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NRCan’s Electronic Layer to the 2014-15 Report on Plans and Priorities

Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) and the Clean Air Agenda (CAA) Planning

  1. Strategic Environmental Assessment Reporting (SEA)
  2. 2014-15 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) and Clean Air Agenda (CAA) Planning

I. Strategic Environmental Assessment Reporting

NRCan contributes to sustainable development by carrying out Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (Cabinet Directive) and its guidelines.

This year, NRCan commits to continue integration of SEA into its strategic decision-making processes, and to measure performance through the rate of compliance with the Cabinet Directive and its guidelines. The Department will also support and participate in horizontal efforts to develop SEA tools and guidance for the federal government, in conjunction with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and other participating departments and agencies.

For more information on SEA at NRCan, visit the NRCan website at Strategic Environmental Assessment.

II. 2014-15 DSDS and CAA Reporting Planning

Sub-program 1.1.2
Forest Products Market Access and Development

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategies
International Work on Climate Change - Advancing Knowledge and Communications

1.1.57
Analyze key forest carbon options for climate change mitigation, ensure that Canada’s international climate change objectives related to forests are advanced in international meetings, and continue to develop Canada’s National Forest Carbon Monitoring, Accounting and Reporting System to provide annual forest-related GHG inventory estimates

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Forest industry has increased sales of Canadian wood products in international markets
Indicator: Dollar value of wood product sales in targeted offshore markets (China, Korea, Japan and Europe (EU 27)) and other new emerging markets (e.g., India, Middle East)
Indicator: Diversity of markets for Canadian wood products

Expected Result: Forest industry has increased sales of Canadian wood products in new market segments
Indicator: Dollar value of wood products used in non-residential construction projects built with wood as opposed to traditional means (Canada and US)

Expected Result: Stakeholders in targeted international markets have positive perception of Canadian forest practices and products
Indicator: Percentage of targeted stakeholders who have a positive perception of Canadian forest practices and products

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Life cycle analysis of wood building products conducted under this Sub-program demonstrates the lower carbon and environmental impact of forest products compared to other building materials, encouraging the use of wood-based construction systems. This Sub-program includes participation in forest-related international climate change negotiations including those on an agreement on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD+). Scientific knowledge of forest sector processes and Canada’s greenhouse gas inventories are used to contribute to Canada’s involvement in negotiations on climate change and to ensure that agreements are consistent with Canada’s mitigation goals and national circumstances.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: International Climate Change Participation and Negotiations
CAA Theme: International Actions

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$1,979,200

Sub-program 1.3.5
Major Projects Management Office Initiative

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme III: Protecting Nature and Canadians

Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians
Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.

Target 4.7: Environmental Disasters, Accidents and Emergencies
Environmental disasters, incidents and emergencies are prevented or their impacts mitigated.

Implementation Strategy
Demanding Performance

4.7.6
Strengthen pipeline safety as part of the Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development by undertaking aggressive measures to increase oil and gas pipeline inspections by 50%, doubling the number of comprehensive audits of pipelines, and implementing monetary penalties for pipeline safety violations (NRCan, NEB)

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Since the information of this implementation strategy is coming from the National Energy Board (NEB) through the Major Projects Management Office (MPMO), no details will be displayed in this section.

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Through monitoring and enforcement, the NEB holds regulated entities accountable for results in the Canadian public interest. Maintaining an increased number of compliance activities including inspections and audits as per targets and administering monetary penalties for pipeline safety violations helps to prevent or mitigate the impacts of environmental disasters, incidents and emergencies related to oil and gas pipelines.

In Budget 2012, the Government of Canada increased pipeline safety by providing funding to the NEB to increase the number of oil and gas pipeline inspections by 50% from 100 to 150 inspections and double the number of comprehensive audits from 3 to 6.

Sub-program 2.1.1
Renewable Energy Deployment

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
Clean Transportation - Advancing Knowledge and Communications

1.1.32
Develop policy options for a regulatory framework in support of marine renewable energy development in the federal offshore, and share them with stakeholders in a timely manner

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Enabling Capacity

1.1.46
Promote the production of clean renewable electricity

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Stakeholders have timely access to information on policy options for developing a regulatory framework for the development of marine renewable energy in the federal offshore
Indicator: Policy paper advancing knowledge of policy options for administering marine renewable energy in Canada’s federal offshore is produced on time

Expected Result: Renewable electricity is produced by the projects supported by NRCan programs
Indicator: Number of terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity produced

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Financial incentives given to clean electricity projects through incentive programs will diversify Canada’s energy mix and result in the reduction of GHG emissions that contribute to climate change.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: Marine Renewable Energy Enabling Measures
CAA Theme: Clean Energy

