2025 Progress Report on the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Introduction

The 2025 Progress Report tracks the Government of Canada’s progress since the publication of the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), bringing together its key contributions toward sustainable development. The Progress Report provides a whole-of-government view of the evolution of goals, targets and implementation strategies identified in the FSDS, which reflect the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

More specifically, this report focuses on assessing progress relative to the 50 targets and the implementation of strategies supporting these targets identified in the 2022-2026 FSDS. It incorporates results from 100 federal departments and agencies designated under the Act and will inform the development of the 2026 to 2029 FSDS. Unless stated otherwise, information in the report is current as of October 10, 2025, except for climate projections under Goal 13, which are current as of December 1st, 2025.

The 2025 Progress Report is the first to be developed under the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act (the Act). The updated Act improves accountability by requiring measurable, time-bound targets and ensuring whole-of-government participation. The 2025 Progress Report is also based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Also, for the first time, the 2025 Progress Report uses a quantitative methodology to assess progress on each of its 50 targets. The Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) methodology provides a transparent and consistent way to measure progress made to date for each target identified in the 2022-2026 FSDS. Assessments are based strictly on measured data and follow clearly defined categories.

The 2025 Progress Report shows that of the 50 FSDS targets, 5 have been achieved, 17 are on track, 7 have made progress but acceleration is needed to reach the target, 9 have made limited progress, 9 have deteriorated, and 1 has not been achieved. For the remaining 2, data are not available to report within this 3-year cycle.

The report highlights achievements in the areas of clean fuels production, housing support, drinking water systems on reserves, and visits to national parks. It also acknowledges the need for further work in addressing mental health issues, homelessness, species at risk, migratory birds, wastewater systems on reserves, public transit and active transportation, and equity and inclusion in the federal public service for persons with disabilities.

A detailed explanation of the methodology, including how target assessments are calculated, is provided in Annex 1.

The 2025 Progress Report builds on the information contained in Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies (DSDS), which cover the period 2023 to 2027. DSDS reports, as well as reporting on milestones identified in the 2022-2026 FSDS, are available on Canada’s Sustainable Development website.

Each chapter in the report is aligned with one of the 17 SDGs. They include one or more targets and set out:

• why the goal is important for sustainable development in the Canadian context
• the target statement, responsible Minister(s), and target assessment
• for targets that have two or more data points, a graph showing indicator data including:
  • starting value, target value identified in the 2022-2026 FSDS, and the latest data
  • a trend line, unless it affects readability or accuracy
• a narrative summary of results
• information on how the Government of Canada contributes to the target, based on implementation strategies and departmental actions supporting the targets that were identified in the FSDS and DSDSs
• contextual indicators to help understand the context of the goals or targets

The starting values used in this Report match those that were identified in the 2022-2026 FSDS. If a baseline is defined in the FSDS, it is used as the starting value. In other instances, data from the FSDS indicator description are used. This approach is consistent with the 2022-2026 FSDS results and delivery approach, which stated that baseline data provided for each indicator would be used as a basis for future reporting. In some cases, FSDS starting points may differ from baselines used by organizations in other reporting, which can lead to a different characterization of progress toward the target. Any changes to starting values since the FSDS was published are listed in Annex 2.

The assessment categories and symbols help readers quickly understand the status of each target. However, these categories simplify complex realities. Readers should consider the actual indicator values, the narrative discussion in the report, and other relevant information. For targets with longer timelines, the target assessments should be interpreted with caution. Longer-term outcomes may be influenced by factors not captured by past trends.

Lastly, some data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some indicators, the pandemic may have affected the quality of the data or influenced the results. Where applicable, we have signalled instances where data should be interpreted cautiously.

Report card

Goal 1: No poverty

Target: By 2030, reduce the poverty rate by 50% from its 2015 level

Responsible Minister: Minister of Jobs and Families

Assessment: On track

Goal 2: Zero hunger

Target: By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability

Responsible Minister: Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Assessment: Deterioration

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Target: By March 2027, reduce the percentage of Canadians (aged 15+) with a mental disorder who have expressed that they have an unmet care need to 22% at most

Responsible Minister: Minister of Health

Assessment: Deterioration

Target: By March 2035, at most 5% of Canadians (aged 15+) are current cigarette smokers

Responsible Minister: Minister of Health

Assessment: Progress made but acceleration needed

Goal 4: Quality education

Target: By March 31 2026, regulated child care fees will be reduced to $10 a day, on average, everywhere outside of Quebec

Responsible Minister: Minister of Jobs and Families

Assessment: On track

Target: By December 2025, Canada’s pool of science talent grows by 175,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates

Responsible Minister: Minister of Industry

Assessment: Progress made but acceleration needed

Target: By 2025, Canada’s Average Relative Citation (ARC) in natural sciences and engineering ranks within the top 10 of OECD countries, increasing from a ranking of 18 in 2020

Responsible Minister: Minister of Industry

Assessment: Deterioration

Goal 5: Gender equality

Target: By 2026, at least 37% of the workforce in the environmental and clean technology sector are women

Responsible Minister: Minister of Industry

Assessment: Limited progress

Target: By 2026, reduce self-reported rates of intimate partner violence by up to 5%

Responsible Minister: Minister of Women and Gender Equality

Assessment: Unable to assess

Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation

Target: By 2027, action plans are in place to advance restoration and protection of major lakes and rivers in Canada

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: On track

Target: By March 31, 2026, 97% of Indigenous Services Canada-funded First Nations public drinking water systems produce treated water meeting prescribed bacteriological standards in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality

Responsible Minister: Minister of Indigenous Services

Assessment: Target achieved

Target: By March 2030, 85% of wastewater systems on reserves achieve effluent quality standards

Responsible Minister: Minister of Indigenous Services

Assessment: Deterioration

Target: By December 2040, 100% of wastewater systems achieve effluent quality standards

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: Limited progress

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target: By 2030, 90%, and in the long term 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources

Responsible Minister: Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Assessment: Deterioration

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 20.0 petajoules in 2017 to 2018

Responsible Minister: Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Assessment: Progress made but acceleration needed

Target: By March 2030, increase Canada’s capacity to produce clean fuels by 10% over 2021 levels

Responsible Minister: Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Assessment: Target achieved

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Target: By 2026, there are at least 245,000 jobs in the cleantech products sector, an increase from 2019

Responsible Minister: Minister of Industry

Assessment: On track

Target: By 2030, ensure that 100% of Canadians have access to broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload

Responsible Minister: Minister of Industry

Assessment: On track

Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Target: By 2023 and each year thereafter until 2026, 30% of Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s portfolio of SD Tech Fund-supported technologies are commercialized annually

Responsible Minister: Minister of Industry

Assessment: On track

Target: By March 31, 2026, 34,500 new electric vehicle chargers and 25 hydrogen refuelling stations are completed where Canadians, live, work and play, including in public places, on-street, at multi-unit residential buildings, rural and remote locations and the workplace Responsible Minister: Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Assessment: Progress made but acceleration needed

Target: By March 31, 2027, contribute to the deployment of 50,000 new zero-emission vehicle chargers and refuelling stations

Responsible Minister: Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Assessment: On track

Target: By fiscal year 2027 to 2028, the federal share of the value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada Plan will reach $27.6 billion

Responsible Ministers: Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

Assessment: On track

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Responsible Minister: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Assessment: On track

Target: Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority

Responsible Minister: President of the Treasury Board

Assessment: Target not achieved

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Target: By 2028, reduce chronic homelessness by 50%

Responsible Minister: Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

Assessment: Deterioration

Target: By 2028, reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households

Responsible Minister: Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

Assessment: Target achieved

Target: By 2030, 22% of commuters use public transit or active transportation

Responsible Minister: Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

Assessment: Deterioration

Target: Increase the percentage of the population across Canada living in areas where air pollutant concentrations are less than or equal to the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards from 60% in 2005 to 85% in 2030

Responsible Ministers: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature; Minister of Health

Assessment: Progress made but acceleration needed

Target: Designate national urban parks as part of a network, with a target of up to 6 new national urban parks by 2026 and a total of 15 new national urban parks by 2030

Responsible Ministers: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: Limited progress

Target: By 2026, support at least 23.7 million visitors annually to Parks Canada places

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: Target achieved

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Target: By 2030, the amount of single-use plastics that is entering the environment as pollution will be reduced by 5% and that is sent to landfill by 3%

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: Unable to assess

Target: Reduce the amount of waste Canadians send to disposal from a baseline of 699 kilograms per person in 2014 to 490 kilograms per person by 2030 (a 30% reduction); and to 350 kilograms per person by 2040 (a 50% reduction)

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, as federal lead in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment

Assessment: Limited progress

Target: For the 2030 model year, at least 60% of new light-duty vehicle sales are zero-emission vehicles, and 100% of vehicle sales will be zero-emission vehicles for the 2035 model year

Responsible Ministers: Minister of Transport; Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: On track

Target: Aim is to have 35% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sales being zero-emission by 2030 and 100% by 2040 for a subset of vehicle types based on feasibility

Responsible Ministers: Minister of Transport; Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature 

Assessment: On track

Target: By 2030, the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 75% by weight of non-hazardous operational waste

Responsible Ministers: All Ministers

Assessment: On track

Target: By 2030, the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 90% by weight of all construction and demolition waste

Responsible Ministers: All Ministers

Assessment: Target achieved

Target: The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy

Responsible Ministers: All Ministers

Assessment: On track

Goal 13: Climate action

Target: Achieve 40 to 45% greenhouse gas emission reductions below 2005 levels by 2030, and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

Responsible Ministers: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature supported by all other Ministers

Assessment: Limited progress

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050

Responsible Ministers: All Ministers

Assessment: Progress made but acceleration needed

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon national safety and security fleet operations by 2050

Responsible Ministers: Ministers with national safety and security fleets

Assessment: Limited progress

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050

Responsible Ministers: All Ministers

Assessment: On track

Goal 14: Life below water

Target: Conserve 25% of marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30% by 2030, in support of the commitment to work to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 in Canada, and achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050

Responsible Minister: Minister of Fisheries

Assessment: Limited progress

Target: By 2026, at least 55% of Canada’s key fish stocks are in the Cautious and Healthy Zone

Responsible Minister: Minister of Fisheries

Assessment: Limited progress

Goal 15: Life on land

Target: Between 2023 and 2026, Canada’s sustainable wood supply level (guided by sustainable forest management policies to reflect the current unique social, environmental and economic characteristics of managed forests), exceeds the annual timber harvests

Responsible Minister: Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Assessment: On track

Target: Conserve 25% of Canada’s land and inland waters by 2025, working toward 30% by 2030, from 12.5% recognized as conserved as of the end of 2020, in support of the commitment to work to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 in Canada, and achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: Limited progress

Target: By 2026, increase the percentage of species at risk listed under federal law that exhibit population trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans to 60%, from a baseline of 42% in 2019

Responsible Ministers: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature; Minister of Fisheries

Assessment: Deterioration

Target: By 2030, increase the percentage of migratory bird species whose population sizes fall within an acceptable range—neither too low nor too high—to 70% from 57% in 2016

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: Deterioration

Goal 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Target: By 2030, at least 70% of Canadians think the criminal justice system is fair and accessible to all people

Responsible Minister: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Assessment: Progress made but acceleration needed

Target: By March 31, 2026, ensure that 100% of Environment and Climate Change Canada laws, regulations, and enforceable instruments have completed risk classifications

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: On track

Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

Target: By 2026, implement Canada's climate finance commitment of $5.3 billion with at least 40% of funding going toward climate adaptation and at least 20% to projects that leverage nature-based climate solutions and projects that contribute biodiversity co-benefits

Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Assessment: On track

Goal 1: Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms – Federal Perspective on SDG 1

Why this goal is important

Poverty reduction is crucial to improving social inclusion, economic stability, and overall well-being in Canada. Addressing poverty in all its forms ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to essential resources such as food, housing, health care, and education. These basic needs are the foundation for leading a healthy, productive life. Without them, individuals face higher risks of poor health, in both the short and long term. They may also experience limited educational attainment and reduced economic opportunities. For children, the impact of poverty is particularly severe. It can limit their educational opportunities and lead to lower earnings and poorer health outcomes throughout their lives.

Tackling poverty is also essential to Canada's economic resilience and sustainable development. A strong, inclusive economy depends on the full participation of all Canadians. This cannot be achieved if segments of the population are left behind. Investing in poverty reduction helps build a healthier, better educated and more productive workforce. As a result, it also reduces public spending on social programs and contributes to long-term economic growth.

Target status

Poverty reduction

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By 2030, reduce the poverty rate by 50% from 2015 level	Minister of Jobs Families	On Track

Percentage of Canadians below Canada's official poverty line

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 11-10-0135-01, Low income statistics by age, sex and economic family type

This indicator tracks the percentage of Canadians below Canada’s Official Poverty Line, which is based on the Market Basket Measure (MBM). It was established through Opportunity for All—Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy and became law under the 2019 Poverty Reduction Act. The MBM sets poverty thresholds using the cost of a specific basket of goods and services. This basket includes items such as food, clothing, housing, and transportation, and represents a modest, basic standard of living. A family is considered below the poverty line if its disposable income is below the MBM threshold for its region and family size.

Results – In 2023, Canada’s overall poverty rate was 10.2%, based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line. This represents a 30% decrease from the 2015 baseline of 14.5%, showing significant progress toward the goal of reducing poverty by 50% by 2030. However, the poverty rate has risen since 2020. It increased from 7.4% in 2021 to 9.9% in 2022, and then to 10.2% in 2023. 

These levels are close to the pre-pandemic rate of 10.3% in 2019. This rise reflects the end of pandemic emergency supports, which were still available throughout 2021. It is also linked to unfavourable economic conditions, notably the spike in inflation in 2022. Higher inflation increased the cost of living and poverty thresholds. 

How the Government of Canada contributes

The Government of Canada is committed to reducing poverty and is making significant investments to support the social and economic well-being of all Canadians. In 2019, the Poverty Reduction Act became law as part of Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy. This legislation enshrined into law:

• Canada’s Official Poverty Line
• poverty reduction targets
• the National Advisory Council on Poverty

The strategy focuses on removing systemic barriers, particularly for groups facing unique challenges that increase their vulnerability to poverty.

Canada has made progress toward its poverty reduction targets through significant investments. These include ongoing programs, recent benefit enhancements and new initiatives, such as:

• the Canada Child Benefit, which provides financial relief to low- and medium-income families
• the Canada Workers Benefit, which supports low-income workers by supplementing earnings and encouraging workforce participation.
• a 10% increase of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension in July 2022 for seniors aged 75 and over, providing over $800 in additional benefits to full OAS pensioners, and benefiting over 3 million pensioners in 2023-2024 
• the Canada Disability Benefit, launched in July 2025, which aims to reduce poverty and improve financial security for low-income working-age persons with disabilities
• the indexation of benefits to keep pace with the cost of living

Measures were also taken to foster a resilient economy, make life more affordable, and create jobs to counteract poverty trends observed after the low of 2022. Simplified tax filing options for low-income Canadians continue to be expanded to ensure that these individuals receive the benefits and support to which they are entitled.

Further measures were implemented to strengthen the social safety net. These include the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the National Pharmacare Plan, and the National School Food Program. These initiatives aim to ensure Canadians, including children, have access to dental care, medications and nutritious food. In addition, the On-reserve Income Assistance Program has provided more than $1.1 billion in financial support. This program helps recipients and their families cope with challenges stemming from the pandemic and subsequent period of high inflation.

Despite these investments, the rising cost of living is placing increased pressure on Canadian households. Housing affordability, food insecurity, and labour market barriers remain major challenges for many Canadians trying to escape poverty.

To alleviate pressure on vulnerable populations, the Rapid Housing Initiative was launched in 2020 to provide funding to support the rapid construction of affordable housing. As of March 2025, the Government of Canada has committed $3.84 billion to support the creation of over 16,000 units for vulnerable Canadians. This initiative complements other housing support programs such as the Canada Housing Benefit, the Housing Innovation Fund, and the Affordable Housing Fund. Other initiatives mentioned in the ‘Affordable Housing and Homelessness’ section of this Report also support the creation of new housing units.

In response to these complex issues, collaboration and working closely with partners are essential; not only in delivering programs and benefits, but also in improving how poverty is understood and measured. The National Advisory Council on Poverty continues to provide independent advice to the Minister of Jobs and Families, reports annually on progress, and maintains a national dialogue with Canadians. The Government of Canada also continues to work with National Indigenous Organizations to co-develop culturally appropriate distinctions-based indicators of poverty and well-being.

Improving the measurement of poverty is critical to ensure public policies meet the needs of Canadians. The Canadian Income Survey began including the territories with the 2018 reference year. This allowed for more comprehensive national poverty data. In 2022, the Northern Market Basket Measure (MBM-N) was officially released for Yukon and the Northwest Territories, followed by Nunavut in 2023. As a result, Canada's Official Poverty Line can now be calculated for the entire country. To improve timeliness, preliminary poverty rate estimates are now published up to six months before their official release. This allows for earlier insights into poverty trends.

In parallel, Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada launched the Third Comprehensive Review of the MBM in June 2023. The review is expected to be completed in 2025. Its goal is to update the MBM methodology to ensure it uses the latest data and standards that reflect a modest, basic standard of living. The review process includes extensive engagement with the public and experts. It will result in a new 2023 base for the MBM.

Contextual indicators

Percentage of Canadians who are asset resilient

Data source:  Statistics Canada, Table 11-10-0083-01 Percentage of persons who are asset resilient, Canada and provinces

Poverty is multi-dimensional in nature and extends beyond income. As a complement to the MBM, the Poverty Reduction Strategy introduced the Dimensions of Poverty Hub, which is a set of indicators to measure and monitor 12 dimensions of poverty and inclusion. These indicators capture aspects such as material deprivation, lack of opportunity, and resilience, offering a more comprehensive picture of poverty in Canada. Asset resilience is defined as having sufficient liquid savings to maintain well-being for at least three months. The percentage of Canadians who are asset resilient increased from 65.3% in 2012 to 71.4% in 2023. This demonstrates that a growing number of Canadians are better prepared to withstand a disruption to their primary source of income, so they can continue to meet their essential needs.

Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system - Federal perspective on SDG 2

Why this goal is important

Food systems—including the way food is produced, processed, distributed, consumed, and disposed of—have a direct impact on the lives of people and the planet. Canada’s food systems are integral to the well-being of communities across the country. Robust and resilient food systems, including country food and traditional food systems, support public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

Agricultural production and productivity depend on healthy soils, clean water and air, and biodiversity. Canadian farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land and prioritize the health and productivity of their farms. However, in recent decades, the agriculture sector has been facing environmental pressures. These include more frequent and severe weather events linked to climate change, issues of domestic and global food security, and the loss of agricultural land. Weather patterns and extreme events driven by climate change, such as floods and droughts, are making operations more complex.

To meet these challenges, Canada’s agriculture sector is adopting innovative technologies and practices. These efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, store more carbon in the soil and improve soil health, protect water, support wildlife habitat, and increase crop resilience to pests and climate impacts. Farmers are adopting clean technologies, climate-smart farming practices, and beneficial management practices such as no-till, low-till, cover crops, rotational grazing, and agroforestry. Nature-based solutions also offer avenues for farms to become more climate resilient, while supporting Canada’s broader climate goals.

Target status

Sustainable food systems

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability	Minister of Agri-culture and Agri-food	Deterioration

Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability

Data source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability, developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, serves as a critical indicator of the overall health and sustainability of Canada's agriculture sector. It tracks environmental performance across soil quality, water quality, air quality, and biodiversity. It uses a set of science-based agri-environmental indicators that integrate information on soils, climate, and topography with statistics on land use and crop and livestock management practices. The performance of the indices is divided into five “health classes”. These are defined as: 80-100 Desired; 60-79 Good; 40-59 Moderate; 20-39 Poor; 0-19 At risk.

Results – The Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability in Canada remained relatively stable between 2001 and 2021. However, the index decreased from 66 in 2016 to 64 in 2021, resulting in an assessment of deterioration.

This recent change was caused by severe drought in 2021 that affected Prairie provinces and lowered the water quality index. During the same period, the air and biodiversity sub-indices decreased slightly, and the soil sub-index remained stable. However, the overall index and three of the sub-indices remain in the “Good” health class. Only the biodiversity sub-index is rated as “Moderate”.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The Government of Canada is committed to working with the agriculture and agri-food sector to ensure it is positioned to thrive for generations to come. This encompasses the integrated supply chain of primary agriculture (farms, ranches, nurseries, and greenhouses), food and beverage processors, food retailers and wholesalers, and foodservice providers. Efforts to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural systems will support producers’ livelihoods and help to meet local and global demands for Canadian food and global food products. They will also support fertile and productive agricultural lands that deliver healthy ecosystem services.

Canadian farmers are on the front lines of climate change, dealing with extreme weather events that add more stress and unpredictability to their businesses. To address these challenges, the Government of Canada has committed more than $1.5 billion since 2021 to support the sustainability and resilience of the agriculture sector. This includes the development and adoption of climate-smart practices and technologies that reduce GHG emissions and protect the land, water, and air that farmers depend on for the long-term.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable agriculture practices in Canada. The Sustainable CAP is a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement spanning from 2023 to 2028 between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based-products sector.

Programs such as the Agricultural Climate Solutions program and the Agricultural Clean Technology program support farmers in adopting nature-based agricultural management practices and clean technology on farms. These in turn help store carbon in healthy soil and enhance climate resiliency. These programs also support the adoption of approaches that reduce methane emissions and nitrous oxide emissions related to fertilizer application.

The Government of Canada also funds research and development activities to accelerate the pace of innovation. These activities help further enhance the economic growth, productivity, competitiveness, adaptability, and sustainability of the Canadian agri-food and agri-based products sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Strategic Plan for Science, published in 2022, will continue to guide the department’s science and research activities over the next decade. This new strategy focuses on mitigating and adapting to climate change and increasing the resiliency of agroecosystems. It also contributes to advancing the circular economy by developing value-added opportunities and accelerating the digital transformation of agriculture and agri-food.

As part of the Food Policy for Canada, the Government of Canada is working toward a vision where everyone in Canada has access to enough safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food. The policy also aims to build food systems that are resilient and innovative, sustain our environment, and support our economy. While helping farmers, producers, and food businesses, the policy brings broader benefits. It supports sustainable food practices that help make better use of natural resources and lower GHG emissions.

Contextual indicators

Greenhouse gas emissions from Canada's agriculture sector

Data Source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators

Total GHG emissions from the agriculture sector have been rising, from 51 Mt in 1990 to 69 Mt in 2023.

The largest source of agricultural emissions is animal production. Emissions from this source increased by 38%, from 33 Mt in 1990 to 46 Mt in 2005. Since then, emissions from animal production have been declining. Conversely, emissions from crop production and on-farm fuel use have both grown since 1990—by 90% for fuel use and by 75% for crop production.

Emissions and sequestration related to changes in land use are also significant sources of GHGs in the sector. Over the last decade, agricultural land in Canada has been a net carbon sink, reducing the total GHG impact of the sector.

Percentage of households experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 13-10-0834-01, Food insecurity by economic family type

The percentage of Canadian families experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity increased to 19.1% in 2023, from 11.6% in 2018. In general, the risk of food insecurity was much higher among groups living below the poverty line. Female lone-parent families, unattached individuals, Black Canadians, and families where the major income earner was unemployed all year were also reported as other vulnerable groups.

Food insecurity has particularly affected northern and Indigenous communities, with Indigenous families living in provinces and off-reserve being twice as likely to report food insecurity. Research shows that almost half of First Nations households living on-reserve are food insecure. Further, the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Survey estimates that 61.8% of Inuit, 43.1% First Nations living off-reserve, and 35.2% of Métis experience food insecurity. Many of those who are food insecure are children under the age of 15, with 62.6% of Inuit children, 42.5% of First Nations children living off-reserve, and 34.5% of Métis children reporting being food insecure.

Goal 3: Support mental health and adopt healthy behaviours - Federal perspective on SDG 3

Why this goal is important

Mental health and healthy behaviors are foundational to the overall health, well-being, and quality of life of Canadians. Good mental health enables people to handle everyday challenges, reach their potential, learn, work, and take part in their communities. Promoting mental health can increase levels of positive mental health in the population, lower the risk of mental illness, and improve outcomes at school and work.

Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, have significant impacts on individuals, families, and communities. These disorders can lead to increased health care costs, lower productivity, weaker social connections, and even loss of life. Access to quality mental health services is crucial for those facing these challenges. Research shows that mental health concerns often begin in childhood or adolescence, and that early diagnosis and intervention are vital for effective treatment and recovery.

Healthy behaviours also play a critical role in preventing chronic diseases. These behaviours include regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and avoiding commercial tobacco use. They help prevent conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and some cancers. These behaviours can help reduce the burden on the health care system, enhance productivity, and improve the overall quality of life. Encouraging Canadians to adopt healthier lifestyles is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our health care system and for building a more resilient, inclusive, and productive society.

Target status

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By March 2027, reduce the percentage of Canadians (aged 15+) with a mental disorder who have expressed that they have an unmet care need to 22% at most	Minister of Health	Deterioration

Percentage of Canadians with a mental disorder with unmet care

Data source: Statistics Canada. Mental Health and Access to Care Survey and Canadian Community Health Survey

This indicator tracks the experiences of persons in obtaining care for common mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The target is based on the total number of people whose care needs were either unmet or only partially met. These two categories are also shown separately in the graph above.

The unmet category includes persons who did not receive the help they needed. The partially met category corresponds to those who received help but not all the help they needed. Care can include counselling from a family doctor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or social worker. It can also include support groups, medication, and access to information.

This indicator uses data from two sources:

• the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) for the years 2018 to 2020
• the Mental Health and Access to Care Survey for 2022

The target assumes that the results for March 2027 will be based on data from the CCHS conducted in 2026, with results published in 2027.

Results – In 2022, 28.3% of Canadians aged 15 or older with a mental health disorder expressed having an unmet or partially unmet mental health need. This is an increase from 24.7% in 2020. Pandemic related factors, such as increase in demand for mental health care services, persisted in 2022, resulting in an increased gap between mental health needs and the capacity of the health system. This is partly due to challenges such as long wait times for community mental health counselling. Other barriers include affordability and accessibility of services.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The Government of Canada recognizes that everyone should have access to quality mental health care, no matter where they live. To meet these needs, the Government has made substantial investments in mental health infrastructure. This includes expanding community-based services and developing digital health platforms.

Collaboration with partners and stakeholders is essential to expanding access to mental health services across the country. Budget 2023 committed $200 billion over ten years to improve the delivery of health care services across Canada. This includes $25 billion over ten years in new bilateral funding for provinces and territories, focused on four priority areas, one of which is mental health and substance use.

As part of the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan, the Government of Canada put in place tailored bilateral agreements with each province and territory in 2023-2024. These agreements include dedicated funding to improve access to community-based mental health and substance use services. In addition, in May 2024, the Government of Canada released its first National Suicide Prevention Action Plan, which aims to strengthen Canada’s collective response to suicide. This three-year plan sets out a vision and identifies key areas for action to increase collaboration with partners, including provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, and suicide prevention stakeholders.

In addition to expanding community-based services, digital resources and teleservices play a key role in improving access to mental health supports. This is particularly important in critical situations or in underserved areas. The Wellness Together Canada virtual portal was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet an immediate and critical need for mental health services. The portal sunsetted in 2024. Mental health and wellness information and key links to these services and supports are now available at Get Help Here: Mental health support. Additionally, the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available to all Canadians either by phone or text, offering trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support.

Young people across Canada continue to struggle with their mental health. It is crucial that they have timely access to the right services and supports in their communities. The Government of Canada is also committed to expanding the Integrated Youth Services. This work is being done in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to increase accessibility to mental health care for youth across the country. The Integrated Youth Services is a proven model of care. It uses a "one stop shop" approach to connect individuals aged 12 to 25 to a wide range of health and social services. These services are free, do not require a referral, and can be accessed in-person or virtually, by drop-in or appointment.

The Government of Canada also announced a $500 million investment over five years, starting in 2024, for a Youth Mental Health Fund. This funding will support the expansion of Integrated Youth Services and strengthen the capacity of community-based and Indigenous-led organizations. The initiative aims to improve the mental health of youth and their families. It also seeks to make it easier to access and navigate mental health services, with a focus on equity-deserving groups.

Work has also continued with Indigenous partners to support distinctions-based, Indigenous-led, culturally relevant, community-based approaches to mental wellness for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. For example, the Youth Mental Health Fund is supporting Indigenous-specific, distinctions-based mental wellness supports and services that meet the needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth. The Government of Canada also continues to support Dan's Legacy Foundation. This charity provides trauma-informed and culturally sensitive programs for youth with mental health and addiction challenges, with the goal of expanding access to vital services.

The Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund provides funding to design, implement, evaluate, and scale successful mental health interventions for children, youth, and their caregivers. Also supported by the Fund, the Knowledge Development and Exchange Hub funds projects to share lessons learned, connect with various stakeholders and apply new knowledge to broader policy and practice. Projects engage a variety of communities, such as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQI+ groups across schools and community settings. Since 2019, the program has supported projects to develop partnerships, engage in knowledge exchange and scale successful interventions in over 800 communities across Canada.

Other stakeholders also play an important role in supporting mental health. For example, the Mental Health Commission of Canada supports the implementation of several national standards. These include the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, the National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students and Ontario Health Schizophrenia Quality Standards. These initiatives help raise awareness about mental health. They also work to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and promote safer, healthier environments in workplaces and institutions.

Finally, Health Canada commissioned the Standards Council of Canada to coordinate the development of guidelines and resources. These tools are designed to improve understanding, alignment, and integration among care providers. They promote evidence-based approaches across key mental health and substance use issues. This work can help improve the quality of care for people across the country.

Adopting healthy behaviours

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By March 2035, at most 5% of Canadians (aged 15+) are current cigarette smokers	Minister of Health	Progress made but acceleration needed

Percentage of Canadians (aged 18+) who are current cigarette smokers

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 13-10-0905-01, Health indicator statistics, annual estimates, and; Table 13-10-0906-01, Health indicator statistics, annual estimates, by household income quintile and highest level of education

This indicator measures cigarette smoking among Canadians aged 18 years and older. After the 2022-2026 FSDS was published, the Canadian Community Health Survey updated its age group reporting. It now tracks Canadians aged 18 and older, instead of those aged 12 and older. As a result, the indicator can no longer be estimated for Canadians aged 15 and older. The target is therefore assessed using data for Canadians aged 18 and older.

Results – The prevalence of cigarette smoking among Canadians aged 18 and older decreased to 11.4% in 2023, down from 13.8% in 2020. This reflects substantial progress in public health efforts. This reduction may be due to several tobacco control measures. These include strict regulations on tobacco advertising and packaging, increased taxation on tobacco products, and widespread public education campaigns on the health risks associated with smoking. Overall, the pace of progress is very close to being on track for success.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The Government of Canada actively promotes healthy behaviors by strengthening tobacco control measures, supporting smoking cessation efforts, and promoting healthy lifestyles through community programs and policy interventions.

The Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy is the Government of Canada's comprehensive response to substance use-related harms, including the overdose crisis. This all-substances, public health, and public safety-focused Strategy covers a broad range of legal and illegal substances, including tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, and opioids. The Strategy's goal is to improve the health and safety of all Canadians by minimizing the impact of substance use-related harms for individuals, families, and communities. It is based on four interconnected elements: prevention and education, substance use services and supports, evidence, and substance controls.

The Strategy also supports efforts to address the illegal production and trafficking of drugs. It focuses on organized crime, as well as continued surveillance and research to support innovative solutions to address substance use-related harms and deaths. The Government of Canada is also working through Canada’s Tobacco Strategy to save lives. The goal is to reduce the number of Canadians who smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products to no more than 5% of the population by 2035. The Strategy funds First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation partners to develop and implement self-determined, culturally appropriate approaches to reduce commercial tobacco use.

The Substance Use and Addictions Program provides funding to provincial and territorial governments and community-led and not-for-profit organizations. This supports innovative initiatives that address challenges related to drug and substance use, including nicotine and tobacco. Tobacco-focused projects under this program aim to protect people from the harms of smoking, vaping, and nicotine addiction. This is done through prevention, health promotion, harm reduction, and cessation initiatives.

The Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund (HCCF) supports community-based projects that address behavioural risk factors for chronic diseases. These include tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating. The fund also helps create healthier physical and social environments. HCCF also supports tobacco cessation and prevention projects that focus on priority populations that have higher rates of tobacco use. These include Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and people living on low incomes.

The Government of Canada is also investing in innovative public health strategies. These include technology-based tools such as mobile apps and virtual support groups that offer real-time support for individuals trying to quit smoking or improve their health. Canadians who would like to quit smoking can connect with a quit coach through the pan-Canadian quitline. This service is offered in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments. Additional resources are available at Quit-smoking.

Mental health and substance use resources and services are also available at Mental-health. These services are promoted through the Get Help Here national advertising campaign, which helps Canadians access these important services. These tools offer greater accessibility and flexibility, especially for younger generations and people living in remote areas.

Contextual indicators

Incidence of selected diseases

Age-standardized incidence of selected diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, hypertension

Data Source: Public Health Agency of Canada (2024), Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS)

This indicator measures the rate of people newly diagnosed with a specific disease per 100,000 population and age-standardized to the 2011 Canadian population. The selected diseases are cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, HIV and AIDS, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, salmonellosis, and tuberculosis. Age-standardized rates account for age variations in populations for the diseases being compared. This is particularly relevant for diseases such as cancer, which affect considerably more Canadians in their later years of life than in younger years. 

Many measures of chronic disease incidence were influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, with changes driven by many factors, including but not limited to differences in health care-seeking behaviour, the availability and use of health care services, and true changes in health status. Thus, when making inferences about population health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following indicators should be used cautiously.

In addition, statistical models that evaluate trends over time are not designed to accommodate shorter-term changes in trends. For this reason, although the graphs below show data from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System for the years 2020 to 2022, these years are not used in the interpretation of the chronic disease trends for dementia, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease and diabetes. 

Incidence of dementia among ages 65 years and older has remained relatively stable since 2010, with 1,408 occurrences per 100,000 people in 2019. Rates of hypertension (among ages 20 years and older) have decreased from 2,526 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 1,988 per 100,000 in 2016 and remained stable from 2016 to 2019 (1,948 per 100,000 people). Rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (among ages 35 years and older) have decreased from 977 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 711 per 100,000 people in 2019.

Age-standardized incidence of selected diseases: Cancer, diabetes, ischemic heart disease

Data Source: Public Health Agency of Canada (2024), Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS)

The incidence of cancer among people in Canada has declined from 643 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 609 per 100,000 people in 2017, the last year with available data for all of Canada. However, the incidence rate of cancer has been relatively stable since 2013. Rates of ischemic heart disease have declined from 737 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 589 per 100,000 people in 2019. Rates of diabetes among ages 1 year and older have declined between 2010 (691 per 100,000 people) and 2012 (623 per 100,000 people) and have remained stable through 2019 (619 per 100,000 people).

Incidence of selected diseases: Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease, HIV, salmonellosis, tuberculosis

Data Source: Public Health Agency of Canada

Salmonellosis, which includes both non-typhoidal salmonellosis and paratyphoid caused by the Salmonella bacteria, has declined from around 21 per 100,000 people in 2010 to about 12 per 100,000 people in 2022. The incidence of HIV experienced a slight decline from 6.3 per 100,000 in 2010 to 4.7 per 100,000 in 2022, while tuberculosis remained relatively stable at 5.1 per 100,000 in 2022. Finally, though its overall incidence is low, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) crude mortality rate has doubled since 2010, increasing from 0.11 per 100,000 in 2010 to 0.23 per 100,000 in 2022.

Perceived Health

Percentage of Canadians who perceived their overall health and social well-being as very good to excellent

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 13-10-0096-02, Perceived health, by age group and Table 13-10-0905-01, Health indicator statistics, annual estimates 

This indicator measures the percentage of the population aged 12 and over who report their overall health and social well-being as very good or excellent. In 2020, 62.5% of Canadians aged 12 and older reported their health as very good or excellent, but this declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic to 55.3% in 2022. To provide additional context, the graph also displays the updated indicator statistics for population aged 18 and over, which follow a similar trend to the population aged 12 and over. In 2020, 61.3% of Canadians aged 18 and older reported their health as very good or excellent, but this declined sharply to 52.0% in 2024. As well, health disparities persist, particularly among Indigenous populations and low-income groups.

