Background

Annexes

Annex 1: About the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) sets out our sustainable development priorities, establishes goals and targets, and identifies actions to achieve them. Actions to implement the FSDS will also support the environmentally-focused sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Legislative basis

The Federal Sustainable Development Act (the Act) establishes the requirement to table the FSDS. The Act’s purpose is to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing an FSDS that will make environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to table a whole-of-government FSDS at least once every 3 years.

An Act to amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act received Royal Assent in February 2019 and will come into force on a future date to be determined by the Governor in Council. Once the amendments are in force, future strategies will be guided by more effective, inclusive, and accountable strategies.

The role of departments and agencies

Environment and Climate Change Canada has a key role in implementing the Act. It houses the Sustainable Development Office (SDO), which is responsible for developing and maintaining systems and procedures to monitor progress on implementation of the FSDS, and for preparing FSDS Progress Reports at least once every 3 years. The SDO also coordinates the development of the strategy.

Because sustainable development goes beyond the environment, it cuts across many departmental and agency mandates. The Act reflects this, requiring agencies named in its schedule and departments named in Schedule I to the Financial Administration Act to prepare sustainable development strategies that comply with and contribute to the FSDS.

The role of departments and agencies also includes:

working collaboratively with Environment and Climate Change Canada to develop the FSDS
integrating environmental and sustainable development considerations into policy, plan and program development through strategic environmental assessments
preparing sustainable development strategies containing objectives and plans within their mandate that contribute to the FSDS

The role of public consultation

Public consultation is an important part of FSDS development under the Act. Each draft FSDS must undergo a public consultation period of at least 120 days before it is finalized. As part of public consultation, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change provides the draft FSDS to:

the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
the Sustainable Development Advisory Council (a multi-stakeholder advisory body consisting of at least 1 representative from each province and territory and 3 from each of the following: Indigenous peoples, environmental non-governmental organizations, business organizations, and organizations representative of labour)
the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament
the public

Consultation results inform the final Strategy and are summarized in a publicly-available synthesis report

The structure of the FSDS

The 2019–2022 FSDS is organized around 13 aspirational goals that are a Canadian reflection of the SDGs (See Annex 3 – Canada in the World), acknowledging our unique responsibilities and circumstances:

Effective action on climate change – A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
Greening government – The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations
Clean growth – A growing clean technology industry in Canada contributes to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Modern and resilient infrastructure – Modern, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure supports clean economic growth and social inclusion
Clean energy – All Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy
Healthy coasts and oceans – Coasts and oceans support healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems
Pristine lakes and rivers – Clean and healthy lakes and rivers support economic prosperity and the well-being of Canadians
Sustainably managed lands and forests – Lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come
Healthy wildlife populations – All species have healthy and viable populations
Clean drinking water – All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face are addressed
Sustainable food – Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians
Connecting Canadians with nature – Canadians are informed about the value of nature, experience nature first hand, and actively engage in its stewardship
Safe and healthy communities – All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being

FSDS goals:

are aspirational
take a long-term view
address important challenges and problems
remain attuned to environmental information, data and indicators
encourage flexibility in the choice of strategies for achievement
reflect domestic and international priorities and commitments

One or more targets contribute to each goal. To the extent possible, targets are intended to:

be measurable, meaning that it should be clear how progress will be measured, and targets should be supported by indicators that accurately represent what is being measured and that allow for comparison over time
be time-bound, meaning that they should include clear time frames and specify what is required by when
take a medium-term view, meaning 3 to 5 years
fall within federal jurisdiction and departmental mandates
be consistent with Government of Canada priorities
reflect the principles set out in the Federal Sustainable Development Act

Short-term milestones complement FSDS targets. They represent interim steps that will help ensure we stay on track to achieve our longer-term objectives. In general, short-term milestones should be achievable within one 3-year FSDS cycle.

Action plans, which constitute implementation strategies as required by the Act, set out what we will do to achieve our medium-term targets and aspirational goals. They include priority measures, as well as other actions that support the goals and targets. Action plans should:

be clear, meaning they should be written in plain language, well-defined and understandable
be relevant, meaning they should have a clear connection to one or more targets or to a goal
reflect actions the Government of Canada is taking or plans to take during the 3-year FSDS cycle (recognizing that actions may cover part of the 3-year cycle or may extend beyond it)

Action plans as set out in the FSDS are complemented by specific commitments set out in departmental sustainable development strategies. Departmental strategies, which must be tabled within one year of the FSDS, will include actions and performance measures that contribute to FSDS action plans.

While provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, businesses, the scientific community, non-governmental organizations and Canadian citizens contribute to achieving environmental outcomes and achieving the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda, only federal actions are included in FSDS action plans.

Annex 2: Performance measurement

Performance measurement is an essential part of our sustainable development approach. We track and report on sustainable development actions and results through:

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) progress reports
reporting on departmental sustainable development strategies (DSDSs)
the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI)

FSDS progress reports

The Federal Sustainable Development Act requires us to prepare an FSDS progress report at least once every 3 years. Progress reports will let you know how we are implementing the FSDS and how quickly we are making progress toward its goals and targets. Beginning with the 2018 Progress Report, we use a simple dashboard approach to ensure that our reports are clear and accessible.

While FSDS progress reports provide important information on environmental outcomes, it is important to note that responsibility for the environment is shared, and that we support environmental sustainability within the constraints of our jurisdiction and authorities. As a result, it can be difficult to directly link federal actions to environmental outcomes.

Departmental sustainable development strategies

DSDSs provide detailed information on what departments and agencies are doing to help meet the aspirational goals through the targets and milestones set out in the FSDS. Over the next 3 years, taking into account your comments and ideas, participating departments and agencies will develop DSDSs that comply with and contribute to the FSDS.

DSDSs are linked with core departmental planning and reporting processes, and include:

the department’s sustainable development vision
specific departmental sustainability commitments and actions
performance indicators that show how departments are meeting their commitments
information on departmental decision making and sustainable development practices, including implementation of strategic environmental assessments

Departments and agencies bound by the Act contribute differently to FSDS goals and targets depending on their mandate; however, all are responsible for contributing to our goal of greening government.

Indicators

The indicators we will use to measure and report on our progress are largely drawn from the CESI program. The program selects indicators using the following criteria:

policy relevance (represents the FSDS goals and targets)
utility (meets the needs of decision makers and the public)
soundness (provides consistent and solid methodology; comparable over time)
data availability and integrity (uses existing high-quality data with adequate coverage)

The CESI program produces indicators with the support of programs within Environment and Climate Change Canada and other federal departments and agencies, including Health Canada, Statistics Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada, Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as provincial and territorial governments.

A wide range of indicators beyond those found in support of the FSDS is available through the CESI website. Table 2 sets out the CESI indicators that will be used to track progress on the 2019–2022 FSDS, along with FSDS indicators from other sources.

Table 2 – Indicators for measuring progress on the 2019 to 2022 FSDS

Effective action on climate change
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions	Greenhouse gas emissions	Every year	CESI
Zero-emission vehicles	Percentage of new light-duty vehicles sales that are made up of zero-emission vehicles	Every year	Transport Canada
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Greenhouse gas intensity		Every year	CESI
Greenhouse gas emissions by economic sector		Every year	CESI
Progress towards Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target		Every year	CESI
Temperature change		Every year	CESI
Snow cover		Every 2 years	CESI
Arctic sea ice		Every 2 years	CESI
Adaptation on climate change survey		Every 5 years	Natural Resources Canada

Greening Government
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Greenhouse gas emissions reductions from federal buildings and fleets	Percentage change in energy related greenhouse gas emissions from facilities and fleets relative to fiscal year 2005–2006	Every year	Centre for Greening Government (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
Real property and fleet	Percentage of non-hazardous operational waste diverted from landfill	Every year	Centre for Greening Government (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
Real property and fleet	Percentage of plastic waste diverted from landfill	Every year	Centre for Greening Government (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
Real property and fleet	Percentage of construction, renovation and demolition waste diverted from landfill	Every year	Centre for Greening Government (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
Real property and fleet	Percentage of the federal administrative fleet comprised of zero-emission vehicles	Every year	Centre for Greening Government (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
Adaptation to climate change	Percentage of departments that have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations identified through departmental climate change risk assessment processes	Every year	Centre for Greening Government (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
Procurement	Percentage of purchased electricity from clean generation sources	Every year	Centre for Greening Government (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat)
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Progress towards Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target		Every year	CESI
Solid waste diversion and disposal		Every year	CESI

Clean Growth
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Federal investment in clean energy research, development and demonstration	Clean energy investment tracking	TBC	Natural Resources Canada
Clean technology exports	Value of clean technology exports	Every year	Statistics Canada
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Clean tech sector jobs		Every year	Statistics Canada
Clean tech sector gross domestic product		Every year	Statistics Canada

