Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development
The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16 guides the Government of Canada’s sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Transport Canada supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities in this supplementary information table.
This Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy presents the planned contributions and expected results for Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality, Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and Availability, Theme III - Protecting Nature and Canadians, and Theme IV - Shrinking the Environmental Footprint - Beginning with Government.
| FSDS Goal | FSDS Performance Indicator | FSDS Target |
|---|---|---|
|
Goal 3 - Water Quality and Water Availability |
Number of marine spills from identified vessels |
Target 3.8: Marine Pollution – Releases of Harmful Pollutants Protect the marine environment by an annual 5% reduction in the number of releases of harmful pollutants in the marine environment by vessels identified during pollution patrol from 2013–16. |
Themes I to III: Implementation Strategies
Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality
Transportation is one of the largest sources of air pollutants and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada. In 2012, transportation accounted for 24% of Canada’s total GHG emissions. Transportation is also linked with the emission of air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxides, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to the formation of smog and poor air quality. Pollutant emissions have fallen significantly, largely due to regulatory changes introduced by the federal government. However, more action is required to ensure this trend continues in the transportation sector.
Transport Canada’s Commitments
In 2015–16, under Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality, Transport Canada contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy through the 15 implementation strategies under Goal 1 - Climate Change and Goal 2 - Air Pollution. These are drawn from Transport Canada’s initiatives under the federal Clean Air Agenda.
The Clean Air Agenda spans 11 departments and agencies, managing 60 environmental initiatives over five fiscal years, from 2011–12 until 2015–16. The centrepiece of this approach is a regulatory agenda with complementary programming to support innovation and clean technologies, Canada’s international participation and adaptation to a changing climate.
Transport Canada is responsible for the following nine initiatives under the Clean Air Agenda:
- Aviation Sector Regulatory Initiative;
- Marine Sector Regulatory Initiative;
- Rail Sector Regulatory Initiative;
- Support for Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations;
- Gateway Carbon Footprint Initiative;
- ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles II Program;
- Truck Reservation System Program;
- Shore Power Technology for Ports Program; and
- Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative.
In 2015–16, Transport Canada will be in the fifth and last year of implementing its Clean Air Agenda initiatives under both the Clean Transportation and Adaptation Themes. Transport Canada’s progress to date on these initiatives can be seen by viewing previous reporting updates at Clean Transportation.
Transport Canada’s implementation strategies have been organized according to the appropriate Program and Sub-program in the department’s Program Alignment Architecture. This means that Transport Canada’s Theme I implementation strategies are linked to two Sub-programs (2.1.1 - Clean Air Regulatory Framework and Oversight, and 2.1.2 - Clean Air Initiatives), and one Program (2.3 - Environmental Stewardship of Transportation).
| Planned contributions to FSDS | Implementation strategy | Performance indicator | Expected results | Clean Air Agenda planning spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce GHG emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions 17% by 2020.* Goal 2 - Air Pollution: Minimize threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 2.1 - Outdoor Air Pollutants: Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reduce emissions of air pollutants in support of Air Quality Management System (AQMS) objectives. *Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target |
1.1.36 - Address GHG emissions from aviation by supporting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s development of new international standards and recommended practices through the development and implementation of new domestic standards, the monitoring of Canada’s voluntary Action Plan in collaboration with the Canadian domestic aviation sector, and through targeted research. 2.1.22 - Address air pollutant emissions from aviation by supporting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s development of new international standards and recommended practices through the development and implementation of new domestic standards, and through targeted research. |
Percentage of instruments that are aligned with domestic legislation or international standards |
100% by March 31, 2016 |
$ 2,104,348 |
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce GHG emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions 17% by 2020.* Goal 2 - Air Pollution: Minimize threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 2.1 - Outdoor Air Pollutants: Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reduce emissions of air pollutants in support of AQMS objectives. *Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target |