Percentage of Canadians that are overweight or obese

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 13-10-0905-01, Health indicator statistics, annual estimates

In 2024, 34.3% of Canadians aged 18 and older were classified as overweight and 30.8% as obese, a trend exacerbated by limited access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities. Childhood obesity rates are plateauing, emphasizing the continued need for school-based health programs and urban planning that promotes active living.

Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development - Federal perspective on SDG 4

Why this goal is important

Promoting knowledge and skills for sustainable development fosters innovation and drives economic growth, while helping to address environmental challenges. Education is a powerful tool for empowering individuals, reducing inequalities, and promoting social cohesion. This includes early learning and child care, which promotes early childhood development and lays the foundation for later learning and academic success.

By improving access to education and promoting skills development, Canada can build a more inclusive and sustainable economy that benefits all Canadians. Education equips individuals, regardless of background, with the tools they need to participate in and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society.

Promoting knowledge and skills also helps prepare Canadians to adapt to global shifts in technology and labour markets. As industries increasingly shift to green technologies and sustainable practices, a well-educated workforce can help position Canada as a leader in global markets. Furthermore, education fosters innovation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.

Target status

Child Care

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By March 31, 2026, regulated child care fees will be reduced to $10 a day, on average, everywhere outside of Quebec	Minister of Jobs and Families	On track

Number of provinces and territories with $10 a day average fees for regulated childcare

Data source: Employment and Social Development Canada

This indicator tracks how many provinces and territories offer regulated child care at an average cost of $10-a-day or less.

The Government of Canada is working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based early learning and child care system. Before the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care agreements were introduced, Quebec and Yukon had already achieved $10-a-day or less child care.

Since Quebec already had an established system, it signed an asymmetrical agreement to receive federal funding for early learning and child care. Quebec’s asymmetrical agreement allows the Government of Canada to support Quebec's existing system rather than enforcing the national $10-a-day fee structure.

Results – Eight provinces and territories are delivering regulated child care for an average of $10-a-day or less. These include Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Yukon. All other provinces and territories have reduced child care fees by an average of at least 50%.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Investing in early learning and child care contributes directly to the development of knowledge and skills for the next generation. These early experiences are crucial for the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and build fundamental skills. High-quality early learning and child care improves school readiness and prepares children for lifelong learning. 

Access to affordable, high-quality, flexible and inclusive child care helps increase participation in the labour market and the economy. This is especially important for women and marginalized and low-income families, who are more affected by high child care costs. Affordable child care supports gender equality and improves the long-term economic and social well-being of parents, particularly mothers. It also helps build a more inclusive and equitable society.

As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada made a transformative investment of more than $27 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with provinces and territories. Including other investments, such as those in Indigenous early learning and child care, the total funding will reach up to $30 billion over five years. Since 2023, the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund has provided funding to provinces and territories for building and expanding child care facilities in underserved areas. This includes rural and Indigenous communities, helping ensure more equitable access for families across Canada.

Recognizing the importance of the child care workforce, the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements with provinces and territories (except Quebec’s asymmetrical agreement) include commitments to support a qualified child care workforce. These commitments include the implementation of wage grids or frameworks for educators, and initiatives to increase the percentage of certified early childhood educators. Federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers Most Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care are also working together to develop a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Workforce Strategy. This strategy will help support and stabilize the child care workforce.

Additional commitments support the child care workforce through education and training. These include:

• the planned expansion of the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness to early childhood educators who work and live in rural communities
• the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which is implementing the Budget 2024 commitment to increase training for early childhood educators.

The Government of Canada is also working to support high-quality and culturally appropriate child care services in First Nation, Métis Nation, and Inuit communities. The work is guided by the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. The Framework enables communities to improve access to child care services. It ensures that services reflect the unique cultures, aspirations, and needs of First Nations, Métis Nation, and Inuit peoples. In addition, Jordan's Principle is focused on making sure that First Nations Children do not experience gaps, delays, or denial in accessing government services because of their identity as a First Nations child.

Training and skills

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By December 2025, Canada’s pool of science talent grows by 175,000 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates	Minister of Industry	Progress made but acceleration needed

Number of STEM graduates in Canada

Data source: Canada, Table 37-10-01604-01, Postsecondary graduates, by International Standard Classification of Education, Institution type, Classification of Instructional Programs, STEM and BHASE grouping, status of student in Canada, age group and gender

This indicator tracks the annual number of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and computer science graduates from Canadian universities and colleges. Data for this indicator are collected through Statistics Canada’s Postsecondary Student Information System. This system is a national survey that provides detailed information on enrollments and graduates from Canadian public post-secondary institutions.

Results – The number of STEM graduates in Canada has increased to 149,253 in 2022, up from 120,321 in 2017. This represents an increase of about 24%. This shows significant progress toward Canada’s target to increase the number of STEM graduates. However, the latest value is slightly below the trend needed to reach the target due to a small decline in graduates in 2022.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Expanding Canada’s STEM talent is crucial for Canada to remain competitive in a global economy. Technology, sustainability, and clean innovation are becoming increasingly central to economic growth and sustainable development. STEM education helps people gain the skills needed to solve real-world challenges. These include climate change, clean energy production, sustainable resource management, health care and productivity.

Supporting youth skill development in a variety of sectors related to sustainable development, including STEM, is key. It is essential for supporting STEM graduation rates and improving job placement. Efforts are underway to promote the mentorship and training of students and recent graduates, including in the STEM sectors. For example, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, launched the Lab to Market (LTM) program in 2024. LTM grants support networks of post-secondary institutions and their collaborators. They help to create, share, and deliver entrepreneurship training and mentorship programs which equip students and researchers with the skills necessary to transfer scientific, social, and service innovation to market or community use.

Multiple other programs also strengthen research training in cutting-edge fields that drive innovation and sustainability. The Canada Research Training Awards Suite, launched in 2025, streamlines the scholarship and postdoctoral award programs offered by federal research funding agencies. STEM students can be eligible for these awards.

The Strategic Science Fund provides funding to Canadian not-for-profit science and research organizations to support scientific excellence. Some initiatives under this fund promote STEM learning and training for post-secondary students. Federal research funding agency programs, such as the Canada Excellence Research Chairs and the Canada Research Chairs, help attract world-renowned researchers and top academics to Canada. These programs support the goal of expanding Canada’s STEM talent across a range of fields, including STEM.

Enhancing work opportunities for recent graduates can also make STEM studies more attractive to prospective students. The Science Horizons program provides wage subsidies to eligible employers across Canada to hire recent graduates for internships in environmental science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This helps young graduates transition in the job market and contributes to the growth of Canada’s STEM and clean technology sectors.

Also, women and girls have historically been underrepresented in STEM careers. To address this issue, the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology initiative provides targeted funding to support female leadership in technical and engineering fields.

Programs that prepare students for STEM education at earlier educational stages can also help increase STEM graduation levels. The College, Community and Innovation Program, led by federal research funding agencies, supports training in various fields, including STEM. It connects colleges, polytechnics, and Cégeps with industry and other partners for students to work on applied research projects that respond to industry and local needs.

The Mitacs program also supports the STEM education and training. It helps attract, train, retain, and place post-secondary students and postdoctoral researchers in work-integrated learning opportunities. These experiences provide on-the-job training and help businesses develop talent, innovate, and grow.

Improving access to post-secondary education for students from low- and middle-income families can also support higher STEM graduation rates. Recent improvements to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program include increased supports through the Canada Student Grants and Canada Student Loans. Improvements to the Repayment Assistance Plan and the elimination of interest on student loans help keep repayment manageable, especially as living costs rise. Increased award amounts from federal research funding agencies for students and postdoctoral researchers are also expected to help reduce financial barriers to post-graduate education and research.

Research and knowledge sharing

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By 2025, Canada’s Average Relative Citation (ARC) in natural sciences and engineering ranks within the top 10 of OECD countries, increasing from a ranking of 18 in 2020	Minister of Industry	Deterioration

Canada's ranking for Average Relative Citation (ARC) in natural sciences and engineering

Data source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, calculation based on data from Observatoire des sciences et des technologies (Clarivate Analytics – Web of Science)

The Average Relative Citation (ARC) factor is a measure of research excellence that compares the relative frequency of citations by other scholars of publications produced at Canadian institutions. The ARC factor is usually expressed as a number between 0.0 and 2.5, where 1.0 represents the world average. This indicator compares Canada’s ARC rank among member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

It should be noted that the data shown here may differ from those reported by federal organizations and published on GC Infobase due to differences in methodology or data revisions. For example, departmental reports are not routinely revised following publication, and thus GC Infobase may include data as originally published in departmental reports.

Results – Canada’s ranking for ARC in natural sciences and engineering has decreased from 15thin 2020 to 17th in 2023. Canadian publications in natural sciences and engineering have been cited more frequently over the past decade. Canada’s ARC factor averaged 1.36 over the 2021-2023 period compared to 1.33 over the 2011-2013 period.

However, the ARC factor for some other OECD nations increased at a faster pace, thereby reducing Canada's ranking relative to OECD countries. Nevertheless, Canada’s OECD ranking has improved since reaching 22nd in 2018. The ranking of 18th in 2020 was revised to 15th since the publication of the 2022-2026 FSDS.

How the Government of Canada contributes

To maintain Canada’s competitiveness in research and innovation, the Government of Canada implements a range of programs that support scientific research and knowledge-sharing. These include:

• support for basic and applied research
• help for post-secondary institutions to build world-class capabilities, such as through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund
• support for interdisciplinary and transformative research, such as the New Frontiers in Research Fund
• partnerships between academia and industry, such as the Alliance Grants program, to improve research outputs

These programs also support sustainability research. They help build research capacity and leverage partnerships in Canada and internationally. Projects funded through these programs address gaps in areas such as plastic pollution, climate change science, and behavioural science.

For example, in 2024, the New Frontiers in Research Fund announced $24 million over six years to the University of Victoria for the Solid Carbon: The Ocean’s Rock-solid Sociotechnical Climate Solution project. The research initiative uses ocean basalt to permanently sequester carbon dioxide (CO₂) as solid rock deep beneath the ocean floor, turning it into a durable, negative emissions solution for climate change. 

By encouraging collaboration between universities, research institutions, and private, public, and not-for-profit-sector stakeholders, Canada aims to produce high-impact research that contributes to global knowledge and innovation.

Another key factor in improving Canada’s ARC ranking is the development of a supportive environment for early-career researchers and graduate students. Programs that provide mentorship, training, and resources for young scientists, such as the Canada Research Training Awards Suite, are essential for nurturing the next generation of innovators. By building research capacity of young scientists, Canada can help train a steady stream of highly skilled researchers capable of producing cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Another program that contributes to the ARC factor is the Strategic Science Fund, which supports scientific research and innovation that produce economic, societal, and health benefits.

Improving Canada’s ARC ranking remains a challenge. This reflects broader issues in the global research landscape, such as growing competition for funding and resources. To address these challenges, the Government of Canada is strengthening research infrastructure. This includes expanding access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. The Government is also working to make research more inclusive. Supporting underrepresented groups, including women and Indigenous researchers, helps Canada draw from a wider pool of talent. This contributes to a more inclusive and innovative research ecosystem.

Investments in digital tools and platforms for data sharing and collaboration, such as the Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy, are also crucial to enabling Canadian researchers to work seamlessly with their international peers. By modernizing research infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to resources, Canada can enhance the quality and impact of its scientific output.

Contextual indicators

Funding invested in research related to the environment and sustainable development

Data Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

This indicator tracks annual funding for environment and sustainable development research. It includes investments by Canada’s three federal research funding agencies:

• the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
• the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
• the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

In 2020, the amount invested in research related to the environment and sustainable development by the three federal research funding agencies was nearly $294 million. Investments decreased in 2021-2022 and showed a small increase in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The total investment in research made by the three federal agencies from 2020 to 2023 amounted to $891 million.

Goal 5: Champion gender equality - Federal perspective on SDG 5

Why this goal is important

Gender equality is fundamental to building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society. Canada has made progress in many areas, but women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals still face systemic barriers. These barriers limit their full participation in the economy, politics, and society. Gender-based discrimination, wage gaps, and unequal access to leadership positions persist, particularly in sectors critical to the country’s sustainable future, such as the environmental and clean technology industries.

Addressing gender-based violence is also central to achieving gender equality in Canada. Violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals remains widespread and has devastating consequences for victims, survivors, their families, and communities. Intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of gender-based violence undermine individuals' safety, well-being, and ability to participate in society. By reducing gender-based violence and supporting victims and survivors, Canada can create safer, healthier communities where everyone can live without fear.

Gender equality is not only a matter of social justice—it also drives economic growth. When women are empowered to reach their full potential, society benefits through greater productivity, innovation, and sustainable development.

Target status

Take action on gender equality

Target	Responsible Minister (s)	Assessment
By 2026, at least 37% of employees in the environmental and clean technology sector are women	Minister of Industry	Limited progress

Percentage of women working in the environmental and clean technology sector

Data source: Statistics Canada, Table 36-10-0693-01, Employment in the environmental and clean technology products sector by gender and age, and by demographic characteristics

This indicator measures the percentage of women working in the environmental and clean technology sector. Data for this indicator are from Statistics Canada’s Environmental and Clean Technology Products Economic Account.

Results – The percentage of women working in the environmental and clean technology sector increased to 29.2% in 2022, up from 28.2% in 2019. The pace slowed in 2019 after a steady increase from 2015 to 2019.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality as a cornerstone of social and economic development. Initiatives such as the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy support women's leadership and career development. They provide opportunities for women to build skills, gain work experience, and access mentorship and networking. Despite progress, barriers remain. These include gender wage gaps, limited career advancement, and discriminatory hiring practices. These continue to impede women’s full participation.

To address these challenges, the Government of Canada is working closely with industry partners to create more inclusive workplaces. This includes:

• promoting equal pay through the Pay Equity Act, ensuring women have the same advancement opportunities as their male counterparts through the Employment Equity Act Review
• fostering mentorship programs that help women progress in their careers through the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund.
• introducing gender bias training for managers and hiring panels to reduce unconscious bias and support a more equitable workforce

Expanding education opportunities for women and girls in STEM fields is also a priority. Canada participates in Equality in Energy Transitions Initiative to advance gender equality in the global clean energy sector. Canada leads two workstreams: the Equal by 30 Campaign and the Equality in Energy Transitions Awards. Canada is also a member of the International Energy Agency’s Gender Advisory Council to exchange direction and best practices on gender equality in energy. Canada has also signed onto the UN’s Gender and Energy Compact and the Feminist Action for Climate Justice Coalition.

Other efforts focus on creating safer and more inclusive STEM workplaces. The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology launched a project focused on youth and education to build strong incoming talent. The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program provides wage subsidies to employers who hire recent graduates for internships in the environmental STEM sectors. Additional wrap-around funding also helps remove barriers for young graduates, including women, to enter the job market and contribute to Canada’s STEM and clean technology sectors.

Target	Responsible Ministers (s)	Assessment
By 2026, reduce self-reported rates of intimate partner violence by 5%	Minister of Women and Gender Equality	Unable to assess

The indicator for this target tracks the proportion of women and girls aged 15 and older who have been subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the past 12 months. Intimate partner violence can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychosocial abuse, financial abuse or neglect.

Results – At the time of this report, only one data point is available. As a result, it is not yet possible to assess progress. The data for this indicator come from the 2024 Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces. Although data collection is complete, full results will be available in Spring 2026.

While it is a different indicator, rates of police-reported intimate partner violence incidents offer insights into recent trends. The graph below shows that between 2019 and 2023, there was a net increase in incidents per 100,000 population for both sexes. This indicates that intimate partner violence remains a challenge and continues to rise in Canada.

Victims of police-reported intimate partner violence by gender

Data Source: Statistics Canada (2024). Trends in police reported family violence and intimate partner violence in Canada, 2023

Self-reported rates of intimate partner violence are typically higher than police-reported rates. This is due to factors such as:

• underreporting due to fear of retaliation or fear of the police
• lower reporting of non-physical violence such as emotional or financial abuse
• contextual factors such as financial dependence on the perpetrator

Several factors may have influenced the rate of self-reported or police-reported intimate partner violence since 2018. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated pre-existing social and personal stressors, increasing vulnerabilities linked to a higher risk of gender-based violence.

Greater awareness and willingness to report may also contribute to higher reported rates. Social movements such as #MeToo, which began in late 2017, have fostered private and public dialogue about gender-based violence and sexual misconduct. Improvements to support systems may also have made it easier for victims and survivors to seek help and officially report abuse. These include:

• reforms in policing, such as the establishment of specialized gender-based violence units
• improved access to crisis hotlines and support centres

These positive social and cultural shifts which address systemic inequalities and expose abuse have helped create a safer environment for reporting.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Gender equality cannot be achieved in Canada without eliminating intimate partner violence. This form of gender-based violence disproportionately affects women, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. Almost half of all women in Canada have experienced gender-based violence in their lifetime. This has devastating impacts on individuals and families and places a significant burden on social services and the legal system.

In response, the Government of Canada has introduced the Gender-Based Violence Strategy and the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. These include measures to:

• prevent violence
• support victims, survivors and their families
• improve access to justice by increasing funding for shelters, counselling services, and legal assistance for survivors of intimate partner violence

Gender-based violence is one of the most deeply rooted human rights violations. The Government of Canada reaffirmed its commitment to ending gender-based violence in Canada. It is taking a comprehensive, multisectoral approach in partnership with provinces and territories to address root causes such as poverty, precarious housing, and persistent harmful beliefs and behaviours. Gender-based violence is deeply ingrained and change will take time.

Addressing the needs of Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals is key. Indigenous women face significantly higher rates of violence and often have limited access to culturally appropriate services. The Family Violence Prevention Program funds emergency shelters, transitional (second stage) housing, and culturally appropriate, community-driven prevention activities to address family violence.

Digital platforms have emerged as new ways to support individuals affected by gender-based violence. These tools offer discreet, real-time help that may otherwise have gone unrequested. This particularly applies to younger people who prefer online tools and mobile applications. However, they also bring challenges, such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence, where online spaces are used to harass, intimidate, and silence women and gender-diverse individuals.

