Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
Table of contents
Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016 to 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 purpose of this Act to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) supports reporting on the implementation of the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
Section 2: Sustainable Development in CIRNAC
CIRNAC's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) for 2017 to 2020 describes the department's actions in support of achieving the following FSDS goals:
- low carbon government
- effective action on climate change
- clean energy
- sustainable food
- safe and healthy communities
This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to this these goals. Previous years' supplementary information tables are posted on CIRNAC's website.
Please note that the 2017–20 Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) DSDS is used for 2019–20. Refer to the 2019–20 Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Departmental Results Report for information on clean drinking water, modern and resilient infrastructure and ISC's contributions to the other FSDS goals.
Section 3: Departmental performance by FSDS goal
The following tables provide performance information on departmental action in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.
Low-Carbon Government
Context: CIRNAC is the custodian of buildings, leases space in facilities across the country, manages a fleet of vehicles, and procure goods and services in order to serve Canadians. The commitments under the low-carbon government goal outline the areas CIRNAC plans to focus on to continue to reduce the environmental effects associated with the department's physical operations and procurement decisions. Specifically, CIRNAC has taken steps to 'green' their buildings, support the reduction of energy use in the department's fleet, and better integrate environmental performance considerations into all aspects of the departmental procurement processes.
FSDS Target: Reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve this reduction by 2025.
Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and targets: 12.7, 13.2
| Corresponding departmental actions | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop a baseline of facility GHG emissions Implement the updated Real Property Sustainability Framework Assess and optimize the environmental performance of real property projects and assets |
Departmental Real Property Sustainability Framework and environmental performance standards for real property are currently being developed Environmental performance indicators for real property will be included in the next update to this strategy CIRNAC developed baseline facility GHG emissions (2017–18 = 1837 tCO2e) |
GHG emissions % change in GHG emissions from facilities from 2005–06 to 2019–20 Update real property environmental performance standards by 2018–19 |
Reduce GHG emissions from CIRNAC buildings by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve this reduction by 2025 | 2019–20: 2217 tCO2e 2018–19: 2281 tCO2e 2017–18: 1837 tCO2e 21% increase between 2017–18 and 2019–20, mainly due to expanding operations at the recently-commissioned Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. A new daycare constructed by CIRNAC in Iqaluit also started generating significant emissions during 2019-20. |
Finalization of CIRNAC's Real Property Sustainability Framework and real property environmental performance standards has been delayed to 2020–21 to align with the forthcoming Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Assets and Acquired Services Policy Suite Reset. CIRNAC will develop a Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy in accordance with the Greening Government Strategy. CIRNAC focused on real property due diligence, interdepartmental transfers for the transformation of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), and other greening files during 2019–20. The transformation required comprehensive updates to CIRNAC's governance and implementation of greening government targets. |
| Corresponding departmental actions | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce carbon intensity through vehicle purchase and replacement (deploying hybrid, electric, and fuel-efficient vehicles where feasible) Promote behaviour change (e.g. anti-idling campaigns, driver training, car-pooling initiatives) |
GHG emissions from fleet in 2005–06 (base year): 0.534 ktCO2e | Reduce GHG emissions from fleet relative to 2005-06 | Reduce GHG emissions from CIRNAC vehicles by 40% below 2005 levels | 2019–20: 0.080 ktCO2e 2018–19: 0.087 ktCO2e 2017–18: 0.426 ktCO2e The difference between 2017–18 and 2018–19 is due to the transfer of former DIAND vehicles to ISC. CIRNAC's GHGs for 2018–19 onwards should be compared to CIRNAC's estimated 2005-06 baseline (0.083 ktCO2e). |
CIRNAC's first independent fleet emissions report was developed in 2018–19. CIRNAC's fleet emissions for 2017–18 included former DIAND vehicles used by ISC, and prior emissions were reported under DIAND. CIRNAC's base year emissions for 2005-06 (former DIAND vehicles operating North of 60° latitude) have been identified based on TBS guidance. CIRNAC's adjusted base year emissions inventory is planned for approval in 2020–21. |
| % change in GHG emissions from fleet from 2005–06 to 2016–17 = 24.3% decrease | % change in GHG emissions from fleet from 2005–06 to 2019–20 | 40% by 2020 | 3.6% decrease relative to CIRNAC's estimated 2005-06 base year emissions | The starting point represents changes for the former DIAND. The 3.6% decrease as at 2019–20 is relative to CIRNAC's adjusted base year emissions (0.083 ktCO2e). % change in GHG emissions from fleet from 2005-06 to 2018-19: 4.8% increase. |
|
| Overall fuel consumption (Gasoline Litres Equivalent) in 2016–17: 180,003 litres | Overall fuel consumption (Gasoline Litres Equivalent) | Lower than 35,465 litres | 2019–20: 34,728 litres 2018–19: 37,664 litres 2005–06: 35,465 litres (estimated) |
The starting point in 2016–17 reflects fuel consumed by the former department of DIAND, including vehicles used by ISC. Consequently, fuel used by DIAND vehicles operating Northern regions in 2005-06 is used to estimate base year fuel consumption for CIRNAC. |
| Corresponding departmental actions | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Establish updated departmental targets to reduce the environmental impact of specific goods or services Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls |
A new departmental Green Procurement Policy and respective green procurement targets were developed for implementation in 2019–20 | % of completion of the departmental Green Procurement Implementation Strategy | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: 14% (1 of 7 actions) 2018–19: Not applicable 2017–18: Not applicable |
CIRNAC's Assistant Deputy Ministers endorsed the new CIRNAC Directive on Green Procurement and proposed departmental Green Procurement Targets during 2019–20. These items are planned for finalization and Deputy Minister approval during 2020–21. CIRNAC is integrating green procurement with departmental investment planning to align expenditures with the Greening Government Strategy. |
| Incorporate environmental considerations into the development of any common-use procurement instruments | Not available | % of common-use procurement instruments developed that incorporate environmental considerations | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: 100% 2018–19: 100% 2017–18: 100% |
All common-use procurement instruments developed by CIRNAC include environmental considerations based on guidance provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). |
| Not available1 | % of purchases that include criteria or clauses which reduce the environmental impact of the product or service being purchased | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: 100% 2018–19: 100% 2017–18: 100% |
All common-use procurement instruments developed by CIRNAC include environmental considerations based on guidance provided by PSPC. | |
| Ensure decision-makers have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement | 2016–17 (baseline): 95% (21 of 22 positions) |
% of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: 100% (estimated) 2018–19: 100% (estimated) 2017–18: 100% (estimated) |
CIRNAC's procurement needs are fulfilled by ISC's Procurement Operations through a Memorandum of Understanding and a Service Level Agreement for the provision of common services. CIRNAC also relies on materiel management specialists in their regions to support departmental operations. It is estimated that CIRNAC maintained 100% compliance with this target from 2017–18 to 2019–20 as all ISC procurement officers are required to complete the Canada School of Public Service course on Green Procurement. CIRNAC acquisition cardholders are also required to complete this course, and the CIRNAC Green Procurement Implementation Strategy mandates promotion of training on green procurement to cost centre managers and materiel management specialists in 2020–21. Tracking of training completion will be expanded as additional key positions are identified. |
| Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations | 2016–17 (baseline): 3 positions (100%) |
Number and % of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution towards green procurement in the current fiscal year | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: 33% 2018–19: 33% 2017–18: 33% |
The CIRNAC Green Procurement Implementation Strategy applies this action to all management positions in the Materiel and Assets Management Directorate. CIRNAC's Assistant Deputy Ministers endorsed the CIRNAC Green Procurement Implementation Strategy for Deputy Minister approval in 2019–20. |
| 1All CIRNAC purchases through National Master Standing Offers managed by Public Services and Procurement Canada and Shared Services Canada include such criteria. | |||||
| Corresponding departmental actions | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor annual GHG emissions from business-related air travel | GHG emissions from business-related air travel in 2008–09 (base year) = 8876 tonnes | % change in GHG emissions from business-related air travel from 2008–09 | 25% by March 31, 2021 | 2019–20: Available in 2021 2018–19: 2.3 kt CO2e 2017–18: Not available |
CIRNAC's GHG emissions from business-related air travel for 2018–19 are the first year these emissions are reported independently for the new department. Prior air travel emissions were reported under DIAND. Emissions for 2019–20 will be reported through the Centre for Greening Government during 2020–21. |
| Promote awareness of environmental impacts due to employee travel Promote the use of teleconferences and videoconferences to minimize travel requirements for meetings |
CIRNAC promotes awareness of environmental impacts due to employee travel through regular annual events such as Canadian Environment Week and the Commuter Challenge | Development of an Employee Engagement Strategy in collaboration with the Greening Government Working group Development of a Greening Operations Employee Engagement Strategy |
Employee Engagement Strategy and Greening Operations Employee Engagement Strategy by March 31, 2018 | The CIRNAC Greening Government Employee Engagement Strategy was endorsed by the Directors General Implementation and Operations Committee during 2018–19 | The CIRNAC Greening Government Employee Engagement Strategy was developed based on guidance provided by the Office of Greening Government Operations to provide an ongoing plan for communications and outreach activities to support greening initiatives and priorities. The CIRNAC Sustainable Workplace Operations Approach was endorsed by CIRNAC's Assistant Deputy Ministers in 2018–19 and includes employee engagement as an integral ongoing activity. |
| Purchase GHG emission offsets for travel where feasible and in accordance with federal direction. | CIRNAC has not purchased GHG emission offset credits for business-related travel or large events up to 2017–18 | Development of guidance to employees and managers on purchasing offsets for travel | Guidance to employees and managers by March 31, 2019 | CIRNAC did not develop guidance to employees and managers on purchasing offsets for travel. | CIRNAC delayed development of guidance on purchasing offsets due to the absence of federal guidance. CIRNAC will develop guidance on purchasing offsets in accordance with the forthcoming updated Greening Government Strategy, including purchases by recipients of grants and contributions. Purchase of offsets will mitigate emissions generated by necessary departmental activities such as travel for negotiations and resource management activities. |
| Volume (kt CO2e) and cost of GHG emission offset credits purchased by the department in the given fiscal year | Annually | 2019–20: no GHG emission offset credits purchased 2018–19: no GHG emission offset credits purchased 2017–18: no GHG emission offset credits purchased |
Non applicable |
Effective action on climate change
Context: Climate change is a critical global problem that could affect future generations' ability to meet their basic needs. CIRNAC's suite of climate change programs support effective action on climate change through both mitigation and adaptation. CIRNAC's Northern REACHE (Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heating and Electricity) program provides funding for planning and implementing of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building and planning in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut regions. Increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources will result in environmental, social, and economic benefits to support developing healthier, more sustainable Northern communities. Adaptation, a key factor in addressing climate change, is about making smart, informed, forward-looking decisions. CIRNAC's First Nation Adapt, Climate Change Preparedness in the North and new Indigenous Climate Community-Based Monitoring programs focus on developing information and tools to support Indigenous and Northern communities to identify climate change impacts and adaptation measures. The long-term outcome of these programs is to increase resilience to climate change impacts by implementing adaptation measures.
FSDS Target: By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels.
Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and targets: 7.3, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3
| Corresponding departmental actions | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work with territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and communities, and other federal departments — through the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program — to identify northern adaptation priorities by developing a Northern Adaptation Strategy | New program – does not have existing data | A Northern Adaptation Strategy, identifying northern priorities is developed | Northern Adaptation Strategy | A draft Northern Adaptation Strategy was developed in 2018 | Establishing northern climate change priorities supports the North's ability to take effective action on climate change. A change in direction on this work took place in 2018 as other initiatives came to replace this work. In 2019, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami led the development of the National Inuit Climate Change Strategy, the Government of the Northwest Territories (NWT) developed the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework and Action Plan and the Government of Yukon developed the Our Clean Future strategy. |
| Corresponding departmental actions | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provide direct funding support to northern Indigenous communities, all 3 territorial governments, and the 2 regional Indigenous governments in Nunavik and Nunatsiavut — through the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program — to assess the risks of climate change on infrastructure, traditional livelihoods, and local economies; and identify adaptation measures. | New programs – no existing data | % of completed risk assessments and adaptation plans that identify adaptation measures | 50% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: data available in 2021 2018–19: 100% 2017–18: N/A |
The Climate Change Preparedness in the North (CCPN) program supports community-driven projects that allow Northern and Indigenous Communities in northern Canada to take action on climate change. $8,800,000 is available annually to support climate change projects such as: climate change risk assessments, development of hazard maps and adaptation plans, development of adaptation options and the implementation of structural and non-structural adaptation measures. |
| % of completed territorial government and northern community risk assessment and adaptation plans containing adaptation measures that are implemented | 40% by March 31, 2021 | 2019–20: data available in 2021 2018–19: 50% 2017–18: N/A |
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| Direct funding — through the First Nation Adapt program — will provide support to First Nation communities, band councils, tribal councils and Indigenous organizations to assess and develop plans for First Nation communities on-reserve to respond to the potential climate change impacts on community infrastructure and emergency management. | New programs – no existing data | % of completed risk assessments and adaptation plans identify adaptation measures | 50% by March 31, 2019 | 2019–20: data available in 2021 2018–19: 62% 2017–18: N/A |
The First Nation Adapt (FNA) program supports community-driven projects that allow First Nations south of the 60th parallel to take action on climate change. $9,000,000 in funding is available annually to support projects such as: climate change risk assessments; integration of climate change risks into community planning documents; identification of adaptation measures to reduce climate change impacts; collection of Indigenous Knowledge regarding community-based local knowledge of past climate events and trends, floodplain mapping to assess current and future projected flood risks to community infrastructure. |
| Provide direct funding — through the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring program — to support Indigenous communities to collect climate data at the community level and facilitate the integration of the information into regional and national monitoring initiatives. | New program – no existing data | Number of community-based climate monitoring projects funded per year | 15 to 20 communities per year starting 2018–19 | 2019–20: 103 2018–19: 105 2017–18: 31 |
The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring program (ICBCM) supports Indigenous People to monitor climate and climate change impacts for use in decision making using both Indigenous Knowledge and science. Annually, $6,000,000 is allocated to support projects which may include: training and hiring of community members; developing monitoring plans, monitoring key climate indicators; assessing and managing data; communicating results; networking and community engagement. |
Clean energy
Context: CIRNAC seeks to ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy by working with territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and communities, and other federal departments to develop a plan and timeline for deploying innovative renewable energy and efficiency alternatives to diesel. The plan also includes working with other governments and the private sector to improve the development of clean and renewable energy sources, including through the Northern REACHE (Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heating and Electricity) program.
FSDS Target:
- by 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources
- by 2025, contribute to the North American goal of 50% clean power generation
- by 2019, there is a favourable 5-year trend in renewable electricity capacity compared to overall electricity sources, from a 2014 level of 64.4%
Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and targets: 7.2
| Corresponding departmental actions2 | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provide funding support to Northern communities, governments, and organizations — The Northern REACHE program — to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that reduce diesel use for electricity and heating | New program –no existing data | Reduction (in litres) in the consumption of diesel fuel for electricity and heating in northern communities resulting from renewable energy and energy efficiency projects | 13 million litres of diesel fuel reduced (or 0.035 Megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions reduced) by 2028. | 30 projects in 2018–19 resulted in an estimated reduction of 342,000 litres of diesel fuel. Since 2016 there has been estimated reduction of 775,000 litres, which represents a reduction of approximately 0.0021 megatonnes of greenhouses gas emissions. | The Northern REACHE program aims to reduce northern communities' reliance on diesel fuel for electricity and heating. By funding clean energy and energy efficiency projects the program will reduce the use of diesel, contributing to reduced GHG emissions. Projects focus on proven technologies such as: solar, wind, energy storage, hydro, biomass heating, residual heat recovery and LED |
| 2 Northern REACHE had a new Treasury Board Submission in 2017 which include revised and more meaningful indicators. This section was updated to reflect the new indicators. | |||||
Sustainable food
Context: CIRNAC contributes to creating a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians through its Nutrition North Canada (NNC) program. CIRNAC provides a retail-based subsidy on nutritious, perishable food that must be transported by air to northern communities without year-round surface access to ensure these foods are more accessible and affordable for residents of isolated northern communities in Canada.
FSDS Target: Ensure safe and accessible food supply by mitigating risks to animal and plant resources from pests, diseases and other health hazards and prevent risks to health of Canadians.
Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and targets: 2.1
| Corresponding departmental actions | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provide a retail-based subsidy on nutritious, perishable food that must be transported by air to northern communities without year-round surface access. | Cost of the basket in isolated northern communities in 2010–2011, before the launch of the NNC program | The annual growth rate of food prices in isolated communities, compared to the national growth rate | At or below the annual trend (increase/decrease) for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: -1.17% 2018–19: -0.01% 2017–18: 2.16% |
In 2019–20, NNC continued to provide a retail-based subsidy in isolated, northern communities to make food more accessible and affordable than it otherwise would be. The program worked to build and strengthen its relationships with Indigenous and northern partners, and made updates to the program based on their feedback. On August 21, 2019, the Government of Canada announced it would expand the list of eligible non-perishable items which are subsidized to include those transported via sealift, barge, or winter road, as well as family-friendly items such as macaroni, flour and diapers. These changes have been informed by participation on the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group, which was established in early 2019, as well as the NNC Indigenous Working Group, and the advice of the NNC Advisory Board. |
Safe and Healthy Communities
Context: CIRNAC seeks to ensure all Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being by managing contaminated sites to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety. CIRNAC implements the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and completes remediation and risk management activities at known high-priority federal contaminated sites. In addition, the data generated by the Northern Contaminants program (NCP) is used to assess ecosystem and human health, and the findings of these assessments inform policy, resulting in action to eliminate contaminants from long-range sources.
FSDS Target: By 2020, address the 4,300 substances identified as priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan.
Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and targets: 3, 12.4
| Corresponding departmental actions2 | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and complete remediation and risk management activities at known high-priority federal contaminated sites | The % of high-priority Northern Contaminated Sites that have advanced to Step 8 implementation) through Step 10 (monitoring) of the Approach to Federal Contaminated Sites' 10-step process is tracked annually3 | % of high-priority sites in Step 8 (implementation) through Step 10 (monitoring) of the Approach to Federal Contaminated Sites *The performance indicator considers sites that are being actively managed by the department, which is defined as planning, remediation and monitoring work on site. |
45% of high-priority sites4 by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: 67% 2018–19: 49% 2017–18: 54% |
The department made strong progress on moving a number of high-priority contaminated sites into the implementation phase of their remediation plans. While CIRNAC treats immediate risks on site through care and maintenance, undertaking remediation work ensures longer-term safety to local communities and the environment. |
| 3 The greater the %, the greater the proportion of high-priority Northern contaminated sites where remediation, risk management and monitoring activities are occurring to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety. 4 Defined as sites classified as Class 1 sites as per the National Classification System for Contaminated Sites. |
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| Corresponding departmental actions2 | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continue research and monitoring related to contaminant levels and their effects in wildlife and people in the Canadian North as part of the NCP efforts to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods, while providing information that assists individuals and communities make informed decisions about their food use | To measure environmental and health risks from harmful substances, the NCP tracks levels of key substances in the environment, in wildlife, and in people who are most at risk of exposure to environmental contaminants through a diet that is high in certain country foods | % of current NCP research, results and information accessible nationally and internationally | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: Not available5 2018–19: 63% 2017–18: 96% |
The data and information generated by more than 50 projects under the NCP in 2019–20 is contributing to a better understanding of contaminants in air, water, wildlife, and the diets of northern Indigenous peoples, and is being used to assess ecosystem and human health. The latest results were shared with a broad audience at the biennial Results Workshop, in Whitehorse, Yukon (October 2019) and will soon be published in the annual Synopsis of Research report. The results have also informed recent Canadian contributions to the Stockholm Convention, Minamata Convention, and assessments under the Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, including the 2018 Biological Effects of Contaminants on Arctic Wildlife and Fish. |
| 5 The source of the data for these indicators belongs to the communities not the department. Project reports are submitted to CIRNAC following the conclusion of the project. Once received, reports are analyzed for results to be included in performance tracking. The annual data set is generally not complete until 6-12 months after fiscal-year end. | |||||
| Corresponding departmental actions2 | Starting point | Performance indicator | Target | Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continue research and monitoring related to contaminant levels and their effects in wildlife and people in the Canadian North as part of the NCP efforts to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods, while providing information that assists individuals and communities make informed decisions about their food use | Statistical analysis is conducted to determine the change in contaminant concentrations compared to 1990 levels for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and compared to 2013 levels for mercury6 | % decrease in concentrations of previously identified contaminants in human and wildlife populations in the North | 5 to 10% decrease in 3 indicator persistent organic pollutants concentrations over 1990 levels by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: available in 2021 2018–19: 78% decrease 2017–18: 80% decrease |
The NCP monitors POPs to assess their levels and trends in human and wildlife populations in the North. Models using data from the NCP's long-term monitoring activities show a rate of decline of certain currently regulated contaminants of approximately 7% per year, with an average decrease of 78% since 1990, which exceeds the target of 5-10% total reductions (1990-2018). NCP data continue to provide a basis for Canadian contributions to the Stockholm Convention on POPs, which regulates these types of contaminants globally. While most regulated POPs are now declining in the Arctic and elsewhere, a wide range of chemicals of emerging Arctic concern have been detected in Arctic ecosystems and are being monitored for possible consideration for international regulation. |
| 1 to 3% decrease in mercury concentrations over 2013 levels by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: Results available in 2021 2018–19: 3.5% decrease 2017–18: Not available |
The NCP monitors mercury concentrations in the Arctic environment to assess levels and trends in human and wildlife populations in the North. Models using data from the NCP's long-term monitoring activities show a rate of decline of approximately 1.4% per year, with levels in 2018 having decreased a total of 3.5% compared to 2013, which exceeds the target of 1-3% total reductions (2013-2018). NCP data and information continue to provide a basis for Canadian contributions to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which regulates mercury emissions globally. NCP data and information also contributed to the United Nations Environment Programme's Global Mercury Assessment 2018, which noted "One of the strengths of [Canada's Northern Contaminants Program] is the interdisciplinary approach taken to assess and monitor mercury risks to ecological and human health through the participation of Indigenous organizations, environmental scientists, and human health professionals." | |||
| Continue, through the NCP, to contribute data, information, leadership and expertise in support of international initiatives under the Arctic Council (e.g. the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment program), international agreements and their effectiveness evaluation (e.g. the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury), and other initiatives aimed at efforts to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate transboundary contaminants that make their way into northern food chains that include traditionally harvested foods | Not available | % of current NCP research, results and information accessible nationally and internationally | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: Not available7 2018–19: 63% 2017–18: 96% |
The data and information generated by more than 50 projects under the NCP in 2019–20 is contributing to a better understanding of contaminants in air, water, wildlife, and the diets of northern Indigenous peoples, and is being used to assess ecosystem and human health. This information supports food choice decisions for Indigenous people and Northerners who rely on country/traditional foods for nutrition and well-being. The latest results were shared with a broad audience at the biennial Results Workshop, in Whitehorse, Yukon (October 2019) and will soon be published in the annual Synopsis of Research report. The results have also informed recent Canadian contributions to the Stockholm Convention, Minamata Convention, and assessments under the Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, including the 2018 Biological Effects of Contaminants on Arctic Wildlife and Fish. |
| % of NCP data sets used in regional, national and international policy-relevant assessments and obligations under international conventions | 80% (annually) by March 31, 2020 | 2019–20: 94% 2018–19: 91% 2017–18: 90% |
Long-term contaminants data sets established and/or maintained through the NCP continue to provide valuable information for national and northern health authorities in making evidence-based decisions with respect to risk from contaminants exposure, helping Canadians reduce their exposure to harmful contaminants. These data sets are critical for the information they provide for evidence-based policy and decision-makers working to reduce and eliminate long-range contaminants in the Arctic. This includes providing information in support of Canadian contributions to regulatory conventions such as the Stockholm Convention, Minamata Convention, and international policy relevant assessments under the Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. | ||
| 6 The greater the % decrease, the greater the reduction in concentration of these contaminants in human and wildlife populations 7 It is anticipated that the data for this indicator will be available by the end of March 2021. Several documents and data sources are required to calculate a result, including one report that is normally available 6 to 9 months following the end of the fiscal year. Several steps are still required before the data informing this metric is available. |
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Section 4: Report on integrating sustainable development
CIRNAC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process. A SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.
Public statements on the results of CIRNAC's assessments are posted when an initiative that has undergone a detailed SEA (Sustainable development). The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision-making.