2024 to 2025 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Polar Knowledge Canada, 2025
2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
Catalogue No. R101-8E-PDF
ISSN 2817-4739
Departmental contact information
Polar Knowledge Canada
Canadian High Arctic Research Station 1 Uvajuq Road
P.O. Box 2150
Cambridge Bay, NU, X0B 0C0
Email: communications@polar-polaire.gc.ca
SECTION 1 - Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
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, Polar Knowledge Canada supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in the agency’s 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to Polar Knowledge Canada’s DSDS in the fiscal year 2024-25.
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 Polar Knowledge Canada's DSDS and 2024-25 DSDS Report.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, Polar Knowledge Canada’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.
SECTION 2 - Commitments for Polar Knowledge Canada
 | GOAL 2: SUPPORT A HEALTHIER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEM |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada's Science and Technology Framework promotes understanding of how changes in the environment impact food security and the wellness of Northern communities. Through its One Health program, Polar Knowledge Canada conducts community-led research on country foods, their predators, and habitats, as well as diseases in Northern wildlife. This research enhances their understanding of climate change effects on community wellness and supports efforts to promote Northern food security.
Target theme: Sustainable food systems
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Support a healthier and more sustainable food system” 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enhance Indigenous and northern food security |
Action: Monitor and improve understanding of the effects of diseases on wildlife populations and environmental changes on food security and community wellness. Program: Science and Technology |
Performance indicator: Number of initiatives that seek to monitor and improve understanding of the effects of diseases on wildlife populations, environmental changes on food security, or community wellness that Polar Knowledge Canada led or contributed to. Starting point: 1 initiative in 2023-24 Target: 2 initiatives annually |
Summary: Efforts to understand the effects of wildlife diseases and environmental changes on wildlife paves the way for long-term food security domestically. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 2.1- Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food CIF Indicator: 2.1.1- Prevalence of food insecurity GIF Target: 2.1- By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round |
Indicator result: 1 initiative in 2024-25 Notes: Polar Knowledge Canada’s One Health team undertook fewer initiatives in the Kitikmeot region but conducted relevant projects in other regions of Nunavut. Initiatives pertaining to the Kitikmeot region: 1. The agency conducted research on edible and medicinal plants in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut Other initiatives pertaining to regions outside Kitikmeot: 2. enhancing communication of wildlife diseases and country food safety through informational videos on: a. Avian influenza – information for northern communities b. Trichinella in Arctic and Northern Canada and the Nunavut Trichinella Diagnostic Program |
 | GOAL 4: PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada supports this goal by advancing knowledge of the North, Canadian Arctic and other circumpolar regions through scientific research and knowledge creation, dissemination, and mobilization activities. Polar Knowledge Canada's Science and Technology Framework guides its research activities to improve knowledge of ecosystems, increase understanding of community wellness and environmental health connections, and advance energy, technology, and infrastructure solutions. Polar Knowledge Canada shares its research outcomes through publications, events, and partnerships with various organizations, and engages in research collaboration to address regional and circumpolar development issues. Additionally, the agency supports youth skill development for the next generation of polar researchers through its grants and contributions programs. By building and maintaining partnerships and incorporating Indigenous traditional knowledge in research, Polar Knowledge Canada advances sustainable development and quality education goals.
Target theme: Research and knowledge sharing
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development” 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 knowledge in the North, Arctic and Antarctic |
Action: Ensure that Canada’s polar science and technology research is publicly available. Program: Science and Technology and Knowledge Management and Engagement |
Performance indicator 1: Number of knowledge products about polar research or technology, which Polar Knowledge Canada led or contributed to, that are available to the public. Starting point: 156 knowledge products available to the public in 2023-24 Target: 140 knowledge products annually |
Summary: Dissemination of polar science and technology research improves access to scientific information, fosters collaboration, transfers expertise, and translates research into actionable solutions for sustainable development. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Not applicable CIF Indicator: Not applicable GIF Target: 4.7- By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development. |
Indicator #1 result: 71 in 2024-25 |
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Performance indicator 2: Number of Knowledge-sharing engagements related to polar research or technology that Polar Knowledge Canada led or contributed to. Starting point: # of Knowledge-sharing engagements in 2023-24 Target: 4 Knowledge-sharing engagements annually |
Indicator #2 result: 5 in 2024-25 |
 | GOAL 7: INCREASE CANADIANS’ ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada prioritizes renewable energy research to address the vulnerability of Northern and Arctic communities to global warming. It supports the testing and demonstration of clean energy solutions by industry, government, and academia. This includes collaborating with the National Research Council to test off-grid wind turbines and evaluate experimental solar panels at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. These technologies aim to reduce the environmental impact in remote communities. Additionally, Polar Knowledge Canada is involved in developing a Community Energy Plan for Cambridge Bay, Nunavut funded by the Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity program.
