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As Minister of the Environment, I am pleased to present the 2008-2009 Departmental Performance Report for Environment Canada. This report summarizes the progress made on the priorities identified in Environment Canada's 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities.
While the economy continues to be a key concern, the environment remains an important issue as well for Canadians and the Government. Accordingly, Environment Canada's strategic outcomes for 2008-2009 support the Government of Canada's priorities for a clean and healthy environment and for strong economic growth. These priorities include
I am pleased to report that we are making significant strides in meeting all our strategic outcomes. In large part, this progress is due to the scientific work that forms the basis for policy and program decisions in the Department. Some highlights include
Environment Canada worked to successfully deliver on a challenging and critical environmental agenda this year. I am proud of these achievements and of the hard work and dedication of the staff at Environment Canada who made this possible.
The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of the Environment
A number of acts and regulations provide the Department with its mandate and allow it to carry out its programs. Under the Department of the Environment Act, the powers, duties and functions of the Minister of the Environment extend to and include matters relating to
Additional authorities, including the Department’s responsibilities relating to enforcement, are provided in the other acts and regulations administered by the Department, including the Species at Risk Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Sustainable Development Act. For details on departmental legislation and regulations, please see www.ec.gc.ca/EnviroRegs.
For 2008-09, Environment Canada's Program Activity Architecture included three Strategic Outcomes that supported the Government of Canada's priority of a clean and healthy environment:
A fourth Strategic Outcome supported the Government of Canada's priorities of strong economic growth and a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage:
Environment Canada Program Activity Architecture 2008-2009
Planned Spending | Total Authorities | Actual Spending |
---|---|---|
1,043.5 | 1,197.4 | 1,120.4 |
The Department’s financial resources had a direct impact on its ability to achieve its Strategic Outcomes and deliver on its program activities. The following sections highlight Environment Canada’s performance, and link resources to results.
At the outset of the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Environment Canada’s planned spending was $1,043.5 million. Through Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates, the Department was allocated total authorities of $1,197.4 million. The Department spent $1,120.4 million in 2008-2009, an increase of $123.4 million or 12.4 percent compared to 2007-2008 ($997 million).
Planned | Actual | Difference |
---|---|---|
6,732.0 | 6,557.4 | (174.6) |
The human resources required to sustain an average level of employment over 12 months are based on a 37.5-hour work week. The Department used 6,557 Full-time Equivalents in 2008-2009, which represented 97.4 percent of our planned estimate of 6,732 Full-time Equivalents. This represents an increase of 54 in the number of Full-time Equivalents used compared to 2007-2008 (6,503 Full-time Equivalents).
Located in 100 communities across Canada, our employees have expertise in a broad range of fields including biology, business, chemistry, commerce, communications, economics, engineering, law enforcement, environmental sciences and assessment, finance, hydrology, informatics, law, library science, meteorology, policy, social sciences and toxicology.
The following tables present an overview of key achievements and progress towards program results during 2008-2009 and a summary of financial information for each Program Activity.
Strategic Outcome 1: Canada's natural capital is restored, conserved, and enhanced
2008-2009 Performance - Overview of key achievements
Program Activity |
2007-08 Actual Spending |
2008-09 | Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Estimates |
Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Actual Spending |
|||
Biodiversity is
conserved and protected Details |
199.9 | 134.8 | 141.0 | 199.3 | 188.8 | Clean and healthy environment |
Water is clean,
safe and secure Details |
102.0 | 81.6 | 94.8 | 117.0 | 113.4 | |
Canadians adopt
approaches that ensure the sustainable use and
management of natural capital and working
landscapes Details |
46.3 | 32.6 | 32.9 | 46.7 | 43.3 | |
Total | 348.2 | 249.0 | 268.7 | 363.0 | 345.5 | |
Totals may differ between and within tables due to rounding of figures. |
Strategic Outcome 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians
2008-2009 Performance - Overview of key achievements
Program Activity |
2007-08 Actual Spending |
2008-09 | Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Estimates |
Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Actual Spending |
|||
Improved
knowledge and information on weather and environmental
conditions influences decision-making Details |
