2018-19 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy – Supplementary Information Table

Development Strategy – Supplementary Information Table

Contents

• Section 1: Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
• Section 2: Sustainable Development in Health Canada
• Section 3: Commitments for Health Canada
  • FSDS Goal: Effective action on climate change
  • FSDS Goal: Clean drinking water
  • FSDS Goal: Sustainable food
  • FSDS Goal: Safe and healthy communities
  • FSDS Goal: Low-carbon government
• Section 4. Integrating sustainable development

Section 1: Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS):

• sets out the Government of Canada's sustainable development priorities
• establishes goals and targets
• identifies actions to achieve them, 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 reporting on the implementation of the FSDS and its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS), or equivalent document, through the activities described in this supplementary information table.

Section 2: Sustainable Development in Health Canada

Health Canada’s DSDS for 2018-19 describes the Department’s actions in support of achieving 

• Effective action on climate change
• Clean drinking water
• Sustainable food
• Safe and healthy communities
• Low-carbon government

This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Last year’s supplementary information table is posted on Health Canada’s website. Health Canada is also noting which United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) target each departmental action contributes to achieving. The Department has reported on 43 performance indicators that either contribute to a goal or target identified in the 2016-19 FSDS or are specific program activities that are supportive of broader sustainability objectives.

FSDS Goal: Effective action on climate change – Climate change is a critical global problem that could affect future generations’ ability to meet their basic needs. Adaptation, a key factor in addressing climate change, is about making smart, informed, forward-looking decisions. Health Canada’s contributions to this goal focused on adaptation measures, such as heat alert and response systems that helped Canadians improve their resiliency to extreme heat.

FSDS Goal: Clean drinking water – Clean drinking water is essential for health, while polluted water can cause serious illness due to bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. Most drinking water advisories are issued as a precaution; however, they can indicate that water could be contaminated and needs to be boiled before use, is unsafe for drinking, or is unsafe to use at all. The Department continued to work with federal, provincial and territorial partners to develop/update health-based drinking water quality guidelines and guidance documents for use by all jurisdictions in Canada to use as the basis for their own drinking water requirements.

FSDS Goal: Sustainable food – Canadians need to have a safe and accessible food supply that is protected from pests, diseases and other health risks. To protect the health of Canadians and the environment, Health Canada assessed regulatory decisions and actions to keep pesticides at acceptable levels in food and water.

FSDS Goal: Safe and healthy communities – Health Canada is committed to ensuring Canadians live in clean, safe environments that contribute to their health and well-being. Among other measures, this means improving air quality, protecting Canadians from harmful substances, and preventing environmental emergencies or mitigating their impacts if they do occur.

Exposure to high concentrations of air pollution, especially on a daily basis, is dangerous, and the health problems it causes impose economic costs from lost productivity, increased need for medical care, decreased quality of life, and premature death. Health Canada, along with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), worked with the provinces, territories and other key stakeholders, to implement the Air Quality Management System, a collaborative effort to manage air quality. Health Canada provided the health basis and guidance for developing actions to reduce the health risks from outdoor air pollutants. The Department also focused on increasing awareness and use of the Air Quality Health Index among individuals who are vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. Health Canada’s work to address health risks related to indoor air quality included the development of health assessments, conducting research, providing expertise, and preparing outreach campaigns to raise awareness about health risks. The Department worked with federal partners and provincial authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness in order to minimize impacts on public health, safety, property and the environment and provided human health advice to other federal departments that are cleaning up contaminated sites.

While chemicals are part of our everyday lives and provide many benefits, many can be harmful if not properly managed. Managing these substances, as well as assessing and cleaning up contaminated sites, protects our health and the environment and benefits Canada’s economy. Health Canada continued to work with ECCC to implement the Chemicals Management Plan This included addressing 1,550 remaining priority chemicals (of the original 4,300) and assessing new substances as they are introduced into Canada. Health Canada continued to play a significant role in developing collaborative approaches to conducting joint pesticide reviews, and in accessing the best science available to support pre- and post-market regulatory decisions related to pesticides.

