Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2023 to 2027
View the print-friendly version [PDF link] (1,609 kB)
On this page
- Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Section 2: PacifiCan’s Sustainable Development Vision
- Section 3: Listening to Canadians
- Section 4: PacifiCan's Commitments
- Section 5: Integrating Sustainable Development
- Footnotes
Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) is the legal framework outlining the obligations and authorities for the Government of Canada to advance sustainable development.
The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) lays out the sustainable development goals, targets, and implementation strategy for all federal organizations. The 2022 to 2026 FSDS is the first to be framed using the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide an integrated view of environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
PacifiCan’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) outlines the Agency’s actions to advance the FSDS and Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy.
Section 2: PacifiCan’s Sustainable Development Vision
PacifiCan was created in August 2021 to grow and diversify British Columbia’s (BC’s) economy. To achieve this mandate, the Agency:
- supports the creation of quality jobs and competitive industry clusters;
- accelerates business growth and expansion of businesses in new local and global markets including clean technology and resources; and,
- seeks to increase the economic participation of Indigenous people, women, youth, and other underrepresented groups.
The Agency’s vision is enduring prosperity for all British Columbians.
The 2022-2026 FSDS has 17 goals that reflect the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of each United Nations SDG. Under the 2022-2026 FSDS, PacifiCan was identified to contribute to four goals:
- Goal 8: Encourage Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Canada;
- Goal 10: Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Take Action to Reduce Inequality;
- Goal 12: Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles; and
- Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change and its Impacts.
Section 3: Listening to Canadians
In developing its first DSDS, PacifiCan considered comments made during the national public consultation on the draft FSDS. These consultations were held from March 11, 2022, to July 9, 2022. More than 700 comments from the public consultation were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individuals. The draft FSDS was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for comment.
What Was Heard
Public consultation comments for FSDS Goal 8 – Encourage Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Canada – showed that Canadians are in favour of the transition to a more sustainable and greener economy. The consultations highlighted support to transition to greener and more sustainable industries. Comments also highlighted the importance of green jobs programs for youth and marginalized groups. Additionally, comments noted the significance of ensuring federal programs respect Indigenous languages and cultures and eradicate any barriers to access.
Public consultation comments for FSDS Goal 10 – Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality – showed that Canadians want the Government of Canada to make more ambitious targets and take more action in this area. The consultations also highlighted the importance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and supporting 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized communities.
Public consultation comments for FSDS Goal 12 – Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles – showed that Canadians support reducing waste through sustainable production practices and consumption habits. The consultations also highlighted the need for greener procurement policies and practices.
Public consultation comments for FSDS Goal 13 – Take Action on Climate Change and its Impacts – showed that Canadians want stronger climate adaptation actions. Comments highlighted the importance of the Government of Canada implementing net-zero procurement.
More information on the FSDS public consultation and its results can be found in the FSDS Consultation Report.
How We Are Responding
PacifiCan supports BC’s transition to a greener and more sustainable economy principally through investments in clean growth projects. Through its programming, PacifiCan supports clean technology and clean resources projects, which contribute to a transition of BC’s economy towards sustainable technologies and resources. Work is also underway to better understand the Agency’s role in Indigenous economic development. In addition, PacifiCan supports inclusive growth, assisting women, youth, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and people with disabilities to participate in the economy. Furthermore, the Agency is committed to reducing waste and taking action on climate change. It will continue to strengthen green procurement and sustainability by incorporating environmental and social criteria in its procurement decisions. As PacifiCan is a new agency created in 2021 and this is PacifiCan’s first DSDS, Canadians can expect more actions to tackle sustainability from the Agency in the future.