146.8 | 127.9 | 130.2 | 164.1 | 159.8 | Clean and healthy environment |
Canadians are
informed of, and respond appropriately to, current and
predicted environmental conditions Details |
157.8 | 151.0 | 153.0 | 170.7 | 164.1 | |
Total | 304.6 | 278.9 | 283.2 | 334.8 | 323.9 | |
Totals may differ between and within tables due to rounding of figures. |
Strategic Outcome 3: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste
2008-2009 Performance - Overview of key achievements
Program Activity |
2007-08 Actual Spending |
2008-09 | Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Estimates |
Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Actual Spending |
|||
Risks to
Canadians, their health and their environment posed by
toxic and other harmful substances are reduced Details |
133.1 | 185.8 | 198.0 | 176.0 | 152.8 | Clean and healthy environment |
Canadians
adopt sustainable consumption and production
approaches Details |
58.0 | 48.0 | 49.5 | 93.9 | 91.3 | |
Risks to
Canadians, their health, and their environment from air
pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are
reduced Details |
107.9 | 103.8 | 152.0 | 136.4 | 122.3 | |
Total | 299.0 | 337.6 | 399.5 | 406.3 | 366.4 | |
Totals may differ between and within tables due to rounding of figures. |
Strategic Outcome 4: Sustainable urban development and infrastructure renewal in the Toronto Waterfront Area
2008-2009 Performance - Overview of key achievements
Program Activity |
2007-08 Actual Spending |
2008-09 | Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Estimates |
Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Actual Spending |
|||
Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative | 40.2 | 87.0 | 87.1 | 88.2 | 79.5 | Strong economic growth |
Harbourfront Centre Funding Program | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | A vibrant Canadian culture and heritage |
Total | 45.2 | 92.0 | 92.1 | 93.2 | 84.5 | |
Totals may differ between and within tables due to rounding of figures. |
Environment Canada continues to seek improved clarity in performance reporting. In the context of new reporting requirements introduced by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), this year’s Departmental Performance Report (DPR) is reduced in volume from that of past years, includes a broader range of performance indicators, and provides readily available supplementary information through Web links on a host of departmental activities.
As with last year, visual ratings continue to be used to illustrate progress accomplished for each Expected Result stated in the 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP). This year, however, there are now five rating levels instead of the previous three, providing a more precise visual depiction of performance. The ratings are complemented through text that, as far as possible, provides a balanced, complete, accurate and representative assessment of program performance, and that fairly demonstrates the contribution of Environment Canada programs to progress against objectives that may be shared with other organizations and jurisdictions.
Performance ratings are based on self-assessments performed by Environment Canada’s management, supported by various levels of data availability, with some of the data being qualitative in nature. These ratings reflect our best judgement of performance at this time. We will continue to move forward over the next two years towards a less qualitative and more quantitatively based assessment of performance.
In 2008-2009 the focus has been on improving the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) supporting the Department’s transition to a stronger performance measurement capability. Over the year, Environment Canada improved its PMF through identification of measureable indicators at both the Strategic Outcome and Program Activity levels. These indicators, which are reflected in the 2009-2010 Report on Plans and Priorities, will be used to contribute to a stronger performance assessment process that will underlie next year’s DPR. Further enhancement to the PMF will occur in 2010-2011, thus supporting greater use of objective, evidence-based performance reporting for Parliament and the public on achieved results and outcomes.
This DPR provides performance ratings, using the same rating scale, in two different areas: progress on specific departmental priorities; and progress towards program results.
Performance ratings for progress made during 2008-2009 in delivering on departmental priorities identified in the 2008-2009 RPP are presented in “Contribution of Department’s Priorities to Strategic Outcomes”.
Performance ratings for progress made in 2008-2009 on expected results stated in the 2008-2009 RPP are presented in summary form in “Performance by Program Activities”. Further details on progress towards results are presented in Section II of the DPR, “Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome”.
Performance information in this DPR is focused on the execution of the 2008-2009 RPP, which gives an indication of how the Department is progressing towards its Strategic Outcomes based on performance at the Program Activity level. Future DPRs will have clearer indicators of performance at the Strategic Outcome level.
