Executive Summary
Transport Canada seeks to promote a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation system in Canada. Our departmental vision aligns closely with the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainable development, which is defined as ‘our ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’Footnote 1.
Our national transportation system – by land, water and air – links Canadians to each other and Canada with the world. Transportation moves goods to markets and people to their destinations, provides jobs, and supports economic growth. However, transportation activities can sometimes have negative impacts on the environment, for example - through the release of air pollutants from vehicles which can contribute to poorer air quality or accidental oil spills in the marine environment which can affect water quality and marine species. Of increasing importance, climate change and extreme weather-related events can disrupt the movement of both freight and people, putting the economy and Canadians at risk. Given the complex nature of sustainable transportation issues and its shared jurisdiction, strong and effective partnerships are required with other federal departments, other levels of government, industry, other stakeholders and individual Canadians. A number of our departmental actions, as set out in Section 3, will be undertaken in partnership with others.
At the federal level, a whole-of government Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) is prepared every three years. The 2019 to 2022 FSDS is the federal government’s fourth strategy since the coming into force of the Federal Sustainable Development Act, and it serves as the Government of Canada’s primary vehicle for sustainable development planning and reporting – both to Parliament and Canadians. The 2019 to 2022 FSDS centres on thirteen aspirational goals, with supporting targets and actions, which seek to promote clean growth, ensure healthy ecosystems and build safe, secure and sustainable communities. Furthermore, the FSDS demonstrates federal leadership towards implementing the environmentally-related global United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (Figure 1).
Long description
The goals are:
- No poverty,
- Zero hunger,
- Good health and well-being,
- Quality education,
- Gender equality,
- Clean water and sanitation,
- Affordable and clean energy,
- Decent work and economic growth,
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure,
- Reduced inequalities,
- Sustainable cities and communities,
- Responsible consumption and production,
- Climate action,
- Life below water,
- Life on land,
- Peace, justice and strong institutions,
- Partnerships for the goals.
Transport Canada remains committed to contributing to the FSDS and to supporting Canada’s vision for sustainable development. The 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) describes how Transport Canada will continue to contribute to the FSDS: our sustainable development context and vision; the actions we will undertake over the next three years to support the FSDS, and the ways we have integrated a sustainable development approach into our policies, plans and decision-making. Key areas of action presented within this DSDS include: initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from the transportation sector, including in support of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; climate change adaptation programs such as the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative which enhances northerners’ capacity to adapt their transportation systems to climate change; actions under the Oceans Protection Plan to protect our coasts and oceans and keep them healthy for future generations; actions under the Whales Initiative to reduce the impacts of marine traffic on endangered marine mammals; as well as activities to lead by example in improving our own operations through increasing efficiencies in how we do business and reducing the energy consumption of the facilities and fleet of vehicles that we own and operate.
Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2019 to 2022 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 purpose of this Act to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Transport Canada supports the goals laid out in the FSDS (Figure 2) through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
Section 2: Sustainable Development Vision and Context in Transport Canada
To preserve and strengthen Canada's transportation system, transportation policy must provide a framework that addresses the three elements of sustainability - social, economic and environmental. It must also give carriers the opportunity to adapt, innovate, compete and serve shippers and travellers in a way that takes into account each of these elements.
Transport Canada is responsible for the Government of Canada's transportation policies and programs. While not directly responsible for all aspects or modes of transportation, the Department plays a leadership role to ensure that all parts of the transportation system work together effectively.
Our vision is ‘A transportation system in Canada that is recognized worldwide as safe and secure, efficient and environmentally responsible’. This vision of a sustainable transportation system reflects social, economic and environmental objectives. Its three guiding principles are to work towards:
- the highest possible safety and security of life and property, supported by performance-based standards and regulations;
- the efficient movement of people and goods to support economic prosperity and a sustainable quality of life, based on competitive markets and targeted use of regulation and government funding; and,
- respect of the environmental legacy for future generations of Canadians, guided by environmental assessment and planning processes in transportation decisions and selective use of regulation and government funding.
‘Transportation 2030 – A Strategic Plan for the Future of Transportation in Canada’, announced in 2016 by the Minister of Transport, was prepared with views and ideas from Canadians, stakeholders, provinces and territories, and Indigenous groups across the country and reflects sustainable development in its vision of:
“…a safe, secure, green, innovative and integrated transportation system that supports trade and economic growth, a cleaner environment and the well-being of Canada’s middle class”.
Canadians are invited to visit our Transportation 2030 website to view our progress in advancing work under the following five key theme areas:
- Enhancing the experience of the Canadian traveller;
- Building a safer, more secure transportation system that earns the confidence of Canadians;
- Investing in a greener, more innovative transportation sector that embraces new technologies to improve Canadians’ lives;
- Protecting Canada’s waterways, coasts and the North; and
- Improving Canada’s transportation infrastructure and trade corridors to get products to global markets more efficiently.
Transport Canada continues to actively participate in and support the FSDS. Through this DSDS, the department directly contributes to six of the thirteen long-term goals identified in the 2019 to 2022 FSDS, as follows:
FSDS Goal: Greening Government - Transport Canada has identified a number of measures under the Greening government goal to support the Government of Canada’s target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral). These measures include: renovating facilities to be more energy efficient; starting in 2019 to 2020, and where operational needs permit, 100% of new light-duty administrative fleet purchases will must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs); incorporating environmental considerations into our procurement processes; and engaging with employees to promote sustainable employee behaviour.
Transport Canada is already making strides towards these goals. The department has seen a 12.4% reduction in GHG emissions from facilities between fiscal year 2005 to 2006 and fiscal year 2019 to 2020, and a 17.8% reduction in GHG emissions from Transport Canada’s fleets over the same period. In 2019 to 2020, 100% of Transport Canada’s new procurement specialists and acquisition cardholders were trained in green procurement using the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course. Transport Canada will also undertake waste audits (including plastics) at some of its largest owned and operated facilities across the country in support of the Government of Canada’s commitment to better manage the use and disposal of plastics and waste in federal operations.
Additionally,Transport Canada continues to demonstrate leadership in its efforts to better understand and address climate risks to the department’s assets, services and operations. In particular, the Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative seeks to improve the understanding of climate risks to federal transportation assets and potential adaptation solutions which could be employed.