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 813,000

Sub-program 2.1.2
Support for Clean Energy Decision-Making

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Enabling Capacity

1.1.40
Work with the public and federal government decision-makers to ensure that they have access to information that supports decisions on climate change and clean energy issues

International Work on Climate Change - Enabling Capacity

1.1.53
Ensure that Canada’s international climate change objectives related to energy and clean technology are advanced in international meetings (e.g. Canada-U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue, UNFCCC [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change], Clean Energy Ministerial) (EC, NRCan)

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: The public and federal government decision-makers have access to information that supports decisions on climate change and clean energy issues
Indicator: Number of new or updated information products available to the public that aim to advance knowledge of Canada's energy resources and environmental impacts
Indicator: Provision of information products (e.g., advice and analysis) to federal decision-makers regarding clean energy and environmental issues in response to requests

Expected Result: Canadian international climate change objectives are advanced in international meetings
Indicator: Percentage of Canadian objectives reflected each year in the outcomes of relevant international meetings (e.g. UNFCCC)

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Under the Support for Clean Energy Decision-Making Sub-program, NRCan delivers current and timely energy-related analysis, advice and recommendations to senior management on a variety of domestic and international energy and environment issues.

NRCan provides advice and analysis relating to emissions reporting and projections from Environment Canada, the International Energy Agency, and other countries. Key issues addressed include the federal government’s processes to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector and natural gas-fired electricity, as well as regulations for air pollution from a number of sectors, which will have co-benefits for greenhouse gas emissions.

NRCan participates in the development of Canada’s negotiating position under the UNFCCC, including leading on key issues related to clean energy technology. NRCan also leads Canada’s participation in high-level clean energy-related international fora, including the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM).

NRCan provides input into various multilateral fora, such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, G8, G20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which address green growth, the promotion of clean energy research and development and the enhancement of trade in environmental goods and services. The Department also contributes to Canada’s engagement in the processes of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for the assessment of climate change.

NRCan represents Canada in high-level international fora related to carbon capture and storage (CCS), including the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, the Carbon Capture, Use and Storage Action Group under the CEM, and the Global CCS Institute. NRCan also participates in the Canada-US Clean Energy Dialogue (CED). The CED is a mechanism designed to advance bilateral cooperation with the US on clean energy technologies that support greenhouse gas mitigation efforts. Activity under the CED will help to accelerate the transition to a lower carbon economy.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: Clean Energy Policy
CAA Theme: Clean Energy

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 2,327,700

Program Name: International Climate Change Participations/Negotiations
CAA Theme: International Actions

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 1,109,000

Program Name: Clean Energy Dialogue (CED)
CAA Theme: International Actions

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 1,148,000

Sub-program 2.1.3
Alternative Transportation Fuels

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
Clean Transportation - Enabling Capacity

1.1.23
Support fuel producers’ capacity to produce renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel.

1.1.27
Work with the standards community to develop and update codes and standards as they relate to alternative transportation fuels

Clean Transportation - Advancing Knowledge and Communications

1.1.30
Work with key stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, end-users, alternative and conventional fuel producers, vehicle and equipment manufacturers) to increase their knowledge of alternative fuel pathways

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Fuel producers have the capacity to produce renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel
Indicator: Number of litres of renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel that industry has the capacity to produce

Expected Result: Stakeholders (policy makers, end-users, alternative and conventional fuel producers, and vehicle and equipment manufacturers) have increased knowledge of alternative fuel pathways
Indicator: Percentage of survey respondents reporting increased knowledge of alternative fuel pathways

Expected Result: Standards community has increased ability to develop and update codes and standards related to alternative transportation fuels
Indicator: Number of codes and standards committees actively working on developing and updating the codes and standards

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

The increased production and use of alternative transportation fuels help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing more carbon intensive fuels with less carbon intensive ones.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: ecoENERGY for Alternative Fuels
CAA Theme: Clean Energy

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 474,650

Sub-program 2.1.4
Energy Efficiency

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Enabling Capacity

1.1.41
Promote the adoption of energy efficient products and practices that contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions

1.1.45
Improve energy efficiency in Canada through programming that targets the housing, buildings, equipment, industrial and transportation sectors

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Increased energy efficiency resulting from NRCan programs
Indicator: Petajoules of energy saved through energy efficiency programming

Expected Result: Canadians adopt NRCan-targeted energy efficient products and practices
Indicator: Number of provincial/territorial/ utility programs using NRCan developed housing standards and systems
Indicator: Number of jurisdictions adopting the 2011 National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change can be reduced through energy efficiency improvements.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: ecoENERGY Efficiency
CAA Theme: Clean Energy

