Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2020 to 2023
From: Canada Revenue Agency
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The picture was taken on an overcast day from a shallow riverbed looking at a row of evergreen trees with a snowy mountain range in the distance.
Canada Revenue Agency
Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2020 to 2023
June, 2020
Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
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 purpose of this Act to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing an FSDS that will make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
Section 2: Sustainable Development Vision and Context in the Canada Revenue Agency
The mandate of the CRA is to administer taxes, benefits, and related programs for governments across Canada. The CRA contributes to the economic and social well-being of Canadians by making sure that:
- clients receive the information and services they need to comply with their tax obligations
- clients receive the benefits for which they are eligible
- non-compliance is addressed
- clients have access to appropriate mechanisms for resolving disputes
The CRA pursues sustainable development (SD) within the context of this corporate mandate. The CRA is committed to contributing to the economic and social well-being of Canadians in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The CRA will do this by considering the economic, environmental and social dimensions of its decision, programs, services and operations. The CRA also recognizes the impact it has in the communities in which its employees live and work, and is committed to its social responsibility.
While this DSDS focuses on greening the CRA’s operations, the CRA also undertakes a number of other initiatives that contribute to sustainable development more broadly. The CRA administers the fuel charge for businesses in provinces and territories where a carbon pricing mechanism is not in place or does not meet the requirements of the national criteria, as well as the Climate Action Incentive and other programs to offset the impact of fuel charges. The CRA also administers benefits programs (such as the Canada child benefit, the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit, children’s special allowances, the disability tax credit, and the Canada workers benefit and provincial/territorial programs) that contribute directly to the economic and social well-being of Canadians by supporting families and children.
Sustainable Development Vision
The CRA’s SD vision is to be a world class organization in terms of integrating sustainable development into our operations.
FSDS Goal: Greening Government
Greening government operations and moving towards a low-carbon government is important to achieving Canada’s goals for environmental and sustainable development. The CRA is committed to greening our own operations and has identified a number of measures to support the Government of Canada’s target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from federal operations by 40% by 2030 from 2005 levels, by 80% by 2050 with an aspiration to be carbon neutral. These measures include: developing a plan to reduce emissions from our fleet of vehicles, incorporating environmental criteria into our procurement processes, encouraging sustainable business travel and engaging with employees to promote sustainable employee behavior. These initiatives are described in greater detail in section 3.
The CRA is also examining ways to provide greater flexibility in where and how employees work in order to facilitate productivity and improve workplace health and well-being all while delivering programs and services to Canadians. Increased flexibility may also contribute to reduced GHG emission related to employee commute.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The DSDS is one of the ways in which the CRA contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). In 2015, Canada and all United Nations member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the goal of which is to leave no one behind by eradicating poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity. It includes 17 SDGs to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Although the Sustainable Development Office within Employment and Social Development Canada leads the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for the Government of Canada, all departments and agencies (including the CRA) contribute to its implementation. Specifically, CRA policies, programs and initiatives contribute to the following SDGs:
- SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
- SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Specific to environmental challenges, the CRA’s DSDS includes departmental actions that contribute to SDG 11, 12, 13 and 16. These actions are identified in section 3.
Reading this Strategy
Section 3 of this strategy contains a table which describes the CRA’s actions (accompanied by performance measures) for relevant FSDS goals and targets. The first column identifies the specific FSDS target related to the Greening Government goal. In addition to actions that are linked directly to the FSDS target of reducing GHG emissions, the CRA is committed to doing more to achieve the overall goal of greening government. In these cases, the CRA has linked departmental actions directly to the FSDS goal and have identified these as "CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government" in the first column. This approach reflects the nuance that internal CRA actions that do not directly link to a FSDS target can still be integral to achieve the overall goal. The second column identifies the specific FSDS contributing action. "Other/CRA-specific commitment" is used for departmental actions that do not have a specific FSDS contributing action. The third column identifies the specific departmental action to which CRA is committed. The fourth column explains how each of the departmental actions relate to the FSDS goal and target. Where relevant, the relevant SDG is identified in this column as well. The fourth column includes the starting points, performance indicators, and targets. Departmental actions are organized in terms of Adaptation, GHG Emissions Reduction (Fleet and Buildings), Sustainable Travel and Commute, Waste Reduction/Diversion, Green Procurement, Paper Reduction, and Promotion of Sustainable Practices. Progress against the targets will be provided on an annual basis in the Departmental Results Report.