In addition, work related to the Canadian Health Measures Survey and the Northern Contaminants Program provided invaluable data and research for scientists, health and environment officials, and communities to help inform decisions and develop policies aimed at reducing exposure to chemicals and contaminants.

FSDS Goal: Low-carbon government - Health Canada owns buildings and also leases space in additional facilities across the country which includes laboratories, offices, warehouses and other storage facilities. The Department also manages a fleet of vehicles and procures goods and services in order to serve Canadians. The commitments under the Low-carbon government goal outline the areas that Health Canada focused on to reduce the environmental effects associated with the Department’s physical operations and procurement decisions. Specifically, Health Canada took steps to ‘green’ its buildings, support the reduction of energy use in the Department’s fleet, integrate environmental performance considerations into all aspects of the departmental procurement process, and promote employee engagement and awareness across a range of issues from sustainable travel practices to efficient water use.

Section 3: Commitments for Health Canada

The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.

FSDS Goal: Effective action on climate change

A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius

FSDS Target: By 2030, reduce Canada’s total Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG) by 30% relative to 2005 emission levels

FSDS Contributing action: Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change

Corresponding Departmental action 1

Increase knowledge, capacity and tools to address climate change and health risks, including ways for Canadians to improve their resiliency to extreme heat, commonly called ‘heat waves’.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Starting point

In 2016-17, 30% of health regions were implementing evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat.

Performance indicator

By March 31, 2019, 50% of health regions will be implementing evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat.

Results achieved

Achieved – By March 31, 2019, 73% of health regions had implemented evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat.
Key activities conducted by Health Canada included:

• Expanded heat public health promotion through in-person federal, provincial and territorial stakeholder meetings, media and radio across Canada;
• Continued dissemination of guidance documents to health professionals;
• Convened meetings of the National Heat Health Community of Practice (HHCoP) with key stakeholders and conducted two bilingual knowledge exchange Webinars featuring health authorities and academics from across the country; and
• Developed a new “Staying Healthy in the Heat” infographic aimed at providing Canadians with tips on how to stay cool during extreme heat scenarios, and information on vulnerable populations and heat illness.

FSDS Goal: Clean drinking water

All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face are addressed

FSDS Target: By March 31, 2019, 60% and by March 31, 2021 100% of the long-term drinking water advisories affecting First Nation drinking water systems financially supported by Indigenous Services Canada are to be resolved

FSDS Contributing action: Work with partners on drinking water quality

Corresponding departmental action 1

Develop/update health-based drinking water quality guidelines and guidance documents in collaboration with Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) partners, intended for use by all jurisdictions in Canada as the basis for their drinking water requirements to help ensure the safety of drinking water in Canada.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 6.5 By 2030, implementing integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundry cooperation as appropriate.

Starting Point

100% (2016-17)

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of planned final water quality guidelines/guidance documents will be approved through federal/provincial/territorial collaborative processes.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of planned final drinking water quality guidelines/guidance documents were endorsed through the federal, provincial and territorial collaborative process, for use by all jurisdictions in Canada as the basis for their drinking water requirements.

In 2018-19, Health Canada modernized the process for developing guidelines for drinking water quality by enhancing transparency and streamlining content.

FSDS Goal: Sustainable food

Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians

FSDS Target: Ensure safe and accessible food supply by mitigating risks to animal and plant resources from pests, diseases and other health hazards and prevent risks to health of Canadians.

FSDS Contributing action: Use legislation and regulations to ensure safe and secure food

Corresponding Departmental action 1

Assess the extent to which regulatory decisions and actions are keeping pesticides at acceptable limits in order to protect the health of Canadians and the environment from risks associated with the use of pesticides.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2022, 100% of registered pesticide levels do not exceed acceptable limits in food and water.

Results achieved

On Track – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency tests food products for chemical residues as part of its National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program.  For the 2021-22 reporting period, Health Canada will report results using data from the latest available published report.

