2017-20 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy: Update for 2019-20
Table of Contents
Section 1: Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016–19 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into decision-making, and make such decisions more transparent and accountable to Parliament, NRCan supports reaching the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this DSDS.
Section 2: Sustainable Development at Natural Resources Canada
The sustainable development of Canada’s natural resources — including energy reserves, minerals and metals, and forests — is a centrepiece of NRCan’s mandate achieved through the promotion of clean growth for these sectors. The Department supports Canada’s resource industries to ensure they remain a source of good jobs and enduring prosperity while also helping them to adopt innovative new ways to enhance their competitiveness, improve their environmental performance, strengthen their relationships with Indigenous peoples and build public confidence.
Of the 13 long-term goals outlined in the 2016-19 FSDS, the Minister of Natural Resources is responsible for leading on the Government’s Clean Energy goal and serves as a co-leader for both Clean Growth and Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests. As well, the Minister shares responsibilities for Low Carbon Government and is an important contributor on five other goals: Effective Action on Climate Change, Modern and Resilient Infrastructure, Healthy Coasts and Oceans, Pristine Lakes and Rivers, and Safe and Healthy Communities.
While NRCan’s departmental actions contribute to numerous FSDS goals at the same time, they are presented only once in this DSDS to avoid repetition.
FSDS GOAL: CLEAN ENERGY
All Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy
Minister of Natural Resources: lead
Canada already boasts one of the world’s cleanest electricity markets and its development of clean technology is leading to other innovative energy solutions. Building on this success will be essential to Canada’s transition to the low-carbon economy. A clean energy system will also lower our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while increasing Canada’s climate resilience and reducing our impact on our land and wildlife species.
The Prime Minister’s mandate letter to the Minister of Natural ResourcesFootnote 1 makes clear that clean energy is a top priority. For example, the Minister is building on the work of Generation Energy to progress towards a low-carbon energy future and working with provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies and enhance competitiveness in the energy sector.
The Prime Minister has also asked the Minister to work with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to develop an ambitious North American clean energy and environmental agreement with the United States and Mexico.
In addition, the Minister leads or supports commitments under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change to deliver the FSDS’s Clean Energy goal. This includes implementing new building codes and introducing energy efficiency measures to help Canadians understand their energy use and save money on their utility bills. It also includes establishing new electric vehicle charging stations as well as natural gas and hydrogen refuelling stations.
FSDS GOAL: CLEAN GROWTH
A growing clean technology industry in Canada contributes to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Minister of Natural Resources: co-lead
A strong economy and a clean environment must go hand in hand in the low-carbon economy. Investing in clean technology and supporting innovation is a key part of that and will help Canadian companies grow and position themselves as world leaders in the clean technology market.
The Prime Minister’s mandate letter to the Minister of Natural Resources confirms the Clean Growth goal as a top priority shared with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and emphasizes the importance of supporting clean technology producers to tackle Canada’s most pressing environmental challenges while creating more opportunities for Canadian workers. One of the ways NRCan is doing all of this is by investing in clean energy technology to support the goals of Mission Innovation, a multi-country initiative to accelerate global clean energy innovation and make clean energy more widely available and affordable.
FSDS GOAL: SUSTAINABLY MANAGED LANDS AND FORESTS
Lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come
Minister of Natural Resources: co-lead
Protecting and sustainably using lands and forests is necessary to ensure their long-term benefits for Canada. These benefits are diverse and include protecting habitat for wildlife populations and supporting the well-being of Canadians through ecosystem services, as well as contributing to the Canadian economy and preserving traditional uses of lands and forests by Indigenous peoples.
Under the Department of Natural Resources Act, the Minister is responsible for sustainable development and the responsible use of Canada’s forest resources, as well as enhancing the competitiveness of Canada’s forest products. In addition, the Forestry Act mandates the Department’s Canadian Forest Service to conduct research and provide information and advice to promote the protection, sustainable management, and wise use of forest resources. In September 2016, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers also committed the federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together to develop a National Forest Bioeconomy Framework by fall 2017 to support further economic growth in a clean and sustainable manner.
FSDS GOAL: LOW-CARBON GOVERNMENT
The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon
Minister of Natural Resources: support
The Government of Canada is committed to leading efforts to combat climate change while continuing to contribute to the broader economy. With its vast operations, its extensive use of goods and services and its procurement practices, the Government has an opportunity to support the transition to a low-carbon economy by stimulating the clean-tech sector, contributing to Canada’s international climate change commitments and realizing substantial cost savings.
NRCan is supporting this FSDS goal through a range of measures to reduce its carbon footprint, such as improving the energy efficiency of its own buildings, reducing its fleet emissions and modernizing its infrastructure to support the use of electric vehicles. In addition, NRCan supports other federal departments and agencies by providing technical advice to assist them in developing and implementing their own projects to save energy and reduce GHG emissions.
FSDS GOAL: EFFECTIVE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
Minister of Natural Resources: support
Climate change is a pressing global problem that, if left unchecked, could affect the ability of future generations to meet their basic needs. Effective action on climate change starts with the transition to a low-carbon economy that reduces our GHG emissions while continuing to increase our prosperity.
Under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, NRCan is leading on a wide range of initiatives that includes extending ENERGY STAR® certification to industrial buildings, improving the energy efficiency of vehicles and investing in green infrastructure such as a national network of electrical vehicle charging stations. The Department also provides knowledge and tools to Canadian communities and businesses in natural resource sectors to adapt to a changing climate and plans for sectors to succeed in the new economy.
FSDS GOAL: MODERN AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
Modern, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure supports clean economic growth and social inclusion
Minister of Natural Resources: support
Green infrastructure, which includes everything from water and wastewater systems and clean energy to climate resilient infrastructure (such as flood mitigation systems) and infrastructure to protect against climate change, preserves the natural environment, supports healthy and resilient communities, drives economic growth and improves our quality of life.
One of NRCan’s main priorities is to promote the transition towards low-carbon options in transportation, as well as improving international regulatory alignments by enhancing energy codes for buildings, to support this FSDS goal.
