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Land, fresh water and oceans, and the diversity of life they support are the basis for a healthy society and economy. They provide a vast array of services to society-including life-supporting natural processes that clean the air, purify the water, pollinate plants, absorb carbon dioxide, recycle nutrients, process wastes, prevent floods, control pests and replenish soils. The services provided by natural capital are often very expensive to replace or are irreplaceable.
Pressures from a growing population combined with an increasing demand for goods and services are resulting in the heavy demands on land and water in some areas. In turn, these are threats to the long-term viability of ecosystems and the services they provide . Also, the long-term effect of acid rain, industrial use of pesticides and other chemicals and the rising threat from global warming compound the pressures on already stressed ecosystems. Finally, the advent of globalization, along with the increased international movement of people and goods, is also contributing to the introduction of new diseases and invasive alien species, increasing the threats to wildlife and its habitat.
Water is emerging as a critical issue of the 21st century. Despite significant reductions in point source discharges of contaminants to Canadian waterways, other key sources of pollution remain, including emerging chemicals, many of which are hardly known.
The number of proposals for large natural resource development projects is forecast to increase significantly, particularly in areas that once were pristine wilderness. Decisions made by governments, industry and individuals determine how natural capital is used and managed. These decisions, in turn, affect the health of the ecosystem and its ability to provide these goods and services into the future.
The activities performed by Environment Canada supporting this Strategic Outcome include the following areas of programming:
Environment Canada's programs, services and initiatives to restore, conserve and enhance Canada's natural capital involve the building of shared strategies and partnerships for conserving Canada's wildlife, ecosystems, freshwater and wetland resources.
In March of 2008, the Status Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) identified key challenges and made recommendations for a number of activities included within this Strategic Outcome area. The Department accepts these recommendations and is providing concrete and targeted actions in response to issues raised in the report. [7]
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Habitat
The Species at Risk Act (SARA) was proclaimed in June 2003, and is one part of a three-part Government of Canada strategy for the protection of wildlife species at risk. This three-part strategy also includes commitments under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk and activities under the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk.
The Act recognizes that the responsibility for the conservation of wildlife in Canada is shared by federal and provincial/territorial governments. The federal government is responsible for terrestrial species found on federal lands as well as aquatic species and most migratory birds, while the provincial and territorial governments have primary responsibility for the other species. SARA also includes provisions for the protection of individuals belonging to federally listed wildlife species and for their critical habitats and residences.
Budget 2007 allocated $110 million over the next two years for more effective implementation of the Species at Risk Act . In 2007-2008, progress was made in a number of areas, including the further listings of species to be protected; the development of recovery strategies and undertaking of science in support of identification of critical habitat for important species like the woodland caribou; the development of a national framework and the signing of specific federal-provincial agreements to facilitate cooperation among involved jurisdictions.
At the global level, Environment Canada's International Trade in Endangered Species program is responsible for ensuring Canada's obligations as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are met through the effective implementation of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).
This international program aims to protect global species from the risks posed by international trade. The program does this by controlling through permits, the import and export (and movement within Canada) of CITES-listed species; assessing and identifying Canadian species for CITES listing; and ensuring that international proposals to list species under CITES that include Canadian populations conform to the intent and rules of CITES.
In April 2007 it was announced that Canada had joined the international "Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking" (CAWT). The C oalition aims to address the illegal trade of plants and animals, so that joining the Coalition complements Canada's commitment to CITES. In 2007-2008 Canada undertook some deliverables under CAWT in the areas of enforcement, building the partnership, and catalyzing political will. For example, Canada has shared species identification guides; built domestic capacity through the recruitment of wildlife officers; profiled CAWT and CAWT's issues internationally at the Convention on Biological Diversity and G8; and, actively recruited members to the partnership i.e. Chile and Mexico.
The Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity took place in Bonn, Germany May 19-30, 2008, which included a High-Level Segment, May 28-30. Environment Canada led Canada's participation, which included attendance by Prime Minister Harper and Environment Minister Baird at the opening session of the High-Level Segment on May 28. Following extensive discussions on a wide variety of biodiversity-related issues such as biofuels, protected areas, genetically modified trees, and ocean fertilization, Parties adopted thirty-seven decisions, which included a road map until 2010 for continuing negotiation of an international regime under the Convention on access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits arising from their use.
Budget 2007 announced $10 million over two years towards new protected areas in the Northwest Territories and Budget 2008 allocated an additional $5 million, bringing the total investment to $15 million over three years. Within the Department, an operational review has been taken of its protected areas, including measures that would more effectively monitor and report on the state of these areas to direct action, contingent on available resources.
Migratory birds are fundamental players in the functioning of living ecosystems that cleanse polluted air and water, reinvigorate soil, and contribute to a predictable and stable climate. Environment Canada's Migratory Birds Program works to maintain healthy levels of migratory bird populations for present and future generations.
The Migratory Bird Program is responsible for implementing the Migratory Birds Convention signed with the United States in 1916, first legislated in Canada through the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1917, then through the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 . Environment Canada achieves implementation through the following combination of activities which are designed to meet expected results: conserving populations, individual birds and their nests through continued conservation actions, stewardship, policy and enforcement of the Act and its regulations; protecting important bird habitats; minimizing other stressors that affect population status; and managing emergencies associated with migratory birds.
Aquatic Ecosystems
Environment Canada aims to restore, conserve and enhance Canada's aquatic natural capital by ensuring that Canada's water is clean, safe and secure and that aquatic ecosystems are conserved and protected.
Environment Canada works in collaboration with other federal departments, provinces and territories (individually as well as through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment), science networks related to work on the environment, as well as the public (including non-governmental organizations, academia and municipalities). This collaborative work allows Environment Canada to share information; determine priorities for monitoring and research; provide timely and integrated scientific information and advice to decision-makers; build best management practices; and promote sustainable water management in Canada for the efficient use of Canada's water.
As announced in Budget 2007, the Action Plan for Clean Water includes new initiatives, including $48 million over 8 years to accelerate the cleanup of contaminated sediment in Great Lakes areas of concern; $30 million over 5 years to support the cleanup of Lake Simcoe; $18 million over 5 years to reduce pollution and restore the health of Lake Winnipeg; and $5 million toward an International Joint Commission study on the flow of water out of Lake Superior.