In addition, a new initiative is being developed to compare drinking water pesticide residues with the currently available standards, which sets Health Canada on-track to meet this objective.

FSDS Goal: Safe and healthy communities

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

FSDS Target: Implement the Air Quality Management System to: Decrease the three-year average of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compound emissions from regulated and/or targeted sources to below the previous three-year average

FSDS Contributing action: Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

Corresponding departmental action 1

Raise awareness of the health impacts of air pollution and support actions to improve air quality through research, assessment of health risks, and analysis of health benefits to improve the health of Canadians.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

Starting point

Health Canada science has contributed to the global understanding of how air pollution impacts human health. For example, the Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort study has provided the largest study of the health effects of air pollution in the world. Based on its science, Health Canada estimates there are 14,000 to 15,000 deaths in Canada each year due to air pollution from human activity. It has also been adopted into the Global Burden of Disease project, a global effort to measure and track the cause of poor health worldwide.

In recent years, Health Canada has completed comprehensive health risk assessments on fine particulate matter and ozone (key components of smog), nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide and on pollutants found in diesel and gasoline exhaust, and has used this information to guide the development of new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Performance indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of planned federal air quality health assessments, guidance documents, guidelines and standards will be published or distributed externally.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, Health Canada's Air Quality Program successfully delivered 100% of planned products, including:

• The Sioux Lookout Zone Children's Environmental Health Study research report; and
• Expert input into major resource projects such as the Trans Mountain Expansion project.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of planned knowledge transfer activities will be completed related to health impacts of air pollution.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of planned knowledge transfer activities were completed. These activities consisted of 13 peer-reviewed publications, 26 conference presentations and seven other activities that included client meetings, reports and the provision of research advice to internal decision-makers.

Corresponding departmental action 2

Raise awareness of the health impacts of indoor air pollution and support improvements to indoor air quality through research, assessment of health risks, and the development of indoor air quality guidelines.

Starting point

Health Canada has published a series of Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines, along with other guidance for Canadians on improving indoor air, including preventing dampness and mould, cleaning up after floods, protecting your family from carbon monoxide and ensuring good ventilation, available through Canada.ca.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of planned federal air quality health assessments, guidance documents, guidelines, and standards will be published or distributed externally.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, Health Canada published and/or distributed 100% of planned documents, including:

• A fact sheet on cooking and indoor air quality;
• Emissions testing for composite wood and laminated products, to support formaldehyde regulations;
• A retail campaign to increase awareness of health risks associated with exposure to carbon monoxide, and ways to help mitigate them; and
• Phase 1 of air pollution monitoring in ice arenas in the City of Ottawa and in Saskatchewan.

FSDS Contributing action: Provide information to inform action and decision making

Corresponding departmental action 1

Provide information to inform action and decision making related to indoor radon exposure.

Starting Point

In 2016-17, 100% of targeted stakeholders from across Canada participated in education and awareness activities related to radon.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of stakeholders will have participated in radon education and awareness, and communication activities.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of targeted stakeholders, such as non-governmental organizations, other levels of government, and industry (i.e., health professionals, radon mitigation industry, and the real estate community) participated in radon education, awareness and communication activities.

Starting Point

There has been an upward trend in the percentage of Canadians that were knowledgeable of radon. In 2013 it was 53%, and in 2015 it rose to 59%, according to the Households and the Environment Survey.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 60%-65% of Canadians surveyed will be knowledgeable of radon.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, the 2017 Households and the Environment Survey showed that 63% of Canadians surveyed are knowledgeable of radon, an increase of 10% since the 2013 survey.

Starting Point

There has been an upward trend in the percentage of Canadians that tested for radon. In 2013 it was 5%, and in 2015 it was 6%, according to the Households and the Environment Survey.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 8% of Canadians surveyed will have tested for radon.

Results achieved

Behind schedule – The 2017 Households and the Environment Survey showed that 7% of Canadians surveyed have tested for radon. The National Radon Program continues to encourage testing and is looking for new ways to address this challenge.