FSDS Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change – The transportation sector is Canada’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 186 Mt or 26% of the national total. Reducing these emissions is a key priority of the federal government, as outlined in the set of ambitious and collaborative areas of action under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Transport Canada leads a suite of regulatory and voluntary measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation, marine, and rail sectors, and also supports emission reductions from the on-road sector. The department also represents the Government of Canada at the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization to develop approaches for the international aviation and marine sectors. The Department also tests clean transportation technologies, so that they may be introduced in a safe, effective and timely manner. In January 2019, new federal targets were announced for sales of zero-emission vehicles in Canada. Many of the actions under this Goal also support the Safe and Healthy Communities FSDS Goal.
Impacts associated with a changing climate and extreme weather are already damaging and disrupting transportation systems, services and operations across all modes and in all regions of Canada. In Northern Canada in particular, climate impacts can threaten the efficiency, safety and resilience of transportation, and consequently, the ability of Northerners and industry to maximize social and economic development.
To support more climate resilient transportation infrastructure, Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund supports trade and transportation infrastructure investments that strengthen the efficiency and reliability of Canada’s trade corridors. Additionally, through the continuation of the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative, the department seeks to enable the enhancement of the resilience of existing and future Northern transportation infrastructure and operations to a changing climate.
FSDS Goal: Clean Growth – Investments in clean technology and innovation contribute to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy, resulting in both economic and environmental benefits. Recognizing this, Transport Canada’s “Core Clean Transportation Research, Development and Demonstration – Aviation, Marine and Rail Transportation Program” will address GHG and air pollutant emissions from the aviation, marine and rail transportation sectors through targeted research on emerging technologies and innovative practices.
FSDS Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans – Transport Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s coasts and oceans and keeping them healthy for future generations. The department develops and administers policies, regulations and programs to protect the marine environment.
In support of this goal, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, formalizing a crude oil tanker moratorium on British Columbia’s north coast, providing an unprecedented level of environmental protection for this special place and unique ecosystem. This legislation prohibits oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil or persistent oil products as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in the moratorium area.
The Government also continues to implement the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP): a whole-of-government, comprehensive strategy to build a world-leading marine safety system and protect Canada’s marine ecosystems. The OPP includes a number of innovative and transformative initiatives being implemented by five federal organizations under four main priority areas, namely, prevention and response measures related to marine safety, preservation and restoration of marine ecosystems and habitats, building and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities, and ensuring Canada’s marine safety system is built on a stronger evidence base that is supported by science and local knowledge.
As part of the National Strategy to Address Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels, the Government brought into force the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act in July 2019. This Act prohibits irresponsible vessel management, strengthens vessel owner responsibility and liability, and enhances federal powers to take proactive measures on problem vessels or wrecks. It also brought into Canadian law the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007, which strengthens owner liabilities concerning wrecks. As of November 2020, over 250 vessels or wrecks have been addressed under the new Act. This is in addition to approximately 170 vessels or wrecks that have been removed and disposed to date under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbour Abandoned and Wrecked Vessel Removal Program, or under Transport Canada’s Abandoned Boats Program.
Building on the OPP, on June 22, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the $167.4 million Whales Initiative to protect and support the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW), the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. On October 31, 2018, the Government announced a further $61.5M in additional measures focused on broadening and strengthening protection of SRKW in response to the determination that this population faces an imminent threat. Transport Canada continues to implement and refine measures to reduce the risk of physical and acoustic disturbances from vessels such as expanding vessel slowdown zones on the East and West coasts, prohibiting approach distances of less than 400m from the Southern Resident killer whales, establishing Interim Sanctuary Zones for killer whales where vessels are prohibited from entering, taking monitoring and enforcement actions for vessels in mandatory speed restriction areas, and increasing aerial and acoustic detection of whales in Canadian waters.
Many of Transport Canada’s actions under the Healthy Coasts and Oceans Goal also support the Pristine Lakes and Rivers Goal.
FSDS Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities – Transport Canada is committed to doing its part to ensure that Canadians live in clean, safe environments that contribute to their health and well-being. Pollutant emissions from transportation have fallen significantly, largely due to regulatory changes introduced by the federal government. That being said, further action is required to ensure this trend continues in the transportation sector. Key departmental initiatives under this goal include: regulatory, voluntary and complementary efforts to improve air quality through the reduction of air pollutant emissions from transportation sources; the prevention of environmental emergencies or mitigating their impacts if they do occur; and taking action to remediate our contaminated sites.
This DSDS builds on our accomplishments and lessons learned in previous strategies and charts our course of action for the next three years. In the spirit of the ‘evergreen’ approach of the 2019 to 2022 FSDS, we will update the interactive FSDS e-Strategy and this DSDS as new policy decisions, programs and initiatives that support the FSDS goals or broader United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals emerge. Detailed information about these initial commitments that Transport Canada has made to contribute to the 2019 to 2022 FSDS can be found in Section 3 of this DSDS.