Modern and Resilient I nfrastructure
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
By the end of the 2027-2028 fiscal year, invest $26.9 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environment	100% of funding available for projects under the green infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada plan has been allocated to projects Note: We have allocated $26.9 billion under the green infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada plan, a horizontal initiative delivered by 14 federal departments and agencies. A portion of the $26.9 billion allocation will be used for administrative, operations and maintenance, and other program costs.	N/A	Infrastructure Canada
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada plan (federal share)		Every year	Infrastructure Canada
Percentage of municipalities that have integrated consideration of climate change impacts into their asset management planning and practices (Core Public Infrastructure Survey)		Every 2 years	Infrastructure Canada
Percentage of communities across Canada with sustained boil water advisories per year (Core Public Infrastructure Survey)		Every 2 years	Infrastructure Canada
Percentage of wastewater systems that are high, medium and low risk based on federal wastewater systems effluent regulations (Core Public Infrastructure Survey)		Every 2 years	Infrastructure Canada
Percentage of municipalities who practice asset management (Core Public Infrastructure Survey)		Every 2 years	Infrastructure Canada
Percentage of municipalities that strengthened their asset management practices as a result of federal funding through Infrastructure Canada		N/A	Infrastructure Canada
Percentage of municipalities that built or enhanced their capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change as a result of federal funding through Infrastructure Canada		N/A	Infrastructure Canada
Number of structural and/or natural assets with improved structural capacity to adapt to climate change, disaster, weather, etc.		N/A	Infrastructure Canada

Clean Energy
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Clean power generation	Electricity generation from renewable sources	Every year	Natural Resources Canada
Energy efficiency	Energy efficiency	Every year	Natural Resources Canada

Healthy Coasts and Oceans
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Marine conservation	Canada's conserved areas (marine)	Every year	CESI
Sustainable fisheries	Sustainable fish harvest	Every year	CESI
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Shellfish harvest area quality		Every 2 years	CESI
Eelgrass sites and trends		Every 3 years	CESI
Status of major fish stocks		Every year	CESI
Marine pollution spills		Every 3 years	CESI
Monitoring disposal at sea		Every 3 years	CESI

Pristine Lakes and Rivers
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Lake Erie	Phosphorus loading in Lake Erie	Every year	CESI
Lake Winnipeg Basin	Nutrients in Lake Winnipeg	Every year for loading, every 2 years for levels	CESI
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Phosphorus levels in the offshore waters of the Great Lakes		Every 3 years	CESI
Nutrients in the St. Lawrence River		Every 2 years	CESI
Restoring the Great Lakes Areas of Concern		Every year	CESI
Water quality in Canadian rivers		Every year	CESI
Water quantity in Canadian rivers		Every 2 years	CESI
Metal mining effluent quality		Every year	CESI
Pulp and paper effluent quality		Every year	CESI

Sustainably managed lands and forests
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Terrestrial ecosystem conservation	Canada's conserved areas (terrestrial)	Every year	CESI
Health of national parks	Ecological integrity of national parks	Every year	CESI
Sustainable forests	Sustainability of timber harvest	Every year	CESI
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Amount of Canadian forests; deforestation		Every year	Natural Resources Canada
Forest regeneration		Every year	Natural Resources Canada
Land use change		Every 3 years	CESI
Extent of Canada’s wetlands		Every 4 years	CESI

Healthy wildlife populations
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Species at risk (protection and recovery)	Species at risk population trends	Every year	CESI
Species at risk (protection and recovery)	Status of wild species	Every 5 years	CESI
Migratory birds	Population status of Canada's migratory birds	Every 3 years	CESI
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Changes in the status of wildlife species at risk		Every year	CESI

Clean drinking water
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Long-term drinking water advisories	Number of long-term drinking water advisories affecting First Nations drinking water systems	Every 3 years	CESI
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Drinking water advisories in Canada		Every 2 years	CESI

Sustainable Food
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Sustainable agriculture	Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability	Every 5 years	Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Sustainable aquaculture	Management of Canadian aquaculture	Every year	CESI
Agri-food exports	Percentage change of agri-food products sold	Every year	Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Environmental farm planning on agricultural land		Every year	Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Wildlife habitat capacity on agricultural land		Every 2 years	CESI
Rates of diet-related chronic diseases in Canada		Every year	Statistics Canada
Obesity rate in Canada		Every year	Statistics Canada