In 2018, contribution funding was provided to six projects across the country in order to promote action to reduce the health risks associated with indoor radon exposure.

FSDS Contributing action: Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts

Corresponding departmental action 1

Make environmental radiation data available to Canadians.

Starting Point

In 2016-17, environmental radioactivity surveillance data was posted to the Health Canada website (3,600 new data points) and the Open Data Canada website (6,129 new data points). Since the fall of 2017, Canadians can view environmental radioactivity level data in near real-time on the European Union's EURDEP web site. This represents access to over 2.6 million new data points every year.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of environmental radiation data will be available to Canadians and stakeholders.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of environmental radiation data was made available to Canadians and stakeholders.

Corresponding departmental action 2

Collaborate with other federal partners and provincial authorities to strengthen nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

Starting Point

Since April 2017, Health Canada has conducted 11 exercises and drills and met all defined objectives.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of planned nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises will have been completed.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, Canada participated in 100% (14) planned nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises. Through these exercises, 21 defined objectives were met.

FSDS Target: Implement the Air Quality Management System to increase the percentage of the Canadian population living in areas where measured outdoor concentrations are below the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter and ozone compared to the year 2000

FSDS Contributing action: Provide information to inform action and decision making

Corresponding departmental action 1
Provide Canadians with access to information that will enable them to take protective action to reduce impacts from air pollution.

Starting Point

80% of Canadians have access to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which is now available in all provinces and two territories.

The focus now is on increasing awareness and use of the AQHI among individuals who are more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution, building on the estimated 400,000 currently receiving AQHI communications.

Performance Indicator

By December 31, 2019, one million sensitive individuals will be reached by AQHI risk communications.

Results achieved

On track – In 2018-19, awareness of the AQHI was increased through use of partnerships (e.g., Scout Environmental, the College of Family Physicians, PharmaChoice and the Government of Alberta) to target outreach among populations considered vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution. These efforts reached over 803,000 individuals in 2018-19, which means that the Program is on track to reach the target of one million sensitive individuals by December 31, 2019.

FSDS Contributing action: Work with partners on outdoor air quality and chemicals management

Corresponding departmental action 1

Work collaboratively with provinces, territories and stakeholders to develop and regularly update Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) to drive air quality improvements across the country.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment

Starting Point

New CAAQS for fine particulate matter, ground-level ozone sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide have been endorsed by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and issued as federal objectives under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

The federal, provincial and territorial governments also agreed to review and revise the standards every five years, as necessary, in order to support the goal of continuous improvement in air quality.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, a recommendation on a revised CAAQS for fine particulate matter will be sent to the CCME for consideration.

Results achieved

Behind schedule – In 2018-19, the review of the CAAQS for ozone by a multi-stakeholder group under the CCME was on-going, and was completed in summer 2019.

The review of fine particulate matter is now targeted to be sent to the CCME by summer 2021 for endorsement.

New timelines were developed during 2018-19, so that Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada could provide additional information requested by stakeholders.

FSDS Contributing action: Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

Corresponding departmental action 1

Assess proposed actions to reduce air pollution for health benefits using the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

Starting Point

The Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool has been used to support the development of regulations to reduce air pollutants from, for example, vehicles, coal-fired electricity generation and industry, by quantifying the health benefits to be gained so they can be compared to the costs of implementation.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of requested health benefit analyses are provided to the requesting federal department within the established deadline using the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, the Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool was used to assess health benefits for three regulations limiting air pollution led by ECCC and one enforcement case, also led by ECCC. The amendments to the three regulations will limit greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, reduce methane emissions, and accelerate coal phase-out.

All health benefits analyses were provided to ECCC within the established deadline.

FSDS Target: By 2020, address the 4,300 substances identified as priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan

FSDS contributing action:  Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

Corresponding departmental action 1

Assesses and manage, where appropriate, the potential health risks associated with chemical substances.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment

Starting Point

In 2017, 88% of existing substances risk assessments were published as planned at the draft or final stage and 70% of the overall program target of 4,363 published risk assessments was reached.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of substances are assessed within prescribed timelines (Existing Substances – Annual Target).

