Page 2: Health Canada – 2015-2016 – Supplementary Information Tables – Departmental Performance Report – Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

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Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development
2. Themes I to III: Department-Led Targets
3. Themes I to III: Implementation Strategies and Clean Air Agenda Financial Table
4. Theme IV: Targets and Implementation Strategies
5. Sustainable Development Management System
6. Strategic Environmental Assessment

1. Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013-2016 presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Health Canada supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities in this supplementary information table.

This Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy presents the results for:

• Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality;
• Theme II: Maintaining Water Quality and Availability;
• Theme III: Protecting Nature and Canadians; and,
• Theme IV: Shrinking the Environmental Footprint - Beginning with Government.

The following terms are used to describe the status of program performance targets:

• Completed: date to achieve the target was March 31, 2016 and work is complete.
• Behind schedule: date to achieve the target was March 31, 2016 and work is behind schedule; or date to achieve the target is beyond March 31, 2016 but work is behind schedule.
• Ongoing: The same target applies in 2016-17.

2. Themes I to III: Department-Led Targets

3. Themes I to III: Implementation Strategies and Clean Air Agenda Financial Table

3 a) Theme I. Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

GOAL 1: CLIMATE CHANGE

In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.2: Climate Change Adaptation

Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the impacts of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

Strategic Outcome 2: Health Risks and benefits associated with food, products, substances, and environmental factors are appropriately managed and communicated to Canadians.

• Program 2.3: Environmental Risks to Health
  • Sub-Program 2.3.1: Climate Change and Health

Strategic Outcome 3: First Nations and Inuit communities and individuals receive health services and benefits that are responsive to their needs so as to improve their health status.

• Program 3.1: First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care
  • Sub-Program 3.1.2: First Nations and Inuit Public Health Protection
    • Sub-Sub-Program 3.1.2.2: Environmental Public Health

Implementation Strategy 1.2.6: Work with Canadian communities to implement heat alert and response systems and provide information/education about the health impacts of extreme heat to public health professionals and the public. (Health Canada)

CAA Theme and Program Link

This implementation strategy supports the Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) program associated with the Climate Change Adaptation theme of the Clean Air Agenda (CAA).

Background

Climate change is expected to increase the risks to human health in a number of areas including air and water quality, extreme weather events, and infectious diseases. Extreme heat poses a growing risk to the health and well-being of Canadians as climate change is expected to produce a greater intensity, frequency and duration of extreme heat events. Communities and individuals are seeking information about the most effective ways to protect themselves, their families and those most at risk. Public health and emergency management officials in several Canadian communities are already taking actions to reduce their vulnerability to heat-health risks.

Health Canada plans to address the health impacts of climate change by continuing to provide guidance and expert advice to public health and emergency management institutions in the development of heat alert and response systems, as well as training tools for health professionals to reduce the vulnerability of their community to extreme heat. Health Canada will enable individuals and communities to increase their resiliency to extreme heat events by providing science-based information to health professionals, public health and emergency management institutions.

By preparing Canadians for extreme heat events, Health Canada is strengthening Canada's adaptive capacity to reduce the health impacts of our changing climate. Heat alert and response systems centre on efforts to alert health authorities and the public when hazardous conditions arise, provide advice on how health risks can be minimized, and offer assistance to those in need during emergency situations.

Performance Summary

Extreme heat poses a growing risk to the health and well-being of Canadians, as climate change is expected to produce heat events with greater intensity, frequency and duration. By implementing appropriate preparation measures such as effective heat alert and response systems (HARS), and addressing the "urban heat island effect" whereby built up areas are hotter than nearby rural areas, the health risks of extreme heat can be minimized. Health Canada has shifted efforts from supporting the development of community-based HARS in at-risk communities to the development of provincial-level systems that would complement the system that is continuing to be supported in Manitoba and Alberta.

Existing community-level partnerships in Ontario have been merged under a new initiative to establish a province-wide consistent approach to HARS. In Ontario, public health units within the footprint of the (Para) Pan American Games (12 of 36) piloted partial or full harmonised heat alerting and messaging over the 2015 heat season. All public health units across the province intend to harmonise for the 2016 heat season.

Urban heat islands (UHI) can significantly magnify health impacts during heat events. In 2015-16, Health Canada supported a pilot project in Vancouver to develop "parklets" (a shaded space of refuge in an urban area with limited tree cover) to reduce heat impacts on vulnerable populations in impoverished neighbourhoods; hosted three "Cool Communities" webinars where over 350 stakeholders learned about innovative community-level initiatives to reduce UHI, and initiated a project in Ontario to develop UHI maps for the province's largest cities.

Implementation Strategy 1.2.7: Address the health effects of climate change by funding community-based research and assessment projects that enable northern First Nations and Inuit communities to develop climate change adaptation strategies and action plans. (Health Canada)

CAA Theme and Program Link

This implementation strategy supports the Climate Change and Health Adaptation for Northern First Nations and Inuit Communities program associated with the Climate Change Adaptation theme of the CAA.

Background

Health Canada's Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program (CCHAP) for Northern First Nations and Inuit Communities is unique among the adaptation programs in that it focuses on supporting northern community adaptation strategies in order to reduce human health risks. Its purpose is to build capacity by funding community-driven participatory research in cooperation with Aboriginal associations, academics, governments and agencies. This support will enable communities to develop relevant health-related adaptation plans and communication materials that will help in adaptation decision-making at the community, regional, national and circumpolar levels with respect to human health and a changing environment.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, the CCHAP funded 15 successful community-driven projects (nine projects led by First Nations communities and six projects led by Inuit communities) across the Canadian Arctic, including funding to three new communities. Health Canada has funded 59 community-based research projects since work began on this target in 2012. These 59 projects examined the impacts of climate change on food security, safe route access, and traditional medicine.

GOAL 2: AIR POLLUTION

Minimize the threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems.

Target 2.1: Outdoor Air Pollutants

Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reducing emissions of air pollutants in support of Air Quality Management System objectives.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

Strategic Outcome 2: Health risks and benefits associated with food, products, substances, and environmental factors are appropriately managed and communicated to Canadians.

• Program 2.3: Environmental Risks to Health
  • Sub-Program 2.3.2: Air Quality

Implementation Strategy 2.1.11: Communicate outdoor air pollution health risks to Canadians through the Air Quality Health Index, which provides current and forecast air-quality information and advice on health risks in order to assist Canadians in making decisions on how to reduce their level of exposure. Continue development of the Air Quality Health Index and continue implementation in all provinces and major communities in the North to achieve access for 80% of the Canadian population. (Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada)

CAA Theme and Program Link

This implementation strategy supports the Data Collection and Reporting for Atmospheric Pollutants program associated with the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) theme of the Clean Air Agenda (CAA).

