individuals that are vulnerable.

FSDS target
By 2030, 600 petajoules of total annual energy savings will be achieved as a result of adoption of energy efficiency codes, standards and practices from a baseline savings of 27.4 petajoules in 2017 to 2018.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Reduce energy costs and work with partners to increase energy efficiency. Investments delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings.

Starting point: 2005 levelsFootnote 44

Performance indicator: Annual emissions of GHGs (megatons)

Target: 30% reduction in GHG emissions from 2005 levels

Results not available as methodology had not previously been developed. 2021 emissions will be published in 2023.

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)

Deliver the Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF), which provided funding for projects and initiatives that decrease energy usage, save money and reduce carbon pollution. Funded projects were undertaken by a range of partners such as private enterprises, municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals.Footnote 45

Starting point: Baseline of zero.

Performance indicator: Annual energy savings (petajoules)

Target: 1.9 petajoules annually

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.

1.2 petajoules by March 2022.

Note: Annual energy savings are 36% (0.7 PJ) below target in large part due to:

  • The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which in many cases resulted in project implementation delays, modifications, and cancellations, due to limited access to goods and services.
  • The target set for the CAIF- Municipalities, Universities, Schools and Hospitals Stream in November 2020, was established based on data available at the time for similar projects funded through the CAIF.

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

The projects and measures supported by the Climate Action Incentive 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)

Healthy Coasts and Oceans: Coasts and Oceans support health, resilient and productive ecosystems

Context: Healthy Coasts and Oceans

Goal 6

ECCC plays a leadership role in protecting ocean and coastal resources. For example, under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Department has increased its 24/7 emergency response capacity to ensure the environment is protected in the event of an oil spill. ECCC continues to oversee and issue permits for disposal at sea under Canadian and international legislation, and develops new tools and capacity to strengthen protection of these resources. The Department works closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to promote and support the establishment of marine National Wildlife Areas and other protected areas in Canada’s coastal regions. With provinces and territories, ECCC will implement the Canada-wide Action Plans on Zero Plastic Waste and in particular, activities to prevent and mitigate plastic pollution in aquatic environments. ECCC also collaborates closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in pursuing measures to support the Ocean Plastics Charter which Canada has spearheaded since 2018.

FSDS target
By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.Footnote 46
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Protect and manage marine and coastal areas. Continue to establish and manage marine National Wildlife Areas as well as the marine portion of other National Wildlife Areas and migratory bird sanctuaries, and track national progress toward national targets.

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: 10% of total coastal and marine areas are conserved by 2022.Footnote 47

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.

13.9% of total coastal and marine areas as of December 2021.

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)

FSDS target
By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested at levels considered to be sustainable, from a baseline of 96% harvested within established ecosystem limits in 2016.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries. Improve knowledge of fisheries resources, their productivity and factors affecting them to support sustainable fisheries management.

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.

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.

Results will be available in 2028-29.

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

The Metal and Diamond Mines Effluent Regulations (MDMER) 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)

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.Footnote 48

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

Starting point: Work is ongoing in order to develop a National Roadmap.

Performance indicator: Published roadmap for single-use and disposable plastic products.

Target: Roadmap for single-use and disposable plastic products published by March 2022.

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.Footnote 49 Footnote 50

The final Canadian Council of the Ministers of the Environment Single-use and Disposable Plastics Roadmap were submitted to Federal, Provincial and Territorial environment ministers in August 2022, and published in Fall 2022.

Time required for publication planning (e.g., layout and design) as well as the required approvals extended the timeline for completing the roadmap by several months.

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)

Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans.

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.

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.

100% of monitored ocean disposal sites have no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities (for the 2021-22 period).

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 51

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 14: Life Below Water

(Target 14.2, Target 14.4)

FSDS target

Actions supporting the Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans

This section is for actions that support the Healthy Coasts and Oceans goal but do not directly support a FSDS target.

FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Healthy Coasts and Oceans.

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.

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.

100% of monitored ocean disposal sites have no evidence of marine pollution from disposal activities (for the 2021-22 period).

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)

Pristine Lakes and Rivers: Clean and healthy lakes and rivers support economic prosperity and the well-being of Canadians

Context: Pristine Lakes and Rivers

Goal 7

To improve water quality in key ecosystems, ECCC works with partners across Canada and with the U.S. The Department conducts and shares results of scientific research and monitoring, contribute science expertise and funding to improve local ecosystems, and develops and enforces regulations to protect freshwater from harmful substances. For example, ECCC administers and enforces the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act and effluent regulations for municipal wastewater, pulp and paper mills, and the metal and diamond mining industry. ECCC also works with the U.S. through the International Joint Commission to improve management of water important to both countries. ECCC will provide leadership and support to provinces, local governments and community organizations, and environmental NGOs in taking action to clean up and restore freshwater lakes and river, including the Great Lakes, the Lake Winnipeg basin and the St. Lawrence River. The Eco-Action Community Funding Program will supports numerous community-based prevention and clean-up actions, many of which engage diverse groups and focus on water systems and wetlands.

FSDS target
Achieve and maintain a 40% reduction in annual phosphorus loading into Lake Erie from a 2008 baseline to meet the binational (Canada-US) phosphorus targets.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health.

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 HealthFootnote 52 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.

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 53

Target: 20 tonnes by March 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.

There was a reduction of 20 tonnes as of March 2022.

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)

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 2022.

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.

36 Indigenous organizations/ communities participated in Great Lakes decision-making processes and projects that restore and protect Great Lakes water quality as of March 2022.

