2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 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, the Privy Council Office (PCO) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in its 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to PCO’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 PCO’s DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, PCO’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.
The Privy Council Office’s commitments
Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality
FSDS context
By providing analysis and advice, setting overall policy direction, advising on the appointment of senior office holders, fostering effective intergovernmental relations, supporting Cabinet committees (including the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs) and managing specific policy challenges facing the Government, PCO enables the government to deliver on its priority of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and taking action on inequality. This includes taking effective measures to ensure that Indigenous peoples are supported by initiatives that promote connection, development, access, and improvement, as well as full participation in all aspects of Canada’s economy.
PCO works with relevant departments and partners to advance the protection of priority species at risk, Indigenous-led conservation via Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, Project Finance for Permanence, and Indigenous Guardians programs, and the negotiation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes Canada’s main goals of protecting 30% of land and waters by 2030, respecting the rights and role of Indigenous peoples, and addressing the key drivers of biodiversity loss.
Target theme
- Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis communities
Target
- Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of 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 | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act | Provide Indigenous reconciliation training using the Canada School of the Public Service (CSPS) offering. Program: Internal Services |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of staff who have completed Indigenous reconciliation training. Starting point: Currently not tracked. Target: 50% of all employees have completed the training by end of 2024-25. |
Public servants are in a unique position to help increase understanding and awareness and build respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This action encourages public service employees to increase their awareness and understanding of issues related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, and their knowledge of the UN Declaration. This action contributes to the implementation of the Act by taking actions towards Indigenous Reconciliation. Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF target: 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: As of October 2024, 413 (approximately 35%) of PCO employees have completed Indigenous reconciliation training. The following training courses were most utilized by PCO employees: Reconcili-Action, Reflecting on Cultural Bias: Indigenous Perspectives, A Brief History of the Relationship Between Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada, and First Nations of Canada. Notes: PCO will continue to promote Indigenous reconciliation training and is well on track to meet the target of 50% of all employees having completed Indigenous reconciliation training by end of fiscal year 2024-25. |
Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
FSDS context
This Sustainable Development Goal speaks to the reduction of waste and promoting sustainable procurement practices. This includes the development of criteria that address greenhouse gas emissions reduction for goods and services that have a high environmental impact; ensuring the criteria are included in procurements; and supporting green procurement, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees.
To support the achievement of Canada’s 2030 Paris Agreement target and the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050, PCO provided advice and analysis on the over $9 billion in climate-related funding provided in Budget 2022. These commitments helped to advance the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, the first milestone under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which was published in March 2022.
PCO complies with the Policy on Green Procurement which supports the Government of Canada’s effort to promote environmental stewardship. In keeping with the objectives of the policy, PCO supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision-making process through the actions described below.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transform the federal light-duty fleet |
New light-duty fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or hybrids. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of annual new vehicle purchases that are ZEV or hybrid. Starting point: A starting point is not available as this is a cyclical initiative. Target: 100% of new vehicle purchases each year. |
Purchasing zero-emission vehicles reduces greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fleet operations. This enhances sustainable consumption. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition: 12.1 Canadians consume in a sustainable manner CIF indicator: 12.1.1 Proportion of new light duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles GIF target: 12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries |
Indicator result: 100% (or N/A) Notes: No new light-duty fleet vehicles were purchased. |
| Strengthen green procurement criteria | Ensure all procurement 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 identified. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement specialists trained in green procurement within one year of being identified. Starting point: All currently onboarded staff have been trained. Target: 100% of procurement officers specialists receive training within one year of being identified. |
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: 12.2 Canadians consume in a sustainable manner CIF indicator: 12.2.1 Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices |
Indicator result: 100% of Procurement Specialists have completed the Green Procurement training course. |
| Include a sustainability clause in every directed service contract. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement directed service contracts with the sustainability clause. Starting point: A starting point is not available as this is a new initiative. Target: 100% of directed service contracts include the sustainability clause by end FY 2024-25. |
Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition/target: 12.1 Canadians consume in a sustainable manner GIF target: 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Indicator result: 100% of Requests for Proposal incorporate sustainability considerations into bid submission instructions. Notes: The Privy Council Office applies contracting clauses developed by Public Services and Procurement Canada and is committed to incorporating sustainability and green procurement clauses where available. |
Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
FSDS context
This Sustainable Development Goal focuses on net-zero carbon operations and climate resilient operations.
In support of this goal, PCO has worked with other departments to advance the development and release of Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) and accompanying Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, with $1.6 billion in new investments announced at the time of the November 2022 release. The NAS outlines a shared path and sets common direction for a more climate-resilient Canada.