Results achieved

Behind schedule – In 2018-19, 92% of the annual target of 792 substances were assessed.

As of March 31, 2019, assessments for 727 substances were published. One hundred and twenty-eight substances were assessed through Draft Screening Assessment Reports, and 599 substances through Final Screening Assessments Reports.

A number of factors (e.g., the need to consider newly available data or actions by regulatory partners) impacted the assessment process, and thereby, caused publication delays in 2018-19.

Assessments for all but one targeted substance have since been published.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2021, 100% of substances are assessed within prescribed timelines (Existing Substances – Program Target).

Results achieved  

On-track – The Existing Substances Program Target is on-track to be achieved by March 31, 2021.

Starting Point

In 2017, 99% of risk assessments were completed on new substance notifications within prescribed timelines.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of substances are assessed within prescribed timelines (New Substances)

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of new substances were assessed within prescribed timelines.

Starting Point

In 2017, 74% of risk management actions for existing substances were taken within prescribed timelines.

Note: This starting point includes actions taken by Environment and Climate Change Canada on substances found to be a risk to the environment (as well as actions taken on substances found to be a risk to human health). In 2018-19, the methodology was revised to focus exclusively on substances found to be a risk to human health.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of actions are taken in a timely manner to protect the health of Canadians from substances found to be a risk to human health (Risk Management Existing Substances)

Note:  Managing risks to human health and the environment from substances is complex, as it often includes research, consultations with stakeholders and analyzing socio-economic impacts. As a result, delays in the development of the proposed and final risk management actions may occur. This target is aspirational, as the Program will continue to streamline processes and look for further efficiencies in order to continuously strive towards the target of 100%.

Results achieved

Behind schedule – In 2018-19, 57% of planned risk management actions were completed within prescribed timelines. Three risk management actions were delayed because of scientific complexity, but have since been completed.

Starting Point

In 2017, 100% of risk management actions for new substances were taken within prescribed timelines.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of actions are taken in a timely manner to protect the health of Canadians from substances found to be a risk to human health (Risk Management, New Substances)

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of actions for new substances were taken within legislative timelines.

Starting Point

In 2017, 100% of planned risk assessments were completed on prioritized substances on the Revised In Commerce List.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of substances are assessed within prescribed timelines (Revised In Commerce List).

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of substances on the revised In Commerce List were assessed within prescribed timelines.

Corresponding departmental action 2

Release the Fifth 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 (CHMS).

Starting Point

The first report on human biomonitoring was released in 2010-11 with data from cycle 1 (2007-2009) of the CHMS. Since then a report has been released with each cycle of data; the second report was released in 2013-14, the third report in 2015-16, and the fourth report in 2017-18 and the data from the fourth cycle was added in 2017-18. Data from the first three cycles were made available on the Open Government portal in 2016-17.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2020 the Fifth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada will be released and made available through the Open Government portal.

Results achieved

On track – The Fifth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada is on track to be released by March 31, 2020.

Corresponding departmental action 3

Provide funding for research studies to monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian north.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

Starting Point

The first research study to monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian north was funded in 2006. Since that time, 79 research studies have been co-funded to conduct this type of human health research.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, funding will have been provided for research studies that monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, funding was provided for four research studies that monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North as part of the Northern Contaminants Program. These projects address exposure to contaminants and links to country foods and nutritional status in multiple northern regions (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavik) and the development and evaluation of health communication tools.

Corresponding departmental action 4

Determine that regulated pesticides meet current scientific standards with respect to health and the environment by completing re-evaluations of registered pesticides that are listed in the Re-evaluation Work Plan. The Work Plan ensures that registered pesticides are reviewed every 15 years using modern scientific techniques and current scientific information

Performance Indicator:

By March 31, 2019, 80% of actions are taken in a timely manner to protect the health of Canadians from pesticides found to be a risk to human health and the environment. Policy on Cancellations and Amendments Following Re-evaluation and Special Review.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 94% of re-evaluation decisions prescribed risk management actions that must be taken by registrants within the policy timelines have been taken (24 months for amendments and up to three years for phase-outs based on a full cancellation decision, where risk concerns are not considered serious or imminent).