Starting point:
70% in May 2015.Footnote 54

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, 2022.Footnote 55

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.

90% of water board members, representing the program’s clients and data users, rated their satisfaction as 8 out of 10 or higher, as of May 31, 2022.
Provide in-kind support and funding for projects.

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.

Starting point: $2.47 (Result for fiscal year 2017-18 for Great Lakes Protection Initiative application-based projects. Measured in October 2018.Footnote 56

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 57

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.

Partners contributed a value of $2.47 of resources per ECCC dollar as of March 2022.

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)

Better understand lake and river ecosystems.

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.

Starting point: 22% in March 2017Footnote 58

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: 100%

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.

In May 2020, 22% of the Great Lakes indicators have been assessed as “good” through the State of the Great Lakes assessment.

Results for 2021-22 are not available as the indicator will be reported on triennially. The next result will be reported in 2022-23.

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)

FSDS target
By 2022, reduce nutrient loadings in the Lake Winnipeg Basin by an estimated 44 700 kilograms per year in support of Manitoba’s plan to reduce phosphorus in Lake Winnipeg by 50% to pre-1990 levels.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health.

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.

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 59

Target: 44.7 tonnes by March 2022.Footnote 60

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 61

There was a reduction of 63.4 tonnes by March 31, 2022.

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)

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 62

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.

24 partnerships were developed as of March 31, 2022.
Provide in-kind support and funding for projects.

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.

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 63

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

Target: $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 64

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.

Partners contributed a value of $2.62 resources per ECCC dollar as of March 31, 2022.

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)

Better understand lake and river ecosystems.

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.

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.

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.

100% of scientific information was made available publicly in March 2022.

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)

FSDS target

Actions supporting the Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers

This section is for actions that support the Pristine Lakes and Rivers goal but do not directly support a FSDS target.

FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health.

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).

Starting point: Of the indicators that appear in the 2019 overview, 90% are moderate to good in 2021.Footnote 65

Performance indicator: Percentage of indicators (21)Footnote 66 in the “State of the St. Lawrence River” report which show a trend of being stable or improving

Target: 95%

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

In 2020-21, 90% of the indicators were moderate to good.

Results for 2021-22 are not available. The next Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence River report will be published in April 2024.

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: 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: 5 for PIC (Programme interactions communautaires) and 1.1 for all other SLAP projects by March 2022.

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.

By March 2022, an average of 6 non-federal partnerships was established for PIC and 1.2 for all other SLAP projects or activities.

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 2015Footnote 67

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, 2022.Footnote 68

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.

90% of water board members, representing the program’s clients and data users, rated their satisfaction as 8 out of 10 or higher, as of May 31, 2022.
Provide support and funding for projects.

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 69

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 70

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

Target:Footnote 71

  • St. Lawrence Action Plan: $0.80 for PIC (Programme interactions communautaires) and $10 for all other SLAP projects, March 2022.
  • Other regional initiative: Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives: $1.15 (March 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.

Partners contributed the following value of resources per ECCC dollar:

St. Lawrence Action Plan:

  • $0.94 for PIC (Programme interactions communautaires)
  • $11.30 for all other SLAP projects

AEI: $1.41

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)

Implement the Eco-Action Community Funding Program which provides up to 50% in matching funding to not-for-profit and non-government organizations to undertake local projects that will help protect freshwater quality.

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: 933,461 (represents projects scheduled to close in FY 2020-21).

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.

1,104,274 Canadians were engaged in activities funded by the Eco-Action Program.

(Data represent projects closed in FY 2020-21)

Provide support and funding for projects. Apply payments received by the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) to projects that restore damaged natural environments and improve the environmental quality of natural environments.

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: 500 hectares by March 2022.

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.

7948 hectares of natural environments were restored and/or enhanced.

Results are from 2020-21 closed projects.

EDF reports results from one prior fiscal year to ensure that all results from closed projects are accounted for.

Better understand lake and river ecosystems.

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.

Starting point: 85% in March of 2019.Footnote 75

Performance indicators:

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

Target: 90% by April 2022.

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.

100% of scientific information was made available publicly as of March 2022.

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)

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.

82% of sites were assessed as fair, good and excellent for the 2017 to 2019 period.

Results for the 2018 to 2020 period will be available in the fall of 2022.

Provide quality assured water quantity information (river flow and level) to various stakeholders to assist them in water management, planning and related decision-making.

Starting point:
77% in May 2022Footnote 76

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, 2022

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.

Results are not available. First reporting year of the updated client satisfaction indicator will be 2022-23. To bridge the gap, the indicator ‘Percentage of Canadians that use ECCC information to address water-related impacts on health, safety, economy and environment’ continues to address client satisfaction surveys administered after the close of each fiscal year. The annual reporting target of at least 80% partner satisfaction was met in 2021-22, with a result of 100% achieved.
Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems.

Administer, promote compliance with, 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.

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.

In 2020-21, there was a 77% compliance rate for the 2020 calendar year.

2021-22 results will be available in November of 2022.