Integrated Approaches
In all, six priority ecosystem initiatives, namely the Northern Ecosystem Initiative, the Georgia Basin Action Plan, the Western Boreal Conservation Initiative, the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Initiative, the St. Lawrence Plan and the Atlantic Canada Ecosystems Initiative, have been developed in an effort to respond to the unique environmental and sustainability issues of targeted ecosystems. They are multi-stakeholder initiatives that promote and implement ecosystem management to maintain Canada's natural capital. To better manage and respond to the needs of priority ecosystems, Environment Canada has developed and is implementing the Priority Ecosystem Initiative Management Framework, which will add rigour to planning and managing ecosystem results by supporting rational choices of targeted actions in specific areas of the country and by improving accountability and reporting.
Recognizing the importance of a healthy and clean Great Lakes Basin ecosystem for millions of Canadians, the federal government recently renewed the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem (COA) with the Province of Ontario. The 2007-2010 COA outlines 186 commitments to address the health of the Great Lakes, broadly categorized as cleaning up areas of concern, reducing harmful pollutants, improving water quality, conserving fish and wildlife habitat and improving land management practices within the Great Lakes Basin. The Agreement also identifies two new areas of enhanced cooperation: protecting sources of drinking water and understanding the impacts of climate change.
1. Continue to implement the Species at Risk Act through a transparent, consistent and harmonized policy and program framework that involves stakeholders and includes both ecological and socio-economic considerations
Progress
2. Establish and strengthen strategic, federal, provincial, territorial and international partnerships to ensure obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora are effectively addressed
Progress
3. Improve the management of protected areas and seek opportunities to enhance protected areas networks
Progress
4. Implement the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) and, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 , establish a regulation for incidental take to ensure effective conservation of migratory bird populations while promoting sustainable economic development
Progress
5. Strengthen federal, provincial, territorial and international collaboration to address shared water priorities
Progress
6. Implement an ecosystem approach to environmental management
Progress
7. Take action, from an ecosystem perspective, to identify and begin to address the critical knowledge gaps limiting integrated decision-making that affects natural capital
Progress
8. Promote the use of ecosystem approaches in environmental assessment processes
Progress
Program Activities | Financial Resources ($ millions) |
Human Resources (FTEs) | |||||
Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending | Planned | Actual | Difference | ||
1A - Biodiversity is conserved and protected | 126.0 | 200.2 | 199.9 | 878 | 817 | -61 | |
1B - Water is clean, safe and secure | 80.0 | 101.4 | 102.0 | 940 | 996 | 56 | |
1C - Canadians adopt approaches that ensure the sustainable use and management of natural capital and working landscapes | 30.8 | 52.6 | 46.3 | 237 | 351 | 113 | |
Totals | 236.7 | 354.3 | 348.2 | 2055 | 2164 | 109 |
Total may differ within and between tables due to the rounding of figures.
The discrepancy between the planned and actual spending for Program Activity 1A - Biodiversity is conserved and protected is mainly due to a statutory amount of $70M provided to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, as well as transfers from Natural Resources Canada to Environment Canada for Point Pleasant Park and Stanley Park.
Program Activity Description [8]
This Program Activity consists of the protection and recovery of species at risk; conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of significant habitats; and conservation of migratory birds. A primary vehicle for the achievement of results under this program is the formation of strategic partnerships for integrated management of Canada's natural capital, including the sustainable management of landscapes. Key principles in support of results under this program are the use of the best available science and the provision of regulatory certainty to stakeholders.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Wildlife is conserved and protected | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Key activities include coordination and management of species at risk; international trade in endangered species; wildlife toxicology and disease; migratory birds; and national wildlife issues. Initiatives and activities in this program area flow from the legal obligations under the Canada Wildlife Act (CWA), the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA 1994), the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999); and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Improvement in the status of threatened and endangered species |
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Maintenance of healthy levels of migratory bird populations |
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No Canadian species are threatened from international trade |
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For further information | Canadian Wildlife Service : www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/ Species at Risk Public Registy : www.sararegistry.gc.ca/ |
Planned Result | Land and landscapes are managed sustainably | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Key activities include: landscape conservation science and policy; protected areas management; conservation partnerships and programs; sustainable agriculture landscapes; biodiversity conservation and genetic resources policy. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Percentage of conserved wildlife habitat area (km2) that is under direct Environment Canada protection or protected through departmental partnerships and influence |
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For further information | Ecological Gifts Program: www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/egp-pde/ Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk: www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/hsp-pih/ National Agri-Environmental Standards Initiative: www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1209128121608&lang=e |
Program Activity Description [9]
This Program Activity is designed to provide science and policy leadership on water quality, quantity and use. Science under this program will be focused on monitoring and research to understand what is changing in aquatic ecosystems and why, and on providing science-based tools to empower Canadians to take action. Policy leadership will include developing a national water agenda in partnership with other government departments that identifies benefits and incentives for the sustainable use of water, and ensuring that Canadian water related interests are protected globally. Involvement in transboundary arrangements will focus on ensuring that parties to water sharing agreements benefit from Canada's technical advice and monitoring information, and undertake measures to ensure compliance and meet their obligations.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Aquatic ecosystems are conserved and protected | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Implementation of key federal water commitments; water science and technology integration; water management performance promotion; water quality and aquatic ecosystem monitoring and reporting; research on hydrology and the impacts of human activities and the effects of contaminants and other substances of concern on aquatic ecosystems and water resources; research and development on the conservation and remediation of water resources; science and technology support to water activities and water education and engagement. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Accrued economic, social and environmental benefits to Canadians through sustainable and productive use of water resources Access for Canadians to safe drinking water and protection of human health from water quality and quantity-related threats |
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For further information | www.ec.gc.ca/water/ |
Program Activity Description [10]
This Program Activity is designed to integrate departmental action on ecosystems, by aligning science, policy, and environmental assessment in a nationally consistent inter-jurisdictional approach to ecosystem management. A further feature of this Program Activity will be multidisciplinary studies assessing the state of priority ecosystems and identifying the required actions for restoration and conservation.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Integrated information and knowledge enable integrated approaches to protecting and conserving priority ecosystems | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Management: Development and management of agreements, grants and contributions agreements, policy development, partnership management, performance measurement and assessment, strategic communications supporting effective delivery of priority ecosystems. Community engagement and capacity development: activities related to supporting community groups in the development of local action plans that support effective delivery of Priority Ecosystems Initiatives. Integration: Advancing the implementation of an ecosystem approach for the Department, implementation of the Priority Ecosystem Initiative Management Framework, coordination of Priority Ecosystems Initiatives to achieve better integration and effectiveness amongst various initiatives; governance and policy coordination of oceans ecosystems. Action: Integrated implementation of activities and program that lead to the improvement of the state (environmental quality) of priority ecosystems across the country. |
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Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Improvement in environmental indicators for priority ecosystems |
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Establishment and/or maintenance of shared governance mechanisms |
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For further information | Ecosystem Initiatives: www.ec.gc.ca/ecosyst/backgrounder.html |
Planned Result | Information, assessment and understanding of the state of ecosystem sustainability support decision-making | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Coordinate delivery of integrated departmental policy and program advice pertaining to environmental assessments through national and regional initiatives to consistently advance and implement environmental assessment policy, guidance and strategic approaches; inclusion of scientific expertise in decision-making for new activities and projects, within and outside Environment Canada; provision of expert advice to other government departments, proponents and stakeholders; and verification and reporting on Environment Canada's compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Implementation of new management approaches in project environmental assessments and strategic environmental assessments |
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Availability of relevant and reliable information to assess ecosystem status and change |
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For further information | Environmental assessment initiatives and directives: Major Projects Management Office: www.mpmo.gc.ca/documents-eng.php Cabinet Directive on Implementing the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act : www.ceaa.gc.ca/013/010/directives_e.htm Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals: www.ceaa.gc.ca/016/directive_e.htm |
Canadians are affected by environmental and weather conditions such as extremes in temperature and precipitation, variable lake levels, winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, floods, smog, sea ice, road icing and aircraft turbulence. These conditions affect our health and safety, our property, our businesses, the economy and the environment. Moreover, a growing population and a just-in-time economy have enhanced Canada's vulnerability to these conditions. As a result, Canadians must be able to take actions to limit negative impacts and optimize the opportunities.