Section 3: Commitments for Transport Canada
Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, and green operations
Responsible Minister: All ministers
| Greening Government FSDS target | FSDS contributing actions | Corresponding departmental actions | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and the UNSDGs | Starting points Performance indicators Targets |
Program in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
To implement net-zero in real property and fleet operations, the Government of Canada will reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 40% by 2025 and by at least 90% below 2005 levels by 2050Footnote 2 |
All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing |
All new buildings will be constructed to be net-zero carbon unless a lifecycle cost-benefit analysis indicates net-zero carbon ready construction Opportunities to implement energy efficiency retrofits in TC buildings will be considered, such as:
|
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Prioritizing low-carbon investment in new constructions and major renovation projects will allow TC to reduce its energy consumption and associated GHG emissions from its real property portfolio and improve the environmental performance of its buildings By optimizing TC’s buildings and systems, energy consumption and GHG emissions will be reduced Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9 – Industry Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting point: 5.68 ktCO2e as of 2005 to 2006 baseline year Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced |
Telematics will be used to inform the replacement of on-road vehicles and optimize fleet management 100% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) where operations permit All new Transport Canada executive fleet vehicle purchases will be ZEVs or hybrids Promote uptake of online Ecodriving course to encourage positive driving habits |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: As conventional vehicles are replaced by ZEVs and hybrids over time and Ecodriving training is implemented, Transport Canada will reduce GHG emissions from its administrative and executive fleets Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting point: 56 ktCO2e, GHG emissions from TC fleets in 2005 to 2006 Performance indicator:
Target: GHG emissions from fleets reduced by 40% by 2025 (33.6 ktCO2e) and 90% by 2050 (11.2 ktCO2e)Footnote 4 |
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
|
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030 |
Other |
Develop and conduct surveys to understand current waste streams generated at large Transport Canada facilities (10,000m2 or more) Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022 |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada needs to characterize waste generated at its larger facilities and identify waste reduction opportunities. Reducing and diverting waste from landfills will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions from transportation of waste and landfill emissions Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting Points 1 and 2: No waste data is available at this time Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030 |
Other |
Promote the use of alternatives to single use plastics in Transport Canada procurement decisions Promote the reuse or recycling of plastics in Transport Canada waste management decisions Develop and conduct surveys to understand use of plastic products in Transport Canada operations Track and disclose plastic waste diversion rates by 2022 |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: By promoting the use of alternatives to single use plastics and promoting the recycling and reuse of plastics, Transport Canada will divert more plastics from landfills Transport Canada must identify uses of plastics within the department and identify plastics reduction and diversion opportunities. Reducing and diverting plastics from landfills will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions from transportation of waste and landfill emissions Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Change |
Starting point 1 and 2: No waste data available at this time Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030) |
Other |
Track and disclose construction and demolition waste diversion rates by 2022 |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada will ensure that construction and demolition waste are diverted from landfills. Reducing and diverting waste from landfills will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation of waste and landfill emissions Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Change |
Starting point: No waste data available at this time Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 |
Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced |
100% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) where operations permit All new Transport Canada executive fleet vehicle purchases will be ZEVs or hybrids Install charging stations at Transport Canada facilities |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: By replacing conventional on-road vehicles by ZEVs, Transport Canada will reduce its GHG emissions. The replacement of vehicles will be informed by telematics, which will assess vehicle usage and best suited replacement The purchase and installation of charging stations will enable deployment of ZEVs across Transport Canada facilities Contribution to UNSDGs: SGD 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9 – Industry Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting points 1 and 2: As of 2019 to 2020, Transport Canada’s on-road administrative fleet is composed of 11% of ZEVs Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
Starting point 3: 17% of Transport Canada facilities equipped with at least 1 charging station as of 2019 to 2020 Performance indicator 3:
Target 3:
|
Internal ServicesFootnote 5 |
|
By 2022, and following each subsequent climate risk assessment process, take action to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operationsFootnote 6 |
Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned |
By 2021, and at regular intervals thereafter, take action to improve understanding of the risks posed by the impacts of climate change to federal assets, services and operations across the countryFootnote 7 Building on the completion of a departmental climate risk assessment in 2019 to 2020, Transport Canada will also undertake the following series of actions which are organized by three results chains:
|
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Impacts associated with climate change and extreme weather are disrupting the movement of both freight and people, and increasing costs within the transportation sector. These impacts are projected to intensify in the future Transport Canada owns and operates federal transportation assets, which are important components of our national transportation system
Ultimately, Transport Canada will be able to enhance the protection of public assets and resources and strengthen planning and decision-making Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all SDG Target 13.1 - Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries SDG Target 13.2- Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning SDG Target 13.3 - Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
By 2021, apply climate-resilient building guidance being developed by National Research Council CanadaFootnote 9 |
All major real property projects will integrate climate change adaptation into the design, construction and operation aspects In order to achieve the above objective, over the course of this Departmental Suitable Development Strategy period, Transport Canada will undertake the following progressive actions:
|
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: This action will support the development of measures to reduce climate change risk to Transport Canada’s assets, services and operations by ensuring that climate risks are considered in their design and operations. This will position Transport Canada assets to be more resilient in the face of a changing climate Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all SDG Target 13.1 - Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries |
Starting Point: Project experiences to-date under the Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative (since 2017) have highlighted key challenges for asset owners and operators in translating information gained through a climate risk assessment into adaptation action. Additionally, while the Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative has funded risk assessments of 20 Transport Canada transportation assets to date, the department would benefit from a more strategic and rigorous approach to risk assessment across its broader asset portfolio Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Climate Change and Clean AirFootnote 10 |
|
|
Use 100% clean electricity by 2025 |
Other |
Use 100% of clean electricity at Transport Canada’s facilities by 2025 and, when not feasible, purchase renewable electricity certificates equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid in provinces where the department owns facilities |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: The use of clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions in jurisdictions with high emitting generation sources. In addition renewable energy certificates can contribute to reducing GHG emissions from electricity use where not connected to a clean source of energy Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9 – Industry Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting point: In 2005 to 2006, 92% of electricity purchased was clean electricity Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government [This section is for actions that support the Greening Government Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target] |
Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation |
Specify low embodied carbon materials in construction and construction contracts |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Using low embodied carbon materials helps to reduce embodied GHG emissions in Transport Canada’s assets (scope 3 emissions) and encourages industry to adopt low carbon extraction, production and disposal practices Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 9 – Industry Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting point: As of 2019 to 2020, Transport Canada does not specify that low embodied carbon materials must be used in its construction projects Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions |
Include criteria that address broader environmental benefits when procuring or disposing of goods and services that have a high environmental impact, by following these best practices:
Seek opportunities to adopt new practices, including a current proposal to ensure that IT-based capital projects are assessed for positive environmental impact |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target:
Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production |
Starting Point 1: The new standing offer for management of printing services procurement vehicle is not implemented Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Starting Point 2: 100% of end-of-life electronic hardware is disposed of in a safe and environmentally-sound manner: 85% is sent to Computers for Schools + 10% is sent to the Ontario Electronic Stewardship + 5% is sent to TC’s Cyber Security group for secure destruction Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
Starting Point 3: Number of Multi-Function Devices (MFDs): User/Device ratio: Printing Volume: Performance indicator 3:
Target 3: During 2020 to 2021:
By March 31, 2023:
Starting Point 4: Less than 1% of applications in the Cloud Performance indicator 4:
Target 4: Migration of applications to the Cloud (total % by end of year)
Starting Point 5: IT-enabled capital projects are currently not assessed for environmental impact Performance indicator 5:
Target 5:
|
Internal Services |
|
|
Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees |
Train procurement specialists and acquisition cardholders on green procurement using the Canada School of Public Services Green Procurement course Develop guidance material to support green procurement at Transport Canada |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Training procurement specialists and acquisition cardholders on green procurement allows for better informed decisions for including green criteria in contracts for both commodities and services Supporting documentation on green procurement will enable employees to make informed decisions and incorporate environmental considerations in their purchasing decisions of goods and services Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting Point 1: As of 2019 to 2020, 100% of Transport Canada procurement specialists and cardholders have completed training on green procurement Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Starting Point 2: No guidance available as of 2019 to 2020 Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Internal Services |
|
|
Other |
Encourage employees to adopt sustainable workplace practices and engage in greener initiatives through green teams, education and awareness |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: By having a green team that focuses on the adoption of sustainable workplace practices throughout the department, Transport Canada will adopt more sustainable workplace practices Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting Point: No green team in place Performance indicator:
Target:
|
All sectors of Transport Canada |
|
|
Other |
Implement a digital-first culture at Transport Canada where applications facilitating telework are enhanced, mobile phones replace desktop phones, and electronic signatures are enabled |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: By implementing a digital-first culture, Transport Canada will reduce its paper consumption and electronic waste generation, all while adopting more efficient ways to deliver its mandate Giving employees an option to work from home will reduce the GHGs associated with commuting to work Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production |
Starting Point: Transport Canada has already deployed a number of technologies enabling employees to work remotely nationally. We will start reporting on this metric by Quarter 4 of fiscal year 2020 to 2021 and as part of our Transformation Plan, the department continues to look for opportunities to enhance the Remote working experience for employees More than 90% of Transport Canada employees are equipped with digital tools to work remotely, however, the nature of the work means that not all employees can work remotely Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Internal Services |
|
|
Other |
Transition to digital service delivery (e.g. digitizing Transport Canada Centre in-person services, mobile fingerprinting, and remote inspections) |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada is transitioning to a focus on digital service delivery to Canadians. This will reduce/eliminate in-person services and provide the public with the flexibility to access Transport Canada services from any Internet-connected device. This is also expected to reduce paper consumption and electronic waste generation while enabling Transport Canada to more efficiently deliver its mandate Giving the public an option to access services remotely will reduce the GHGs associated with commuting to Transport Canada sites Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production |
Starting Point: Transport Canada is undertaking transformative action to build the tools and processes that enable digital services delivery Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Internal Services |
|
|
Other |
Undertake innovative vessel design to meet Energy Efficiency Design Index set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the replacement of 2 of the 4 Transport Canada owned ferries in Atlantic and Eastern Quebec |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada will undertake innovative vessel design that will reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its 2 new ferries Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting Point: 56 ktCO2e, GHG emissions from Transport Canada fleets in 2005 to 2006 Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
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
Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change; supported by a whole-of-government approach to implementation
| Effective Action on Climate Change FSDS targets |
FSDS contributing actions | Corresponding departmental actions | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and the UNSDGs |
Starting points Performance indicators Targets |
Program in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels |
Use legislation and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions |
Address, under the Aviation Sector Regulatory Initiative, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aviation by supporting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) development of new international standards and recommended practices and through the development and implementation of new domestic standards Canada will be implementing the CO2 Emissions Standard for airplanes, which targets domestic and international emissions, and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which targets international emissions only |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Working with ICAO on the development of measures targeting the reduction of GHGs will contribute to international consistency and lower emissions Canada’s implementation of ICAO’s CO2 Emissions Standard for airplanes will incentivize the adoption of more fuel efficient technologies by manufacturers. All new airplane designs will have to meet the Standard as of 2020, and all in-production airplanes will have to meet the standard as of 2028 The direct impact of the Standard on GHG emissions will be realized in the future as the fleet is renewed through the purchase of new airplanes Implementation of the Standard in Canada is an important step in the emissions reduction process. The standard is applicable to the aeronautical products of 3 airplane manufacturers in Canada Under CORSIA, all implicated Canadian airline operators will contribute to carbon-neutral growth of the international aviation sector from 2021 onwards for their international operations. The obligations include a requirement for all operators, foreign and domestic, to offset emissions from a portion of their covered international flights through the purchase of credits Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting point: Transport Canada actively leads the Government of Canada’s participation at ICAO on the development of environmental standards and on topics related to reducing the impact of aviation on the environment, including contributing to the creation of a Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, agreed to at ICAO in fall 2016 and its subsequent implementation Domestic regulatory instruments to reduce GHG emissions (CO2 Emissions Standard for airplanes and CORSIA) are drafted and targeted for publication, and will align with the ICAO international standards Performance indicator 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Targets 1 and 2:
Performance indicator 3:
Target 3:
Performance indicator 4:
Target 4:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
Work with partners on climate change |
Address GHG emissions from aviation through Canada’s Action Plan. This voluntary plan identifies key on-going and planned initiatives to reduce GHGs and includes a fuel efficiency target. The Action Plan is expected to be extended by 2021, followed by more comprehensive renewal the following yearFootnote 12 |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Through actions taken under the Action Plan, such as improving operations, renewing existing fleets, and conducting RD&D to support the future use of sustainable aviation fuel, industry and the government work to address GHG emissions from the sector Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 7.2 - By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix SDG Target 8.4 - Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead SDG Target 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 SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting Point: The Action Plan was signed in 2012 and expires in 2020, and includes annual reporting of progress against a fuel efficiency target The latest annual report (2018) under the Action Plan shows that Canadian air carriers improved their annual average fuel efficiency by 2% between 2008 and 2018 Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions |
Address, under the Marine Sector Regulatory Initiative, greenhouse gas (GHG) and other air emissions from maritime shipping by working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the development of new international standards and recommended practices for marine vessels, as well as through the implementation of new Canadian regulations *this departmental action also contributes to the reduction of air pollutant emissions, which supports the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy’s (FSDS) ‘Safe and Healthy Communities’ goal |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Working with IMO on the development of measures targeting the reduction of GHGs will contribute to international consistency and lower emissions Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 3.9 - By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination SDG Target 7.2 - By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix SDG Target 7.3 - By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency SDG Target 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 SDG Target 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 SDG Target 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: During 2019 to 2020: Progress was made on negotiations related to the Initial IMO GHG Strategy. A resolution inviting Member States to encourage voluntary cooperation between the port and shipping sectors to contribute to reducing GHG emissions from ships was also adopted 85% of instruments were aligned with domestic legislation or international standards Vessels were 94% in compliance with vessel emissions regulations (based on minor deficiencies observed) Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions |
Support, under the Support for Vehicle GHG Emissions Regulations, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s development and implementation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission regulations for light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: The transportation sector represents about a quarter of Canada’s GHG emissions, with light-duty vehicle and heavy-duty vehicle emissions accounting for 50% and 35% of the total, respectively. The light-duty and heavy-duty GHG regulations establish stringent GHG emission standards on new vehicles which will help reduce emissions in the transportation sector Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting Point: From 2005 to 2017 (latest year for which data is available):
Performance indicator:
Target:
Note: it will only be possible to set an absolute value if the transportation sector’s share of the Government of Canada’s reduction targets are established and published |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions |
Conduct research to generate technical evidence required to support legislative and regulatory approaches to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions, and to promote the adoption of clean technologies across several modes of transportation, including:
*these departmental actions also contribute to the reduction of air pollutants, which supports the FSDS “Effective Action on Climate Change” and “Safe and Healthy Communities” goals |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre conducts research to generate technical evidence required to support legislative and regulatory approaches to reducing GHG emissions, and to promote the adoption of clean technologies across several modes of transportation Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 3.9 - By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination SDG Target 7.3 - By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency SDG Target 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 SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting Point: In 2019 to 2020, Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre supported over 100 projects across all modes to advance research, development and testing of clean technology solutions for Canada’s transportation system Multiple road research projects were conducted in 2019 to 2020, including: testing the aerodynamic benefits and dynamic performance of cooperative truck platooning systems; occupant protection performance testing in electric and conventional vehicles, the studying the safety and environmental benefits of low rolling resistance tires, on-board sensor testing for measuring heavy duty vehicle NOx emissions and evaluating the long term performance of electric vehicle batteries Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Work with partners on climate change |
Address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Retrofit Requirements Program by working with other federal departments, provinces, territories and industry to explore the challenges and barriers to adopting fuel-saving retrofits on heavy-duty trucks, informing the development of future strategies to reduce GHGs from this sector *this departmental action also contributes to the reduction of air pollutant emissions, which supports the FSDS ‘Safe and Healthy Communities’ goal |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada with support from provincial and territorial governments are working collaboratively to explore the HDV landscape across the country to explore opportunities for increasing adoption of HDV fuel-saving retrofits that support businesses within the trucking sector Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting Point: A commitment was made in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change to develop requirements to retrofit in-use heavy-duty vehicles with fuel saving devices A federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) working group was created explore opportunities to support the adoption of fuel saving devices in the sector The first phase of work will explore the opportunities and challenges around adoption of fuel saving technology. It is expected to be completed in 2020 and will inform future work by the Task ForceFootnote 14 Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Work with partners on climate change |
Address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the rail sector by enhancing collaboration with the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada and RAC have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding to address GHG emissions in the sector Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 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 SDG Target 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 SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning SDG Target 17.17 - Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships |
Starting Point: A Memorandum of Understanding with the rail industry was renewed to cover 2018 to 2022 Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) will represent 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040 |
Work with partners on climate change |
Collaborate with provincial and territorial governments through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Zero-Emission Vehicle Working Group (FPT ZEV Working Group) to advance the uptake of zero-emission vehicles in Canada Environment and Climate Change Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Natural Resources Canada are also members of this working group |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Through the FPT ZEV Working Group, the jurisdictions hold quarterly meetings where members share their best practices and experience to increase the uptake of ZEVs Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 11.2 - By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons SDG Target 11.6 - By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting Point: The FPT ZEV Working Group was established Under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, As of September 2019, the group’s objectives are to exchange information related to the development and implementation of ZEV measures which increase their uptake, with a view towards ensuring alignment and complementarity of policies and programs across the jurisdictions, where appropriate Performance indicator:
Target: The Government does not have specific ZEV sales targets for the in-between years, however, notional benchmarks have been developed to ensure Canada is on a path towards meeting its 2025 target. For 2020-23 the annual benchmarks are as follows:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
Support businesses and Canadians in taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
Support increased adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by Canadians and Canadian businesses through Transport Canada’s Incentive for Zero-Emission Vehicles program (iZEV) |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Under the iZEV program, Transport Canada provides a point of sale incentive of up to $5,000 on eligible ZEVs (including plug-in hybrids). This program is making ZEVs more affordable, thus encouraging more Canadians to purchase these vehicles and in turn, helping to increase the proportion of new light-duty vehicle sales that are ZEVs By improving the market share of ZEVs, this program is also helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector and thus contributing to the FSDS target of reducing economy-wide 2030 GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emissions levels Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 11.6 - By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting Point: In January 2019, the government announced ZEV sales targets as follows: 10% of new light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales are to be ZEVs by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040 To help advance towards these targets, Budget 2019 allocated $300 million over three yearsFootnote 16, starting 2019 to 2020, for the iZEV program For iZEV: 63.5% of the incentive rebate fund used as of March 31, 2020 As presented in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, an additional $287 million in fundingFootnote 17 has been allocated to the iZEV program to fulfill the Budget 2019 commitment for a three-year program that runs until March 31, 2022Footnote 18 Performance indicator 1:
Target 1: The Government does not have specific ZEV sales targets for the in-between years, however, notional benchmarks have been developed to ensure Canada is on a path towards meeting its 2025 target. For 2020 to 2023 the annual benchmarks are as follows:
Performance Indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Actions supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change This section is for actions that support the Effective Action on Climate Change Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target |
Provide support and funding for climate resilience |
Through the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative, Transport Canada supports the research, development and testing of innovative adaptation technologies, and capacity-building efforts (for example, through adaptation outreach and engagement activities), with the goal of increasing capacity to adapt existing and future northern transportation infrastructure and operations to climate change |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada’s support for northern transportation adaptation research and related activities helps to:
Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 13.3 - Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Starting Point: Transport Canada has been implementing the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative since 2011. This program is scheduled to sunset (end) on March 31, 2021 One of Transport Canada’s key outcomes under this initiative has been the engagement of other governments (provincial, territorial), academia and private industry As of March 31, 2020 a total of 95 NTAI research studies have been funded since the program’s launch in 2011 Performance indicator 1:
Target 1: During 2020 to 2021:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
Provide support and funding for climate resilience |
Continue on-going implementation of the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF), which is investing $2.3B between 2017 to 2018 and 2027 to 2028, to strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of the transportation systemFootnote 19 |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: The NTCF is guided by 4 objectives, including increasing the resilience of the Canadian transportation system in a changing climate. To be eligible for funding under the NTCF, projects must demonstrate how they advance the program’s objectives All project proposals are reviewed and assessed on the degree to which the project supports or addresses climate change resilience, as well as how the project would promote sustainable transportation by reducing environmental impacts, including GHG and air contaminant emissions Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all SDG Target 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 SDG Target 11.2 - By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons |
Starting Point: To date, Transport Canada has launched and concluded two NTCF calls for proposals: an open national call (July 2017), and a call for investments in the three territories (November 2018) A third call for proposals for projects supporting trade diversification call was launched (January 2019) and remains open as long as there are funds available The additional funding of $400M provided in Budget 2019 allowed for the launch of a fourth call for proposals for transportation infrastructure projects in Canada’s Arctic and Northern regions in October 2020 which closes in March 2021. The Arctic and Northern call for proposals targets projects that address priorities such as safety, climate change, and fostering social and economic development. Funding decisions by the Minister of Transport are expected in the Spring/Summer 2021, followed by the signing of contribution agreements and project starts beginning later in the yearFootnote 20 Performance indicator:
Target: One new Arctic and northern-focused NTCF call for proposals launched and implemented by 2023 |
National Trade Corridors |
Clean Growth: A growing clean technology industry in Canada contributes to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Responsible Minister: Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister of Natural Resources
| Clean Growth FSDS targets |
FSDS contributing actions | Corresponding departmental actions | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and the UNSDGs | Starting points Performance indicators Targets |
Program in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actions supporting the Goal: Clean Growth This section is for actions that support the Clean Growth Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target |
Clean Growth [“Other” placeholder] |
Address, under the Core Clean Transportation Research, Development and Demonstration – Aviation, Marine and Rail Transportation Program, greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions from aviation, marine and rail transportation through targeted research on emerging technologies and innovative practices Aviation: High quality research projects are selected for funding by Transport Canada in the current priority areas of: emissions contributing to climate change, air pollutant emissions and aviation fuels. These research areas are selected in accordance with current identified priorities of the Department and within the industry in general Rail: Supporting projects to address GHG emissions from the rail sector by testing advanced technologies and innovative practices to inform the development of regulations, as well as industry codes and standards, in order to ensure that new technologies can be introduced in Canada in a safe, secure and timely manner Marine: Supporting projects to address GHG emissions from the marine sector by testing advanced technologies and innovative practices to inform the development of regulations, as well as industry codes and standards, in order to ensure that new technologies can be introduced in Canada in a safe, secure and timely manner * Given this work contributes to the reduction of GHGs and air pollutants, this departmental action also supports both the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy’s (FSDS) “Effective Action on Climate Change” and “Safe and Healthy Communities” goals |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: By collaborating with research partners, the department will contribute to improved air quality in Canadian communities and reduced GHG emissions, by supporting research that improves the measurement, impact assessment and mitigation of aviation, marine and rail emissions Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 3.9 - By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination SDG Target 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 SDG Target 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting Point 1: In 2019 to 2020,
Performance indicator 1:
Target 1: For research projects:
Starting Point 2: As of March 31, 2020, 29% of the grant funding envelope has been invested into 13 projects Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Climate Change and Clean Air |
Healthy Coasts and Oceans: Coasts and oceans support healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems
Responsible Minister: Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
| Healthy Coasts and Oceans FSDS targets |
FSDS contributing actions | Corresponding departmental actions | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and the UNSDGs | Starting points Performance indicators Targets |
Program in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actions supporting the Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans This section is for actions that support the Healthy Coasts and Oceans Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target |
Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans Protect and manage marine and coastal areas |
Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar I: A State-of-the-Art Marine Safety System Pillar 1- Initiatives involved in enhancing the prevention of marine incidents include:
Initiatives involved in strengthening of responses to marine incidents include:
|
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: The Oceans Protection Plan aims to further protect Canada’s coasts and coastal communities from the potential impacts of shipping. This means improving how we prevent and respond to marine pollution incidents. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is developing emergency response plans tailored to local needs, increasing on-water presence and response capacity, enabling rapid, science-based response actions in the event of a spill, and expanding the role of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting point: Since 2016, the Government of Canada has been working with Canadians and Indigenous peoples through the Oceans Protection Plan to protect our coasts and waterways for future generations, while growing the economy. Three years later, the Plan has made our marine safety system stronger, and our coastal ecosystems more protected, than ever before. Work will continue to ensure that the Oceans Protection Plan delivers on its commitments Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries Protect and manage marine and coastal areas Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans |
Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar II: Preservation and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems Pillar 2 - Preservation and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems initiatives include:
|
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is working to preserve and restore coastal marine ecosystems that are vulnerable to marine shipping. This includes protecting Canada’s whale populations, removing abandoned and wrecked vessels, and restoring coastal ecosystems Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting point: Since 2016, the Government of Canada has been working with Canadians and Indigenous peoples through the Oceans Protection Plan to protect our coasts and waterways for future generations, while growing the economy. Three years later, the Plan has made our marine safety system stronger, and our coastal ecosystems more protected, than ever before. Work will continue to ensure that the Oceans Protection Plan delivers on its commitments Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems |
Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar III: Indigenous Partnerships
|
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Indigenous coastal communities share ties to Canada's oceans that span generations. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, we are actively working together and partnering with Indigenous peoples across the country to improve our marine safety system. Since December 31, 2019, we have held over 870 engagement sessions, including over 600 engagement sessions with Indigenous groups Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting point: Since 2016, the Government of Canada has been working with Canadians and Indigenous peoples through the Oceans Protection Plan to protect our coasts and waterways for future generations, while growing the economy. Three years later, the Plan has made our marine safety system stronger, and our coastal ecosystems more protected, than ever before. Work will continue to ensure that the Oceans Protection Plan delivers on its commitments Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries |
Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar IV: A Stronger Evidence Base and Increased Community Participation and Public Awareness |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is invested in scientific research and technology to better prevent and respond to ship-source oil spills, while increasing our understanding of how to protect coastal ecosystems Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting point: Since 2016, the Government of Canada has been working with Canadians and Indigenous peoples through the Oceans Protection Plan to protect our coasts and waterways for future generations, while growing the economy. Three years later, the Plan has made our marine safety system stronger, and our coastal ecosystems more protected, than ever before. Work will continue to ensure that the Oceans Protection Plan delivers on its commitments Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries |
Support the protection and recovery of Canada’s endangered whale populations through research and monitoring |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada is conducting research on underwater noise and supporting development of technologies for detection and monitoring of endangered whales to support their protection and recovery Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting point: World-leading underwater listening station (ULS) in Boundary Pass is capturing underwater noise data in real-time from vessels in both inbound and outbound shipping lanes, as well as ambient noise and marine mammal calls Performance indicator:
Target:
Starting point: Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) – or drone – supports aerial surveillance in the Dynamic Shipping Zone in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to detect the presence of North Atlantic right whales (NARW) Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Protect and manage marine and coastal areas |
Support the protection and recovery of Canada’s endangered whale populations through management measures |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Every year, Transport Canada is implementing management measures on the East and West Coasts to support the protection and recovery of Canada’s endangered whale populations Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting Point: On February 27, 2020, the Government of Canada announced its 2020 measures to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) including vessel speed restriction measures to reduce the risk of lethal collisions with NARW For 2020, the Government of Canada partnered again with the Vancouver Port Authority's Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program to implement a vessel slowdown during the summer of 2020 in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass in the Salish Sea Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans |
Set the legal and regulatory frameworks through domestic legislation and international conventions that govern the protection of the marine environment from pollution, and advance Canadian positions on reducing and managing global marine pollution from ships |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: The update of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations will further promote the elimination of deliberate, negligent or accidental discharge of vessel-source pollutants into the marine environment therefore reducing the negative impacts of shipping in further harmonizing and providing consistent standards for vessels as set out under MARPOL Convention. These new regulations will lead to increase protection of the marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, and thereby contribute to maintaining the health of Canada’s waters Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans SDG Target 17.7 - Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed |
Starting Point: Since 2006, and as amended in 2012, the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations implement standards set out under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to prevent pollution from vessels This includes pollution from oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, air emissions and greenhouse gas emissions The Regulations also set controls for paints used to prevent marine growth on hulls that have been found to be harmful and greywater discharges from large passenger vessels Performance indicator:
Target: By March 2023 :
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans |
Contribute to reducing pollution from vessels by monitoring compliance of marine transportation firms with Canadian legislation, such as the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, through the National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP), inspections, audits, monitoring and enforcement |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada’s NASP conducts aerial pollution patrols over waters under Canadian jurisdiction to monitor shipping activities; thus acting as a deterrent to potential polluters. The evidence collected is forwarded to enforcement authorities for further review and investigation Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG 14 - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development SDG 17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development |
Starting Point: In order to measure Transport Canada’s success in protecting Canada’s oceans and marine environment from ship source oil pollution Transport Canada’s NASP monitors the number of vessels using the Automatic Identification System (AIS), vessel overflights and the number of ship-source oil spills detected over 10 litres. Smaller spills are typically non-recoverable and have a negligible impact on the environment The rate of ship-source oil spills is calculated per hours flown, per year In 2019 to 2020, the National Aerial Surveillance Program monitored 338,575 vessels using AIS, 31,335 overflights and detected six ship source spills over 10 litres Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
Performance indicator 3:
Target 3:
Performance indicator 4:
Target 4:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans |
Update the regulatory framework for protecting the marine environment from the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by ships’ ballast water, giving effect to the international Ballast Water Convention, to which Canada is party *this departmental action also contributes to the ‘Pristine Lakes and Rivers’ Goal |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Updated Ballast Water regulations will require ships carrying ballast water in Canada to take actions that reduce the risk of introducing and spreading aquatic invasive species In particular, ships will be required to limit the concentration of viable organisms in the ballast water they carry, per Regulation D-2 of the international Ballast Water Convention These new Ballast Water regulations will lead to increased protection of aquatic ecosystems from invasive species, and thereby contribute to protecting the health of Canada’s coasts and oceans (and lakes and rivers) Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans SDG Target 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: On June 8, 2019 Transport Canada published new proposed Ballast Water Regulations in the Canada Gazette Part I Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans |
Monitor marine transportation firms and vessels for compliance with the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations, and as amended. *this departmental action also contributes to the ‘Pristine Lakes and Rivers’ Goal |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Ensuring that marine transportation firms and vessels comply with the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations helps to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species in Canada, and thereby contributes to protecting the health of Canada’s coasts and oceans (and lakes and rivers) Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans SDG Target 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: Transport Canada receives completed ballast water reporting forms on methods used by ships to comply with ballast water management regulations (Ballast exchange or via a Ballast Water Management System) Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
|
|
Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems |
Monitor the compliance of vessels arriving from overseas and bound for the Great Lakes with current ballast water requirements, as well as cooperative enforcement with the U.S. in accordance with Annex 5 of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement *this departmental action also contributes to the ‘Pristine Lakes and Rivers’ Goal |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Ensuring that vessels arriving from overseas and bound for the Great Lakes comply with requirements before arrival helps to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species in Canada, and thereby contributes to protecting the health of Canada’s coasts and oceans (and lakes and rivers) Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans SDG Target 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: Transport Canada receives completed ballast water reporting forms on methods used by ships to comply with ballast water management regulations (via ballast water exchange or a ballast water management system) Performance indicator:
Target:
|
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
Pristine Lakes and Rivers: Clean and healthy lakes and rivers support economic prosperity and the well-being of Canadians
Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change
| Pristine Lakes and Rivers FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and the UNSDGs | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actions supporting the Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers This section is for actions that support the Pristine Lakes and Rivers Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target |
Transport Canada’s ballast water actions have been included under the FSDS Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans. Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species in Canada contributes to protecting the health of Canada’s lakes and rivers. For detailed information on these actions, please see the Healthy Coasts and Oceans Goal. |
||||
Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
| Safe and Healthy Communities FSDS targets | FSDS contributing actions | Corresponding departmental actions | Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target and the UNSDGs | Starting points Performance indicators Targets |
Program in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities This section is for actions that support the Safe and Healthy Communities Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target |