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)

Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests: Lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come

Context: Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests

Goal 8

ECCC works with partners in its leadership role to protect and conserve natural spaces. ECCC administers the Canada Nature Fund to support the protection of Canada’s biodiversity through the creation of protected and conserved areas and through initiatives that help to recover species. ECCC establishes and manages federal protected areas (such as national wildlife areas and migratory bird sanctuaries). ECCC also leads efforts under the $1.3 billion Nature Legacy initiative to encourage and support actions by other federal departments (e.g., Parks Canada), provinces and territories, land trusts and foundations, Indigenous Peoples, private land owners (e.g., forestry companies, ranchers), and others to establish protected and conserved areas, and to recognize existing stewardship of lands and waters as other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). The Department also administers the Ecological Gifts Program to encourage private landowners to donate ecologically sensitive land for conservation. These lands all contribute to ECCC’s objective of doubling the amount of protected terrestrial lands and inland waters in Canada in order to conserve natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

FSDS target
By 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland waters are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.Footnote 77
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Better understand lands and forests.

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.

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.

As of the end of December 2021, a total of 151,018 km2 was protected as ECCC NWAs, MBSs, and conservation areas (119,946 km2 terrestrial and 31,072 km2 marine).

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)

Increase understanding of the effects of land cover and use on wildlife and ecosystems by incorporating Indigenous knowledge into management decisions.

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 2022.

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.

70% of Indigenous Peoples engaged with ECCC indicated that it was meaningful (for the period of March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021).

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)

Conserve natural spaces

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.

Starting point: Baseline of 130,871 km2 in 2013.Footnote 78

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

Target: 266,000 km2 by March 2022.

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.

In 2020-21, 264,855.41 km2 of habitat was secured directly by ECCC and through partnerships.

Results for 2021-22 will be available in the fall of 2022.

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)

Develop and advance the Ecological Gifts Program to increase the amount of ecologically sensitive land or rights in land donated by Canadians.

Starting point: 1,648 km2 in 2013-14.

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

Target: 2,161 km2 by March 31, 2022

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.

2,166 km2 of ecologically sensitive land was secured through the ecological gifts program as of March 31, 2022.

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)

Work with Indigenous Peoples.

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 79

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: 92 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.

91 Indigenous governments, organizations, or communities were engaged in ECCC supported habitat conservation and protection initiatives.

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: 61% in 2018-19.

Performance indicator:

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

Target: 61% in April 2022.

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.

70% of Indigenous Peoples engaged with ECCC indicated that it was meaningful (for the period of March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021).

Healthy Wildlife Populations: All species have healthy and viable populations

Context: Healthy Wildlife Populations

Goal 9

ECCC plays a federal leadership role in maintaining wildlife populations, with a particular emphasis on conserving migratory birds and recovering species at risk. The Department implements the Species at Risk Act, one of its main strategies for protecting wildlife species at risk and their habitats. ECCC works in partnership with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities, and supports non-government organizations and other stakeholders in Canada and internationally to support their capacity and reach to protect and conserve habitats and species. For example, the Department works domestically and internationally to protect more than 450 bird species that regularly occur in Canada, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. ECCC also encourages the protection of wetlands important to birds and other wildlife by implementing the Ramsar Convention in Canada, as well as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Under the Impact Assessment Act, ECCC provides advice to minimize negative impacts of development projects on wildlife. Moving forward, a major focus, with partners and stakeholders, will continue to be the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada, which is supported by the Nature Legacy and Enhanced Nature Legacy Initiatives, and which places the emphasis of wildlife protection and conservation efforts on shared priorities for species, spaces, and sectors.

FSDS target
By 2020, species that are secure remain secure and populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Work with partners to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada

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 PlacesFootnote 80 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.

Starting Point: 86% (258/300; March 31, 2021)

Performance indicator:Footnote 81

Percentage of species at risk (SAR) for which protection or recovery actions are being implemented through action for priority places, species, and threats

Target: 100% by March 31, 2026.

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

In 2021-22, 86% (258/300) of SAR had protection or recovery actions implemented through actions in priority places, species and sectors/threats.

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)

Work with partners to implement A Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health Develop management and policy recommendations to implement a Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health.

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 82

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Implement, innovate and modernize the regulatory and policy framework and tools to protect species at risk and migratory birds

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 83
  • 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 84

Starting point:
43% in May 2017.Footnote 85

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.

41% of SAR had changes in population consistent with recovery and management objectives as of May 2021.

Note: In general, successful recovery of species should improve or stabilize the likelihood of the species’ persistence in the wild. Recovery takes time; once recovery efforts are in place, it may take many years for changes in populations to be measurable.

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

Support to related Sustainable Development Goal:

UN SDG 15: Life on Land

(Target 15.1, Target 15.5)

Starting Point: 95% in 2015–2016.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions

Target: 95% by April 2022.

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.

95% of prosecutions resulted in convictions as of April 2022.
Work with partners to enhance foundational knowledge of species, habitats and ecosystems.

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;Footnote 86
  • 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.

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: 75% by March 2022.

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.

87.5% of legally listed species at risk had a recovery strategy or management plan available on the Species at Risk public registry where a recovery document was due. (March 31, 2022).

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

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

ECCC will contribute to achieving Canada’s population goals for species at risk and their habitats by collaborating with Canadian and international partners.

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)

Work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to protect, conserve and recover species at risk and migratory birds by:Footnote 87

  • 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 88

Starting point:
61% in 2018-19.

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

Target: Target: 61% in April 2022.

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.

70% of Indigenous Peoples engaged with ECCC indicated that it was meaningful (for the period of March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021).

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)

Build capacity and promote education

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.

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

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

Target: Not applicable.Footnote 89

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.

In 2020-21, $804,591 was contributed by ECCC and $1,402,637 was matched by partners.

Results for 2021-22 will be available in November 2022.

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)

Uphold international commitments related to wildlife.

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.

Starting point: 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters).Footnote 90

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

Target: Increase toward achievement of 17% - 20% target in 2022 from a baseline of 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters).