Changing weather and climate patterns already affect important regional economies and entire economic sectors such as forestry, agriculture and fisheries, and further climate change could affect them severely. Canada's northern communities and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable and impacts such as melting permafrost and shrinking sea ice cover are already being observed. Strengthening our understanding of the impacts of climate change and how to adapt to its effects will help reduce the social, economic and environmental impacts of projected future weather extremes and climates on Canada.
Every day, communities, governments, industry and citizens make short-term and long-term decisions affecting their health, their wealth and the quality of the environment. While no one can prevent severe weather and other environmental events from happening, effective planning for the range of possible hazards and advance notice of impending dangerous conditions can significantly reduce the risks to Canadians and their businesses. This is why virtually every Canadian consults weather forecasts every day-for their safety and day-to-day decisions (e.g. to plan travel and recreation). However, as their interactions with the environment become more complex, Canadians, their governments and industry are increasingly seeking other types of environmental information, such as information about air quality. They also seek information on how they can affect the future of the environment and how the environment, present and future, will affect, negatively or positively, their livelihood and the economy.
The availability of timely, accurate observational data and forecasts is essential for decisions on how to adapt or react to the present and future (short-term and long-term) states of the weather, air quality, water levels and flows, and sea ice. This information, to be credible, must be based upon a strong scientific foundation. Data and science are also prerequisites for the development of sound environmental policy and regulations, like air pollution regulations, climate change policy and building codes, and for monitoring their effectiveness. In all, weather and environmental services help citizens, industry, communities and governments understand their vulnerabilities to weather conditions and enable them to take action to protect themselves and the environment, as well as to maximize their economic opportunities.
Environment Canada recognizes the challenges that a changing climate and an increased vulnerability to high-impact events can create, and the resultant needs of Canadians-be they policy or decision-makers, business owners or individuals -for information that will help them make effective decisions regarding their health and safety, the economy and the environment. In response to these needs, Environment Canada provides, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for all regions of the country, quality meteorological and environmental services-including warnings, forecasts for the short-to-very-long term, current and past observations, and other information.
The cornerstone of these services, as well as of policies dealing with how humans interact with the physical and chemical environment, is the ability to detect changes occurring in the atmosphere, hydrosphere (water) and cryosphere (ice and snow) and to understand why they are occurring so that future environmental conditions like weather, climate, air quality, ultraviolet radiation, water levels or sea ice conditions can be predicted reliably. Environmental monitoring and scientific research activities provide the capability to fulfil this requirement.
As part of an international effort to monitor and predict the state of the environment, Environment Canada operates, across Canada, an extensive network of facilities to systematically observe the weather (e.g. surface and upper air), water levels and flow, climate, air quality, ozone, sea-ice conditions and more. In addition to the traditional observing sites, it also operates a network of Doppler weather radars over densely populated regions and a lightning network for most of the country. The Department also augments its data and observations through a number of partner organizations in Canada and abroad. For instance, Environment Canada relies on imagery from foreign-owned satellites to supplement the data gathered from Canada's own satellite reception stations; also, the Department uses routine weather monitoring at airports produced by NAV CANADA.
To better understand the environment and benefit from such knowledge, we need to understand why certain changes are happening and how the environment will likely evolve in the future. This will provide important insights into the potential risks and opportunities this evolution may represent. To that end, the Department is also extensively involved in atmospheric research (modeling, development, assessments, etc.). This science has permitted the development of sophisticated computer models that are key tools for supporting a variety of public policy objectives and for producing useful weather, climate, water quantity, air quality, sea-ice and other environmental forecasts for Canadians.
The Department's information on the past, present and future of the environment constitutes the cornerstone of various services, products and tools that allow Canadians to understand their risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities, in order to safeguard themselves, their property and businesses against high-impact environmental events, and to help them make better-informed socio-economic and environmental decisions.
Information is made available to Canadians through various channels. Of note is Environment Canada's www.weatheroffice.gc.ca website, which remained the most popular site of the federal government in 2007-2008. Its phenomenal growth continued in 2007, with 486 million users creating 19.6 billion hits which is more than double that of the previous year. This level of interest demonstrates the value Canadians attach to essential weather and climate information.
In addition, Environment Canada operates the Weatheradio Canada network, a national radio broadcast providing weather information and warnings- the only public system that can proactively alert or wake-up Canadians when conditions warrant- currently reaching 95% of the Canadian population. These services are further complemented by automated and cost-recovered one-on-one telephone services that answer approximately 45 million calls a year .
To help ensure that weather, environmental and atmospheric information reaches all who need it, Environment Canada also partners with key stakeholders, particularly media organizations. To support this important group of partners, Environment Canada maintains the National Service Office and a website specifically for the media. Moreover, mainly through its Warning Preparedness Meteorologists (WPM) program, Environment Canada proactively engages with emergency management organizations (EMOs) to provide timely information and advice before, during and after high-impact weather events, in support of decision-making to mitigate the negative effects of extreme weather or climate water related events. In support of public security objectives, emergency and crisis management responses, Environment Canada provides special information products and services such as forecasts for the transport of certain airborne disease, biological carriers and pests, and for the transport and dispersion of hazardous substances like pollutants, radioactive materials or volcanic ash.