Corresponding departmental action 5

Determine that regulated pesticides meet current scientific standards with respect to health and the environment.

Performance indicator

By March 31, 2019, 80% of registered pesticides meet current scientific standards.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 82% of registered pesticides (active ingredients), scheduled for decision on the annual work plan met current scientific standards.

FSDS Contributing action: Take a lead role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundry air pollution

Corresponding departmental action 1

Influence international regulatory approaches by developing and adapting policies and regulatory approaches related to pesticides from work plans in collaboration with international partners.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2022, 80% of policies and regulatory approaches from workplans are adapted by or developed with international partners.

Results achieved

On Track – In 2018-19 Health Canada began developing a consolidated work plan to support effective tracking of instances of policies and regulatory approaches that are developed in collaboration with international partners. 

FSDS Contributing action: Provide information to inform action and decision making

Corresponding departmental action 1

Provide human health advice to other federal departments that are responsible for assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

Starting Point

100% (2016-2017)

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 90% of health expertise will have been delivered to Custodians within prescribed timelines.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, Health Canada received 95 requests from Custodians for expert review, and responded to these requests within prescribed timelines 94% of the time.

FSDS Goal: Low-carbon government

The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon

FSDS Target: Reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve this reduction by 2025

FSDS Contributing action: Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/ operations

Corresponding departmental action 1

Adopt and maintain approaches and activities that reduce Health Canada’s energy use, where operationally feasible, and improve overall environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Performance Indicator

All applicable existing custodial building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects will achieve an industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, no major fit-ups, refits or new construction projects were undertaken.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, real property managers and functional heads responsible for new construction, leases or existing building operations will have clauses related to environmental considerations incorporated into their performance agreements.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of real property managers and functional heads responsible for new construction, leases or existing building operations had clauses related to environmental considerations incorporated into their performance agreements.

In addition, 60% completed green procurement training to further enhance their ability to consider environmental considerations as part of decisions related to real property.

Starting Point

In 2005-06, GHG emissions from Health Canada buildings were 18,899 tCO₂e.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, Health Canada will have reduced GHG emissions from facilities by 5% from the 2013-14 baseline and report on the following:

• Energy use intensity (MJ/m²)
• GHG emission intensity by floor space (kgCO²e/m²)
• Density of use (e.g., workstation/m²)

Note: Health Canada counts workstations as opposed to employees to determine density of use. The density of use may seem to indicate underutilization of space; however, the majority of floor space is used for laboratories not standard office space.

Results achieved

Achieved – By March 31, 2019, Health Canada had reduced GHG emissions from facilities by 43% from the 2005-06 baseline.

• Total emissions were 11,904 tCO₂e
• Energy use intensity was 3,018 MJ/m²
• GHG emission intensity by floor space was 134.7 kgCO2e/m²
• Density of use of one workstation/48 m²

Note: The initial performance indicator used a 2013-14 baseline but 2005-06 historical data was obtained for reporting purposes, allowing for improved comparability with other federal departments.

FSDS Contributing action: Modernize our fleet

Corresponding departmental action 1

Support the reduction of energy use in Health Canada’s fleet by selecting the smallest and most fuel-efficient vehicle to meet operational requirements, keeping vehicles properly maintained, and developing fleet infrastructure (e.g., charging stations).