Note: The federal government has committed to conserving 25% of by 2025, working towards 30% by 2030.Footnote 91

13.5% of Canadian areas (terrestrial lands and inland waters) were conserved as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures as of December 2021.

Note: Work is ongoing to protect additional areas. As such, not all areas were ready to be counted for in 2021-22.

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: 95% of targeted regulatees in 2015-16.

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions

Target: 95% by April 2022.

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.

95% of prosecutions resulted in convictions. (April 2022)

Staring Point:

  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): 71% in 2018-19.
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (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.

This result is calculated for each period between Conferences of the Parties (CoP). In 2020-21, Canada participated in 71% or in 32 out of 45 CITES working groups between CoP17 and CoP18 (delayed to August 2019).

Results for 2021-22 will be available following the November 2022 CITES COP-19 and the December 2022 CBD COP-15.

FSDS target
By 2025, increase the percentage of migratory bird species whose population sizes fall within an acceptable range—neither too low nor too high—from a baseline of 57% in 2013.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Other Enhance conservation outcomes for migratory bird populations by providing leadership on the conservation of Canada’s migratory birds, including those at risk, through targeted and multispecies ecosystem-based approaches that engage domestic and international collaborators across all sectors of society.Footnote 92

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

Performance indicator:

Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges

Target: 60% by December 2021.

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

In 2019-20, 57% of migratory bird species were within target population ranges.

Results for 2020-21 and 2021-22 will be available in December of 2023.

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)

Implement, innovate and modernize the regulatory and policy framework and tools to protect species at risk and migratory birds.

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.

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

Performance indicator:

Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population ranges

Target: 60% by December 2021.

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.

In 2019-20, 57% of migratory bird species were within target population ranges.

Results for 2020-21 and 2021-22 will be available in December of 2023.

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)

Work with partners to enhance foundational knowledge of species, habitats and ecosystems.

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.

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 93

Note: This indicator is a good measure of the contributing action and the FSDS Target because it is an indication of how well ECCC understands the status of migratory bird populations.

In 2019-20, 38% of migratory bird species population statuses could be assessed with high reliability.

Results for 2020-21 and 2021-22 will be available in December of 2023.

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 the number of migratory bird species whose populations sizes fall within an acceptable range.

Collaboration with partners, in Canada and globally, increases the audience of conservation actions, and influences the public and other interested stakeholders to engage and participate in species and habitat protection. 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)

Uphold international commitments related to wildlife.

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.

Starting point: 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters).Footnote 94

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

Target: Increase toward achievement of 17% - 20% target in 2022 from a baseline of 10.6% in 2015 (Terrestrial lands & inland waters).Footnote 95

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

13.5% of Canadian areas (terrestrial lands and inland waters) were conserved as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures as of December 2021.

Work still ongoing to protect additional areas. Not all areas were ready to be counted for this year.

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: Baseline of 57% in 2014-15.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of migratory bird species that are within target population rangesFootnote 96

Target: 60% by December 2021.

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.

In 2019-20, 57% of migratory bird species were within target population ranges.

Results for 2020-21 and 2021-22 will be available in December of 2023.

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

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of prosecutions that result in convictions.

Target: 95% by April 2022.

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.

95% of prosecutions resulted in convictions. (April 2022)

Connecting Canadians with Nature: Canadians are informed about the value of nature, experiencing nature first hand, and actively engaged in its stewardship

Context: Connecting Canadians with Nature

Goal 12

ECCC focuses its contributions to this goal by collaborating with key partners. For example, the Department works with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to increase private land conservation and protect important habitat in southern Canada. ECCC also works with Nature Canada to inspire urban residents from diverse backgrounds to connect with nature in ECCC’s National Wildlife Areas.

FSDS target
By 2020, maintain or increase the number of Canadians that get out into nature—for example, by visiting parks and green space—and increase participation in biodiversity conservation activities relative to a 2010 baseline.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Build capacity for conservation activities. Collaborate with Indigenous Peoples on a wide range of Indigenous protected and conserved areas and Indigenous Guardians.

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 2022.

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.

70% of Indigenous Peoples engaged with ECCC indicated that it was meaningful (for the period of March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021).

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)

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.

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

Performance indicator: Total area of habitat secured by partners

Target: 9,200km2 by March 31, 2022.

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.

In 2020-21, the cumulative total area of habitat secured by partners was 113,766.57 km2. A breakdown by program is as follows:

  • Ecological Gifts Program: 86.5 km2
  • Natural Heritage Conservation Program: 234.9 km2
  • North American Waterfowl Management Plan-Canada: 129.54 km2
  • Habitat Stewardship Program: 182.80 km2
  • Challenge Target 1: 104,722.32 km2

Results for 2021-22 will be available in the fall of 2022.

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 120 km2 (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)

Promote public participation.

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).

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, 2022.

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.

9% below 2015 baseline as of March 31, 2022 (200,552 visitors).

COVID-19 kept visitors centres closed among other attractions on sites in the NWAs. In addition, some provincial restrictions discouraged visitors, and schools did not make usual visits or field trips, further reducing visitation numbers.

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)

Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being

Context: Safe and Healthy Communities

Goal 13

ECCC continues to play a leadership role in working with partners to improve air quality and protecting Canadians from harmful substances in air, water and on land. The Department develops and enforces regulations to reduce air pollution from industrial sectors, vehicles, engines and fuels, and consumer and commercial products. ECCC also conducts scientific assessments on chemical substances already in use in Canada, as well as new substances proposed for use, to determine their risks to the environment. Based on the results of these assessments, the Department identifies if and how the risk will be managed.