1.1.34 - Address GHG emissions from maritime shipping by working with the International Maritime Organization in the development of new international standards and recommended practices for marine vessels, as well as through the implementation of new Canadian regulations, and targeted research and development. 2.1.21 - Address air pollutant emissions from maritime shipping by working with the International Maritime Organization in the development of new international standards and recommended practices for marine vessels, as well as through the implementation of new Canadian regulations, and targeted research and development. |
Percentage of instruments that are aligned with domestic legislation or international standards Compliance with vessel emissions regulations Number of research and development projects that identify potential technological solutions or establish that technologies are not feasible Number of industry/academia and government collaborations related to technology development |
100% by March 31, 2016 100% by March 31, 2017 90% of projects advanced to a higher Technology Readiness Level or demonstrate that technology is not feasible 70% of projects have collaboration with other relevant stakeholders |
$4,098,933 |
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions 17 % by 2020.* Goal 2 - Air Pollution: Minimize threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 2.1 - Outdoor Air Pollutants: Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reduce emissions of air pollutants in support of AQMS objectives. *Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target |
1.1.35 - Address GHG emissions from the rail sector through the joint Canada–U.S. locomotive emissions initiative under the Regulatory Cooperation Council, a voluntary agreement with the Canadian rail industry, and research activities to enhance understanding of new technologies to reduce GHG emissions. 2.1.26 - Address air pollutant emissions from the rail sector through locomotive regulations aligned with U.S. standards, and research activities to enhance understanding of new technologies to reduce air pollutant emissions. |
Number of voluntary emission reduction agreements developed Number of regulations developed Number of research and development projects that identify potential technological solutions, or establish that technologies are not feasible Number of industry/academia and government collaborations related to technology development |
One by March 31, 2016 One by March 31, 2016 90% of projects advanced to a higher Technology Readiness Level or demonstrate that technology is not feasible 70% of projects have collaboration with other relevant stakeholders |
$2,909,657 |
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.
*Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target. |
1.1.33 - Develop and implement GHG emission regulations for light-duty vehicles (for model years 2017–25) and heavy-duty vehicles (for model years 2014–18) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which will align with regulations in the United States. |
Percentage of instruments that are aligned with domestic legislation or international standards Transportation emission intensity (Percentage change in intensity as measured in tonnes per unit of activity, e.g., tonnes-km, tonnes per hour, tonne per call etc.) |
100% by March 31, 2016 An intensity improvement that is consistent with the plan established under the government’s horizontal approach for clean air. |
$1,756,078 |
| Planned contributions to FSDS | Implementation strategy | Performance indicator | Expected results | Clean Air Agenda planning spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions 17% by 2020.* *Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target. |
1.1.31 - Quantify the carbon (GHG) footprint of Canada’s strategic gateways and trade corridors. |
Number of gateways and their supply chain components for which the emission intensity and aggregate GHG emissions are assessed. |
Carbon footprint of the strategic gateways (for which data is available) quantified by March 31, 2016 |
$239,838 |
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce GHG emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions 17% by 2020.* Goal 2 - Air Pollution: Minimize threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 2.1 - Outdoor Air Pollutants: Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reduce emissions of air pollutants in support of AQMS objectives. *Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target |
1.1.26 - Address GHG emissions through testing and evaluation of advanced vehicle technologies to support the development of regulations and industry codes and standards in order to ensure that new technologies that reduce GHG emissions can be introduced in Canada in a safe and timely manner. 2.1.6 - Address air pollutant emissions through testing and evaluation of advanced vehicle technologies to support the development of regulations and industry codes and standards to ensure that new technologies that reduce air pollutant emissions can be introduced in Canada in a safe and timely manner. |
Number of technologies/ vehicles tested/evaluated |
Greater than or equal to five by March 31, 2016 |
$7,727,223 |
