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Sustainable Development Strategy 2001
Minister's Message
Canada in the 21st century must become and remain the world's "smartest" natural resources steward, developer, user and exporter – the most high-tech, the most environmentally friendly, the most socially responsible, the most productive and competitive – leading the world as a living model of sustainable development.
Developing our resources sustainably is crucial to Canada's future. Sustainable development is absolutely essential if the resources sector is to fulfil its role as a major engine of economic growth and job creation in this country, helping to provide the highest standard of living and quality of life to Canadians in the 21st century.
Sustainable development is a constantly-evolving process of identifying and seizing new opportunities to improve the environmental and economic performance of the natural resources sector to maximize social and economic benefits to Canadians.
Natural Resources Canada will capitalize on these opportunities to maintain Canada's status as a global leader in sustainable development so that the resources sector remains a powerhouse of the new economy. We will advance sustainable development through scientific knowledge, technological innovation, stewardship, and building capacity for sustainable communities.Canadians will continue to show the world that innovation and the integration of technologies make it possible to diminish adverse environmental impacts from resource development and use. This will achieve a cleaner environment for all of us, while creating value-added, globally competitive and ecologically responsible industries that maintain a vibrant economy.
Factoring social, economic and environmental considerations into decision-making, and respecting the needs, values and property interests of all users of the land and its resources is essential to making progress on sustainable development. Equally essential is maintaining the integrity of natural ecosystems and safeguarding our quality of life for Canadians, now and for the future.
We have a shared responsibility to ensure this future comes to fruition so that our children, and their children, will continue to enjoy the extraordinary advantages that make Canadians the envy of the world.
Ralph Goodale
February 2001
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