Starting Point

In 2005-06, GHG emissions from Health Canada’s fleet were 1.59 ktCO₂e.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, Health Canada will reduce GHG emissions from fleet by 42% from the 2005-06 baseline and report on the following:

• Overall fuel consumption (LGE)
• GHG emissions (KtCO₂e)

Note: The baseline was reset to reflect a transfer of vehicles from Health Canada's former First Nations and Inuit Health Branch to Indigenous Services Canada.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, GHG emissions from the fleet were 693 ktCO2e, with an overall fuel consumption of 298,480 gasoline litres equivalent (GLE). This represents a 56% reduction from the 2005-06 baseline.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 90% of fleet purchases will be right-sized for operational needs and the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class available at the time of purchase and/or are an alternative-fuel vehicle.

Note: The 90% is a maintenance target, since results are subject to fluctuation, due to unforeseen operational requirements.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of on-road vehicles were the most fuel-efficient vehicle available on the mandatory Standing Offer or were right-sized to meet operational needs.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, a feasibility study regarding the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations at Health Canada-owned buildings will be completed.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, a feasibility study was conducted at Health Canada’s Scarborough facility. Results and recommendations will be evaluated in 2019-20. At this time, there are no plans to deploy additional electric vehicle charging stations at other Health Canada-owned buildings.

Performance Indicator

Going forward, 100% of new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission or hybrid.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, there were no new executive vehicle purchases.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, review the applicability of fleet management technologies, such as telematics, to collect and analyze vehicle usage.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, telematics devices were installed in approximately 90% of fleet vehicles; the remainder will be installed in 2019-20. Going forward, telematics data will be used to inform decisions to right-size the Department’s fleet by collecting data on factors such as vehicle usage and fuel efficiency.

FSDS contributing action: Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement

Corresponding departmental action 1

Promote environmental sustainability by integrating environmental performance considerations into departmental procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal, and ensuring there is the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Starting Point

In 2013-14, 91% of Health Canada’s specialists in procurement and materiel management had completed training to support green procurement.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management will have completed the Canada School of Public Service’s green procurement course or equivalent, or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management completed the Canada School of Public Service’s green procurement course or have it included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

Starting Point

Since 2013-14, all of Health Canada’s common-use documents residing in the Procurement and Contracting Intranet site for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been vetted annually to ensure they include a ‘greening’ statement or directive, where applicable.

Performance Indicator

Procurement training materials and reference guides for Cost Centre Managers and Cost Centre Administrators will be updated on an on-going basis to reflect the life cycle approach identified in the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy and to provide links to additional green procurement training, information and practices.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 100% of procurement- related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada’s intranet will have been reviewed and updated to reflect the green procurement objectives in the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy, where applicable.

Results Achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of procurement-related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada’s intranet were reviewed and updated, where appropriate. Updates were made to the Contracting Guide for Cost Center Managers, which includes a section on Green Procurement.

“Contracting 101” was also updated and will be made available on the internal Health Canada Learning Centre website.

Starting Point

In 2013-14, 65% of Health Canada’s office supply purchases included consideration of environmental impacts.

Note: This excludes purchases made using acquisition cards.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 80% of office supply purchases will continue to include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the supplies.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 95% of in-scope office supplies included considerations of environmental impacts, including, for example, recycled content and environmental attributes of the supplier.

Starting Point

In 2013-14, 64% of Health Canada’s information technology (IT) purchases included criteria to reduce their environmental impact.

Note: This excludes laboratory and field equipment as well as purchases made using acquisition cards.

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, 92% of information technology hardware purchases will continue to include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the equipment.

Note: this is done is conjunction with Shared Services Canada as the IT procurement authority.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 97% of in-scope IT hardware purchases included criteria to lower environmental impacts. With regards to disposal, Health Canada used the services of Government of Canada Surplus as well as the Computers for Schools Program.

Starting Point

Since 2013-14, Health Canada has required that employee performance discussions for all managers of procurement and materiel management include consideration of how they contributed to green procurement practices.

Performance Indicator

By March, 31, 2019, 100% of performance evaluations for procurement and materiel management managers will continue to include a discussion about how they supported and contributed to the Department’s green procurement practices.

Results achieved

Achieved – In 2018-19, 100% of performance evaluations with procurement and materiel management managers included a discussion about how they supported and contributed to the Department’s green procurement practices.

