2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).

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 of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians’ DSDS.

In order to promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, this departmental strategy integrates efforts to advance Canada’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda National Strategy, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The strategy also now captures SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS to inform the development of the Canada’s Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

The Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians’ Sustainable Development vision

The Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians supports the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians in fulfilling its mandate, which is to review: the legislative, regulatory, policy, administrative and financial framework for national security and intelligence; any activity carried out by a department that relates to national security or intelligence, unless the activity is an ongoing operation and the appropriate Minister determines that the review would be injurious to national security; and, any matter relating to national security or intelligence that a minister of the Crown refers to the Committee.

The Secretariat ensures that the Committee receives timely access to relevant, classified information and strategic and expert advice in the conduct of reviews. It also assists in the development of Committee reports and provides support to ensure compliance with security requirements. The Secretariat has a staff complement of 10 full time employees and has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Privy Council Office for effective delivery of corporate, administrative, and internal services requiring specialized corporate knowledge, such as procurement.

Despite its small size and limited activities, the Secretariat seeks to contribute to government commitments that promote sustainable development in ensuring that it considers relevant Sustainable Development Goals as it carries out its work.

Listening to Canadians

As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians has considered comments on the draft 2022-2026 FSDS made during the public consultation held from March 11 to July 9, 2022.

During the public consultation, more than 700 comments were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individual Canadians in different age groups and of various backgrounds. The draft FSDS was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for their review and comment.

What We Heard

Looking at the submissions received, the Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians identified sustainable development priorities and issues that affect us. For example, respondents highlighted the need for green procurement policies and urged the Government of Canada to establish national standards for minimum recycled content in products. Respondents also stressed not only efforts to reduce waste, but support for small businesses in adopting circular economy principles.

What We Did

The Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians took the above-mentioned key priorities and issues into consideration in this DSDS.

Specifically, given its focused area of activity – support for a committee of parliamentarians – the Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians focused on its own internal practices and the way it supported and encouraged measures that contribute to sustainable development goals, such as procuring products that use recycled materials, and minimizing the use of non-reusable, non-recyclable materials.

Please find more information on the FSDS public consultation and its results in the FSDS Consultation Report.

The Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians’ commitments

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 of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians 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)

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 of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians 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 of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians 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)

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 of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliaments 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)

Integrating Sustainable Development

The Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians will continue to ensure that its administrative and operational decision-making processes include consideration of FSDS goals and targets.