Background

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool designed to help Canadians make decisions in real time on a daily basis to protect their health by limiting short-term exposure to air pollution and adjusting their activity levels during increased levels of air pollution. It also provides advice on how Canadians can improve the quality of the air they breathe. This Index pays particular attention to people who are sensitive to air pollution and provides them with advice on how to protect their health during air quality levels associated with low, moderate, high and very high health risks. This tool has been developed by Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, in collaboration with the provinces and key health and environment stakeholders.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, the AQHI continued to increase its coverage across Canada and now reaches 79% of the population in 10 provinces and one territory. This is a 10% increase in coverage since 2014-15. In addition, an agreement has been concluded to expand and promote the AQHI in the Yukon.

Outreach and communications activities to promote awareness of the AQHI continued, including promotion of the AQHI on a new WeatherActive smartphone application during the (Para) Pan American Games in Toronto; 5000 face-to-face interactions highlighting the AQHI through a partnership with the Running Room; and continued promotion of the AQHI on The Weather Network. A new AQHI smart phone application was also developed with the Government of Alberta. An ongoing collaboration with the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and Manitoba Fire Services resulted in new guidelines for communicating air quality health risks during forest fires, while research continued on using the AQHI in rural areas.

Implementation Strategy 2.1.13: Undertake and deliver scientific research, monitoring, modeling, testing, data analysis and science advice to inform regulations, policies, programs, science assessments, and services as well as to evaluate effectiveness of actions. (Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada)

CAA Theme and Program Link

This implementation strategy supports the Atmospheric Research, Monitoring and Modelling program and the Health and Environmental Impacts of Air Pollutants program associated with the CARA theme of the CAA.

Background

This activity supports improvements to air quality and associated human health risks through research and assessment of the health risks posed by substances Canadians may be exposed to from ambient air and by supporting the development of ambient air quality standards.

Under the CARA and supporting implementation of the Air Quality Management System (AQMS), Health Canada plays an important role in improving ambient air quality and protecting the health of Canadians through a broad range of activities. Research studies are conducted to determine what substances Canadians may be exposed to from ambient air. Health risk assessments on these and other substances are carried out in order to develop ambient air quality standards that are used by public health professionals and regulators to better manage air quality. Conventional fuels and their alternatives, as well as fuel emission management technologies, are assessed for any potential adverse health impacts from their use or introduction into the Canadian marketplace.

Expected achievements over the three year period of the 2013-2016 FSDS include completion of health risk assessments for priority air pollutants and key industrial sectors to inform the development of regulations, guidelines and standards under the AQMS to improve outdoor air quality.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, Health Canada completed two major assessments: the Human Health Risk Assessment for Ambient Nitrogen Dioxide and the Human Health Risk Assessment for Diesel Exhaust, publishing summary documents in the Canada Gazette. The second Shale Gas Interim Report was also finalized and provided to stakeholders. The planned publication of some industrial sector assessments, however, was further delayed. As these reports are based on a new and complex analytical procedure being developed by Health Canada, they require significant internal and external review and verification.

Health Canada also completed assessments for Environment and Climate Change Canada on the potential health benefits from arctic marine emissions reductions and health impacts from lead emissions, and published the human health risk assessments for sulphur dioxide and for coarse particulate matter.

Health Canada scientists published more than 50 air pollution research papers in 2015-16 on air pollution exposure and the epidemiology and toxicology of air pollution, in addition to the 25 completed in 2014-15. Research included health impacts of short- and long-term exposure to air pollutants from a variety of sources; exposure to industrial emissions and the related respiratory health problems in young children; exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and the associated potential adverse birth outcomes; and, studies of exposure to air pollutants in vehicles.

Research on air quality and health generated 60 (100% of planned) knowledge transfer activities including client meetings, reports, publications and presentations. For example, the Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort study (CanCHEC), a national study examining the long-term effects of exposure to combustion-related pollution from outdoor sources conducted in Canada, identified mortality risk estimates for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which were included in the Global Burden of Disease estimates. The Global Burden of Disease is considered to be the "largest and most comprehensive effort to measure epidemiological levels and trends worldwide".

In terms of trend data collected to show improvements in air quality and Canadian health status, the Air Health Indicator (AHI) also advanced. The AHI estimates and tracks air pollution-related public health risks on an annual basis. For example, in 2013-14, the baseline for air quality and health benefit improvements was set to inform the AHI. In 2015-16, updated cardiopulmonary mortality and morbidity data were obtained. Also, changes in annual or seasonal cardiopulmonary-related drug data at the provincial level were examined in relation to the changes in mortality and morbidity. The current AHI tracks the percentage of all cardiopulmonary mortality risks that can be attributed to exposure of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. Ongoing work on the AHI includes providing a more detailed overview of mortality by gender and age, determining the association between air pollution and morbidity (i.e., hospital admissions), and providing multi-pollutant risk estimates using advanced two-pollutant analytical models.

Implementation Strategy 2.1.19: Continue to work collaboratively with provinces, territories and stakeholders to implement the AQMS, which includes new ambient air quality standards, a framework for managing air quality through local air zones and regional airsheds, and emissions requirements for major industrial sectors and equipment types. (Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada)

CAA Theme and Program Link

This implementation strategy supports the Science Integration, Accountability and Benefits of Action program and the Atmospheric Pollutants Policy program associated with the CARA theme of the CAA.

Background

This activity ensures a coherent approach to managing air quality through Health Canada's provision of research, assessments and guidelines to provinces and territories. Health Canada's assessment of the potential adverse impacts of conventional fuels and their alternatives and fuel emission management technologies, as well as our cost-benefit analyses for proposed government options to control air pollution sources support the development of national industrial and transportation emissions requirements for key pollutants.

Health Canada, along with Environment and Climate Change Canada, will work with the provinces and territories and other key stakeholders, to implement a national framework to manage air quality (the AQMS) including new health-driven Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), local air zone management and emissions requirements for major industrial sectors. Health Canada research and assessments provide the health basis and guidance for developing actions to reduce the health risks from outdoor air pollutants.

In support of implementation of the AQMS, new health-based CAAQS will be developed for four key pollutants (fine particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide) through a multi-stakeholder process and established as guidelines under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The potential health benefits of new regulations, ambient air standards or other risk management actions aimed at improving air quality in relation to the four key pollutants referenced above are evaluated using the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool (AQBAT), as required.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, Health Canada continued to support implementation of the national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) by co-leading the development of new CAAQS and participating in the federal-provincial Mobile Sources Working Group addressing air pollutants from the mobile sector (e.g., cars and trucks). New CAAQS for sulphur dioxide were proposed to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment for consideration in 2016.