Transport Canada’s actions that reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, such as the Marine Sector Regulatory Initiative, ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program, and the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Retrofit Requirements Program, have been included under the FSDS Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change. Reducing air pollutants contributes to creating healthier communities for Canadians For detailed information on these actions, please see the Effective Action on Climate Change Goal |
||||
|
Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites |
Implement the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) and complete remediation and risk management activities at known high-priority federal contaminated sites owned by Transport Canada |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Transport Canada contributes to an environmentally responsible and resilient national transportation system by ensuring that we:
Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 3.9 - By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination SDG Target 15.3 - By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world |
Starting Point: From 2016-17 to 2019-20 (FCSAP Phase III), 11% of Transport Canada FCSAP-funded sites completed remediation/risk management work Transport Canada reduced environmental liability in 2019 to 2020 at its highest priority federal contaminated sites by 99.5% of its remediation expenditures FCSAP annual reports can be found at: Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
|
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
|
|
Safe and Healthy Communities [“Other” placeholder] |
Address, under the Aviation Sector Regulatory Initiative, air pollutant emissions from aviation by supporting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) development of new international standards and recommended practices and through the development and implementation of new domestic standards Canada has domestic regulatory instruments in place for nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM), carbon monoxide (CO), & unburned hydrocarbons (HC) emissions from aircraft engines. Work is ongoing to incorporate a new nvPM mass and number standard into the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These instruments align Canada with ICAO’s international standards Piston powered aircraft use aviation gasoline fuel, which contains a low level of lead. There is currently no unleaded fuel option that is approved and safe for use for all piston-powered aircraft operating in Canada. Lead is one of the top ten toxic substances listed in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). The Gasoline Regulations, under CEPA, prohibit the use of lead in fuels, however Canada has an exemption in place to allow for the use of low lead aviation gasoline fuel due to safety issues. Canada is collaborating with others to find a suitable unleaded fuel, such that the exemption can be removed |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Canada’s work with ICAO to build consensus on international agreements that reflect Canadian objectives will contribute to further advancing international standards and recommended practices for air pollutant and harmful substance reductions, which will be implemented domestically The new nvPM mass and number standard represents tighter emissions controls that will reduce potential negative health impacts experienced by Canadians in association with exposure to air pollutants Transport Canada is collaborating with national and international partners on research to advance scientific understanding in this area, with the ultimate goal of finding an unleaded replacement fuel so that the exemption to the Gasoline Regulations can be removed in the future Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 3.9 - By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination |
Starting Point: A new standard for non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) mass and number will be incorporated into Canadian regulations in order to align with ICAO Standards Transport Canada is working in collaboration with others to advance the transition to unleaded aviation gasoline for piston engine aircraft Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2:
Performance indicator 3:
Target 3: On an annual basis, research and testing has been conducted. Additional evidence is generated |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Safe and Healthy Communities [“Other” placeholder] |
Under the Rail Sector Regulatory Initiative, limit criteria air contaminant (or air pollutant) emissions from the rail sector through the Locomotive Emissions Regulations |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Contribute to reducing air pollutant emissions from locomotives by promoting, monitoring, and enforcing compliance with the Locomotive Emissions Regulations, which is good for the health and quality of life of all Canadians. To comply with the Locomotive Emissions Regulations, railway companies must meet regulatory requirements, including emission standards for new locomotives, carry out emission testing and file reports with Transport Canada Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 3.9 - By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination SDG Target 11.6 - By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management |
Starting Point: The Locomotive Emissions Regulations entered into force in June 2017 Performance indicator 1:
Target 1:
Performance indicator 2:
Target 2: Positive change (increase) per year in the percentage of locomotives that meet an emission standard |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
|
|
Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts |
Prevention Transportation of Dangerous Goods policy and regulatory plan seeks to ensure compliance within industry by anticipating/responding to issues related to the transportation of dangerous goods. This includes:
Mitigation Transportation of Dangerous Goods employs several strategies to mitigate emergencies involving dangerous goods, such as:
The Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC) is a national advisory service that assists emergency response personnel in handling dangerous goods emergencies on a 24/7 basis |
Contribution to FSDS goal/target: Prevention The primary mandate of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations is to promote public safety. This also includes the prevention of dangerous goods releases and incidents. The departmental actions will directly lead to more effective prevention of incidents throughout Canada Mitigation In the event of a dangerous goods incident, Transport Canada may send a TDG Inspector or a TDG Remedial Measures Specialist (RMS). The primary role of the RMS is to promote public safety by monitoring remedial measures taken to mitigate the incident by emergency response personnel. The items listed under “Mitigation” in the departmental actions allow Transport Canada to minimize the effects of an incident, ensuring Canadians stay safe and healthy Contribution to UNSDGs: SDG Target 3.9 - By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination |
Starting Point: The rate of reportable releases for 2019 to 2020 was 202.64 Performance indicator:
Target:
Note: A reportable release means either:
Canadian regulations have been updated to include “anticipated releases” as reportable as of December 1, 2016 (SOR/2016-95 May 13, 2016). Some possible examples of an anticipated release include:
Continued efforts by the department are made to reduce number of reportable dangerous goods incidents per year. Since December 2016, companies have to report both a release and anticipated release to the Minister within 30 days of the initial report made to CANUTEC, and the reporting levels are expected to remain steady with improved industry reporting requirement awareness |
TDG Regulatory Framework TDG Oversight TDG Technical Support |
|
Section 4: Integrating sustainable development
All proposals seeking Ministerial or Cabinet approval, including Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board Submissions and Regulatory Updates are required to complete a STAT under departmental policy. Subject matter experts on the initiative complete the STAT in consultation with the Environmental Management Branch contact on SEA.
There are four possible outcomes of the STAT preliminary scan, each requiring written justification and director general-level approval before submission to Minister/ Cabinet:
- Cabinet exemption for situations where SEA is impractical or duplicative:
- Urgent or emergency situations where time limitations prevent SEA from being completed;
- Similar assessment has already been conducted, for example:
- Assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 or Impact Assessment Act;
- Treasury Board submission for an initiative already assessed as part of a previous Memorandum to Cabinet;
- Transport Canada is contributing to an initiative led and already assessed by another department.
- Departmental exclusion for common types of proposals that do not have impacts on the environment:
- Progress/performance reports to Cabinet or Treasury Board Secretariat;
- Renewals or extensions of a program;
- Summaries of program objectives and achievements given through Government response to Standing Committees;
- Communications strategies; and
- Changes that are administrative in nature with no environmental, economic or societal implications.
-
Full STAT and formal determination on the need for detailed SEA. The general areas of consideration in the STAT are provided below. Impacts to FSDS goals and targets are also considered. Potential impacts are evaluated using Rating Guidelines within the STAT specific to each assessment criteria.
STAT Areas of Consideration Economy Society Environment Movement of goods Safety Air Movement of people Security Water Financial costs System access and accessibility Wildlife and habitat Trade and commerce Human health Soil Adaptive capacity Communities Natural resources Transport Canada is currently undertaking a review of the STAT to find opportunities to strengthen the assessment of departmental proposals and better determine their potential for important environmental effects, with updates to be completed by March 31, 2023.
- A detailed SEA is required when there is potential for important impacts (positive or negative) on the environment. Public statements on the results of assessments are prepared when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.
Transport Canada’s Environmental Management Branch tracks SEAs for initiatives going forward for Ministerial or Cabinet approval, including the number of approved initiatives for which an SEA has been completed, departmental compliance rate with SEA policy and public reporting on initiatives requiring a detailed SEA.