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 37,594,000

Sub-program 2.2.1
Materials for Energy

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
Clean Transportation - Enabling Capacity

1.1.25
Develop advanced materials technologies for use in new energy-efficient vehicle design, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts in transportation

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Enabling Capacity

1.1.42
Support Science & Technology of innovative solutions for environmental challenges in the energy sector, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts and producing and using energy in a more clean and efficient way

1.1.43
Develop new materials technologies in clean power generation, safe and reliable energy distribution and energy efficient end-use for use in industry

1.1.44
Develop new materials technologies to transport fossil fuels more efficiently, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts from energy transportation

PMF Indicator(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: New materials technologies in clean power generation, safe and reliable energy distribution and energy efficient end-use are developed for industry
Indicator: Number of innovative material technologies developed, contributed to, or validated by NRCan for use in power generation systems powered by nuclear, gas, coal-fired or renewable energy

Expected Result: New materials technology to transport fossil fuels effectively (safely and efficiently) are developed for industry
Indicator: Number of proposed projects to transport fossil fuels more effectively (safely and efficiently) using new materials technologies developed or validated by NRCan

Expected Result: Advanced materials technologies for new energy efficient vehicle designs are developed for industry.
Indicator: Number of advanced materials technologies to which NRCan contributed that are identified by industry stakeholders for implementation in new energy efficient vehicles to be produced in North America

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Current materials do not support the transportation industries’ new requirements for fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Increased R&D on materials for lightweighting vehicles and their powertrain is required. To accommodate the new requirements, the Advanced Materials for Transportation (AMT) research program under this Sub-program develops the advanced materials, processes and fabrication techniques required to significantly improve the energy efficiency of the next generation of vehicles. The AMT program focuses on advancing the structural, powertrain and chassis materials now used on conventional vehicles for use on next-generation vehicles. Lightweighting is an important area that enables the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increases fuel economy, and is a key enabling technology for the development of hybrid, fuel cell, biodiesel and other eco-friendly fueled vehicles. Through substantial collaboration, this program will develop a new generation of researchers in metallurgical alloys and materials to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry and to transfer key technologies for the benefit of all Canadians.

Sub-program 2.2.2
Green Mining

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
Clean Technology and Industry - Enabling Capacity

1.1.7
Work with industry stakeholders and technology developers to reduce the environmental footprint and impacts of the mining industry.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Enabling Capacity

1.1.42
Support Science & Technology of innovative solutions for environmental challenges in the energy sector, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts and producing and using energy in a more clean and efficient way.

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Technology developers increase demonstration of environmental technologies
Indicator: Number of demonstration projects

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

The Green Mining Initiative advances FSDS objectives by conducting research to find alternative means for waste disposal, reduced water use and protection of air quality at all stages of the mining cycle. In 2014-15, NRCan will define smart indicators for this multi-faceted program in areas such as reduction of pollutants in air and water, and energy consumption.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: Enhancing Competitiveness in a Changing Climate
CAA Theme: Adaptation

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 250,000

Sub-program 2.2.3
Clean Energy Science and Technology

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Enabling Capacity

1.1.42
Support Science & Technology of innovative solutions for environmental challenges in the energy sector, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts and producing and using energy in a more clean and efficient way

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Academia, industry and the public sector pursue clean energy S&T that has fewer negative environmental impacts
Indicator: Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean energy S&T to leveraged funding from partners

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

The research, development and deployment of clean energy science, technology and knowledge in Canada will provide long-term solutions to reduce greenhouse gases emissions from energy production, distribution and end-use.

The Program of Energy Research and Development (PERD) funds research and development designed to ensure a sustainable energy future for Canada in the best interest of both the economy and the environment. Research and development supported by PERD within NRCan and other federal departments and agencies helps to advance key clean energy technologies in Canada that will contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

The Clean Energy Fund is providing funds to advance Canadian leadership in clean energy technologies. The fund is investing specifically in large-scale carbon capture and storage demonstration projects and smaller-scale demonstration projects of renewable and alternative energy technologies

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative
CAA Theme: Clean Energy

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 59,527,100

Sub-program 2.3.2
Groundwater Geoscience

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme II: Maintaining Water Quality and Availability

Goal 3: Water Quality and Water Availability
Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems.

Target 3.12: Water Resource Management
Facilitate sustainable water resource management through the collection of data and the development and dissemination of knowledge from 2013-16.