A decision was taken by the multi-stakeholder group developing the CAAQS to delay starting on the standard for nitrogen dioxide until sulphur dioxide was completed, in order to simplify discussions. The multi-stakeholder process to develop a standard for nitrogen dioxide is now underway, guided by Health Canada's health risk assessments.

In 2015-16, AQBAT was used to quantify the health benefits from five regulatory initiatives (100% of the target) that were proposed to reduce air pollution emissions from: boilers and heaters; reciprocating engines; heavy duty vehicles; passenger vehicles; and oil refineries. In addition, AQBAT analysis was used to support assessments of the economic burden of illness due to air pollution; of air pollution's impacts on life expectancy; and of the health impacts of forest fires.

Additional scientific research and monitoring activities, including health risk assessments, undertaken by Health Canada continue to provide information to risk managers on how to better target any required control measures under the implementation of the AQMS.

Implementation Strategy 2.1.20: Work with other jurisdictions, including the United States under the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement to undertake regional and international efforts to manage transboundary air pollution of concern for Canadians and their environment. This includes work towards the completion of the necessary scientific, technical and regulatory foundations required for the consideration of a Particulate Matter Annex under the Air Quality Agreement. (Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada)

Background

A significant level of air pollution in certain areas of Canada can be directly attributed to United States (U.S.) industrial sources. Additionally, some Canadian industrial facilities contribute to air pollution in the U.S.

Under the CARA, Health Canada is involved in research and assessments supporting implementation of a comprehensive air management quality system which will lead to reductions in industrial air emissions and provide the basis for negotiating a Particulate Matter Annex to the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement (AQA).

In addition, Health Canada conducts health science assessments in support of regulations to reduce air pollutant emissions from industrial sectors; and coordinated science activities as part of the Canada-U.S. AQA.

As part of this implementation strategy, Health Canada provides health science to support regional and international efforts with the U.S. under the Canada-U.S. AQA to promote strategies to reduce transboundary air pollution.

Performance Summary

Health Canada's research into the health effects of air pollution has an important influence on actions taken in other countries, both to protect the health of their own citizens and to reduce transboundary pollution. Recent research results coming from the Canadian Census and Environmental Health Cohort (CanCHEC) are significantly influencing the estimation of the Global Burden of Disease by the World Health Organization, and influencing the air pollution research agendas in the United States and Europe.

Health Canada shared results of its research on health impacts of air with the Canada - US Air Quality Committee, as planned. Health Canada also engaged with members of the World Health Organization on developing a new road map to address air pollution. In addition, Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada participated in international discussions with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition on the health impacts of short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon.

Target 2.2: Indoor Air Quality

Help protect the health of Canadians by providing health-based guidance and tools to support actions to better manage indoor air quality.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

Strategic Outcome 2: Health risks and benefits associated with food, products, substances, and environmental factors are appropriately managed and communicated to Canadians.

• Program 2.3: Environmental Risks to Health
  • Sub-Program 2.3.2: Air Quality
• Program 2.6: Radiation Protection
  • Sub-Program 2.6.1: Environmental Radiation Monitoring and Protection

Implementation Strategy 2.2.1: Conduct research, assessments and communication activities in order to provide health-based guidance on reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants. (Health Canada)

CAA Theme and Program Link

This implementation strategy supports the Indoor Air Quality Management - Biological and Chemical Contaminants program associated with the CARA theme of the CAA.

Background

This activity develops guidelines and standards to better manage indoor air quality and provides advice for public health professionals and Canadians on how exposure to air pollutants can be reduced.

Health Canada plays an important role in improving indoor air quality and protecting the health of Canadians through a broad range of activities. Research studies are conducted to determine what substances Canadians may be exposed to in their homes or other indoor environments, and how to reduce this exposure. Health risk assessments on these and other substances are carried out in order to develop indoor air quality guidelines that are used by public health professionals and regulators to better manage air quality.

Expected achievements over the three-year period of the FSDS 2013-2016 include the development of five new or updated residential indoor air quality guidelines for priority pollutants (benzene, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, 1,2-dichloroethane, and dichloromethane). Indoor air reference levels will also be developed for three volatile organic compounds. Options for the management of volatile organic compound emissions from building materials and select consumer products will be determined. Public resource documents will be produced to help Canadians reduce their exposure to indoor air pollutants.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, Health Canada funded, and provided health-based guidance for, the development of a new Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard limiting formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products used in residential building materials. The Residential Indoor Air Quality Guideline for nitrogen dioxide was finalized following public comments and was officially published. However, the planned publication of a draft Residential Indoor Air Quality Guideline for acetaldehyde was behind schedule as it underwent detailed internal and external peer review.

Health Canada continued to increase awareness about the health risks of indoor air pollutants, and to provide science-based guidance for actions to reduce them through a variety of outreach strategies. Health Canada developed or updated a number of communications and technical documents on how to maintain and improve indoor air quality in homes, including reducing indoor nitrogen dioxide levels. One important strategy included the launch of the third annual National Radon Action Month and the distribution of RADON: Another Reason to Quit factsheets to doctors' offices across Canada. Other activities included: media interviews, presenting at conferences, public events and home shows, communicating to the public through social media and through Health Canada's website, and responding to approximately 1,500 direct enquiries from Canadians.

Health Canada also continued to conduct scientific research on indoor air and health including a study on monitoring and modeling indoor levels of semi-volatile organics (a group of chemicals) in indoor air and publishing the results of a project on improving indoor air quality in schools. Ongoing studies will look at the impacts of household products and activities and ventilation on indoor air quality.

Implementation Strategy 2.2.2: Maintain a database of indoor radon levels in Canadian homes and buildings. Assess new methods and technologies for measuring and reducing radon gas levels in homes and buildings. Maintain a radon awareness program to give information to Canadians on ways to reduce their exposure to radon. (Health Canada, Statistics Canada)

CAA Theme and Program Link

This implementation strategy supports the Indoor Air Quality Management - Radioactive Contaminants program associated with the CARA theme of the CAA.

Background

Raising public awareness of risks and health impacts and disseminating information to mitigate the risk of indoor radon exposure are activities undertaken that support improved indoor air quality.