Connecting Canadians with nature
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Visitation to parks and participation in biodiversity conservation activities	Number of visits at Parks Canada natural heritage places	Every year	Parks Canada
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Trends in percentage of Canadians who report that they visited parks or public greenspaces		Every 2 years	Statistics Canada
Number of visits to selected national wildlife areas		Every year	Environment and Climate Change Canada
Percentage of Canadians who report that they take definite action to protect the environment		Every 2 years	Statistics Canada

Safe and healthy communities
Target Title	Measures of progress toward the target	Update cycle	Source
Air quality	Population exposure to outdoor air pollution	Every year	CESI
Chemicals Management Plan	Percentage of substances that are found to be toxic to the environment that have controls in place in a timely manner.	Every year	Environment and Climate Change Canada
Chemicals Management Plan	Percentage of actions taken in a timely manner to protect the health of Canadians from substances found to be a risk to human health	Every year	Health Canada
Air pollutant emissions	Air pollutant emissions	Every year	CESI
Complementary contextual indicators supporting the goal		Update Cycle	Source
Air Health Trend Indicator		Every 3 years	CESI
Air quality		Every year	CESI
Human exposure to harmful substances		Every 3 years	CESI
PBDE in fish and sediment		Every 3 years	CESI
PFOS in fish and water		Every 3 years	CESI
Release of harmful substances to water		Every year	CESI
Emissions of harmful substances to air		Every year	CESI

Annex 3: Canada in the world

Canada is not alone in taking action to protect the environment and improve our quality of life—sustainable development is a priority around the world. In addition to advancing our domestic priorities, the FSDS goals, targets and actions support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as other international agreements and initiatives.

Support for the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda

Our 13 FSDS goals are a reflection of the SDGs, with a focus on their environmental dimensions. Table 3 shows alignment between our strategy and the global SDGs, including direct linkages between FSDS and SDG targets.

Table 3 – Alignment between FSDS goals and the SDGs

FSDS goals and targets	Relevant SDGs and SDG targets
Effective action on climate change	SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 14: Life Below Water SDG 15: Life on Land SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels	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 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Zero-emission vehicles will represent 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040	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 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Greening government	SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13: Climate Action
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% 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)	12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030	11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030	12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030	12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills and strive to achieve 100% by 2030)	12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
By 2030, 75% of domestic office lease transactions must be carbon neutral in situations where the federal government represents 75% or greater of the occupied space (m2), market conditions permit and a competitive environment exists	12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations	11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Use 100% clean electricity by 2025	By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
Clean growth	SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Implement our Mission Innovation pledge to double federal government investments in clean energy research, development and demonstration from 2015 levels of $387 million to $775 million in 2020	9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending
Increase the value of Canada’s clean technology exports to $15.6 billion by 2025	9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending
Modern and resilient infrastructure	SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 13: Climate Action
By the end of the 2027 to 2028 fiscal year, invest $26.9 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environment quality	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
Clean energy	SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources	7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
By 2030, 600 petajoules of total annual energy savings will be achieved as a result of adoption of energy efficiency codes, standards and practices from a baseline savings of 27.4 petajoules in 2017–2018	7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
Healthy coasts and oceans	SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 14: Life Below Water SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures	14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans 14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
By 2020, all major fish and invertebrate stocks are managed and harvested at levels considered to be sustainable, from a baseline of 96% harvested within established ecosystem limits in 2016	14.4 By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
Pristine lakes and rivers	SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 14: Life Below Water SDG 15: Life on Land SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Achieve and maintain a 40% reduction in annual phosphorus loading into Lake Erie from a 2008 baseline to achieve the binational (Canada-US) phosphorus targets	6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
By 2022, reduce nutrient loadings in the Lake Winnipeg Basin by an estimated 44 700 kilograms per year in support of Manitoba’s plan to reduce phosphorus in Lake Winnipeg by 50% to pre-1990 levels	6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
Sustainably managed lands and forests	SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 15: Life on Land
By 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures	15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
By March 31 2023, ecological integrity will be maintained or improved in 92% of national park ecosystems	15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
Between now and 2022, maintain Canada’s annual timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels	15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
Healthy wildlife populations	SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 14: Life Below Water SDG 15: Life on Land
By 2020, populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans	15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
By 2025, increase the percentage of migratory bird species whose populations sizes fall within an acceptable range—neither too low nor too high—from a baseline of 57% in 2013	15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
Clean drinking water	SDG 3: Good health and Well-Being SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
By 2021, all of the long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve are to be resolved	6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all 6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate 6.B Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
Sustainable food	SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 14: Life Below Water SDG 15: Life on Land
By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability (reflecting the quality of water, soil, air and biodiversity)	2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
Achieve 90% compliance with Fisheries Act regulations related to aquaculture	2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
Grow Canada’s agri-food exports to $75 billion per year by 2025	2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
Connecting Canadians with nature	SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
By 2020, maintain or increase the number of Canadians that get out into nature—for example, by visiting parks and green spaces—and increase participation in biodiversity conservation activities relative to a 2010 baseline	11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage 11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities 12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
Safe and healthy communities	SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 15: Life on Land
Increase the percentage of Canadians living in areas where air quality standards are achieved from 70% in 2015 to 85% in 2030	3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
Continued decrease in emissions from 1990 of fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and volatile organic compounds from all sources	3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
From 2019 to 2022, take risk management actions in a timely manner for 100% of substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health	3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination 1.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