FSDS GOAL: HEALTHY COASTS AND OCEANS
Coasts and oceans support healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems
Minister of Natural Resources: support
Canada has unparalleled ocean resources and protecting our waters is critical to the lives and livelihoods of all Canadians. Increased development and marine shipping provide economic benefits, but they also pose risks such as the potential for oil spills that have an environmental impact on our fisheries and coastlines. In addition, preserving and expanding marine protected areas will help address environmental challenges.
Working with other departments and agencies, NRCan generates scientific knowledge and conducts economic analysis to support better protection of our coasts and oceans and assist with oil spill prevention in targeted vulnerable areas.
FSDS GOAL: PRISTINE LAKES AND RIVERS
Clean and healthy lakes and rivers support economic prosperity and the well-being of Canadians
Minister of Natural Resources: support
Healthy lakes and rivers sustain a rich variety of plants and animals. They also supply drinking water to millions of Canadians, provide opportunities for swimming, boating and recreational fishing, and support economic activities such as tourism, commercial fisheries, agriculture and shipping. All of these things can be threatened by pollution, climate change and invasive alien species of plants and animals that affect our lakes and rivers and the benefits they provide.
NRCan generates scientific knowledge to advance our understanding of lake and river ecosystems (including groundwater) and assists with protecting their health. The Department also works with partners to advance water quality and the health of these ecosystems through research and technology development that minimize the environmental effects of resource development.
FSDS GOAL: SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
Minister of Natural Resources: support
Ensuring that Canadians enjoy a clean, safe environment in which to live is important to their health and well-being. Among other things, this means reducing pollution to improve air quality, protecting them from harmful substances and preventing environmental emergencies (or reducing their impact if they do occur).
NRCan contributes to this FSDS goal by preventing and mitigating the impacts of natural and human-made hazards. For example, the Department develops early warning tools for these hazards and monitors environmental emergencies such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides. Through its science and tools, NRCan assists other organizations with disaster management and ecosystem monitoring. The Department also enhances the safety and security of energy transportation infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipeline.
Section 3: Commitments for Natural Resources Canada
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Clean Energy |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources. | Invest in clean energy technologies. | Develop and demonstrate advanced materials technologies for clean energy production. | By improving the viability of technologies, contribute to increased deployment and use of renewable and non-emitting energy sources. By funding clean energy development and demonstration projects that reduce cost and address technical hurdles, contribute to the deployment of next-generation of clean energy technologies. |
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. | Indicator: Number of innovative materials technologies developed, contributed to, or validated by NRCan for use in power generation systems. Target: 2 by 2020. |
Energy Innovation Program Clean Energy Technology Policy, Research and Engagement |
| Indicator: Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean energy S&T to leveraged funding from partners. Target: 1:1 ratio. |
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| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources. | Invest in clean energy technologies. | Work with Atomic Energy Canada Limited and other federal departments to deliver the Federal Nuclear Science & Technology Program. | By advancing nuclear research in support of core federal mandates, including clean energy, health and non-proliferation, contribute to energy generation from non-emitting sources. | 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. | Indicator: The number of discrete federal, activities and projects initiated that align with NRCan priorities.Footnote 2 Target: 5 discrete projects / initiatives undertaken per year. |
Electricity Resources |
| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources. | Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy.Footnote 3 | Participate in the Generation IV International Forum, a multilateral endeavour and undertake research and development (R&D) to develop the next generation of nuclear energy systems. | By articulating Canada's approach to the management of nuclear energy resources, contribute to future energy generation from non-emitting sources. | 7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. | Indicator: The number of discrete federal, provincial and territorial activities and projects that are initiated. Target: Greater than 2 discrete projects/ initiatives undertaken per year. |
Electricity Resources |
| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources. | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption. | Continue actions to support renewable energy deployment to support the generation of electricity from renewable sources by providing support through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program. | By supporting the transition towards non-emitting sources in clean electricity, contribute to industry capacity to produce renewable forms of energy. | 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy. | Indicator: Number of terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity produced. Target: 10 TWh (equivalent to the annual power consumption of a typical Canadian city of about 750,000 people). |
Electricity Resources |
| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources. | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption. | Develop recommendations for federal government consideration through the Marine Renewable Energy Enabling Measures program on a legislative approach for administering renewable energy projects in federal offshore areas. | By developing a legislative framework allowing to administer marine renewable energy projects in the federal offshore, contribute to future electricity generation from renewable sources. | 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy. | Starting point: There is no existing legislative framework. Target: A legislative framework is in place by 2019. |
Electricity Resources |
| Support the generation of electricity from renewable sources by providing support through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program. | Supporting the transition towards non-emitting sources in clean electricity by reducing diesel dependency in rural and remote communities contribute to rural and remote community capacity to produce renewable forms of energy. | 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy. | Starting point: 0 in 2018-19 Indicator: Number of MW of electricity supported by end of 2022-23Footnote 4. Target: 40MW of electricity capacity supported by end of 2022-23 installed. |
Electricity Resources | ||
| Support development of intelligently managed electrical grids by providing support to utility-led projects through the Smart Grid program. | By supporting the use of smart grid technology, contribute to industry capacity to reduce GHG emissions and to optimize existing electricity assets. | 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy. | Starting point: 0 (This is a new program). Indicator: % GHG emission reduction by 2027-28Footnote 3. Target: Reduction of GHG emissions of 0.9 MT by 2027-28Footnote 5. |
Electricity Resources | ||
| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources. | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption. | Support the generation of electricity from renewable sources by providing support to the development of innovative renewable technologies that are not yet established in Canada through the Emerging Renewables program. | By supporting emerging renewable technologies, contribute to the amount of renewable electricity ready for consumption. | 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy. | Starting point: 0 in 2018-19 Indicator: Number of MW of new electricity capacity supported by end of FY 2022-23.Footnote 3 Target: 150MW of new electricity capacity supported by end of FY 2022-23.Footnote 3 |
Electricity Resources |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption. | Provide a new suite of tools to support consumers’ vehicle purchasing decisions and encourage fuel-efficient driving behaviours. | By supporting the transition to a cleaner transportation system and making low-carbon vehicles more attractive to Canadians, contribute to reductions in energy consumption. | 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. | Indicator: Vehicle purchases influenced by NRCan fuel efficiency information products and tools (qualitative analysis on usefulness of information provided). Target: Fuel efficiency ranks in the top 3 purchasing decision factors for Light Duty Vehicles by March 31, 2021. |