Reducing intimate partner violence requires more than responding to individual cases. It involves changing societal attitudes about gender equality, gender-based violence and racial injustice rooted in colonial systems. The Government of Canada is working to foster a cultural shift that condemns all forms of gender-based violence. By providing culturally safe and trauma-informed resources to victims and survivors, the goal is to build a future where intimate partner violence is significantly reduced, and all individuals can live free from fear and harm.

The Government of Canada is working to address gender-based violence in relation to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ (MMIWG2S+) people. In the past year, the Government coordinated the 2025 Indigenous-Federal-Provincial Territorial Meeting on MMIWG2S+. It also partnered with an Indigenous organization in Manitoba to launch a Red Dress Alert Pilot notification system.

In addition, the Government of Canada published the 2024-2025 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report. This report details the Government of Canada’s recent progress in addressing the crisis of MMIWG2S+ and responding to the Calls for Justice resulting from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Contextual indicators

Representation of women in leadership

Proportion of leadership roles held by women

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 10-10-0137-01, Representation of women and men elected to national Parliament and of ministers appointed to federal Cabinet; Table 14-10-0416-01, Labour force characteristics by occupation, annual; Table 35-10-0198-01

This indicator consists of 6 separate sub-indicators that measure the proportion of women in various leadership roles. The leadership roles include Members of Parliament and Members of Cabinet, federal and provincial judges, management occupations, and First Nations Chiefs and band council members.

The proportion of women who are Members of Parliament, Members of Cabinet, and federal or provincial judges has increased over the period reported. However, the proportion of women in management occupations, leadership positions in First Nations Band Councils, and as Chiefs in First Nations has remained relatively stable.

Persistence and Representation of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programs

Percentage of Women Among STEM Graduates

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 37-10-0164-01 Postsecondary graduates, by International Standard Classification of Education, institution type, Classification of Instructional Programs,STEM and BHASE groupings, status of student in Canada, age group and gender

This indicator measures the percentage of women graduating in STEM fields from Canadian public post-secondary institutions. Jobs in these fields are key to the future workforce and are typically high-paying.

Women’s participation in STEM fields has improved over the past eight years, increasing from just over 35% in 2016 to nearly 40% in 2022. Historically, women have been underrepresented in these high-paying fields, particularly in terms of entry into and retention within the STEM workforce.

Data relating to the persistence of women in STEM programs are not available for recent years. The last results were published before the 2022-2026 FSDS.

Goal 6: Ensure clean and safe water for all Canadians - Federal perspective on SDG 6

Why this goal is important

Clean water is crucial for protecting Canada’s rich biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Aquatic ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands, provide habitat for a wide range of species and are integral to the overall health of the environment. These ecosystems offer numerous ecological services, such as water purification, flood regulation, and carbon sequestration, which are vital for mitigating the impacts of climate change and maintaining ecological balance. Fresh water fuels key economic sectors, including electricity generation, manufacturing, agriculture, resource extraction, fisheries, and tourism.

Clean and safe water is essential for all Canadians. It is fundamental to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is a basic human right. It is essential for maintaining public health and preventing the spread of disease. When communities lack reliable access to clean water, they face a higher risk of waterborne diseases. These diseases can have severe health implications and be especially harmful to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and Indigenous communities.

Furthermore, clean water is essential for everyday life, from drinking and cooking to personal hygiene and sanitation. It supports the well-being and quality of life of all Canadians. By ensuring clean and safe water, Canada helps preserve its natural environment and fosters economic development and social equity.

Target status

Healthy lakes and rivers

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2027, action plans are in place to advance restoration and protection of major lakes and rivers in Canada	Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature	On track

This indicator tracks the number of action plans created to restore and protect major lakes and rivers in Canada. These plans are known as Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives.

Data Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Results – As of 2024, eight Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives have been established, focusing on actions to protect water quality and ecosystem health in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Mackenzie River, Lake Winnipeg, Fraser River, Lake of the Woods, the Wolastoq/Saint John River, and Lake Simcoe.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Fresh water is essential to the health and well-being of Canadians, the environment, and the economy. However, Canada’s lakes, rivers, and aquifers are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, land-use and water-use changes, contaminants, pollution, and other intersecting challenges.

The Freshwater Action Plan is the main federal program for managing, restoring, and protecting fresh water. It is a key part of the federal freshwater agenda. Through Budget 2023, the Government of Canada is investing $650 million over 10 years to:

• restore and protect transboundary and nationally significant freshwater ecosystems across Canada
• strengthen federal leadership on freshwater issues
• work with partners to address freshwater priorities and support sustainable management and restoration of freshwater ecosystems

work with partners to address freshwater priorities and support sustainable management and restoration of freshwater ecosystems

In 2024, the Canada Water Agency was created to improve how freshwater is managed across the country. The Agency leads federal collaboration and improved coordination with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to proactively address national and regional transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities. The Agency also leads whole-of-government initiatives to safeguard freshwater sovereignty, ensure ecosystem health, and strengthen climate and economic resilience. The Agency also delivers key elements of the Freshwater Action Plan.

For instance, Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives focus on restoring and protecting waterbodies of national importance. These initiatives:

• support regional actions to restore and protect water quality and ecosystem health in waterbodies of national significance
• enable coordinated action to restore and protect water quality and aquatic ecosystem health
• advance science, monitoring, and integration of Indigenous Knowledge systems to support decision-making and effective action
• enhance governance and collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, provinces and territories, and stakeholders
• mobilize knowledge and reporting on progress
• improve climate change resilience through on-the-ground actions

The Government of Canada also monitors water quantity from coast to coast to coast through the National Hydrometric Program (NHP), including in transboundary areas. This program operates through a cost-sharing arrangement with provinces and territories. It provides critical information for freshwater security and stewardship. NHP information is used to make decisions on water management, public safety, emergency preparedness, economic development, and water apportionment and sharing. This includes international water agreements that protect Canadian water sovereignty. The NHP also supports the modeling and prediction of potential flood events, contributing to the safety, security and prosperity of Canadians.

The Government of Canada is also investing in scientific research and data to understand how climate change and land-use changes affect fresh water. Environment and Climate Change Canada is leading the development of a National Freshwater Science Agenda. As part of this work, national freshwater science priorities will be defined with input from scientific experts across Canada. The new Agenda will set the stage for greater alignment and coordination in collectively advancing these priorities.

The Synthesis of Freshwater Science in Canada paper identifies floods and droughts, water balance, and water quality impacts as key climate change considerations for freshwater systems. As land and water use changes, new stressors, including invasive species, and pollutants can further degrade water quality and add additional pressures to aquatic ecosystems.

In parallel, the Canada Water Agency is leading the development of a National Freshwater Data Strategy with partners and stakeholders. The Strategy will:

• set common principles and commitments for the collection, use, storage, and accessibility of freshwater data
• ensure data are accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to Canadians
• support informed decisions about surface water and groundwater use
• improve data sharing with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities while upholding data sovereignty

The National Freshwater Data Strategy Framework lays the foundation for the development of a complete, consensus-based National Freshwater Data Strategy.

Drinking water and wastewater

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By March 31, 2026, 97% of Indigenous Services Canada-funded First Nations public drinking water systems produce treated water meeting prescribed bacteriological standards in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality	Minister of Indigenous Services	Target achieved

Percentage of First Nations drinking water systems that meet the guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality

Data Source: Indigenous Services Canada

This indicator measures the percentage of Indigenous Services Canada-funded First Nations public drinking water systems that meet prescribed bacteriological standards set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

Results – The percentage of First Nations drinking water systems that meet the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality has increased to 97.5% in 2023-2024, up from 94% in 2019. This represents an increase of 3.5 percentage points. This progress reflects continued improvements in infrastructure, training, and maintenance of water systems in Indigenous communities. As of 2023-2024, Canada has met its target of having 97% of Indigenous Services Canada-funded First Nations public drinking water systems meet prescribed standards by March 2026.

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By March 2030, 85% of wastewater systems on reserves achieve effluent quality standards	Minister of Indigenous Services	Deterioration

Percentage of waste water systems on reserves where effluent quality standards are achieved

Data Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada

This indicator tracks the percentage of wastewater systems on reserves that meet the effluent quality standards of the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations or an equivalency agreement.

Results – The percentage of wastewater systems on reserves that meet effluent quality standards decreased to 66.7% in 2022, down from 73% in 2021, a decline of 6.3 percentage points. Currently, the condition of a significant number of wastewater systems in Indigenous communities is underreported. The data should be interpreted taking this limitation into account.

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By December 2040, 100% of wastewater systems achieve effluent quality standards	Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Limited progress

Percentage of wastewater systems where effluent quality standards are achieved

Data Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada

This indicator tracks the percentage of wastewater systems in Canada that meet the effluent quality standards of the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations or an equivalency agreement.

Results – In 2023, 78% of wastewater systems in Canada met effluent quality standards, up slightly from 77% in 2015. While this shows progress in reducing pollution from municipal wastewater, the percentage has remained relatively stable since 2015.

This relatively stable trend is partly explained by the fact that the regulations establish realistic and predictable timelines over a 25-year period to install secondary wastewater treatment systems in communities that lack adequate treatment. Building and upgrading these systems takes significant time and investment from all levels of government. Many communities are currently working on wastewater upgrades. In addition, a 35% increase in the number of systems reporting under the Regulations between 2015 and 2020 may have contributed to a lower overall compliance rate.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Drinking water and wastewater in First Nation communities

Providing safe drinking water in First Nation communities has been a longstanding issue in Canada. Many communities face frequent drinking water advisories. One of the key challenges is the geographic isolation of many communities, which makes infrastructure projects more expensive and logistically complex. Some communities also rely on outdated water treatment systems, which are prone to breakdowns and difficult to repair. To address these issues, the Government of Canada is:

• prioritizing investments in remote and underserved areas
• building new water treatment facilities
• supporting capacity-building initiatives to empower Indigenous communities to manage and maintain their water systems

The Government of Canada supports water infrastructure in First Nation communities on reserve through the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program. This includes building new water and wastewater treatment facilities and upgrading existing facilities. Infrastructure sustainability is further supported by the Circuit Rider Training Program. This program provides hands-on training to First Nation water operators on reserve, ensuring that communities have the necessary expertise to maintain and operate water systems. The Government of Canada invests $24 million per year for various capacity-building initiatives, including $12 million for the Circuit Rider Training Program.

Supporting First Nations-led water management is a key part of the strategy to ensure safe drinking water for all First Nation communities. The Government of Canada works with First Nation leaders to co-develop water management plans that reflect each community’s unique needs and values. Thes plans include infrastructure investments, training for water operators, and support for sustainable water management practices. By supporting First Nations’ leadership and traditional knowledge, the Government of Canada aims to empower communities to take ownership of their water systems and ensure their long-term sustainability.

One example is the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, a First Nations-led initiative that manages water and wastewater systems for participating First Nations in the Atlantic region. AFWA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades. The AFNWA’s investments in asset management have identified priorities that have improved system performance and compliance.

To protect the health of residents in First Nation communities, the Government of Canada helps monitor drinking water quality at the tap, including those in remote areas. This includes:

• advice and guidance on drinking water safety
• review of water management plans
• public health advice for new and upgraded water treatment systems

Water and wastewater treatment infrastructure and regulations

Water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure systems are essential services that support community growth and long-term well-being across Canada. The Government of Canada is investing in these infrastructure systems through:

• the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
• the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
• the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, announced in 2024, with $6 billion in fund, which will provide the water infrastructure needed to grow and enable housing in Canadian communities

The Government of Canada is also taking action to increase the percentage of wastewater systems that achieve effluent quality standards through the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations. In 2024, the Regulations were amended to:

• provide another opportunity for eligible communities, including First Nation communities on reserves, to apply and receive an extension to upgrade wastewater treatment systems
• address operational challenges and reduce administrative burden, allowing communities to focus implementing adequate wastewater treatment.
• increase environmental oversight and improve transparency

Contextual indicators

Boil water advisories

Causes of boil water advisories in Canada

Data Source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators

This indicator tracks why boil water advisories are issued, as well as the relationship between community size and the frequency of boil water advisories. Between 2010 and 2023, the percentage of boil water advisories issued on a precautionary basis due to E. coli and other microbiological parameters decreased, while the percentage of boil water advisories issued due to equipment and process-related problems increased.

In 2023, 87% of boil water advisories were issued for drinking water systems serving communities of 500 people or less. These trends highlight the need to focus on resolving equipment and operational capacity related challenges to better support our communities, and the capacity limitations in small communities.

Water withdrawal by sector in Canada

Data Source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators 

Water use, also called “withdrawal”, refers to the volume of fresh water extracted from underground or surface sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This water is used for drinking and other purposes such as irrigation, chemical processes, cooling, and cleaning. In 2021, the most recent data available, over 34,410 million cubic metres (m3) of water was withdrawn from Canada’s rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Of this, 78.3% of the withdrawal came from two sectors: thermal power generation and manufacturing. Between 2005 and 2021, total water withdrawal decreased by 15.8%.

Water quality in Canadian rivers

Data Source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators 

This indicator provides a measure of the ability of river water across Canada to support plants and animals. The average water quality in Canadian rivers has shown improvements over the years.

The percentage of river monitoring stations with “excellent to fair” quality increased from 80% in 2016-2018 to 82% in 2021-2023, despite a slight decline in the last two reporting periods. Monitoring stations rated “marginal to poor” have stayed below 20% since 2016-2018. However, water quality varies greatly across Canada. Rivers in the regions where most of the population lives had the highest proportion of sites with marginal or poor water quality, highlighting the need for ongoing protection and restoration efforts.

Water Quantity in Canadian Rivers

Data Source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators

This indicator provides information on changes in the quantity of water in rivers across Canada. The water quantity in most Canadian rivers has remained in the “normal” range. The percentage of stations with “low” or “high” water quantity has varied over the years.

Goal 7: Increase Canadians’ access to clean energy - Federal perspective on SDG 7

Why this goal is important

Access to abundant, reliable, non-emitting, and secure energy is essential for Canada’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Energy production and consumption are major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To meet its climate targets, Canada must use energy efficiently and shift to non-emitting energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, nuclear and bioenergy. Clean energy also helps improve air quality, which benefits the health of all Canadians.

Building a low-carbon future is the defining economic opportunity of this generation. Clean electricity is central to this transition. Reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity helps attract investments in industries and technologies that will drive a low-carbon economy. Investing in clean and low-carbon energy and energy efficiency also creates jobs in growing sectors, offering long-term employment opportunities for Canadians.

Target status

Renewable and non-emitting sources of electricity

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2030, 90%, and in the long term 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources	Minister of Energy and Natural Resources	Deterioration

Proportion of electricity generated from renewable and non-greenhouse gas-emitting sources

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 25-10-0015-01, Electric power generation, monthly generation by type of electricity 

This indicator tracks electricity generation from renewable sources, such as hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, as well as from non-emitting sources such as nuclear energy. This indicator is currently under review.

Results – Most electricity in Canada is generated from renewable or non-GHG emitting sources. However, the share of clean electricity decreased to 79.4% in 2024, down from 82.3% in 2020. This drop was mainly due to lower hydroelectricity production caused by widespread droughts in 2023 and 2024.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The transition to clean and resilient energy presents a considerable opportunity for Canada. This shift has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthen the economy and enable climate action. The clean technology sector is growing more than three times faster than the national average. It is expected to contribute $107 billion in gross domestic product over the next five years. By reducing the use of fossil fuels and leading the green transition, Canada can take advantage of its energy opportunities.

The Clean Electricity Strategy is the Government of Canada’s plan to make the most of the energy opportunity while avoiding the consequences of a delayed transition and supporting Canada’s broader climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Released in December 2024, the Clean Electricity Strategy focuses on three key areas:

• growing the grid and managing demand
• providing policy certainty and smoothing the path
• collaborating on tailored approaches for every region

Other key initiatives include:

• the Hydrogen Strategy, which supports clean hydrogen development
• grid modernization efforts, which help ensure that clean, renewable and resilient energy can be efficiently distributed across the country

Legislative and regulatory certainty is key to supporting clean energy investments. The Clean Electricity Regulations, published in December 2024, ensure that, by 2035, Canada’s electricity system will be on the path to a net-zero electricity grid by 2050. This will contribute to the goal of economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050. In 2025, amendments to the Accord Acts with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador took effect, establishing the legal framework for offshore renewable energy development off the coasts of these provinces.

Further, the Canada Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations, also effective since December 2024, established comprehensive safety, security and environmental protection requirements for offshore renewable energy projects and offshore power lines in Canada’s federally regulated offshore areas. The Government of Canada is also working on developing regulations under the Accord Acts based on the Canada Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations and expected to be in place in 2026.

By clarifying roles and regulatory processes, the regulations will enhance investor confidence. They will also contribute to decarbonizing the electricity grid and ensure that Indigenous rights, coastal community interests, and marine ecosystem protections are integrated into project planning and approvals.

Canada has already adopted regulations to phase out conventional coal-fired electricity by 2030. However, one of the key challenges in Canada’s clean transition is the continuing reliance on fossil fuels in provinces with limited access to hydropower and nuclear energy. To support these regions, programs such as the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program are designed to support the deployment of grid modernization, energy storage, and renewable energy projects. This helps ensure the grid expands in a sustainable, affordable and reliable manner across all regions.

The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to support their clean electricity priorities. Through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables, the Government of Canada collaborates with individual provinces and territories, Indigenous partners and key stakeholders. These partnerships help direct resources and investments toward mutually identified priorities and key projects. This approach has already led to concrete results, including federal financial support from the Canada Infrastructure Bank for new transmission projects. One example is the Wasoqonatl Transmission Line between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, which reached financial close in March 2025.

Work is also ongoing with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Communities through several programs and initiatives. The Wah-ila-toos initiative offers a single-window approach to accessing funding for renewable energy and related capacity-building projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. Another example is the Clean Electricity for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program, which helps reduce diesel and fossil fuel use for heat and power in Indigenous, rural and remote communities by supporting renewable energy projects and building skills and local capacity.

Renewable energy projects are essential not only to meet environmental targets but also to drive economic growth, particularly in rural and remote areas. Projects supported by CERRC include the 3NE Solar Farm in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, a project led by a partnership of three Indigenous Nations that demonstrates the potential of clean energy to promote economic reconciliation.

The Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative also builds economic reconciliation by providing training and funding to support Indigenous-led climate solutions in remote Indigenous communities that use diesel or fossil fuels for heat and power. Similarly, the Northern REACHE program works with Northern communities to reduce reliance on diesel for heating and electricity. It increases the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency while supporting related capacity building initiatives.

Businesses can access the refundable 30 per cent Clean Technology Investment tax credit for eligible investments in certain clean electricity generation, stationary electricity storage, low-carbon heating, non-road zero-emission vehicles and related charging and refuelling infrastructure, and geothermal energy systems.

The development and deployment of advanced smart grid solutions is a key enabler for Canada’s electricity system to achieve its net-zero goals by 2050. Smart grid solutions will also increase the need for clean electricity across the country. To this end, the Energy Innovation Program's - Smart Grid Stream funds projects that use key technology, market, and regulatory innovations that remove barriers to scaling up pilot projects to grid-wide deployments. Projects will help improve grid reliability, resiliency and flexibility; increase energy affordability; enable GHG emission reductions; and create more favourable market conditions for scaling successful innovations.

Nuclear energy can also support the clean energy transition. In 2020, the Government of Canada published the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Action Plan to support the development, demonstration, and deployment of SMRs. These reactors offer a flexible, low-carbon energy option that can reduce emissions and spur economic development. Since then, several jurisdictions have increased cooperation and collaboration to expand nuclear energy, including both small- and large-scale technologies.

In 2025, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued a construction licence to Ontario Power Generation for the General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 at the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). This marks the first nuclear power reactor licence in Canada in over 50 years and represents a first-of-its-kind technology in a G7 country. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is investing $970 million in the construction of the DNNP. Environment and Climate Change Canada is also providing $55 million to support the next phase, which would deploy three additional reactors at the site.

Other provinces, including New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta, are planning new installations or expansions of nuclear energy. These have received various funding through the Electricity Predevelopment Program and the Enabling SMR Program.

The Government of Canada, through the CNSC, continues to regulate the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear energy and the management of radioactive waste. Under Canada’s Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning, waste generators and owners are responsible for waste management and funding for long term management of their radioactive waste. The Government oversees the sector’s plans for the long-term management of radioactive waste through the Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste. It also oversees the implementation by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Canada’s plan for the disposal of used nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act.

Energy efficiency

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
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 20.0 petajoules in 2017 to 2018	Minister of Energy and Natural Resources	Progress made but acceleration needed

Total annual energy savings resulting from adoption of energy efficiency codes, standards and practices

Data Source: Natural Resources Canada

This indicator tracks the total annual energy savings resulting from adopting energy efficiency codes, standards and practices, beginning in 2017-2018. Year-over-year increases reflect additional energy savings in each reporting year. To help visualize the scale, one petajoule is the amount of energy used by 10,000 households in one year.

Results – The total annual energy savings from the adoption of energy efficiency codes, standards and practices have increased to 140 petajoules in 2024-2025 from 20 petajoules in 2017-2018. Rather than applying the methodology alone, the “Progress made but acceleration needed” assessment also takes into consideration the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development 2024 Audit of Departmental Progress in Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies – Clean Energy. The audit found that this target is unlikely to be achieved by 2030 unless more aggressive action is taken.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Energy efficiency is a key pillar of Canada’s climate change strategy. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce GHG emissions while delivering economic benefits. It also helps:

• reduce pressure on energy infrastructure
• improve the reliability of the existing electricity system
• reduce the need to build costly new grid infrastructure to meet increased demand

The Government of Canada aims to achieve 600 petajoules (PJ) of energy savings by 2030—enough to power six million homes for a year. The 2024 Clean Electricity Strategy prioritizes energy efficiency in its first focus area: growing the grid and managing demand. By modernizing the grid with an efficiency-focused approach, Canada can build an efficiency-first grid that is scalable and maintainable for years to come.

The Canada Green Buildings Strategy, released in 2024, promotes energy efficiency improvements in homes and buildings. It focuses on improving affordability and reducing GHG emissions. In the residential sector, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative has provided financial incentives to hundreds of thousands of homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades. This includes the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program which is set to launch in 2025.

Energy efficiency measures like better insulation and efficient heating and cooling systems, help households lower their energy consumption and reduce utility bills. For low-income households, energy efficiency programs help reduce energy poverty and improve access to affordable, reliable energy. For example, the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program, launched in 2023, helps low-to-median-income households switch from oil heating to electric cold-climate heat pumps.

The Government of Canada is focused on supporting vulnerable populations through programs such as the Low Carbon Economy Fund, which helps municipalities, hospitals, schools, and Indigenous communities implement energy efficiency measures

Provinces and territories are improving regulation of energy efficiency in new building construction. Updated National Model Codes inform this work. Since 2023, the Codes Acceleration Fund has facilitated the adoption and implementation of the highest feasible energy performance tiers of the national model building and energy codes, or other high-performance codes. The program provides capacity-building funding to provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and other national and non-governmental organizations. In 2024, the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative was launched to help building owners carry out deep retrofits in commercial, institutional, and mid-rise or high-rise multi-unit residential buildings in Canada.

In addition to the buildings sector, energy use in the industrial and commercial sectors represents a significant opportunity for efficiency improvements. Programs such as the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program help businesses conduct energy audits and upgrade to reduce energy waste. This includes improvements to lighting, ventilation, and cooling systems, and production processes. These upgrades reduce emissions in these industrial sectors, which are responsible for a significant portion of the country’s overall energy consumption. They also enhance business competitiveness by lowering operating costs, making Canadian industry more resilient in a global market focused on sustainability.

To help Canadians manage the upfront costs of energy efficiency programs, the Government offering low-interest loans and expanded grants. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Building Retrofits Initiative has invested:

• $1.6 billion in low-interest loans to improve energy efficiency in Canada’s existing building stock
• $220 million towards heavy industry

In addition, public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate Canadians about the benefits of energy efficiency and the support programs available. These efforts are essential to help Canada meet its energy efficiency targets and realize the full benefits of reduced energy consumption.

The Government of Canada continues to invest in the research, development and demonstration of new energy-efficient technologies and solutions. These efforts aim to improve how homes and buildings are designed, renovated, and constructed.

For example, the Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program supports demonstrations of aggregated deep energy retrofits in neighbourhoods and tests innovative solutions through Market Development Teams, which bring together partners to find regional solutions and drive market transformation. Similarly, the Energy Efficient Buildings Research, Development and Demonstration Program accelerates the development of cost-effective energy efficient technologies, design and construction practices.

Clean fuels

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By March 2030, increase Canada’s capacity to produce clean fuels by 10% over 2021 levels	Minister of Energy and Natural Resources	Target achieved

Clean fuels production capacity

Data Source: Natural Resources Canada

This indicator tracks the percentage increase in clean fuels production capacity in Canada.

Results – Clean fuels production capacity has increased to 128 petajoules equivalent in 2024 from 79.52 petajoules equivalent in 2021, an increase of 61%. This is well above the 10% increase required to achieve the target of 87.47 petajoules equivalent of clean fuels production.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Clean fuels, such as hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and other biofuels, are essential for reducing emissions in sectors where electrification is not feasible, such as heavy industry, aviation, and long-haul transportation. To support Canada’s capacity to produce clean fuels, the Government’s Clean Fuels Fund is investing $1.5 billion in new clean fuel production facilities and enabling codes and standards. These facilities are essential to scaling up the production of low-carbon fuels and ensuring that industry has access to the clean energy alternatives it needs to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, launched in 2020, outlines a roadmap to make Canada a global leader in clean hydrogen production. Hydrogen is a versatile energy source used in a wide range of applications, including industrial processes and heavy-duty transportation. The strategy focuses on the development of clean or low-carbon hydrogen, which can be produced either using renewable electricity or from natural gas with carbon capture and storage technology.

In May 2024, Canada published its first Progress Report on the Hydrogen Strategy, highlighting:

• investments in hydrogen infrastructure, including production plants and fueling stations, to support the growing demand for hydrogen in Canada’s transportation and industrial sectors
• progress on international agreements to position Canada as a first mover in hydrogen trade and market development

Since 2020, the Government of Canada has introduced measures to promote the production and use of low-carbon hydrogen, including the Clean Hydrogen Investment tax credit. This refundable tax credit offers:

• 15 to 40 percent for investments in projects that produce clean hydrogen
• higher support for projects that produce the cleanest hydrogen

These incentives help build Canada’s hydrogen value chain and position the country as a competitive producer and supplier of clean hydrogen and clean ammonia.

Biofuels play a key role in Canada’s approach to clean fuels, especially in decarbonizing the transportation sector. The Clean Fuel Regulations, published in 2022,set carbon intensity reduction targets for fuel producers and importers. These regulations encourage the blending of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel with conventional fuels.

This regulatory framework is expected to:

• increase demand for biofuels
• stimulate investment in new production facilities
• promote innovation in cleaner production methods and technologies

Although Canada is already a major biofuel producer, the regulations aim to expand capacity to meet growing domestic and international demand.

Expanding clean fuel production, especially hydrogen, presents challenges, including:

• high infrastructure costs, including production facilities, pipelines, and storage systems
• high production costs, driven by the price of renewable electricity and advanced technology

To address these challenges, the Government of Canada is providing incentives and funding to support research and development in clean fuel technologies. For example, the Green Freight Program, launched in 2022, supports freight companies in conducting fleet energy assessments, retrofitting truck and trailer equipment, and implementing pilot projects. Partnerships between the Government of Canada, industry and research institutions advance innovations in hydrogen production, biofuels and carbon capture. They aim to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Another challenge in scaling up clean fuel production is creating a strong domestic market, especially in sectors that still rely heavily on fossil fuels. As a complement to the Clean Fuel Regulations, the Government of Canada is working with provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders to grow Canada’s clean fuel sector and realize its longer-term global competitiveness.

Developing infrastructure, such as hydrogen fueling stations and biofuel distribution networks, is crucial to:

• efficiently transport and use clean fuels across Canada
• reduce emissions intensity from liquid fossil fuels

Looking ahead, Canada aims not only to meet domestic demand for clean fuels, but also to become a leading exporter of clean energy to global markets.

Many technologies required to reduce emissions and achieve Canada’s net-zero goals, especially in heavy industry, are still in the prototype or demonstration stage. To accelerate the shift to more affordable and lower-carbon fuels in high-emission sectors, the Government of Canada is investing in research, development and demonstrations.

For instance, the Energy Innovation Program:

• funds pre-commercial development, advancement, and piloting of clean fuel technologies that reduce capital and operating costs of production
• supports research, development and demonstration projects that may enable the use of lower carbon fuels or feedstock in high-emission sectors such as cement, chemicals, and fertilizers, as well as iron and steel smelting and refining

Contextual indicators

Number of projects funded to support First Nations, Inuit, and The Métis Nation’s clean energy capacity and readiness

The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) helps close the funding gaps for Indigenous-led, economically sustainable clean energy projects. The initiative received $36 million over three years in Budget 2021 and was renewed in Budget 2024 with an additional $36 million over three years. It supports the Government of Canada’s efforts to increase access to clean energy by funding regional Indigenous clean energy projects.

As of March 31, 2025, the SPI Clean Energy funding has:

• supported the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative
• developed five additional regional Strategic Partnership Initiatives in the Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Atlantic regions

Together, these initiatives have funded a total of 219 Indigenous-led clean energy projects.

Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada - Federal perspective on SDG 8

Why this goal is important

Inclusive and sustainable economic growth is essential to building a strong and resilient economy that benefits all Canadians. It supports the development of industries and employment opportunities that are sustainable, socially equitable, and economically viable. This enables the transition to a low-carbon economy by developing green industries, skills and supporting sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Inclusive growth helps all segments of society, especially marginalized and underrepresented groups such as Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized communities to participate in and benefit from economic activity. This approach creates new job opportunities in sectors such as clean technology, renewable energy, and agriculture. This contributes to a diverse and resilient economy that is better equipped to handle global market fluctuations and environmental challenges.

Target status

Support for workers and businesses

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2026, there are at least 245,000 jobs in the cleantech products sector, an increase from 2019	Minister of Industry	On track

Jobs in the clean technology products sector

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 36-10-0691-01, Employment in the environmental and clean technology products sector by demographic characteristic

This indicator tracks the number of jobs in the clean technology products sector. The data come from the National Gross Domestic Product by Income and Expenditure Accounts. The clean technology products sector consists of:

• the production of manufactured goods such as solar panels, efficient turbines and electric batteries
• the delivery of professional, scientific and technical services, construction services, and support services

Results – The number of jobs created by the clean technology sector increased to 224,030 in 2023 from 196,284 in 2019, an increase of about 14%. Despite a temporary decline in 2020, the sector has rebounded and is on track to reach the 2026 objective.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The clean technology sector is a key part of Canada's strategy to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth and establish Canada as a leader in the global green economy.

Growth in this sector is supported by strategic investments through programs such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and the Net-Zero Accelerator Initiative. These programs help develop and commercialize innovative clean technologies that reduce environmental impact and create new economic opportunities.

The clean technology sector encompasses various industries, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon management, waste management, water treatment, hydrogen and clean fuels. This diversity makes the sector a robust source of employment growth across Canada.

The Government of Canada is implementing policies and initiatives to grow clean tech jobs, including:

• funding for research and development
• support for startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises
• incentives for businesses to adopt and scale up sustainable practices

The Clean Growth Hub, for example, provides clean tech firms with a centralized resource to receive advice on funding opportunities and expertise, thereby promoting innovation and the commercialization of new technologies. The SIF and the Net-Zero Accelerator Initiative also support clean technologies that generate economic activity and drive job creation.

In addition, the Government of Canada is leveraging public-private partnerships to boost investment in clean technology. These partnerships are expected to contribute significantly to job creation and the overall economic transition toward a low-carbon future.

Growing jobs in clean technology—and shifting to a low-carbon economy—requires addressing existing skills gaps. It also means supporting workers prepare for new and emerging fields. To support this transition, the Government of Canada adopted the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act. This law gives the Government of Canada the mechanisms to help Canadian workers and communities seize the opportunities of the shift to a low-carbon economy. It also supports the creation of a future that is more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous.

The Act requires the Government of Canada to publish a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years, starting in 2025. The Act also establishes the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council. This Council is tasked with engaging with Canadians across the country. It will provide independent, expert advice to designated ministers on measures to foster sustainable job creation.

The Government of Canada is investing in training and upskilling programs. These include the co-developed, Indigenous-led Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, the Canada Training Credit, the Science & Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs, and the Future Skills Program. These initiatives help equip workers with the skills needed to succeed in various fields, including green jobs. These initiatives are designed to improve access to employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, women, youth and persons with disabilities, including in the clean technology sector.

Other programs also support training and upskilling in the clean technology sector. The Upskilling for Industry Initiative fosters partnerships between employers and training providers. This helps ensure that workers gain the skills that employers seek. The Canada Digital Talent Strategy helps federal public service employees access training in digital literacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other essential skills. The Skills for Success Program also funds training, as well as the development of assessment tools and training resources. These help Canadians, including those from equity-denied groups, improve their digital skills and other foundational and transferrable skills.

Connectivity in Canada

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2030, ensure that 100% of Canadians have access to broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload	Minister of Industry	On track

Proportion of households that have access to broadband internet service at speeds of 50/10 Mbps

Data Source: Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission

This indicator tracks the percentage of Canadians who have access to the Internet at speeds deemed necessary to take advantage of the new online resources. This includes learning resources, digital marketplaces, cloud-based solutions, and high-definition entertainment.

Results – The proportion of households with access to a broadband Internet service at speeds of at least 50/10 Mbps increased to 93.1% in 2022 from 89.7% in 2020. This represents an increase of about 3.4 percentage points. This rate of increase is on track to meet the 100% target by 2030.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Improved access to Internet service is essential for economic growth, social inclusion, and access to key services. These services include telehealth, online education, and remote work.

The Canada Digital Adoption Program, now sunsetted, supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It helped them use digital tools and platforms to improve their competitiveness and supported their integration into national and global markets. Improved connectivity reduced regional disparities and promoted sustainable economic development by facilitating the flow of information, goods and services across Canada.

Moreover, broadband infrastructure promoted digital technology in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and clean technology, and broadband infrastructure. This helped facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy and supported Canada’s sustainability goals.

Access to high-speed Internet is fundamental for education and professional opportunities. It is particularly critical for people living in rural and remote communities. In the past, the lack of connectivity in these areas made it harder to access educational resources, online training, and professional development. This created a digital divide between urban and rural communities. Historically, many Indigenous and northern communities have also faced significant barriers to digital access.

To close this gap, the Government of Canada is investing in broadband infrastructure, with a focus on improving access in underserved areas, including Indigenous and northern communities. The Universal Broadband Fund and the Connect to Innovate Program provide targeted support to improve connectivity. This helps these communities fully participate in the digital economy. The Connecting Families Initiative offers eligible Canadians discounted Internet services. This program is supported by Internet Service Providers who participate voluntarily, without government funding.

From 2022 to 2025, the Digital Literacy Exchange Program invested $17.6 million to support initiatives that teach digital literacy skills to Canadians. These projects support lifelong learning, skills development, and employment opportunities. Improved digital connectivity also helps more Canadians participate in online learning and distance education. This allows people to acquire new skills and qualifications that support sustainable economic growth.

Better Internet access supports Indigenous businesses, community development, and cultural preservation. It creates new opportunities for entrepreneurship, digital skills training, and access to global markets. Improved connectivity also helps Indigenous communities deliver better health care, education, and social services. This contributes to overall community well-being and economic resilience. By investing in broadband capacity in Indigenous communities, the Government of Canada is promoting social equity and supporting reconciliation efforts. These investments help ensure that all Canadians can benefit from digital inclusion and economic growth.

Contextual indicators

Environment and clean technology sector compensation

Average annual compensation of employees in the environment and clean technology sector

Data source: Statistics Canada, Table 36-10-0681-01  Environmental and Clean Technology Products Economic Account, employment and compensation per products category

This indicator shows how average pay for workers in the environmental and clean technology sector has changed over time. Compensation in this sector has steadily increased, from $87,438 in 2018 to $105,768 in 2023. Compensation in the environmental and clean technology sector is now more than twice the average across all sectors.

