2019–20 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy – Supplementary Information Table

Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025

Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations

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

Starting Point
Beginning in 2018-19, real property managers and functional heads responsible for new construction, leases or existing building operations have had clauses related to environmental considerations incorporated into their performance agreements.

Performance Indicator
Real property managers and functional heads responsible for new construction, leases or existing building operations will continue to have clauses related to environmental considerations incorporated into their performance agreements.

Behind Schedule
In 2019-20, 60% (6 of 10) of real property managers and functional heads completed the green procurement course from the Canada School of Public Service. The remaining 40% (4 of 10) will include this training in their 2020-21 Learning Plans.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
The activities and results under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to reduce GHG emissions from facilities.  They also help to establish the processes (e.g., tracking and publicly reporting GHG emissions), the use of new technology (e.g., RETScreen) and the provision of employee supports that is needed to continue to advance work that contributes to this FSDS goal of leading by example to make Health Canada’s operations low-carbon. 

UN SDG 13 - Climate Action Target: 13.2

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.

Achieved
In 2019-20, no major fit-ups, refits or new construction projects were undertaken.
Note: The Greening Government Strategy - Real Property Guidance has defined “major” as “Projects in which changes proposed to the building envelope and HVAC systems or the proposed value of work is more than 50% of the assessed value of the building”.

Performance Indicator
In 2019-20, Health Canada will begin to systematically use RETScreen* technology to inform decisions related to building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects.

* RETScreen is a Clean Energy Management Software system for energy efficiency, renewable energy and cogeneration project feasibility analysis as well as ongoing energy performance analysis.

Achieved
In 2019-20, Health Canada used RETScreen technology to assist with developing an Energy Consumption Portfolio Strategy that depicts Health Canada’s energy consumption trends. The Strategy will help to inform decisions related to building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects.

Starting Point
In 2017-18, Health Canada’s GHG emissions from facilities that the department owns and operates (n=7, 82,072 m²) were 18,773 t CO²eq.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, Health Canada will report on its GHG emissions from custodial facilities:

• Energy use intensity (MJ/m²)
• GHG emission intensity by floor space (kg CO²eq/m²)
• Density of use (workstations/m²)

Achieved
By March 31, 2020, Health Canada had reduced GHG emissions from facilities by 48% from the 2005-06 baseline. Total emissions in 2019-20 were
10,872 t CO²eq.
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.

• Energy use intensity
  2,943 MJ/m²

• GHG emission intensity by floor space
  127.5 kg CO²eq/m²

• Density of use of 1 workstation/13.4m²   

Note: Health Canada counts workstations as opposed to employees to determine density of use. For 2019-20 reporting, lab space was removed from the equation resulting in greater density.

Note:  In 2019-20, Health Canada reporting included the Environmental Health Centre (EHC) building; however, in 2020-21 the building will not be included in the calculation. The inclusion of the EHC building increased the density by 0.2 m².

Modernize our fleet

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 1,199 t CO²eq with an overall fuel consumption rate of 517,397 gasoline litres equivalent (GLE).

Note: The 2005-06 baseline of GHG emissions from departmental fleet was ‘re-set’ in 2018-19 to account for the permanent transfer of vehicles to another federal department. The re-set allows for accurate and transparent reporting going forward.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, Health Canada will reduce GHG emissions from its fleet by 40% from the 2005-06 baseline and report on the following:

• Overall fuel consumption (LGE)
• GHG emissions (t CO²eq)

Achieved
In 2019-20:

• Overall fuel consumption 151,333 GLE
• GHG emissions
  352 t CO²eq (0.35 k t CO²eq)
  This represents a 78% reduction from the 2005-06 baseline and achievement of the Government of Canada’s target to reduce GHG emissions from the fleet by 40% by 2030.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution:
The activities and results achieved under this departmental action directly support the FSDS target to reduce GHG emissions from fleet.  They also help to establish processes (e.g., tracking and publicly reporting GHG emissions); support the use of new technology to inform decisions and planning related to fleet (e.g., telematics); and, continue to examine ways the department can support reductions in GHG emissions from fleet. All of these advance this FSDS goal of leading by example to make Health Canada’s operations low-carbon.

