From Transport Canada
The Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy reflects our efforts towards a more sustainable transportation system in Canada. It outlines the actions that the department will undertake over the next three years. The strategy supports the Government of Canada’s broader 2016-2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS).
On this page
- Executive Summary
- Section 1: Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Section 2: Sustainable Development in Transport Canada
- Section 3: Commitments for Transport Canada
- Section 4: Integrating sustainable development
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 2016-2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) (FSDS) is prepared every three years. The 2016-2019 FSDS is the federal government’s third strategy since the coming into force of the Federal Sustainable Development Act, and it serves as our primary vehicle for sustainable development planning and reporting – both to Parliament and Canadians.
The 2016-2019 FSDS centres on 13 new 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.
Transport Canada remains committed to contributing to the FSDS and to supporting Canada’s vision for sustainable development. The 2017-2020 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) describes how Transport Canada will continue to contribute to the FSDS, including: 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; programs such as the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative, which will facilitate an improved understanding of the challenges and opportunities for a transportation system that is increasingly resilient to the changing climate; actions under the newly announced Oceans Protection Plan to protect our coasts and oceans and keep them healthy for future generations; 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: Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016-2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into decision-making, and to make decisions more transparent and increase accountability to Parliament, Transport Canada supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
Section 2: Sustainable Development 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 play a leadership role in ensuring 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.
In November 2016, the Minister of Transport announced his strategic plan for the future of transportation in Canada, ‘Transportation 2030 – A Strategic Plan for the Future of Transportation in Canada’. Transportation 2030 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 2016-2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) (FSDS). Through this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS), the department directly contribute to sixFootnote 2 of the 13 long-term goals identified in the 2016-2019 FSDS, as follows:
FSDS Goal: Low Carbon Government – Greening government operations and moving towards a low-carbon government is important to achieving Canada’s goals for environmental and sustainable development. Transport Canada is committed to demonstrating leadership in this area through greening our own operations and reducing energy consumption from our facilities and fleet. The Department continues to own and operate several facilities across the country, including some airports and ports, and is responsible for a fleet of vehicles ranging from aircraft, and marine vessels to on-road vehicles.
Transport Canada has identified a number of measures under the Low-carbon government goal to support the Government of Canada’s target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from federal operations by 40% by 2030. These measures include: conducting energy audits, renovating facilities to be more energy efficient, developing a plan to reduce emissions from our fleet, incorporating environmental considerations into our procurement processes, and engaging with employees to promote sustainable employee behaviour.
Additionally, Transport Canada’s Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative seeks to improve our understanding of climate risks to federal transportation assets and potential adaptation solutions which could be employed. This work also directly supports the “Modern and Resilient Infrastructure” goal.
FSDS Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change – The transportation sector is Canada’s second largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 173 MtFootnote 3 or 24% 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 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. We also test clean transportation technologies, so that they may be introduced in a safe, effective and timely manner.
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 from ship source pollution.
On November 7, 2016, the Prime Minister announced 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.
FSDS Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers – 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 invasive species introductions.
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. Transport Canada’s key actions in this area include updating the current Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations to reflect the recent worldwide coming into force of the Ballast Water Convention; and, ongoing inspections of all vessels entering the Great Lakes for compliance with ballast water management regulations.
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 2016-2019 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 the initial commitments that Transport Canada has made to contribute to the 2016-19 FSDS can be found in Section 3 of this DSDS.