The table below provides a comparison of rating levels used for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 DPRs, as well as definitions of the performance ratings for this report:
2007-2008 DPR | Performance Rating Definition | 2008-2009 DPR | Performance Rating Definition |
---|---|---|---|
Anticipated results met - Objectives to achieve expected results were fully met | Exceeded - Objectives for 2008-2009 to achieve expected results or departmental priorities were exceeded. (Consistent with TBS definition that more than 100 percent of the expected level of performance for the expected result or priority was achieved) | ||
Met all - Objectives for 2008-2009 to achieve expected results or departmental priorities were fully met. (Consistent with TBS definition that 100 percent of the expected level of performance for the expected result or priority was achieved) | |||
Anticipated results mostly met - Objectives to achieve expected results have not yet been fully met, but significant progress has been made towards achieving them | Mostly met - Objectives for 2008-2009 to achieve expected results or departmental priorities have not yet been fully met, but significant progress has been made towards achieving them. (Consistent with TBS definition that 80 to 99 percent of the expected level of performance for the expected result or priority was achieved) | ||
Somewhat met - Objectives for 2008-2009 to achieve expected results or departmental priorities have not yet been fully met, but partial progress has been made towards achieving them. (Consistent with TBS definition that 60 to 79 percent of the expected level of performance for the expected result or priority was achieved) | |||
Anticipated results not met - Objectives to achieve expected results were not met. | Not met - Objectives for 2008-2009 to achieve expected results or departmental priorities were not met. (Consistent with TBS definition that less than 60 percent of the expected level of performance for the expected result or priority was achieved) |
In its 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities, Environment Canada identified seven program priorities and one management priority on which it would focus during 2008-2009. These priorities fully support ongoing progress towards program results in support of the Department’s Strategic Outcomes.
The following table identifies the 2008-2009 priorities, presents a summary of key achievements in 2008-2009 related to these priorities, links the priorities to the program results by Strategic Outcomes and provides a rating of performance for 2008-2009.
Operational Priorities for 2008-2009 | Type | Performance Status against 2008-2009 operational priorities | Linkages to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|---|
1- Reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. (EC's 2008-2009 RPP, pdf p.18) |
Ongoing | Mostly
met |
Strategic Outcome 3 |
|
|||
2- Ensuring
water quality and quantity. (EC's 2008-2009 RPP, pdf p.19) |
Ongoing | Mostly
met |
Strategic Outcome 1 |
|
|||
3- Supporting
clean land and biodiversity. (EC's 2008-2009 RPP, pdf p.19) |
Ongoing | Somewhat
met |
Strategic Outcomes 1, 3 |
|
|||
4- Providing
quality meteorological and environmental services to
Canadians. (EC's 2008-2009 RPP, pdf p. 20) |
Ongoing | Mostly
met |
Strategic Outcome 2 |
|
|||
5- Delivering
results on environmental enforcement. (EC's 2008-2009 RPP, pdf p. 20) |
Ongoing | Met
all |
Strategic Outcomes 1, 3 |
|
|||
6- Protecting
Canadians from toxic substances. (EC's 2008-2009 RPP, pdf p. 20) |
Ongoing | Met
all |
Strategic Outcome 3 |
|
|||
7- Supporting sustainable urban development and
infrastructure renewal in the Toronto waterfront
area. |
Ongoing | Mostly
met |
Strategic Outcome 4 |
|
Management Priorities for 2008-2009 | Type | Performance Status against 2008-2009 management priority | Linkages to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|---|
8- Improve
integrated business and human resources planning in the
Department. (EC's 2008-2009 RPP, pdf p. 21) |
Ongoing | Somewhat
met |
Strategic Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
|
The following table presents an overview of the performance status ratings for each of the expected results identified in the Environment Canada RPP for 2008-2009. The performance status ratings provide an assessment of progress achieved during 2008-2009 against the indicators and targets or activities and outputs for results as stated in the RPP. Details regarding the progress achieved during 2008-2009 are provided in Section II of this DPR.