Year-Over-Year employment growth of strategic innovation fund-supported firms

This indicator tracks whether companies supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund - Net-Zero Accelerator (NZA) continue to grow their workforce after the project’s work phase ends. Because these projects are large and complex, such multi-year investments continue to advance in the work phase. Preliminary data are expected in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada - Federal perspective on SDG 9

Why this goal is important

Innovation and green infrastructure are essential for ensuring Canada's long-term sustainability and economic resilience. Investing in innovation helps Canada transition to a net-zero economy while boosting the country’s competitiveness. Innovation can benefit areas such as water and air quality, plastic waste, and biodiversity. This can be achieved in various ways, such as by adopting clean energy technology, using resources more efficiently, and increasing demand for low-carbon materials.

Green infrastructure plays a vital role in conserving natural resources and addressing the impacts of climate change, as it lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and pollution. Examples of green infrastructure include low-carbon transportation, energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings, and clean energy. Investing in such infrastructure helps build healthy and resilient communities. These investments also protect against a changing climate, support environmental sustainability, drive economic growth, and contribute to a net-zero future. As climate change continues, green infrastructure will become even more important for sustaining economic, environmental, and social well-being.

Canada can reduce GHG emissions, protect biodiversity, and transition to a net-zero economy through innovation and the promotion of resilient, low-carbon infrastructure.

Target status

Green infrastructure and innovation

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2023 and each year thereafter until 2026, 30% of Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s portfolio of SD Tech Fund-supported technologies are commercialized annually	Minister of Industry	On track

This indicator tracks the percentage of technologies supported by the SD Tech Fund that have been commercialized. This means the projects have entered the market or are ready to do so, as of March 31 of the stated fiscal year.

Results – In the period from 2021 to 2024, at least 30% of supported technologies were commercialized, with a slight increase in the percentage over time.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The commercialization of clean technologies is a critical component of Canada’s strategy for the transition to a low-carbon economy and the achievement of its climate goals. The development and commercialization of innovative clean technologies have been supported by the SD Tech Fund. This fund has supported clean technologies that include:

• renewable energy and energy-efficiency innovations
• water conservation tools
• carbon management technologies
• waste management solutions

These technologies can be applied across multiple industries, including transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing.

The SD Tech Fund was wound down in 2024. Starting in fiscal year 2025-2026, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program has a new Clean Technology stream to offer support to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises that are developing, demonstrating, and commercializing new and innovative clean technologies.

Other sources of support for research, development, and deployment of transformative, commercially viable renewable energy and decarbonization projects include:

• Emerging Renewable Power Program
• Energy Innovation Program
• Net-Zero Accelerator Fund
• the Industrial Decarbonization Program

By focusing on commercialization, the Government of Canada helps advance these innovative technologies beyond the development phase. This supports their integration into the economy, ultimately driving Canada's green transformation.

A key focus of the Government of Canada is de-risking technologies to make them more attractive to private investors. Clean technologies often require long lead times for research, development, and testing. They also need significant upfront investment before they are ready for the market. For this reason, early-stage funding critical. It helps startups avoid the "valley of death", a stage where they risk running out of funding before their products can generate revenue.

The Clean Growth Hub supports the growth of cleantech innovators and adopters. It assists them in navigating federal programs and services. This includes tailored advice on funding opportunities and business support. Through its funding programs, the Government of Canada fosters a pipeline of market-ready technologies. This ensures that Canada remains globally competitive while contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The Global Innovation Clusters program is another key form of government support for the commercialization of innovative clean technologies. The program de-risks innovative technologies in a variety of sectors, including green innovations, by co-investing with industry in five specific areas of competitive advantage for Canada:

• digital technologies
• protein industries
• advanced manufacturing
• the ocean economy
• artificial intelligence for supply chains

Recent clean technology projects supported by the Clusters include:

• nanotechnology-based coatings for ocean vessels to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions
• a process that enables the manufacturing of cement-free, carbon-negative concrete
• precision X-rays for mining to reduce drilling

The Government of Canada also recognizes the need for comprehensive policies to create market demand for clean technologies. This involves setting clear regulatory standards and offering incentives to encourage businesses and consumers to adopt greener technologies.

Additionally, the Government of Canada is using public procurement to drive commercialization. Through the Greening Government Strategy, the Government of Canada prioritizes buying clean technologies for public infrastructure projects. This creates a direct market for technologies that receive federal funding. These policies help establish the right conditions for clean technologies to be widely adopted and scaled up. This will be essential for meeting Canada’s climate goals.

Investing in research and development also helps foster more sustainable industries and develop the infrastructure needed to combat climate change. For example, the Methane Centre of Excellence, launched in March 2024, works with the private sector to improve the understanding and reduction of methane emissions in Canada.

The Government of Canada is investing $319 million over seven years to advance the commercial viability of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. The Energy Innovation Program issues calls for proposals from businesses, universities, non-profits, and federal laboratories to support CCUS research, development, and demonstrations. CCUS technologies could provide a means of reducing emissions from energy and industrial activities in cases where electrification or low-carbon fuels are not technically or economically feasible.

Green infrastructure and innovation

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By March 31, 2026, 34,500 new electric vehicle chargers and 25 hydrogen refuelling stations are completed where Canadians, live, work and play, including in public places, on-street, at multi-unit residential buildings, rural and remote locations, and the workplace	Minister of Energy and Natural Resources	Progress made but acceleration needed

Number of zero-emission vehicle chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations completed

Data Source: Natural Resources Canada

This indicator tracks the number of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations completed and in operation in locations where Canadians live, work, travel, and play. These installations result from commitments made in four federal budgets between 2016 and 2021.

Results – As of March 2025, there were 27,243 EV chargers and 8 hydrogen refuelling stations in operation across Canada. This represents a significant increase from zero EV chargers in 2016 and is on track to reach the 2026 interim target of 34,500. However, progress has been slower for hydrogen refuelling stations. As a result, the overall assessment for this indicator is “Progress made but acceleration needed”. The slower pace of progress for hydrogen refuelling stations is due in part to:

• the complexity and duration of projects
• requirement for specialized equipment and skilled labour
• limited construction seasons

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By March 31, 2027, contribute to the deployment of 50,000 new zero-emission vehicle chargers and refuelling stations	Minister of Energy and Natural Resources	On track

Number of electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations selected for funding

Data Source: Natural Resources Canada

This indicator tracks the number of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations selected for funding that are due to be deployed across Canada by March 31, 2027. The funding comes from investments announced in the 2022 budget and other funding commitments. These include:

• the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
• Canada Infrastructure Bank investments
• Budget funding in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023

Together, these investments support the overall target of 84,500 EV chargers and stations by 2027. All of these EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations are required to be in operation by March 31, 2029.

The numbers shown in this graph include the EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations that have already been completed and are reported under the previous target. These completed installations contribute toward the overall target of 84,500 EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations.

Results – As of March 2025, the number of EV chargers selected for funding had increased to 59,752, of which 33 were hydrogen refuelling stations. This rate of progress is on track to meet the 2027 target of 84,500 EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations selected for funding.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Contributing to the deployment of 84,500 new EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations across Canada by 2027 is a central part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to reduce transportation-related emissions and promote cleaner transportation options. To meet this target, the Government of Canada has until 2027 to select projects for funding. Owners and operators have until 2029 to build the EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations.

These targets align with the broader aim of decarbonizing Canada’s transportation sector, one of the country’s largest contributors to GHG emissions. The widespread availability of EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations will facilitate the transition to ZEVs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The government is making EV and hydrogen vehicle ownership more feasible and convenient for Canadians by increasing access to chargers and refuelling stations in key locations such as public spaces, workplaces, and multi-residential buildings.

The deployment of these EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations is supported by numerous government programs and partnerships, including:

• the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
• the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (now closed)
• Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative

These initiatives provide funding to build public and private EV charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure in places where Canadians live, work, travel, and play. The Government of Canada is also supporting the development of faster and more efficient EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations. The goal is to improve the user experience and make ZEV ownership more appealing.

For instance, installing ultra-fast chargers along highways and key transportation corridors will make long-distance travel in EVs easier. This helps address one of the main concerns for potential EV buyers. Similarly, advancements in hydrogen refuelling technology are making it faster and easier to refuel hydrogen-powered vehicles. This is essential for supporting the growth of the hydrogen vehicle market.

Green infrastructure and innovation

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By fiscal year 2027 to 2028, the federal share of the value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada Plan will reach $27.6 billion	Minister of Housing and Infrastructure	On track

Value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada Plan

Data Source: Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada

The Investing in Canada Plan (IICP) is a twelve-year, horizontal initiative running from 2016 to 2028. It is investing over $180 billion in infrastructure to benefit Canadians. These investments support public transit, trading ports, broadband networks, energy systems, community services and natural spaces. This indicator tracks funding from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the IICP. This stream supports investments in infrastructure that reduce GHG emissions, promote climate adaptation and resilience, reduce the impact of natural disasters, and improve environmental quality.

The target of $27.6 billion has two components:

• $22.6 billion in IICP program funding for green infrastructure projects, and
• a $5 billion maximum fiscal expense for Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) investments in green infrastructure projects under the IICP.

While $10.4 billion has been loaned by the CIB to date, fiscal expenses will only be known when loans reach maturity. To date, the CIB has not incurred any realized losses for that portion of its portfolio, and so the target assessment is based on IICP program investments only.

Results – The value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada Plan has increased to $21.1 billion in 2025, up from $18.3 billion in 2022. This progress puts Canada on track to meet the target of $22.6 billion by the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

These results do not include green infrastructure projects approved under the IICP for the following three programs:

• Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
• Transport Canada’s Climate Risk Assessments
• Transport Canada’s Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations

As of 2025, the CIB has invested $10.4 billion in projects that aim to reduce GHG emissions and have reached financial close. This total includes all CIB projects where GHG reduction is the primary outcome. These projects are in three priority sectors: public transit, clean power, and green infrastructure.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Green infrastructure investments are essential for reducing GHG emissions, improving climate resilience, and fostering sustainable economic growth. These investments help develop renewable energy projects, energy-efficient buildings, clean water systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure. They are expected to generate thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and clean technology sectors, while helping communities become more resilient to climate change.

Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada works with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. Together, they ensure that green infrastructure projects are locally tailored and contribute to Canada’s sustainability goals. This funding supports projects that reduce environmental impact, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians. These projects also advance the Government of Canada’s broader climate goals.

A significant proportion of green infrastructure investments is used to upgrade existing infrastructure to make it more sustainable and climate resilient. This includes retrofitting public buildings, upgrading water and wastewater systems, and improving public transportation networks.

The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund provides funding to projects that use structural and natural infrastructure to help communities prepare for and withstand natural disasters. These projects also aim to prevent infrastructure failures and protect Canadians.

To complement the development of resilient public infrastructure, the Government of Canada is working to ensure that Canada’s infrastructure is prepared for the future while reducing its carbon footprint. This is being achieved by improving the energy efficiency of public infrastructure and supporting the adoption of clean technologies.

For example, projects that improve energy efficiency in buildings help reduce energy consumption and lower costs and energy bills for municipalities. These investments also help reduce Canada’s GHG emissions, supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

In addition to upgrading existing infrastructure, the Investing in Canada Plan also focuses on building new green infrastructure projects. These projects help communities transition to a low-carbon economy. Funding supports:

• renewable energy projects, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power
• energy storage solutions that improve the reliability and stability of Canada’s energy grid

By investing in clean energy infrastructure, the Government of Canada is reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. These projects also support Canada’s climate goals, stimulate innovation in the clean technology sector, create new economic opportunities, and position Canada as a global leader in green technology development.

In addition to investments under the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada is also investing in green infrastructure and natural infrastructure projects through programs such as:

• the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program
• the Natural Infrastructure Fund
• the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund
• the First Nation Infrastructure Fund

The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects involving natural and hybrid infrastructure, thereby furthering Canada’s commitment to climate change resilience while contributing to national biodiversity goals and targets. This Fund also aims to raise awareness of the potential of natural and hybrid infrastructure to provide multiple community services and co-benefits, as well as increase its use.

Collaboration between different levels of government and Indigenous communities is essential to ensure that green infrastructure projects are environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and beneficial to all Canadians, including those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

Programs such as the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program supports energy-efficient retrofits and new builds to net zero standards, which promote environmental sustainability in community spaces. The government is also engaging with Indigenous communities to ensure green infrastructure projects are developed in a way that respects Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge. These projects are funded through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund and the First Nation Infrastructure Fund.

The Government of Canada also recognizes the importance of standards in making infrastructure more resilient. Through the Standards Council of Canada’s Standards to Support Resilience in Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada is advancing the development and adoption of standards. These help infrastructure owners and operators assess climate risks, incorporate resilience measures, and ensure that projects are built to withstand future climate conditions. By embedding standards into planning and development, these standards support evidence-based decision-making, promote consistency across projects, and help safeguard investments against the increasing impacts of climate change.

Contextual indicators

Average percentage growth in R&D expenditures over pre-project baseline for Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) projects in their work phase

Research and development (R&D) plays a critical role in reducing environmental impact by creating innovative solutions and technologies. Since the launch of the SIF’s Net Zero Accelerator (NZA) in 2021, companies receiving NZA funding have increased their R&D expenditures by an average of 12.9% compared to their pre-project levels. In 2022, R&D expenditures were 14.4% above the pre-project baseline and rose to 14.6% in 2023. These figures are based on a weighted average of each company’s expenditure growth, measured against its baseline average. These results demonstrate that the initiative is successfully encouraging businesses to invest in R&D during their projects.

Capital expenditures directly related to Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)-Funded clean technology adoption projects

Capital expenditure refers to the investments required to bring a new project to its operational phase. Direct public funding, such as support from the SIF’s NZA, can help attract additional private investments. Since 2021, reported annual capital expenditures for NZA-supported projects have been $0.09 billion in 2021, $0.87 billion in 2022, and $2.7 billion in 2023, representing a cumulative investment of $3.7 billion. The significant increase in 2023 reflects the launch of several large-scale projects and demonstrates continued momentum in advancing Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Greenhouse gas emissions per dollar of value-added from the production of infrastructure assets

Greenhouse gas emissions per dollar of value-added from the production of infrastructure assets

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 36-10-0655-01 Infrastructure Economic Accounts, Environmental Perspective

This indicator measures the carbon intensity of major infrastructure assets during their production. A lower value means less carbon is emitted, which is the desired outcome.

Since 2016, GHG emissions per dollar of value added by the production of infrastructure assets have steadily decreased, with the reduction accelerating since 2020. In 2024, the indicator’s value was 0.1648 tonnes per thousand dollars, down from 0.2420 tonnes in 2015.

Percentage of SIF projects that result in Intellectual Property (IP) protection

Protecting intellectual property (IP) is a key outcome of projects supported by the SIF. It reflects how these projects contribute to innovation and long-term competitiveness. As projects progress, companies focus more on securing IP rights, such as patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, to protect their proprietary technologies and support future growth. This trend highlights the strategic importance of IP in Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Since 2021, early data shows that about 15% of SIF-funded NZA projects have led to at least one patent application. This means roughly one in seven projects are progressing toward formal IP protection.

Value of investments leveraged in clean technologies

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) helps increase participation and investment in Canada’s clean technology sector by lowering risk for early-stage, high-potential clean technology projects with high-risk profiles. This is achieved by providing non-dilutive funding—that is, financial resources that do not require giving up equity in the company—and rigorous due diligence processes. As of December 31, 2024, for every $1.00 of SDTC funding for clean technology projects, an additional $2.51 of public and private sector investment has been leveraged.

Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action to reduce inequalities - Federal perspective on SDG 10

Why this goal is important

Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and reducing inequality, contribute to economic growth and are essential for building a more inclusive and equitable society in Canada. Systemic inequalities continue to affect Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups. These inequalities lead to gaps in income, health and access to essential services. Closing these gaps is fundamental to improving the quality of life for all Canadians, particularly for Indigenous Peoples whose unique rights and contributions must be recognized and respected on the journey toward reconciliation.

The Government of Canada aims to foster an equitable society by advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act). It is also taking action to reduce inequality for other disadvantaged communities across race, gender, income, disability, geography, and more.

Efforts toward reconciliation include cooperatively establishing and maintaining a framework that fosters strong, healthy, and sustainable Indigenous nations. This includes recognition of the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples to their lands, resources, and governance as well as the implementation of treaties, self-government agreements, and other constructive arrangements between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown. Reconciliation also involves acknowledging historical injustices and colonial harms, supporting the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and investing in Indigenous-led solutions.

To reduce inequalities, the Government of Canada is working to improve access to opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and racialized groups. This supports inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and stronger social cohesion.

Together, reconciliation and reducing inequalities help build a more inclusive society where all Canadians, particularly those from marginalized, low-income, and racialized communities, can fully participate in the economy, access quality services, and enjoy a higher standard of living.

Target status

Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act	Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada	On track

The Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is reinforced by its enactment of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act). This law provides a statutory framework for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) at the federal level.

Under Section 6 of the UN Declaration Act, the Government must table an action plan in Parliament. Section 7 requires annual progress reports. These reports are developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples. They highlight the steps taken to implement the UN Declaration and track progress in advancing the priorities set out in the action plan. The reports also promote transparency and accountability and reflect the joint efforts and perspectives of Indigenous partners and the Government of Canada.

Results – In accordance with Section 6 of the UN Declaration Act, the 2023-2028 Action Plan was tabled in Parliament in June 2023. The Plan includes 181 shared and distinction-based priorities developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples. It sets out the key actions required to advance the implementation of the UN Declaration Act. The first progress report on the implementation of the Act was tabled in 2022. Future reports will be tabled annually.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and recognizes its role in supporting Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. To realize these benefits, collaboration and partnerships with Indigenous governments and rights holders must include meaningful policy action, investment, and legislative reform.

Section 5 of the UN Declaration Act requires that the Government of Canada work in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to take all measures necessary to ensure that Canadian legislation is consistent with the UN Declaration. This includes amending existing legislation and introducing new laws where necessary to protect and promote Indigenous rights. For instance, the federal Interpretation Act was amended to include a clause directing those interpreting federal laws to uphold, rather than diminish, the Aboriginal and treaty rights affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Taking measures to affirm Indigenous rights within legislative and policy frameworks will lead to a future in which Indigenous Peoples are fully empowered to exercise their rights without interference.

In addition to legal reforms, the annual progress reports outline the actions taken to implement the Action Plan. These actions include those designed to advance self-determination and reduce the socio-economic gaps between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians. The measures focus on key areas such as health care, education, housing, and economic development. These are all social factors that affect well-being and essential components of the reconciliation process.