UN SDG 13 - Climate Action
Target: 13.2

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, a feasibility study regarding the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations at the Scarborough, Ontario laboratory will be completed.

Achieved
Study completed and delivered in April 2019.
It was concluded that the need for charging stations in Scarborough is minimal as there are only 2 hybrid vehicles at this location. 

Starting Point
In 2017-18, 14% of Health Canada’s fleet purchases (5 of 36) were hybrid or Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV).

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 75% of new light-duty administrative fleet vehicles will be ZEV or hybrid, subject to operational requirements.
All on-road vehicles that are not hybrid or ZEVs will require an approved exemption form, signed by the fleet manager, indicating the reason for right-sizing for operational needs and confirming that the right-sized vehicle is the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class available at the time of purchase and/or an alternative-fuel vehicle.

Behind Schedule
In 2019-20, 64% of vehicles purchased (9 of 14) were hybrid or ZEV. 

Exemption forms were not completed for the non-hybrid or non-ZEVs that were purchased.

Starting Point
Since 2017-18, 100% of Health Canada’s executive fleet purchases have been hybrid or ZEVs.

Performance Indicator
100% of new executive vehicle purchases will continue to be hybrid or ZEVs.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 1 new executive vehicle was purchased which was a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Starting Point
In 2018-19, Health Canada installed telematics devices in all departmental vehicles.

Performance Indicator
Beginning in 2019-20, Health Canada will analyze telematics data as a tool to effectively manage and ‘right-size’ the departmental fleet.

Achieved
In 2019-20, telematics data from the departmental fleet (e.g., kilometres driven, fuel efficiency) was used to inform the development of the 2020-21 Fleet Procurement Plan, which focuses on ‘right-sizing’ as a core objective.

Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement

Promote environmental sustainability by integrating environmental performance considerations into the 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 completed training to support green procurement or had it included in their learning plan for completion within a year.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management will have completed the Canada School of Public Service green procurement course or equivalent, or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management completed the Canada School of Public Service’s green procurement course or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By providing relevant training and information to employees, and by considering the full life-cycle of procurement decisions as well as the various options that are available, from acquisition to disposal, these reported activities help to support and advance this FSDS goal of leading by example in ‘greening’ the department’s operations

UN SDG 13 - Climate Action
Target: 13.2

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020 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 Greening Government Strategy, and to provide links to additional green procurement training, information and practices.

Achieved
In 2019-20, procurement training materials and reference guides for Cost Centre Managers and Cost Centre Administrators were updated to reflect the life cycle approach identified in the Greening Government Strategy, and to provide links to additional green procurement training, information and practices.  For example, the Health Canada Contracting 101 course was updated in December 2019. The update included a review of the green procurement content for its accuracy. The content also references Health Canada’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy as well as the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement Online Course.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020 acquisition card training will be updated to include a section that provides best practices for green procurement.

Behind Schedule  Best practices for green procurement will be added to the acquisition card training information that is available to employees on the Health Canada intranet.  

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020 the acquisition card newsletter will include a section that provides best practices on green procurement. This newsletter is sent to all cardholders and their managers.

Behind Schedule  Best practices for green procurement will be added to the monthly acquisition card newsletter, which is distributed by e-mail to acquisition cardholders and their managers.

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 as part of an annual review to ensure they include a ‘greening’ statement or directive, where applicable.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 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.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of procurement related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada’s intranet were reviewed and updated, to reflect the green procurement objectives in the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy, where applicable. For example, the mandatory Contract Request Form and Procurement Checklist includes a section pertaining to green procurement, which aligns with the Greening Government Strategy.