Health Canada develops new standards and updates existing guidance documents, codes of practice and protocols for measurement and mitigation of radon in homes and workplaces based on research and evidence. This includes working with private industry and key partners (e.g., other government departments such as the National Research Council and Canadian standard bodies such as the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)) to investigate and validate methods for radon measurement and improved technologies to reduce intrusion of radon soil gas into buildings. This will help to ensure homeowners, industry partners and stakeholders have tools and resources needed to protect themselves from exposure to radon.

Health Canada continues to raise public awareness of health risks from exposure to elevated levels of radon and inform Canadians of strategies to reduce their risk by supporting the annual collaborative outreach campaign and Radon Action Month and by partnering with provinces and stakeholders in the delivery of targeted outreach communications and programs to homeowners, health professionals and the building industry.

In addition, a database of indoor radon concentrations will be maintained and updated as new information is acquired from radon surveys, radon measurement service providers and members of the public.

Performance Summary

The Department, in collaboration with key stakeholder partners, continues to increase awareness on the health impacts related to indoor radon exposure and the actions Canadians can take to reduce their risk. In November 2015, Health Canada participated in the third annual National Radon Action Month to encourage all Canadians to test the levels of radon gas in their homes and to reduce radon levels if necessary.

In addition, as part of the annual collaborative radon outreach campaign, 25 stakeholders participated in education and awareness activities that included public presentations and the distribution of radon awareness materials at home shows, conferences, community and health centres. Page views to the TakeActiononRadon.ca website increased by over 100% in 2015.

In 2015, the National Radon Program continued to see an increase in public inquiries and visits to the Health Canada website remained constant.

The National Radon Program also continued to deliver targeted outreach programs to key stakeholders and at-risk populations such as:

• Five new Canadian Home Builders' Association construction videos were completed and are being distributed through various channels with the building industry professionals.
• Promotion of the three Point Home Safety Checklist promoting radon testing alongside the more familiar home safety messages of smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector installation.
• Engagement with the childcare sector to promote testing and encourage them to raise awareness about radon including the development of tailored outreach materials such as ready-to-use messages and radon testing information posters.
• Distribution of RADON: Another Reason to Quit factsheets to doctors' offices across Canada, the demand for which increased by more than 30% in 2015-16. Distribution of Take Action on Radon postcards to new homeowners through the Canada Post Smartmoves program, reaching approximately 700,000 homes each year.
• Promotion of a one-hour online accredited radon continuing medical education course for health professionals.
• Development and promotion of a co-branded radon publication with the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Health Canada has completed a mitigation actions follow-up study to the residential radon surveys. This survey is intended to capture data on why participants who tested above the 200 Becquerel per cubic metre (Bq/m³) radon guideline did or did not take action to reduce their radon levels. Result letters were sent to all participants of the survey.

As part of the radon federal building testing program, approximately 1,700 federal buildings were tested in 2015-16. Since the start of the program in 2007, approximately 19,200 federal buildings have been tested for radon.

Health Canada's Radiation Protection Bureau is working in partnership with the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) to create two national standards for radon mitigation, one for new construction and one for existing construction. These standards were to be published in 2015 however the timelines were revised to allow for public consultations. The publication of the two standards is anticipated in 2016.

Health Canada revised the technical content of two radon measurement guides: Guide for Radon Measurements in Public Buildings and Guide for Radon Measurements in Residential Dwellings. The guide for public buildings was published in 2015 and the guide for residential dwellings will be published in 2016.

Health Canada maintains a database of indoor radon concentrations. In 2015-16 the database was updated as new indoor radon data was acquired.

Theme II. Maintaining Water Quality and Availability

GOAL 3: WATER QUALITY AND WATER QUANTITY

Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems.

Target 3.1: On-Reserve First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems

Increase the percent of on-reserve First Nations water systems with low risk ratings from 27% to 50% by 2015. Increase the percent of on-reserve First Nations wastewater systems with low risk ratings from 35% to 70% by 2015.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

Strategic Outcome 3: First Nations and Inuit communities and individuals receive health services and benefits that are responsive to their needs so as to improve their health status.

• Program 3.1: First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care
  • Sub-Program 3.1.2: First Nations and Inuit Public Health Protection
    • Sub-Sub-Program 3.1.2.2: Environmental Public Health

Implementation Strategy 3.1.4: Support all First Nations communities in ensuring ongoing access to a trained Community-Based Water Monitor or Environmental Health Officer. (Health Canada)

Background

In First Nation communities, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and Community-Based Water Monitors (CBWMs) share responsibility for drinking water quality monitoring at tap as per the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ). EHOs assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality for bacteriological, chemical, physical and radiological parameters, interpret drinking water quality results, disseminate results to First Nation authorities and maintain quality assurance. CBWMs are First Nations community members trained by an EHO. They are responsible for monitoring bacteriological water quality and disseminating results.

Capacity to monitor drinking water quality as per the GCDWQ in First Nations communities is supported by Health Canada through the provision of funding to Chief and Council for drinking water monitoring through the CBWM program, and training of CBWMs to monitor the drinking water for potential bacteriological contamination as a final check on the overall safety of the drinking water at tap. EHOs and CBWMs are the primary service providers with respect to drinking water quality monitoring, and it is therefore important to provide them with the support necessary to perform their duties effectively to better protect the public health of First Nations residents.

Performance Summary

Health Canada worked with First Nation communities and provided funding to Chief and Councils for drinking water monitoring through its Community-Based Water Monitor program. Consistent with the results achieved in 2014-15, 100% of First Nations communities had access to a CBWM or an EHO to sample and test the drinking water for potential bacteriological contamination at tap. This access has enabled First Nation communities to sample and test their drinking water for microbiological contamination even where it otherwise would not be possible on a regular basis.

Implementation Strategy 3.1.5: Support all First Nations communities in ongoing monitoring of drinking water quality as per the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. (Health Canada)

Background

Health Canada assists First Nations communities in establishing drinking water quality monitoring programs. This includes verification monitoring of the overall quality of drinking water at tap, and reviewing, interpreting and disseminating results to First Nations and providing advice, guidance and recommendations for First Nations communities about drinking water safety and safe disposal of onsite domestic sewage.

Health Canada aims to ensure that drinking water quality in First Nations communities is tested on a weekly basis as per the GCDWQ. The GCDWQ set out the basic parameters that all drinking water systems should strive to achieve in order to deliver clean, safe and reliable drinking water at tap.