Section 3: Commitments for the Canada Revenue Agency
Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, and green operations
Responsible Minister: All ministers This goal captures commitments from the Greening Government Strategy, as well as reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement.
Adaptation
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
Government of Canada Commitment: By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations
FSDS contributing action(s)
Undertake climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions
Corresponding departmental action(s)
By 2021, departments will take action to understand the climate change impacts that could potentially affect federal assets, services and operations across the country
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: By factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs and operations, the CRA will be able to adapt to a changing climate and protect our public assets and resources while strengthening planning and decision making
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: CRA has business continuity plans in place for all critical services and a robust approach to corporate risk management
Performance Indicators:
- Begin departmental climate risk assessment in 2020-2021
- Measures developed to reduce climate change risks to assets, services, and operations by end of 2022-2023
Target: By 2023, the CRA has developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
GHG Emissions Reduction (Fleet and Buildings)
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
Government of Canada Commitment: 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)
*As a tenant organization, the CRA is only responsible for fleet GHG emissions reductions.
FSDS contributing action(s)
Modernize our fleet
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Measure and report on GHG emissions from the CRA fleet using the Federal Greenhouse Gas Tracking Protocol
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Actions that reduce fleet GHG emissions
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: GHG emissions from base year 2005-2006: 397 tCO2e. Fiscal Year 2018-2019 GHG emissions was: 215 tCO2e.
Performance Indicators:
- GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2005–2006 (base year): = [X] ktCO2e
- GHG emissions from fleet in current reporting fiscal year = [Y] ktCO2e
- Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-2006 to current reporting fiscal year = [1-Y/X] %
Target: Fleet emissions are 40% below 2005 levels by 2030
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
Government of Canada Commitment: 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)
*As a tenant organization, the CRA is only responsible for fleet GHG emissions reductions.
FSDS contributing action(s)
Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Develop a strategic approach by November 2020 and take action to reduce emissions from the CRA fleet, including consideration of applying telematics and purchasing hybrid or zero-emissions vehicles where practical
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Actions that reduce fleet GHG emissions
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Performance Indicators:
- Overall fuel consumption (LGE)
- Average fuel consumption rate (LGE/100km)
- GHG emissions rate (gCO2eq/100km travelled)
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
Government of Canada Commitment: Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030
FSDS contributing action(s)
Fleet acquisition will be optimized
Corresponding departmental action(s)
As a step toward the FSDS 2030 target, ensure 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be ZEVs or hybrids
Ensure all new executive vehicle purchases will be ZEVs or hybrids
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: As conventional vehicles are replaced with ZEVs, and/or the size of the fleet is reduced, a greater proportion of the fleet will be ZEV, where operationally feasible
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Number of vehicles in the administrative fleet in 2018-2019 was 54, of which 7 (13%) were hybrid vehicles
Performance Indicators:
- Total number of vehicles in administrative fleet
- Percentage of annual administrative fleet purchases that are ZEV or hybrids
- Percentage of ZEV in administrative fleet
- Executive vehicle ZEV or hybrid purchases
Target: Fleet comprised of 80% ZEVs by 2030
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
By 2023, the CRA will minimize the environmental impacts of its real property portfolio by effectively managing the floor space per employee by continuing to modernize workplace through new and innovative methods, maintaining a maximum general purpose office space utilization rate of 16.4m2 / full-time equivalent
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Right-sizing space that is within the CRA’s real property portfolio will help minimize energy use and therefore GHG emissions from heating and electricity
SDG: SDG 13 Climate Action Starting Point: The CRA office space utilization rate was ~15.7m2/FTE in 2018-2019 (base year), which exceeded the target Government of Canada utilization rate of 16.4m2/FTE or less
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Performance Indicators:
- Number of square metres (m2) of general purpose office space divided by the number of FTEs
- Number and percentage of completed new fit-up and major refit projects measured at project close-out that implemented Workplace 2.0
Target: Government of Canada utilization rate of 16.4m2/FTE or less
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Sustainable Travel and Commute
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
By 2023, the CRA will reduce GHG emissions from business-related air travel by a minimum of 40%, relative to 2008-2009 levels*
*The baseline year is different from the other GHG emissions targets in order to be consistent with previous CRA DSDSs and facilitate comparison across time.
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: The CRA will continue to review and refine its business travel programs to ensure that low carbon travel options are prioritized to help reduce GHG emissions
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: GHG emissions from business air travel in 2008-2009 was 9,447 tonnes. In 2018-2019, the GHG emissions was 5,577 tonnes
Performance Indicators:
- Annual GHG emissions from business-related air travel compared to fiscal year 2008-2009
- Percentage reduction in GHG emissions compared to 2008-2009
Target: 40% reduction in emissions compared to 2008-2009
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Enable telework where feasible to provide CRA employees the opportunity to be flexible in where they complete their work
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: The promotion of telework options can help reduce GHG emissions while encouraging employees to be more conscious of environmental impacts of their daily travel
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Performance Indicators:
- Number of telework pilot programs in place
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Promote sustainable travel and revise the CRA Travel Directive and Procedures to include sustainable business travel training as a requirement for all travellers
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: The promotion of sustainable travel options and the inclusion of the sustainable business travel training as a requirement for travellers can help reduce GHG emissions while encouraging employees to be more conscious of environmental impacts of travel
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: In 2018-2019, sustainable business travel was promoted during Environment week and 53 employees completed the sustainable business travel course
Performance Indicators:
- Travel Directive and Procedures with requirement to complete the sustainable business travel training approved
- Messages issued and events held to promote sustainable travel
- Number of sustainable business travel courses completed
Target: Revised Travel Directive and Procedures are approved in 2020-2021; sustainable travel is promoted during at least 2 national events
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Waste Reduction/Diversion
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
Government of Canada Commitment: Divert at least 75% of non-hazardous and plastic waste (by weight) from landfills by 2030
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other (no specific FSDS contributing action)
Corresponding departmental action(s)
The CRA will work with Public Services Procurement Canada to promote waste reduction initiatives to employees including:
- Holding educational and awareness sessions on proper usage of recycling systems
- Identifying priority locations for composting programs
- Using waste audits to inform targeted interventions
- Emphasizing the importance of minimizing contamination of the recycling streams
- Promoting reduction of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Diverting waste from landfill reduces GHG emissions associated with transport waste and its decomposition at in landfills. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: N/A
Performance Indicators:
- Number of composting pilot programs initiated
- Number of awareness events held
Target: Divert at least 75% of non-hazardous and plastic waste (by weight) from landfills by 2030
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Green Procurement
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
The CRA will reduce the environmental impacts associated with its procurement decisions and practices
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Ensure all acquisition card holders as well as procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in green procurement (i.e., the Canada School of Public Service course on green procurement, or equivalent) within one year of being identified
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: 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
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Number (and percentage) of procurement officers and materiel management specialists that have been trained in green procurement in 2018-2019 (base year): 48 or 100%
Performance Indicator:
- Percentage of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in green procurement within one year of being identified
- Percentage of acquisition card holders trained in green procurement
Target: 100% of procurement officers and material management specialists receive training with one year of being identified. By March 31, 2021, 50% of existing acquisition card holders are trained in green procurement. By March 31, 2022, 100% of acquisition card holders are trained in green procurement.
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
The CRA will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Explore opportunities to add commodity or client-specific sustainable development clauses/requirements through the use of procurement Requests for Information (RFI)
Ensure that the CRA procurement policy provides the flexibility to use alternative procurement methods to take advantage of opportunities to further the achievement of sustainable development objectives
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: 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
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: N/A
Performance Indicators:
- Identify commodities and/or clients to participate by March 31, 2021
- Develop sustainable development clauses for RFIs by March 31, 2022
- Implement new clauses/requirements by March 31, 2023
- Review the CRA procurement policy and update as required by March 31, 2021
Target: Commodity or client-specific sustainable development clauses/requirements that can be used in CRA contracts are implemented by March 31, 2023
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Support for green procurement will be provided including guidance, tools and training for public service employees
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Ensure that heads and their designated managers of procurement and material management have green procurement included in their performance evaluations
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: 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
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Percentage of designated officials with green procurement in their performance evaluations in 2018-2019 (base year): 6 or 100%
Performance Indicator:
- Percentage of heads and their designated managers of procurement and materiel management that have green procurement included in their performance evaluations
Target: 100% of designated officials have performance evaluations that include green procurement
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Engage the Sustainable Development Centre of Expertise on environmental considerations for all non-confidential contractual arrangements valued over $250K
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: 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
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Percentage of non-confidential contracts over $500K reviewed for SD considerations in 2018-2019 (base year): 100%
Performance Indicator:
- Percentage of non-confidential contracts valued over $250K that the Sustainable Development Centre of Expertise reviewed for potential sustainable development considerations
Target: 100% of non-confidential contracts over $250K reviewed for SD considerations
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Engage the Sustainable Development Centre of Expertise on environmental considerations for all non-confidential contractual arrangements valued over $250K
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: 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
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Percentage of non-confidential contracts over $500K reviewed for SD considerations in 2018-2019 (base year): 100%
Performance Indicator:
- Percentage of non-confidential contracts valued over $250K that the Sustainable Development Centre of Expertise reviewed for potential sustainable development considerations
Target: 100% of non-confidential contracts over $250K reviewed for SD considerations
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Paper Reduction
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment: Reduce paper use
Corresponding departmental action(s)
By 2023, the CRA will reduce internal multipurpose office paper use per employee by 65% from 2005-2006 levels
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Paper reduction initiatives prioritize materials and solutions that minimize our impact on the environment
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Reduce paper use from 2005-2006 (base year) 6,407 sheets/FTE; paper use in 2018-2019 was 2,639 sheets/FTE or 59% reduction from 2005-2006 levels
Performance Indicator:
- Annual amount of office paper use per employee
- Percentage reduction in annual office paper use from previous year
- Percentage reduction in annual office paper use relative to the 2005-2006 baseline
Target: 65% reduction of office paper use per employee from 2005-2006 levels
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
By 2023, redesign web-forms to allow employees, managers and administrative assistants the ability to electronically complete and approve compensation transaction requests
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Paper reduction initiatives prioritize materials and solutions that minimize our impact on the environment
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: In 2018-2019 (base year) there were 72 web-forms
Performance Indicator:
- Number of Web-forms redesigned per year
Target: Modernize an additional 62 web-forms over the next 3 years
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
By 2022, convert web-based repository for compensation processes and procedures to the Electronic Performance Support System, eliminating the need to print records
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Paper reduction initiatives prioritize materials and solutions that minimize our impact on the environment
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: For 2020, 8 compensation processes will be converted to the Electronic Performance Support System
Performance Indicator:
- Number of process converted to the Electronic Performance Support System
Target: By 2022, convert 100% of compensation processes (84 processes)
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Reduce paper use by:
- Maintaining a minimum of 86% digital filing rate for individual (T1) returns and 91% digital filing rate for business (T2) returns
- Maintaining current usage of online mail and electronic document storage
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Paper reduction initiatives prioritize materials and solutions that minimize our impact on the environment
SDG: SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: N/A
Performance Indicators:
- Paper savings estimate due to T1 digital filing,
- T2 digital filing, online mail, and electronic document storage
Target: N/A
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Tax
Promoting Sustainable Practices
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Maintain the national SD section of the external CRA website to promote SD information to employees and SD results to the public
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Employee mobilization supports the overall strategy to green government by encouraging employee-led efforts to change behaviour towards more environmentally friendly outcomes. This ultimately helps the Government of Canada to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, and waste.
SDG: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: SD CRA internet and intranet pages are up-to-date and relevant to employee needs
Performance Indicators:
- Percentage of SD webpages reviewed annually
Target: 100% of SD webpages are reviewed by March 31, 2023
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Promote SD training and awareness opportunities, best practices, and guidance documents to employees (e.g., National SD events, online SD awareness products and SD-related guides and best practices)
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Employee mobilization supports the overall strategy to green government by encouraging employee-led efforts to change behaviour towards more environmentally friendly outcomes. This ultimately helps the Government of Canada to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, and waste.
SDG: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Employees are aware of the CRA’s SD priorities
Performance Indicators:
- Number of events promoted
- Visits to SD pages on the CRA’s intranet
Target: 3 National SD events are promoted annually
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Promote and manage the CRA’s strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process and support proposal developers looking for assistance in assessing environmental effects
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: The SEA process helps incorporate environmental considerations into the CRA’s proposal development process, including considering whether expected outcomes of a proposal could affect any of the FSDS goals and targets
SDG: SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: In 2018-2019 (base year) 33 preliminary SEA scans were completed
Performance Indicators:
- Percentage of SEAs and preliminary scans completed annually
- Public statements available on CRA website
Target: Continued full compliance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment Policy
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Promote and manage the CRA’s strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process and support proposal developers looking for assistance in assessing environmental effects
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: The SEA process helps incorporate environmental considerations into the CRA’s proposal development process, including considering whether expected outcomes of a proposal could affect any of the FSDS goals and targets
SDG: SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsStarting Point: In 2018-2019 (base year) 33 preliminary SEA scans were completed
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Performance Indicators:
- Percentage of SEAs and preliminary scans completed annually
- Public statements available on CRA website
Target: Continued full compliance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment Policy
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Integrate SD considerations into corporate policy instruments (CPI) during their review cycles, as appropriate and feasible
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: The corporate policy review process further integrates SD considerations into the CRA’s policy development portfolio. This includes considering whether expected outcomes of a policy could affect any of the FSDS goals and targets.
SDG: SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: 2019-2020 (base year)
Performance Indicators:
- Percentage of CPIs that are renewed that are reviewed for SD considerations
Target: 100% CPIs reviewed will consider sustainable development
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Support and provide guidance to employees responsible for the management of the CRA’s halocarbon-containing systems (e.g., in refrigeration, air conditioning, and fire extinguishing systems)
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Actions that reduce the emission of halocarbons into the atmosphere will lead to reduction in GHGs from government operations
SDG: SDG 13: Climate Action
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Starting Point: Halocarbon requirements are understood at the CRA
Performance Indicator:
- Employees responsible for the management of the CRA’s halocarbon-containing systems are provided guidance on how to handle local halocarbon-containing systems
Target: All requirements of the Federal Halocarbon regulations are followed
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Greening Government Communities FSDS target(s)
CRA actions supporting the goal: Greening Government
FSDS contributing action(s)
Other/CRA-specific commitment
Corresponding departmental action(s)
Manage the CRA’s battery recycling program; support facilities that want to become battery collection points; and report on the total annual weight of CRA batteries sent for recycling
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and link to UN SDGs
FSDS: Actions to reduce 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
SDG: SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns Starting Point: In 2018-2019 (base year) 2,849 kg of batteries were sent for recycling
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)
Performance Indicator:
- Weight of batteries sent for recycling each year
Target: Maintain program
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Internal Services
Section 4: Integrating sustainable development
This DSDS is consistent with the CRA’s SD Policy that integrates sustainable development into CRA operations to reduce environmental impacts, demonstrate social responsibility and contribute to the economic and social well-being of Canadians. In addition, when developing or amending policy, plan or program proposals, employees are required to consider potential environmental impacts by undertaking a strategic environmental assessment (SEA). This assessment consists of two steps. First, employees complete a preliminary scan which consists of six questions designed to assess for potential important environmental effects, including whether the outcomes of the proposal are likely to affect the achievement of the FSDS’s goals and targets. Second, if results of the preliminary scan indicate potential for important environmental effects, the proposal must undergo a detailed SEA in order to properly analyze the risks.
The CRA will continue to ensure that its decision-making processes consider FSDS goals and targets, including through its SEA process. Public statements on the results of CRA’s assessments are made public when an initiative that has undergone a detailed SEA (Sustainable Development Organization – Public Statements). 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.
The CRA’s corporate governance and Board of Management will continue to oversee the implementation of SD, and the integration of SD in agency operations. SD will also continue to be an integral element of the CRA’s corporate planning and reporting.
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