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, 2020, 90% 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.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 98% of in-scope office supplies included considerations of environmental impacts associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies. This included, for example, recycled content and environmental attributes of the supplier (such as efficient manufacturing processes, “green” offices, or recycling programs).

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, 2020, 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 in conjunction with Shared Services Canada as the IT procurement authority.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of in-scope IT hardware purchases (e.g., laptops) included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the equipment.
With regards to disposal, Health Canada used the services of Government of Canada Surplus as well as the Computers for Schools Program, which helps to extend the useful life of electronic equipment and reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste.

Starting Point
Since 2013-14, Health Canada has required that performance evaluations for procurement and materiel management managers include a discussion about how they supported and contributed to the department’s green procurement practices.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 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.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 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.

Promote environmental sustainability in line with the waste management elements of the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy by reducing plastic waste.

Performance Indicator
Develop and implement an internal communications plan designed to engage and inform employees about Government of Canada commitments for, and alternatives to, single-use plastic, especially when organizing meetings and events.

Achieved
In 2019-20, an internal communications plan was developed. The document will continue to be revisited and updated in order to ensure it prioritizes the key areas of focus for the department’s actions to reduce single-use plastics.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Communication plans and internal policies and directives, informed by surveys on plastics use and procurement, identify opportunities for the department to eliminate or reduce single-use plastic, which helps support the FSDS goal of government leading by example to make its operations low-carbon.

UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.5

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020 Health Canada will develop a departmental Policy on the Procurement and Use of Single-use Plastic.

Achieved
In 2019-20, Health Canada developed and approved an Internal Policy on the Reduction and Diversion of Single-Use Plastics, as well as a supporting directive specific to addressing single-use plastics at departmental meetings and events.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, Health Canada will complete an inventory of single-use plastic in the department in order to establish a baseline to help inform additional measures to reduce/eliminate single-use plastic.

Behind Schedule/Revised
In 2019-20, Health Canada completed a survey of lab employees to better understand practices related to procurement, use, and disposal of single-use plastic in the labs, as well as the unique operating environment. The survey results will be used to identify areas of focus going forward and will help to prioritize actions where there is the greatest potential to reduce single-use plastics.

Demonstrate innovative technologies

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Promote sustainable travel practices

Encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable travel practices

Starting Point
In 2017-18, one of Health Canada’s branches in the National Capital Region (NCR) participated in a 12-week pilot project to use public transit to and from meetings. During the pilot, there were 126 trips using transit passes that resulted in a savings of over $1,400 in transportation costs and a significant reduction in GHG emissions.

Performance Indicator
Health Canada will work with the Centre for Greening Government at the Treasury Board Secretariat to facilitate the use of public transit by employees travelling to and from meetings in the NCR.

Achieved
In 2019-20, Health Canada established a process to make transit cards available for use by employees in the National Capital Region who have offices located close to the Ottawa Transitway. This has helped to facilitate and regularize the use of public transit by employees travelling to meetings, which reduces the need for more GHG-intensive modes of transportation. 

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Increasing awareness about sustainable travel practices through outreach and communication messages and provision of transit cards to employees, helps to inform employees about sustainable transportation options and to promote less GHG-intensive modes of transportation while advancing the FSDS goal of leading by example to make Health Canada’s operations low-carbon.

UN SDG 13 - Climate Action
Target: 13.3

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, prepare outreach and communication messages for employees to raise awareness about GHG emissions from air travel and highlight alternatives for consideration that could reduce the department’s environmental ‘footprint’.

Achieved
In 2019-20, messages promoting opportunities for ‘green’ employee commuting were incorporated into the communications approach for Environment Week 2019 and during Ottawa’s Bike to Work Month.  In addition, the Ottawa RideMatch Program was promoted on Health Canada’s Sustainable Workplaces Forum.

Understand climate change impacts and build resilience

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

Starting Point
Through the Health Canada Printer Reduction Strategy, the department was able to reduce its printer ratio from 3:1 in 2010-11, to 8:1 in 2013-14.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, Health Canada will reassess the employee to printer ratio to ensure that the 8:1 ratio is maintained or improved and that corrective measures are put in place if needed.

Achieved
In 2019-20, Health Canada completed a reassessment of the employee to printer ratio. The findings of the reassessment showed that the current printer ratio is 7:1.

In 2020-21 Health Canada will continue to advance opportunities to increase the printer ratio to 8:1 as per the Health Canada Printer Reduction Strategy including consideration of how multi-functional printer devices could be factored into floor planning exercises going forward and a review to determine where a correction can occur.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Health Canada continues to refine its processes, reassess previous initiatives (e.g., printer reduction strategy), and take steps to develop a comprehensive inventory of sources of GHG emissions placing a particular focus on collaborating with other science-based departments.  The activities under this departmental action will help to advance the precision of GHG emission reporting for this FSDS target and advances this FSDS goal of leading by example to make Health Canada’s operations low-carbon. 

UN SDG 13 - Climate Action
Target: 13.2

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 2019-20, there will continue to be a particular focus on defining parameters for metrics (in addition to buildings and fleet) with other federal departments to allow for comparability.

On-Track
In 2019-20, RETScreen technology was used to track emissions from custodial buildings, and telematics data was used to help determine emissions from the departmental fleet.
Health Canada participated in working groups, including the Real Property Green Solutions Group and the Natural Resources Canada Greening Government Services Community Learning Events to discuss green building innovation technology and opportunities to improve the precision of GHG emission reporting.  Health Canada also meets regularly to collaborate with the Public Health Agency of Canada Real Property Management Services regarding green initiatives and technological innovations.  

Continue to incorporate climate change considerations into 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.

Performance Indicator
Plans related to the identification of risks and business continuity will integrate considerations of climate change impact mitigation and adaptation, where appropriate.

On-Track
It is anticipated that Health Canada laboratory equipment GHG emission data will be entered into RETScreen to develop a better understanding of laboratory GHG impacts while integrating considerations of climate change impact mitigation and adaptation, where appropriate.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By incorporating robust recovery strategies in business continuity planning processes to ensure critical services remain available during disruptions, and by including consideration of climate change in corporate risk planning exercises, Health Canada helps to advance this FSDS goal of leading by example.

UN SDG 13 - Climate Action
Target: 13.2

Performance Indicator
Plans related to the identification of risks and business continuity will integrate considerations of climate change impact mitigation and adaptation, where appropriate.

On-track
Climate change considerations were included in the planning process to develop Health Canada’s 2019-22 Corporate Risk Profile. Going forward, climate change considerations will be integrated in the process to update the Corporate Risk Profile in 2020-21.

Improve transparency and accountability

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Develop policy for low‑carbon government

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30% relative to 2005 emission levels

Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change

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’.

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, 2026, 80% of health regions will be implementing evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat.

On Track
By March 31, 2020, 77% of health regions had implemented evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat. 

Key activities conducted by Health Canada included:

• Actively working with Health Authorities in Nova Scotia and British Columbia to support Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) implementation in urban, rural, and remote areas.
• Participated in face-to-face meetings with stakeholders to support the implementation of HARS, in partnership with the Meteorological Services of Canada.
• Expanded heat public health promotion through in-person stakeholder meetings, media and radio across Canada.
• Convened a meeting of the National Heat Community of Practice (HCoP) to discuss key success factors on HARS implementation in a variety of community types with key stakeholders, with the goal of increasing HARS implementation nationally.
• Adapted the “Staying Healthy in the Heat” infographics into video format, which provides Canadians with tips on how to stay cool during extreme heat scenarios, and information on vulnerable populations and heat illness.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By helping health regions implement evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat as a result of climate change, Health Canada contributes to this FSDS goal of effective action on climate change.

UN SDG 13 - Climate Action Target: 13.3

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

Work with partners on drinking water quality

Develop/update health-based drinking water quality guidelines and guidance documents in collaboration with Federal/Provincial/ Territorial 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.