FSDS target
Increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved from 70% in 2015 to 85% in 2030.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances Monitor the impact of air pollution on ecosystems.

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

Performance indicator Area of exceedance of ecosystem critical loads of acidity

Target: No target for 2021-22 as 3-yr average not yet possible

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.

Results not available. Baseline three-year average still under development and is expected early 2023.

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

By monitoring the impacts of air pollution, ECCC will be working to support healthy ecosystems.

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)

Provide information to inform action and decision-making.

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.

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 97

1,374,060 individuals were reached by AQHI risk communications as of March 31, 2022.

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)

Work with partners on outdoor air quality and chemicals management. Work with provinces, territories and other stakeholders to address air pollution through the implementation of the Air Quality Management System.

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.

Based on 2016-18 data, 68% of Canadians live in areas that meet the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The 2017-19 data for this indicator is not yet available, as the review is still underway.

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)

Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundary air pollution.

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.

Starting point: Emissions of NOx, SO2, PM2.5 and VOCs in 2005.

Performance indicator:

Percentage reduction of national emissions of:

  • nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • sulphur dioxide (SO2)
  • fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
  • volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

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

  • NOx: 35% reduction in emissions
  • SO2: 55% reduction in emissions
  • PM2.5: 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.

NOx: 36% reduction from 2005 emissions levels (data from 2020 reported in 2022)

SO2: 69% reduction from 2005 emissions levels (data from 2020 reported in 2022)

PM2.5: 30% reduction from 2005 emissions levels (data from 2020 reported in 2022)

VOCs: 36% reduction from 2005 emissions levels (data from 2020 reported in 2022)

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: 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 PM2.5. Reductions in PM2.5 emissions impact ambient PM2.5 and short lived climate pollutant levels. This indicator therefore is a measure of the FSDS Target and FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

There was a reduction of 22% from the baseline (29Kt in 2020).

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.

From 2020 NIR, published in 2022:

  • 2012: 58 Mt CO2e
  • 2019: 49 Mt CO2e
  • 2020: 32 Mt CO2e

Methane emissions from upstream oil and gas in 2020 were approximately 45% lower than 2012 baseline year. (2020 was an exceptional year marked by pandemic and global energy system disruption; the change in emissions may not be wholly attributable to regulatory compliance activity).

FSDS target
Continued decrease in emissions from 1990 of fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and volatile organic compounds from all sources.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances. Assess the benefits and co-benefits for the environment and human health of existing, planned and proposed measures to reduce emissions, including by providing air quality monitoring data, expertise, maps and analysis, and modeling to guide implementation of the Air Quality Management System (AQMS) and other measures to reduce air pollutants.

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.

Emissions in tonnes (3 year average 2018-2020):

PM2.5: 97,274 tonnes, decrease of 32% compared to 2006-2008 baseline

SOx: 717,936 tonnes, decrease of 59% compared to 2006-2008 baseline

NOx: 1,473,686 tonnes. decrease of 26% compared to 2006-2008 baseline

VOCs: 1,238,598 tonnes, decrease of 28 % compared to 2006-2008 baseline.

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)

Use legislation and regulations to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances.

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 NOx 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 98

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.

Emissions in tonnes (3 year average 2018-2020):

PM2.5: 97,274 tonnes, decrease of 32% compared to 2006-2008 baseline

SOx: 717,936 tonnes, decrease of 59% compared to 2006-2008 baseline

NOx: 1,473,686 tonnes, decrease of 26% compared to 2006-2008 baseline

VOCs: 1,238,598 tonnes, decrease of 28 % compared to 2006-2008 baseline.

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)

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.

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 PM2.5. This indicator therefore is a measure of the FSDS Target and FSDS Goals 1 and 13.

There was a reduction of 22% from the baseline (29Kt in 2020).

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: 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.

From 2020 NIR, published in 2022:

  • 2012: 58 Mt CO2e
  • 2019: 49 Mt CO2e
  • 2020: 32 Mt CO2e

Methane emissions from upstream oil and gas in 2020 were approximately 45% lower than 2012 baseline year. (2020 was an exceptional year marked by pandemic and global energy system disruption; the change in emissions may not be wholly attributable to regulatory compliance activity).

 
Assess the potential for the development of federal measures to address black carbon from new wood-burning appliances and continue implementing measures to reduce black carbon emissions from new stationary diesel engines.

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 PM2.5, 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.

There was a reduction of 22% from the baseline (29Kt in 2020).

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.

Work with partners on outdoor air quality and chemicals management. Complete the review of the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), and recommend new CAAQSs for PM2.5 to be met in 2025.

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.

Based on 2016-18 data, 68% of Canadians live in areas that meet the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The 2017-19 data for this indicator is not yet available, as the review is still underway.

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, and 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)

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

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.

‘Canada’s National Report on Black Carbon and Methane, Canada’s Third Biennial Report to the Arctic Council’, was prepared and published in September 2020.

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: 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.

From 2020 NIR, published in 2022:

  • 2012: 58 Mt CO2e
  • 2019: 49 Mt CO2e
  • 2020: 32 Mt CO2e

Methane emissions from upstream oil and gas in 2020 were approximately 45% lower than 2012 baseline year. (2020 was an exceptional year marked by pandemic and global energy system disruption; the change in emissions may not be wholly attributable to regulatory compliance activity).