The annual reports also provide updates on programs that aim to improve life in Indigenous communities. One example is the work to end long-term drinking water advisories (for more information, see the “Drinking Water and Wastewater” section under Goal 6).

Other examples include funding tools such as the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. This program is delivered by the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation. It helps Indigenous groups access affordable capital. In March 2025, the program’s funding doubled from a $5 billion investment to $10 billion. The program supports Indigenous equity participation in major resource projects by improving access to capital and lowering investment barriers.

The Indigenous Justice Strategy is being co-developed to address systemic discrimination. It also aims to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system. Another example is the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. Also co-developed, it is designed to give Indigenous Peoples more influence and control over early learning and childcare.

In addition, the Supporting Indigenous Women’s and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program helps national and grassroots organizations build capacity to advocate for the rights and well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other (2SLGBTQI+)people. By focusing on both rights and practical outcomes, the Government of Canada aims to foster a more equitable society. The goal is to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have the same opportunities as others.

Publishing these annual reports demonstrates continued progress toward meeting the goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes progress on Sustainable Development Goals 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

This process is built on transparency and accountability and allows the public to examine government action. It also gives the Government of Canada a clear roadmap to address challenges as they arise. As the Government of Canada implements the UN Declaration Act and the Action Plan, the reports serve two key roles: tracking progress and serving as living documents that reflect the evolving relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples. This ongoing commitment ensures that reconciliation remains a priority, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.

Taking action on inequality

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority	President of the Treasury Board	Target not achieved

Percentage of Government of Canada employees who are women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority as compared to the workforce availability

Data Source: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

This indicator compares the percentage of federal public service employees who identify as belonging to one or more of four priority groups: women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority. It compares this percentage to the availability of these groups in the overall workforce.

If the percentage of employees belonging to all four groups meets or exceeds the availability in the workforce, the indicator is assessed as “Target achieved”. If the percentage of employees is below the workforce availability for one or more of these groups, the indicator is assessed as “Target not achieved”.

Results – In 2023-2024, the percentage of employees who are women, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities was higher than their availability in the workforce. However, the percentage of employees with a disability was lower than workforce availability. For this reason, the target was not met.

Despite this, progress has been made. The percentage of employees with a disability rose from 5.2% in 2019-2020 to 7.9% in 2023-2024. This compares to a workforce availability of 12.0% in 2023-2024. This improvement reflects the Government of Canada’s success in hiring nearly 7,000 new public servants with disabilities since 2019. This surpasses the original target of hiring 5,000 persons with disabilities.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Reducing inequality is a key priority for the Government of Canada. Systemic disparities continue to limit economic opportunities, access to essential services, and leadership representation of marginalized communities.

To address workplace inequities, the Government of Canada has introduced several initiatives to improve equity and participation, such as:

• Disability Inclusion Action Plan: launched in 2020, this plan focuses on improving employment outcomes, access to services, income support, and community inclusion for persons with disabilities
• Canada Disability Benefit Act: passed in 2024, this act aims to establish a Canada Disability Benefit to provide financial security for working-age Canadians with disabilities
• Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities: this program helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs, advance their careers, and become entrepreneurs

Another example is the Disaggregated Data Action Plan, launched in 2021. This plan helps fill critical data and knowledge gaps. It improves understanding of the experiences and outcomes of Canada’s diverse populations. The plan provides robust, disaggregated data to support evidence-based decision making. These data are available to all levels of government, businesses, policy makers, non-profit organizations, data users, and Canadians.

The Government of Canada is also working to build a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive public service. A central initiative is the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion in the Public Service, which aims to remove barriers and promote fairness across federal departments. The Action Plan for Black Public Servants is another key initiative. It includes career development programs and mental health supports, backed by nearly $50 million in funding over three years.

Other programs that promote diversity and inclusion include:

• Executive Leadership Development Program
• Mosaic Leadership Development Program
• Mentorship Plus
• Federal Speakers’ Forum on Lived Experience

Federal public servants are also required to complete training on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership. This helps ensure fair and inclusive decision-making across the public service.

The Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada supports departments in meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act. Its goal is to create a barrier-free public service and contribute to a barrier-free Canada by 2040. As part of this work, the Government of Canada introduced the Workplace Accessibility Passport. This tool supports employees with disabilities as they move between different federal government workplaces.

The Government of Canada is also advancing gender equality within the federal public service through the Pay Equity Act and the Pay Equity Regulations, which came into force in 2021. As an employer, the Government of Canada is developing pay equity plans for the core public administration (CPA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Separate agencies and federally regulated employers must develop their own pay equity plans. Due to the unprecedented scope of the exercise and diversity of the workforce, the Pay Equity Commissioner granted deadline extensions to post initial pay equity plans. These extensions included three years for the CPA, 18 months for the RCMP, and two years for the CAF. These extensions support the development of thorough and fair pay equity plans under the Pay Equity Act.

Contextual indicator

Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment 

Police-reported hate crimes

Data source: Statistics Canada, Statistics Canada. Table 35-10-0191-01 Police-reported hate crime, number of incidents and rate per 100,000 population, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Canadian Forces Military Police

This indicator measures the percentage of individuals who report having experienced discrimination or unfair treatment, with a particular focus on hate crimes. Hate crimes are criminal acts motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate. They are often based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

In 2019, police-reported data showed that 5.2 out of every 100,000 Canadians were victims of hate crimes. By 2024, this rate had more than doubled to 11.9 per 100,000. It is important to note that hate crimes are underreported. This means the actual prevalence of discrimination is likely higher.

Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada - Federal perspective on SDG 11

Why this goal is important

Canadian cities and communities are central to Canadians’ lives. They provide the foundation for quality of life and influence environmental, social, and economic well-being.

However, affordable housing remains a pressing concern. Many Canadians face housing instability or homelessness. Making housing more accessible and affordable can help reduce inequalities, promote social connections, and improve the health and resilience of communities.

This goal also highlights the importance of green spaces and clean air, which are vital for mental and physical well-being. Air pollution harms the environment and contributes to health problems, from respiratory issues to heart disease, and even premature death.

Improving access to clean transportation options and well-maintained public spaces helps reduce pollution, encourages active lifestyles, and brings people together. Reliable and affordable public transit also reduces emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs) and helps reduce economic inequality by improving access to jobs, education, health care, and other services.

In addition, preserving natural and cultural heritage sites supports environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Together with public transit, these sites help create more sustainable and inclusive urban and rural communities that reflect Canada’s diverse histories and identities.

Target status

Affordable housing and homelessness

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2028, reduce chronic homelessness by 50%	Minister of Housing and Infrastructure	Deterioration

Number of shelter users experiencing chronic homelessness

Data source: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Chronic homelessness is measured using patterns of shelter use. A person is considered to be experiencing chronic homelessness if they meet one of two criteria:

• they used a shelter for 180 days or more in the past year, which is called acute chronic homelessness
• they used a shelter at least once in each of the past three years, which is called prolonged instability

Because community eligibility can change, the sample of shelters used for this measurement may vary slightly from year to year.

Results – While the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness fluctuates, it has increased to 32,660 individuals in 2023 from 26,866 in 2016, an increase of about 22%. This increase may be explained by the growing difficulty of leaving homelessness, given that the housing market is becoming tighter and more expensive.

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2028, reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households	Minister of Housing and Infrastructure	Target achieved

Households whose housing need was reduced or eliminated

Data source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

A household is considered to be in core housing need if it meets two criteria:

• a household is below one or more of the affordability, suitability, or adequacy standards
• the household would have to spend 30% or more of its before-tax income to access local housing that meets all three standards

This indicator tracks the total number of households whose housing need has been reduced or eliminated through programs under the National Housing Strategy since 2017. Since the publication of the 2022-2026 FSDS, the target was raised to 580,000 households, based on the updated National Housing Strategy.

Results – As of March 31, 2025, 660,683 households had their housing needs reduced or eliminated. This is an increase from 316,634 households in 2022. It also far exceeds the original FSDS target of 530,000 households by 2028.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Across Canada, many families and individuals are struggling to find affordable housing. Addressing this issue is crucial for improving individual well-being and reducing pressure on public services such as health care and emergency support. Research shows that stable housing leads to better health outcomes, reduces dependency on emergency services, and supports long-term socio-economic stability. This makes reducing chronic homelessness a key goal in building sustainable communities across the country.

The Government of Canada is working to increase housing supply and improve affordability. It is doing this by delivering programs and initiatives under Canada’s Housing Plan and the National Housing Strategy, in collaboration with partners.

Launched in 2017, Canada’s National Housing Strategy is a 10-year, $115 billion plan. Its goal is to ensure that more people living in Canada have access to safe, affordable, and inclusive housing. This includes reducing or eliminating the housing need of 660,683 households. Over one-third of the funding is dedicated to meeting the housing needs of women and children.

Several programs under the strategy help to increase and preserve affordable housing. These include the Rapid Housing Initiative and the Affordable Housing Fund. These programs support the construction of new housing units and the repair of existing ones. Other programs that help reduce poverty also make housing more affordable (for more information, see the “Poverty Reduction” section under Goal 1). These programs ease financial pressure and improve access to basic needs like housing, food, and education.

In April 2024, the Government of Canada released Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada’s Housing Plan. This comprehensive plan focuses on three pillars:

• building more homes
• making it easier to rent or buy
• helping Canadians who cannot afford a home

The plan expands existing programs, such as the Apartment Construction Loan Program, to boost rental housing. It also introduces new initiatives, like the Public Lands for Homes Plan, which aims to build homes on available public lands.

As part of Canada’s Housing Plan, the Government of Canada is making sure that infrastructure investments help improve housing supply and affordability across the country. This approach supports the development of complete, sustainable, and inclusive communities. It links infrastructure investments—such as water treatment—with housing development, including affordable and rental housing.

In Budget 2024, the Government of Canada announced $6 billion in federal funding over 10 years to create the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund:

• $1 billion will go directly to eligible recipients over 8 years
• $5 billion will go to provinces and territories over 10 years to support water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructure needed for housing development

In addition, the Housing Accelerator Fund, launched in March 2023, is a $4.4 billion initiative. It provides local governments with incentives to remove barriers and support the development of affordable, inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient communities.

Federal investments targeting homelessness

Nevertheless, homelessness remains one of Canada’s most pressing social challenges. It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including Indigenous communities, individuals with mental health issues and addiction, Veterans, and youth.

Homelessness is a complex issue. Addressing it requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that combines housing solutions with mental health care, employment services, and addiction recovery programs. As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government of Canada has implemented Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Reaching Home provides funding to communities to help prevent and reduce homelessness. It focuses on helping the most vulnerable Canadians access and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.

To support Indigenous Peoples, Reaching Home includes two funding streams: Indigenous Homelessness and Distinctions-based Approaches. These streams support culturally appropriate programs in urban, rural, and northern Indigenous communities. The Veteran Homelessness Program also provides funding to organizations. It offers eligible Veterans rent supplements and wrap-around services, such as counselling, to reduce homelessness.

Supportive housing models that address the underlying issues contributing to housing instability are a key part of reducing homelessness. The Making Permanent Supportive Housing Work for Vulnerable Populations research project aims to improve how permanent supportive housing is delivered and expand its availability.

Efforts to reduce chronic homelessness are also supported by innovative data tools. A key part of the Reaching Home program is the requirement for Coordinated Access systems in funded urban centres. These systems help make services for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness more consistent, fair, and efficient. The Homeless Individuals and Families Information System, funded by the Government of Canada, supports the daily work of homelessness service providers. It helps them implement Coordinated Access systems and improve service delivery.

Public transit and active transportation

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2030, 22% of commuters use public transit or active transportation	Minister of Housing and Infrastructure	Deterioration

Commuters using public transport or active transportation as main mode of commuting

Data source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population (3901) for May 2016 and May 2021, Labour Force Survey (3701) and Labour Market Indicators (5375) for May 2022 to May 2024, custom tabulation.

This indicator tracks the percentage of commuters who use public transit or active transportation as their main mode of commuting. Active transportation involves using one’s own power to travel, including walking, biking, and non-mechanized or hybrid wheelchair use.

Results – In 2024, 17.4% commuters used public transit or active transportation as their main mode of commuting, down from 19.4% in 2016. The decline between 2016 and 2021 was largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 2022, usage has started to recover, with year-over-year increases leading to the 2024 value. However, because the percentage is still lower than in 2016, the target is assessed as  “Deterioration”. If the upward trend continues at the same rate as between 2022 and 2024—and active transportation use remains stable —Canada could still reach its target of 22% by 2030.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Canadians need convenient, reliable, and sustainable transportation to get where they need to go. The Government of Canada is encouraging the use of sustainable transportation options by investing in the expansion and maintenance of public transit infrastructure, zero emission buses, and new active transportation infrastructure.

These investments help reduce GHG emissions, improve air quality, and encourage healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. They will also stimulate economic growth, reduce social inequalities, and promote environmental sustainability by alleviating traffic congestion, reducing transportation emissions, and improving mobility in both urban and rural communities.

Government investments are greening Canadian public transit. Through its transit initiatives, the Government of Canada has supported the purchase of more than 13,000 buses, including over 8,700 zero emission vehicles. This exceeds the Government of Canada’s commitment to help purchase 5,000 zero emission buses. From 2020 to 2022, Canada saw a 31% increase in electric buses and a 16% decrease in diesel buses used for public transit.

Transit networks are expanding to keep up with Canada’s population growth. More than three-quarters of Canadians live within 500 metres of a public transit stop. Making transit accessible is key to encouraging the use of sustainable transportation. Investments in public transit—such as dedicated bus lanes, new subway lines, and light rail projects—aim to make transit a more efficient and better option for commuters.

Active transportation networks are also growing across Canada. Of the 28,122 km of bikeways in the country, nearly 23% were completed between 2020 and 2022. This expansion gives more mobility options to communities. Since 2016, more than 300 Government-funded transit projects have been approved in small communities with fewer than 30,000 residents.

The Government of Canada also supports public transit through the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF). Each year, the CCBF provides over $2.4 billion to more than 3,700 communities across the country. This funding supports a wide range of infrastructure projects, including public transit initiatives.

In July 2024, the Government of Canada announced a $30 billion investment over 10 years through the Canada Public Transit Fund. This averages about $3 billion per year, starting in 2026-2027. The goal is to support long-term development of public transit and active transportation networks and major projects in urban areas. These investments will help build dense, transit-oriented communities with adequate housing supply and affordability.

Air quality

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
Increase the percentage of the population across Canada living in areas where air pollutant concentrations are less than or equal to the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards from 60% in 2005 to 85% in 2030	Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature; Minister of Health	Progress made but acceleration needed

Percentage of Canadians living in areas where outdoor concentrations of air pollutants were less than or equal to the 2020 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards

Data Source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators

The Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) are objectives for pollutant concentrations in outdoor air that are based on health and environmental considerations. They are designed to promote continuous improvement in air quality. This indicator tracks the percentage of people living in areas where air pollution levels meet or are below the 2020 standards for four key pollutants:

• fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
• ground-level ozone
• nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• sulphur dioxide (SO2)

Results – From 2020 to 2022, 74% of Canadians lived in areas where outdoor air pollution levels met the 2020 CAAQS. This is an improvement from the 2005-2007 baseline of 63%, representing an 11% increase.

Although the trend has improved, outdoor air pollution was affected by several factors during the 2020-2022 period, including:

• ozone exceedances in southern Ontario
• PM2.5 exceedances in Alberta and British Columbia caused by wildfires in B.C. and the United States.

Despite these challenges, the 2020-2022 result is better than in 12 of the 16 reporting periods to date.

Note: The original 2005 baseline of 60% was updated to 63% since the publication of the 2022-2026 FSDS.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Air quality is a key factor of both public health and environmental sustainability. Poor air quality can result from emissions of air pollutants from human activities, such as industry, transportation and residential heating, as well as natural sources such as wildfires. Through the Air Quality Program, the Government of Canada works domestically and internationally to improve outdoor air quality.

The Government of Canada develops, enforces, and manages measures to reduce air pollutant emissions from industrial facilities, vehicles and engines, fuels, and consumer and commercial products.

Examples include:

• the Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Storage and Loading of Volatile Petroleum Liquids) Regulations, which were published in 2025.
• the Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits in Certain Products Regulations, which were published in 2022

The Chemicals Management Plan, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, helps protect human health and the environment. It does this by assessing and managing risks from chemical substances. The plan also plays a key role in evaluating how substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect air quality. In addition, the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy and the National Parks of Canada Fire Protection Regulations aim to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of wildfires, including their impact on poor air quality.

The Government of Canada works with provincial and territorial governments to implement Canada’s Air Quality Management System (AQMS). The AQMS includes the CAAQS and industrial emissions requirements. Stricter CAAQS for 2025 have been introduced for ground-level ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). A review of the 2020 fine particulate matter (PM2.5) CAAQS has also been completed. As a result, strengthened standards for 2030 were issued in 2025.

Canada works with international partners, bilaterally and multilaterally, to reduce transboundary air pollution. This includes the adoption of binding emissions reduction commitments under the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement (AQA) and the Gothenburg Protocol to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution. Canada continues to fulfill its emissions reduction commitments for SO2, nitrogen oxides and VOCs under both agreements, and for PM2.5 under the Gothenburg Protocol.

Preserving air quality requires strong monitoring and reporting systems. The Government of Canada works with provincial and territorial governments to monitor outdoor air quality through programs such as:

• the National Air Pollution Surveillance Program (NAPS)
• the Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network

NAPS provides air quality data for many purposes, including calculating the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). AQHI is a joint effort between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It offers real-time and forecasted information on air quality and related health risks, along with guidance to help Canadians reduce their exposure and protect their health.

Foundational research across multiple departments—including air quality monitoring, modeling, health impact studies—are essential for understanding air quality conditions and risks. This research supports the development and evaluation of policies and regulations. Canada’s cross-cutting approach is key to managing complex sources of air pollution and protecting people and the environment. Faster progress toward the target will depend on maintaining strong regulatory standards and launching new initiatives to reduce air pollution.

Green spaces, cultural and natural heritage

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
Designate national urban parks as part of a network, with a target of up to 6 new national urban parks by 2026 and a total of 15 new national urban parks by 2030	Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Limited progress

This indicator tracks the designation of national urban parks as part of a national network.