FSDS Contributing action: Promote sustainable travel practices

Corresponding departmental action 1

Encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable travel practices.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Performance Indicator

By March 31, 2019, four outreach or communications activities about sustainable workplace operations, including travel practices will have been delivered to employees.

Results achieved

Achieved - In 2018-19, messaging related to a green transportation pilot project, Bike to Work Month, the Greening Government Strategy, municipal clean-up efforts, and Environment Week, were communicated to employees via email, Broadcast News, the Department’s Sustainable Workplace Forum on GCconnex, or messages from the Assistant Deputy Minister / Sustainable Development Champion.

FSDS Contributing action: Understand climate change impacts and build resilience

Corresponding departmental action 1

Review programs and assets (buildings, fleet) to ensure that sources of GHG emissions are inventoried and that any impacts to climate change are quantified.

Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target: 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Performance Indicator

Assets (buildings and fleet) will continue to be reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure that sources of GHG emissions are tracked and impacts to climate change are quantified. In 2018-19 there will be a particular focus on defining parameters for metrics (in addition to buildings and fleet) with other federal departments to allow for comparability.

Results achieved

On-track – In 2018-19, All Halocarbon Management Plans for National Capital Region buildings were updated to include refrigerated laboratory equipment. Regional plans will be updated in 2019-20.

Health Canada continues to engage other government departments that have custodial facilities designated as “special purpose spaces” (e.g., laboratory space) to share best practices and refine processes to review and track GHG emissions. This will help to facilitate comparability with federal departments that have similar operating environments.

Corresponding departmental action 2

Continue to incorporate climate change considerations into corporate risk planning by including this element as part of the standard guidance/checklist to branches during the development of their risk snapshots, and business continuity planning in order to identify risks that could affect Health Canada's ability to deliver on its mandate and achieve its strategic outcomes.

Starting Point

In 2017, the Corporate Risk Profile identified climate change as a driver of risk pertaining to the lifespan of physical infrastructure in the North. In the context of business continuity management, planning to ensure the continued delivery of critical services and the availability of assets that support them is based on an all-hazard approach. This includes developing continuity and/or recovery strategies to mitigate events linked to the effects of climate change.

Performance Indicator

Plans related to the identification of corporate risk and business continuity integrate considerations of climate change impact mitigation and adaption, where appropriate.

Results achieved

Achieved – Health Canada continues to incorporate the impact of climate change on the lifespan and effectiveness of physical infrastructure, including buildings, transportation and water management in its operations.

Moving forward, Health Canada will continue to include climate change considerations in the process to update the departmental Corporate Risk Profile.

In the context of climate change, business continuity planning (BCP) processes and the development of robust continuity/recovery strategies are important to ensure that critical services and resources that support these remain available during disruptions. In 2018-19, Health Canada programs developed these strategies and conducted maintenance and testing of their BCPs to ensure that strategies continued to be valid and that managers and employees understood their roles and responsibilities during a disruption.

Note: Due to the transfer of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), effective November 30, 2017, per the Order in Council P.C. 2017-1465, all programs, functions, and accountabilities related to FNHIB were also transferred to ISC, including the risk driver related to the impact of climate change on the lifespan and effectiveness of physical infrastructure on northern regions.

Section 4. Integrating sustainable development

During the 2018-19 reporting cycle, Health Canada was not the lead department on proposals that required a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Detailed Analysis therefore the department did not produce any public statements.

In 2018-19, Health Canada continued to ensure that its decision-making process included consideration of the FSDS goals and targets through the SEA process. Sixty-five (65) proposals were assessed for environmental effects subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (the Cabinet Directive).

Health Canada provided 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. Employees were encouraged to include both the online and in-class courses as part of their annual learning plan.

Health Canada continued to report SEA compliance results to senior management and the Assistant Deputy Minister Sustainable Development Champion on a quarterly basis. In 2018-19 a total of 97% of proposals (Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and regulatory proposals) applied the Cabinet Directive.