FSDS 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.
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting point(s), performance indicator(s), target(s) Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target
Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

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, 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).

Starting point: Not applicable.

Performance indicator: Publication of Risk Assessments.

Target: Targets are not available due to uncertainty around the workplan for the fiscal year.

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.

In March 31, 2022, the following risk assessment documentation was published:

  • ten draft screening assessment reports representing 160 prioritized substances;
  • one other publication representing seven prioritized substances; and
  • 12 final screening assessment reports representing 25 prioritized substances.

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)

Better understand harmful substances by conducting scientific assessment to determine the risks to the environment from substances that are already in commerce (existing substances) and substances proposed for use in Canada.

Starting point: Not applicable.

Performance indicator: Publication of Risk Assessments.

Target: Targets are not available due to uncertainty around the workplan for the fiscal year.

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.

In March 31, 2022, the following risk assessment documentation was published:

  • ten draft screening assessment reports representing 160 prioritized substances;
  • one other publication representing seven prioritized substances; and
  • 12 final screening assessment reports representing 25 prioritized substances.

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)

Deliver funding for community-led and citizen science initiatives (Horizontal Management Framework, Federal Leadership towards Zero Plastic Waste Initiative).

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:Footnote 99

  1. TBD kg of plastic litter based on region and amount of pollution by March 31, 2022;
  2. Target achieved in 2021, work completed;
  3. At least 2 by March 31 2022;
  4. At least 2 by March 31 2022.Footnote 100

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.

  1. 325,279 kilograms of plastic litter diverted (captured or collected) from water bodies as of March 31, 2022
  2. One citizen science sharing platform mechanism identified (achieved in 2020-21) + 23 community science initiatives.
  3. 33 modules, science reviews to identify plastic sources and distribution
  4. 174 best practices or guidance reports/tools developed (125 best practices + 49 educational materials).

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)

Provide information to inform action and decision-making. Inform Canadians about releases and disposals of pollutants in their communities through the National Pollutant Release Inventory.

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.

Reviewed 2020 NPRI data was published on March 2, 2022.

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)

Provide enhanced oversight, administration and coordination to program partners

Starting point: Not applicable; this is a new indicator.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of senior governance meetings that are held on time each fiscal year.Footnote 101

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.

100% of senior governance meetings were held on time.

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.Footnote 102

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)

Assist Federal departments and programs, provinces and territories by developing the Environment Quality Guidelines, national benchmarks or indicators of environmental quality intended to protect, sustain and enhance Canada’s environment.

Starting point: From 2018-2021, an average of 2.8 substances per year were addressed by Environmental Quality Guidelines

Performance indicator: The number of substances for which Environmental Quality Guidelines are developed.

Target:
Environmental Quality Guidelines will be developed for 8 substances by March 2022.

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.”

In 2021-22, guidelines were developed for five substances.

Final Environmental Quality Guidelines were published for two substances: copper (freshwater) and PFOS (soil and groundwater). Draft Environmental Quality Guidelines were published for an additional three substances: aluminum (water), selenium (fish tissue, bird egg), and siloxane D4 (water, tissue, sediment, wildlife diet).

Additional guidelines pending analysis from other departments.

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)

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.

Starting point: 100% (FY 2019-20 result)

Performance indicator: Percentage of substances that are added to Schedule 1 of CEPA (Toxic substances list) because they pose a risk to the environment that have controls in place within legislated timelines

Target:
100% by March 31, 2022.

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”.

86% for the fiscal year 2021-2022.

There were two primary reasons for delay in publication. First, one proposed risk management instrument was delayed due to the impact of the pandemic, including closures of departmental laboratories. Second, a review of the United States Environmental Protection Agency template was undertaken by legal services, resulting in significant modifications. These changes had administrative implications, which delayed publication.

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)

Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundary air pollution

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.

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.

90% of decisions reflected Canadian objectives.

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)

Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminates sites Assess and remediate federal contaminated sites through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan at sites for which ECCC is responsible.

Starting point:
0% (March 31, 2020) (beginning of Phase IV)Footnote 103

Performance indicator:

Number of planned site assessments that are completed in Phase IVFootnote 104

Target: One site by March 31, 2022Footnote 105

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.

Two planned site assessments were completed in Phase IV as of March 31, 2022.

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: 0% (March 31, 2020) (beginning of Phase IV)Footnote 106

Performance indicator:

Number of FCSAP-funded sites during Phase IV that have completed remediation/risk management work (Highest Step Completed ≥ 8)

Target: Two sites by March 31, 2022Footnote 107

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.

Four FCSAP-funded sites completed remediation/risk management work during Phase IV as of March 31, 2022.

4. Report on Integrating Sustainable Development

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is the systematic and comprehensive process of evaluating the environmental effects of a policy, plan, or program and its alternatives. While its prime focus is environmental, SEA also supports the integration of sustainable development by examining the impacts of environmental effects on human health and socio-economic conditions. As such, SEA promotes environmental sustainability in decision-making and help ensure that the environment and other sustainability factors are considered when developing policy, plan and program proposals.Footnote 108

ECCC continues to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its SEA process. ECCC’s SEA policy builds on the foundation of the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. In coherence with ECCC’s mandate, this policy considers that every proposal the Department leads or co-sponsors has potential for important environmental effects direct or indirect.Footnote 109

Every SEA undertaken in 2020-21 for a policy, plan or program proposal included an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment and on the FSDS goals and targets, as well as the environmentally-focused Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Information on announced initiatives that have undergone a detailed SEA are made available to Canadians. Public statements on the results of ECCC’s assessments are released on ECCC’s registry of public statements on strategic environmental assessments. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including impacts on the relevant FSDS goals and targets of the approved policy, plan or program, have been considered during proposal development and decision-making.