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce GHG emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions 17% by 2020.* Goal 2 - Air Pollution: Minimize threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 2.1 - Outdoor Air Pollutants: Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reduce emissions of air pollutants in support of AQMS objectives. *Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target |
1.1.22 - Address GHG emissions by supporting the deployment of truck reservation systems at port and terminal facilities to improve efficiency in the movement of trucks into and out of terminal facilities at container ports and reduce truck idling. 2.1.7 - Address air pollutant emissions by supporting the deployment of truck reservation systems at port and terminal facilities to improve efficiency in the movement of trucks into and out of terminal facilities at container ports and reduce truck idling. |
Clean transportation technologies implemented by users |
10 technologies by March 31, 2016 (Target shared with the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program [implementation strategies 1.1.24 and 2.1.8]) |
$1,932,395 |
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce GHG emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions 17% by 2020.* Goal 2 - Air Pollution: Minimize threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 2.1 - Outdoor Air Pollutants: Improve outdoor air quality by ensuring compliance with new or amended regulated emission limits by 2020 and thus reduce emissions of air pollutants in support of AQMS objectives. *Transport Canada contributes to this Government of Canada target |
1.1.24 - Address GHG emissions from the marine sector by funding the installation of marine shore power facilities at Canadian ports. 2.1.8- Address air pollutant emissions from the marine sector by funding the installation of marine shore power facilities at Canadian ports. |
Clean transportation technologies implemented by users (Target: 10 by March 31, 2016). |
10 technologies by March 31, 2016 (Target shared with the Truck Reservation System Program for Ports Program [implementation strategies 1.1.22 and 2.1.7]) |
$10,060,734 |
| Planned contributions to FSDS | Implementation strategy | Performance indicator | Expected results | Clean Air Agenda planning spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FSDS Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Goal 1 - Climate Change: In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce GHG emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Target 1.2 - Climate Change Adaptation: Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the effects of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools. |
1.2.10 - Support the development and testing of innovative science-based tools and technologies to help improve the resiliency and adaptability of existing and future northern transportation infrastructure and Arctic marine operations (Transport Canada). |
Percentage of grant/contribution agreements involving multiple collaborators (aside from federal government) Number of individuals, organizations or sectors supported to participate in technical exchanges, including workshops, conferences, training seminars, and other related exchange activities Number of analyses, assessments and research reports performed on specific transportation infrastructure, technologies and operations Number of tools and technologies evaluated and/or developed for the adaptation of transportation infrastructure and operations to climate change Number of meetings, workshops and conferences hosted or facilitated to support partnerships and networking activities |
100% by March 31, 2016 25 by March 31, 2016
Four by March 31, 2016 One by March 31, 2016 Five by March 31, 2016 |
$2,271,010 |
Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and Availability
Marine shipping is critical to Canada’s economy, and the movement of goods by sea is becoming increasingly important as trade with Asia and other international trading partners continues to grow. A dominant feature of marine transportation is its international dimension, which shapes the policy, regulatory and competitive environments. These conditions underpin the need for largely international governance of marine issues, in marine safety and environmental issues in particular, which is done mainly through the International Maritime Organization.
The movement of goods by sea carries with it a range of possible environmental consequences for the marine environment and water quality. For example, accidental oil spills in the marine environment are prominent in the public eye when they occur, and have immediate and obvious negative consequences for the environment and the health of local communities. Water-borne spills of hazardous and noxious substances can also cause serious damage to human health and the environment.
Transport Canada develops and administers policies, regulations and programs to protect the marine environment, reduce the impact on the environment of marine pollution incidents in Canadian waters, and promote the safety of the general public.
Transport Canada’s Commitments
Under Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and Availability, Transport Canada contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy through Goal 3: Water Quality and Quantity - Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems, details of which can be found in the tables below.