Lower Carbon Transportation |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Invest in clean energy technologies.Footnote 6 | Support Finance Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada in identifying and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. | By identifying and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, contribute to increased deployment and use of renewable and non-emitting energy sources. | 12.c Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities. | Indicator: Year by which fossil fuel subsidies have been phased out. Target: Fossil fuel subsidies are phased out by 2025. |
Energy Safety and Security, and Petroleum Resources |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Invest in clean energy technologies. | Launch the ENERGY STAR® for Industry program in Canada and offer plant certification to 2-3 industry sectors to recognize high performers. | By raising awareness of the benefits of energy management in industry operations, contribute to energy efficiency. | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. | Indicator: Energy saved by industry in petajoules from energy efficiency programs. Target: 23.2 petajoules saved annually (equivalent to the annual energy used by more than 208,800 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) in 2021-22. |
Energy Efficiency |
| Accelerate the adoption of ISO 50001, an innovative energy management system in the industrial sector. | By helping to improve energy management in Canada's industrial sector, contribute to energy efficiency. | |||||
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Play a leading role in international agreements and initiatives involving clean energy. | Advance Canada’s clean energy and climate mitigation goals through partnerships under the North American Clean Energy Cooperation, Mission Innovation, the International Energy Agency, and the Clean Energy Ministerial process, as well as the G7 & G20, among others. | By working alongside international partners, contribute to further advancing clean growth, clean energy and climate change mitigation goals and the long-term decarbonisation of the economy. | 7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. | Indicator: NRCan undertakes bilateral and multilateral agreements and initiatives with key partners that advance Canadian priorities for clean energy (signed at the Assistant Deputy Minister level or above). Target: not defined given variability of factors affecting international engagement. |
International Energy Engagement Clean Growth in Natural Resource Sectors |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Clean Growth |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement our Mission Innovation commitment to double federal government investments in clean energy research, development and demonstration, by 2020, from 2015 levels. | Work with partners on developing and adopting new technologies to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions. | Advance international collaboration on clean energy RD&D through Mission Innovation by implementing domestic initiatives. | By funding clean energy development and demonstration projects that reduce cost and address technical hurdles, contribute to the deployment of next-generation of clean energy technologies. | 17.16 Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries. | Indicator: Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean energy S&T to leveraged funding from partners. Target: 1:1 ratio |
Clean Growth in Natural Resource Sectors Clean Energy Technology Policy, research and Engagement Energy Innovation Program |
| Starting point: Federal investments of $387 million in clean energy RD&D in 2014-15. Indicator: Federal investments in clean energy RD&D. Target: Doubling of Government of Canada’s federal investments for clean energy RD&D to $775 million by 2019-20.Footnote 7 |
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| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Invest in technologies to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions. | Support the development of technologies and tools to reduce energy consumption in mining and milling and eliminate diesel replacing it with alternative energy sources in underground mines under the Green Mining Innovation program.Footnote 8 | By expanding RD&D cooperation and investment, contribute to a reduction in reliance on diesel and in energy consumption. | 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 | Indicator: Number of pilot-scale demonstration projects or tools implemented supporting the development of one or more technologies. Target: 3 pilot-scaleFootnote 9 demonstration projects or tools implemented by 2023. |
Green Mining Innovation |
Implement the Government of Canada’s actions to develop clean technologies to reduce GHG emission, air pollutants and water uses in the energy sector through initiatives such as:
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By funding clean technology development and demonstration projects that reduce cost and address technical hurdles, contribute to the deployment of next-generation of clean technologies. | 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. | Starting point: 2016-17 emission levels. Indicator: Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean technology to leveraged funding from partners. Target: 1:1 ratio |
Energy Innovation Program Clean Growth in Natural Resource Sectors |
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| Indicator: Through NRCan supported RD&D, GHG emissions from past and ongoing clean technology projects are reduced. Target: A decrease in emissions of 1 million tonnes a year (equivalent to 250,000 passenger cars removed from our roads) starting in 2017-18. |
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| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Invest in technologies to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions. | Develop and demonstrate advanced materials technologies for the safe transportation of hydrocarbons and to reduce emissions in the transportation and industrial sectors. | By improving the viability of technologies, contribute to increased deployment and use of safer, and more energy efficient materials. | 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. | Starting point: 0 Indicator: Number of innovative materials technologies or standards developed, contributed to, or validated by NRCan for use in the safe transportation of hydrocarbons and to reduce emissions in the transportation and industrial sectors. Target: 3 over 5 years |
Clean Energy Technology Policy, Research and Engagement Energy Innovation Program |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions. | Provide financial contributions to FPInnovations, other forest sector research partners and eligible forest product companies for RD&D of new products, processes and technologies focused on clean energy such as biofuels.Footnote 10 | By providing stakeholders with resources, contribute to increased energy efficiency, improved productivity and associated environmental benefits related to the forest industry. | 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. | Indicator: Number of new products and processes resulting from NRCan information. Target: 2 per year |
Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Indicator: Number of new economic development projects facilitated, brokered, and/or developed in/by Indigenous communities with NRCan knowledge and funding. Target: 6 per yearFootnote 11 |
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| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Invest in technologies to reduce water pollution. | Develop new technology or processes to reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations, such as minimal liquid discharge mill using advanced separation and water treatment technologies. | By developing technologies to help ecosystem restoration, and the treatment and the reuse of water, contribute to clean mining operations. | 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. | Indicator: Number of pilot-scale demonstrations for water management in mining and mineral processing completed. Target: At least one pilot-scale demonstration for water management in mining and mineral processing completed by 2020. |
Green Mining Innovation |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Between now and 2020 maintain Canada’s timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels. | Better understand lands and forests | Increase the scientific knowledge of forest ecosystems, including by:Footnote 12