Section 3: Commitments for Transport Canada
Low-Carbon Government: The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon
Responsible Minister: All ministers
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Low-Carbon Government FSDS target(s) |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
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Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve this reduction by 2025 |
Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations |
Reduce GHG emissions from Transport Canada buildings through renovations at identified facilities, which will include the following energy efficient upgrades:
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Renovating facilities to include energy efficient upgrades will reduce the demand for energy usage, leading to a reduction in GHG emissions from Transport Canada’s real property portfolio |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point: GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year) = 1.523 ktCO2eFootnote 4 GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2016-17 = 2.574 ktCO2e Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2016-17 = 69% increase |
Environmental Stewardship of TransportationFootnote 5 |
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Modernize our fleet |
Conduct a thorough review and analysis of the current on-road vehicle fleet to determine feasibility of including more low-emission vehicle options, including zero-emission vehicles, where operationally appropriate; and to align with government-wide efforts on zero-emission vehicle targets for future fleet acquisitions |
Explore research and development options that aim to reduce the amount of fuel consumed for fleet operations will help the department to create a strong plan of action to reduce GHG emissions from our fleet inventory Starting in 2019-20, 100% of new light-duty administrative fleet purchases will be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), where operational needs permit Where ZEVs are not available or suitable for operational needs, new light-duty administrative fleet purchases will be lower-emission options Transport Canada will examine if there are opportunities to broaden this approach to other departmental fleet purchases |
Performance Indicators:
Starting Points: GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year): = 60.758 ktCO2e GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2016-17 = 57.132 ktCO2e Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2016-17 = 5.96% decrease Zero percent (%) ZEV purchases in fiscal year 2016-17 |
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
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Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement |
Support the reduction of GHG emissions through procurement processes by undertaking the following activities:
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Training procurement specialists and acquisition cardholders on green procurement allows for more informed decision making on including green criteria in contracts for both commodities and services required by the department Making use of standing offers with green criteria already in place is an efficient way for the department to reduce the impact of common purchases such as copy paper |
Performance indicators:
Starting Point: As of 2016-17, 135 procurement specialists and acquisition cardholders at Transport Canada have been trained on green procurement; and 100% of copy paper was purchased from the Standing Offer |
Internal Services |
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Promote sustainable travel practices |
Address GHG emissions from business travel through the following activities:
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Updating the Green Meeting Guide will encourage employees to take advantage of available green meeting options within the department, therefore reducing the overall need for business travel and GHG emissions Updating the Green Commute Program webpage will help to encourage employees to consider sustainable commuting options, therefore lowering GHG emissions from employees’ daily commute |
Performance Indicators:Footnote 7
Starting point: In 2016, Transport Canada launched the Guide to Green Meetings, an easy how-to manual to help employees organize green meetings, and in turn help the department to reduce its GHG emissions from unnecessary business travel Transport Canada has had a Green Commute Program in place for many years to encourage and promote sustainable commuting options (e.g. cycling, transit, walking, carpooling etc.) for departmental employees |
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
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Understand climate change impacts and build resilience |
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The integration of climate change considerations into policies, programs, services and overall operations is one of the most important ways the government can adapt to a changing climate and is consistent with the government’s risk management approach of enhancing the protection of public assets and resources and strengthening planning and decision-making |
Performance Indicators:
Starting Point: In 2012, Transport Canada completed a climate risk scan which informed the development of the department’s first departmental adaptation plan (2013-16). This plan had a key focus on improving Transport Canada’s integration of climate change into decision making |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Implement the Transportation Assets Risk Assessments initiative toFootnote 9:
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Climate risk assessments, research, and analysis will provide those responsible for federal transportation assets with information and tools to strengthen decision-making and asset management, helping to support the increased resiliency of our transportation systems |
Performance Indicators:
Targets:
Starting Point: Budget 2017 announced investments of up to $16.35 million over five years, beginning in 2017-18, to better understand climate risks to federal transportation assets. Work under the Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative directly supports the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Additional departmental sustainable development activities and initiatives |
Starting point(s) where available, and applicable performance indicators for each departmental action |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
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Departmental action: Improve the accuracy of greenhouse gas (GHG) data collection through the following activities:
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Performance Indicators:
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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
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Effective Action on Climate Change FSDS target(s) |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
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By 2030, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels |
Use regulations to limit GHG emissions |
Under the Aviation Sector Regulatory Initiative, address 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, and the monitoring of Canada’s voluntary Action Plan in collaboration with the Canadian aviation sectorFootnote 11 |
Through a range of regulatory and voluntary measures, Transport Canada supports the domestic and international reduction of GHG emissions from the aviation sector |
Performance indicators:
Targets:
Starting point: 100% of instruments are currently aligned with domestic legislation or international standards 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 Building on the success of the world’s first voluntary agreement to address GHG emissions from aviation, the Government and the Canadian aviation industry released Canada’s Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Aviation. Progress is reported in an annual report |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Under the Marine Sector Regulatory Initiative, address GHG 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 regulationsFootnote 13 *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 |
Transport Canada actively participates in the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee and the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce GHG emissions from ships, and agree on related measures For example, in 2016-17: Transport Canada continued to lead the Government of Canada’s participation at the IMO, and worked with member states to:
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Performance Indicators:
Targets: By March 31, 2018:
Starting point: During 2016-17: 85% of instruments were aligned with domestic legislation or international standards Vessels were 83% in compliance with vessel emissions regulations (based on minor deficiencies observed) |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Under the Support for Vehicle GHG Emissions Regulations, support Environment and Climate Change Canada’s development and implementation of 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 |
Transport Canada supports Environment and Climate Change Canada in the development of GHG emission regulations for light- and heavy-duty vehicles through work aimed at ensuring the safe introduction of new clean technologies in Canada. This includes a range of activities, such as:
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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 Starting point: Environment and Climate Change Canada published the phase 2 Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I in March 2017 From 2005 to 2016 (latest year for which data is available):
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Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Under the ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program, address GHG emissions through testing and evaluations of advanced 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*Footnote 16 *this departmental action also contributes to the reduction of air pollutant emissions, which supports the FSDS’ ‘Safe and Healthy Communities’ goal |
Test results from Transport Canada’s ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles program support the development of the codes and standards that are required by industry to commercialize new clean technologies in Canada |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Starting Point:
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Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Work with partners on climate change |
Under the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Retrofit Requirements Program, work with other federal departments, provinces, territories and industry to develop new requirements for heavy-duty trucks to install fuel-saving devicesFootnote 18 *this departmental action also contributes to the reduction of air pollutant emissions, which supports the FSDS ‘Safe and Healthy Communities’ goal |
Work under this action will improve the efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles that are already on the road by increasing the uptake of fuel-saving devices. This action will complement current initiatives that address the efficiency of new heavy-duty vehicles |
Performance Indicators:
Targets: In 2018-19:
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 |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Support voluntary action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change |
Under the Rail Sector Regulatory Initiative, address GHG emissions from the rail sector by enhancing collaboration with the Railway Association of Canada on issues such as renewable fuels to address emissionsFootnote 19Footnote 20 |
Transport Canada will address GHG emissions from locomotives by seeking an extension to the existing agreement including annual emissions intensity improvements and enhanced collaboration |
Performance indicators:
Targets:
Starting point: A Memorandum of Understanding with the rail industry covering 2011-2016 was extended through to 2017 |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Under the Truck Reservation System Program, address GHG emissions by supporting the deployment of technology projects 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* *this departmental action also contributes to the reduction of air pollutant emissions, which supports the FSDS ‘Safe and Healthy Communities’ goal |
Improving efficiency in the movement of trucks and reducing truck idling at port and terminal facilities results in site specific reductions in the amount of GHG and air pollutant emissions released, as well as reductions in fuel consumption |
Performance indicators:
Target: As of March 31, 2018:
(*target shared with the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program) Starting point: The Truck Reservation System Program is currently in its last year and will end as of March 31, 2018
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Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Under the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program, address GHG emissions from the marine sector by funding the installation of marine shore power facilities at Canadian ports* *this departmental action also contributes to the reduction of air pollutant emissions, which supports the FSDS’ ‘Safe and Healthy Communities’ goal |
Shore power installations will result in the reduced idling of ships’ auxiliary engines while docked at port – reducing GHG and air pollutant emissions |
Performance indicator:
Target: 10 clean transportation technologies implemented by March 31, 2019Footnote 21* (*target shared with the Truck Reservation System Program) Starting point: Since the program launch in 2012, four projects have been completed, including:
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Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Work with partners on climate change |
Transport Canada and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada, are co-leading the development of a Canada-wide strategy to increase the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, working with provincial and territorial governments, industry and other stakeholders. The strategy is to be completed in 2018 |
Reduce GHG emissions from the light-duty vehicle sector through increased adoption of zero-emission vehicles |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Starting point: A commitment was made in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change to develop a Canada-wide strategy for zero-emission vehicles |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Other |
Provide in-kind 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 changeFootnote 22 |
Through Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories committed to five common objectives for resilience. Transport Canada’s Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative directly contributes to the “Supporting particularly vulnerable regions” (coasts and the North) commitment Under the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative, Transport Canada will continue to lead federal engagement with the territories and certain provinces that have Northern regions to support the development and testing of innovative technologies and to advance knowledge and build capacity, with a view to strengthening the resilience of existing and future Northern transportation infrastructure and operations to climate change |
Performance Indicators:
Target:
Starting point: Transport Canada has been implementing the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative since 2011 One of Transport Canada's key outcomes under this initiative has been the engagement of other governments (provincial, territorial), academia and private industry |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Other |
Provide in-kind support and funding for climate resilience |
Implement the National Trade Corridors Fund and support trade and transportation infrastructure investments that strengthen the efficiency and reliability of Canada’s trade corridors. Two national calls for proposals will be issued by 2021Footnote 23 |
The National Trade Corridors Fund provides funding to help transportation infrastructure owners and users invest in projects that:
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Performance Indicators:
Target:
Starting point: The National Trade Corridors Fund program was launched by the Minister of Transport in July 2017. The first round of project proposals will be evaluated in the fall of 2017 |
National Trade Corridors |
Healthy Coasts and Oceans: Coasts and oceans support healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems
Responsible Minister: Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
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Healthy Coasts and Oceans FSDS target(s) |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
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Other |
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Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar I: A State-of-the-Art Marine Safety System Initiatives involved in enhancing the prevention of marine incidents include: |
The Government of Canada will create a world-leading marine safety system that improves responsible shipping and protects Canada’s waters. By world-leading, this means that the system will meet or exceed the best practices in the world Initiatives under this pillar aim to better position Canada’s marine safety system to prevent and respond to marine safety and pollution incidents |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Starting point: On November 7, 2016, the Prime Minister announced the Oceans Protection Plan: a whole-of-government, comprehensive strategy to build a world-leading marine safety system and protect Canada’s marine ecosystems |
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
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Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems |
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Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems |
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Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems |
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Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans |
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Initiatives involved in strengthening of responses to marine incidents include: |
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Protect and manage marine and coastal areas |
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Protect and manage marine and coastal areas |
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Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems |
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Protect and manage marine and coastal areas |
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Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar II: Preservation and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems Initiatives under this pillar include: |
Marine ecosystems will be preserved and restored using new tools and research, as well as taking measures to address abandoned and derelict vessels and wrecks These measures will include: new legislation and strengthened owner accountability; improving owner identification; education and outreach; and, the Abandoned Boats Program Initiatives under this pillar aim to protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems in key strategic areas |
Performance Indicators:
Targets:
Starting point: On November 7, 2016, the Prime Minister announced the Oceans Protection Plan: a whole-of-government, comprehensive strategy to build a world-leading marine safety system and protect Canada’s marine ecosystems On May 31, 2017, the new $6.85 million Abandoned Boats Program was launched. This Program will facilitate the removal of existing smaller high priority abandoned vessels and wrecks, assist in educating vessel owners about their responsibilities including end-of-life vessel management, and provide support for research on environmentally responsible vessel design and recycling of end-of-life vessels |
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
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Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, MPAs, and fisheries |
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Protect and manage marine and coastal areas |
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Protect and manage marine and coastal areas |
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Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar III: Indigenous Partnerships Initiatives under this pillar include: |
The Government will look to build local capacity, and for Indigenous groups to play a meaningful role in emergency response and waterway management |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Starting point: On November 7, 2016, the Prime Minister announced the Oceans Protection Plan: a whole-of-government, comprehensive strategy to build a world-leading marine safety system and protect Canada’s marine ecosystems |
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
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Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems |
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Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, MPAs and fisheries |
Implement the Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar IV: A Stronger Evidence Base and Increased Community Participation and Public Awareness |
The OPP includes important new work to ensure that Canada’s marine safety system is built on a stronger evidence base, supported by science and local knowledge This includes investing in oil spill cleanup research and methods to ensure that decisions taken in emergencies are evidence-based Initiatives under this pillar aim to increase knowledge of the behaviour and impacts of oil, and to engage local communities and increase public confidence in Canada’s marine safety system |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Starting point: On November 7, 2016, the Prime Minister announced the Oceans Protection Plan: a whole-of-government, comprehensive strategy to build a world-leading marine safety system and protect Canada’s marine ecosystems |
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
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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 |
For vessels in Canadian waters and Canadian vessels travelling internationally, the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations set restrictions on vessel pollution from emissions. These restrictions will be harmonized with International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules |
Performance Indicator:
Target: By March 2020:
Starting point:
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 |
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
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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 |
Transport Canada’s NASP deters pollution by providing a presence in the skies above potential polluters and collecting critical evidence from those who are caught polluting |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Starting point: In 2016-17, NASP performed 2,068 patrol hours of aerial surveillance over waters of Canadian jurisdiction Air crews detected or identified 246 marine pollution incidents, which consisted of:
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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
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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 |
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
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Other |
Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems |
Update the regulatory framework for protecting the marine environment from the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by ships, including the relevant provisions of Annex 5 of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement |
A strong regulatory framework will address the risk that ships will introduce and/or spread aquatic invasive species in Canada’s lakes and rivers as well as on Canada’s coasts. In the long-term, fewer invasive species will be released into Canadian waters |
Performance Indicator: Targets:
Starting point: Transport Canada established ballast water requirements in 2006 Ballast tanks will be inspected on 100% of the ships entering the Seaway from outside Canada's exclusive economic zone for compliance with the agreed regulatory requirements |
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
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Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems |
Contribute to reducing the harmful effects of aquatic invasive species from vessels by monitoring the compliance of marine transportation firms and vessels with the invasive species provisions within Canadian legislation, such as the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, including cooperative enforcement with the U.S. in accordance with Annex 5 of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement |
Transport Canada inspects vessels that are at risk of carrying foreign and invasive species into our waters All vessels entering our waters must inform Transport Canada of their ballast water management processes, and Transport Canada validates this information through inspection Transport Canada does not currently report on the number of viable organisms in samples of ballast water, however, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) does measure the number of viable organisms in samples of ballast water from a research and scientific advice point of view |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
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) |
Protecting Oceans and Waterways |
Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
Responsible Minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Minister of Health
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Safe and Healthy Communities FSDS target(s) |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Other |
Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites |
Implement the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and complete remediation and risk management activities at known high-priority federal contaminated sites |
Transport Canada’s participation will contribute to reduced risk to the environment and human health from federal contaminated sites |
Performance indicator: On an annual basis, Transport Canada will continue to report on its efforts through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan Starting point: Annual reports can be found at: |
Environmental Stewardship of Transportation |
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Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts |
Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response – In accordance with its mandated transport-related responsibilities, Transport Canada oversees regulatory programs and provides advice related to: preventing incidents; ensuring preparedness and response to incidents; and determining liability arising from incidents |
Ongoing regulatory, oversight and emergency response efforts under Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Program will contribute to the prevention of environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts |
Performance Indicator:
Target:
Starting point:
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TDG Regulatory Framework TDG Oversight TDG Technical Support |
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Use legislation and regulations to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances |
Under the Aviation Sector Regulatory Initiative, address 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 standardsFootnote 24 |
Through a range of regulatory and voluntary measures, Transport Canada supports the domestic and international reduction of air pollutant emissions from the aviation sector |
Performance indicator:
Target:
Starting point: Transport Canada actively leads the Government of Canada’s participation at ICAO on development of emissions standards and on other topics related to reducing the impact of aviation on the environment 100% of instruments are currently aligned with domestic legislation or international standards Transport Canada works in collaboration with others, including current work to transition to unleaded aviation gasoline for piston engine aircraft |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
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Use legislation and regulations to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances |
Under the Rail Sector Regulatory Initiative, address air pollutant emissions from the rail sector through locomotive regulations aligned with U.S. standards |
The Locomotive Emissions Regulations that entered into force in June 2017 will reduce the emissions of air pollutants from new locomotives. Reducing air pollutants will improve the health of Canadians living near rail lines and rail yards The 2011-2017 Memorandum of Understanding with the rail industry also addresses Criteria Air Contaminant (CAC) emissionsFootnote 26 |
Performance indicators:
Targets:
Starting Point: Locomotive Emissions Regulations entered into force in June 2017 A Memorandum of Understanding with rail industry covering the 2011-2016 was extended through to 2017 |
Climate Change and Clean Air |
Clean Growth: A growing clean technology industry in Canada contributes to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Responsible Ministers: Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister of Natural Resources
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Clean Growth FSDS target(s) |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target |
Starting point(s) where available, and your choice of performance indicators for departmental actions |
Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur |
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Foster research and development of new technologies and accelerate innovation |
Work with partners on developing and adopting new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions |
Under the Core Clean Transportation Research, Development and Demonstration – Aviation, Marine and Rail Transportation Program, address GHG and air pollutant emissions from aviation, marine and rail transportation through targeted research on emerging technologies and innovative practicesFootnote 27 * 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 |
Through research, testing, evaluation, and knowledge-sharing of technologies and innovative practices, the results of this Program will be used to inform proactive evidence-based regulatory and policy development and implementation decisions, as well as support Canadian clean transportation research, development and demonstration (RD&D) capacity |
Performance indicator:
Target:
Starting point:
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Climate Change and Clean Air |
Section 4: Integrating sustainable development
At Transport Canada, the successful integration of sustainable development into policies, plans and programs is supported by the use of our internal Sustainable Transportation Assessment Tool (STAT), which, since 2013, has been the cornerstone of the department’s Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Process. Replacing the former SEA preliminary scan, Transport Canada’s STAT requires all potential policies, plans or programs to consider possible effects on the economy, on society and on the environment. The STAT also includes specific questions to assess possible impacts on Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 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.
All Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board Submissions and Regulatory Updates (and other proposals seeking Ministerial or Cabinet approval) 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-level approval before submission to Minister/ Cabinet:
- Cabinet exclusion 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:
- Assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
- Treasury Board submission for an initiative already assessed under a previous proposal to Cabinet;
- Transport Canada is contributing to an initiative led and already assessed by another department.
- Departmental exemption 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 (no new elements being introduced);
- Summaries of program objectives and achievements given through Government response to Standing Committees;
- Communications strategies;
- Changes that are administrative in nature; and
- Changes to governance structure of a program.
- Full STAT and formal determination on the need for detailed SEA. The general areas of consideration 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
Economic
Social
Environmental
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
- Detailed SEA is required when there is potential for important impacts (positive or negative) on the environment.
Transport Canada’s Environmental Management Branch tracks data 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 detailed SEA.