Transport Canada’s implementation strategies have been organized according to the appropriate Sub-program in the department’s Program Alignment Architecture. This means that Transport Canada’s Theme II implementation strategies are linked to two different Sub-programs (2.2.1 - Clean Water Regulatory Framework and 2.2.2 - Clean Water Regulatory Oversight).
| Planned contributions to FSDS | Implementation strategy | Performance indicator | Expected results | Clean Air Agenda planning spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and Availability Goal 3 - Water Quality and Water Quantity: Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 3.8 - Marine Pollution - Releases of Harmful Pollutants: Protect the marine environment by an annual 5% reduction in the number of releases of harmful pollutants in the marine environment by vessels identified during pollution patrol from 2013–16. |
3.8.1 - Set the legal and regulatory frameworks through domestic legislation and international conventions that govern the protection of the marine environment from pollution, the introduction of invasive species and the environmental impact of pollution incidents, and advance Canadian positions on reducing and managing global marine pollution from ships. |
Percentage of instruments that are aligned with domestic legislation and/or adopted international standards Compliance with regulations Proposal of an update to the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations to fully implement the ballast water convention Proposal of an update to the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations to reflect new international standards |
95% by March 31, 2017 100% by March 31, 2017 Publication of proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I by March 31, 2016 Publication of proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I by March 31, 2016 |
Not applicable |
| Planned contributions to FSDS | Implementation strategy | Performance indicator | Expected results | Clean Air Agenda planning spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and Availability Goal 3 - Water Quality and Water Quantity: Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 3.8 - Marine Pollution – Releases of Harmful Pollutants: Protect the marine environment by an annual 5% reduction in the number of releases of harmful pollutants in the marine environment by vessels identified during pollution patrol from 2013–16. |
3.8.2 - 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, inspections, audits, monitoring and enforcement. |
Percentage of vessels in compliance with regulatory framework for environmental response regime Percentage of vessels in compliance with Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations reporting rules |
95% by March 31, 2017 95% by March 31, 2017 |
Not applicable |
|
Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and Availability Goal 3 - Water Quality and Water Quantity: Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems. Target 3.8 - Marine Pollution – Releases of Harmful Pollutants: Protect the marine environment by an annual 5% reduction in the number of releases of harmful pollutants in the marine environment by vessels identified during pollution patrol from 2013–16. |
3.8.3. Implementation of the World-Class Tanker Safety initiatives announced in Budget 2012 and on March 18, 2013, to support Responsible Resource Development. This includes, among others, increased tanker inspection, aerial surveillance, navigational products and a new Incident Command System. (Transport Canada). |
Percentage of instruments that are aligned with domestic legislation and/or adopted international standards Percentage of foreign-flagged ships that are inspected Increased aerial surveillance over Canadian waters |
95% by March 31, 2017
3,400 hours by March 31, 2018 |
Not applicable |
Theme III – Protecting Nature and Canadians
Canada has one of the longest navigable coastlines in the world, from the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes to the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans. A significant increase in worldwide shipping traffic and the corresponding amount of ballast water discharged by these vessels has resulted in an increase in alien species introductions.
Modern commercial shipping cannot operate without ballast water, which provides balance and stability to ships. Water is pumped into the ballast tanks when a vessel is departing a port of origin and released when it takes on cargo at another port. Over the past 30 years, there has been growing international recognition of potential problems associated with the discharge of ships’ ballast water.
The introduction and spread of alien invasive species is a serious problem that has ecological, economic, health and environmental impacts, including loss of native biological diversity. Species are considered alien if they are not native to a given ecosystem. Alien species are considered to be invasive when their introduction causes, or is likely to cause, harm to the environment, the economy or to human health.
For more information on the Canadian Ballast Water Program.