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By providing scientific knowledge on forest ecosystems to Canadian industry and non-government organizations, contribute to a reduction in tree loss due to climate change. This reduction in tree loss helps to maintain sustainable wood supply levels and supports an annual sustainable timber harvest. This scientific knowledge includes information on preparedness against natural hazards and risk mitigation of natural disasters, maximizing opportunities and minimizing risks associated with climate change. Increasing understanding of forest conditions and changes over time provides critical information needed to inform decision making to help advance progress towards the target for this FSDS goal. |
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. | Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees. Indicator: Level of participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest ecosystems to governments, industry and nongovernmental organizations. Targets: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point. |
Forest Climate Change Pest Risk Management Fibre Solutions Sustainable Forest Management Cumulative Effects |
| Indicator: Number of active collaborations with public and private sector that manage risk or opportunities to human population, natural resources and infrastructure health. Target: 3 collaboration agreements per year |
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| Indicator: Number of times end users have access to indicators and tools (by website, presentation and meetings) to support the development of regional integrated assessments. Target: Target to be set by beginning of 2019-20. |
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Starting point: In April 2017, Petawawa Research Forest (PRF) established as federal site for climate change vulnerability assessment. Indicator: Forest Management Plan primer for PRF completed Indicator: Installation of trial at PRF, as part of North American Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change Research Network. Target: Installation by March 2021.Footnote 13 |
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| Between now and 2020, maintain Canada’s timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels. | Use legislation and regulations to manage the spread of invasive alien species. | Develop science-based solutions and tools to better detect, slow the spread and reduce impact of invasive alien species, including working in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to create wood packaging standards and control measures to manage known and unknown alien species. | By enabling better decision-making on how to protect and manage Canadian forests under uncertainty, contribute to maintaining sustainable wood supply levels. | 15.8 By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species. | Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees Indicator: Level of participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations. Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point. |
Pest Risk Management |
| Between now and 2020, maintain Canada’s timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels. | Build capacity and provide support. | Through engagement with provinces and territories, industry and international partners, develop and deliver science-based solutions to help reduce wildfires for forest-based communities. Sharing international wildland fire management resources will advance fire response by fire management agencies and first responders. Opportunities for knowledge sharing include:
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By strengthening collaboration and providing governments, agencies and industry with scientific knowledge technologies and decision-making tools on wildfire management, contribute to a reduction in tree loss due to wildland fire and thereby helping to maintain sustainable wood supply levels. This knowledge helps all parties understand the impacts of climate change on wildfire activity to better deliver wildfire management solutions and emergency preparedness. | 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. | Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees. Indicator: Level of participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations. Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point. |
Wildfire Risk Management |
| Between now and 2020, maintain Canada’s timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels. | Work with domestic and international partners | Develop a forest bioeconomy framework with the provinces and territories that identifies the type of concerted actions required for creating favourable research and investment conditions to enhance the growth and competitiveness of emerging bioeconomy activities in Canada. | By looking into opportunities of collaboration, contribute to adaptation to a changing climate and the creation of jobs in the forest sector, and helping to maintain 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. | Starting point: Developing a forest bioeconomy framework Target: 1 framework endorsed with annual reporting, as agreed by the members of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers. |
Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Work collaboratively with provinces and territories, federal agencies (e.g., ECCC, Public Safety Canada, Parks Canada) and Indigenous communities to implement and advance wildfire and forest pest strategies. | By providing scientific and technical knowledge, contribute to the production of a wildfire research and management strategy and advance the national forest pest strategy, addressing current priorities and helping to maintain 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. | Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees. Indicator: Level of participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations. Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point |
Wildfire Risk Management Pest Risk Management Sustainable Forest Management Cumulative Effects |
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| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal. | Build capacity and provide support. | Provide Indigenous communities and organizations with financial and technical support to increase their participation in Canada’s forest sector.Footnote 14 | By supporting sustainable development and climate change adaptation efforts in Indigenous communities, contribute to a sustainable forest sector. | 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. | Indicator: Number of new economic development projects facilitated, brokered, and/or developed in/by Indigenous communities with NRCan knowledge and funding Target: 6 new projectsFootnote 15 annually, facilitated, brokered, and/or developed with NRCan knowledge and funding. |
Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Indicator: Annual research plan endorsed by the FPInnovations National Research Advisory Committee that includes linkages with forecasted needs and priorities for Indigenous communities. Target: 1 endorsed research plan per year. |
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| Better understand lands and forests. | Evaluate reclamation strategies and decommissioning scenarios to determine the environmental performance of rehabilitated mine waste management sites in Canada. | By providing governments, agencies and industry with scientific knowledge on best mine waste management strategies, contribute to improved ecosystem restoration. | 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. | Indicator: Number of scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for development of environmental policy/guidance. Target: 3 by 2023. |
Green Mining Innovation |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Low-Carbon Government |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025. | Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/ operations. | Support the Treasury Board Secretariat and Environment and Climate Change Canada in the development and the implementation of an action plan (under the departmental Low Carbon umbrella) for buildings and fleets in order to achieve the departmental GHG reduction goal of 40% by 2030. | By reducing energy use through efficiency measures, contribute to reduced GHG emissions by the Department. | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities and fleets from fiscal year 2005-06 to 2030 Target: 40% reduction in NRCan facility and fleet emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels |
Energy Efficiency Clean Energy Technology Policy, Research and Engagement Internal Services |
| Continue to modernize the departmental workplace to achieve more efficient and productive use of space through Workplace 2.0 standards. | By aligning with Workplace 2.0 standards, contribute to improved energy efficiency of the Department`s buildings. | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Indicator: Percentage of office workspace at NRCan’s primary office location in the National Capital Region, the Booth Street Complex (555, 601, 615, 580 and 588 Booth St. and 560 Rochester St.) that meets GC Workplace standards. Target: By 2025, 25% of office workspace at the Booth Street Complex is to GC Workplace standards.Footnote 16 |
Internal Services | ||
| Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025. | Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/ operations. | Support the Treasury Board Secretariat Center for Greening Government by providing “a one-stop shop” for advice and technical support to other federal departments. This support will help federal organizations design and implement energy saving and GHG reduction projects in their facilities and deploy low-emission vehicles and charging stations. This work will also support the Center for Greening Government develop a centralized GHG inventory tool for reporting, monitoring and public disclosure of federal GHG emissions. | By providing tools and technical support to federal organizations for greening their buildings and fleet, contribute to reduced GHG emissions by the Government of Canada. | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Indicator: Amount of energy saved in terajoules per year for all federal organization projects that received support from NRCan. Targets:
|
Energy Efficiency Clean Energy Technology Policy, Research and Engagement |
| Starting point: 64 federal organizations in 2017-18 fiscal year. Indicator: Number of federal organizations (departments, agencies and Crown corporations) provided with information, tools and services to improve energy performance of federal buildings. Target: Total increase from 64 to 70 by 2022. |
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| Modernize the Building Management Plan (BMP) process and update the Building Condition Reports (BCR) with a focus on energy efficiency and through an environmental lens. | By updating and modernizing BMP and BCR processes, contribute to energy efficiency and improved environmental performance of the Department`s buildings. | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Starting point: NRCan began a new multi-year round of BCRs in the 2016-17 fiscal year. Indicator: Number of major sites that have BCR processes completed.Footnote 17 Target: 50% of major sites will have BCR completed by 2020-21 that would provide current “health” status of the building portfolio, a prerequisite to the planning of any improvement. |
Internal Services | ||
| Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025. | Modernize our fleet. | Support the Treasury Board Secretariat and Environment and Climate Change Canada in the development and the implementation of an action plan (under the departmental Low Carbon umbrella) for buildings and fleets in order to achieve the departmental GHG reduction goal of 40% by 2030. | By reducing energy use through efficiency measures, contribute to reduced GHG emissions from the Department`s fleet. | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Starting point: GHG emissions from NRCan fleet in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year): = 1.78 ktCO2e. Indicator: Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06. Target: By 2030, there is a 40% reduction in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06.Footnote 18 |
Energy Efficiency Clean Energy Technology Policy, Research and Engagement Internal Services |
| Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement. | Ensure that all performance agreements of Procurement Managers include contribution to, and are in support of, the Policy on Green Procurement. | By embedding environmental considerations related to purchasing decisions into the corporate culture, contribute to greener procurement. | 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. | Indicator: Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of materiel and of procurement whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement. Target: 90% by March 31, 2019 and ongoing. |
Internal Services | |
| Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025. | Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement. | Raise departmental awareness of green procurement options related to Public Services and Procurement Canada standing offers. | By embedding environmental considerations related to purchasing decisions into the corporate culture, contribute to greener procurement. | 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. | Indicator: Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent. Target: 97% (or 34 specialists) by March 31, 2020.Footnote 19 |
Internal Services |
| Promote sustainable travel practices. | Maintain GHG emission levels from business-related travel below the 2008-09 baseline level. | By promoting sustainable travel practices and informing employees of alternative meeting arrangements (such as teleconferencing or videoconferencing), contribute to reduced GHG emissions. | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Starting point: 5729 tons in 2008-09 Indicator: Emissions associated with business-related travel (in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the year), as provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada. Target: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with business travel will be reduced to 4010 tons (30% reduction) by March 31, 2021. |
Internal Services |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels. | Use regulations to limit GHG emissions. | Set more than 35 minimum energy performance standards for appliances and equipment by 2020 under the Energy Efficiency Regulations. | By setting minimum energy performance standards to improve the energy performance of appliances and equipment sold for homes and buildings across Canada, contribute to reduced GHG emissions. | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. | Indicator: Energy savings (petajoules) from regulated products and market transformation. |
Energy Efficiency |
| Work with partners on climate change. | Collaborate with the United States of America and Mexico on a common benchmarking platform for the freight sector (the SmartWay Freight Partnership). | By helping industry to maximize efficiency and to reduce energy use in its freight operations, contribute to reduced GHG emissions. | 17.16 Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries. | Starting point: 0% Indicator: Percentage of SmartWay freight transport companies that implement lower carbon transportation options. Target: 60% annually (maintained each year until 2021) |
Energy Efficiency | |
| By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels. | Work with partners on climate change. | Undertake RD&D that informs policies, standards and codes. | By focusing on environmental and competitiveness objectives in the areas of end use, clean energy and renewables, and fossil fuels, contribute to reduced GHG emissions. | 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. | Starting point: emission levels of 2016-17. Indicator: Reductions in GHG emission from NRCan supported RD&D projects (from past and ongoing clean energy technology projects). Target: Reduction of 1 Mt GHG emission per year.Footnote 20 |
Energy Innovation Program |
| By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels. | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change. | Improve the energy efficiency of:
|
By collaborating with provinces and territories on buildings and industrial sector programs, contribute to improved energy efficiency and reduced GHG emissions. | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. | Indicator: Amount of energy saved in petajoules from the energy efficiency programs in the building sector. Target: 265 petajoules saved (equivalent to the annual energy used by approximately 2,385,500 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) in 2021 from energy efficiency programs funded in the building sector. |
Energy Efficiency |
| Indicator: Amount of energy saved by industry in petajoules from energy efficiency programs. Target: 23.2 petajoules saved annually (equivalent to the annual energy used by more than 208,800 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) in 2021-22. |
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| Undertake RD&D to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. | By supporting RD&D in the oil and gas sector, contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy and reduced GHG emissions. | 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. | Indicator: Percentage of reductions of methane emissions through NRCan supported RD&D in the oil and gas sector.Footnote 21 Target: Contribute to the national target of reducing methane emissions by 40% to 45% by 2025. |
Energy Innovation Program | ||
| By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels. | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change. | Maintain and increase carbon stored in forested lands, by providing tools to monitor and measure carbon fluxes supported by the Carbon Budget Model. | By supporting scientific measurements and the monitoring of Carbon fluxes, we better understand land management decisions to support resilient 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. | Indicator: Number of annual report on carbon emissions and removals in Canada’s managed forests within “The State of Canada’s Forests”. Target: 1 report per year. |