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Addition to departmental action reflects the updated Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

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Footnote 2

Target revised to reflect updates made to the Fall 2020 Greening Government Strategy. The date to achieve the target is now 2025, rather than 2030.

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Footnote 3

Starting point revised to reflect new purchases rather than overall fleet composition to better align with the departmental action (from 33% of the Department’s executive fleet and 1% of its administrative fleet being comprised of ZEVs, to 50% of the Department’s purchase of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicles being comprised of ZEVs or hybrids, and no new executive vehicle having been purchased).

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Footnote 4

Targets revised to reflect the updated Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

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Footnote 5

Additions to contributing action reflect the updated Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

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Footnote 6

Starting point revised to reflect updates to grid emission factors by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (from 90% in 2018-19).

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Footnote 7

Part c) added to both indicator and target to to more accurately reflect the FSDS target and the waste-related targets in the Greening Government Strategy

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Footnote 8

Starting point revised from 100% and 16% respectively to adhere to updated guidance from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

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Footnote 9

Starting point updated to reflect the results of the 2018-19 risk assessment.

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Footnote 10

Addition to contributing action reflects the updated Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

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Footnote 11

Starting point revised to reflect updates to grid emission factors by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (from 90% in 2018-19).

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Footnote 12

Bullets added to expand on contents of the Departmental Green Procurement Action Plan.

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Footnote 13

Update made to reflect alignment with United States regulations.

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Footnote 14

Updates made to reflect benefits to putting a price on carbon, and expected outcomes.

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Footnote 15

Update made to reflect Clean Fuel Regulations.

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Footnote 16

Updates made to reflect Clean Fuel Regulations.

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Footnote 17

Update made to include the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

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Footnote 18

Canada’s commitment to be net-zero by 2050 aligns Canada with the latest science to reduce emissions on a global scale and with the actions of other party countries to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which received royal assent in June 2021, enshrines in legislation Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on it. It does so by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess and adjust efforts to achieve national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions based on the best scientific information available, at regular intervals, and by allowing for public participation and independent advice and review with respect to those efforts.

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Footnote 19

Update reflects the evolution of Canada’s climate commitments and climate plan since the PCF was released in 2017, including the publication of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan in 2020 and the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022.

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Footnote 20

Update made to reflect actions to engage Indigenous Peoples in developing the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System.

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Footnote 21

Indicator updated to more accurately reflect consolidation of previous Climate Action Fund indicators.

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Footnote 22

Starting point modified to ‘baseline emissions in absence of LCEF funding’ from ‘zero emissions prior to the implementation of LCEF’ to improve clarity and understanding.

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Footnote 23

Update made to reflect the Paris Agreement.

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Footnote 24

Update made to elaborate on climate finance commitments. Please note that indicators and targets for the $5.3 billion climate finance commitment are under development.

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Footnote 25

This indicator is intended to measure reductions of GHG emissions from the beginning of Canada’s $2.65B disbursements.

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Footnote 26

Target date added.

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Footnote 27

Indicator language updated from ‘regional’ to ‘trilateral’, as it measures participation at meetings with the United States and Mexico on climate change and other environmental issues.

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Footnote 28

Addition made to mention Canada’s international climate finance funding directed toward methane.

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Footnote 29

Indicator modified from ‘stakeholders’ to ‘clients’ and specifying that the information is accessed through the CCCS climate information portals.

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Footnote 30

Target updated to reflect the 2019-20 starting point for clarity.

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Footnote 31

Starting point updated to provide specific total rather than refer to the 3 year rolling average.

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Footnote 32

Starting point updated from ‘2018-2019’ to refer to the specific percentage.

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Footnote 33

Target updated from ‘100% annually’ to refer to the specific period it will be reported.

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Footnote 34

Updates made to reflect climate programs.

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Footnote 35

Starting point modified to ‘baseline emissions in absence of LCEF funding’ from ‘zero emissions prior to the implementation of LCEF’ to improve clarity and understanding.

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Footnote 36

Update made to reflect provinces and territories as partners.

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Footnote 37

The Government of Canada released its Emissions Reduction Plan on March 29, 2022. The revised target is for zero-emission vehicles to represent at least 20% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2026, 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

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Footnote 38

The Government of Canada released its Emissions Reduction Plan on March 29, 2022. The revised target is for zero-emission vehicles to represent at least 20% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2026, 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

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Footnote 39

The Government of Canada released its Emissions Reduction Plan on March 29, 2022. The revised target is for zero-emission vehicles to represent at least 20% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2026, 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

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Footnote 40

Starting point and target now confirmed to align with the timelines of the Canadian National Adaptation Strategy.

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Footnote 41

Updated to better align to the performance indicator information and results achieved.

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Footnote 42

Starting point modified to ‘baseline emissions in absence of LCEF funding’ from ‘zero emissions prior to the implementation of LCEF’ to improve clarity and understanding.

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Footnote 43

Work will be completed by 2021-22.

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Footnote 44

Starting point updated. Baseline not previously established.

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Footnote 45

Updated to reflect the Climate Action Incentive Fund, rather than the Low Carbon Economy Fund, to better align to the performance indicator information.

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Footnote 46

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

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Footnote 47

Canada has surpassed the coastal and marine target; Canada currently has conserved 13.8% of its coastal and marine areas.