Not applicable
Not applicable
| Planned contributions to FSDS | Implementation strategy | Performance indicator | Expected results | Clean Air Agenda planning spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Theme III - Protecting Nature and Canadians Goal 4 - Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians: Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come. Target 4.7 - Environmental Disasters, Incidents and Emergencies: Environmental disasters, incidents and emergencies are prevented or their impacts mitigated. |
4.7.4 - In accordance with mandated responsibilities, provide environmental and/or other information to reduce the risk of, and advice in response to, the occurrence of events such as polluting incidents, wildlife disease events or severe weather and other significant hydro-meteorological events as applicable |
Percentage of all new or amended regulatory requirements that are made to seek harmonization with international regulations |
85% by March 31, 2016 |
Not applicable |
Theme IV: Targets and Implementation Strategies
Goal 6: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Energy
Target 6.1: GHG Emissions Reduction
The Government of Canada will reduce GHG emissions from its buildings and fleets by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Departmental Target
21% below 2005 by 2020
Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture
Strategic Outcome 2: A Clean Transportation System; Program 2.3: Environmental Stewardship of Transportation
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption of federal operations.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
Updated GHG reduction implementation plan in place by March 31, 2015. |
March 31, 2015 |
|
GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2005–06. |
62.99 kt |
|
GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2015−16. |
53.44 kt |
|
Renewable power emission credits applied in current fiscal year (kt CO2 equivalent). |
0.05 kt |
|
Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005–06 to fiscal year 2015−16, inclusive of renewable power emission credits, if applicable. |
15% decrease |
|
Adjustments made to base year GHG emissions. |
Not applicable |
Goal 7: Waste and Asset Management
Target 7.1: Real Property Environmental Performance
As of April 1, 2014, and pursuant to departmental Real Property Sustainability Frameworks, an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance will be achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Strategic Outcome 2: A Clean Transportation System; Program 2.3: Environmental Stewardship of Transportation
Performance Measurement
Expected result
An industry-recognized level of high environmental performance will be achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
A Real Property Sustainability Framework in place to improve the management of energy, waste and water in departmental real property assets by March 31, 2015. |
March 31, 2015 |
|
Total number of existing Crown-owned buildings (over 1000 m2) and new lease or lease renewal projects (over 1000 m2) where the Crown is the major lessee, assessed for environmental performance using an industry-recognized assessment tool, and associated floor space (m2). |
0 Crown-owned buildings
|
|
0 new lease or lease renewal projects
|
|
|
Planned assessment tool to be used: BOMA BESt |
|
|
Total number of existing Crown-owned buildings, new construction, build-to-lease and major renovation projects achieving an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance and associated floor space (m2). |
0 Crown-owned buildings
|
|
0 new construction projects
|
|
|
0 build-to-lease projects
|
|
|
0 major renovation projects
|
|
|
Planned environmental performance level to be achieved: LEED Silver |
|
|
Number of fit-up and refit projects achieving an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance. |
0 fit-up and refit projects
|
|
Planned environmental performance level to be achieved: LEED Silver |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
7.1.1.1. Achieve a level of performance that meets or exceeds the custodian's current commitment(s) to sustainable buildings using industry-recognized assessment and verification tool(s). |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
|
7.1.1.7. Develop an approach to training for building operators in Crown-owned buildings. |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
Target 7.2: Green Procurement
As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will continue to take action to embed environmental considerations into public procurement, in accordance with the federal Policy on Green Procurement.
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture
Strategic Outcome 2: A Clean Transportation System; Program 2.3: Environmental Stewardship of Transportation
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
Departmental approach to further the implementation of the Policy on Green Procurement in place as of April 1, 2014. |
April 1, 2014 |
|
Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent in the given fiscal year. |
29
|
|
Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement in the given fiscal year. |
2
|
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2017, 93% of desktop computing equipment (personal computers and laptops/notebooks) purchases will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
Dollar value of desktop computing equipment (personal computers and laptops/notebooks) purchases that meet the target objective relative to the total dollar value of all purchases for desktop computing equipment in the year in question. Annual amount spent on desktop computing equipment. Baseline: As of 2012–13, 90% of desktop computing equipment purchases included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment. |
$1,110,724 (93%)
|
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2017, 80% of annual clothing and textile purchases will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the material.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
Dollar value of clothing and textiles purchased that meet the target objective relative to the total dollar value of all clothing and textile purchases in the year in question. Annual amount spent on clothing and textiles. Baseline: As of 2013–14, 0% of annual clothing and textile purchases included criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the material. |
$264,000 (75%) $350,000 |
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2017, 99% of copy paper purchases will contain a minimum of 30% recycled content and be certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of its production.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
Dollar value of copy paper purchases that meet the target objective relative to the total dollar value of all copy paper purchases in the year in question. Annual amount spent on copy paper. Baseline: As of 2012–13, 93% of copy paper purchases contained a minimum of 30% recycled content and had Ecologo certification. |
$185,152 (99%) $186,376 |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
7.2.1.5. Leverage common use procurement instruments where available and feasible. |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
|
Best Practice
|
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
Target 7.3: Sustainable Workplace Operations
As of April 1, 2015, the Government of Canada will update and adopt policies and practices to improve the sustainability of its workplace operations.
