2021-2022 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Progress Report
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Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada
Published: October 2022
Cat. No.: HP2-28E-PDF
ISBN: 2290-7599
PUB.: 220378
Table of Contents
- Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Section 2: Sustainable Development in the Public Health Agency of Canada
- Section 3: Departmental Performance by FSDS Goal
- Section 4: Integrating Sustainable Development at PHAC
Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
At the federal level, a whole-of government Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) is published every three years to serve as the Government of Canada's primary vehicle for sustainable development planning and reporting to Parliament. The FSDS also demonstrates federal leadership towards implementing the environmentally-related global United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by Canada and other UN Member States in 2015.
The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in our 2020-2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
While the PHAC DSDS has a three-year lifecycle, PHAC has committed to releasing annual updates that may include new commitments and targets which take into account emerging internal and external priorities, as well as our changing external environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has especially altered the environment in which PHAC's DSDS actions and indicators were first developed. Adjustments may therefore be required to the original DSDS commitments, in some cases, over the course of the three-year strategy to reflect the evolving landscape.
In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a FSDS that will make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, PHAC has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing its DSDS.
This report on progress supports the commitment in the FSDA to make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole-of-government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability. The departmental information reported in this report accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with the PHAC's 2020 to 2023 DSDS.
Section 2: Sustainable Development in the Public Health Agency of Canada
PHAC was created within the federal Health Portfolio to deliver on the Government of Canada's commitment to increase its focus on public health in order to help protect and improve the health and safety of all Canadians and to contribute to strengthening public health capacities across Canada. PHAC's sustainable development vision aims to systematically incorporate economic, social and environmental considerations into departmental decision-making.
PHAC's 2020 to 2023 DSDS describes the Agency's actions in support of achieving three of the thirteen long-term goals identified in the FSDS: greening government, effective action on climate change, and clean drinking water.
This progress report presents available results for the Agency's indicators linked to the actions in relation to these three goals for the fiscal year 2021-2022. It also links the departmental action to the corresponding United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target supported by the action.
Previous years' strategies and reports are posted on the PHAC Sustainable Development website page. Elements of the 2021-2022 DSDS update can also be found in the PHAC 2021-2022 Departmental Results Report Supplementary Information Tables (SIT).
This report details PHAC's individual departmental actions that support the targets and/or goals of the 2019 to 2022 FSDS. For information on the Government of Canada's overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report, which, per the requirements of the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, is released at least once in each three year period.
Section 3: Departmental Performance by FSDS Goal
The following tables provide performance information on the Agency's progress in support of the targets for the actions related to the three FSDS goals of greening government, effective action on climate change, and clean drinking water for the fiscal year 2021-2022.
The Agency's lead role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the regular work cycle and shifted priorities, and the general impact of the pandemic has affected certain aspects of the work. For example, activities related to engaging with stakeholders have evolved in 2021-2022 because of the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic response and the related public health measures that were in effect.
Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, and green operations
-This goal captures commitments from the Greening Government Strategy, as well as reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement.
Responsible Minister: All ministers
Context: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations; this allows for the federal government to contribute to the broader economy-wide plan that includes the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. PHAC will contribute to the greening government goal by taking steps to improve energy efficiency of buildings and operations; engaging in green procurement through the inclusion of environmental considerations in procurement processes; and continuing to commit to the Greening Government Strategy to attain low-carbon, sustainable, and climate-resilient real property; low-carbon mobility and fleet; climate-resilient assets, services, and operations; and green goods and services.