Results – Since the program was launched in 2021, some progress has been realized, such as identifying candidate sites and working with partners to advance six national urban park locations. However, no new urban parks have been officially designated since January 2022.

The Rouge National Urban Park, established in 2015 in the Greater Toronto Area, offers a blend of ecological protection, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. It remains the only national urban park that is both federally owned and operated.

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2026, support at least 23.7 million visitors annually to Parks Canada places	Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Target achieved

Number of visits to Paks Canada places

Data source: Parks Canada

For this indicator, a person is considered to have visited a Parks Canada place if they enter the land or marine area during business hours for recreational, educational, or cultural purposes. Visits by local, through traffic, or commercial vehicles are not counted. The annual number of visits is reported by Parks Canada.

Results – In 2023-2024, the number of visits to Parks Canada places increased to 23.7 million, up from 21.6 million in 2021-2022. This meets the 2025-2026 target of 23.7 million visitors. Visitor numbers dropped to 17 million in 2020-2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, closures, and limits on international travel. Since then, visitation has shown a steady recovery.

How the Government of Canada contributes

Urban parks play an important role in improving quality of life for Canadians. They improve air quality, provide natural cooling areas, and support mental health and well-being. National urban parks are particularly valuable for residents living in urban areas who may not have easy access to nature. These parks also promote environmental stewardship among urban populations by providing educational opportunities and encouraging public participation in conservation.

Expanding national urban parks helps make cities more resilient. These parks preserve critical ecosystems and offer natural solutions to climate-related challenges. They also provide habitats for various species, which helps support biodiversity. In this way, national urban parks help Canada fulfill its commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

National urban parks also support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. These parks can serve as spaces for Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship, and help revitalize Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and cultures. The Government of Canada sees national urban parks as spaces that celebrate Canada’s diverse cultural heritage while promoting sustainable land use and conservation.

In the face of climate change, national urban parks offer natural solutions that help reduce the impacts of extreme weather and promote resilience. Vegetation in these parks absorbs carbon dioxide, while green infrastructure plays a crucial role in managing urban stormwater and reducing flooding risks. As climate challenges intensify, these ecological functions become even more valuable, supporting Canada's broader environmental goals, including carbon reduction and climate adaptation.

Designating new national urban parks is a multistep process. It involves collaboration between municipalities, provinces, local authorities, Indigenous governments, organizations, communities, and other stakeholders. At each potential site, partners work together to identify a study area, conduct community and public engagement, carry out necessary research and studies, and develop operational plans.

A national urban park is officially designated when all partners sign a designation agreement. This agreement outlines:

• how the park will be governed and managed
• the roles and responsibilities of each partner
• financial commitments
• the park’s vision and key objectives

The Government of Canada plans to designate two national urban parks in 2025-2026. It is also working toward the designation of four additional national urban parks.

A key milestone was the release of the Interim National Urban Parks Policy in September 2024. This policy provides guidance on the designation and management of new national urban parks across Canada. It enables the formal designation of national urban parks and sets out the parameters for how they will be managed.

To help more Canadians access green spaces and cultural and national heritage sites, the Government of Canada is working to improve access to existing national parks. In November 2022, it announced $557 million in infrastructure funding to enhance the visitor experience and ensure sustainable access to natural and cultural sites. This funding supported upgrades to trails, campsites and visitor centres, and improved accessibility for all Canadians, including people with disabilities. Expanding educational programs and interpretive services at these sites enables visitors to better understand Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. These experiences foster a deeper sense of stewardship and appreciation.

The Government of Canada also encourages sustainable tourism to minimize the environmental impact of increased visitor numbers. Key initiatives include waste reduction programs, the promotion of low-impact camping practices, and the use of eco-friendly transport options within park boundaries. These efforts are designed to preserve natural landscapes. New reservation systems also help manage visitor flow and prevent overuse of sensitive ecosystems. By combining sustainable tourism measures with conservation priorities, Canadians can enjoy these spaces responsibly while reducing potential harm to biodiversity.

Contextual indicators

Air quality

Average concentration of 5 key air pollutants in Canada

Data source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators

The air quality indicators above track the annual average concentrations of the five key air pollutants in Canada. These pollutants are nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, ground‑level ozone, and fine particulate matter.

Between 2006 and 2020, average concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds decreased. Average concentrations of ground-level ozone remained mostly stable over the same period. Fine particulate matter concentrations varied over time, with a peak in 2018 due to wildfire activity.

Percentage change (from 1990 levels) in emissions of harmful substances to air

Data source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators 

This indicator tracks human-caused emissions of mercury, lead, cadmium, and their compounds into the air. These substances can harm the environment and pose risks to human health, both immediately and over time. By 2022, emissions had dropped significantly compared to 1990 levels:

• cadmium emissions decreased by 95%
• mercury emissions decreased by 91%
• lead emissions decreased by 88%

Population living close to a public transit stop

Percentage of population living within 500 metres of a public transit stop

Data source: Statistics Canada, Table 23-10-0313-01  Access to public transport by distance and public transport carrying capacity, geography, gender, and selected demographic and socio-economic characteristics

This indicator tracks the percentage of the population living within 500 metres of a public transit stop.

In 2023, 82% of Canadians living in large urban centres had access to public transportation. Large urban centres are defined as areas with a population of at least 100,000, of which at least 50,000 live in the core, as defined by census metropolitan areas. In 2024, this percentage dropped slightly to 81%. During the same period, the percentage of the population living within 500 metres of a transit stop in rural areas remained stable at 10%.

Proximity to neighborhood parks

Percentage of Canadians that reported having a park or green space within a 10-minute journey from their home

Data source: Statistics Canada,  Table 38-10-0020-01  Parks and green spaces

This indicator tracks proximity to neighbourhood parks. It has shown a positive trend since 2013. In 2021, 91% of people said they have access to a park or green space within a 10-minute journey from their home. This number is higher in large urban areas (93%) and lower in smaller cities, towns and rural areas (84%).

Visit to parks and public green spaces

Percentage of Canadian households that lived close to a park or green space reported that they had visited it within the past 12 months

Data source: Statistics Canada. Table 38-10-0020-01  Parks and green spaces

This indicator tracks the percentage of Canadian households that reported visiting parks or public green spaces. The trend has remained fairly stable, peaking at 87% in 2015. In 2021, 85% of Canadians living close to a park or green space reported visiting one in the past 12 months.

Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles - Federal perspective on SDG 12

Why this goal is important

Reducing waste and accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are essential for protecting the environment and combating climate change. In 2022, Canadians generated around 684 kilograms of waste per person per year, roughly the weight of a small airplane. Reducing waste, particularly single-use and disposable plastics, and improving solid waste diversion ensures that waste does not pollute Canadian communities and ecosystems.

In parallel, adopting ZEVs plays a major role in improving air quality and addressing climate change. Transportation accounts for 22% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it one of the largest contributing sectors.

Transitioning to ZEVs reduces carbon emissions and improves public health by cutting air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Beyond environmental benefits, better waste management and increased ZEV production create economic opportunities, benefiting the Canadian economy.

Target status

Management of waste, resources and chemicals

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2030, the amount of single-use plastics that is entering the environment as pollution will be reduced by 5% and that is sent to landfill by 3%	Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature	Unable to assess

The Single-Use Plastic Prohibition Regulations Compliance indicator is intended to track the industry's level of compliance with the Single-use Plastic Prohibition Regulations, which were adopted in 2022. These regulations prohibit the use of many common items, including checkout bags, disposable cutlery, drinking straws, stir sticks, and take-out containers. The environmental consequences of plastic pollution include harm to wildlife, contamination of food chains, and the release of microplastics into water systems, posing risks to human and ecosystem health.

Under the regulations, Canada planned to ban the manufacture, import, or sale of six categories of single-use plastics by 2024. The manufacture, import, or sale of these items for export to other countries was scheduled to follow by 2026.

Results – The Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations were enacted under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999, following the Government of Canada adding “plastic manufactured items” to Schedule 1 of the Act. On November 16, 2023, the Federal Court overturned this order. However, on January 25, 2024, the Federal Court of Appeal granted a stay motion, which prevents the November 16, 2023 ruling from taking effect while the Government of Canada’s appeal, filed on December 8, 2023, is ongoing. As a result, the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations remain in force. However, compliance statistics are not yet available. For this reason, progress toward this target cannot currently be assessed.

Nevertheless, key information on plastic waste and pollution is available through Statistics Canada’s Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material. The 2025 edition of this account provides annual estimates from 2012 to 2021 across the entire plastics value chain. Data are categorized by product category, resin type, and province or territory, and include total disposed plastic, recycled plastic, and plastic that has leaked permanently into the environment.

Disposed plastics refer to plastic waste and scrap (that is, plastics at the end of their life cycle). Some of this waste is traded internationally, or incinerated or gasified for energy recovery. However, most ends up in landfill sites or is incinerated without energy recovery. Recycled plastics go through a process that involves, at a minimum, collection, sorting and reprocessing. The recovered materials, typically in the form of plastic pellets and flakes, are then ready to be used in the production of new products. Plastic leakage occurs when plastic permanently enters the environment as pollution. This usually happens due to mismanagement at various stages of the plastics value chain.

Plastic materials disposed, recycled and leaked into the environment

Data source: Statistics Canada, Table 38-10-0150-01,  Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material, by product category

The amount of disposed plastic increased steadily to 4.6 million tonnes (mt) in 2021, from 4.0 mt in 2012, except for a slight reduction in 2020 likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, the amount of disposed plastic per person also increased to 120 kg per person in 2021, up from 114 kg per person in 2012. This increase is significantly faster than the growth in both population and recycling, suggesting that other factors such as higher consumption and product designs that favour disposability are contributing to the rise.

The amount of recycled plastic also grew, reaching 0.37 mt in 2021, up from 0.27 mt in 2012. However, per person recycling remained relatively stable over the past decade, increasing slightly to 9.6 kg per person in 2021 from 7.8 kg per person in 2012. Plastic leakage also increased, reaching 0.040 mt in 2021, up from 0.036 mt in 2012. Nevertheless, the per person leakage remained relatively constant at around 1.05 kg.

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
Reduce the amount of waste Canadians send to disposal from a baseline of 699 kilograms per person in 2014 to 490 kilograms per person by 2030 (a 30% reduction); and to 350 kilograms per person by 2040 (a 50% reduction)	Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, as federal lead in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment	Limited progress

Amount of waste Canadians send to disposal

Data source: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators

This indicator tracks the total quantity of non-hazardous solid waste that is disposed or diverted per person. It includes waste managed by municipal governments and businesses in the waste management industry.

Solid waste includes recyclables, organic materials like food waste, and garbage from residential and non‑residential sources. Non-residential sources include industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors, as well as construction, renovation, and demolition activities.

Diverted waste refers to materials that are recycled or reused. This includes any physical processing in preparation for recycling or reuse, such as sorting, cleaning, or composting.

Results – The amount of waste Canadians sent for disposal decreased to 684 kilograms per person in 2022 from 699 kilograms per person in 2014. This is a gradual decline of about 2%. However, this pace is not fast enough to reach the 2030 target of 490 kilograms per person. The total amount of waste diverted from landfills also showed a slight downward trend. It decreased from 256 kilograms in 2014 to 254 kilograms per person in 2022.

How the Government of Canada contributes

In Canada, waste management is a shared responsibility between federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal levels of government.

• Municipalities manage day-to-day household waste. This includes collection, recycling, composting, and disposal.
• Provincial and territorial governments create waste reduction programs and policies. They also operate some waste management facilities.
• The Government of Canada supports these programs through funding and collaboration. It also manages international and interprovincial hazardous waste.

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. This is the main forum for joint action on environmental issues of national and international concern.

A major focus of waste management is reducing plastic waste. Plastic waste in Canada is increasing because of economic and population growth. In 2021, Canada produced over 7 million tonnes of plastic for domestic use. Almost two-thirds of this plastic was used for packaging, construction materials, and vehicles. Only 7% of plastic waste was recycled.

This low recycling rate puts pressure on natural resources, ecosystems, and communities. It is also a missed economic opportunity. These materials could be recirculated back into the economy through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing, and recycling.

Since 2018, the Government of Canada has invested over $20 million to support Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and researchers to take action against plastic waste and pollution and support the transition to a circular economy. This funding leveraged over $7 million in public and private funds. It has supported science, education and awareness, circular solutions, testing of technologies and practices, community clean-ups, and actions to prevent and reduce plastic waste and pollution.

The Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges also support small and medium-sized Canadian businesses through the Innovative Solutions Canada program. These businesses develop solutions to address plastic pollution and waste. Since 2018, the Government of Canada has committed $26.8 million to innovators through 18 Plastics Innovation Challenges.

Canada’s Plastics Science Agenda focuses on research and monitoring. The goal is to inform decision-making throughout the lifecycle of plastics—from product design and collection to recycling and clean-up. Statistics Canada produces annual estimates on the production and fate of plastic products in the Canadian economy. This is done using the Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material. The Federal Plastics Registry requires companies to report each year on the quantity and types of plastic they manufacture, import and place on the Canadian market, as well as their end-of-life management.

The standardized and reliable data generated by the Federal Plastics Registry can also facilitate international trade by aligning reporting practices with global standards and helping Canadian businesses meet export obligations in markets with strict sustainability criteria. The data will be publicly available, enabling Canadians to make informed choices about the consumption of sustainable products.

Canada plays a leadership role internationally in advancing science, action, policy to address plastic waste and pollution. Key contributions include:

• spearheading the Ocean Plastics Charter (2018)
• investing $110 million to help developing countries tackle plastic pollution

To support the development of a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, Canada also:

• hosted the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) in 2024

• founded the Host Country Alliance
• participated in the High Ambition Coalition

Zero-emission vehicles

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
For the 2030 model year, at least 60% of new light-duty vehicle sales are zero-emission vehicles, and 100% of vehicle sales will be zero-emission vehicles for the 2035 model year	Minister of Transport; Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature	On track

Proportion of new light-duty vehicle registrations that are zero emission vehicles

Data source: Transport Canada

This indicator tracks the number of new light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) registered in Canada each year. It serves as a proxy for the number of ZEVs from a given model year that were available for sale.

Results – The proportion of new light-duty zero-emission vehicle registrations has been steadily increasing. In 2024, 15.4% of new registrations were for light-duty ZEVs, up from 5.6% in 2021. The upward trend reflects the rising consumer adoption of ZEVs. However, recent uncertainty in the auto market may slow future growth.

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
Aim is to have 35% of medium-and heavy-duty vehicles sales being zero-emission by 2030 and 100% by 2040 for a subset of vehicle types based on feasibility	Minister of Transport, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature	On track

Proportion of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle registrations that are zero emission vehicles

Data source: Transport Canada

This indicator tracks the number of new medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles registered in Canada each year. It serves as a proxy for progress toward the sales target for these types of vehicles.

Results – The proportion of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle registrations that were zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) increased from 0.2% in 2021 to 1.4 % in 2024.

However, challenges remain that hinder the adoption by businesses and organizations. This is shown by a decline in market share to 1.9% in 2023-2024 from 1.4% in 2024-2025. Despite this decline, the increase from 0.2% in 2021-2022 to 1.4% in 2024-2025 is significant enough to be assessed as “On track”. Even so, it may not be realistic to expect initial high growth rates to be maintained indefinitely.

How the Government of Canada contributes

The transportation sector accounts for 22% of Canada’s total emissions. Reducing these emissions by shifting to ZEVs is essential for Canada’s clean energy transition.

To support this transition, the Government of Canada has introduced policies and incentives to encourage ZEV adoption. It is also investing in infrastructure to accelerate this shift and decarbonize the transportation sector, including the federal light-duty fleet.

To make sure there are enough zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) available for Canadians to buy, the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard sets requirements for car manufacturers. Manufacturers must increase the share of light-duty ZEVs they produce and sell in Canada. The target is 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. The Standard is currently under review.

The Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program provided incentives of up to $5,000 for consumers purchasing or leasing eligible battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. All funds for the iZEV Program were allocated, and the program was paused in January 2025 and officially ended on March 31, 2025.

The Federal Clean Fuel Regulations require a reduction in the carbon intensity of fossil fuels used in transportation. These regulations include mechanisms to support the switch to ZEVs, such as the creation of credits and requiring reinvestment of credit revenue into the ZEV environment.

By increasing both the supply and demand for ZEVs, the Government of Canada hopes to encourage widespread consumer adoption. Furthermore, the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations set GHG emission standards for new passenger cars and light-duty trucks beginning with the 2011 model year.

Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles produce a high proportion of emissions relative to their numbers. Transitioning these vehicles to ZEVs is critical for reducing emissions. To support this shift, the Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Program offers purchase and lease incentives to help businesses and organizations switch their fleets to ZEVs. The Green Freight Program encourages logistics companies to improve their fleet efficiency and invest in low-emission truck technologies. These efforts promote fuel savings and reduce emissions in commercial transport.

The Zero Emission Transit Fund supports Canadian transit companies that are electrifying their fleets. The Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations set performance-based GHG emission standards for new on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines manufactured from 2014 onwards. These regulations also encourage manufacturers and importers to increase ZEV sales by offering incentives through credit multipliers for these vehicles.

Recognizing the importance of this sector, the Government of Canada launched the Zero Emission Trucking Program. This program allocates $75.8 million over five years, starting in 2022-2023, to accelerate the safe deployment of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles on Canadian roads through research and deployment efforts. These initiatives are further complemented by collaboration with provinces, territories, and industry stakeholders to standardize charging technologies and expand accessibility.

Widespread adoption of ZEVs depends on having accessible and reliable charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. To achieve this, the Government of Canada is investing in public and private charging networks to ensure accessibility for all Canadians, regardless of location.

Programs such as the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program have funded the installation of thousands of EV chargers across urban and rural areas. Making chargers widely available is essential to address "range anxiety" and build consumer confidence in ZEVs.

The Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative helps accelerate the private sector’s rollout of large-scale ZEV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations. These are needed for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Partnerships with provinces, municipalities, and the private sector are also helping to build a strong charging network for ZEVs. These partnerships help ensure that infrastructure development keeps up with the growing number of ZEVs on Canadian roads.

Federal leadership on responsible consumption

Target	Responsible Minister(s)	Assessment
By 2030, the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 75% by weight of non-hazardous operational waste	All Ministers	On track