Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy: Departmental Website Component of the 2012-2013 Report on Plans and Priorities

Provision of timely, credible science advice and assessment on Canada’s rapidly changing climate and how it functions in the North and elsewhere is delivered to support federal decision making on climate change mitigation and adaptation. This includes Canada’s contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Performance expectations:

• There will be a qualitative assessment of the satisfaction of government decision-makers with the timeliness, credibility and relevance of atmospheric science advice and assessment related to climate change.

Under the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda, comprehensive inventories of greenhouse gases for both sources and sinks are developed and reported annually as part of Canada’s United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) obligations. Data and methods to estimate, model and quantify both emissions and removals of GHGs are developed and implemented and analyses to understand the drivers and trends prepared. The program provides Canadians with information on greenhouse gas emissions at national, provincial and regional scales. There are two main sources of information for GHG emissions available on this website.

National Inventory Report (NIR) provides primary source for tracking of progress toward FSDS Target 1.1.

Performance expectations:

• Meet annual international reporting obligation for UNFCCC
• Meet annual domestic reporting obligations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

This strategy will be implemented through regulatory development to address GHG emissions on a sector-by-sector basis, aligned with the U.S. as appropriate. It will include monitoring of developments in the U.S. approach to climate change and active engagement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as needed.

This contributes to achieving Target 1.1 by ensuring that Canada’s target and approach are aligned with the U.S. as appropriate.

Climate change strategies that are to be aligned with the U.S. also include those aimed at advancing clean energy and clean technologies. This includes Canada’s activities under the Canada–U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue (CED) and activities under the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program, which involves joint clean technology verification initiatives with U.S.

Performance expectations:

• Implementation of Passenger Automobile and Light Truck GHG Emissions Regulations beginning with the 2011 model year;
• Development of GHG regulations to reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, aligned with the U.S.; and
• Finalization of regulations to reduce GHG emissions from the coal-fired thermal electricity sector. Work is also underway to extend GHG regulatory approaches to all major emitting sectors and to develop regulations for other major emitting industrial sectors, including oil and gas.

Under the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda, the government committed to developing a single, harmonized system for the regulatory reporting of all air emissions and related information. The Single Window Reporting (SWR) initiative is one component of the single harmonized system which sets the stage for a forum to pursue harmonization of reporting methodologies, thereby improving confidence and credibility with results associated with the targeted reduction of Canada’s total GHG emissions.

The Environment Canada (EC) SWR system is currently used to collect information on GHG emissions for the Federal GHG Reporting Program as well as for British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario GHG Reporting Regulations. EC is currently in discussions with other provinces which have demonstrated potential interest in using EC’s SWR to collect their GHG information.

Performance expectations:

• In 2012–2013, EC will continue discussions with other provinces and EC regulatory programs interested in using the EC SWR. This ongoing work will be expanded to support an inclusive Canadian approach for data collection.

The renewable fuels regulations, along with provincial regulations, are expected to reduce GHG emissions by about 4 megatonnes per year, the equivalent of removing 1 million vehicles from the road. Visit this website for more information.

Performance expectations:

• In 2010, regulations requiring 5% renewable content based on the gasoline pool were published. In 2011, EC developed the renewable fuels regulations amendment requiring a 2% renewable content minimum in diesel fuel and heating oil.
• This implementation strategy was completed in July 2011 when the amendments were published in the Canada Gazette.

In 2010, EC published the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations for new passenger car and light trucks for the 2011–2016 model years, aligned with U.S. regulations. Visit this website for more information.

As cars and light trucks account for about 12% of Canada’s total GHG emissions, this will help reach the 2020 emissions target.

Performance expectations:

• These regulations are now being implemented.
• The vehicles and engines that are covered by the regulations for the period 2011-16 will be subject to performance reporting, testing and verification.

These proposed regulations will target the 2014 and later model years new on-road heavy-duty vehicles and will align with U.S. standards. Visit this website for more information.

As heavy-duty vehicles account for 44 Mt (6%) of GHG emissions in Canada in 2005, this will contribute to reaching the 2020 emissions target.

Performance expectations:

• In August 2011, a consultation document was released.
• Work to finalize regulations will continue.

New coal-burning electricity units and those that have reached the end of their economic life will be required to meet a stringent performance standard. Visit this website for more information. As coal-fired electricity generators account for 13% of GHG emissions in Canada, this will help reach the 2020 target of a 17% reduction.

Performance expectations:

• Work to finalize regulations will continue.

The activity will be implemented through continued bilateral and multilateral engagement with provincial and territorial representatives including through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Domestic Climate Change.

This contributes to achieving Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation by facilitating coordination and cooperation with the provinces and territories in order to develop coherent approaches addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

Performance expectations:

• Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group progress on Domestic Climate Change: 2 to 3 meetings to be held in 2012–2013;
• Federal-Provincial-Territorial Oil and Gas GHG Working Group: 4 to 5 meetings to be held in 2012–2013

Environment Canada will work with Transport Canada and the IMO to develop GHG emissions standards for international shipping. These standards will also include options for the use of both technical and market-based mechanism in order to meet reduction targets. Visit this website for more information.

As marine transportation accounted for 6 Mt (0.8%) of GHG emissions in Canada in 2005, this will help reach the 2020 emissions target.

Performance expectations:

• EC supported Transport Canada on work to support the adoption of the energy efficiency development index (EEDI). It was adopted by the IMO in July 2011.
• Environment Canada provides expertise and advice to Transport Canada as needed and will support Transport Canada in the implementation of the North American Emissions Control Area in 2012.

The MOU with the Railway Association of Canada expired in December 2010. Visit this website for more information.

Performance expectations:

• Environment Canada provides expertise and advice to Transport Canada as needed.

The CED will remain a key mechanism for engaging with the U.S. to align clean energy policies and regulations and promote joint research and development on clean energy technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change (Target 1.1).

Performance expectations:

• Canada will implement the Action Plan for Phase II in coordination with the U.S. Secretariat and facilitate joint research projects in the following three focus areas: clean energy R&D and energy efficiency; carbon capture and storage; and a more efficient electricity grid based on clean and renewable generation.

The environmental footprint of energy technologies is evaluated and timely, authoritative technology advice and assessment is delivered to advance clean technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This includes advice and oversight to programs that advance clean technologies, including Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Centres (CETACs), the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), and Canada's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program.

Performance expectations:

• Satisfaction of government decision-makers with the timeliness, credibility and relevance of technology advice and assessment as measured through user group evaluation questionnaires and consultations. (Target: 80% by 2014.)
• Annual reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide equivalents) resulting from environmental technologies supported through programs (see above) to which EC contributes advice and oversight. (Target: 12.5 MT by 2015.)

The Vehicle Scrappage Program offered rewards–such as free transit passes, car sharing memberships, $300 cash and rebates on the purchase of cleaner vehicles–to Canadians who retired their older, highly-polluting personal vehicles. The program was mainly delivered though Summerhill Impact, a not-for-profit organization with a network of local agents that delivered the program in each province and developed partnerships with incentive providers, vehicle recyclers, and call centres.

The program also directly contributed to the achievement of Target 2.1: Air Pollutants.

Performance expectations:

• The program ended on March 31, 2011.

Canada will continue to work constructively with international partners through the UNFCCC process and related international fora to implement the Copenhagen Accord and the Cancun Agreements and to continue negotiations under the UNFCCC for a legally binding post-2012 agreement that is based on the Accord and is fair, effective and comprehensive.

Key areas for further work includes developing a new system for measuring, reporting and verifying global greenhouse gas emissions, establishing a global adaptation framework, a new technology mechanism and a new global fund to mobilize both public and private sector funds for climate finance.

As part of our commitment to provide our fair share of fast-start financing under the Accord, Canada will, subject to approval, contribute new and additional climate change financing from fiscal year 2010–2011 to 2012–2013. This financing will go towards supporting developing countries' efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, with a focus on three priority areas – adaptation, clean energy, and forests and agriculture. (Goal 1)

Performance expectations:

• For 2012–2013: Implement projects to assist most vulnerable states mitigate and adapt to climate changes and to ensure that Canada’s results are communicated in a transparent manner. Possible projects for the 2012–2013 fiscal year will be subject to approvals.

The activity will be implemented through Canadian participation in the Arctic Council Task Force on Short Lived Climate Forcers.

Canada will continue to participate in the negotiations under the Gothenburg Protocol to the LRTAP Convention to include black carbon in the Protocol.

Addressing SLCFs provides an opportunity to mitigate climate change in the near-term. This activity is part of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address climate change. Although a number of existing measures address SLCFs, EC is examining options for enhancing Canadian action in this area.

Performance expectations:

• EC will submit a final Arctic Council Task Force report with recommendations on possible actions to mitigate short-lived climate forcers to Ministers in 2013.

EC will continue to lead Canada’s constructive participation in the international negotiations process under the UN and in various complementary fora outside of the UN, such as the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum, as well as continue to manage and maintain the secretariat that supports the Chief Negotiator and Ambassador for Climate Change. (Goal 1).

Performance expectations:

• Canada participates constructively in UN negotiation sessions, as well as in meetings of complementary fora. The secretariat housed in EC effectively manages and coordinates a whole-of-government approach to support to the Chief Negotiator and Ambassador for Climate Change.

A rigorous mandatory reporting of GHG emissions and related information is essential to meet international reporting obligations (UNFCCC and Kyoto), to inform development of realistic and enforceable industrial GHG emission regulations, and to ensure that reduction targets are met.

Activities included are the development and maintenance of the National System and National Inventory Report (NIR), the development and maintenance of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program as one component of the Single Window Reporting System, the development of IPCC quantification methodologies, ISO verification standards, participation of experts in UNFCCC Reviews, preparation of a GHG Trends Report, preparation of the GHG Indicator for CESI, and to provision of support to domestic program groups involved in regulatory development to support the Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions.

As a member of the UNFCCC, Canada must contribute to the International Transaction Log (ITL), which is the mechanism wherein all member countries record their carbon credits. Canada’s National Registry links with the ITL and is used to submit Canada’s carbon credit status each year.

NIR provides primary source for tracking of progress toward FSDS Target 1.1.

Performance expectations:

• Canada’s Greenhouse Gas National Inventory Report scheduled to be submitted annually by April 15.

EC will lead Canada’s participation in international clean technology partnerships, including the Global Methane Initiative and coordinate activities related to Short Lived Climate Forcers (Goal 1).

Performance expectations:

• Canada participates in international partnerships, to deliver environmental and economic benefits and advance the development or deployment of clean technologies.

In August 2010, the United States decided to end its participation in the Asia-Pacific Partnership (APP). In the meeting held at that time, all Partner countries agreed that, while the APP had achieved considerable success, it would be wound down in early 2011. During 2007–2011 Canada invested in public-private partnership projects in APP partner countries that have delivered environmental benefits, economic benefits for Canadians and advanced the development or deployment of clean technologies.

Performance expectations:

• The APP concluded in March 2011.

Environment Canada provides support to Transport Canada as it formulates Canada’s position and participation at the ICAO.

As aviation accounted for 8 Mt (1.1%) of GHG emissions in Canada in 2005, this will contribute to reaching the 2020 emissions target.

Performance expectations:

• Environment Canada provides expertise and advice to Transport Canada as needed.