| Greening Government FSDS target(s) |
FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved by March 31, 2022 |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral) | All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing | Adopt and maintain approaches and activities that reduce PHAC's energy use and improve the overall environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings. | Starting Point: GHG emissions from buildings in fiscal year 2005-06 = 7.17ktCO2e. Indicators: % change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06
Target: 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (includes just facilities). |
The GHG emissions in 2021-2022 = 7.19 ktCO2e Greenhouse gas is emitted when natural gas is burnt to generate heat. Natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions fluctuate based on the number of heating degree days during the heating season. A meaningful reduction in greenhouse gas will not be realized until a clean heating alternative on the scale necessary is found. PHAC has been engaged by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) regarding a deep decarbonization of heating loads. They have contacted Manitoba Hydro regarding electrification. Solutions are still being sought. |
FSDS: PHAC will take actions to reduce the demand for energy or switch to lower carbon sources of energy that will lead to reductions in GHGs from building operations. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy Target 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
| Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings | Identify opportunities to facilitate awareness about energy use and technologies that improve environmental performance in order to improve the environmental performance of departmental-owned buildings. | Starting Point: In 2020-21 PHAC will begin using RETScreen, a Clean Energy Management Software system for energy efficiency, renewable energy and cogeneration project feasibility analysis as well as ongoing energy performance analysis. Indicator: % of building fit-ups, refits, major investments and new construction projects that use RETScreen to inform decisions. Target: 100% (annual) |
RETScreen software has been installed and a new position has been staffed with a primary responsibility being to fully utilize the RETScreen software. Building fit-ups, refits, major investments, and new construction projects did not meet the criteria for using RETScreen in 2021-2022. |
FSDS: Understanding the range of applications for clean technology in building operations, raising awareness about energy use, and promoting initiatives to improve energy efficiency will help the PHAC to ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support more efficient production and consumption. SDG 9 - Industry Innovation and Infrastructure Target 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. |
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Indicator: # of energy performance feasibility analyses completed in partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Target: Two (2) analyses by March 31, 2022 |
NRCan was not engaged in 2021-2022. The previous study conducted through NRCan is still valid and recommendations are being adopted. Envelope thermal scans which help assess energy performance were conducted in 2021-2022. |
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Indicator: % of custodial facilities with building-level water meters Target: 100% of PHAC's custodial facilities have building level water meters |
As of 2021-2022, 100% of PHAC's custodial facilities have building-level water meters. |
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| Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced | Use telematics analysis to right-size fleet Promote behavior change - e.g. car sharing initiatives and public transportation options |
PHAC will not be reporting on fleet GHG emissions as TBS only requires reporting from departments and agencies with more than 50 vehicles. PHAC will however continue to follow the TBS guidance in regards to green fleet management in terms of procurement and telematics use. |
PHAC will not be reporting on fleet GHG emissions as TBS only requires reporting from departments and agencies with more than 50 vehicles. PHAC will however continue to follow the TBS guidance in regards to green fleet management in terms of procurement and telematics use. |
FSDS: Rationalization of fleets via retirement of emitting vehicles can reduce GHG emissions. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy Target 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. |
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| Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030 | Other | Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022 Assess the waste stream to inform future decisions and options to divert operational waste from landfills |
Starting Point: In 2021-2022, PHAC will complete waste audits in its custodial facilities. Indicator: % of non-hazardous operational waste diverted Target: Report on waste diversion rates and disposal methods by March 31, 2022. |
A Waste Audit of a custodial laboratory was completed in January 2022. The audit determined a diversion rate of 64.5% of non-hazardous solid waste generated from regular activities. In an effort to improve diversion rates, communication on recycling materials accepted and signage at recycling receptacles will be improved. Waste audits of custodial laboratories will be conducted annually. |
FSDS:
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. |
Indicator: Diversion indicators will be developed once data from the audits has been analysed Target: Identification of priority diversion options by March 31, 2022 |
Diversion rate of 75% by 2030 on schedule. |
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| Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030 | Other | Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022 Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings Implement initiatives and processes to facilitate plastic waste diversion from PHAC's operations. |
Starting Point: New initiatives as of March 2020 Indicator: % of plastic waste diverted Target: Report on waste diversion rates by March 31, 2022. |
The Waste Audit of a custodial laboratory completed in January 2022 indicated 65.5% of plastics were diverted from landfill. Waste audits of custodial laboratories will be conducted annually. Diversion rate of 75% by 2030 on schedule. |
FSDS: PHAC will:
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. |
| Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030) | Other | Track and disclose our waste diversion rates by 2022. | Indicator: % of construction and demolition waste diverted Target: Report on waste diversion rates and disposal methods by March 31, 2022 |
A construction waste diversion program was developed for PHAC's custodial laboratories in 2021-2022. The program is active in 2022-2023 and will allow for future reporting. |
FSDS: Actions that reduce the generation of construction and demolition waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. |
| Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 | Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced | Use telematics analysis to right-size fleet. Increase the percentage of departmental fleet that are ZEV or hybrid, whenever operationally feasible. |
Starting point: In 2019-20, PHAC had 17 vehicles in its administrative fleet, 1 of which was ZEV or hybrids. Indicator: % of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases that are ZEV or hybrid
Target: 75% (annual) |
In 2021-2022, 100% of vehicles purchased (2) were ZEV.