Implementation Strategy
Advancing Knowledge and Communications

3.12.6
Provide governments and industry with access to necessary groundwater geoscience information

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Public and private sectors involved in groundwater management practices incorporate NRCan information into their products
Indicator: Number of citations from public and or private sector organizations incorporating NRCan’s groundwater maps and assessments into their products (e.g., aquifer maps, plans, reports)

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Groundwater provides up to 80% of drinking water in rural Canada and is an essential component of ecosystem health. In the face of growing pressures on water resources, Canada needs a consistent and coordinated approach to groundwater management. The Government of Canada is collaborating with the Province of Ontario and other areas to set standards and complete mapping and assessment requirements for 18 key transboundary aquifers across Canada, thus contributing to sustainable management.

To enact a consistent and coordinated approach to groundwater management, federal-provincial-territorial collaboration on aquifer mapping and assessment standards and tools is required. Under this Sub-program, NRCan and its provincial and territorial partners have developed standards in the mapping and assessment of groundwater and the Department continues to support the development of Water Availability Indicators. NRCan supports this endeavour with its Groundwater Inventory Network. In 2014-15, NRCan will host a national workshop on emerging groundwater issues, such as the increased reliance on water for oil and gas development.  

Sub-program 2.3.4
Radioactive waste management

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme II: Maintaining Water Quality and Availability

Goal 3: Water Quality and Water Availability
Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems.

Target 3.3: Great Lakes – Canadian Areas of Concern
Take federal actions to restore beneficial uses1 for delisting five Canadian Areas of Concern and to reduce the number of impaired beneficial uses in the remaining Areas of Concern by 25% by 2018.

Implementation Strategy
Enabling Capacity

3.3.3
Implement long-term management solutions to clean up radioactive waste in the Port Hope area

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: The federal government manages (develops and implements) long-term management solutions to clean up radioactive waste
Indicator: Percentage of radioactive waste management milestones completed under the Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program
Indicator: Percentage of waste management obligations achieved under the Port Hope Legal Agreement for each project
Indicator: Percentage implementer compliance with applicable Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission institutional controls and/or licences to carry-out management practices

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

The Port Hope Area Initiative will involve a number of activities that will greatly improve the treatment of effluents from radioactive waste management facilities. These activities include the remediation of the Port Hope Harbour to remove contaminated sediment, the remediation of properties in Port Hope now contaminated with historic waste, the decommissioning of an existing radioactive waste management facility on the shores of Lake Ontario at Port Granby and the remediation of that property, the replacement of the Port Granby facility with a modern radioactive waste management facility 700 metres away from the shore of Lake Ontario, and the construction of two modern waste water treatment facilities – one at the new Port Granby waste management facility and one at the new Welcome waste management facility in Port Hope – to treat waste water emanating from those two new facilities.

Sub-program 3.1.3
Forest Disturbances Science and Application

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

Implementation Strategy
International Work on Climate Change - Enabling Capacity

1.1.50
Work to implement Canada's commitments concluded in international climate change negotiations such as mitigation targets and actions; short-and long-term financing; mechanisms for technology and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation; adaptation actions; and provisions for transparency and accountability of climate change actions. (EC, NRCan)

Target 1.2: Climate Change Adaptation
Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the impacts of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools.

Implementation Strategy
Enabling Capacity

1.2.4
Support adaptation by enabling the integrated assessment of the implications of climate change for Canada’s forest sector

Theme III: Protecting Nature and Canadians

Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians
Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.

Target 4.6: Invasive Alien Species
By 2020, pathways of invasive alien species introductions are identified, and risk-based intervention or management plans are in place for priority pathways and species.

Implementation Strategy
Enabling Capacity

4.6.3
Help governments, agencies and industry manage risks to natural resource sectors, infrastructure and human health by providing scientific knowledge on forest disturbances, including pests

Goal 5: Biological Resources
Efficient economic and ecological use of resources – Production and consumption of biological resources are sustainable.

Target 5.3: Sustainable Forest Management
Contribute to the national target that by 2020, continued progress is made on the sustainable management of Canada’s forests.

Implementation Strategy
Advancing Knowledge and Communications

5.3.1
Provide scientific knowledge of Canada’s forest ecosystems to industry and non-governmental organizations, with the view of enabling the establishment of practices to mitigate the environmental impact of natural resource development

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Governments, agencies and industry are provided with scientific knowledge on forest disturbances to assess risks, and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies
Indicator: Representation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations in order to provide scientific knowledge on forest disturbances

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

NRCan will work to increase scientific knowledge and tools required to understand, forecast, mitigate and adapt to the influence of climate change on Canada’s forest sector. This will be done by developing a set of indicators of climate change impacts on Canada’s forests and forest management systems, and implementing a system to track and report on them. The toolset will inform operational, strategic and policy decisions to enhance forest sector capacity to mitigate climate change impacts.