Over time, by working with First Nations communities to identify challenges with meeting recommended testing frequencies, Health Canada aims to increase the percent of on-reserve public distribution systems that meet weekly national testing guidelines for bacteriological parameters. Regular testing of drinking water quality offers timely identification of potential problems with drinking water quality, minimizing potential risks to public health and therefore contributes to increasing the percentage of First Nations communities with acceptable water and wastewater facility ratings.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, 48% of on-reserve Public Distribution Systems were monitored for bacteria at the frequency recommended in the GCDWQ. To better measure the progress achieved in all communities, Health Canada has developed, in collaboration with Statistics Canada, a new indicator that measures the average sampling frequency for Public Distribution Systems, rather than limiting the measurement to those systems with a 100% compliance rate. On average, Public Distribution Systems were monitored for bacteria at 80% of the recommended frequency.

This data excludes communities in Saskatchewan and British Columbia where the environmental public health services have been transferred to a First Nations community and/or organization. Health Canada will begin reporting annually on this key indicator beginning in 2016-17.

*The average testing frequency for Public Distribution Systems not meeting the frequency recommended in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality was approximately three times a month. The recommended frequency is four times a month. The observed level of compliance with the recommended monitoring frequency reflects the challenges associated with the management of very small water systems often, but not limited to, those located in rural or remote settings. Health Canada is working with First Nations communities to address these challenges and promote compliance, including identifying back-up Community-Based Water Monitors, providing training to replacements and assisting in monitoring water.

Target 3.2: Drinking Water Quality

Help protect the health of Canadians by developing up to 15 water quality guidelines/guidance documents by 2016.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

Strategic Outcome 2: Health risks and benefits associated with food, products, substances, and environmental factors are appropriately managed and communicated to Canadians.

• Program 2.3: Environmental Risks to Health
  • Sub-Program 2.3.3: Water Quality

Implementation Strategy 3.2.1: Develop on average five drinking water quality guidelines/guidance documents per year in collaboration with provinces/territories, which are used as a basis for their regulatory requirements. (Health Canada)

Background

Health Canada works in collaboration with provinces/territories to develop an average of five drinking water quality guidelines/guidance documents per year. These GCDWQ are used by all jurisdictions (provinces, territories and the federal government) as the basis for establishing their regulatory requirements for drinking water quality. Work is also undertaken with standards-setting organizations to develop harmonized North American health-based performance standards for devices or materials that come into contact with drinking water (e.g., treatment devices, pipes, taps, etc.). These standards are directly referenced in the GCDWQ.

By 2016-17, up to 15 drinking water guidelines/guidance documents will be approved by provinces and territories.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, four final drinking water quality guidelines/guidance documents were approved by provinces/territories. A total of nine final drinking water quality guidelines/guidance documents have been approved by F/P/T committees since 2014-15. In order to achieve this commitment on an ongoing basis, the program works on 20 to 30 risk assessments simultaneously at any one time.

The Department, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada, also continued to expand the Canadian Network of Public Health Intelligence's drinking water application to more locations. The drinking water application tracks boil water advisories and the reasons for which they were issued. This will allow the Department to identify trends over time, including reasons for advisories.

Theme III. Protecting Nature and Canadians

GOAL 4: CONSERVING AND RESTORING ECOSYSTEMS, WILDLIFE AND HABITAT, AND PROTECTING CANADIANS

Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.

Target 4.7: Environmental Disasters, Incidents and Emergencies

Environmental disasters, incidents and emergencies are prevented or their impacts mitigated.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

Strategic Outcome 2: Health risks and benefits associated with food, products, substances, and environmental factors are appropriately managed and communicated to Canadians.

• Program 2.6: Radiation Protection
  • Sub-Program 2.6.1: Environmental Radiation Monitoring and Protection

Implementation Strategy 4.7.4: In accordance with mandated responsibilities, provide environmental and/or other information to reduce the risk of, and advice in response to, the occurrence of events such as polluting incidents, wildlife disease events or severe weather and other significant hydro-meteorological events as applicable. (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada), Department of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (formerly Department of Fisheries and Oceans), Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (formerly Industry Canada), Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada, Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement Canada (formerly Public Works and Government Services Canada), Transport Canada)

Specific examples include:

Strengthen federal preparedness and response capabilities to radiological and nuclear emergencies by working with federal, provincial and international partners on joint planning, drills and exercises. (Health Canada)

Background

Health Canada administers the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP) and collaborates with other federal partners and provincial authorities to maintain nuclear emergency preparedness in Canada. The FNEP is the Government of Canada's plan to prepare for and manage the federal response to a nuclear emergency in order to minimize the impact on public health, safety, property and environment in Canada.

Health Canada strengthens nuclear emergency preparedness through planning, preparing for, and participating, in nuclear emergency preparedness exercises and drills; developing after action reports and action plans; and implementing priority action plan items to address areas for improvement, in collaboration with implicated FNEP partners.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, Health Canada conducted a number of nuclear emergency preparedness exercises and drills to strengthen nuclear emergency preparedness. As part of a series of exercises to test the revised FNEP (5th edition), Health Canada participated in Exercise Intrepid '15 in New Brunswick with response partners including the Province of New Brunswick and the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. Health Canada used this exercise as an opportunity to finalise and validate emergency preparedness documents. In addition, Health Canada participated in a workshop and a table-top exercise in British Columbia for emergencies involving a nuclear-powered vessel.

Health Canada maintained and operated Canada's national radioactivity surveillance and monitoring capabilities in support of Health Canada's obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Health Canada's FNEP responsibilities and as a basis for exposure risk assessment for Canadians.

In support of the Pan-American and Para-Pan American Games held in July and August 2015 there were a number of meetings, drills and exercises to test arrangements and confirm roles and responsibilities, as well as training on emergency management applications. Staff maintained a heightened state of readiness during the Games in case a response was required.

Target 4.8: Chemicals Management

Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment and human health posed by releases of harmful substances.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

Strategic Outcome 2: Health Risks and benefits associated with food, products, substances, and environmental factors are appropriately managed and communicated to Canadians.

• Program 2.3: Environmental Risks to Health
  • Sub-Program 2.3.4: Health Impacts of Chemicals
• Program 2.7: Pesticides

Implementation Strategy 4.8.2: Guidance and program policies developed by the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan program secretariat and the expert support departments are provided to federal custodians for program implementation activities. (Department of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (formerly Department of Fisheries and Oceans), Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada (formerly Public Works and Government Services Canada))

Background

Under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), Health Canada provides expert advice in support of activities associated with federal contaminated sites. Health Canada will increase its focus on providing guidance and training to federal custodians to support them in the remedial phase of FCSAP.

Health Canada's advice on risk assessment and risk management of contaminated sites undergoing remediation supports custodians in more accurately and consistently assessing risks related to human health.

Performance Summary

In 2015-16, Health Canada continued to provide expert advice and oversight to minimize the risks to Canadians posed by environmental factors related to the Contaminated Sites Program.

The Contaminated Sites Program continued to meet all commitments under the FCSAP, by providing scientifically sound expert support and advice to federal custodian departments for the assessment, mitigation and risk management of legacy contaminated sites to reduce risks to human health and federal liabilities. In 2015-16, Health Canada met all targets set for the provision of site-specific advice, guidance materials, and training sessions to custodial departments for FCSAP and non-FCSAP sites (e.g. proposed project sites under environmental assessment) across Canada. The Contaminated Sites Program also continued with the ongoing development of additional human health related guidance, guidelines, and other communication materials aimed at ensuring consistency across the federal government.

Implementation Strategy 4.8.5: Assess 100% of 1,500 targeted existing commercial substances as identified under the Chemicals Management Plan for risks to human health and/or the environment by 2016. (Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada)

Background

Health Canada activities include risk assessments of existing (post-market) substances and developing risk management strategies, policies and regulations for substances determined as harmful to human health, as a complement to Environment and Climate Change Canada's review of environmental impacts. These activities reduce the health risks to Canadians posed by substances by identifying those that may be harmful (harmful effects may include cancer, effects on the liver and other organs, effects on fertility, reproduction and development, etc.) and taking appropriate steps to reduce this risk.

Health Canada is in the process of assessing existing substances as priorities identified under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), both to determine whether they are harmful to human health due to their inherent properties, and the level of exposure to the Canadian public. Health Canada's research on the nature of existing substances and Canadians' exposure to them support the scientifically grounded, risk-based approach used to assess the impact of chemical substances on Canadians' health and to guide risk management or regulatory actions for substances determined to be harmful to human health.

Within the targeted assessment of 4,300 substances by 2020, 1,500 substances are planned for assessment by March 2016.

Performance Summary

Since work on this target began in 2013, Health Canada has published draft screening assessment reports (DSARS) for approximately 1,460 substances (97% of the 1,500 existing substances planned for assessment) and final screening assessment reports (FSARS) for approximately 490 substances (33% of the 1,500 existing substances planned for assessment). This was achieved through the substance grouping and rapid screening initiatives.

In 2015-16, of the total 1,500 existing substances targeted by 2016, Health Canada published screening assessment reports for those substances considered harmful, including DSARs for 48 substances (accounting for 3% of the total) and FSARs for 75 substances (accounting for 5% of the total).

Although the risk assessment work had been completed, Health Canada did not meet its performance target for the publication of existing substance risk assessments in 2015-16. This was due to a number of factors, including the need to address recommendations from the evaluation of CMP2 to review and streamline processes leading to publication. Dedicating significant resources to improving our systems, including the implementation of a new workflow and file management tool, was required given the increased volume and diversity of assessment publications. The Program has a new schedule to finalize the draft and final assessments of the remaining substances by September 2017. Health Canada anticipates that the backlog of CMP2 publications will be eliminated in 2016-17.

Health Canada released the Third Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada which presents national biomonitoring data on the Canadian population's exposure to chemicals, collected as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. The national data will be used for future monitoring and research and to track trends in levels of chemicals in Canadians over time.

Implementation Strategy 4.8.8: Address 100% of new substances, for which Environment and Climate Change Canada has been notified by industry of their intended manufacture or import, to determine if they may pose risks to human health and/or the environment within the timelines in the regulation or established services standards. (Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada)

Background

Health Canada activities include assessing and managing potential health risks associated with new (pre-market, not on the Domestic Substances List) substances, including nanomaterials and products of biotechnology. For new substances in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act, the Department also assesses potential harm to the environment. These activities seek to reduce the health risks to Canadians posed by substances, including the identification of those that may be harmful and taking appropriate steps to reduce this risk.

Health Canada's research on the nature of new substances and the products of biotechnology, as well as Canadians' exposure to them, supports a scientifically grounded, risk-based approach used to assess the impact of chemical substances on the health of Canadians and to guide risk management or regulatory actions for substances determined to be harmful to human health.

Over the three-year period of FSDS 2013-2016, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada will continue to perform risk assessments on approximately 500 new substances annually. Any needed risk management measures for substances deemed to be harmful to human health and/or the environment will be developed. Health Canada will also continue risk assessments of substances on the revised In Commerce List that were prioritized for further consideration.

Performance Summary

All 465 new substance notifications received from industry that had assessment due dates in 2015-16 were assessed (100%). Of the 465 substances, 379 were chemicals and polymers, 27 were products of biotechnology, six were nanomaterials, and 53 were substances regulated as Food and Drugs Act products.

All nominations received to the revised In Commerce List (ICL) (15 in total) were processed and all the substances that were found to be eligible for addition to the revised ICL (14 in total) were added during 2015-16. The 2015-16 target for prioritization of 1000 substances on the revised ICL was met (100%). All substances on the revised ICL have now been prioritized, meeting the CMP2 commitment.

In 2015-16, Health Canada also completed 100% (68 of 68) of proposed draft and final assessments for Domestic Substances List microorganisms.

Implementation Strategy 4.8.9: Ensure at least one risk management measure is in place for 100% of substances deemed to be harmful to human health and/or the environment. (Environment and Climate Change Canada (formerly Environment Canada), Health Canada)

Background

Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, Health Canada in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, develops and implements risk management strategies, policies and regulations to manage the potential risks posed by substances that are assessed to be harmful to human health and the environment. This implementation strategy relates to the FSDS targets by ensuring that timely risk management instruments are put in place to mitigate human exposure and reduce the risk to Canadians posed by harmful substances.

It is directly through risk management actions that Health Canada contributes to decreases in environmental concentrations and human exposure to harmful substances.

Over the three year period of the FSDS 2013-2016, Health Canada, in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, will develop and implement risk management strategies, policies and regulations to manage the potential risks posed by substances that are assessed to be harmful to human health and the environment under the appropriate federal statute.

Performance Summary

Targeted risk management activities were published in 2015-16 for substances that were deemed harmful to human health and/or the environment. Of the nine new substances that were assessed to be harmful to human health and/or the environment, all nine had risk management instruments developed and implemented within mandated timeframes. A total of 16 new substances have been managed since 2014-15. For new substances, mandated timeframes are established in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and typically range from 30 to 120 calendar days depending on the type of substance and quantities to be imported and/or manufactured.