Total number of ZEV purchased in 2021-2022 was 2. |
FSDS: As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetimes with ZEVs, and/or the size of the fleet is reduced, a greater proportion of the fleet will be ZEV. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy Target 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. |
Starting Point: In 2019-20, PHAC had 1 executive vehicle in its fleet, which was hybrid. Indicator: % of executive vehicle purchases that are ZEV or hybrid
Target: 100% (annual) |
In 2021-2022, PHAC procured no new executive vehicles.
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Indicator: % of administrative vehicles logged via telematics Target: 100% (annual) |
In 2021-2022, Health Canada and PHAC initiated the implementation of a new telematics system for the departmental fleet. By March 31, 2022, 55% (23 of 42) of the existing fleet had new devices installed. The remainder of telematics devices will be installed in the first half of 2022-23. |
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Starting Point: New initiative Indicator: An indicator will be established following the development of a National Fleet Management Strategy for the Department that enables a fleet that is reliable, available, right-sized and 'green'. Target: A Strategy and supporting implementation plan are developed by March 31, 2023. |
In 2021-2022, fleet management priorities were re-evaluated. As a result, focus was placed on the development, approval and distribution of a new Fleet Standard (Standard) for the department, which aims to clarify roles and responsibilities for the various stakeholders, as well as to provide a framework to develop Standard Operating Procedures for specific fleet management practices. In 2022-23, procedures to support implementation of the Standard will be put in place to inform ongoing efforts to right-size the fleet. |
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| By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations | Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned | Understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect federal assets, services and operations across the country | Starting Point: New initiative, consistent with the Federal Adaptation Policy Framework, PHAC will take action to understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect federal assets, services and operations through a climate change risk assessment. Indicator: % of site-specific climate change vulnerability and risk assessments completed on PHAC-owned fixed assets. Target: 100% |
PHAC participated in Environment and Climate Change Canada-hosted workshops to inform the planning and overall approach for the PHAC climate change risk assessment. |
FSDS: Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and operations is one of the most important ways the government can adapt to a changing climate and is consistent with the government's risk management approach of enhancing the protection of public assets and resources and strengthening planning and decision-making. SDG 13 - Climate Action Target 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. |
| By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council (NRC) Canada | Integrate climate change adaptation into the design, construction and operation aspects of real property projects | Indicator: % of real property projects where climate resilient building codes and NRC energy and building code requirements were integrated within the project design process. Target: 100% (annual) |
PHAC had no projects where climate resilient building codes and NRC energy and building code requirements could be used. |
FSDS: Early adoption of the code in the construction of buildings demonstrates federal leadership in climate resilient buildings. SDG 13 - Climate Action Target 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. |
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| Use 100% clean electricity by 2025 | Other | Purchase megawatt hours of renewable electricity equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid. This includes the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site. | Indicator: New initiative, % of clean electricity
Target: 100% |
The NML signed a letter of intent with PSPC to participate in its clean electricity purchasing program. PSPC has not provided timelines for when contracts will be in place for Ontario and Manitoba, which would cover PHAC's custodial laboratories. Their focus is on provinces with "dirty" electrical energy at this time. It should be noted that over 95% of the electrical energy used by PHAC's custodial laboratories is generated in Manitoba. The TBS has classified energy generated in Manitoba as "clean". In 2021-2022, 3.8% of the NML's electrical energy was generated in Ontario, and it accounted for 48% of the NML's GHG attributed to electrical energy. |
FSDS: The use of clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions in jurisdictions with emitting generation sources. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy Target 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. |
Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government [This section is for actions that support the Greening Government Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target] |
Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation | Specification of low embodied carbon materials in major construction and renovation contracts. Note: Greening Government Strategy - Real Property Guidance has defined "major" as "Projects in which changes proposed to the building envelope and HVAC systems or the proposed value of work is more than 50% of the assessed value of the building" |
Indicator: New initiative, % of major construction projects in which embodied carbon in building materials was minimized. Target: PHAC will work to understand the impact and resource implications of integrating the measurement and reporting of embodies carbon on construction projects. A % target will be set during 2021-2022, subject to continued engagement with PSPC, and development of a PSPC program for measuring and reporting on embodied carbons. |
PHAC had no major construction projects in PSPC has advised that there is no program available in Canada for measuring and reporting on embodied carbon. As the government's largest owner of real property fixed assets, they are taking the lead in its development. PSPC will be engaged on all major construction projects. |
FSDS: The use of low embodied carbon materials expands the market and encourages industry to adopt low carbon extraction, production and disposal practices. This will reduce Scope 3 emissions and other harmful environmental impacts. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
| Other | Encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable work practices | Indicator: PHAC will undertake eight virtual outreach activities to employees, per FY, to raise awareness about climate change and to promote best practices and tools in support of Greening Government Objectives. |
In 2021-2022, PHAC undertook 18 virtual outreach activities to employees in order to raise awareness about climate change and to support and promote the Greening Government Objectives. |
FSDS: Increased awareness of sustainable work practices could help to reduce the amount of GHG emissions produced by staff activities (e.g. encourage employees to consider less GHG intensive modes of transportation for business travel, or internalize SD-friendly consumer habits). SDG 13 - Climate Action Target 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies. |
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Indicator: PHAC will undertake targeted outreach with employees, with the goal of establishing a Pan Regional SD Network to build capacity and share and promote best practices on sustainable workplace initiatives across the Agency. |
In 2021-2022, the Agency's Sustainable Development Network membership has been expanded to include a broader pan-regional complement. This will assist in building capacity and promoting best practices related to sustainable development initiatives at PHAC. |
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Indicator: By March 31, 2021, PHAC will develop a training tool on the Strategic Environmental Assessment process to build awareness and capacity at the Agency on the integration of SD considerations into plans, policies and programs. |
As of March 2021, PHAC developed and published a training tool on the Strategic Environmental Assessment in order to build awareness and promote the integration of sustainable development into further PHAC policies, plans and programs. There is a quiz after the completion of the learning modules to assess understanding and issue a completion certificate. |
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| Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions | Promote environmental sustainability by integrating environmental performance considerations into departmental procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal, and ensuring there is the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement. | Starting Point: 100% in 2019-20 Indicator: % of procurement related documents, guides, and tools posted on PHAC's Materiel and Assets Management intranet site reviewed and updated to reflect green procurement objectives, where applicable. Target: 100% (annual) |
In 2021-2022, 100% of procurement related documents, guides and tools posted on Health Canada's Materiel and Assets Management Division intranet were reviewed. No updates were required as the content was still consistent with the green procurement objectives in the Government of Canada's Greening Government Strategy. |
FSDS: Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
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Starting Point: 100% in 2019-20 Indicator: % of office supply purchases that include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies (excluding purchases made on acquisition cards) Target: 90% (annual) |
In 2021-2022, 100% of in-scope office supplies included considerations of environmental impacts associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the supplies. For example, recycled content and environmental attributes of the supplier (such as efficient manufacturing processes, "green" offices, or recycling programs). |
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Starting Point: 100% in 2019-20 Indicator: % of information technology hardware purchases that include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment (excluding laboratory and field equipment as well as purchases made on acquisition cards). Note: This is done in conjunction with Shared Services Canada and/or PSPC as the IT procurement authority. Target: 95% (annual) |
In 2021-2022, 100% of in-scope IT hardware purchases (e.g laptops) included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use, and/or disposal of the equipment. With regards to disposal, PHAC used the services of Government of Canada Surplus as well as the Computers for Schools Program, which helps to extend the useful life of electronic equipment and reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. |
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| Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees | Ensure material management and specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement. | Starting Point: 100% in 2019-20 Indicator: % of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year. Target: 100% |
In 2021-2022, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management completed the Canada School of Public Service's green procurement course or have included it in their learning plan for completion within a year. | FSDS: Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services, and supply chains.
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Effective Action on Climate Change: A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change; supported by a whole-of-government approach to implementation
Context: Climate change is a critical global problem that could affect future generations' ability to meet their basic needs. Greenhouse gas emissions have the potential to warm the planet to levels never experienced in the history of human civilization, with far reaching and unpredictable environmental, social, and economic consequences. Effective action on climate change means transitioning to a low-carbon economy-we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while increasing our prosperity by realizing the opportunities in emerging markets such as renewable energy and clean technology. While reducing emissions is necessary to help lessen the severity of climate impacts in the future, we also need additional efforts to build resilience to these impacts. Adaptation is key in addressing climate change, and is about making smart, informed, forward-looking decisions that take future climate conditions into account. PHAC implements adaptation measures that contribute to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
| Effective Action on Climate Change FSDS target(s) |
FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved by March 31, 2022 |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels | Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change | Contribute to the implementation of the adaptation pillar of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change by developing and advancing the Infectious Disease and Climate Change Program, including a Grants and Contributions Fund (the IDCC Fund), to prepare for and protect Canadians from climate-driven infectious diseases that are zoonotic (diseases that can be transmitted from animals and insects to humans), food-borne or water-borne. | Starting point: Baseline data will be established by 2020-21 Indicators:
Target: Baseline Data to be established by March 31, 2021 and a target will be determined at that time. |
Leading action on climate change through the IDCC Program, to ensure that people understand the risks, and can take measures to prevent climate impacts. This included the development of:
Mobilized community capacity, supported local action, and equipped health professionals, communities, and Canadians to protect themselves from climate-driven infectious diseases through the Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund (IDCCF). The IDCCF also invested in one (1) new project totalling $800K and successfully launched a new call for proposals. New projects from this solicitation are anticipated to begin in April 2023. Delivered on funding for the Métis Nation to address the health effects of climate change. Projects have worked to identify gaps, programming needs and future interventions to protect the health and well-being of Métis nation from climate change. Supported the development of Canada's first National Adaptation Strategy on climate change. Continued to support the Committee for the Education of Health Professionals on Zoonoses and Climate Change in undertaking a multi-criteria decision analysis to prioritize zoonotic infectious diseases for the development of resources for health professionals. |
FSDS: The IDCC Program addresses the impacts of climate change on human health by building and increasing access to infectious diseases evidence-base and developing and disseminating education and awareness resources. SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Target 3.13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. |
Clean Drinking Water: All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face are addressed
Responsible Minister: Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Context: Clean drinking water is a fundamental human need, and helping to ensure that all Canadians have clean water to drink is a federal government priority. PHAC implements the Potable Water Regulations to protect the health and safety of traveling Canadians by safeguarding drinking water supplies; PHAC continues to be committed to providing all Canadians with access to safe drinking water on conveyances. Ensuring safe drinking water for all Canadians supports the 2030 Agenda and its global Sustainable Development Goals-in particular SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation. It also supports specific SDG targets, as well as other international agreements and initiatives.
| Clean Drinking Water FSDS target(s) |
FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved by March 31, 2022 |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Drinking Water | Take action to help ensure safe drinking water | Implement Potable Water on Board Trains, Vessels, Aircraft and Buses Regulations (Potable Water Regulations) including conducting inspections and assessments on international and interprovincial airplanes, trains, cruise ships, ferries and buses to protect the health and safety of the travelling public, ensuring that critical violations are mitigated in a timely manner. | Starting point: Indicator: Percentage of inspected passenger transportation operators that meet public health requirements. Target: 95% |
97% of inspected passenger transportation operators met public health requirements in fiscal year 2021-2022 | FSDS: This action corresponds to the overall FSDS goal of clean drinking water for all Canadians. The implementation of Potable Water Regulations will ensure that passenger transportation operators are compliant with the regulations and the water on their transport is safe for travelling public consumption. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation Target 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. |
Section 4: Integrating Sustainable Development at PHAC
In addition to the specific indicators and targets described in Section 3, PHAC undertakes other actions to promote the integration of sustainable development concepts into decision-making at the Agency. This integration is mainly accomplished through the Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) process, in addition to awareness of and participation in sustainable development initiatives at various levels.
PHAC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its SEA process. A 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.
The SEA is a tool used to evaluate the environmental effects (whether positive, negative, neutral or uncertain) as part of a policy, plan or program proposal.
Report on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
During the 2021-2022 reporting period, PHAC considered the environmental effects of proposals subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (Cabinet Directive), as part of its decision-making processes. This includes Memoranda to Cabinet (MC); Treasury Board Submissions (TB Sub); Regulatory Proposals (RP); Ministerial Recommendations (MR); Memoranda to the Minister (MM) for concurrence of a policy, plan or program that are strategic in nature; and any other strategic document submitted to the Minister and/or Cabinet for approval (e.g. Budget proposal).
As per the Cabinet Directive, SEAs involve a multi-step process at PHAC, which includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:
- Determination of whether the proposal is excluded based on the criteria outlined in PHAC's SEA Preliminary Scan Form.
- If the proposal is not exempt, completion of the Preliminary Scan to conduct an analysis on the environmental effects and to determine if a more detailed SEA is required.
- If a more rigorous examination of environmental effects is needed, then a detailed SEA analysis is conducted, including a Public Statement that demonstrates how environmental factors are incorporated into the decision making process and how these factors will be mitigated.
The SEA process is meant to be started early in the development of the proposal when the scope, objectives, and alternative courses of action are being determined. This allows considerations of environmental effects to be integrated early in the conceptual development and planning stages of the proposal.
Public statements on the results of PHAC's assessments are made public when an initiative that 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. During the 2021-2022 reporting cycle, PHAC considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (Cabinet Directive), as part of its decision making processes. PHAC had no proposals that required a Detailed Analysis, and no public statements were produced.
In 2021-2022, PHAC applied the SEA process to the following types of PHAC-led proposals (25 total PHAC-led) that required preliminary scans as per the Cabinet Directive: 7 Treasury Board Submissions, 5 Memoranda to Cabinet, and 13 strategic proposals. There were no other PHAC-led strategic proposals undertaken during the 2021-2022 reporting cycle. PHAC's DSDS for 2020 to 2023 describes the department's actions in support of achieving three of the thirteen long-term goals identified in the FSDS: low-carbon government; effective action on climate change; and clean drinking water. PHAC continues to evaluate the impacts on these aforementioned FSDS goals, however, no significant effects were identified in FY 2021-2022 through SEA Preliminary Scans. In 2021-2022, PHAC applied the Cabinet Directive to 84% of the proposals.
In 2021-2022, PHAC undertook targeted initiatives to strengthen the department's SEA capacity and proposal coverage, including reviewing and updating its existing SEA practices to support continuous improvement and early consideration of potential environmental impacts at PHAC.
Integrating Sustainable Development
The Agency's SD Champion and the Sustainable Development Office (SDO) engage in outreach activities to both senior management and employees to advance sustainable development commitments and to support compliance with the Cabinet Directive. This outreach also helps to build awareness and capacity in the application of sustainable development into policy and program development and planning processes.
More broadly, at the enterprise level, the SD Champion and the SDO communicate and promote sustainable development within the Agency and advance the integration of environmental, economic, and social factors, as well as FSDS and DSDS commitments in PHAC policies, programs, and plans. PHAC's SD Champion and the SDO lead the development, promotion, and dissemination of SEA tools and resources within PHAC. In 2021-2022, this included posts on the dedicated GCconnex page with 200+ members, employee-wide 'Broadcast News' communications and presentations to branch employees and senior management.
The SD Champion and SDO have implemented SEA Operational Guidance, PHAC SEA Policy, PHAC SEA Standard Operating Procedure, and will continue to update and develop new SEA training tools to build capacity in the application of sustainable development considerations into policies, programs, and plans at the enterprise level.
PHAC SDO has made SEA online course available in the 'myLearning' platform to assist PHAC managers and employees involved in the development of policy and program proposals that require Ministerial or Cabinet approval to learn more about the value and purpose of SEAs in the development of proposals, the roles and responsibilities of key participants in the SEA process, and linkages between SEAs and the FSDS. Through internal communications mechanisms, employees were encouraged to include SEA training as part of their annual learning plan. PHAC SDO also maintains a dedicated Intranet space for sustainable development and SEA information, accessible to all PHAC employees.
The 2019-22 FSDS calls for departments and agencies to engage employees to encourage responsible environmental practices in the workplace. The Agency's Sustainable Workplace Operations Community of Practice, known as the PHAC Green Team, serves as an open forum for employees to learn about as well as share and discuss ideas and best practices. The forum also encourages employees to collaborate on activities and initiatives that promote a greener environment and support sustainable workplace operations. The Agency continues to support existing sustainable workplace initiatives and environmentally-positive workplace practices, planned and promoted several green initiatives at PHAC and highlighted other across the government.
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