Program Activities | Expected Results as per 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities | Performance Status, 2008-2009 |
---|---|---|
Strategic Outcome 1: Canada's natural capital is restored, conserved and enhanced | ||
Biodiversity is conserved and protected |
|
Somewhat
met Details |
|
Somewhat
met Details |
|
Water is clean, safe and secure |
|
Mostly
met Details |
Canadians adopt approaches that ensure the sustainable use and management of natural capital and working landscapes |
|
Met
all Details |
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
Strategic Outcome 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians | ||
Improved knowledge and information on weather and environmental conditions influences decision-making |
|
Somewhat
met Details |
|
Met
all Details |
|
Canadians are informed of, and respond appropriately to, current and predicted environmental conditions |
|
Somewhat
met Details |
|
Somewhat
met Details |
|
|
Somewhat
met Details |
|
Strategic Outcome 3: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste | ||
Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances are reduced |
|
Met
all Details |
|
Met
all Details |
|
|
Met
all Details |
|
Canadians adopt sustainable consumption and production approaches |
|
Met
all Details |
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment from air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced |
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
Strategic Outcome 4: Sustainable urban development and infrastructure renewal in the Toronto Waterfront Area | ||
Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative |
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
|
Mostly
met Details |
|
Harbourfront Centre Funding Program |
|
Met
all Details |
|
Met
all Details |
Environment Canada plays a leadership role in implementing the Government of Canada's environmental agenda. The Government continues to strengthen its commitment to improving the quality of Canada's environment by making this issue one of its top priorities. In 2008-2009, the Department aligned its policies to implement environmental initiatives announced in Budget 2008 to deliver on commitments made in Turning the Corner: An Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution. In the November 2008 Speech from the Throne, the Government renewed its commitment to reducing Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. Budget 2009: Canada's Economic Action Plan announced investments in projects to develop green infrastructure, clean up federal contaminated sites and improve the Government's environmental reporting. As well, there are plans to work with provincial governments and other partners to develop and implement a cap and trade system for greenhouse gases and an effective international protocol on climate change for the post-2012 period.
Environment Canada is responsible for ensuring compliance with the environmental legislation and regulations it administers - in particular, those aimed at preventing pollution and protecting wildlife. In 2008-2009, there was greater emphasis on implementing and enforcing regulations. To this end, the Department increased its investment to promote compliance by hiring and training 106 enforcement officers.
Science plays a major role in the work of the Department and forms the basis for policy and program decisions. The Department’s Science Plan sets out a clear mission for Environment Canada’s science over 10 years, identifying long-term strategic directions to guide the Department and its science partners. The Science Plan also commits the Department to measuring and reporting on the Department’s science activities, and ensuring that the Department’s science provides value for money and addresses priority issues. Research and development (R&D) activities are of particular importance, since they constitute the backbone of Environment Canada’s science capacity, providing essential new knowledge and tools for supporting key activities such as monitoring and risk assessment. The Department’s R&D performance was recently assessed and found to be strong in terms of alignment with Department- and Government-wide priorities, in terms of linkages across areas of expertise within the Department and with outside collaborators, and in terms of excellence with respect to the quality of the R&D performed. Close connections between R&D users and producers across the Department’s management boards ensure that R&D is responsive and targeted to effectively address priority environmental issues. A report on Environment Canada’s R&D performance is available online at www.ec.gc.ca/scitech/default.asp?lang=En&n=3BE578AE-1.
The Department is committed to achieving value for money and to effectively managing its resources on several key initiatives simultaneously. In 2008-2009, the Department's financial management framework was examined, and adjustments were made to enable the timely allocation of funds and to improve the quality and analysis of financial information. The governance structure was reorganized with the establishment of the Internal Services Board, which provides a focal point for all enabling functions in the Department (i.e. Governance and management Support; Resource Management Services; and Asset Management Services).
In October 2008, changes to the machinery of government transferred responsibility for the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative from Environment Canada to the Department of Finance and responsibility for the Mackenzie Gas Project Office from Industry Canada to Environment Canada. The External Audit Advisory Committee ensures that the Deputy Minister obtains independent, objective advice and assurance on the adequacy of the Department’s risk management, control and accountability mechanisms. The Committee exercises active oversight of core areas of departmental control and accountability in an integrated and systematic way.
Canadians believe that all levels of government and the private sector must do their part to address environmental issues. Environmental conditions pertaining to air quality, changing weather and climate patterns, water quality and quantity, and exposure to chemicals and toxic substances have adverse effects on the health of Canadians and the environment. These issues are too serious to ignore and must be monitored.
Progress on addressing environmental issues can only be made by government and non-governmental organizations working together at all levels, domestically and internationally. Key Environment Canada programs and strategies, such as the Action Plan for Clean Water and the Chemicals Management Plan, depend on collaborative approaches and partnerships among the various levels of government, private industry, environmental non-governmental organizations and other key stakeholders. However, the Department’s overall ability to show progress in tackling environmental problems is influenced, to some extent, by the policies, priorities and timing of actions by domestic and international partners and stakeholders.