Of the legacy existing substances assessed to be harmful to human health as part of the CMP, one final instrument for quinoline and one amendment to a final instrument for vinyl chloride (both substances deemed harmful to human health) were published in 2015-16. The final instrument for quinoline was published within 18 months of the publication of the proposed instrument, while the amendment was not subject to the same legislative requirements. In addition, a proposed Risk Management instrument (Code of Practice for DEGME) and a risk management scope (for 29 selenium substances from the Substance Groupings Initiative) were also published. A total of six legacy existing substances have been assessed since 2014-15.

Implementation Strategy 4.8.11: Prevent unacceptable risk to people and the environment through the regulation of pesticides by initiating 100% of the re-assessments of registered pesticide products identified in the Re-evaluation Initiation Schedule (Health Canada)

Background

In the delivery of the pesticide program, Health Canada conducts activities that span the lifecycle of a pesticide, including: pre and post market product assessments for health and environmental risks and product values; risk management; post market surveillance; compliance and enforcement; changes in use; cancellation, or phase out of products that do not meet current standards; and, consultations and public awareness building.

Health Canada leverages its international collaboration to provide access to the best science available to support regulatory decisions and promote consistency in the assessment of pesticides.

The objective of this program is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment relating to the use of pesticides.

Performance Summary

Following consultation with the Pesticide Management Advisory Council (PMAC) in February 2016, and in support of Health Canada's response to the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development 2015 Audit on Pesticide Safety, the Department published a new Pest Management Regulatory Agency Re-Evaluation and Special Review Work Plan 2015-2020. As well, a new consultation document, Regulatory Proposal PRO2016-02, Management of the Pesticide Re-evaluation Process, on an enhanced policy on the Management of Pesticide Re-evaluations was published.

In 2015-16, Health Canada met all established targets (100% of the registered pesticides under reassessment progressed according to the published work plan) for Re-evaluation and Special Review Programs. Specifically, final decisions for eight re-evaluations/special reviews were completed, and proposed decisions for 26 re-evaluations/special reviews were completed for public consultation.

In 2015-16, Health Canada was scheduled to complete 35 joint review submissions (32 Category A and 3 Category B). As of March 31, 2016, Health Canada had completed 100% of the required reviews in both categories; of the 32 Category A submissions, seven represented new active ingredients to Canada, 22 were associated with end-use products or manufacturing concentrates, and three were for major new uses. The total number of Category A submissions registered was 27, while five submissions were withdrawn or rejected. The three Category B reviews represented second-entry submissions (joint reviews of a product or active where the active is already registered) and all were registered (i.e., none withdrawn or rejected). Information on pesticide submission Category types is available in the Regulatory Directive DIR2013-01, Revised Management of Submission Policy (MOSP).

3 b) Health Canada's Clean Air Agenda - Financial Information on Actual Spending

4. Theme IV: Targets and Implementation Strategies

GOAL 6: GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS AND ENERGY

Target 6.1: GHG Emissions Reduction

The Government of Canada will reduce GHG emissions from its buildings and fleets by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.

Departmental Target

20% below 2005 by 2020.

Scope and Context

GHG emissions sources include only on-road fleet operations.

The Fleet GHG Inventory Accounting Template provided by Public Works Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and the Automotive Resources International (ARI) database is used to monitor and manage fleet operations.

As of 2015-16, Health Canada has decreased its on-road fleet-related GHG emissions by 38% from the 2005-06 baseline year achieving the Department's objective to maintain and/or exceed a percentage reduction rate of 20%.

Key activities include the replacement of old vehicles, adherence to Health Canada's Fleet Management Policy and Fleet Management Standard, as well as timely communications to raise employee awareness.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

• Internal Services
  • Acquisition Services

Performance Measurement

Expected result

Reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption of federal operations.

GOAL 7: WASTE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

Target 7.1: Real Property Environmental Performance

As of April 1, 2014, and pursuant to departmental Real Property Sustainability Frameworks, an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance will be achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.

Scope and Context

Health Canada is custodian of nine buildings (seven laboratories, two support facilities) totalling 91,048 m² and tenant in 195,900 m² of leased space that accommodates approximately 8,740 employees in 81 locations. In addition, Health Canada owns six health facilities which provide First Nations and employees the space required to deliver health care services to First Nations communities.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada worked jointly to transform their individual Green Buildings Strategic Frameworks into a shared Real Property Sustainability Framework. Greening practices outlined in the Framework are applied to all temperature-controlled office and laboratory spaces over 1000m² where benchmark information is available.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

• Internal Services
  • Asset Management Services

Performance Measurement

Expected result

An industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance will be achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.

Target 7.2: Green Procurement

As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will continue to take action to embed environmental considerations into public procurement, in accordance with the federal Policy on Green Procurement.

Scope and Context

Health Canada procures through contract over $186 million in goods and services per year, in multiple commodity categories. Although greening of our procurement can be integrated throughout our activities, the department is focusing on four prospective areas for greening its procurement; office supplies, information technology (IT) hardware, right-sized vehicles that are the most fuel efficient in their class available at the time of purchase, and ensuring procurement staff are appropriately trained:

• For office supplies, the scope excludes purchases using acquisition cards. The percentage of office supplies identified as having environmental features was 81% in fiscal year 2015-16 up from 61% in 2014-15. Health Canada will maintain a target of 80% through March 2017.
• For IT hardware purchases, the scope includes automatic data processing equipment (e.g. computers). Laboratory, field equipment and purchases using acquisition cards are excluded. The Department's objective will be to maintain a target of 92%, which has been achieved every year since 2012-13, of environmentally friendly IT hardware purchases that include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment.
• For vehicles, 97% were right-sized and the most fuel efficient in their class available at the time of purchase in 2015-16, as per Health Canada's Fleet Standard. Health Canada will maintain a target of 90% through March 2017.
• The number and percentage of specialists and managers in procurement and materiel management who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course or equivalent, in the given fiscal year excludes vacant positions and employees on extended leave. Our ongoing target of 100% for both specialists and management has been achieved and maintained from 2013-14 to 2014-15. For 100% of management, performance evaluations included support and contributions towards green procurement. This target will be maintained.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

• Internal Services
  • Acquisition Services

Performance Measurement

Expected result

Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.

Departmental green procurement target - Staff

On a continuous basis, 100% of procurement and material management specialists and managers receive appropriate green procurement training, and 100% of managers are evaluated on their support and contribution towards green procurement.

Departmental green procurement target - IT Hardware Purchases

By March 31, 2017, 92% of IT hardware purchases will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment.

Departmental green procurement target - Office Supplies

By March 31, 2017, 80% of office supply purchases will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies.