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Footnote 48

Amendments to the Basel Convention were adopted in May of 2019. Work is underway internationally to support the development of guidelines and initiate new projects under the partnership.

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Footnote 49

Canada ratifies the amendments on plastic waste to the Basel Convention. Canada’s contribution to the development of the guidelines continues.

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Footnote 50

Implementation of new controls for transboundary movement of plastic waste after ratification. Guidelines are completed and adopted by the Conference of the Parties.

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Footnote 51

Update made to reflect the risk-based approach to enforcement.

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Footnote 52

Update made to reflect the implementation of the 2021 Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health.

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Footnote 53

Phosphorus reduction indicator replaced previous State of the Great Lakes indicator to ensure better alignment with the FSDS target.

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Footnote 54

Starting point updated to provide reference to an earlier result.

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Footnote 55

Target updated to provide specific date by which it will be measured.

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Footnote 56

Starting point revised from $0, as metrics were not previously available.

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Footnote 57

Target revised to reflect the Great Lakes Protection Initiative (rather than the Winnipeg Basin Program) to ensure better alignment to the departmental action.

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Footnote 58

Starting point year changed from 2020 to 2017 due to triennial reporting.

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Footnote 59

Indicator changed from overall Lake Winnipeg health to phosphorus reduction to ensure a better alignment with the departmental action and FSDS target.

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Footnote 60

The Lake Winnipeg Basin Program will sunset in March of 2022. New target to be established upon program renewal.

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Footnote 61

Updates made to reflect collaborative actions as a result of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program.

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Footnote 62

The Lake Winnipeg Basin Program will sunset in March of 2022. New target to be established upon program renewal.

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Footnote 63

Starting point revised from zero, as metrics were not previously available.

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Footnote 64

The Lake Winnipeg Basin Program will sunset in March of 2022. New target to be established upon program renewal.

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Footnote 65

Starting point revised to reflect the 2019 Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program.

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Footnote 66

There are 21 indicators in the “State of the State of the St. Lawrence River” report. They are not strictly water quality indicators and can refer to both land use and wetland. This performance indicator seeks to measure what percentage of the 21 indicators show a trend.

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Footnote 67

Starting point updated to provide reference to an earlier result.

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Footnote 68

Target updated to provide specific date by which it will be measured.

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Footnote 69

Update made to better reflect the priorities of the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives.

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Footnote 70

Starting point revised from zero, as metrics were not previously available

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Footnote 71

Targets updated to reflect 2021-22.

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Footnote 72

Target updated to reflect Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives.

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Footnote 73

Starting point revised to reflect 2017-18 (up from 61,266 in 2015-16).

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Footnote 74

Starting point updated to reflect data from 2018-19, which was the first reporting year.

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Footnote 75

Starting point changed from 81% to 85%, as information was updated in March of 2020.

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Footnote 76

Starting point updated to reflect 2020-21 survey results (from 81% in October 2013).

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Footnote 77

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

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Footnote 78

Started point year corrected to the date that it was actually collected.

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Footnote 79

Update made to reflect distinctions-based Nature Tables.

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Footnote 80

In the summer of 2021, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change approved three (3) new Community-Nominated Priority Places. The number increased from 15 to 18.

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Footnote 81

As the previously reported Nature Legacy program reached its target of 200 species in 2020-21, a new indicator has been included to reflect new funding from the Enhanced Nature Legacy program, which has a target of 300 species.

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Footnote 82

Update made to reference A Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health.

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Footnote 83

Update made to reference migratory birds.

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Footnote 84

This departmental action also contributes to the other Goal 8 target related to migratory bird species.

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Footnote 85

Starting point updated to add month when data was originally measured.

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Footnote 86

This departmental action also contributes to the other Goal 8 target related to migratory bird species.

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Footnote 87

Update made to reflect migratory birds.

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Footnote 88

This departmental action also contributes to the other Goal 8 target related to migratory bird species.

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Footnote 89

Program cannot set a long-term target since the priorities and results achieved depend on the budget, which is reviewed annually.

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Footnote 90

Starting point updated to reflect most recent data.

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Footnote 91

Target and note updated to reflect mandate commitment.

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Footnote 92

Update made to outline conservation outcomes.

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Footnote 93

Target month corrected from March 2025 to December 2025.

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Footnote 94

Starting point updated to reflect most recent baseline data (up from 10.5%).

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Footnote 95

Target updated to reflect mandate commitment (from 17% by 2020).

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Footnote 96

Indicator added to capture international actions for improved alignment with the Departmental Action.

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Footnote 97

Update made to better reflect how the indicator relates to the departmental action.

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Footnote 98

Bullet added to highlight the renewal of the federal agenda following the completion of consultations.

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Footnote 99

Target has been updated to indicate which of the targets have been achieved (previously one citizen science protocol published by March 2021).

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Footnote 100

The previous target on area response plans was incorrect, and has since been replaced with the correct one.

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Footnote 101

New indicator added. Indicator was previously under development.

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Footnote 102

Update made to reflect governance outcomes.

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Footnote 103

Starting point added (was not previously established).

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Footnote 104

New indicator added. Indicator was previously under development.

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Footnote 105

Target updated to reflect 2021-22 (long-term target is two sites by March 31, 2025).

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Footnote 106

Starting point added (was not previously established).

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Footnote 107

Target updated to reflect 2021-22 (long-term target is three sites by March 31, 2025).

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Footnote 108

Updates made to reflect the extent of integrating sustainable development considerations into decision-making processes.

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Footnote 109

Update made to reflect the considerations of the SEA policy.

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