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture
Strategic Outcome 2: A Clean Transportation System; Program 2.3: Environmental Stewardship of Transportation
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Departmental workplace operations have a reduced environmental impact.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
An approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace in place by March 31, 2015. |
March 31, 2015 |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
7.3.1.1. Engage employees in greening government operations practices. |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
|
7.3.1.2. Integrate environmental considerations into corporate policies, processes and practices in accordance with departmental refresh cycles. |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
|
7.3.1.3. Maintain or improve existing approaches to sustainable workplace practices (i.e., printer ratios, paper usage and green meetings). |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
|
7.3.1.6. Dispose of e-waste in an environmentally sound and secure manner. |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
Goal 8: Water Management
Target 8.1: Water Management
As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will take further action to improve water management within its real property portfolio.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Strategic Outcome 2: A Clean Transportation System; Program 2.3: Environmental Stewardship of Transportation
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Water is managed sustainably in Government of Canada real property operations.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
Approach to improving water management included in Real Property Sustainability Framework by March 31, 2015. |
March 31, 2015 |
|
Amount and percentage of floor space in buildings over 1000 m2 that includes water metering in the given fiscal year (where feasible). |
0 m2 existing Crown-owned
|
|
0 m2 new Crown built-to-lease
|
|
|
0 m2 major renovations
|
|
|
0 m2 leases
|
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
|
8.1.1.4. Meter the water usage in new projects. |
Seeking to reach “Achieved” status |
Sustainable Development Management System
Transport Canada’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy provides information on the following aspects:
- Sustainable development and transportation;
- What this means for Transport Canada; and
- Departmental decision-making and sustainable development.
Sustainable development and transportation
Transportation takes place within a complex web of human and physical interactions and conditions. Trends in the environment, the economy and society affect the nature and scale of transportation activities, the impacts of those activities and our responses to those impacts. The nature and volume of trade drives the demand for freight transportation. Similarly, the size of the population, its habits and income levels, the cost of energy and land use patterns affect passenger travel.
Transportation is fundamental to Canada’s economic prosperity and Canadians’ quality of life. To enhance our quality of life, we need to ensure that our system is safe, secure and environmentally responsible. To maintain and enhance competitiveness, we must ensure that our transportation system is efficient and able to adapt to new challenges as they arise.
To preserve and strengthen Canada’s transportation system, transportation policy must provide a framework that addresses the three elements of sustainable transportation: 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. The fundamental policy challenge is to find the right balance among these three elements.
Canada’s size and dependence on international trade make transportation very important to Canadians. Transportation—by land, water and air—links Canadians to each other and Canada to the world. Transportation has a wide range of impacts on the economy, society and the environment. While many of these impacts are positive (e.g., supporting economic growth, moving people to their destinations and goods to markets, providing jobs, supporting mobility and enabling human contact), there are also negative impacts that need to be considered (e.g., emissions, materials and energy resource use, the possibility of spills and leaks, and impacts on land use).
What this means for Transport Canada
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. Transport Canada leads Canada’s efforts in addressing environmental issues from the rail, marine and aviation sectors. For example, under the legislative authority of the Railway Safety Act, the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Aeronautics Act, Transport Canada contributes to reducing air emissions from transportation by creating and implementing regulatory regimes.
Our vision is a transportation system in Canada that is recognized worldwide as safe and secure, efficient and environmentally responsible.
The Department’s vision of a sustainable transportation system is one that integrates and balances social, economic and environmental objectives. This vision is guided by the following principles:
- the highest possible safety and security of life and property, guided by performance-based standards and regulations when necessary;
- 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 for the environmental legacy of future generations of Canadians, guided by environmental assessment and planning processes in transportation decisions and selective use of regulation and government funding.
Transport Canada’s decision-making and sustainable development
In line with the federal approach, Transport Canada’s sustainable development planning and reporting is linked with the federal government's core expenditure planning and reporting system under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. This integration occurs through two primary planning and reporting vehicles:
- Report on Plans and Priorities: Objectives and plans that contribute to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy are highlighted in Transport Canada’s annual Reports on Plans and Priorities.
- Departmental Performance Report: Transport Canada reports progress against its Federal Sustainable Development Strategy implementation strategies in its annual Departmental Performance Reports.
The following are some other key examples of how Transport Canada is integrating sustainable development into its decision-making:
- Strategic Environmental Assessment
- Transport Canada’s National Environmental Management System
Strategic Environmental Assessment
In 2015–16, Transport Canada will consider the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, as part of its decision-making processes. Through the strategic environmental assessment process, the effects of departmental/agency proposals on the 2013–16 FSDS goals and targets will be assessed.
Strategic Environmental Assessment evaluates the environmental effects of a proposed policy, plan or program and its alternatives, and informs decision-making through a careful analysis of environmental risks and opportunities.
As required by the Guidelines for Implementing the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, all departments are required to consider FSDS goals and targets when undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessments and report on the results of their Strategic Environmental Assessments in their Departmental Performance Reports.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment guidelines are designed to improve the transparency of environmental decision-making in the following ways:
- Departments and agencies describe the impact of their initiatives on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets in their Strategic Environmental Assessment public statements; and
- Departments and agencies report on the extent and results of their Strategic Environmental Assessment in their year-end performance report, including how initiatives are expected to affect progress toward FSDS goals and targets.
During the first FSDS period (2010–13), in order to reflect the above-mentioned changes to the guidelines, Transport Canada updated its internal Strategic Environmental Assessment process and supporting materials, including the departmental Strategic Environmental Assessment Policy Statement, guidance and training documents, tools, website and correspondence products. All these updates were completed by March 2011.
On April 1, 2013, Transport Canada introduced a new internal tool, called the Sustainable Transportation Assessment Tool, which replaces the former Strategic Environmental Assessment preliminary scan. Transport Canada now requires all potential policies, plans or programs to consider possible effects on the economy and society, in addition to the environment. The Sustainable Transportation Assessment Tool also includes specific questions to assess possible impacts on Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets.
By asking these kinds of questions early in the design and development of proposals, it is anticipated that risks and opportunities will be better identified and managed, potential impacts across the Department’s strategic outcomes will be considered, and economic, social and environmental considerations will be better integrated into departmental decision-making.
Transport Canada publishes the results of its Strategic Environmental Assessments when an initiative is announced or approved, demonstrating that environmental factors are integrated into the decision-making process.
Transport Canada will also continue to report on the following activities and performance measures in the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy:
- The number of approved proposals submitted by Transport Canada to Cabinet or Treasury Board that are subject to departmental Strategic Environmental Assessment requirements (Memorandum to Cabinet, Treasury Board Submissions and Regulatory Amendments);
- The number of proposals for which a detailed Strategic Environmental Assessment was completed and how it contributed towards Federal Sustainable Development goals and targets; and
- Transport Canada’s overall Strategic Environmental Assessment compliance (%).
Transport Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of the FSDS goals and targets through the Strategic Environmental Assessment process. A Strategic Environmental Assessment for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets. The results of Transport Canada’s detailed assessment are made public when an initiative is announced. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been appropriately considered during proposal development and decision-making.