Forest Climate Change |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Take a leading role in international agreements and initiatives on climate change. | Promote international collaboration, including through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Clean Energy Ministerial Mission Innovation and other fora that advance the global transition to low carbon economy. | By promoting Canada’s interests and working towards Canada's commitments in international agreements and initiatives on climate change and clean energy, contribute to reduced GHG emissions. | 7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. | Indicator: Percentage of Canada’s objectives for meetings of international climate and clean energy fora that are advanced through negotiations and consensus. Target: 70% |
Energy and Climate Change Policy Clean Growth in Natural Resources Sectors |
| Work with partners on climate change. | Maintain leadership of Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform Develop and share knowledge and tools, provide science information, and build capacity to enhance the resilience of Canadian communities and businesses in natural resource sectors to the impacts of climate change. |
By helping Canadian communities and businesses in natural resource sectors identify and prioritize activities, contribute to adaptation to a changing climate. | 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. | Indicator: Number of new knowledge products released by the Climate Change Adaptation Platform and the Climate Change Geoscience Program. Target: 40 new knowledge products by March 31, 2020Footnote 22 (total from both the Climate Change Adaptation Platform and the Climate Change Geoscience Program). |
Climate Change Adaptation Geoscience to Keep Canada Safe |
|
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Conduct climate policy research and analysis. | Create and disseminate information products and tools in support of decisions on climate change and clean energy issues. | By providing tools and information to support decision making on climate change and clean energy issues, contribute to reduced GHG emissions. | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. | Indicator: Percentage of tools and information made available to decision makers in a timely manner. Target: 100% |
Energy and Climate Change Policy |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Provide in-kind support and funding for climate resilience. | Provide expert advice, and participate in workshops. Deliver a contribution program that funds cost-shared, collaborative projects aimed at developing, transferring and integrating adaptation information and tools. |
By enabling communities and businesses in natural resource sectors across Canada to have access to new knowledge on risks and opportunities to support decision-making and action, contribute to adaptation to a changing climate. | 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. | Indicator: Percentage (%) of communities and businesses in natural-resource sectors reporting they have access to tools and information for adaptation decision making. Target: 50% |
Climate Change Adaptation |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change. | Conduct research and analyses to develop scientific knowledge of forest disturbances (e.g., wildfire, pests and climate change), which are used in collaboration with the public and private sectors to forecast impacts and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies. | By providing governments, agencies and industry with scientific knowledge on forest disturbances, including wildfire, contribute to the mitigation of effects from and adaptation to a changing climate. | 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. | Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees. Indicator: Level of participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations. Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point. |
Forest Climate Change Pest Risk Management Wildfire Risk Management |
| Indicator: Number of active collaborations with public and private sectors that manage risk or opportunities to human population, natural resources and infrastructure health. Target: Collecting data on 3 collaboration agreements per year. |
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| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change. | Provide new ‘big data’ tools and infrastructure for analyzing earth observation and other geospatial data to detect changes in land, water, natural resources and infrastructure, and facilitate discoverability and access to geospatial information for prevention and implementation of mitigation programs for natural disasters such as flooding. | By providing stakeholder access to comprehensive, reliable and accurate geospatial information consistent with international standards, contribute to the mitigation of effects from a changing climate. | 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. | Starting Point: 100% of core geospatial data layers were available and fully accessible via an open online portal in 2018-19. Indicator: Percentage of geospatial information tools and services that are available and accessible. Target: 100% of core geospatial data layers are available and fully accessible via an online portal annually.Footnote 23 |
Core Geospatial Data |
Starting Point: The satellite ground station uptimeFootnote 24 was 99.6% in 2018-19 Indicator: Percentage of time satellite ground station is available and working. Target: Satellite ground station uptime every fiscal year is 99.5%.Footnote 25 |
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Starting Point: 0 case studies in 2018-19 Indicator: Number of case studies examining data use and impact Target: 5 case studies per year.Footnote 26 |
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Starting Point: 0 case studies in 2018-19. Indicator: Number of case studies examining use of satellite data. Target: 1 case study annually.Footnote 25 |
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Indicator: Average time elapsed from receipt of image to the staging of emergency flood response products. Target: 4 hours or less. |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Modern and Resilient Infrastructure |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By the end of 2025-26, invest $20 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. | Work with partners on green infrastructure. | Enhance the Energy Code for Buildings by 2020 and move towards net zero-energy-ready buildings. | By improving the energy efficiency of codes in target sectors, such as buildings, through international regulatory alignments, contribute to greener infrastructure. | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. | Starting point for commercial/ institutional buildings: 2011 model National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB). Starting point for housing: 2015 model National Building Code (NBC), Part 9.36. Indicator: Net-Zero Energy Ready (NZER) Code is available. Targets: 1st tier of NZER codes for new construction will be published in 2020 and the 2nd and 3rd tier by 2022. |
Energy Efficiency |
| By the end of 2025-26, invest $20 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. | Work with partners on green infrastructure. | Demonstrate key emerging Smart Grid technologies essential to integrate a higher proportion of renewables onto the grid. Support RD&D to drive down the cost and create market confidence in net zero building construction. Demonstrate innovative clean energy solutions for northern communities and reduce their reliance on diesel power. Facilitate the development and deployment of next generation electric vehicle charging infrastructure. |
By funding technology demonstration projects that reduce cost and address technical hurdles, contribute to the deployment of next-generation clean energy technologies pertaining to infrastructure. | 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. | Indicator: Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean energy S&T to leveraged funding from partners Target: 1:1 ratio |
Energy Innovation Program Clean Growth in Natural Resource Sectors |
| Indicator: Amount of reduction in GHG emissions from NRCan funded projects of green innovation. Target: 11.44 megatons annually (equivalent to 2.86 million passenger cars removed from our roads) by 2030. Indicator: Percentage of projects that advance Clean Energy Technologies. Target: 50% of RD&D projects advance the technology readiness level of emerging technologies, by one level, by 2023. |