It was intended that implementation of the Regulatory Framework for Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions, including the complementary offset system and infrastructure, would be completed by January 1, 2010. However, the global economic downturn and the change in administration in the United States have required that we fine-tune our approach. The federal government remains committed to tabling a full suite of specific policies covering all major sources of Canadian greenhouse gas emissions prior to Canada’s participation in the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. After the Copenhagen meeting, Environment Canada plans to finalize the development of GHG emissions regulations through 2010 to be ready for implementation as early as 2011. The timing and implementation of a federal climate change strategy will reflect the approach of North American alignment of policies.
Environment Canada’s Net Cost of Program for 2008-2009 was $1.2 billion. The Department spending has seen a steady upward trend over the last three years. The Net Cost of Program increased by 13.2 percent ($124.1 million) from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 and 12.6 percent ($133.6 million) from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009. This increase is mainly due to three factors:
The chart below shows the Department’s spending trend over a six-year period (three-year Net Cost of Program and three-year Adjusted Planned Spending).
The Expenditure Profile reflects significant variations due to a number of key factors, including changes in the funding of various initiatives and termination (sunsetting) of time-limited initiatives. As well, Net Cost of Program reflects actual spending in relation to all approved funding for fiscal years now ended, whereas Adjusted Planned Spending only includes initial planned funding. Each year, supplemental funding is normally obtained for additional or renewed initiatives, which is not yet known or reflected in the Adjusted Planned Spending.
Note 1: Net Cost of Program corresponds to Actual
Spending plus Services received without charge and net of
Non-Respendable Revenue.
Note 2: Adjusted Planned Spending corresponds to the
Planned Spending as per the 2009-2010 Report on Plans
and Priorities minus Non-respendable Revenue. As a
result, Net Cost of Program and Adjusted Planned Spending
are on a comparable basis. The decrease in Adjusted Planned
Spending in 2011-2012 is mainly due to the Chemical
Management Plan and the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda as well
as various other sunsetting initiatives.
The significant decrease from 2008-2009 to 2011-2012 can be mostly explained by the transfer of responsibility for the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative and Harbourfront Corporation to the Department of Finance, payments to arm’s-length foundations, and by the scheduled sunsetting of two main initiatives: the Chemical Management Plan and the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda. These two initiatives are part of the Government of Canada long term agenda for which supplementary funding will be considered. Resource requirements beyond those currently approved will be considered as appropriate. Based on historical trends, the Department gains significant additional resources through Supplementary Estimates and consequently, anticipates a stable workforce over the next three years.
This table shows the voted items Parliament approved through the Main Estimates with its supply bills. The statutory items are included for information purposes.
Vote No. or Statutory Item (S) | Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording |
2006-2007 Actual |
2007-2008 Actual |
2008-2009 Main Estimates |
2008-2009 Actual |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Operating expenditures | 703.7 | 700.5 | 665.2 | 763.7 |
5 | Capital expenditures | 34.8 | 35.7 | 43.5 | 45.0 |
10 | Grants and contributions | 47.9 | 106.9 | 165.1 | 164.5 |
(S) | Minister of the Environment: salary and motor car allowance | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
(S) | Contributions to employee benefit plans | 81.3 | 81.1 | 83.6 | 81.2 |
(S) | Spending of proceeds from disposal of surplus Crown assets | 0.7 | 1.0 | - | 0.8 |
(S) | Nature Conservancy of Canada | - | 70.2 | - | 46.1 |
(S) | Grant to the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology | - | 1.6 | - | 19.0 |
Subtotal - Actual Spending | 868.4 | 997.0 | 957.5 | 1,120.4 | |
Services without charge | 81.3 | 76.7 | - | 86.1 | |
Non-respendable Revenue | (11.8) | (11.7) | - | (10.9) | |
Total - Net Cost of Program | 937.9 | 1,062.0 | 957.5 | 1,195.6 | |
Notes: - Excludes respendable revenues - Totals may differ between and within tables due to rounding of figures. |
1 Details on departmental legislation and regulations are available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/enviroregs.