OTTAWA, Ont. – February 15, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today released the 2012 Progress Report on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and the 2013-16 draft Strategy for a 120 day period of public consultations.
“The 2012 Progress Report provides Canadians with a whole-of-government picture of the Government of Canada’s contributions to achieving environmental sustainability,” said Minister Kent. “It demonstrates that the Harper Government is making concrete progress in environmental sustainability and is building on this progress to further advance the transparency and accountability of environmental decision-making.”
The report highlights real results achieved by the Government of Canada in the areas of climate change, clean air and conservation:
- Canada has begun to decouple greenhouse gases from economic growth and has put in place measures needed to meet about half of its 2020 reductions target;
- Air quality in Canada is among the best in the world;
- The Great Lakes’ Areas of Concern are being restored;
- Since 1990, protected areas in Canada have nearly doubled; and
- The Government has made significant strides in greening its operations.
“The Government of Canada is making progress in greening its buildings, fleet, procurement, and office practices,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “We will continue to demonstrate leadership by reducing the Government’s environmental footprint.” PWGSC supports the greening of the Government's operations by working closely with other federal departments and agencies.
The public consultations process on the 2013-16 draft Strategy provides Canadians with a key opportunity to comment on the Government’s progress made on sustainable development, and its goals and objectives over the coming years.
“I am inviting Canadians to take part in the public consultations process as the draft Strategy aims to improve the way the federal government plans for sustainable development. Sustainable development is a long-term issue. Updating the Strategy and reporting on results every three years provide the basis for constant improvement and innovation over the long term,” said Minister Kent. “It also reflects a growing recognition—within Canada and internationally—that environmental sustainability and economic prosperity support and reinforce one another.”
Canadians are encouraged to review the 2013-16 draft Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and invited to provide comments by visiting http://www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/default.asp?lang=En&n=C2844D2D-1 or the Consulting with Canadians website by June 14, 2013. Comments will contribute to establishing a clear and coherent Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