Target theme: Renewable and non-emitting sources of electricity
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invest in research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies |
Action: Facilitate the development and testing of energy technologies suitable for the unique environmental and socio-cultural conditions in the North and Arctic. Program: Science and Technology |
Performance Indicator: Number of initiatives that seek to develop and test energy technologies suitable for the North and Arctic that Polar Knowledge Canada led or contributed to. Starting point: 1 initiative in 2023-24 Target: 2 initiatives annually |
Summary: Enabling the development and testing of energy technologies in the North and Arctic contributes to long-term access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy in Canada. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 7.2- Canadians reduce their energy consumption CIF Indicator: 7.2- Not applicable GIF Target: 7.1- By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services 7.3.a- By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. |
Indicator result: 6 initiatives in 2024-25 Notes: The 6 initiatives for 2024-25 include:
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 | GOAL 9: FOSTER INNOVATION AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN CANADA |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada aims to enhance waste and wastewater treatment in Northern communities by developing new technologies that reduce waste and promote sustainability. This includes waste-to-energy, grey and black water management, green housing, and recycling initiatives. Notably, Polar Knowledge Canada has tested the Terragon Micro Automated Gasification System to convert household waste into heat and synthetic natural gas for electricity generation. The agency has also collaborated with the National Research Council to evaluate the Bioelectrical Anaerobic Sewage Treatment System that produces heat and potential bio-fuels from sewage. Additionally, Polar Knowledge Canada facilitates the development of affordable, culturally adapted homes using sustainable materials, contributing to green infrastructure in the North and Arctic.
Target theme: Green infrastructure and innovation
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Foster innovation and green infrastructure 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop our knowledge of clean technologies |
Action: Contribute to the development and testing of housing, water or waste treatment technologies. Program: Science and Technology |
Performance indicator: Number of initiatives that support the development and testing of housing, water, and waste treatment technologies that Polar Knowledge Canada led or contributed to. Starting point: 1 initiative in 2023-24 Target: 2 initiatives annually |
Summary: The development and testing of housing, water, and waste treatment technologies drive the adoption of sustainable practices, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering environmental stewardship. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 9.1- Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation 9.3- Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure CIF Indicator: 9.1.1- Proportion of innovation in environment-related technology GIF Target: 9.1- Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all |
Indicator result: 3 initiatives in 2024-25. Notes: The 3 initiatives for 2024-25 include:
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 | GOAL 10: ADVANCE RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND TAKE ACTION ON INEQUALITY |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by engaging in sustained and collaborative efforts that promote economic development and job creation. Through its Science and Technology Framework, Polar Knowledge Canada engages with Indigenous partners in a meaningful way, builds capacity for community-based monitoring and research, and integrates Indigenous knowledge with scientific findings. Additionally, Polar Knowledge Canada prioritizes projects that include Indigenous and local knowledge and supports the economic well-being of Inuit employees through its Inuit Employment Plan and education support fund. Simultaneously, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station works to create employment opportunities for local people and boost economic development in Nunavut by prioritizing and reinforcing local Inuit businesses and organizations.
Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis communities
| 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 |
Action 1: Ensure that Canada’s Arctic science includes Indigenous Knowledge Program: Science and Technology |
Performance indicator: Percentage of Arctic research projects led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada that include Indigenous or local knowledge Starting point: 81% of Arctic research projects led or supported by Polar Knowledge Canada that include Indigenous or local knowledge in 2022-23 Target: At least 90% by March 2026 |
Summary: Ensuring that Indigenous Knowledge is incorporated in Arctic science and decision-making advances reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and supports the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 10. 1- Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced. CIF Indicator: Not Applicable 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 10.3 - Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
Indicator result: 77% in 2024-25 Notes: The definition of local knowledge can be complex in Cambridge Bay when local youth or researchers are hired. |
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Action 2: Increase Indigenous representation among Polar Knowledge Canada employees. Program: Internal Services/Human Resources |
Performance indicator: Percentage of active employees self-identifying as Indigenous Persons at Polar Knowledge Canada Starting point: 27.5% of active employees self-identifying as Indigenous Persons at Polar Knowledge Canada in 2023-24 Target: 30% of active employees self- identifying as Indigenous Persons at Polar Knowledge Canada by March 2026 |
Summary: Increasing the number of Indigenous employees at Polar Knowledge Canada advances reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and supports the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 10. 1- Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced. CIF Indicator: Not Applicable 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 10.3 - Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
Indicator result: 25% as of March 31, 2025 |
 | GOAL 12: REDUCE WASTE AND TRANSITION TO ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada implements the Policy on Green Procurement by deploying common use procurement instruments and integrating environmental considerations into its procurement management processes; integrating environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls; and reviewing its contracting templates to ensure alignment with the Policy. Polar Knowledge Canada also aims to render its green procurement processes more robust by ensuring that necessary parties continuously have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.