Section 4: PacifiCan’s Commitments
Each FSDS Goal is aligned with one of the United Nations SDG goals (below). PacifiCan contributes to implementation strategies associated with:
- FSDS Goal 8 – Encourage Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Canada | SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- FSDS Goal 10 – Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality | SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities
- FSDS Goal 12 – Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles | SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- FSDS Goal 13 – Take Action on Climate Change and its Impacts | SDG 13 – Climate Action
FSDS Goal 8: Encourage Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Canada
FSDS Context:
PacifiCan supports the FSDS Goal 8 – Encourage Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in CanadaFootnote 1 – by contributing to the target theme Support for Workers and Businesses through the implementation strategy: Support Workers, Businesses and Communities.
PacifiCan contributes to this theme by providing businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and communities with funding to support enduring economic development, including by promoting sustainable development. The Agency supports clean technology adoption, clean resources, and inclusive growth. It also supports the development of high-potential economic clusters, which have included clean technology, clean resources, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology.
Implementation Strategies Supporting the Goal
This section identifies PacifiCan actions to support FSDS Goal 8: Encourage Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Canada.
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How The Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support workers, businesses, and communities | Support transition to a greener and more inclusive economy by helping companies develop and/or commercialize clean technology and clean resources.
Community Economic Development and Diversification |
Performance indicator: Target: $10,000,000 annuallyFootnote 3 |
Funding the development of clean technology and clean resource projects contributes to the overarching FSDS goal to encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth. These investments support British Columbia’s transition to a greener and more sustainable economy. This activity also contributes to the target of increasing jobs in the clean technology sector. Relevant targets or ambitions: Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF)Footnote 4 Ambitions: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth. Canadians have access to quality jobs. CIF Indicator: 8.6.1 – Jobs in the clean technology products sector. Global Indicator Framework (GIF)Footnote 5 Target: 8.2 – Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors. |
Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with indigenous peoples and take action on inequality
FSDS Context:
PacifiCan supports the FSDS Goal 10 – Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on InequalityFootnote 6 – by contributing to the target theme Advancing Reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Communities through the implementation strategy: Implement the UNDRIP Act.
PacifiCan supports reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia by supporting Indigenous businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and communities to advance their economic development priorities. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply to all the Agency’s core programming. In some cases, targets are set for Indigenous-led projects or investment. As a new agency, PacifiCan is currently working to determine how it can best support enduring economic development for Indigenous communities.
PacifiCan is also working to grow its internal awareness and presence of Indigenous culture and knowledge. This includes increasing the proportion of the Agency’s procurement contracts awarded to Indigenous-owned organizations and promoting learning opportunities for staff. The Agency’s new offices across the province will deepen its engagement and relationships with Indigenous peoples, as nearly a third of Indigenous peoples in BC reside in rural areas. Furthermore, PacifiCan works to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion across other identity factors such as gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, and mental or physical disability in its internal operations. PacifiCan’s new Surrey headquarters will incorporate important equity considerations such as accessibility, Indigenous culture, and inclusion. The Agency will also establish an internal GBA Plus Center of Expertise by 2025.
Implementation Strategies Supporting the Goal
This section identifies PacifiCan actions to support FSDS Goal 10: Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality.
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How The Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the UNDRIP Act | Ensure PacifiCan’s procurement practices meet the national targets for Indigenous procurement (5%).
|
Performance indicator: Starting point: 14.52% Target: 5% of procurement expenditures awarded to Indigenous-owned or -led companies. |
Procurement commitments support reconciliation via increased economic opportunities for Indigenous people. PacifiCan’s contribution to the national targets helps to grow Indigenous businesses. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced. GIF Target: 10.2 – By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. |
Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
FSDS Context:
PacifiCan supports the FSDS Goal 12 – Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission VehiclesFootnote 7 – by contributing to the target theme Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption through the implementation strategy: Strengthen Green Procurement Criteria.
PacifiCan operates in offices sourced and equipped through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). The Agency’s new headquarters in Surrey, BC will be set up and outfitted following PSPC’s guidance on sustainability including using suppliers, contractors, and services that are vetted and deemed to contribute to the green procurement implementation strategy.