Starting Point
In 2016-17, 100% of planned final water quality guidelines/ guidance documents were endorsed through federal/provincial/territorial collaborative processes.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of planned final water quality guidelines/guidance documents will be endorsed through federal/ provincial/territorial collaborative processes.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of planned final drinking water quality guidelines/guidance documents were endorsed through the federal/provincial/territorial collaborative process, for use by all jurisdictions in Canada as the basis for their drinking water requirements.
As a result, ten final drinking water guidelines/guidance documents were published in Canada Gazette, Part I and online. 

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Given these guidelines and related guidance documents are used by all jurisdictions in Canada as the basis for establishing their drinking water requirements, their timely development and endorsement helps support this FSDS goal of ensuring all Canadians have access to safe drinking water in Canada.

UN SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Target: 6.5

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

Use legislation and regulations to ensure safe and secure food

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.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2023, 100% of registered pesticide levels do not exceed acceptable limits in food and water.

On track
Health Canada is continuing to work with partners such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Federal/Provincial/ Territorial Committee on Drinking Water to obtain data that monitors pesticide levels found in food and water samples, respectively.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Monitoring pesticide levels helps support and advance the FSDS target of ensuring safe food by mitigating potential risks before they impact human health.

UN SDG 12- Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.4

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

Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

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.

Starting point
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, 2020, 100% of planned federal air quality health assessments, guidance documents, guidelines and standards will be published or distributed externally.

Behind Schedule
In 2019-20, 67% of planned federal outdoor air quality documents were published or distributed externally: 

• Proposed Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations;
• A Population Impact Assessment to support the review of the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) planned for 2025;
• Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicator for fiscal year 2018-19; and,
• Phosgene: Emergency response guideline for peer review.

The publication of the remaining air quality assessments was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to address stakeholder needs. Steps have been taken to ensure prompt publication when possible.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Health Canada science and outreach helps to increase knowledge and raise awareness related to the health impacts of outdoor air pollution, which helps inform actions to improve air quality. For example, it helps to inform the development of the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), and actions to increase the percentage of Canadians who live in areas where the standards are achieved, such as new regulatory requirements. This work therefore ultimately supports the FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

Performance indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of planned knowledge transfer activities related to health impacts of air pollution will be completed.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of planned knowledge transfer activities related to the health impacts of air pollution were completed.
These activities consisted of 52 peer-reviewed publications, 70 conference presentations and several other activities such as client meetings, reports and the provision of research advice to internal decision-makers.

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, 2020, 100% of planned federal air quality health assessments, guidance documents, guidelines, and standards will be published or distributed externally.

Behind Schedule
In 2019-20, 57% of planned federal indoor air quality documents were  published or distributed externally:

• Volatile Organic Compounds in New Homes: pilot study report on building product emissions and indoor air quality;
• A factsheet on the importance of ventilation;
• A factsheet on PM2.5; and,
• Publication of proposed Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations.

The publication of the remaining air quality assessments was delayed, as the program changed the scope of some assessments to address key client needs. Steps have been taken to ensure prompt publication when possible.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Health Canada science and outreach helps to increase knowledge and raise awareness related to the health impacts of indoor air pollution, and helps inform actions to improve air quality, such as the implementation of regulatory and non-regulatory instruments. Ultimately, this supports the FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities. 

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being
Target: 3.9

Provide information to inform action and decision-making

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, 2020, 100% of stakeholders will have participated in radon education and awareness, and communication activities.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 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.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By engaging targeted stakeholders and providing information to inform action and decision-making, Health Canada is helping to mitigate the health risks of indoor radon exposure. These efforts thereby support this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

Starting Point
There has been an upward trend in the percentage of Canadians that are 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, 2021, 65%-70% of Canadians surveyed will be knowledgeable of radon.

On Track
Results of the 2019 Households and the Environment Survey will be made available in 2021 (reports every two years).

Starting Point
There has been an upward trend in the percentage of Canadians that have 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, 2021, 8% of Canadians surveyed, have tested for radon.

On Track
Results of the 2019 Households and the Environment Survey will be made available in 2021 (reports every two years).

Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts

Make environmental radiation data available to Canadians.

Starting Point
In 2016-17, 100% of environmental radioactivity surveillance data was posted to the Health Canada website (3,600 new data points) and the Open Data Canada web site (6,129 new data points). Since the fall of 2017, Canadians can view environmental radioactivity level data in near real-time on the European Radiological Data Exchange Platform (EURDEP) web site. This represents access to over 2.6 million new data points every year.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of environmental radiation data will be available to Canadians and stakeholders.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of environmental radiation data was made available to Canadians and stakeholders, by posting it on the Health Canada website and the Open Data Canada website, as well as by posting it in real-time to the EURDEP.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By posting environmental radiation data to these various websites, it allows Canadians and the international community to view various environmental radioactivity level data from across Canada. This supports awareness and transparency that contributes to this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

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

Starting Point
In 2017-18, Health Canada conducted and/or participated in 22 exercises, drills and events, and met all defined objectives.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of planned nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises will have been completed.

Achieved
In 2019-20, Health Canada participated in 100% (10) planned nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises. Through these exercises, 18 defined objectives were met, including to test, validate or practice the relevant plans or procedures.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By conducting nuclear emergency preparedness drills and exercises to ensure Canada is prepared to manage the federal response to a nuclear emergency, Health Canada supports this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

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

Provide information to inform action and decision making

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.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 1,381,564 individuals were reached by AQHI communications. 
Awareness of the AQHI was increased through use of stakeholder engagements and targeted outreach initiatives. These activities leveraged existing partnerships to target outreach among populations considered vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Given the AQHI helps Canadians make decisions about how to protect their health, it supports actions to protect health and therefore contributes to the overall FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

Work with partners on outdoor air quality and chemicals management

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

Starting Point
New Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (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, 2020, a recommendation on a revised CAAQS for fine particulate matter will be sent to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment for consideration.

Behind Schedule
The review of the CAAQS for fine particulate matter is delayed due to the time needed to obtain information to respond to stakeholder needs, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Work continues in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada and the CCME, and a recommendation is now targeted to be sent to the CCME in 2021-22 for consideration.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Health Canada works with provinces, territories and stakeholders to review and update the CAAQS as needed in order to drive continuous improvement to air quality in Canada. This work therefore supports the FSDS target of increasing the percentage of Canadians living in areas where the air quality standards are achieved.

UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.4

Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

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

Starting Point
The Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool (AQBAT) 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. It has also been used to estimate the impacts of changes in air quality over time and due to wildfires.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of requested health benefit analyses will be provided to the requesting federal department within the established deadline.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of requested health benefit analyses were provided within the established deadline.
Specifically, information to support the proposed Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations as well as analyses relating to two specific air pollution sources requested by Environment and Climate Change Canada were provided within the established deadlines.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
The AQBAT supports evidence-based decision-making, such as informing the development of proposed regulations. AQBAT analysis enables the most efficient and effective ways to improve air quality to be used, which contributes to the FSDS target of increasing the percentage of Canadians living in areas where the air quality standards are achieved.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

By 2020, address the 4,300 substances identified as priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP)

Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

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

Starting Point
In 2016-17, risk assessments (draft and final) for approximately 1,524 substances were published, representing 86% of the annual target and reaching approximately 64% of the overall program target of 4,363.

Performance Indicator 1
By March 31, 2020, 100% of substances will be assessed within prescribed timelines (Existing Substances - Annual Target).

Performance Indicator 2
By March 31, 2021, 100% of substances will be assessed within prescribed timelines (Existing Substances - Program Target).

Performance Indicator 1
Behind Schedule
In 2019-20, 73% of the annual target of 394 substances were assessed.
As of March 31, 2020, assessments for 288 of the substances planned for 2019-20 were published.
Two hundred and fifty three substances were assessed through Draft Screening Assessment Reports, and 35 substances through Final Screening Assessments Reports.
Assessments in 2019-20 were delayed due to substance complexities, new information being received late, the need to align with other work and delays in final package processing.

Performance Indicator 2
Behind Schedule
As of March 31, 2020, assessments for 89% of all of the substances targeted were published.
A number of factors  caused delays, such as substance complexities; new information being received late; as well as a reduced workforce, reduced capacity for stakeholder engagement and publishing restrictions that have occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Under the CMP, substances are assessed for potential health and environmental impacts and risk management actions are developed to mitigate the risks of harmful substances, such as new regulatory requirements. Health Canada’s actions under the CMP therefore directly support this FSDS target of addressing target substances, and ultimately supporting the goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.4

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

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of substances will be assessed within prescribed timelines (New Substances).

Achieved
In 2019-20, 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.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of actions will be 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).

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of planned risk management actions were completed within prescribed timelines.

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

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 100% of actions will be 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).

Achieved
In 2019-20, 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, 2020, 100% of substances will be assessed within prescribed timelines (Revised In Commerce List).

Achieved
In 2019-20, 100% of substances on the Revised In Commerce List were assessed within prescribed timelines.

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 (2007-09) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (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. Data from the first three cycles was made available on the Open Government portal in 2016-17, and data from the fourth cycle was added in 2017-18.

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.

Achieved
In 2019-20, the Fifth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada was released and made available through the Open Government portal.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
The Fifth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada provides important new knowledge towards understanding Canadians’ exposure to chemicals. By releasing this information, Health Canada is helping to raise awareness and informing actions that support this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.4

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

Starting Point
The first Health Canada co-funded research study to monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North was in 2007. Since that time, 83 research studies have been co-funded to conduct this type of human health research.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, funding will have been provided for research studies that monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North.

Achieved
In 2019-20, 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), as well as the development and evaluation of health communication tools.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By providing funding for research studies that monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and the Canadian North, Health Canada is increasing awareness and informing actions that support this FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

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 pesticide reviews are initiated every 15 years using current science information.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 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.

N/A
A result for this indicator is not available. The 2018 Policy on Cancellations and Amendments Following Re-evaluation and Special Review includes multiple milestones and timelines for measuring the timeliness of departmental actions and stakeholder compliance. Reconciling these multiple data points to produce a meaningful result is not possible at this time. This indicator will be amended as part of the 2021-22 Departmental Results Framework/Program Inventory amendment process.

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
Influencing international regulatory approaches is a means to protect Canadians from identified chemicals that may pose a risk to human health and the environment and helps to support and advance the FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.4

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

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 80% of registered pesticides meet current scientific standards.

Behind Schedule
In 2019-20, 71%* of registered pesticides (active ingredients), scheduled for re-evaluation decision in the annual work plan met current scientific standards.
*The target was not achieved due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic response. The completion of planned decisions as identified in the work plan were unable to be completed.

UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Target: 3.9

Take a lead role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundry air pollution

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

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

On Track
Health Canada is continuing to collaborate with international partners to harmonize regulatory approaches through joint pesticide reviews.

UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.4

Provide information to inform action and decision making

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

Starting Point
Since 2016-17, 100% of health expertise responses have been delivered to custodial departments within the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) timelines.

Performance Indicator
By March 31, 2020, 90% of health expertise responses will have been delivered to custodial departments within prescribed timelines established by the FCSAP Secretariat.

Achieved
In 2019-20, Health Canada responded to 95% of the 144 requests received for expert review within the prescribed timelines. 

FSDS Target/Goal Contribution
By providing guidance, guideline development, training and advice, Health Canada supports the remediation of contaminated sites and thereby contributes to the FSDS goal of safe and healthy communities.

UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Target: 12.4