To reduce waste, Polar Knowledge Canada’s Canadian High Arctic Research station has systems in place for wastewater and waste management. Notably, Polar Knowledge Canada treats its wastewater with a reverse osmosis system which produces large amounts of clean water. Polar Knowledge Canada is also seeking collaborative efforts to transform wastewater into hydrogen, and to treat the sewage lagoon in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption
Target: The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (All Ministers)
| 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 |
Action 1: Ensure all procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in Green Procurement (such as, the Canada School of Public Service course on Green Procurement, or equivalent) within one year of being appointed Program: Internal Services/Procurement |
Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in Green Procurement within one year of being identified. Starting point: 100% of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in Green Procurement in in 2023-24 Target: Maintain 100% training rate for procurement officers and material management specialists annually |
Summary: Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 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: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
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Indicator result: 100% in 2024-25 |
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Action 2: Integrate the Green Procurement option and information guide within contracting request form. Program: Internal Services/Procurement |
Performance indicator: Percentage of contracting request forms that include Green Procurement requirement and information guide. Starting point: Starting point: 100% of contracting request forms include a Green Procurement option in 2023-24 Target:100% of contracting request forms include a Green Procurement option annually |
Indicator result: 100% in 2024-25 |
 | GOAL 13: TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada takes proactive steps to transition to zero-emission vehicles and takes steps towards reducing waste and promoting sustainability practices in its operations. This includes the use of electric or hybrid vehicles. Additionally, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station has been designed for silver-level certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design through such features as solar panels to facilitate the testing of photovoltaics (solar panels) in the North and Arctic, low-flow plumbing fixtures, innovative wastewater and waste management, light pollution reduction, energy conservation technology, and other features.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience
Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)
| 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 |
Action: Ensure all relevant employees are trained on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and developing adaptation actions within one year of being identified. Program: Internal Services/Human Resources |
Performance indicator: Percentage of identified employees trained on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and developing adaptation actions within one year of being identified. Starting point: New Program Target: 100% of identified employees trained annually |
Summary: Trained staff can identify risks to critical program delivery and develop responses to increase the resilience of operations to impacts of climate change. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 13.3 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change CIF Indicator: 13.3.1 Proportion of municipal organization who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process GIF Target:13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Indicator result: As a result of the small size of the organization and the finite resources, Polar Knowledge Canada does not have the capacity to develop training but will seek opportunities to participate in existing training on climate change topics. The indicator will be removed for 2025-26. |
 | GOAL 15: PROTECT AND RECOVER SPECIES, CONSERVE CANADIAN BIODIVERSITY |
FSDS Context:
Polar Knowledge Canada advances understanding of northern and Arctic ecosystems to help Canadian biodiversity in the face of climate change. It collects baseline data and monitors changes in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Knowledge and results are shared with decision makers and networks to support conservation and adaptation. Recently, Polar Knowledge Canada has partnered with the Canadian Museum of Nature, providing $1 million over three years to advance research on climate impacts on wildlife, Northern and Arctic plant species, vulnerability, and marine biodiversity.
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Protect and recover species, conserve Canadian biodiversity” 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other |
Action: Undertake research, remote sensing and environmental monitoring of permafrost, and biodiversity changes in the Kitikmeot Environmental Research Area. Program: Science and Technology |
Performance indicator: Number of initiatives that seek to monitor permafrost and biodiversity in the Kitikmeot Environmental Research Area that Polar Knowledge Canada led or contributed to. Starting point: 1 initiative in 2023-24 Target: 3 initiatives annually |
Summary: Canadian research and monitoring of Northern and Arctic biodiversity changes protect Canadian biodiversity by providing crucial data on climate change impacts and guiding conservation efforts for vulnerable species and habitats. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 15.1- Canada ensures all species have healthy and viable populations. 15.3- Canada conserves and restores ecosystems and habitat CIF Indicator: Not applicable GIF Target: 15.1- By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. 15.5- Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species |
Indicator result: 2 initiatives in 2024-25 Notes: The 2 initiatives for 2024-25 include:
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SECTION 3 - Integrating Sustainable Development
Polar Knowledge Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment (SEEA) process. A SEEA for a policy, program or regulatory proposal includes an analysis of the climate, nature, environmental and economic effects of the given proposal.
Public statements on the results of Polar Knowledge Canada’s assessments are issued when an initiative that was the subject of a detailed Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment is implemented or announced (see here). The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental and economic effects, including contributions to the FSDS goals and targets, of an initiative have been considered during proposal development and decision making.
Polar Knowledge Canada did not have any proposals subject to a detailed SEEA that were announced or implemented in 2024-25.