2019–20 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy – Supplementary Information Table
Table of Content
Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016 to 2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the purpose of this Act to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a FSDS that will make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Health Canada supports reporting on the implementation of the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
2. Sustainable development in Health Canada
Health Canada’s DSDS for 2019-20 describes the department’s actions in support of the following FSDS goals:
- Low-Carbon Government
- Effective action on climate change
- Clean drinking water
- Sustainable food
- Safe and healthy communities
This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Previous years’ supplementary information tables are posted on the Health Canada website.
3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal
The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.
Context: Low-Carbon Government
Health Canada owns buildings and leases space in 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.
Health Canada took steps to ‘green’ its buildings, supported the reduction of energy use in the department’s fleet and facilities, integrated environmental considerations into departmental procurement process, and promoted employee engagement and awareness across a range of issues from sustainable travel practices to efficient water use and opportunities to reduce single-use plastics at meetings and events.
Low-Carbon Government: The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon
FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution of each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and UN SDG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Behind Schedule |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 13 - Climate Action Target: 13.2 |
Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Performance Indicator * 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 |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator
|
Achieved
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. |
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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 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
|
Achieved
|
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution: UN SDG 13 - Climate Action |
|
Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Behind Schedule Exemption forms were not completed for the non-hybrid or non-ZEVs that were purchased. |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 13 - Climate Action |
|
Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Performance Indicator |
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. |
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Performance Indicator |
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. |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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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 |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production |
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Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Performance Indicator |
Behind Schedule/Revised |
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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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 13 - Climate Action |
|
Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved 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 UN SDG 13 - Climate Action |
|
Performance Indicator |
On-Track |
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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 |
On-Track |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 13 - Climate Action |
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Performance Indicator |
On-track |
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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 |
Context: 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 can help Canadians improve their resiliency to extreme heat.
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(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution of each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and UN SDG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Performance Indicator |
On Track Key activities conducted by Health Canada included:
|
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 13 - Climate Action Target: 13.3 |
Context: 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 by microorganisms and needs to be boiled before use. 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.
Clean Drinking Water: All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face are addressed
FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution of each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and UN SDG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation |
Context: 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 assesses regulatory decisions and actions to keep pesticides at acceptable levels in food and water.
Sustainable Food: Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians
FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution of each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and UN SDG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
On track |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 12- Responsible Consumption and Production |
Context: 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), works with the provinces and territories and other key stakeholders, to implement the Air Quality Management System (AQMS), a collaborative effort among governments in Canada to manage air quality. Health Canada provides the health basis and guidance for developing actions to reduce the health risks from outdoor air pollutants. The department continued to increase awareness and use of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) among individuals who are vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. In addition, work was undertaken to address health risks related to indoor air quality, including developing health assessments, conducting research, providing expertise, and preparing outreach campaigns to raise awareness about health risks. The department also worked with federal partners and provincial authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness in order to minimize the 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, they 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’s work in this area spans across multiple programs. Health Canada continues to work with ECCC to implement the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). Health Canada continues to play a significant role in developing collaborative approaches to conducting joint pesticide reviews, promoting international regulatory alignment, 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 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.
Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution of each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and UN SDG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Performance indicator |
Behind Schedule
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 UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
Performance indicator |
Achieved |
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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 Performance Indicator |
Behind Schedule
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 UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being |
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Provide information to inform action and decision-making |
Provide information to inform action and decision-making related to indoor radon exposure. |
Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
|
Starting Point Performance Indicator |
On Track |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
On Track |
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Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts |
Make environmental radiation data available to Canadians. |
Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
|
Collaborate with other federal partners and provincial authorities to strengthen nuclear emergency preparedness and response. |
Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
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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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
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 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 |
Behind Schedule |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production |
|
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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
|
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 Performance Indicator 1 |
Performance Indicator 1 Performance Indicator 2 |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production |
Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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|
Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
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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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production |
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|
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Provide funding for research studies to monitor contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North. |
Starting Point Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
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 |
N/A |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production |
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Determine that regulated pesticides meet current scientific standards with respect to health and the environment. |
Performance Indicator |
Behind Schedule |
UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being |
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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 |
On Track |
UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production |
|
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 Performance Indicator |
Achieved |
FSDS Target/Goal Contribution UN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production |
4. Integrating sustainable development
During the 2019-20 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 2019-20, Health Canada continued to ensure that its decision-making process included consideration of the FSDS goals and targets through the SEA process. Thirty-five (35) proposals were assessed for environmental effects subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (Cabinet Directive). Significant environmental effects were not identified therefore further analysis was not required.
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 2019-20, 100% of proposals (Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and regulatory proposals) applied the Cabinet Directive.
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