PacifiCan’s 2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

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• Introduction
• Commitments for PacifiCan
• Integrating Sustainable Development
• Information regarding the pictures included in the DSDS Report

Introduction to the 2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, PacifiCan supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in PacifiCan’s 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to PacifiCan’s DSDS in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024.

The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDSs. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated in PacifiCan’s DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.

To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, PacifiCan’s departmental strategy reports on Canada’s progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The Report also now captures progress on SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS.

Commitments for PacifiCan

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 Canada^{Footnote 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 funding to support enduring economic development, including 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 includes clean technology, clean resources, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal ‘Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada’ but not a specific FSDS target.

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	Results achieved
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. Program: Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Community Economic Development and Diversification Economic Development Initiative Pacific Business Service Network	Performance indicator: PacifiCan annual approved funding ($) for Clean Growth projects.Footnote 2 Starting point: five-year average of approximately $19,000,000 per year. Target: $10,000,000 annually.Footnote 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.	Indicator result: $24.5M in 2023-2024. Notes: PacifiCan’s 2023-2024 investments in clean growth initiatives were made through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program, which consists of two streams: Business Scaleup and Productivity and the Regional Innovation Ecosystems. The level of annual approved funding fluctuates because of varying project nature, size and duration.

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 Inequality^{Footnote 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 PacifiCan enters its fourth year of operation, it continues to strengthen its relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and is assessing how the Agency’s programs and services could be more accessible to Indigenous Peoples.

PacifiCan continues to grow its internal awareness 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 to increase their knowledge of Indigenous People in Canada and British Columbia. The Agency’s offices across the province will continue to help PacifiCan deepen engagement and relationships with Indigenous peoples, as nearly a third of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia 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 Gender Based Analysis Plus Center of Expertise by 2025.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality” but not a specific FSDS target.

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	Results achieved
Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act	Ensure PacifiCan’s procurement practices meet the national targets for Indigenous procurement (5%). Program: Internal Services	Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement expenditures awarded to Indigenous-owned or -led companies. 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.	Indicator result: 30.02% in 2023-24. Notes: In 2023-24, PacifiCan significantly surpassed its target for procurement expenditures awarded to Indigenous-owned or -led companies. This was due to the greater than anticipated demand for equipment upgrades and the need for equipment for the Agency’s new headquarters. The procurement contracts awarded to Indigenous companies also increased as a result. The result is not expected to be repeated in the future as demand for procurement normalizes.

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 Vehicles^{Footnote 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, 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 also continues 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 is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles” but not a specific FSDS target.

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	Results achieved
Strengthen green procurement criteria	Ensure all procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in green procurement within one year of assuming the position. Program: Internal Services	Performance indicator: Percentage of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement within one year of being identified. 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.	Indicator result: 100% in 2023-24. Notes: All current PacifiCan procurement specialists have completed training in green procurement.
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. Program: Internal Services	Performance indicator: Percentage of expenditures through standing offers and supply arrangements (SOSAs) that include environmental criteria. PacifiCan will include environmental considerations in new procurement decisions (e.g., require suppliers to offer product recycling services; increase weighting for products with low environmental impact, etc.). 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.	Indicator result: Results will be available in fiscal year 2024-25 Notes: PacifiCan is developing environmental criteria to incorporate into our procurement instruments and decision-making processes.

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 Impacts^{Footnote 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 British Columbia’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 is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Take action on climate change and its impacts” but not a specific FSDS target.

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	Results achieved
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. Program: Internal Services	Performance indicator: Increase proportion of procurement contracts that meet social procurement criteria. 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.	Indicator result: Results available in fiscal year 2026-27 Notes: PacifiCan is developing a Social Procurement Strategy with the objective to integrate social procurement criteria in our procurement decision-making processes.

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 environmental and climate literacy across the Agency and ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets. PacifiCan will continue to reflect on its initial performance in advancing sustainable development through its 2023-2027 DSDS – the Agency’s first.

Information regarding the pictures included in the DSDS Report

Cover picture
PacifiCan provided a $55M investment to the District of Kitimat to replace the existing bridge structure to facilitate the connection between the residential area and the industrial centre.

Introduction 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. The facility’s objective is to 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).