The Agency will also continue to strengthen its procurement practices. PacifiCan is increasing the volume of standing offers and supply arrangements that include environmental criteria. It also provides employee training on greening procurement to strengthen procurement specialists’ understanding of green criteria so procurement decisions align with the Policy on Green Procurement.
Implementation Strategies Supporting the Goal
This section identifies PacifiCan actions to support FSDS Goal 12: Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles.
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How The Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthen Green Procurement Training | Ensure all procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in green procurement within one year of assuming the position.
|
Performance indicator: Starting point: In 2022-2023, 100% of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in green procurement. Target: 100% of procurement and materiel management specialists receive training within one year of being identified. |
Procurement decisions incorporating environmental considerations are expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of their goods and services as well as their supply chains. PacifiCan will also strengthen its support for green procurement guidance and tools. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: 12.2.1 – Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF Target:12.7 – Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
| Strengthen Green Procurement Criteria | PacifiCan will include criteria that address carbon reduction, sustainable plastics, and broader environmental benefits into procurement that has an environmental impact. PacifiCan will incorporate environmental considerations into procurement instruments.
|
Performance indicator: Starting point: 0% Target: By March 31, 2025, at least 50% of every non-service-based contract will include environmental criteria. This will increase to 100% by 2027. |
Adoption of environmental criteria in procurement decisions will help to reduce environmental impact while ensuring value for money. By considering environmental impacts in SOSAs, the Agency helps to reduce negative environmental effects associated with its procurement decisions. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: 12.2.1 – Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF Target 12.7 – Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
FSDS Context:
PacifiCan supports the FSDS Goal 13 – Take Action on Climate Change and its ImpactsFootnote 8 – by contributing to the target theme Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience through the implementation strategy: Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the Government’s overall operations.
PacifiCan’s programs contribute to making BC’s economic growth cleaner and more sustainable. The Agency also implements the Greening Government Strategy, a government-wide strategy to achieve net-zero, green and climate-resilient operations by 2050. This effort will help to reduce PacifiCan’s greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.
The Agency is developing a Social Procurement Strategy to generate positive secondary societal impacts, including environmental sustainability. This strategy will incorporate social benefit criteria in procurement decisions, including environmental considerations on greening government. The strategy will also increase the diversity of government suppliers by purchasing goods and services from underrepresented suppliers and/or social enterprises.
Implementation Strategies Supporting the Goal
This section identifies PacifiCan actions to support FSDS Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change and its Impacts.
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How The Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations | PacifiCan will develop and implement a Social Procurement Strategy, including tools and guidance documents to increase procurement that meet social procurement requirements.
|
Performance indicator: Starting point: N.A. – Initial data will be available in 2024. Target: By March 31st, 2027, 25% of PacifiCan’s procurement will meet social procurement criteria. |
The Social Procurement Strategy will include consideration of local businesses in the procurement of government goods and services. It will also include environmental consideration to support greening government. These will support local economies while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. GIF Target: 13.2 – Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. |
Section 5: Integrating Sustainable Development
As per the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, PacifiCan considers the environmental effects of initiatives as part of its decision-making process.
As outlined in the Cabinet Directive, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required for policy, planning and program proposals. SEAs analyze the environmental impacts of a given proposal, including impacts on relevant FSDS goals and targets.
The results of PacifiCan’s SEAs will be made public on its website when an initiative has undergone a detailed assessment. This increases transparency on the environmental effects of the policy, plan, or program.
PacifiCan will continue to increase SEA literacy across the Agency and ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its SEA process. As a new Agency, PacifiCan will reflect on its initial performance in advancing sustainable development through this DSDS – the Agency’s first.
Information regarding the picture included in the DSDS:
Section 1 picture
The picture shows HTEC’s hydrogen refueling station. PacifiCan provided a $5 million contribution to HTEC for their green hydrogen production plant in Burnaby, BC. With operations expected to begin in late 2023, the facility will be able to produce one tonne of clean/low carbon hydrogen every day. This will be BC’s first at-scale electrolyser plant dedicated to fueling zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
Page details
- Date modified: