Planning for a Sustainable Future:
A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada
2013–2016 - Consultation Paper

Sustainable Development Office
Environment Canada

February 2013

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Annex 1: Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

• 1. Goal: Climate Change
• 1.1. Target: Climate Change Mitigation
• 1.2. Target: Climate Change Adaptation
• 2. Goal: Air Pollution
• 2.1. Target: Air Pollutants
• 2.2. Target: Indoor Air Quality
• 2.3. Target: Chemicals Management

Implementation Strategies

Enabling Capacity

• 1.1.1. Develop climate change strategies aligned with the U.S., as appropriate for Canadian circumstances, including working collaboratively through the Canada-U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue to advance clean energy priorities. (EC)
• 1.1.2. Continue to work with industry stakeholders to encourage and promote the adoption and adaptation of new technologies such as information and communications technologies. (IC)
• 1.1.3. Continue to implement the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative in support of strategic, research and development projects that contribute to new Aerospace and Defense technologies, and which may reduce GHG emissions and produce new energy efficiencies. (IC)
• 1.1.4. Continue to promote the development and use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) management tools by industry and the use of CSR standards in the Canadian marketplace in support of environmental sustainability. (IC)
• 1.1.5. Encourage businesses, through the accelerated capital cost allowance for clean energy generation equipment, to invest in specified equipment that can contribute to a reduction in harmful emissions and diversification of the energy supply. (FIN)
• 1.1.6. Finance projects that would, among other things, help to optimize resource use, valuing residual resources, and contribute to eco-efficiency. (CED)
• 1.1.7. The Atlantic Energy Gateway initiative aims to facilitate development of the Atlantic renewable energy sector by fostering collaboration, common understanding and communication among governments, and between governments and the private sector, to maximize and expedite the development of renewable energy resources in the region. (ACOA)
• 1.1.8. Work with Aboriginal and northern communities, organizations and governments on the development of sustainable energy. (AANDC) (IMPROVED)
• 1.1.9. Diversify the western Canadian economy by making strategic investments in the commercialization and adoption of clean energy technologies through the Western Diversification Program. (WD)
• 1.1.10. Provide tax relief to Canadians who use public transit regularly and encourage individuals to make a sustained commitment to using public transit regularly to help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and GHG emissions, through the Public Transit Tax Credit. (FIN)
• 1.1.11. Continue to collaborate with partners to enhance Canada's competitive advantage in hydrogen and fuel cell technology development and commercialization. (IC)
• 1.1.12. Work with international partners to implement Canada's commitments concluded in international climate change negotiations such as mitigation targets and actions; short-and long-term financing; mechanisms for technology and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation; adaptation actions; and provisions for transparency and accountability of climate change actions. (EC)
• 1.1.13. Continue to work with international partners to address short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) in various international fora, including through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce SLCPs and the Arctic Council. (EC)
• 1.1.14. 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. (TC) (NEW)
• 1.1.15. Promote the production of clean renewable electricity. (NRCan)
• 1.1.16. Work with the public and federal government decision-makers to ensure that they have access to information that supports decisions on climate change and clean energy issues. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.1.17. Increase fuel producers' capacity to produce renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel. (NRCan)
• 1.1.18. Promote the adoption of energy efficient products and practices that contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions. (NRCan)
• 1.1.19. Work with industry stakeholders/technology developers to increase demonstration of environmental technologies, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts of the mining industry. (NRCan)
• 1.1.20. Support Science & Technologies of innovative solutions for environmental challenges in the energy sector, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts and producing and using energy in a more clean and efficient way. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.1.21. Address GHG emissions from the marine sector by funding the installation of marine shore power facilities in Canadian ports. (TC)
• 1.1.22. Develop innovative new materials technologies for advanced nuclear reactors and cleaner fossil fuel generating plants, resulting in more efficient and cleaner energy production. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.1.23. Develop new materials technologies to transport fossil fuels more efficiently, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts from energy transportation. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.1.24. Develop advanced materials technologies for use in new energy-efficient vehicle design, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts in transportation. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.1.25. 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. (TC)
• 1.1.26. Work with the standards community to develop and update codes and standards as they relate to alternative transportation fuels. (NRCan)
• 1.1.27. Improve energy efficiency in Canada through programming that targets the housing, buildings, equipment, industrial and transportation sectors. (NRCan)
• 1.1.28. Continue to implement the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF) through to 2017–2018, providing $250 million over five years to automotive companies in support of strategic, large-scale research and development projects in the automotive sector to support innovative, greener and more fuel-efficient vehicles. (IC)

Advancing Knowledge and Communications

• 1.1.29. Work with key stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, end-users, alternative and conventional fuel producers, vehicle and equipment manufacturers) to increase their knowledge of alternative fuel pathways. (NRCan)
• 1.1.30. Conduct basic and applied research to increase knowledge of the effects of agricultural production on air. (AAFC)
• 1.1.31. Conduct targeted research to increase knowledge of climate change relative to agriculture and assess and report on the collective environmental and economic impact of the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices by farmers on the Canadian landscape. Program components will be determined in early 2013. (AAFC)
• 1.1.32. Undertake and deliver scientific research, risk assessment and regular reporting in support of regulatory and other programs, including data analysis, inventory development, monitoring, modelling and assessment of the effectiveness of efforts as well as research on options, costs and benefits, and technology assessments. (EC)
• 1.1.33. Develop climate change strategies aligned with the U.S. as appropriate for Canadian circumstances as part of Canada's commitment to meet its national GHG emissions target. (EC) (IMPROVED)
• 1.1.34. Provide analysis and assessments of the environmental performance of new and emerging technologies, and contribute to the oversight of programs that advance clean technologies. (EC)
• 1.1.35. United Nations:
  • 1.1.35.1. Provide legal services and advice for the international climate change negotiations, coordinate financial obligations. (DFAIT) (IMPROVED)
  • 1.1.35.2. Participate in negotiations. (AAFC)
  • 1.1.35.3. Develop and submit a complete and compliant annual national GHG Inventory
  • Report and Common Reporting Format tables to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat by April 15 to meet UNFCCCreporting requirements. (EC)
  • 1.1.35.4. Lead Government of Canada participation in international negotiations on climate change for a post-2020 climate change agreement. (EC) (IMPROVED)
• 1.1.36. Multilateral Organizations Outside of the UNFCCC:
  • 1.1.36.1. Support Canada's participation in multilateral organizations outside the United Nations, such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Global Methane Initiative and Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves. (EC)
• 1.1.37. Ensure that Canada's international climate change objectives are advanced in international meetings (e.g. Canada-U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue, UNFCCC, Clean Energy Ministerial). (NRCan, EC)
• 1.1.38. Work with the U.S.and Mexico under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to improve comparability of emissions data, methodologies and inventories. (EC) (NEW)
• 1.1.39. Quantify the carbon (GHG) footprint of Canada's strategic gateways and trade corridors. (TC) (NEW)
• 1.1.40. Develop policy options and inform stakeholders in a timely manner on the development of marine renewable energy in the federal offshore. (NRCan)
• 1.1.41. Analyze key forest carbon options, contributing to international negotiations on GHG accounting and reporting rules for forest carbon, and continue to develop Canada's National Forest Carbon Monitoring, Accounting and Reporting System. (NRCan) (IMPROVED)
• 1.1.42. Undertake modelling, analysis and research, and develop regulatory impact analysis statements in order to support informed federal decision making on policy approaches to reduce GHG emissions and to analyze the economic and competitiveness impacts of policy approaches. (EC) (NEW)
• 1.1.43. Contribute to the overall functioning of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research and their ongoing work to produce policy-relevant scientific information on climate change. (EC) (NEW)
• 1.1.44. Provide science information and expertise to inform science assessments and reports related to climate change. (EC)

Demanding Performance

• 1.1.45. Continue to implement and expand the single-window reporting initiative for national releases and emissions reporting. (EC) (NEW)
• 1.1.46. Develop GHG emission regulations for light-duty vehicles (for model years 2017–2025) and heavy-duty vehicles (for model years 2014–2018) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which will align with those of the U.S. (EC, TC) (NEW)
• 1.1.47. Continue to develop and implement regulations to reduce GHG emissions from major emitting industrial sectors. (EC)
• 1.1.48. Address GHG emissions from maritime shipping by supporting 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. (EC, TC)
• 1.1.49. 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. (TC)
• 1.1.50. 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, monitoring Canada's voluntary Action Plan in collaboration with the Canadian domestic aviation sector, and through targeted research. (TC)
• 1.1.51. Impose a Green Levy on the most fuel-inefficient passenger vehicles available in Canada. (FIN)

Implementation Strategies

Enabling Capacity

• 1.2.1. Work with Aboriginal and northern communities, organizations and governments on climate change issues by supporting them in managing vulnerabilities and opportunities created by a changing climate. (AANDC) (IMPROVED)
• 1.2.2. Work with domestic and international stakeholders to reduce infectious diseases risks and public health threats related to climate change by increasing public health capacity and expertise through targeted research, modelling, and cost-benefit analysis. (PHAC) (NEW)
• 1.2.3. Implement the Adaptation Platform to enable collaboration on adaptation including the development and exchange of information, tools and expertise. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.2.4. Support adaptation by enabling the integrated assessment of the implications of climate change for Canada's forest sector. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.2.5. Work with Aboriginal and northern communities to develop and deploy standards that support more resilient infrastructure and reduce impacts from climate change at the community level. (AANDC, SCC) (NEW)
• 1.2.6. Work with Canadian communities to implement heat alert and response systems and provide information/education about the health impacts of extreme heat to public health professionals and the public. (HC)
• 1.2.7. Address the health effects of climate change by funding community-based research projects that enable northern First Nations and Inuit communities to develop climate change adaptation strategies and action plans. (HC) (NEW)
• 1.2.8. Through the assessment of risk and the development of science-based knowledge and applied adaptation tools, enable climate change considerations to influence decision making by the Department and by Canadians at large. (DFO) (NEW)

Advancing Knowledge and Communications

• 1.2.9. Improve understanding of climate-driven ecological change in Canada's North over the next five years by using a combination of remote sensing techniques and working with park cooperative management boards to assess how ecological integrity and traditional land use may be affected by climate-driven changes in northern national parks. (PC) (NEW)
• 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. (TC) (NEW)
• 1.2.11. Work with governments and communities in the North (north of 60° latitude) to ensure that they have information on adaptation measures. (NRCan) (NEW)
• 1.2.12. Support adaptation decision making by developing the capacity to understand climate system behaviour, the human influence on climate, and future climate on various spatial and temporal scales. (EC) (NEW)

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Implementation Strategies

Enabling Capacity

• 2.1.1. Finance projects that would, among other things, help to optimize resource use, valuing residual resources, and contribute to eco-efficiency. (CED)
• 2.1.2. Encourage businesses, through the accelerated capital cost allowance for clean energy generation equipment, to invest in specified equipment that can contribute to a reduction in harmful emissions and diversification of the energy supply. (FIN)
• 2.1.3. The Atlantic Energy Gateway initiative aims to facilitate development of the Atlantic renewable energy sector by fostering collaboration, common understanding and communication among governments, and between governments and the private sector, to maximize and expedite the development of renewable energy resources in the region. (ACOA)
• 2.1.4. Diversify the western Canadian economy by making strategic investments in the commercialization and adoption of clean energy technologies through the Western Diversification Program. (WD)
• 2.1.5. Provide tax relief to Canadians who use public transit regularly and encourage individuals to make a sustained commitment to using public transit regularly to help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and GHG emissions, through the Public Transit Tax Credit. (FIN)
• 2.1.6. Continue to collaborate with partners to enhance Canada's competitive advantage in hydrogen and fuel-cell technology development and commercialization. (IC)
• 2.1.7. Address air pollutant 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 air pollutant emissions can be introduced in Canada in a safe and timely manner. (TC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.1.8. 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. (TC) (NEW)
• 2.1.9. Address air pollutant emissions from the marine sector by funding the installation of marine shore power facilities in Canadian ports. (TC) (NEW)

Advancing Knowledge and Communications

• 2.1.10. National Pollutant Release Inventory tracking through the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (EC)
• 2.1.11. Undertake scientific research, risk assessment and regular reporting in support of regulatory and other programs delivered, including data analysis, inventory development, monitoring, modelling and assessment of the effectiveness of efforts as well as research on options, costs and benefits including economic and social and technology assessments. (EC, HC)
• 2.1.12. Communicate outdoor air pollution health risks to Canadians through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which provides current and forecast air-quality information and advice on health risks in order to assist Canadians in making decisions on how to reduce their level of exposure. Continue development of the AQHI and continue implementation in all provinces and major communities in the North to achieve access for 80% of the Canadian population. (HC, EC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.1.13. Provide science information and expertise to inform science assessments and reports related to air quality. (EC)
• 2.1.14. Submit air pollutant inventories to meet international reporting requirements using the National Pollutant Release Inventory to the UN Economic Commission for Europe to meet the reporting obligations of the protocols ratified under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution. (EC)
• 2.1.15. Provide analysis and assessments of the environmental performance of new and emerging technologies, and contribute to the oversight of programs that advance clean technologies. (EC) (NEW)
• 2.1.16. Undertake modelling, analysis and research, and develop regulatory impact analysis statements in order to support informed federal decision making on policy approaches to reduce air pollutant emissions and to analyze the economic and competitiveness impacts of policy approaches. (EC) (NEW)
• 2.1.17. Begin to deliver the monitoring, modelling and scientific information and advice required to determine the impact of air emissions from the oil sands sector on the ecosystem and on the air that Canadians breathe. (EC) (NEW)

Demanding Performance

• 2.1.18. Work with the U.S. to reduce transboundary air pollution under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement and work towards the completion of the necessary scientific, technical and regulatory foundations required for the consideration of a Particulate Matter Annex to the Agreement. (EC, HC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.1.19. Address air pollutant emissions from maritime shipping by supporting 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. (EC, TC)
• 2.1.20. 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. (TC)
• 2.1.21. Target control measures on volatile organic compounds in some consumer and commercial products. (EC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.1.22. Continue to work collaboratively with provinces, territories and stakeholders to implement the Air Quality Management System, which includes new ambient air quality standards, a framework for managing air quality through local air zones and regional airsheds, and emissions requirements for major industrial sectors. (EC, HC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.1.23. Continue to develop, implement and administer emission standards to reduce air pollutants in the transportation sector. (EC)
• 2.1.24. Continue to develop, implement and administer emission standards to reduce air pollutants in the major industrial sectors. (EC) (NEW)
• 2.1.25. 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. (TC)
• 2.1.26. Impose a Green Levy on the most fuel-inefficient passenger vehicles available in Canada. (FIN)
• 2.1.27. Continue to promote a North American proposal to phase-down emissions of hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol and develop complementary domestic regulations when appropriate. (EC)
• 2.1.28. Deliver compliance promotion activities for key regulatory initiatives. (EC)
• 2.1.29. Work with the U.S.and Mexico under the auspices of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation to strengthen environmental enforcement. (EC) (NEW)
• 2.1.30. Revise domestic ozone-depleting substances regulations in support of the Montreal Protocol commitment to accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. (EC) (NEW)

Implementation Strategies

Advancing Knowledge and Communications

• 2.2.1. Conduct research, assessments and communication activities in order to provide health based guidance on reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants. (HC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.2.2. Maintain a database of indoor radon levels in Canadian homes and buildings. Assess new methods and technologies for measuring and reducing radon gas levels in homes and buildings. Maintain a radon awareness program to give information to Canadians on ways to reduce their exposure to radon. (HC, StatCan) (IMPROVED)
• 2.2.3. Develop indoor air quality design tools, emission databases for building and consumer products, evaluate air purification solutions and technologies, and disseminate indoor-air-quality related information to building operators and homeowners. (NRC) (NEW)

Implementation Strategies

Advancing Knowledge and Communications

• 2.3.1. Assess 100% of 1500 targeted existing commercial substances as identified under the Chemicals Management Plan for risks to human health and/or the environment by 2016. (EC, HC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.3.2. Address 100% of new substances, for which Environment Canada has been notified by industry of their intended manufacture or import, to determine if they may pose risks to human health and/or the environment within the timelines in the regulation or established services standards. (EC, HC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.3.3. The Northern Contaminants Program will continue monitoring contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North. (AANDC)

Enabling Capacity

• 2.3.4. Work with other jurisdictions to undertake regional and multilateral efforts to manage chemicals of concern for Canadians and their environment. (EC) (NEW)

Demanding Performance

• 2.3.5. Ensure at least one risk management measure is in place within the legally mandated timeframes for 100% of substances deemed to be harmful to human health or the environment. (EC, HC) (IMPROVED)
• 2.3.6. Deliver compliance promotion activities for key regulatory initiatives. (EC)

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