Finally, Environment Canada collaborates with other stakeholders where there is mutual interest. These mutual endeavors, often involving cost recovery, yield benefits to all parties: the stakeholders can access Environment Canada's expertise in producing and disseminating forecasts, while the Department can maximize the use of its infrastructure while accessing additional data or resources. Some of the best-known collaborators include NAV CANADA, the provider of air navigation services; National Defence, for services to the military, including overseas missions; and Fisheries and Oceans Canada for ice services. Another is VANOC, the organizing committee of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, for the provision of meteorological support to the Games, which will lead to improved knowledge of meteorological processes in a coastal alpine environment.
1. Provide Canadians with the information and services needed for effective decision-making that will reduce the impacts on society of hazardous weather and environmental conditions, through uninterrupted delivery and continuous improvement of essential Environment Canada services-with critical 24/7, real-time infrastructure support
Progress
2. Develop and implement an integrated environmental monitoring and prediction capability that meets the needs of the evolving environmental agenda
Progress
3. Meet the future needs of Environment Canada with human resources, succession and infrastructure plans that are fully integrated into business plans to build capacity and address infrastructure integrity
Progress
Program Activities | Financial Resources ($ millions) |
Human Resources (FTEs) | |||||
Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending | Planned | Actual | Difference | ||
2A - Improved knowledge and information on weather and environmental conditions influences decision-making | 126.2 | 150.2 | 146.8 | 1066 | 1062 | -4 | |
2B - Canadians are informed of, and respond appropriately to, current and predicted environmental conditions | 156.8 | 160.5 | 157.8 | 1462 | 1438 | -24 | |
Totals | 283.1 | 310.7 | 304.6 | 2528 | 2500 | -28 |
Totals may differ within and between tables due to the rounding of figures.
Program Activity Description [13]
This Program Activity consists of environmental science and monitoring activities to detect hazardous conditions, to understand what is changing in the atmosphere (weather, climate, air quality and ultraviolet radiation), hydrosphere (water) and cryosphere (ice and snow) and why. A key benefit of results under this program will be to provide improved knowledge, information, and tools on weather and environmental conditions (e.g. a better understanding of the causes of severe weather, the mechanisms which transport chemicals through the atmosphere, the impacts of human activity on the atmosphere, and atmospheric science-based models). These benefits will support the development of policy as well as the delivery of environmental services.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Environment Canada has the environmental monitoring capability that allows it to identify, analyse and predict weather, air, water and climate conditions |
Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Ensuring the acquisition, transmission, archiving and accessibility of weather, climate, hydrometric and other environmental observations essential to providing users with consistent, reliable data and information in a timely fashion. Partners include the World Meteorological Organization; the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS); other government departments (National Defence, Parks Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Space Agency); other levels of government (provinces,territories and municipalities); NAV CANADA; United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); United States Geological Service; European Space Agency; and Canadian cooperative programs. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Integrity of monitoring networks and of their operations (sustainable and affordable networks) |
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For further information | Climate Data On-line: climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climateData/canada_e.html Real-Time Hydrometric Data: scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/main.asp?lang=0 |
Planned Result | Science is produced to support weather and environmental services, decision-making and policy development | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Delivering credible, relevant, integrated and usable environmental predictions, environmental knowledge, advice, decision-making tools and information. Partners include other government departments (National Defence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Health Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Space Agency, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Parks Canada); other levels of government; and international research agencies (United States National Centers for Environmental Prediction, United States Federal Aviation Administration, United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, International Ice Patrol, International Ice Charting Working Group, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global climate modelling centres). | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Science-driven improvements to quality and utility of weather and other environmental services, as expressed by accuracy and timeliness of forecasts and the degree to which environmental science influences policy development and decision-making |
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For further information | Atmospheric Science Assessment and Integration: www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/saib/index_e.html Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis: www.cccma.bc.ec.gc.ca/eng_index.shtml International Polar Year: www.ec.gc.ca/api-ipy World Data Centre for Greenhouse Gases: gaw.kishou.go.jp/wdcgg World Data Centre for Aerosols: wdca.jrc.it Forecasts from the CHRONOS operational air quality model: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/chronos/index_e.html |
Program Activity Description [14]
This Program Activity consists of making available relevant knowledge and information on past, present and future conditions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere, in response to the needs of Canadians, be they policy/decision makers, business persons or individuals, or others who require this information to deliver on Ministerial or federal responsibilities and obligations (e.g. NAV CANADA). Under this Program Activity, information on the state of the environment is disseminated by means of various services, products and tools allowing Canadians to safeguard themselves and their property against environmental hazards and to help them make better informed socio-economic and environmental decisions. Environmental information and outreach will empower Canadians to take appropriate action on protecting their environment. Partnerships, domestic and international, are critical to the success of these endeavours.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Environmental forecasts and warnings are produced to enable the public to take action to protect their safety, security and well-being | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Identifying, predicting and informing all Canadians of changes in the atmospheric environment and of potential high-impact meteorological situations or events that have consequences for their safety and well-being. Partners include other government departments (Public Safety Canada, Health Canada, National Defence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Privy Council Office); provinces and municipalities; media; the general public; private sector; international organizations (World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Civil Aviation Organization, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, Global Earth Observation); the United States and other G8 countries. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Quality and lead times of warnings |
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Accuracy of forecasts |
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Public satisfaction with quality as measured in surveys |
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For further information | Weather forecasts, warnings and other information: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html Meteorological Service of Canada: www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/contents_e.html |
Planned Result | Canadians are better informed through improved weather and environmental services and leveraged partnership opportunities | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Providing better access to and delivery of information; measuring performance; leveraging partnerships; and expanding the application of environmental prediction and information. other government departments (National Defence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Health Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Industry Canada, Canadian International Development Agency, Canadian Space Agency, Parks Canada); other levels of government; private sector; weather-sensitive industry; media; academia; and the international meteorological community. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Level of satisfaction of public and weather-sensitive industries |
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Improvements to key services for weather-sensitive economic sectors |
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Level of access to and demand for Environment Canada's products and services |
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Level of access to international monitoring data through initiatives such as the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) initiative |
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For further information | www.earthobservations.org www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/msc/contents_e.html media.weatheroffice.gc.ca/index_e.html (site requires registration) |
Planned Result | Canadians benefit from the creation and use of meteorological and environmental information by Environment Canada and federal/provincial/territorial partners in support of programs of common interest | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Providing partners with quality environmental information that allows them to improve the safety of their operations and maximize their efficiency. Partners include other government departments (Transport Canada, National Defence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Coast Guard (Fisheries and Oceans Canada), Canadian Space Agency, Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (Natural Resources Canada), Public Safety Canada; funding programs (e.g. SAR-New Initiatives Fund; Program of Energy Research and Development, Technology and Innovation); the WMO; international meteorological community; aviation industry, including airlines and airport authorities; United States National Defence; International Olympic Committee; sporting federations; and municipal governments. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Level of satisfaction of partner and client organizations |
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Accuracy and timeliness of services measured against performance benchmarks |
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For further information | Canadian Ice Service: ice-glaces.ec.gc.ca Weather forecasts and observations for aviation: www.flightplanning.navcanada.ca |
Planned Result | Environmental information and services empower Canadians to take action on environmental priorities | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Reaching out to Canadians with Environment Canada's science, knowledge and information in order to build their awareness; to inform and educate them about environmental issues, including actions they may need to take and influence others to take. Partners include EcoAction, the Biosphère, other government departments, schools, media, NGOs, industry associations and academia | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Extent to which Canadians are able to use a variety of environmental data and information in their decision-making and have the motivation and tools to take action and to influence others to do so |
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For further information | www.biosphere.ec.gc.ca |
Planned Result | Adaptive strategies to address the impacts of climate change are developed and implemented for the benefit of Canadians and the environment | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Research and development functions, undertaken in collaboration with academia and international agencies, on the effects of atmospheric change on various segments of Canadian society, and on how to mitigate, or adapt to, these effects. These functions support sound policy development and service improvements. Partners include other government departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, universities and the private sector. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Enhanced level of awareness and understanding by economic sectors, other government departments and other levels of government of their vulnerability to atmospheric change |
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Reduction of Canada's adaptation deficit as measured by:
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For further information | Atmospheric hazards websit e: www.hazards.ca Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network National website: www.cccsn.ca |
Toxics and other harmful substances pose considerable threats to the health and well-being of Canadians and have significant negative impacts on air, water and land. These substances may exert a direct or indirect harmful effect on animals, plants or humans, and, depending on their volume, nature and manner of release, may pose long-term risks to the environment.
There is evidence that some potentially hazardous chemicals are accumulating in humans and in our ecosystems-in lakes, rivers and wildlife. Due to global atmospheric transport and other pathways, the Arctic region, including the Canadian Arctic, is a major receptor of these pollutants and their associated effects.
There are strong links between air pollution (smog) and health problems-especially for the elderly, children and for those with respiratory and cardiac problems. A large number of studies show that air pollution can lead to premature death, increased hospital admissions, more emergency room visits and higher rates of absenteeism.
Scientific research shows that human activities (particularly the use of fossil fuels and the clear-cutting of forests) are accelerating the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a result, the earth's average temperature is getting warmer. This could have far-reaching environmental, social and economic consequences.
Global temperature averages have risen 0.74°C over the last 100 years. In the November 2007 fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, international scientists have projected that average global temperatures could rise by as much as 1.8°C to 6.4°C by the end of the 21st century. In Canada, average temperatures could rise by as much as 5°C to 10°C in some regions.
Total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada in 2006 were 721 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT of CO 2 ), a decrease of 1.9% from 2005 levels and 2.8% from 2003 levels. Overall, the long-term trend indicates that emissions in 2006 were about 22% above the 1990 total of 592 MT. This trend shows a level 29.1% above Canada's Kyoto target of 558.4 MT.
However, these recent decreases are likely to be temporary considering projected medium to long-term economic growth and potential oil sands expansion.
Environment Canada is taking strong regulatory action to protect Canadians and their environment from the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and toxic substances.
Two significant programs have been announced as part of the federal government's broad environmental agenda. They are:
A key component of the Department's work under this strategic outcome is the provision, to Canadians and decision-makers, of high-quality and timely information on pollutant releases, through user-friendly tools and products. Providing publicly accessible information on pollutants and their associated risks is a means by which the Department can promote the use of environmental information in market-based decisions to encourage and enable sustainable production and consumption.
Finally, Canada 's domestic approach demonstrates its commitment to act on pollution and waste to the international community. Canada has been working as a part of multilateral efforts to ensure effective international cooperation on climate change.
Chemicals Management Plan
In December 2006, the federal government announced that it would invest $300 million in the new Chemicals Management Plan, which sets out a process to address substances that were in use before comprehensive environmental protection laws were created. Canada is the only country in the world to have categorized the thousands of chemical substances and will address the majority of these substances by 2020.
Canada 's initial categorization resulted in the identification of approximately 4300 substances that will require assessments, by Environment Canada and Health Canada scientists, to determine their precise health and environmental risks and how those risks should be managed.
To date, through an initiative known as the "Challenge," Environment Canada and Health Canada have identified some 200 high-priority substances and are working with industry and stakeholders within a three-year timeframe to develop a sound management plan for these substances. Information received from industry, the world's scientific community, environmental and health groups and the public will all be used to decide what actions are to be taken for each of these chemicals to protect the environment and the health of Canadians. Environment Canada and Health Canada have also begun work on a strategy to examine the approximately 2500 medium-priority substances, and have completed a rapid screening approach to evaluate the 1066 substances that met the categorization criteria but have potentially low exposures.
Clean Air Agenda
Implemented in the fall of 2006, the Government of Canada's Clean Air Agenda (CAA) represents a part of the Government's broader efforts to address the challenges of climate change and air pollution. Budget 2006 and 2007 provided $1.9 billion [15] in funding over four years (2007-2008 to 2010-2011) for the CAA which incorporates the development of both regulation - through the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda - and programming to achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
The Government recognizes the need for a holistic approach to delivering measurable results for the benefit of all Canadians; therefore, to measure investments against results, a horizontal framework known as the Clean Air Agenda Horizontal Management, Accountability and Reporting Framework (CAA HMARF) was developed. This HMARF consolidates the 44 CAA programs that are delivered by 9 departments and agencies into 8 themes, each of which is championed by a lead department [16] .
Environment Canada made tangible progress delivering its share of the Clean Air Agenda in 2007-2008. On April 26, 2007, the federal government announced Turning the Corner: An Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution, and made public the Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions. In December 2007, a notice was published that required industries to provide Environment Canada with information about their emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases in 2006 for the purpose of establishing the baseline needed for the development of the proposed regulations. On March 10, 2008, the federal government published Turning the Corner: Regulatory Framework for Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions , which set out the final regulatory framework for the greenhouse gas elements in more explicit terms including the identification of final targets.
Through Turning the Corner , the federal government itself is also making investments in clean energy and transportation technologies in Canada, yielding reductions in the short term, as well as deriving long-term economic benefits from improved energy efficiency, greater competitiveness, more opportunity to sell Canadian environmental products and know-how abroad, and more jobs for Canadians.
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 is the principal legal foundation for both the Chemicals Management Plan and the Clean Air Agenda. The Act and its administration must be reviewed by Parliament every five years to provide the Government of Canada with an opportunity to assess the contribution of CEPA 1999 to the goals of pollution prevention; sustainable development; and federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal cooperation. The parliamentary review also gives Canadians an opportunity to provide feedback on how well they feel the Act is protecting their environment and health. In May 2006, the CEPA 1999 review was launched by two parliamentary committees, one in the House of Commons and the other in the Senate.
In May 2007, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development tabled its report, The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 - Five-Year Review: Closing the Gaps .
The general conclusion of this report was that the basic architecture of the Act is sound and that the federal government's future focus should be on improving knowledge and implementation.
The government tabled its interim response to this report in October 2007 [17] . While this satisfied the government's obligation under the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to respond to a parliamentary committee report, the government committed to issuing a final response to the recommendations of the House of Commons and Senate Committees following a review of the recommendations of the Senate Committee report.
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources presented its report Rx: Stregthen and Apply Diligently on March 4, 2008. The report also emphasized that the basic architecture of the Act was sound and highlighted the need for better implementation and enforcement.
Information on Pollutant Releases
In the area of generating and collecting data on environmental pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs), the focus will be on developing a single-window reporting system. This system will enable the integration of various data collections supporting the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) and foster improvement of air pollutants (AP) and GHG emissions estimation techniques and data quality.
Improvements to estimation techniques and the quality of data collected and generated will increase decision-makers' confidence with respect to using environmental data to set priorities, ascertain compliance and meet various domestic and international reporting requirements.
International Actions
Environment Canada has long been a contributor to the Government of Canada's international environmental agenda by advancing and sharing science and know-how, as well as through negotiations and policy dialogue in international forums.
In 2007, Canada and the United States started negotiations for an annex to the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement aimed at reducing the cross-border flow of air pollution and its impact on the health and ecosystems of Canadians and Americans.
In August 2007, Canada hosted the third meeting of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP). Leaders met to discuss key opportunities and challenges facing North America and agreed that sustainable energy and environment were a key priority theme on moving forward.
In September, Canada hosted the international Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, of the United Nations Environment Programme. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, the Minister of the Environment, on behalf of Canada, joined other countries in successfully agreeing to more aggressive timelines to eliminate hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), used in refrigeration, air conditioning and foam blowing. This will be accomplished by advancing the freeze of HCFCs production and consumption by three years in developing countries, followed by an ambitious series of reductions leading to a phase-out 10 years sooner.
At the 13th Conference of the Parties (COP13) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bali, the Parties agreed that the world should focus its attention on five pillars in order to achieve our goals in the fight against climate change:
Canada is in agreement with those essential elements and is working towards successfully completing negotiations by the end of 2009 leading to a post-2012 agreement .
Canada also contributed to the implementation of the International Transaction Log (ITL) under the Kyoto Protocol. The ITL is the global, central clearinghouse for transactions of international greenhouse gas emission reduction credits under the Kyoto Protocol.
Canada 's participation in the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) was evaluated in 2007-2008. The evaluation confirmed that Canada has played a positive role in leading the CEC towards a more focused and results-oriented cooperative work program that delivers on domestic and trilateral priorities [18] .
Also in 2007, Canada entered into discussions to amend two existing protocols on transboundary pollution under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). The amendments are aimed at further strengthening the reduction of transboundary pollution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and air pollutants.
Canada also continued to take domestic action to implement its obligations under a number of multilateral environmental agreements For example, EC is engaged in international discussions on the global control of mercury.
1. Continuing to implement the government's Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) to improve the degree of protection against hazardous chemicals by
Progress
Under the Challenge initiative, the government committed to complete within three years the risk assessment and management of the 200 highest-priority chemical substances that are potentially harmful to human health or the environment. In 2007 - 2008, Environment Canada and Health Canada kept pace with the timing requirements of this commitment.
Beyond the Challenge initiative, good progress was also achieved on the broader commitments of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP):
Beyond the CMP, Environment Canada continues to fulfill its mandate under CEPA 1999 and the Fisheries Act in such priority areas as marine protection (disposal-at-sea regulations and management of risks to the aquatic environment from pulp and paper effluents and metal mining effluents); transboundary movements of hazardous waste; wastewater effluents and implementation of environmental management frameworks applicable to federal government activities and operations.
2. Undertaking research and monitoring to inform risk assessment and risk management priorities (also part of the Chemicals Management Plan).
Progress
3. Continuing to implement the federal government's Clean Air Agenda to reduce air pollution and GHG emissions, including:
Progress
The development and implementation of the federal government's evolving framework on air pollution and GHG emissions involved the following:
In addition, the following measures support the government's Regulatory Framework on Air Emissions and its Clean Air Agenda
4. Continuing efforts to coordinate and improve the quality of emissions reporting, including
Progress
5. Working with the private sector to promote environmental sustainability, including
Progress
Program Activities | Financial Resources ($ millions) |
Human Resources (FTEs) | |||||
Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending | Planned | Actual | Difference | ||
3A - Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances are reduced | 181.0 | 159.2 | 133.1 | 970 | 826 | -144 | |
3B - Canadians adopt sustainable consumption and production approaches | 26.5 | 65.1 | 58.0 | 194 | 388 | 194 | |
3C - Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment from air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced | 130.5 | 127.7 | 107.9 | 707 | 616 | -91 | |
Totals | 337.9 | 352.1 | 299.1 | 1871 | 1830 | -41 |
Totals may differ within and between tables due to the rounding of figures.
Program Activity Description [21]
This Program Activity consists of reducing risks to the environment and to human health posed by pollutant releases related to human activities. Under this Program Activity, environmental and human health threats posed by toxic substances and other substances of concern are understood in terms of their fate and effects and prevention, reduction, elimination or other management measures are developed as required. These substances may exert a direct toxic effect on animals, plants or humans or, due to the volume, nature and manner of release, may pose a longer-term risk to the environment and human health.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances are assessed | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | As part of a broad research community, Environment Canada carries out activities to identify and deliver on strategic priorities for risk assessment in support of CEPA, the Chemicals Management Plan, the Security and Prosperity Partnership research agenda, the Pesticide Science Program and other toxic substances-related programs. Environment Canada works with Health Canada in the development of a joint strategy and coordination of activities relating to research of toxics and assessment of risks in support of CMP and SPP. The Department develops and uses scientific data, tools, methods and techniques to support the delivery of science-based risk assessment and management strategies for environmental regulatory decision-making under the Chemicals Management Plan and, to a lesser extent, the Clean Air Agenda. Canada also works collaboratively through forum such as the OECD to advance research, testing methodologies and risk assessments that support domestic and international priorities. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Number of new and existing commercial chemicals assessed |
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Information generated that leads to risk mitigation |
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For further information | Chemicals Management Plan : www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/plan/index_e.html |
Planned Result | Risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances are managed | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | The Department provides expert advice, consults stakeholders and participates in partnerships with other government departments, industry and civil society to develop and implement risk management and mitigation strategies, instruments and regulatory programs pertaining to the following areas: Federal House [22] , Wastewater, Chemicals, Waste Management Sector, Natural Resources Sector, Energy and Transportation Sector, Enforcement, Environmental Emergencies, Contaminated Sites and Marine Pollution Prevention. Canada also recognizes that managing chemical substances must be a global project to be effective. As such, the Department is also a party to a number of chemical conventions and agreements. Participation in these forums helps to protect Canadians from environmental health hazards coming from sources outside of Canada, either from substances and products imported or through the long-range transport of pollutants. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Development of risk management strategies and instruments (e.g. regulations and performance agreements) for assessed commercial chemicals |
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Development of risk mitigation measures (e.g. compliance promotion, environmental emergency plans) |
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For further information | Chemicals Management Plan : www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/plan/index_e.html Environmental Emergencies: www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/regulations/detailReg.cfm?intReg=70 Evaluation of the Environmental Emergencies program: www.ec.gc.ca/doc/ae-ve/pue-eep/532_eng.htm Marine Pollution Prevention: www.ec.gc.ca/seadisposal/ |
Program Activity Description [23]
This Program Activity provides a focus for the Department's longer-term efforts to reduce the cost of unsustainable consumption patterns and to shift industry towards more sustainable forms of production. Much of the activity will be centered around large sector-based approaches to enable collaborative and informed decision-making on environmental objectives. Underlying this will be the creation of a clear and predictable environmental protection regime, designed to encourage and enable sustainable production and consumption.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Canadians are informed of environmental pollution and are engaged in measures to address it | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Activities in this program area include maintaining governance mechanisms (National Advisory Committee, CEPA Registry, statutory reporting) to inform government decision-making and Canadians on matters relating to CEPA 1999, Canada's key environmental protection legislation. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
CEPA Environmental Registry is maintained and up to date |
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CEPA annual report was published |
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For further information | CEPA Environmental Registry : www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/Default.cfm |
Planned Result | Sector-based and other approaches promote sustainable consumption and production | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Activities contributing to this planned result include guidance and training on the selection, design and implementation of regulations, performance agreements, pollution prevention planning notices and other regulatory and non-regulatory measures directed towards the Department's risk management community as well as providing sustainability tools and best practices directly to businesses. The implementation of a quality management system (QMS) that fosters increased departmental efficiencies in the development and sign-off of regulations and other instruments is a key activity. So is the development of a national compliance promotion plan and information management tools for compliance data to support regulatory decision-making and reporting. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Development and implementation of a quality management system (QMS) to ensure that decision-making under key environmental protection statutes such as CEPA 1999 is as consistent, transparent and predictable as possible |
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Oversight function and centre of expertise for instrument choice and design is provided to the Department's regulatory community |
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Development and implementation of a national compliance promotion plan to ensure that voluntary compliance to CEPA 1999 and its regulations is encouraged and enabled |
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Development and implementation of the information management tools to provide timely and reliable compliance data for risk management, compliance promotion and enforcement |
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Centre of expertise for sustainability policy is established to support the Department's policy development |
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Program Activity Description [24]
This Program Activity is critical to protect the health of Canadians from the harmful effects of air pollutants and to protect the environment from the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. This will be achieved through developing an integrated sector-based approach to regulating air pollutants and controlling greenhouse gas emissions; strengthening international cooperation (particularly with the United States); and promoting science-based approaches to inform the development of new standards and regulations. Environment Canada will demonstrate federal leadership by implementing a broad federal-provincial-territorial approach to achieve national targets to protect the health of Canadians and the environment.
Performance against Planned Results
Planned Result | Risks from air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are managed by a regulatory system for industrial sectors | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Activities supporting this planned result focus on the implementation of the industrial regulatory framework for greenhouse gases and the development of the industrial regulatory framework for air pollutants. Working with industry, provinces and key stakeholders has been essential in the achievement of results. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Creation of a framework to guide development of industrial-sector regulations |
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For further information | Link to above documents: www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=75038EBC-1 |
Planned Result | Risks from air emissions are managed by regulatory systems for transportation and other sectors | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Activities supporting this planned result focus on developing regulatory mechanisms to achieve measurable reductions in air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions that will produce health and environmental benefits, from all key transportation sources and in partnership with all responsible jurisdictions. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Development of regulations to reduce air pollution from vehicles and engines in alignment with United States standards |
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Planned Result | Regulatory monitoring and reporting informs Canadians and decision-makers about air pollutants and greenhouse gas risks and trends | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Activities in this program area include the collection and generation of information on releases, disposals and recycling of pollutants, through the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and Air Pollutant Emission Inventories; the collection and generation of information on sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through the GHG Emissions Reporting Program (GHGRP) and National GHG Inventory; and provision and enhancement of "One-Window" data collection systems. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
Information-sharing agreements with provinces and territories are developed |
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Quality of information reported to and contained in the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and the emission inventories for air pollutants and greenhouse gases |
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For further information | National Pollutant Release Inventory: www.ec.gc.ca/npri Comprehensive Air Emissions Inventories: www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/cac/cac_home_e.cfm |
Planned Result | International collaboration on air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions is consistent with Canadian interests | Performance Status (see legend) |
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Related activities and delivery mechanisms | Contributing activities to this planned result include the reduction of transboundary smog and acid rain through cooperation and negotiation of emission reduction commitments with the United States and Mexico, and fighting ozone depletion by developing Canada's ozone depletion regulations and strengthening the Montreal Protocol. Activities are targeted to the Canadian public, Canadians living in border regions, industry and other stakeholders. Provinces, industry and NGO stakeholders are consulted in advance of meetings under the Montreal Protocol. | ||
Key indicators | Progress made in 2007-2008 | ||
International cooperation, particularly with the United States, is strengthened |
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For many years, the Toronto waterfront was an industrial area. Industries included heavy manufacturing, oil and coal storage, and waste disposal. Beginning in the 1970s, industries relocated to other locations, with the result that many of the sites would require considerable remediation if they were to be redeveloped in the future. Over the years, the City of Toronto and the federal and provincial governments initiated several projects to improve the area.
In October 2000, following the recommendations of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Task Force report, Our Toronto Waterfront: Gateway to the New Canada , the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative was launched as a partnership of the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto. Each of the three orders of government announced a funding commitment of $500 million, for a total of $1.5 billion. The taskforce and the funding supported Toronto's bid for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and although while the Games were subsequently awarded to Beijing, the commitments from all three orders of government remained in place.
Environment Canada's commitment to this Strategic Outcome is manifest through the management and oversight of two separate but linked contribution programs on the Toronto waterfront: the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative (TWRI) and the Harbourfront Centre (HC) Funding Program.
Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative
The Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative is an infrastructure and urban renewal initiative designed to contribute to the sustainable urban development of Toronto's waterfront area. The TWRI was launched in October 2000 as a partnership of the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto
The TWRI is an investment in both infrastructure and urban renewal. Its goals include positioning Canada, Ontario and Toronto in the new economy, thereby ensuring Canada's continued success in the global economy and increasing economic growth and development opportunities. Given the intrinsic links between economic, social and environmental health, the objectives also include enhancing the quality of life in Toronto and encouraging sustainable urban development.
The purpose of the TWRI is to revitalize the Toronto waterfront through investments in both traditional city-building infrastructure, such as local transportation and sewers, and more contemporary urban development, including parks, green spaces, tourism-related facilities and the rebirth of underutilized post-industrial areas. It is expected that investments in these areas will result in both social and economic benefits for the Toronto region.
Federal investment in the TWRI is delivered through a contribution program with the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, also known as Waterfront Toronto, a not-for-profit corporation established to oversee the revitalization of the waterfront. Waterfront revitalization projects are funded through uni-lateral, bi-lateral, or tri-lateral contribution agreements between one or more of the three governments and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation.
Harbourfront Centre Funding Program
Harbourfront Centre (HC) is a not-for-profit, provincially incorporated organization created in 1990 to manage the cultural and educational programming activities. HC is responsible for operating 10 key acres of the Toronto waterfront on behalf of the public, and managing and programming all the public facilities on the site. Its mission is "to nurture the growth of new cultural expression, stimulate Canadian and international interchange and provide a dynamic, accessible environment for the public to experience the marvels of the creative imagination." More specifically, HC provides a vast array of arts and culture programming for all ages, including visual arts, crafts, literature, music, dance and theatre.
In 2006, HC identified a shortfall in base operational funding. The federal government, through the HC Funding Program, entered into a multi-year contribution agreement for $25 million with HC to cover this shortfall and allowed HC to remain operational.
The federal responsibilities for the HC Funding Program relate to the development and management of a contribution agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the operational funding. The funding provides a stable foundation for HC's administration and operations. It facilitates management's ability to leverage funding from other government and corporate sources as well as its ability to pursue other revenue-generating strategies, which ensures ongoing community access to HC's cultural, recreational and educational facilities. This ultimately leads to a financially viable operation that supports the economic, social and cultural development of the Toronto waterfront.
The year 2007-2008 was a transitional one for Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative and the Harbourfront Centre as the programs moved from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to Environment Canada. As a result, these programs were not covered in either 2007-2008 Reports on Plans and Priorities. Nevertheless, a number of results were accomplished throughout the year. For example, a number of contribution agreements were signed for projects including the Central Waterfront Public Realm Design, the Spadina Head of Slip Construction, and the Regional Sports Complex - Planning and Design which allowed for the continued implementation of the TWRI. As well, the program was successful in obtain Treasury Board approval for its extension and now sunsets in March 2011.
Program Activities | Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (FTEs) | |||||
Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending | Planned | Actual | Difference | ||
4A -Revitalization of the Toronto Waterfront | - | 225.4 | 40.2 | - | 9 | n.a. | |
4B - Harbourfront Corporation | - | 5.0 | 5.0 | - | 0 | n.a. | |
Totals | - | 230.4 | 45.2 | - | 9 | n.a. |
Totals may differ within and between tables due to the rounding of figures.
There are no planned resources allocated to these Program Activities in the 2007-2008 Report on Plans and Priorities because this work was not under the responsibility of Environment Canada at that time.
The nature of Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation's operations can explain the majority of the variance between total authorities and actual spending, which can be attributed to delays in construction and project implementation resulting from environmental events (i.e. long winter), delays in the approval process by the different levels of government and change in the program authorities responsible for the TWRI.
Program Activity Description [25]
Program management and coordination of the federal contribution towards city-building infrastructure, parks, recreation and green spaces, for the renewal and revitalization of Toronto's waterfront.
Performance Against Planned Results
The year 2007-2008 was a transitional one for the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative (TWRI) as the program moved from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to Environment Canada. Although progress was made in waterfront revitalization, there were no planned results identified in either department's Report on Plans and Priorities due to the program's transition.
An evaluation of the federal government's participation in the TWRI is presently being conducted and led by the Audit and Evaluation Branch at Environment Canada. The evaluation assesses the relevance, success and cost-effectiveness of the TWRI since its inception in 2000-2001. The final report will be approved by Environment Canada in the second half of 2008-2009.
Program Activity Description [26]
The Harbourfront Centre (HC) Funding Program provides support to HC to cover its operational costs to facilitate the organization's ability to leverage funding from other governments and pursue other revenue-generating strategies. This will allow HC to provide the general public with continued access to cultural, recreational, and educational programs and activities. The ultimate outcome of the HC Funding Program will be to support the economic, social and cultural development of the Toronto waterfront.
Performance Against Planned Results
The year 2007-2008 was a transitional one for the Harbourfront Centre Funding Program as the program moved from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to Environment Canada. Although the program fulfilled its intended purpose, there were no planned results identified in either department's Report on Plans and Priorities. Nevertheless, the program achieved its goal for 2007-08 in that the Harbourfront Centre Funding Program provides funding to the Harbourfront Centre to support its operational costs .
Harbourfront Centre spent 100 percent of the budget of $5M, and remained open, providing community and cultural programming for the general public on the Toronto waterfront.