Under this Sub-program, NRCan has further improved the understanding of forest invasive alien species pathways, human-assisted introduction and the impact of invasive alien forest pests. Similarly, NRCan has continued scientific research in addressing knowledge gaps in taxonomy, biology, ecology, distribution, and pest-host and forest-pathogen relationships. The Department also engages in the production of detection, diagnostic and surveillance tools and strategies including molecular, pheromone and chemical attractant methods for forest invasive alien species. In addition, NRCan continues to provide science and policy advice that supports phytosanitary trade negotiations and the development of national and international forest phytosanitary standards.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: Enhancing Competitiveness in a Changing Climate
CAA Theme: Adaptation

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 988,300

Sub-program 3.1.4
Climate Change Adaptation

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Goal 1: Climate Change
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.

Target 1.2: Climate Change Adaptation
Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the impacts of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools.

Implementation Strategy
Enabling Capacity

1.2.3
Implement the Adaptation Platform to enable collaboration on adaptation including the development and exchange of information, tools and expertise

Advancing Knowledge and Communications

1.2.11
Work with governments and communities in the North (north of 60° latitude) to ensure that they have information on adaptation measures

1.2.13
Support adaptation by improving knowledge on the climate change impacts on mine waste management and effluent treatment in the North

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Key stakeholders across Canada have access to new knowledge on risks and opportunities resulting from a changing climate for decision-making
Indicator: Number of new knowledge products released

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Geoscience information and outreach activities facilitate climate change issue management and help communities prepare for and adapt to a changing climate. These activities will also contribute to advancing the knowledge and communications around climate change mitigation and will ultimately help to reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Changes in Canada’s northern climate will likely be more profound than those in other regions. Adaptation measures will need to be carefully designed to preserve Canada’s sensitive Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. Successfully planning for and managing the impacts of climate change require not only the identification of the risks and opportunities created by a changing climate but also the cooperation of multiple levels of decision-makers.

NRCan is collaborating with local and territorial governments on specific issues related to impacts of climate change including on northern land-based and coastal infrastructure, which will enable Aboriginal and northern governments, organizations and communities to better understand and apply climate change adaptation measures.

In addition, agreements with other federal government partners on northern issues have been developed and engagement of academia, government and industry on northern climate change issues (permafrost, glaciers, snow and land cover) is ongoing. NRCan delivers a national Adaptation Platform to facilitate collaboration among key stakeholders in the private sector, governments and professional organizations, enabling the discussion of key adaptation issues and development of practical adaptation measures.

These activities will contribute to better methodologies and infrastructure plans as well as the knowledge and communications around climate change.

Clean Air Agenda

Program Name: Enhancing Competitiveness in a Changing Climate
CAA Theme: Adaptation

Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2014-15
$ 8,015,000

Sub-program 3.1.5
Geohazards and Public Safety

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Theme III: Protecting Nature and Canadians

Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians
Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.

Target 4.7: Environmental Disasters, Accidents and Emergencies
Environmental disasters, incidents and emergencies are prevented or their impacts mitigated.

Implementation Strategy
Advancing Knowledge and Communications

4.7.4
In accordance with mandated responsibilities, provide environmental information to reduce the risk of, and advice in response to, the occurrence of events such as polluting incidents, wildlife disease events or severe weather and other significant hydro-meteorological events as applicable (AAFC, AANDC, [DFO], [EC], HC, IC, NRCan, PC, [PHAC], PS, PWGSC, TC]

Ensure other levels of government, private sector and professional organizations involved in emergency management in Canada have access to accurate hazard information and hazard mitigation knowledge products for decision making (e.g. in the event of landslides, tsunamis, and radiological and nuclear incidents) (NRCan)

Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Expected Result: Governments, private sector and regulatory bodies access NRCan's hazard information, products and services
Indicator: Number of requests for NRCan geohazard information, knowledge products or services by government, private sector, including media, and professional organizations in Canada

How Sub-program Supports FSDS Target

Through the provision of hazard information and products, NRCan helps other levels of government, international government bodies, as well as the private sector and professional organizations to prepare for, understand and mitigate natural disasters. In 2014-15, it will continue to disseminate risk-related information to support the response, recovery and preparedness phases of emergency management, such as seismic monitoring and space weather forecasts. It will also collaborate with Public Safety Canada and other levels of government to develop and test emergency management plans or interdepartmental emergency management protocols and exercises.

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