Through the Emergency Preparedness and COVID Recovery Secretariat, PCO supports the Prime Minister and Cabinet in coordinating the Government’s response to critical events, including COVID-19, natural disasters such as Hurricane Fiona, seasonal floods and wildfires, and potential threats to national safety and security.
PCO seeks to improve results for Canadians by supporting departments and agencies to effectively implement outcomes-based policy and program approaches (e.g., challenge prizes, behavioural science), in key priority areas including climate action. PCO also supports the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development which studies the programs and legislation of Environment Canada, Parks Canada and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency as well as reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development.
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 | Coordination of annual cyclical and other assessments, distributed to decision-makers, that provide information on climate-driven hazards in Canada. Program: Emergency Preparedness |
Performance Indicator: Whether cyclical and other assessments are distributed on an annual basis in a timely manner. Starting point: Indicator fully met in 2022-23. Target: Fully met on an annual basis. |
Decision-makers are aware of their roles and responsibilities and possible impacts related to hazards and threats that are climate-driven. CIF ambition/target: 13.3 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change GIF targets: 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: Indicator fully met in 2023-24, as cyclical assessments were distributed to decision-makers in a timely manner. |
| Ensure all PCO Security Operations employees with duties pertaining to business continuity planning or emergency management are trained on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and contributing to the development of adaptation actions. Program: Internal Services |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of relevant employees trained on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and developing adaptation actions within the context of PCO business continuity planning. Starting point: All employees of PCO’s Security Operations whose duties pertain to business continuity or emergency management have been trained. Target: Employees of PCO’s Security Operations whose duties pertain to business continuity or emergency management have completed courses and/or have obtained professional designations that cover climate change risks. |
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 organizations who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process GIF targets: 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: Indicator met. Notes: The two employees from Security Operations with duties pertaining to business continuity planning or emergency management received training that touched on climate change. Because no recognized training currently exists on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and contributing to the development of adaptation actions, these employees completed courses which include notions of climate change (such as the certification from the Disaster Recovery Institute). Additionally, climate-related training was expanded to other employees of PCO with Security Operations delivering a tabletop exercise to all Ministers’ Regional Offices in 2023-24, where climate change was addressed as a significant Business Continuity Management risk factor, as climate change is a key risk identified in the annual Business Impact Assessment. |
Initiatives advancing Canada’s implementation of SDG 13 – Climate Action
The following initiatives demonstrate how the Privy Council Office programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, supplementing the information outlined above.
| Planned initiatives | Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|
| The Program of Applied Research on Climate Action in Canada (PARCA) was established in Fall 2021 as a partnership between PCO’s Impact and Innovation Unit, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). It is a three-phase program of research that uses behavioural science to identify and understand barriers to greater climate action and environmental protection in Canada, and then design, and test solutions to promote these outcomes (complementary to other government efforts). PARCA generates evidence and tests interventions to derive rigorous, evidence-based insights to support government action in priority areas (e.g., strengthening climate policy, protecting nature) across three overlapping phases and areas of research:
|
The Program of Applied Research on Climate Action in Canada (PARCA) supports the SDG Global Indicator Framework target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. | Evidence from PARCA's ongoing national surveys has revealed that Canadians display important gaps in knowledge and understanding of climate change, as well as susceptibility to climate-related misinformation. These findings supported a successful $17.5 million Treasury Board Submission by ECCC in 2023 to fund climate literacy initiatives. Among other efforts, this funding supported research towards optimizing communications to increase Canadians’ climate literacy, and their ability to detect climate-related misinformation. Further PARCA evidence has supported the Government of Canada’s broader capacity to effectively communicate with Canadians about climate change mitigation and adaptation. Leveraging advanced statistical techniques, PARCA identified five unique ways in which Canadians think about climate change. These five attitude- and belief-based segments have been integrated into a wide variety of climate-related surveys and focus groups, and have enabled communications teams across the Government of Canada to better understand their audiences, and tailor communications to meet Canadians where they are. Furthermore, evidence from PARCA has led to a wide variety of specific recommendations, including in support of the disclosure of chemicals in products, and the concepts and design of NRCan’s zero-emission vehicles web hub. PARCA evidence is also supporting the design and implementation of FireSmart programs to improve community resilience, and using the five PARCA climate segments to identify audiences and inform media placements for ECCC marketing campaigns. |
Integrating sustainable development
PCO will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.
Public statements on the results of PCO’s assessments are made public on its web page when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.
PCO did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023-24.
Page details
- Date modified: