Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report: 2021 to 2022
This report on progress supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole of government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.
The departmental information reported accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
This report details Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's individual departmental actions that support the targets and/or goals of the 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). For information on the Government of Canada's overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report, which, per the requirements of the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, is released at least once in each three year period.
Table of contents
1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2019 to 2022 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 the Act, to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
2. Sustainable development in CIRNAC
CIRNAC's 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy describes the department's actions in support of achieving the following goals of the 2019 -2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
This report presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to this these goals. Previous years' reports are posted on the CIRNAC's website.
This report details CIRNAC's individual departmental actions that support the targets and/or goals of the 2019 to 2022 FSDS. For information on the Government of Canada's overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report, which, per the requirements of the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, is released at least once in each three year period
3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal
The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.
Context: Greening Government
CIRNAC is the custodian of buildings, leases space in facilities across the country, manages a fleet of vehicles, and procures goods and services in order to serve Canadians, Indigenous communities, and Northerners. CIRNAC's greening government activities are integrated with departmental material management and investment planning, and provided as an internal service in support of all departmental programs.
The commitments under the Greening 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 will take concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its buildings and fleets, divert waste from landfills, undertake clean technology demonstration projects, and support green procurement practices, including the implementation of a new departmental directive on green procurement.
During the 2021-22 fiscal year, CIRNAC prioritized the development and approval of departmental green procurement policy and targets. Reducing facility emissions from departmental operations in Nunavut represents CIRNAC's greatest challenge and strategic priority for greening government. CIRNAC purchases clean electricity certificates to offset emissions generated by electricity purchased for departmental facilities in Nunavut, however it remains difficult to significantly reduce CIRNAC's facility emissions since all departmental facilities currently rely on heating fuel.
Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green operations.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral) | All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing | Develop net-zero climate-resilient real property portfolio plan to determine the most cost-effective pathway to climate-resilient real property operations by 2050, including leveraging opportunities for portfolio rationalization, sharing facilities, maximizing energy efficiency, and switching to lower carbon fuels. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators
Targets Targets CIRNAC will develop a zero-carbon real property portfolio strategy by fiscal year 2021–22. |
Performance Indicators
Development of CIRNAC's net-zero climate-resilient real property portfolio strategy has been delayed but is planned for fiscal year 2022-23. |
Actions that reduce the demand for energy or switch to lower carbon sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs from building operations. |
| Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings | Internal collaboration to identify and progress on opportunities for clean technologies, building operations, and building environmental performance during fiscal year 2020–21. |
CIRNAC received funding from the Greening Government Fund to install two solar array systems, one with a storage battery, at the Mount Nansen Site, an off grid remote abandoned mine site under remediation in Central Yukon, to offset approximately 546 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions by reducing diesel generator use. |
Understanding the range of applications for clean technology in building operations, and identifying what clean technology is purchased by Departments for what purposes will raise awareness about clean technology opportunities in the built environment and ultimately reduce GHG emissions and support more efficient production and consumption. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
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| Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced | 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators
Targets |
Performance Indicators
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Rationalization of fleets via retirement of emitting vehicles can reduce GHG emissions. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
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| Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030 | CIRNAC will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of waste, and lead by example through operations that are zero-carbon, resilient, and green. | Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022. Engage employees on waste diversion initiatives. Report building energy and water usage and waste generated using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager in all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators
Targets *Note that, due to the global pandemic, finalizing these results may be delayed, but it is expected that baseline measures will be established by fiscal year 2021–22. |
CIRNAC's baseline data for non-hazardous operational waste is under development and expected to be released by fiscal year 2022–23. Historical waste data for operational facilities in Nunavut is unavailable at present.
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Actions that reduce the generation of non-hazardous operational waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
| Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030 | CIRNAC will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of waste, and lead by example through operations that are zero-carbon, resilient, and green. | Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings. Develop departmental policy instruments to mandate and support the elimination of unnecessary single-use plastics. When procuring products that contain plastics, CIRNAC will promote the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste. Track and disclose departmental waste diversion rates by 2022. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators
Targets *Note that, due to the global pandemic, finalizing these results may be delayed, but it is expected that baseline measures will be established by fiscal year 2021–22. |
Collection of data regarding single-use plastic has deferred until the occupancy of departmental offices increases. Remote work during the pandemic has decentralized single-use plastic generated by internal operations. Performance Indicators
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Actions that reduce the generation of plastic waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials. |
| Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030) | CIRNAC will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of waste, and lead by example through operations that are zero-carbon, resilient, and green. | Track and disclose departmental waste diversion rates by 2022. Establish departmental green procurement targets to require the diversion of waste from construction and demolition projects. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators
Targets *Note that, due to the global pandemic, finalizing these results may be delayed, but it is expected that baseline measures will be established by fiscal year 2021–22. |
Performance Indicators |
Actions that reduce the generation of construction and demolition waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
| By 2030, 75% of domestic office lease transactions must be carbon neutral in situations where the federal government represents 75% or greater of the occupied space (square metres), market conditions permit and a competitive environment exists | In all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres, landlords must report building energy and water usage and waste generated using EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager | All new domestic office leases and lease renewals awarded after April 1, 2025, where the federal government is the majority tenant, market conditions permit and a competitive environment exists, preference will be given to buildings with the highest available ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager score. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators
Targets *Note that, due to the global pandemic, finalizing these results may be delayed, but it is expected that baseline measures will be established by fiscal year 2021–22. |
All domestic offices leased by CIRNAC are provided and reported by PSPC. Performance Indicators
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Higher performing buildings with the highest scores will generally minimize energy use and therefore GHG emissions from heating and electricity (where applicable). Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
| Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 | Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced | 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators % of annual administrative fleet purchases that are zero-emission vehicles or hybrid = 0% (fiscal year 2019–20) % of ZEV in administrative fleet = 0% (fiscal year 2019–20) Executive vehicle hybrid or zero-emission vehicle purchases = 2 (fiscal year 2019–20) Targets |
Performance Indicators
CIRNAC faces challenges in complying with this target as most departmental vehicles are required to operate in remote and extremely cold northern locations where service support for zero-emission vehicles is not readily available. CIRNAC is updating its departmental policies and procedures for fleet purchases to require completion of "right-sizing" charts for new vehicles. |
As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetimes with zero-emission vehicles, and/or the size of the fleet is reduced, a greater proportion of the fleet will be zero-emission vehicles. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
| By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations | Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned | By 2021, CIRNAC will take action to understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect federal assets, services and operations across the country. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
Performance Indicators |
Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and 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. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 13: Climate Action |
| By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council Canada (NRCC) | All major real property projects will integrate climate change adaptation into the design, construction and operation aspects. Climate change adaptation will be included in the design, construction and operation aspects of real property or engineered asset projects. Construct buildings conforming to the NRCC code. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets *Note that, due to the global pandemic, finalizing these results may be delayed, but it is expected that baseline measures will be established by fiscal year 2021–22. |
CIRNAC will begin tracking and reporting climate change adaptation and building code compliance for departmental real property projects during fiscal year 2022-23. CIRNAC rarely constructs new facilities but relies on construction to support contaminated site remediation. | Early adoption of the code in the construction of buildings demonstrates federal leadership in climate resilient buildings. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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| Use 100% clean electricity by 2025 | CIRNAC will purchase renewable energy certificates to offset all GHG emissions generated by departmental electricity consumption starting in fiscal year 2021–22. | In regions with carbon-emitting electricity generation, organizations will at a minimum produce or purchase megawatt hours of renewable electricity equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid. This includes the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site. There is a preference, but not a requirement, to buy electricity in the province or territory in which it is consumed. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators Electricity consumption from non-emitting sources (including renewable energy certificates) in the year = 0 kWh/year Estimated annual electricity consumption from non-clean sources of energy in 2022: 968,000 kWh/year* % of clean electricity = 0 % Targets *Based on provincial/territorial electricity grid projections of energy sources in 2022. |
Offsets are purchased for all electricity used by CIRNAC in Nunavut as no non-emitting sources are available locally. Performance Indicators
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The use of clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions in jurisdictions with emitting generation sources. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy |
| Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government | Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation | Specification of low embodied carbon materials in construction and construction contracts. Substitution of low embodied carbon materials in construction and renovation projects. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets *Note that, due to the global pandemic, finalizing these results may be delayed, but it is expected that baseline measures will be established by fiscal year 2021–22. |
CIRNAC's net-zero climate-resilient real property portfolio plan has been delayed and is now planned for development during fiscal year 2022–23. This plan will mandate consideration of embodied carbon and integration of climate change adaptation in all real property projects. Performance Indicators |
The use of low embodied carbon materials expands the market and encourages industry to adopt low carbon extraction, production and disposal practices. This will reduce Scope 3 emissions and other harmful environmental impacts. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
| Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions | Include criteria that address carbon reduction, sustainable plastics and broader environmental benefits into procurements for goods and services that have a high environmental impact. Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls. Incorporate environmental considerations into the development of any common-use procurement instruments. Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations. Set departmental targets to reduce the environmental impact of specific goods or services. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators Inclusion of environmental considerations (e.g. reduce, reuse, or include environmental criteria) in new common-use procurement instruments in 2019–20: 100% Inclusion of environmental considerations (e.g. reduce, reuse, or include environmental criteria) in procurements valued over $2 million in 2019–20: Not available Targets
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Approval of CIRNAC's departmental green procurement targets and directive on green procurement was delayed during 2022 to prioritize approval of a superior framework for materiel and asset management, and to adjust targets based on feedback from Senior Management. CIRNAC is now proceeding without the department-selected targets for paper and accommodations due to changes in departmental procurement during the pandemic. Approval and implementation are expected in 2022. Performance Indicators
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Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
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| Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects | Undertake or commission research and development for innovative clean technologies. Address specific departmental needs or increase operational efficiency by testing state-of-the-art innovations not yet available in the marketplace. Lead by example as an early adopter of clean technology innovations. Develop operational innovation proposals for the Greening Government Fund. Create departmental set-asides or targets for procurement of clean technology goods and services. Incorporate life-cycle assessments and outcomes-based approaches into procurement practices to ensure innovative approaches are considered. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
CIRNAC's internal consultation during fiscal year 2021-22 did not identify any additional opportunities to adopt clean technologies. CIRNAC is however actively promoting clean technologies among the various groups and communities supported by the department across the North. CIRNAC's custodial real property portfolio is limited and the climatic conditions in Nunavut provides few opportunities to adopt clean technologies, however internal stakeholders are consulted regularly to identify any opportunities for the adoption of clean technology. |
Actions by individual departments that incent, support, or procure state-of-the-art innovative clean technologies that lower the environmental footprint of government operations while contributing to the success of clean-tech businesses in Canada. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
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| Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees | Ensure decisions makers, material management and specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators % of specialists in procurement who have completed departmental training on recording green procurement in the financial information system is to be reported starting in fiscal year 2021–22. Targets |
Performance Indicators
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Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
Context: Effective Action on Climate Change
CIRNAC's climate change adaptation programs aim to empower Indigenous Peoples and northerners to continue to take a leadership role in climate action through participation in policy and programming. Adaptation projects are community-led, build capacity and skills and yield economic opportunities for communities. These projects provided support in areas such as: identification, prioritization and costing of climate change adaptation options, hazard identification, implementation of adaptation measures and community-based climate monitoring. Due to the global pandemic the implementation of some projects were delayed, the programs provided additional flexibility to communities that required more time to complete projects.
A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change | Provide support and funding for climate resilience. | Provide funding to First Nations communities to assess climate change risks, develop adaptation plans and develop flood plain maps. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
$9 million invested in 2021-2022 Since 2016, FNA has invested over $44 million in 182 projects. |
The FNA program supports community driven projects that allow First Nations in provinces 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. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 13: Climate Action |
| Provides funding to northern and Indigenous communities to assess climate change risks, develop adaptation plans and implement adaptation actions. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
$7.9 million invested in 2021-2022 Since 2016, CCPN has invested over $47 million in 278 projects. |
The CCPN program supports community-driven projects that allow northern and Indigenous communities in northern Canada to take action on climate change. $7,500,000 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. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 13: Climate Action |
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| Provides funding to help Indigenous Peoples monitor climate and environmental changes in their communities/traditional lands. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
$6 million invested in 2021-2022 Since 2017, ICBCM has invested over $27 million in 159 projects. |
The ICBCM supports Indigenous Peoples 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. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 13: Climate Action |
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| Work with partners on climate change. | Support capacity building and engagement and support the distinctions-based bilateral Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
$5 million invested in 2021-2022 Since 2017, the EIPICP has invested over $24 million in 44 projects. |
The EIPICP builds capacity in National and Regional Indigenous Organizations by providing funding for Indigenous climate change positions, holding climate change events and engagement sessions such as the PCF tables. Building climate change capacity in Indigenous organizations allows Indigenous peoples to take a leadership role in actions on climate change within their communities and regions. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 13: Climate Action |
Context: Clean Energy
CIRNAC's Northern REACHE program aims to empower Indigenous Peoples and northerners to continue to take a leadership role in climate action through participation in policy and programming. Projects are community-led, build capacity and skills and yield economic opportunities for communities. The program supports northern communities, governments, and organizations to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that reduce diesel use for electricity and heating. Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan committed to invest an additional $300 million over five years to advance the Government's commitment to ensure that rural, remote and Indigenous communities that currently rely on diesel have the resources to be powered by clean, reliable energy by 2030. In 2021-22, CIRNAC worked with Natural Resources Canada and Indigenous Services Canada on an approach to streamline community access to federal clean energy programming and to plan for northern clean energy transformation.
All Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources. | Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy infrastructure. | Support northern communities, governments, and organizations to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that reduce diesel use for electricity and heating. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
Estimated reduction of 600,000 liters in 2021-2022, with a cumulative total of 1.8 million liters reduced since 2016. | The Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity (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. Over 30 projects are funded annually with $3,750,000. These projects focus on proven technologies such as: solar, wind, energy storage, hydro, biomass heating, residual heat recovery and LED. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy |
Context: Sustainable Food
Nutrition North Canada is expanding to strengthen support for food security in eligible communities. Building on existing Nutrition North Canada programming, which includes a retail subsidy, the Harvesters Support Grant, and nutrition education initiatives, additional supports including a community food programs fund and a food security research grant will provide significant support to further strengthen local food systems. Developed in direct collaboration with Indigenous and northern partners, this expanded programming will better support Northerner's own food priorities, while improving conditions for food sovereignty within northern communities. This includes creating less reliance on store bought food, encouraging the restoration of harvesting culture and practices, and supporting local food production and community food sharing activities.
Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food | Residents in eligible communities have access to nutritious, perishable foods at a subsidized rate. | Starting Points 0% (2010-11) Performance Indicators Targets |
Since its launch in 2011, Nutrition North Canada (NNC) has committed to ensuring that its full retail subsidy is passed on to consumers. NNC met its target of 100% of annual compliance/audit reports demonstrating that subsidies have been fully passed onto consumers by March 31, 2021. NNC works closely with northern partners to monitor results and seek input for ongoing improvements. It is also committed to ensuring that its operations are fully transparent. |
Nutrition North Canada (NNC) is a Government of Canada program that helps support sustainable foods and food security systems for Northerners. Beyond access to nutrition and healthy foods, NNC is addressing issues of food security through policies that promote healthy and sustainable foods and food security systems in the North. These are composed of 3 critical elements that need to be addressed together: 1) affordable market food, 2) country/traditional food and, 3) locally produced food. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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| Provide a subsidy for staple goods (non-perishables and other non-food/essential items shipped by surface transportation. | Starting Points 20,458,417 kg in 2010–11 Performance Indicators Targets |
Recent uptake of the Nutrition North Canada retail subsidy program has been unprecedented. In 2020-21,over 42 million kg of subsidized food and essential items were shipped to isolated northern communities. This represented an increase of roughly 10 million kg, or 30 percent, from the previous year. It also equals the total net growth of the first 8 years of the program, which was established in 2011. The program is awaiting final results for 2021-22. |
Nutrition North Canada's food retail subsidy helps improve the availability and access of nutritious food at reduced prices for northern residents, which contributes to healthy diets and food choices Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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| Isolated northern communities' nutritional choices and community health are strengthened. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
Nutrition North Canada's retail subsidy program has contributed to lower food prices over the past decade, at levels below the Food Mail era. Between April 2011 and March 2021, the cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket for a family of 4 was on average 1.73 percent, or approximately $7 lower per month, than in March 2011. |
Nutrition North Canada continues to subsidize market foods while supplementing the food system with traditional foods to enhance sustainable food and food systems in the North Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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| Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food | Deliver the Harvesters Support Grant to eligible communities so that they can equip themselves for the harvesting of country foods in support of food sharing activities. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets Target 2: 100% of land claim organizations and self-government entities in receipt of grants by March 2020. |
As of April 1st 2022, 100% of eligible communities have access to grant funding. In its first year, over 5,500 harvesters, over 150 hunts and more than over 120 food sharing items or initiatives were supported by the Grant. Through flexible grant agreements that promote self-determination and local decision making, recipients described the Harvesters Support Grant as an important step towards reconciliation and meaningfully addressing food security. |
The Harvesters Support grant provides support for residents in eligible communities for harvesting and food sharing activities. As a result, local food systems and food economies are strengthened to ensure equitable and secure food access. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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Context: Safe and Healthy Communities
CIRNAC continued to manage contaminated sites in the 3 territories, ensuring the ongoing protection of health and safety for Indigenous peoples and Northerners located within proximity to these sites. The Department undertook remediation work on 12 sites and conducted monitoring on 39 sites that had been previously remediated. CIRNAC also continued care and maintenance and remediation planning activities on the 8 projects funded through the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.
In 2021-2022, the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) continued to engage Northerners and scientists in research and monitoring of long-range transboundary pollutants in the northern and Arctic environment, wildlife, and people, and to establish baseline levels of microplastic pollution in the environment and wildlife. The majority of the 67 NCP-funded projects, including those focused on human health and environmental research and monitoring, as well as community-based work, progressed well, though in many cases plans were modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate safe work and engagement. Travel restrictions and difficulties with laboratory access and shipping due to the COVID-19 pandemic remained a challenge for NCP projects in 2021-2022; however, the pandemic-related impacts on projects and the program overall were less than those seen throughout 2020-2021. Importantly, the samples, data, and information generated for the long-term monitoring of trends of priority contaminants continued, as did the communication of these and other results to Northerners and communities.
All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities | Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites. | Initiate the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to manage 8 abandoned mines in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Manage the Department's portfolio of contaminated sites under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan. |
Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
In 2021-2022, 83% of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program's 77 high-priority contaminated sites were actively managed. | The management of contaminated sites will allow the department to reduce or eliminate risks to human health and the environment. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
| Provide information to inform action and decision-making. | Continue research and monitoring related to contaminant levels and their effects in wildlife and people in the Canadian North as part of the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) efforts to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods, while providing information that assists individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their food use | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
2021-2022: 47% Data, reports, and publications generated by the Northern Contaminants Program and the projects it supports are available to the public through: the Polar Data Catalogue (metadata and data); the NCP publications database within the Arctic Science and Technology Information System (peer reviewed and grey literature); and the NCP website on science.gc.ca (Synopsis of Research reports, Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Reports, Calls for Proposals, Project Summaries, etc.). Like 2020-2021, the results for this indicator in 2021-2022 were affected by delays in the production of the annual NCP Synopsis of Research reports and updates to the program website. The completion of the outstanding and subsequent NCP Synopsis of Research reports and other key communication deliverables including website updates will be dependent on accessing appropriate resources for NSCR in 2022-2023. |
The data generated by the 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. Specifically, this information supports action and decision-making by Northern health authorities, and under processes of the Arctic Council, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
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| Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances. | 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 to make informed decisions about their food use. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
Northern Contaminants Program 2021-2022: 90% 36 of the 40 long-term datasets for contaminants in air and seawater (15), humans (1), wildlife (13), and fish (11) had successful sample collections or added data through archived samples in 2021-2022. The high capacity that has been developed in terms of contaminants sampling expertise in participating communities, and the ongoing partnerships and relationships formed through years of collaboration ensured at least partially successful sample collections, even throughout the most challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, sampling was again impacted by COVID-19 in 2021-2022, though less so than in 2020-2021. However, a number of other issues were noted that included: dangerous weather and sea ice conditions, changes in personnel or capacity, and in at least one case, project leaders wanted to ensure that consultations and engagement with the participating communities and regional organizations are brought up to date before sampling resumes. As in 2020-2021, the most impacted core monitoring project was the most logistically challenging (e.g., sampling seabird eggs requires climbing experts and remote aircraft support). Project leaders continue to analyze a backlog of samples as most federal laboratories were closed for extended periods during the pandemic, though several projects have now been brought up-to-date. |
The NCP plays a particularly important role in generating scientific information on contaminants in the Arctic. NCP research results help in the development of associated long-term global monitoring and research programs. The NCP and its researchers work in an interdisciplinary approach and include natural and social sciences as well as community-based monitoring and Indigenous knowledge. NCP has been cultivating links with other Canadian Arctic science programs such as ArcticNet and Polar Knowledge Canada to promote coordination and cooperation. The NCP works with the northern regions through 5 Regional Contaminants Committees, and 4 Inuit Research Advisors to lead and participate in NCP-funded research and communications initiatives. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
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| Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundary air pollution. | 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 Programme), 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. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
2021-2022: 96% Most of the projects funded through the NCP produce data and other information, and support expertise that contributes to publications, assessments and initiatives related to contaminant levels and trends, contributing to the scientific evidence base in support of international chemicals management and pollution prevention. The NCP also coordinates with the Canadian focal points (in Environment and Climate Change Canada) to provide expertise, data and other information as needed for activities under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. In 2021, Canada put forth its first nomination of a candidate persistent organic pollutant (POP) to the Stockholm Convention, with support from NCP-funded experts and data. A NCP-focused side event held at the Minamata Convention COP 4.1 (held virtually in November 2021), co-led by ICC, CIRNAC and AMAP, brought NCP and its approach to co-development of Hg monitoring practices with Indigenous peoples to a broad, international audience. |
The NCP contributes scientific data to contaminants-related international agreements and assessments, helping to position Canada as an international leader in Arctic science. The data generated by the 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. Specifically, this information supports action and decision-making by northern health authorities, and under processes of the Arctic Council, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption |
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| Safe and Healthy Communities | Identify priority science needs to improve the detection, sampling and analysis of plastics and microplastics in Arctic and northern ecosystems, and establish baselines for long-term monitoring of trends, through the NCP. These research and monitoring activities will contribute to Canada's Plastics Science Agenda (CaPSA), furthering our understanding of how plastics and microplastics are distributed and move through Arctic ecosystems. As plastics science advances, it will better inform policy development and improve the ability to track the effectiveness of actions taken. | Starting Points Performance Indicators Targets |
# of datasets: 10 compartments, 22 or more individual datasets The Northern Contaminants Program has supported research and monitoring of plastic pollution across the North, as well as related capacity development, through 21 environmental monitoring and research projects; 4 community-based monitoring and research projects; 8 Regional Contaminants Committees/Inuit Research Advisor positions in 4 Inuit regions, as well as 3 workshops and contributions to the litter and microplastic activities of the Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). These projects laid a foundation for establishing baselines for long-term monitoring of microplastics in the following 10 environmental compartments: freshwater fish, sea-run Arctic Char, seabirds (Northern fulmars, Thick-billed Murre, common Eider, Black-legged Kittiwake), air, snow, ice, fresh water, sea water, sediments and mammals (beluga, polar bear, ringed seal). The research has advanced the development of standard protocols/approaches for monitoring plastics in the North, explored potential wildlife health issues from plastic exposure, and begun to identify hotspots, sources and pathways for plastic pollution in the North. |
Found in even the most remote environments, plastic and microplastic pollution is a global concern, although there is currently very limited Arctic data. The NCP has identified priority science needs to improve the detection, sampling and analysis of plastics in Arctic and northern atmospheric, terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments and wildlife. These research and monitoring activities will contribute to Canada's Plastics Science Agenda (CaPSA), furthering our understanding of how plastics and microplastics are distributed and move through Arctic ecosystems. As plastics science advances, it will better inform policy development and improve the ability to track the effectiveness of actions taken. Related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption and SDG 14: Life Below Water |
Integrating sustainable development
As part of CIRNAC's effort to contribute to Canada's FSDS, the department has established goals and targets and is identifying actions to support sustainable development priorities, which have been identified on national and international levels. Part of this effort includes CIRNAC's consideration of sustainable development and environmental risks in the development of policies, programs, plans and reports. The commitments made in this strategy align with the Departmental Plan and will be aligned to the upcoming Departmental Results Report and Program Information Profiles.
CIRNAC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, the department will continue to ensure that all proposals submitted to the department for approval include a preliminary scan and, if required, a SEA. A SEA for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on FSDS goals and targets.
Presently, CIRNAC provides guidance to the proposal leads about the application of the SEA process and requirements of the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, and further efforts are being taken to strengthen and enhance this function within the department to support the success of the 2020 to 2023 DSDS. CIRNAC defines a proposal as a memorandum to Cabinet, a Treasury Board Submission, a regulatory proposal, memoranda to the Minister that are seeking concurrence and any other strategic document seeking Ministerial or Cabinet approval.
Statements on the results of CIRNAC's assessments are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA (see 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.