The Government of Canada proposes amendments to the Federal Sustainable Development Act
News Release
Proposed amendments to render environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament
June 19, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario – Environment and Climate Change Canada
Canadians support the Government’s commitment to a clean environment, a sustainable economy, and the restoration of Canada’s reputation for environmental stewardship. A clean‑growth approach not only benefits the middle class, and every part of the Canadian economy, but it also takes action now for future generations.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, tabled in the House of Commons proposed amendments to the Federal Sustainable Development Act— legislation supporting the Government’s plan and vision for a more sustainable Canada.
The proposed amendments will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine progress on environmental performance being made throughout the Government of Canada, and they set a high bar for transparency, improved reporting, and oversight. They also continue the conversation on sustainability with Indigenous peoples and Canadians, respecting diversity—particularly youth—and gender parity.
Minister McKenna also released a report to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on its progress in implementing recommendations made in its report “Federal Sustainability for Future Generations – A Report Following an Assessment of the Federal Sustainable Development Act.”
Quotes
“Our government is committed to protecting the environment and building a clean-growth strategy that benefits the middle class and every part of the Canadian economy. Canadians want ambitious action on climate change; they want more leadership from government; and they strongly support sustainable development.
The proposed amendments to the Act respond to the Standing Committee’s report that received unanimous support. These amendments will increase government accountability, ensuring that we in government lead by example and focus on results.”
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
-
The Federal Sustainable Development Act requires the development and implementation of a federal sustainable development strategy and the development of goals and targets with respect to sustainable development in Canada.
-
The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy contains clear and measurable targets that will allow Canadians, who had a big part in shaping the strategy, to track the country’s progress toward a cleaner and a greener Canada.
-
The 2016-2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the third three-year strategy under the Act, includes 13 goals to put Canada on track as one of the greenest countries in the world, where our quality of life continues to improve.
Associated Links
Contacts
Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
613-462-5473
marie-pascale.desrosiers@canada.ca
Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Twitter page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada’s Facebook page
Page details
- Date modified: