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 Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (the Secretariat) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in the Secretariat’s 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to the Secretariat’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 the Secretariat’s DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, the Secretariat’s departmental strategy reports on Canada’s progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The Report also now captures progress on SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS.
Commitments for Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality
FSDS context
In ensuring that its employees are provided with cultural competency training and that it procures goods and services in a manner that provides increased opportunities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses, the Secretariat contributes to the delivery of the Government’s priority of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and taking action on inequality.
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 | Establish a procurement plan to promote economic opportunities to Indigenous businesses Program: N/A |
Performance indicator: Percentage of the total value of eligible contracts to be awarded to Indigenous businesses. Starting point: 5% (in FY 2022-23) Target: 7% (by 2024-25) |
This action helps to renew and strengthen its relationship with Indigenous peoples by providing increased economic opportunities to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses through the federal procurement process. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/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: 15.5% of the total value of eligible contracts was awarded to Indigenous businesses in FY 23-24. Notes: The achieved indicator result surpassed the starting point of 5% and surpassed the target of 7% by FY 2024-25. |
| Provide Indigenous cultural competency training | Performance indicator: Percentage of staff who have completed Indigenous cultural competency training (Canada School of Public Service Indigenous Learning Series or equivalent) Starting point: 80% of staff trained (FY 2023-24) Target: 100% of staff trained (FY 2024-25) |
Public servants are in a unique position to help build respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This action encourages public service employees to increase their cultural competency skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, and their knowledge of the UN Declaration. This action contributes to the development of necessary cultural competency knowledge and skills to implement the UN Declaration. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/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: 37.5% of staff have completed the requisite cultural competency training as of FY 23-24. Notes: Correction to starting point to be made in 2023-27 DSDS update. |
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.
The Secretariat engages the Privy Council Office (PCO) to conduct its procurement activities. PCO complies with the Policy on Green Procurement which supports the Government of Canada’s effort to promote environmental stewardship. The Secretariat will, consistent with its role in the procurement process, take the action outlined 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthen green procurement criteria | Include a sustainability clause in every directed service contract. Program: N/A |
Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement directed service contracts with the sustainability clause. Starting point: N/A Target: 100% of directed service contracts include the sustainability clause by 2024-25 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 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: 0% of directed services contracts had the sustainability clause in FY 23-24. |
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.
The Secretariat seeks to contribute to this goal through ensuring that internal operations within its control are consistent with the Greening Government Strategy. The Strategy seeks to ensure that Canada is a global leader in government operations that are net-zero, resilient and green.
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 | Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings. Program: N/A |
Performance indicator: Percentage of single-use plastics used in events and meetings within one year of being identified. Starting point: N/A in 2022-23 Target: 0% in 2024-25 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition / Target: 13.3 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change GIF Target: 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Indicator result: 66% of single-use plastics are still in use FY 23-24. Notes: Reduced use of single use plastics by one-third through the elimination of single-use plastic cutlery. |
Integrating Sustainable Development
The Secretariat 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 the Secretariat’s assessments are made public 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.
The Secretariat did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023-24.