Departmental green procurement target - Vehicles

By March 31, 2017, 90% of vehicles purchased are right-sized for operational needs and are the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class available at the time of purchase and/or are an alternative vehicle.

Target 7.3: Sustainable Workplace Operations

As of April 1, 2015, the Government of Canada will update and adopt policies and practices to improve the sustainability of its workplace operations.

Scope and Context

Health Canada has approximately 8,740 employees located in 81 locations across Canada. Employees in other Regions may be located in major cities or in remote locations focusing on providing health services to First Nations communities. Although some unique situations exist, the majority of Health Canada's workplaces are offices with boardrooms and cafeterias that contain typical office equipment: computers, telephones, printers and photocopiers.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, through a shared consultative Sustainable Workplace Operations working group, have developed a Sustainable Workplace Operations Approach which outlines the commitment of both organizations to improving the sustainability of workplaces across the country.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

• Internal Services
  • Asset Management Services

Performance Measurement

Expected result

Departmental workplace operations have a reduced environmental impact.

GOAL 8: WATER MANAGEMENT

Target 8.1: Water Management

As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will take further action to improve water management within its real property portfolio.

Scope and Context

Health Canada is custodian of nine buildings (seven laboratories, two support facilities) totalling 91,048 m² and tenant in 195,900 m² of leased space, which includes warehouse space, that accommodates approximately 8,740 employees in 81 locations. In addition, Health Canada owns six health facilities which provide First Nations and employees the space required to deliver health care services to First Nations communities.

Through the implementation of its Real Property Sustainability Framework, Health Canada will define its approach to sustainable water management within its real property portfolio.

Link to Health Canada's Programs

• Internal Services
  • Sub-Program: Asset Management Services

Performance Measurement

Expected result

Water is managed sustainably in Government of Canada real property operations.

5. Sustainable Development Management System

Health Canada is committed to sustainable development and contributes to the FSDS by delivering on its vision:

Health Canada is committed to improving the lives of all of Canada's people and to making this country's population among the healthiest in the world as measured by longevity, lifestyle and effective use of the public health care system.

Implicit in this vision is the recognition that integrating environmental, economic and social factors into Health Canada's policy development and decision making processes plays an important role in minimizing or mitigating risks to human health for present and future generations.

Health Canada is managing and aligning sustainable development with its internal policy and operational processes through:

• its internal management structure.
• its expenditure, planning and reporting system.
• the application of analytical techniques.
• communication and outreach.

Internal management structure

Health Canada's Assistant Deputy Minister Champion of Sustainable Development leads processes and mechanisms, as required, to develop Health Canada's sustainable development strategy and to report on its implementation. Decisions about sustainable development and how such decisions are applied in the context of Health Canada's mandate are brought to Health Canada's senior executive committee for consideration and approval.

Health Canada contributes to the federal approach to sustainable development by participating in standing and ad hoc interdepartmental working groups and committees.

Integration with Health Canada's expenditure management, planning and reporting processes:

As part of the Government of Canada's reporting on FSDS, Health Canada presents its sustainable development commitments in the SD SIT to the Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP). The Department reports on progress against these commitments in its annual SD SIT to the Department Performance Report (SD SIT to the DPR).

FSDS implementation strategies that Health Canada leads or supports are integrated into the Department's Management Resources and Results Structure. As a basis for reporting, Health Canada measures and monitors progress against FSDS commitments as follows:

• Goals and Targets: At the government-wide level, under the FSDS, various environmental performance measures, otherwise known as indicators, have been established to assess progress against the FSDS goals and targets. These are presented in the FSDS. Some indicators that address the goals and targets for Themes 1, 2, and 3 have been developed by the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators initiative, with additional indicators coming from implicated federal departments.
• Implementation Strategies: FSDS implementation strategies are generally more detailed and departmentally-focused than the FSDS goals and targets. As a result, specific Health Canada departmental performance measures are used to monitor Health Canada's progress in achieving its commitments.
• Greening Government Operations (GGO): GGO involves government-wide targets for reducing the government's environmental footprint. Health Canada has established implementation strategies and a methodology to measure its progress in this area.
• Clean Air Agenda (CAA): The Government of Canada's CAA programming is captured as part of the FSDS. Health Canada's work, which contributes to the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) and the Climate Change Adaptation themes of the CAA, is identified in this document under Goal 1 on Climate Change, and Goal 2 on Air Pollution. Financial information on planned expenditures under the CAA for 2015-16 is presented in section 3b of this supplementary information table.

Application of analytical techniques

Successful integration of sustainable development into policies, plans and programs is supported by the use of analytical techniques and management practices that consider and incorporate environmental, social and economic objectives with the aim of preserving similar benefits for future generations.

The analytical techniques most commonly identified and used to inform decision-making and to manage risk include: cost-benefit analysis; workshops; risk assessment; advisory committees; and literature and case analysis. Risk management is embedded into Health Canada's evidence-based decision-making processes and provides reasonable assurance that policy objectives and desired outcomes will be achieved. Health Canada's approach to risk management is informed by the 2010 Treasury Board Secretariat's Framework for the Management of Risks and by the precautionary principle.

Communication and outreach

Health Canada's Assistant Deputy Minister Champion of Sustainable Development plays an important role in communicating the Department's sustainable development requirements and commitments, as well as Health Canada's Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) policy and objectives to departmental employees and other senior managers. Information about Health Canada's role in sustainable development, as well as tools and guidance related to SEA, are available on the Department's Intranet. Health Canada employees can also learn about their roles in conducting SEAs through an online course that was developed in 2015-16 and is available to all departmental employees.

6. Strategic Environmental Assessment

During the 2015-16 reporting cycle, Health Canada considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (The Cabinet Directive), as part of its decision-making processes. As Health Canada did not develop any initiatives that required a detailed analysis, no related public statements were produced.

As a means of supporting the revised SEA Policy, Health Canada continues to provide annual training to employees on the SEA process and requirements to help maintain compliance with The Cabinet Directive and to reinforce the importance of SEA as a tool for incorporating environmental considerations into the decision making process. In 2016, Health Canada released an online SEA course which is available through an internal resource centre to all departmental employees. Employees are encouraged to include the course as part of their annual learning plan.

Health Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of the FSDS goals and targets through the SEA process. An SEA for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on the FSDS goals and targets. The results of Health Canada's detailed assessment are made public when an initiative is announced. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been appropriately considered during proposal development and decision making.

In 2015-16, Health Canada's SEA process was applied to 100% of proposals going to Cabinet and Treasury Board, as well as 100% of regulatory proposals, to determine if there were positive or negative environmental effects. This resulted in the completion of 26 Preliminary Scans.

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