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| By the end of 2025-26, invest $20 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. | Work with partners on green infrastructure. | Support the shift from higher to lower-emitting types of transportation, including through investing in infrastructure. | By providing funds to increase the number of recharging and refuelling stations in Canada, contribute to the transition to low-carbon options in the transportation sector through greener infrastructure. | 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. | Indicator: Number of charging and refuelling stations (by fuel type) planned, under development and completed through the program. Target for Phase 2: 900 electric vehicle charging stations, 15 natural gas and 12 hydrogen refueling stations by 2024.Footnote 27 |
Lower Carbon Transportation |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures | Protect and manage marine and coastal areasFootnote 28 | Complete resource and economic assessments to support the establishment of marine protected areas under the Marine Conservation Target initiative. | By producing resource and economic assessments to establish a protected area, contribute to marine and coastal environment conservation. | 14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and taking action in their restoration to achieve healthy and productive oceans. | Starting point: Before 2017-18, no assessments were completed. New assessments are required to inform decisions on marine protected areas. Indicator: Number of completed resource and economic assessments for areas proposed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada to help Canada achieve its goal of protecting 5% of marine and coastal areas by 2017 and 10% by 2020. Target: 10 qualitative or quantitative resource and economic assessments over 3 years, by the end of 2019-20.Footnote 29 |
Energy Safety and Security, and Petroleum Resources Geoscience for Sustainable Development of Natural Resources |
| By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures | Protect and manage marine and coastal areas | Encourage industrial RD&D to improve recovery technologies, as well as inform integrated response plans. | By informing emergency response plans and decisions for spill pollution, contribute to the protection of our marine and coastal environment. | None | Indicator: Number of scientific publications and products related to measurable advances in spill recovery in the marine environment. Target: Beginning in 2019, at least one scientific publication or product per year. |
Clean Energy Technology Policy, Research and Engagement |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health. | Using landscape–level considerations, assess influences of forest management and other disturbances on forest and aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services with academic, provincial and industry partners. This will be supported by:
|
By supporting governments, industry and non-governmental organizations for multiple purposes, including developing forest management practices and policies, that consider impacts on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services, contribute to maintain the health of lakes and rivers. | 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. | Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees. Indicator: Level of participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest ecosystems to governments, industry and nongovernmental organizations. Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point. |
Sustainable Forest Management |
| Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health. | Conduct research to better understand the risk potential (i.e. remobilization) of metals in lake and river ecosystems in a changing climate. | By developing scientific evidence to understand the threat of climate change on environmental effects of metals and mines, contribute to maintaining the health of lakes and rivers. | 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. | Indicator: Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for development of environmental policy/guidance Target: 3 by 2023 |
Green Mining Innovation | |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health. | Develop space-based technologies (e.g. remote sensing) and modelling forecasting methods that will allow a quantitative evaluation of terrestrial water storage (groundwater resources). | By collaboratively developing and providing space-based technologies and modelling forecasting methods, contribute to a better understanding of terrestrial water storage (groundwater resources). | 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. | Starting point: 2018-19 Indicator: Development of space-based technologies that advance water mapping and monitoring and new sensor evaluation and readiness. Indicator: Completed specifications document outlining the parameters of Terrestrial Water Storage datasets detailing requirements, formats, and accuracy. Indicator: Development of Total Water Storage change datasets at national scale from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite measurements. Target: Completion by 2019-20Footnote 30 |
Innovative Geospatial Solutions |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health. | Complete the National Hydro Network by creating and maintaining seamless transboundary watersheds and sub-watershed data that can be jointly used by agencies on both sides of the Canada/US border. | By collaboratively developing and providing space-based technologies and modelling forecasting methods, contribute to a better understanding of terrestrial water storage (groundwater resources). | 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 | Indicator: With partners, define ongoing maintenance (Phase V) for the National Hydro Network with partners under the International Joint Commission. Target: Completion by 2019-20.Footnote 31 |
Core Geospatial Data |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Better understand lake and river ecosystems. | Map and assess Canadian regional aquifer systems to support water resources management.Footnote 29 | By providing information tools that can contribute to improved sustainable land-use decision-making and groundwater management essential for rural drinking water and ecosystem health. | 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. | Indicator: Number of acknowledgments from public and/or private sector organizations incorporating NRCan's groundwater geoscience information and tools into their products (e.g. aquifer maps and data, methods and approaches, plans and reports). Target: 5 per year |
Geoscience for Sustainable Development of Natural Resources |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Better understand lake and river ecosystems. | Develop international groundwater resource data management standards to improve datasets interoperability. | By providing information and tools that can contribute to improved sustainable land-use decision-making and groundwater management essential for rural drinking water and ecosystem health. | 17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. Enhance knowledge-sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism. | Indicator: Number of citations from public and/or private sector organizations incorporating NRCan's groundwater geoscience information and tools into their products (e.g. aquifer maps and data, methods and approaches, plans and reports) Target: 5 per year |
Geoscience for Sustainable Development of Natural Resources |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Better understand lake and river ecosystems. | Conduct research projects to evaluate the role of modifying factors on the fate and effect of metals associated with regulated mining discharge into lake and river ecosystems in Canada. | By providing scientific evidence, contribute to improved regulations and decreased environmental effects of metals and mines on lakes and rivers. | 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. | Indicator: Number of scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for development of policy/guidance. Target: 3 by 2023 |
Green Mining Innovation |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems. | Provide scientific evidence to improve the environmental relevance of Metal and Mining Effluent Regulations (MMERs). | By providing scientific evidence, contribute to improved regulations and decreased impacts of metal and mining effluent on the environment, particularly lakes and rivers. | 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Indicator: Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for development of policy/regulations. CanmetMINING will also provide scientific advice to regulators (Environment and Climate Change Canada) in the development of MMERs. Target: 3 by 2023 |
Green Mining Innovation |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems. | Develop method to assess the aquatic hazard classification of metals and metal compounds. | By developing innovative methods to understand metal fate, contribute to better regulation of environmental impacts, particularly for lakes and rivers. | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize. their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Indicator: Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for both domestic and international regulation development. Target: 3 by 2023 |
Green Mining Innovation |
| FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda |
Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts. | Release of scientific publications, reports and maps to inform the safe location, design and operation of the built environment; support the environmentally and socially responsible development of natural resources; and support the plans and operation of emergency management organizations. | By providing access to new knowledge on geological hazards to organizations, contribute to the prevention of environmental emergencies or the mitigation of their impacts. | 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. | Indicator: Number of new knowledge products released to open and accessible databases. Target: 25 annually |
Geoscience to Keep Canada Safe |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts. | Conduct and provide real-time seismic and geomagnetic monitoring information to governments, emergency management agencies, critical infrastructure operators, media outlets and the public. | By providing credible information on impacts and consequences of natural emergency events contribute to their prevention or the mitigation of their impacts. | 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. | Starting point: to be set from 2016-17 results. Indicator: Percentage (%) of earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or higher within Canada for which a notification was issued in four minutes or less from the time of sufficient data availability. Target: 75% within four minutes or less from the time of sufficient data availability, and 99% within 10 minutes. |
Geoscience to Keep Canada Safe |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts. | Develop new science and technology to ensure readiness for the launch of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. Data collected from the Mission would support efforts in maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring. | By providing up-to-date and comprehensive landmass and water information to support socio-economic and environmental decisions, contribute to the prevention of environmental emergencies or the mitigation of their impacts. | 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. | Target: Maintain successful readiness for RADARSAT Constellation Mission.Footnote 32 | Innovative Geospatial Solutions |
| Provide information to inform action and decision making. | Implement Interim Measures to guide federal decisions on proposed major energy transmission projects (such as oil and gas pipelines), including the use of science, evidence, and traditional Indigenous knowledge; enhanced public engagement and Indigenous consultation; and direct and upstream GHG assessments. | By informing decision makers, and ensuring the public and Indigenous groups are engaged on proposed resource projects, contribute to informed action and decision-making for the reviews of proposed major energy transmission projects. | 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. | Indicator: Percentage of proposed major energy transmission project reviews that fulfill the Interim Measures during the interim period. Target: 100% |
Major Projects Management Office Initiative | |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Provide information to inform action and decision making. | Co-develop and support the operations of Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees for the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project (TMX) and Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Program as a meaningful, transparent and accountable forum through which Indigenous communities can engage with and provide input to federal regulators and the proponent as well as participate in monitoring the project over its full lifecycle. | By supporting meaningful Indigenous participation in the full lifecycle of energy infrastructure development, including environmental oversight, provision of advice, and monitoring, contribute to informed action and decision-making pertaining to the monitoring of major pipeline projects. | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | Indicator: Percentage (%) of priorities or issues identified by the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees or Indigenous communities potentially impacted by the TMX or Line 3 projects that are being (or have been) addressed through Committee or federal actions or investments. Target: To be developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners.Footnote 33 |
Indigenous Partnerships Office - West |
| NRCan supports these Contributing Actions but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target for this FSDS Goal | Provide information to inform action and decision making. | Provide innovative scientific information to distinguish between the effects of human activity and resource development and those effects produced by natural processes on the environment. | By providing scientific expertise, contribute to informed action and decision-making for resource development. | 11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning. | Indicator: Number of acknowledgements from public and/or private sector organizations incorporating NRCan's environmental geoscience information into their products. Target: 5 per year |
Geoscience for Sustainable Development of Natural Resources |
| Provide information to inform action and decision making. | Cooperate with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, review boards of the North and other federal stakeholders by providing science-based evidence and information to support environmental assessments. | By providing scientific expertise during environmental assessment processes, contribute to informed action and decision-making pertaining to proposed projects. | None | Indicator: Percentage of projects where NRCan has provided advice that is ultimately incorporated into an environmental assessment process. Target: 100% |
Internal Services | |
| NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target. | Provide information to inform action and decision making. | Provide oversight of federal funding for the Province of Saskatchewan’s Gunnar Mine Remediation Project. | By providing oversight on the use of federal funds, contribute to informed action and decision-making for the remediation of the legacy uranium mining and milling facilities at Gunnar in northern Saskatchewan. | 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Starting Point: Payment of $1.13 million was made to Saskatchewan in 2007 for the federal share of Phase 1 of the Project. Indicator: Percentage of payments made to Saskatchewan in the year they are required for eligible Phase 2 and Phase 3 expenses, as defined in the 2006 Memorandum of Agreement. |
Electricity Resources |
| NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target. | Provide information to inform action and decision making. | Continue efforts to enhance the safety and security of federally regulated infrastructure (i.e. energy transportation), including through legislative and regulatory measures and the modernization of the National Energy Board. | By supporting the establishment of a sound liability, legislative and regulatory regime, contribute to informed action and decision-making for oil and gas development. | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | Indicator: Number of assessments and/or updates made to energy regulations or legislations. Target: 2 per year |
Energy Safety and Security, and Petroleum Resources |
Section 4: Integrating sustainable development
Sustainable development is central to the mandate of NRCan and essential to the future of the natural resources sector. NRCan is responsible for ensuring the sustainable development of Canada’s energy resources, minerals and metals, and forests, and for providing the geographical and geological information that supports decisions about Canada’s land-based and offshore resources and the management of these lands.
NRCan’s decision-making process considers FSDS goals and targets through the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. A SEA for policy, plan or program proposals assesses whether the proposal will result in environmental effects, both positive and negative, and how elements of the proposal contribute to achieving FSDS goals and targets. NRCan has a tri-level SEA process, which consists of:
- Preliminary SEA - determines if there is a need for further analysis
- SEA Scan - identifies the importance of the environmental effects likely to arise from a proposal
- Detailed SEA - provides comprehensive analysis of important environmental effects
A summary of the results of detailed SEAs is made public when an initiative is announced (see webpage). The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision-making. NRCan continues to measure SEA performance through the rate of compliance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals and its guidelines. This includes determining how many approved proposals contributed to the FSDS.
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