Other international agreements and initiatives supported by FSDS goals, targets and actions

Effective action on climate change

Greening government

North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership

Clean growth

Modern and resilient infrastructure

Clean energy

Clean Energy, Education and Empowerment (C3E or Women in Energy) Initiative
Mission Innovation
North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership
Canada-Mexico Partnership
Memoranda of Understanding between Canada and Argentina on energy efficiency, mining policy, and nuclear energy cooperation
North American Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Climate Change and Energy Collaboration
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Healthy coasts and oceans

Pristine lakes and rivers

Sustainably managed lands and forests

Healthy wildlife populations

Initiatives under:

Clean drinking water

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Sustainable food

Connecting Canadians with nature

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the related global and national biodiversity targets for 2020

Safe and healthy communities

Annex 4: List of departments and agencies

The following departments and agencies are required to table sustainable development strategies under the Federal Sustainable Development Act :

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Canada Border Services Agency
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Canada Revenue Agency
Canadian Heritage
Department of Finance Canada
Department of Justice Canada
Employment and Social Development Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Global Affairs Canada
Health Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
National Defence
Natural Resources Canada
Parks Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Safety Canada
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Transport Canada
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Veterans Affairs Canada
Western Economic Diversification Canada

While not bound by the act, the following organizations have contributed to the 2019–2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy:

Canadian Coast Guard*
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Correctional Service Canada
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
Infrastructure Canada
Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated
National Capital Commission
National Research Council Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Standards Council of Canada
Statistics Canada
Sustainable Development Technology Canada

* The Canadian Coast Guard is included as part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada throughout the strategy.

References

Glossary of terms

Adaptation: Adjusting our decisions, activities, and thinking because of observed or expected changes in climate, in order to reduce harm or take advantage of new opportunities

Biodiversity: The variability among living organisms from all sources including, among others, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems

Clean energy: Renewable and non-emitting (such as nuclear) energy sources, and carbon capture and storage technologies, as well as the reduction of energy usage through energy efficiency.

Clean technology: Any process, product, or service that reduces environmental impacts (Statistics Canada)

Country/traditional food: Terms used in Canada to refer to foods gathered, hunted and fished by Indigenous peoples, especially in the Northern regions

Ecological integrity: A condition in which the natural components of an ecosystem—including physical elements, diversity of species and habitats, and ecological processes—are likely to persist

Ecosystem: An ecological community together with its environment, functioning as a unit

Ecosystem services: Services which humans derive from ecological functions such as photosynthesis, oxygen production, and water purification

Embodied carbon: As used in the Greening Government Strategy, embodied carbon refers to carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture, transport and construction of building materials, together with end-of-life emissions

Food security: A condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life

Green infrastructure: Infrastructure that protects communities and supports Canada’s ongoing transition to a clean growth economy

Light-duty vehicle: For the purpose of greening government, light-duty vehicle means passenger cars, vans and light trucks consistent with Parts II and III of the Government Motor Vehicle Ordering Guide published by Public Services and Procurement Canada

Protected area: A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values (IUCN, 2016)

Renewable energy: Energy obtained from natural resources that can be naturally replenished or renewed within a human lifespan

Resilience: The ability of a social or ecological system to absorb disturbances while retaining the same basic structure and ways of functioning, the capacity of self organization, and the capacity to adapt to stress and change (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2014)

Stewardship: Management of resources in such a way that they can be passed on with integrity to future generations

Sustainable development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs