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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Protecting Canada’s vast environmental assets remains a priority for Canadians—and for the federal government. Environment Canada plays an important stewardship role in achieving a clean, safe and sustainable environment. The Department’s priorities for 2012–2013 and its nine Program Activities align to support three Strategic Outcomes:

Strategic Outcome 1: Canada’s natural environment is conserved and restored for present and future generations.

Strategic Outcome 2: Canadians are equipped to make informed decisions on changing weather, water and climate conditions.

Strategic Outcome 3: Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized.

Environment Canada’s priorities, Strategic Outcomes and its programs and services together provide an operational framework. The framework helps to determine how the Department will best organize and apply technological, human and financial resources to fulfill its mandate. The role of this framework is especially important as the Department navigates the challenging fiscal environment that all Canadians are facing.

Partnerships and collaboration
In addition to the specific plans that Environment Canada will undertake in 2012–2013, the Department will continue its ongoing monitoring, science and technology research and assessment, as well as collaborative work with partners and stakeholders. Together, these activities enable the Department to address issues affecting air, land, water, plant and animal species, and human health.

Environment Canada’s responsibilities are shared with other governments (provincial and territorial, Aboriginal, other nations’ governments) together with national organizations and institutions at home and abroad. The Department’s work in 2012–2013 will continue to leverage these partnerships as Environment Canada strives to stay on top of emerging science, technologies, issues and challenges in Canada and internationally.

Sharing science and other knowledge for the benefit of Canadians
The Department will continue to provide services to ensure that the scientific and technological knowledge that Environment Canada gathers and analyzes can be readily accessed by others and applied to support monitoring, preservation and conservation efforts—whether related to biodiversity, to cleaning up valuable water assets, or to ensuring that environmental and economic issues are given equal weight in planning economic development activities. Environment Canada will continue to make information available to Canadians on weather, water, climate and air quality to allow them to make informed decisions on their health and safety.

Advancing the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring
Working in partnership with the Government of Alberta, Environment Canada will lead the implementation of an oil sands monitoring program, with new activities funded by industry. The program, as described in the February 3rd, 2012 announcement of the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring, commits to a scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, integrated, and transparent environmental monitoring program for the oil sands region. Although components of this plan (i.e. water, air and biodiversity monitoring) have been described separately in this document (see Program Activity 1.1 for the biodiversity component, Program Activity 1.2 for the water component, and Program Activity 3.2 for the air quality component), the information from monitoring will be integrated across these components to provide an improved understanding of the long-term cumulative effects of oil sands development. Data will be made freely and openly available to the public.

Keeping Environment Canada’s house in order
The Department will focus on managing its resources throughout the current period of fiscal restraint. It will work to manage the centralization of Environment Canada information management and information technology assets at Shared Services Canada, while maintaining service levels.

In 2012–2013, it will be particularly important to manage the impact of fiscal restraint on Environment Canada’s workforce—the talented and committed experts, managers and support staff working across the country to deliver Environment Canada’s mandate for the benefit of Canadians.

Strategic Outcome 1: Canada's natural environment is conserved and restored for present and future generations

Program Activities for Strategic Outcome 1:

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Program Activity 1.1: Biodiversity—Wildlife and Habitat

Program Description

This program aims to prevent biodiversity loss while still enabling sustainable use by protecting and recovering species at risk, conserving, restoring and rehabilitating significant habitats, and conserving and managing migratory birds. It also aims to ensure a coordinated and coherent national assessment, planning and action to protect biodiversity, including viable populations of species, healthy and diverse ecosystems, and genetic resources. The program includes the formation of strategic partnerships for integrated management of Canada's natural capital including stewardship and the sustainable management of landscapes. Legal and statutory responsibilities for this program include the Species at Risk Act; the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994; the Canada Wildlife Act; and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. International responsibilities include the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat (known as the Ramsar Convention). Contributions in support of Biodiversity—Wildlife and Habitat are used as a component of this program.

Program Activity 1.1: Biodiversity—Wildlife and Habitat

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Populations of wildlife, in particular migratory birds and federally-listed species at risk, are maintained or restored	Proportion of assessed migratory bird species in General Status Reports whose status is considered to be secure	2% increase over previous reported value in each 5-year General Status Report

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	89.1	88.6	87.2
Less: Respendable Revenues	(0.8)	(0.7)	(0.8)
Net Expenditures	88.3	87.8	86.4

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
451	457	457

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Ensure the conservation of species (and their habitats) that fall within Environment Canada’s area of responsibility

Environment Canada’s core conservation mandate focuses on the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats—in particular, on understanding the status and trends of species as well as on targeting conservation efforts where required through habitat conservation. While most of the Department’s work on these fronts is within Canada, efforts also extend to influencing conservation actions in other countries along the pathways of migratory species.

The Species at Risk Act (SARA), introduced in 2002, is intended to complement existing conservation legislation and seeks to prevent wildlife species in Canada from becoming extinct, to provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are endangered or threatened due to human activity, and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened.

SARA also complements broader efforts to protect species and their habitats with the aim of preventing these species from becoming a conservation concern.

In 2012–2013, Environment Canada will set priorities for action under SARA to focus work by the federal government and its partners that will ensure timely and cost-effective protection and recovery of species at risk. For example, Environment Canada will increase the use of ecosystem and multi-species approaches in recovery planning and implementation; it will thus be better positioned to align SARA activities with its partners’ existing approaches to land use and resource development planning.

Pursue a collaborative approach to protect and conserve biodiversity at home and abroad including the development of a national conservation plan

The responsibility for wildlife conservation in Canada is shared among federal agencies, provinces and territories, Aboriginal governments, wildlife co-management boards and others. In addition, regional and municipal governments, industry, landowners and a variety of interest groups have both decision-making power over, and interest in, the conservation and management of wildlife. Environment Canada will continue to collaborate with these stakeholders to support the conservation of biodiversity, including through the development of a national conservation plan.

Key planning highlights for 2012–2013 include:

• Pursuing ongoing work in the North:
  • Nunavut: working on the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement to reflect the needs of Inuit in establishing protected areas; and
  • throughout the North: continuing to contribute to the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (in particular, to the development of its ecosystem-based monitoring plans) and the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (to inform decisions and ensure circumpolar collaboration on biodiversity issues).
• Collaborating with a range of organizations in the preparation of recovery plans in fulfillment of the requirements of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Department will initiate the development of a management plan for the Polar Bear and finalize the recovery strategy for the boreal caribou—two examples of the many recovery planning efforts that will be underway in 2012–2013. These initiatives will involve collaboration with other levels of government, Aboriginal organizations, wildlife co-management boards, industry associations, environmental non-governmental organizations and others. Recovery plans will inform efforts to recover species listed under the SARA;
  Partnerships in action…
  
  Understanding the value of ecosystem goods and services
  As the foundation of Canadians’ well-being, Canada’s ecosystems have economic and social value. For example, net carbon uptake in boreal forests (where trees capture carbon as they grow) was calculated by valuation experts in 2002 as having an annual value of $1.85 billion for forested areas, and an additional $383 million for wetlands and peatlands.
  
  Through measurement and valuation of ecosystem goods and services, Environment Canada will add an important dimension to decisions affecting ecosystem sustainability.
• Continuing work with other federal departments, and with provincial and territorial governments, on methods for measuring the ecological, economic and social values of ecosystem services, and on related values analysis, to strengthen Canada’s environmental accounts and inform policy decisions impacting the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and natural capital;
• Continuing efforts on the completion of bird conservation region plans for each of Canada’s 12 bird conservation regions and additional sub-regions. The plans identify priority species, objectives for their populations, threats and conservation objectives and/or recommended actions, both within Canada and abroad. The plans will be an important tool in guiding migratory bird conservation efforts—for example, they will inform the actions of conservation partners (such as those established under the North American Bird Conservation Initiative); and
• Preparing for and participating in the 2012 11th meeting of Conference of the Parties on Biological Diversity (COP11), including Canada’s domestic response to the 2011–2020 Strategic Plan.

Other planning highlights for 2012–2013 include:

• Introducing a component of the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring to address land-based biodiversity. Preliminary work will include identifying an initial list of the species, stressors and habitats to be monitored, based on expert review of conceptual models and the pathways of effects;
• Continuing ongoing work in collaboration with partners towards implementing a national suite of avian monitoring surveys to support Departmental conservation and management decisions. The suite of surveys allows for regional flexibility where unique needs exist;
• Continuing efforts towards strengthening site management and the ecological integrity of Environment Canada’s protected areas network; and
• Ongoing provision of science-based advice via environmental assessments, including advice and support to joint review panels on a wide range of economic developments.

Benefits to Canadians

Environment Canada’s work under this Program Activity (including scientific research and monitoring) informs management to support maintaining viable populations of species, habitats and genetic resources, while taking social and economic considerations into account. Biodiversity contributes to essential goods and services that provide economic, social/cultural and ecological benefits to Canadians.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) Table

FSDS Goals	FSDS Performance Indicators	FSDS Targets
Goal 5: Wildlife Conservation—Maintain or restore populations of wildlife to healthy levels	Percentage of listed species for which recovery has been deemed feasible where the population trend (where available) at the time of reassessment is consistent with the recovery strategy	Target 5.1: Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Conservation—Population trend (when available) at the time of reassessment is consistent with the recovery strategy for 100% of listed species at risk (for which recovery has been deemed feasible) by 2020
	Proportion of migratory bird species whose population varies within acceptable bounds of the population goals (Population trends of migratory birds will be reported in June 2012)	Target 5.2: Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Conservation - Target for proportion of migratory bird species whose population varies within acceptable bounds of the population goals will be established in 2011 once the Bird Status Database is complete4
Goal 6: Ecosystem/Habitat Conservation and Protection—Maintain productive and resilient ecosystems with the capacity to recover and adapt; and protect areas in ways that leave them unimpaired for present and future generations	Land conserved as a percentage of the total amount needed to achieve population goals for all priority migratory birds and species at risk	Target 6.1: Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitat, Non-Park Protected Habitat—Habitat target to support conservation of priority migratory birds and species at risk will be set by 2015
	Incidence of invasive species introduction (or number of invasive pathways controlled)	Target 6.4: Managing Threats to Ecosystems—Threats of new alien invasive species entering Canada are understood and reduced by 2015

Program Activity 1.2: Water Resources

Program Description

This program addresses the implications to water resources from economic growth, climate change and other factors, ensuring threats to Canada’s water resources and aquatic ecosystems are minimized, and the sustainability of the resource is maintained. Conservation, protection and sustainable use of water resources are critical aspects of Canada’s economic, social and ecological well-being. The program is delivered in collaboration with partners that include other federal departments, provinces and territories, and a range of non-governmental organizations. The Program Activity encompasses Environment Canada’s contribution to addressing water issues and its role in collaborating with other departments to determine priorities for water quality, quantity, and aquatic ecosystem monitoring and research, by providing scientific information and advice to decision makers, and by building best management practices. The program supports the implementation of the Canada Water Act, the 1987 Federal Water Policy, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Fisheries Act and the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act. Contributions in support of Water Resources are used as a component of this program.

Program Activity 1.2: Water Resources

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Threats to Canada's water resources and aquatic ecosystems are minimized and the sustainability of the resource is maintained	Percentage of core national monitoring sites included in the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators Freshwater Quality Indicator whose water quality is rated as good or excellent	50% of core national monitoring sites in the 2010–2012 data set rated as good or excellent

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	115.5	117.2	118.0
Less: Respendable Revenues	(19.6)	(19.8)	(20.6)
Net Expenditures	95.9	97.4	97.5

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
736	737	740

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Advancing work through the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring

Environment Canada is contributing to the Joint Implementation Plan by conducting monitoring, research and analysis of water resources in the Lower Athabasca region. This will lead to a better understanding of the impact of oil sands development on water quality and quantity, aquatic ecosystem health and acid-sensitive lakes in the region.

The Joint Implementation Plan includes:

• more sampling sites over a larger area;
• an increase in the number and types of parameters being sampled;
• an increase in the frequency of sampling; and
• enhanced aquatic ecosystem health monitoring.

Implement a comprehensive approach to protecting water

In support of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Clean Water and goal of ensuring clean water for all Canadians, Environment Canada will undertake a number of activities to continue the ongoing cleanup of key bodies of water and the prevention of pollution. Environment Canada’s water-related activities are closely linked with other Departmental initiatives (e.g. water science supports environmental assessments; weather data support water management).

This comprehensive approach to protecting water in 2012–2013 includes ongoing activities to improve water quality, quantity and overall management by:

• Supporting cross-boundary work, for example, by informing members of water boards under the International Joint Commission (IJC) regarding both water quality and water quantity. In 2012–2013, Environment Canada will continue to participate in the adaptive management approach (learning by doing) of the IJC, lending both expertise and oversight support to the IJC in its work to regulate the flow of water from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River, and from Lake Superior to Lake Huron. The goal is to protect ecosystems and avoid flooding, while providing sufficient water for the economic interests that these important waterways support. The Department will also work to establish a memorandum of understanding with the IJC to provide a basis for future research and development;
  Science at work…
  
  Water quality science supports agreements and decisions
  The scientific work on water quality will continue to support agreements for the cleanup of some key bodies of water in Canada—including the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, and Lake Winnipeg—and help Canada reach its goals under the Clean Water Action Plan. Using a risk-based approach, Environment Canada provides a scientific evaluation of the greatest risk to water quality and the health of the aquatic ecosystems at each site for optimizing the monitoring network of these key watersheds. The results of monitoring will continue to contribute to the water quality index of the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI).
• Continuing to implement the Department’s action plan in response to the Fall 2010 Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development;
• Collaborating with other federal government departments to support water monitoring in the North. For example, hydrological information in the Arctic will continue to be crucial to assessing climate change and to ensuring the stewardship of Canada’s fragile Arctic ecosystems, while supporting the economic development of the North; and
• Continuing to contribute to and benefit from international activities related to the hydrometric program—bilaterally with the United States (U.S. Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)), and multilaterally in meeting Canada’s obligations to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Domestic and international benefits include technology transfer in hydrology and hydrometeorology, the sharing of the data and information needed for managing surface and water resources, and supporting research on climate trends, variability and change.

Benefits to Canadians

Environment Canada plays an important role in providing the science leadership required by all Canadian jurisdictions to inform the sustainable management of Canada’s water resources. This Program Activity benefits Canadians in several ways: it leads to a better understanding of the impacts of human activities on water resources and the health of aquatic ecosystems; it takes action to restore and preserve Canada’s water resources; and it improves water resource management across jurisdictions.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) Table

FSDS Goals	FSDS Performance Indicators	FSDS Targets
Goal 3: Water Quality—Protect and enhance the quality of water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems	Annual changes in recommended classifications of shellfish-growing areas based on historical water quality measures5	Target 3.8: Marine Water Quality—Reduce the risks to Canadians and impacts on the marine environment posed by pollution from land-based activities
Goal 4: Water Availability—Enhance information to ensure that Canadians can manage and use water resources in a manner consistent with the sustainability of the resource	Water use by major sectors from water use surveys	Target 4.1: Water Resource Management and Use—Promote the conservation and wise use of water to effect a 30% reduction or increased efficiency in water use in various6 sectors by 2025 (based on 2009 water use levels)

Program Activity 1.3: Sustainable Ecosystems

Program Description

This program aims to sustain Canada’s ecosystems over the long term by working with Canadians, their governments and the private sector by providing them with the environmental information and tools required to incorporate social, economic and environmental considerations into their decision making and action, including through environmental assessments. The ecosystem approach to environmental management focuses on maintaining the capacity of a whole system to produce ecological goods and services, such as water resources, air and water quality, and genetic resources, which maintain our economy, security, health and well-being. This program is the focal point for the development and implementation of Environment Canada’s sustainability policies and strategies, information to support integrated, ecosystem-scale priority setting, community engagement in remediation of sites, youth engagement, and research and reporting on environmental status and trends. The program facilitates inter-disciplinary and cross-sectoral planning and information sharing among partners. Contributions in support of Sustainable Ecosystems are used as a component of this program.

Program Activity 1.3: Sustainable Ecosystems

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canadians manage ecosystem resources in a manner consistent with ecosystem sustainability	Percentage of Canadian ecosystems where ecosystem health has been assessed as stable or improving	To be determined

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	62.0	62.3	69.9
Less: Respendable Revenues	(0.4)	(0.4)	(0.4)
Net Expenditures	61.6	61.9	69.5

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
319	319	318

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Implement a comprehensive approach to ecosystem management

Environment Canada continues to engage in an ecosystem-based management approach, working with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, and other groups to assess and report on the status of Canada’s ecosystems, to implement sustainable strategies and to jointly address pressures and threats in key Canadian ecosystems.

Coordinated effort within priority ecosystems: Through the Priority Ecosystem Initiative Management Framework, Environment Canada continues to implement an ecosystem-based approach to environmental management in the Department and across the regions. In collaboration with partners across Canada, Environment Canada is working to effectively manage freshwater and ocean resources through the development of policies, strategies and ecosystem-scale priority setting.

In addition to the science and monitoring work in support of clean water (see Program Activity 1.2), management of priority ecosystems through coordinated efforts is key to supporting Environment Canada’s sustainable environment priority. Management of the Great Lakes basin, the St. Lawrence River, and other ecosystem initiatives (such as the Atlantic Ecosystem Initiatives) will be ongoing in 2012–2013.

The Department will:

• finalize amendments to the Canada–U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to address threats to water quality;
• complete negotiations for the new 2012–2017 Canada–Ontario Agreement to manage the Great Lakes basin, while continuing to implement the current Agreement, as well as the Great Lakes Action Plan 2010–2015;
• implement the Canada–Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence 2011–2026 to deliver on commitments and results for 2011–2016;
• deliver on the Action Plan for Clean Water through meeting commitments to clean up sediments and restore the Great Lakes;
• initiate work to research, monitor and measure the presence of phosphorus in Lake Erie; and
• through Atlantic Ecosystem Initiatives, engage in more effective communication, collaboration and coordination on coastal and ocean issues in Atlantic Canada. In the Okanagan, cooperative opportunities related to science, monitoring and indicators are moving forward.

Environment Canada will also continue to deliver clean water action plans for Lake Simcoe and Lake Winnipeg. Other 2012–2013 activities that support a sustainable environment include the following:

Sustainable Development Strategies: Environment Canada is responsible for implementing the Federal Sustainable Development Act and leads the development and implementation (including tracking and reporting) of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), tabled in Parliament every three years, with the next strategy to be tabled in 2013.

To enable Canadians to include environmental considerations in their decision-making, the Department makes available environmental information through the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI). As the federal lead on CESI, Environment Canada will continue to monitor and report progress against these indicators.

Supporting ecosystem-based management through environmental assessments: Industrial and resource development is a critical driver of economic growth in Canada, but can also inhibit the sustainability of ecosystems if not managed carefully. Environmental assessments (EAs) provide the government with a powerful planning tool that ensures that development happens in a manner that does not impair ecosystem health. Environment Canada participates in approximately 3,000 environmental assessments annually—from small scientific study projects, to major developments such as oil and gas pipelines, mining operations and urban development projects—providing science-based advice and support for joint panel reviews addressing a wide range of developments. This is a key tool in Environment Canada’s world-class regulator regime.

Through the Deputy Minister-led Coordinating Committee, the Department will bring a whole-of-department perspective to its EA work. This will allow Environment Canada to influence the sustainability of projects most critical to Canada’s economy.

Benefits to Canadians

Through partnership arrangements, the Department provides strategies, information, tools and funding directly to stakeholders to help protect ecosystems across Canada. This collaboration and sharing enable a better integration of environmental considerations into decision-making, and help improve the sustainability of Canada ’s ecosystems over the long term, thus creating economic and social benefit for Canadians.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) Table

FSDS Goals	FSDS Performance Indicators	FSDS Targets
Goal 3: Water Quality—Protect and enhance the quality of water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems	For Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes, track change in beneficial use status from “impaired” or “requires further assessment” to “not impaired” or “restored”	Target 3.1: Fresh Water Quality—Complete federal actions to restore beneficial uses in Canadian Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes by 2020
	Ecosystem indicators aligned to the general and specific objectives of the Canada–U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement	Target 3.2: Fresh Water Quality—Contribute to the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes by developing and gaining binational acceptance of objectives and strategies for the management of nutrients in the Great Lakes by 2015
	Assess and report on aquatic ecosystem health indicators aligned to objectives of the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence River	Target 3.3: Fresh Water Quality—Complete federal actions to reduce pollutants and restore beneficial uses in hot spots in the St. Lawrence River by 2016
	Estimated nutrient reductions in Lake Simcoe	Target 3.4: Fresh Water Quality—Reduce nutrient inputs into Lake Simcoe by 2012
	Indicator under development	Target 3.5: Fresh Water Quality—By 2012, through strategic collaborations and by increasing scientific knowledge, contribute to the establishment of targets to reduce nutrients in Lake Winnipeg and its basin to support the sustainability of the lake

Please note that Program Activity 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement—Wildlife is described on this page.

Strategic Outcome 2: Canadians are equipped to make informed decisions on changing weather, water and climate conditions

Program Activities for Strategic Outcome 2:

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Program Activity 2.1: Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Program Description

This program provides weather warnings, forecasts and information to anticipate, manage and adapt to the risks and opportunities of changing weather, water and climate conditions. It involves monitoring, research, production and service delivery to help Canadians make informed decisions in the face of changing weather, water and climate conditions. Because a global effort is needed to monitor, understand and predict constantly changing weather, water and climate conditions, this program provides support to and relies on various collaborators in Canada and around the world. Key ones include the World Meteorological Organization of the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as the media, academia and all levels of government in Canada. The program supports the Department in meeting obligations and responsibilities conferred by the Department of the Environment Act, the Weather Modification Information Act, the Emergency Management Act (2007) and memoranda of agreement with national meteorological and space agencies. This program also provides forecasts and information in case of environmental emergencies associated with the release of toxic and radioactive material in the atmosphere. This Government of Canada program is the only one with such a national mandate, and has the infrastructure and skills to deliver this service. Grants and Contributions in support of Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians are used as components of this program.

Program Activity 2.1: Weather and Environmental Services for Canadians

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canadians understand information on the changing weather, water and climate conditions and the associated health and safety risks	Percentage of the population of a warned area who took actions in response to a weather warning	30% by 2014
	Percentage of the population indicating that they understand the differences between severe weather watches and warnings and the implications for their safety	20% by 2015
	Percentage of targeted sensitive populations7 within selected regions receiving information on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) who identify potential behaviour changes in response to current and/or forecast AQHI levels that are consistent with health messaging	10% to 20% of sensitive population (range is due to regional variation) by 2016

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	193.7	195.4	193.8
Less: Respendable Revenues	(2.4)	(2.3)	(1.6)
Net Expenditures	191.3	193.2	192.2

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
1,031	1,037	1,036

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Deliver first-rate weather and environmental services to Canadians

Environment Canada’s work to deliver first-rate weather services to Canadians will remain a priority in 2012–2013. The Department will focus on the core research and operational activities (see Program Activity description above) to provide high-quality weather and environmental information, observations, forecasts and warnings to meet the safety, security and sustainable economic development needs of Canadians, in both official languages, on a 24/7 basis.

Highlights of key ongoing and new initiatives for 2012–2013 include:

• Delivering on the federal government’s recent five-year investment to ensure the infrastructure integrity of the Department’s core weather and climate monitoring networks, weather radar, surface weather and climate stations, lightning detection network and upper atmosphere monitoring network. By ensuring infrastructure integrity, the Department is safeguarding the ability to provide Canadians with weather services, thereby protecting their health and safety;
• Continuing to undertake business transformation projects to ensure Canada’s weather and environmental services are modern, efficient and responsive to the evolving needs of Canadians. These projects include the modernization of the monitoring infrastructure, the re-engineering of the weather warning and service delivery system, the development and implementation of the next generation of weather prediction systems, as well as the research and development in support of these projects;
• Continuing the development of a pan-Canadian land and near-surface forecasting system and an integrated environmental prediction system (including the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic environments) that will allow for better weather and environmental forecasts and applications for the management of natural resources (e.g. agriculture, forestry, aquatic);
• Partnership in action…
  
  Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
  The AQHI is a public information tool (introduced in 2007). It helps Canadians protect their health on a daily basis from the negative effects of air pollution by informing them of the level of pollutants in the air (on a scale basis) and other health-related meteorological information. It is a collaborative effort between Health Canada, Environment Canada, the provinces and key health and environment stakeholders.
  Continuing the development and implementation of specialized mission-critical applications that provide state-of-the-art workstations to forecasters (e.g. Ninjo and Polaris), while also dealing with the decommissioning and retirement of current legacy applications and systems in order to allow greater efficiency;
• Continuing the national implementation of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) service, following the announcement of renewed funding of the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda. Pilot projects are planned in rural New Brunswick to support province-wide implementation, and discussions are underway for projects in northern communities;
• Expanding and strengthening national partnerships with key stakeholders and continuing to work with other federal government organizations to leverage weather and environmental science innovation and information. For example, the Department works closely with Natural Resources Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Space Agency to develop and enhance cooperation mechanisms for geospatial information that will in turn enhance Environment Canada’s weather prediction capabilities;
• Continuing to provide the foundational science on past, present and future climate states, information and tools to inform adaptation planning and decision-making in Canada. Activities include enhancing global and regional climate models, developing and improving climate change scenarios, climate trend and variability analysis, developing specialized information on climate extremes, greenhouse gases and cryosphere (frozen water portion of the Earth’s surface) monitoring and research. This work contributes to the federal Clean Air Agenda, including through the Adaptation Climate Change Prediction and Scenarios program;
• Establishing an effective working relationship with the newly created Shared Services Canada⁸, as this organization’s services are fundamental components to the delivery of 24/7 mission-critical weather services; and
• Continuing to contribute to and benefit from international activities related to weather and environmental services by playing a leadership role in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and maintaining active participation in the international Group on Earth Observations and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The Department will continue bilateral work with China, the United States and other key countries to advance joint initiatives and leverage scientific knowledge and expertise.

Benefits to Canadians

Environment Canada’s work to maintain and provide high-quality weather, climate and environmental predictions helps Canadians better adapt to and manage the weather and environmental risks they face in their personal and business decisions. By monitoring, predicting and delivering weather and environmental science and services to Canadians, Environment Canada gives Canadians access to timely and accurate warnings for severe weather and potentially life-threatening hazards.

Program Activity 2.2: Weather and Environmental Services for Targeted Users

Program Description

This program provides essential decision-making tools and information on the changing weather to targeted sectors and their regulatory agencies, to help them anticipate, manage and adapt to the risks and opportunities created by changing weather and climate conditions. It involves monitoring, research, production and service delivery in order to support sustainable decision making by targeted sectors in the face of changing weather, water and climate conditions. It provides observations, forecasts and warnings 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, along with other tools tailored to users’ specific needs. It requires various collaborations, within Canada (including other government departments and provincial agencies), and internationally with the World Meteorological Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as other U.S. Government institutions. This program supports the Department in meeting obligations and responsibilities conferred by the Department of the Environment Act; helps other government departments meet their obligations under the Aeronautics Act, the Oceans Act and the Fisheries Act; and supports memoranda of agreement with Transport Canada, National Defence and various provincial agencies.

Program Activity 2.2: Weather and Environmental Services for Targeted Users

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Targeted sectors have the meteorological and environmental information and services they need to operate efficiently and safely	Combined level of satisfaction of the main clients of the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC)9 based on the statement "The services provided by the MSC meet our needs"	7.5 out of 10 by 2012–2013

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	73.7	66.9	67.2
Less: Respendable Revenues	(41.4)	(41.4)	(41.6)
Net Expenditures	32.3	25.5	25.5

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
427	422	424

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Deliver first-rate weather and environmental services to targeted users

Environment Canada’s provision of first-rate weather and environmental services to targeted users is based on the foundation work the Department carries out to provide those same services to Canadians (see Program Activity 2.1). Environment Canada data and services are tailored to the specific needs of a wide range of users, with some provided on a cost-recovery basis.

Key activities over the 2012–2013 period include:

• Implementing the Arctic Meteorological Areas Initiative that began in 2011–2012. This initiative will provide the new International Service for Maritime Safety Information and expand Environment Canada’s domestic marine and ice services with the goal of providing around-the-clock weather, ice, and sea-state services for the newly identified areas in the Arctic. Improvements to be made in 2012–2013 will be a further step towards year-round weather and ice prediction services in the Arctic within several years. This includes the research and development of a novel regional atmosphere-ocean-ice-wave prediction system and new satellite products in collaboration with National Defence and Fisheries and Oceans Canada;
• Service to targeted weather service users…
  
  Supporting shipping in the Arctic
  As ice margins recede in the Arctic, the potential for significant increases in Arctic shipping will arise. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), is expanding the distribution of the maritime safety information service to the North Pole. Canada has agreed to prepare and disseminate year-round meteorological information for the benefit of the international maritime community in two of five new areas established by the IMO.
  Continuing the Department’s marine weather and ice forecasts and services to support safe marine transportation and Canadian Coast Guard activities, particularly in the North, as well as exploring the possibility of expanding partnerships and options for broader accessibility of ice and marine products and services;
• Contributing to the success of Canada’s military operations by providing weather services to National Defence and proceeding with the implementation of the Joint Meteorological Centre at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick;
• Maintaining and upgrading the Canadian Lightning Detection Network and enhancing the display of lightning information on the Weatheroffice website; and
• Contributing to safe and efficient civil aviation in Canada by continuing to provide high-quality, relevant and timely weather forecasts and services under the terms of the renewed agreement with NAV CANADA.

Benefits to Canadians

Key sectors of Canada’s economy are highly sensitive to changing weather, water and climate conditions. These sectors include agriculture, transportation, energy, tourism and construction. Access to the timely, accurate and relevant science-based weather, climate and environmental prediction information and services that Environment Canada provides helps businesses and other targeted users to improve their resilience to weather events, to reduce their economic vulnerability to events, and to use appropriate and timely information in decision-making.

Strategic Outcome 3: Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized

Program Activities for Strategic Outcome 3:

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Program Activity 3.1: Substances and Waste Management

Program Description

Activities in this program reduce threats to health and the environment posed by pollution and waste from human activities. The program assesses risks to health and the environment from substances that are already in commercial use (existing substances) and substances proposed for introduction into use in Canada (new substances). It also develops and implements measures to prevent or manage the risks from these substances and waste. Contributions in support of Substances and Waste Management are used as a component of this program.

Program Activity 3.1: Substances and Waste Management

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Threats to Canadians and impacts on the environment posed by harmful substances and waste are reduced	Percentage of drainage regions where Canadian or Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines are not exceeded for selected substances in sediment, water and/or biota Substances currently reported under this indicator:   Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)	PBDEs: 80% in 2012-13 PFOS: 80% in 2013-14
	Canadian releases of selected controlled substances Substances reported under this indicator:   Hexavalent chromium Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)	Hexavalent chromium: 1900 kg releases (air and water) by 2015 PCBs: 10 kg by 201210

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	84.0	81.5	77.9
Less: Respendable Revenues	(2.3)	(2.2)	(2.3)
Net Expenditures	81.7	79.3	75.6

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
593	593	585

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Deliver on Reinvestment in the Chemicals Management Plan

The launch of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in 2006 made Canada a world leader in chemicals management and has kept Canada on track to meet its international commitments, including the sound management of chemicals in Canada by 2020. Environment Canada, in partnership with Health Canada, will continue to implement the next phase of the Plan. Over the next 5 years, the Department will conduct risk assessments to address approximately 1500 substances—half of the remaining priorities determined to require further assessment upon the completion of the categorization process under CEPA in 2006. Environment Canada will also continue to evaluate new chemical substances to ensure their safety before they enter the Canadian marketplace.

The Department will also conduct research into substances, such as those that affect hormone function and improving product safety in Canada.

This next phase of the CMP will be based on an integrated government-wide approach, rapid action on priority substances, and business predictability and public confidence and will include the following activities in 2012–2013:

• Conducting targeted research on priority substances and issues under CMP and CEPA 1999;
• Publishing draft and/or final assessments of high priority existing substances as required under CEPA 1999;
• Undertaking integrated environmental monitoring and surveillance of priority chemicals in air, water, sediments, fish, birds and wastewater;
• Developing and implementing instruments to manage risks from harmful substances (e.g. pollution prevention plans for bisphenol A and isoprene); and
• Contributing to international initiatives that support domestic efforts in the sound management of chemicals (e.g. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, and the Canada–U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council).

Environment Canada will also deliver regulatory programming to prevent pollution and manage and reduce waste. Planning highlights for 2012–2013 include:

• Implementing the environmental emergency regulations, the notifications regulations (under CEPA, 1999 and the Fisheries Act) and the wastewater systems effluent regulations; finalizing mercury-containing products regulations; implementing pollution prevention regulatory programs for several sectors such as hazardous waste, mining, and pulp and paper; and, continuing to develop a wastewater regime for the North;
• Maintaining ongoing delivery of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) in partnership with other federal departments and agencies and carrying out Environment Canada’s responsibility as a custodian in managing its contaminated sites (for Environment Canada this includes six remediation projects and nineteen assessment projects in 2012–2013); and
• Contributing to Canada’s efforts on preventing marine pollution (London Protocol), meeting national obligations under CEPA 1999 on control of disposal at sea, and delivering on the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act (AEPA) obligations to maintain a clean, safe Antarctic.

Benefits to Canadians

Environment Canada works to reduce threats and impacts on the environment from harmful substances and waste through assessment, risk management actions, permitting and/or monitoring activities. These activities promote pollution prevention and early action or remediation of harmful substances, thereby reducing risks to the environment and Canadians. The management or removal of harmful substances and waste is key to reducing exposure to these threats for present or future generations.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) Table

FSDS Goals	FSDS Performance Indicators	FSDS Targets
Goal 3: Water Quality—Protect and enhance the quality of water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems	Change in percentage of wastewater systems achieving national effluent quality standards	Target 3.7: Fresh Water Quality—Reduce risks associated with wastewater effluent by 2020 in collaboration with provinces and territories
	Reduction in loading of the biological oxygen demand matter and suspended solids
	Percentage of disposal site monitoring events that do not trigger site management action	Target 3.9: Marine Water Quality—Prevent marine pollution from uncontrolled dumping at sea. Ensure that permitted disposal at sea is sustainable such that 85% of disposal site monitoring events do not identify the need for site management action (such as site closure)
Goal 2: Air Pollution—Minimize the threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems Goal 3: Water Quality—Protect and enhance the quality of water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems	Canadian releases of selected controlled substances	Targets 2.3 and 3.12: Chemicals Management—Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment posed by harmful substances as a result of decreased environmental concentrations and human exposure to such substances11
	Percentage (or number) of drainage regions where Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines (FEQG) are not exceeded for select substances in sediment, water and/or biota
	Levels of exposure to substances of concern by substance (air pollution only12)
Goal 6: Ecosystem/Habitat Conservation and Protection—Maintain productive and resilient ecosystems with the capacity to recover and adapt; and protect areas in ways that leave them unimpaired for present and future generations	Environmental emergencies tracking	Target 6.5: Managing Threats to Ecosystems—Reduce the frequency and consequences of environmental emergencies that affect Canada

Program Activity 3.2: Climate Change and Clean Air

Program Description

Emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants threaten to adversely affect the health of Canadians, degrade the environment, exacerbate climate change and adversely affect the economy. This program aims to protect the health of Canadians, the state of the environment and the economy from the harmful effects of air pollutants and the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions through the development of regulations and other control measures to address greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, based on sound scientific and economic analysis, and emissions monitoring and reporting. It will involve continued collaboration with other governments and stakeholders; expert environmental science and technology advice, assessment, and program management in support of technology investment decisions, policy making and regulations; and cooperation with the U.S. to align greenhouse gas regulations as appropriate, reduce transboundary air pollution and advance the development of clean technologies. It will also involve continued participation in and contribution to international negotiations to address climate change and transboundary air pollution, as well as bilateral and multilateral processes that complement international negotiations or support Canada’s positions and objectives in international negotiations. Contributions in support of Climate Change and Clean Air are used as a component of this program.

Program Activity 3.2: Climate Change and Clean Air

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Threats to Canadians, their health and their environment from air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are minimized	Canadian emissions of greenhouse gases from targeted and/or regulated sources	Canada’s national target is a 17% reduction from 2005 levels by 2020
	Canadian ambient air quality (ground-level ozone)	To be determined. Targets will be determined with the finalization of the air pollutant management approach
	Canadian emissions of air pollutants from targeted sources Substances reported under this indicator:   Industrial sources and mobile sources (reported separately): Particulate matter less than 10µm (PM10); Sulfur oxides (SOx); Nitrogen oxides (NOx); Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Industrial sources only: Mercury (Hg) Mobile sources only: Carbon monoxide (CO)	Annual decline in the 3-year moving average for all tracked substances for both sectors

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	212.2	172.7	139.9
Less: Respendable Revenues	(0.7)	(0.7)	(0.2)
Net Expenditures	211.5	172.0	139.7

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
748	698	645

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Deliver a sector-by-sector regulatory approach to reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions

Environment Canada will continue to develop and implement a sector-by-sector regulatory approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This work will build on achievements to date, including progress towards achieving Canada’s commitment under the Copenhagen Accord to reduce GHG emissions by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.

Key highlights of 2012–2013 activities include:

• Furthering sector-by-sector regulatory work on GHG emissions, aligned with the United States, which is a key aspect of Canada’s commitment to the Copenhagen Accord. The Department will continue work to advance regulations in support of reducing GHG emissions from major-emitting sectors of the economy. This will include finalizing regulations for coal-fired electricity generation in the first half of 2012. Environment Canada will develop regulations for natural gas-fired electricity generation as well as other major-emitting industrial sectors, including oil and gas;
• Partnerships in action…
  
  Single-window reporting on GHG emissions
  The Department’s single-window reporting (SWR) minimizes duplication of reporting and related administrative burden for industry and governments alike. Industrial facilities need to submit GHG emissions data only once; thereafter, the information is accessible to Environment Canada and its federal, provincial and territorial partners.
  
  The SWR approach provides a single source of information to Environment Canada, other federal government departments, provinces and territories, industry and academia.
  
  The Department uses this information to meet the reporting requirements for the National Pollutant Release Inventory.
  Continuing consultations with provinces, territories and stakeholders to inform the development of performance standards to reduce GHG emissions;
• Working closely with the United States on the next phase of North American transportation standards for GHG emissions. This will include standards for heavy-duty vehicles for model years 2014 and beyond, and for passenger cars and light-duty trucks for model years 2017 and beyond;
• In collaboration with provincial partners, ongoing annual reporting and publication of GHG emissions from facilities emitting 50 kilotonnes or more of carbon dioxide. This information guides regulatory development regarding industrial GHG emissions under the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda,¹³ as well as provincial action;
• Developing a domestic strategy on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), including black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone and some hydrofluorocarbons, as part of the Government’s comprehensive approach on climate change;
• Providing expert science advice on Canada’s changing climate related to GHG aerosols research and monitoring;
• Providing expert technology advice, producing assessments of the environmental performance of technologies, and overseeing federal clean technology initiatives
  (e.g., Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and Green Municipal Fund (GMF)); and
• Managing Canada’s Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program, including:
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to incorporate the ETV process into their management decisions;
  • engaging key countries both bilaterally and through the International Working Group; and
  • delivering the proposed international ETV standard to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Deliver on federal components of the national Air Quality Management System

Environment Canada will continue its collaboration with the provinces, industry and others to support the ongoing development and finalization of the new Air Quality Management System (AQMS).

Key highlights of 2012–2013 activities include:

• Continuing consultations with provinces and territories, and stakeholders to finalize national industrial emissions requirements as input to regulations limiting air pollutant emissions from Canadian industrial sectors;
• Finalizing and publishing, in the Canada Gazette, Part 1, the new Canadian ambient air quality standards for PM_2.5 and ozone that will replace the current Canada-wide standards;
• Continuing development and amendment of air pollutant regulations for vehicles, engines and fuels, aligned with stringent U.S. EPA standards. The Department will support reductions in marine emissions, including the implementation of the North American Emission Control Area in 2012;
• Tracking toxic substances and other substances of concern through the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), which is a major starting point for identifying and monitoring sources of air pollution in Canada, and for developing indicators for the quality of air, land and water. A wide range of stakeholders rely on the NPRI for information and reporting;
• Science at work…
  
  Oil sands and air quality
  Additional air monitoring under the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring will strengthen scientific knowledge and help determine the type, quantity and source of emissions from the oil sands, and how they are interacting with emissions from other sectors, in the atmosphere, as well as their impact on ecosystems and the air Canadians breathe.
  Conducting critical air quality research, monitoring and modelling to quantify priority air pollutants and determine trends to predict air quality, as well as delivering new knowledge on atmospheric processes and emissions measurements related to various industrial and mobile sources in order to relate air pollutant emissions to pollutant exposure and impacts on the environment; and
• Continuing to cooperate with the Government of Alberta and local stakeholders to implement the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring. As with the water component of the Plan, the air component builds on and integrates existing air monitoring activities. These efforts will contribute to the Department’s ability to assess the cumulative and acute effects on the ecosystems in which oil sands development is taking place.

Participate in international fora to advance Canada's environmental goals related to climate change and air quality

A key element of Canada’s climate change agenda is working with other nations also committed to addressing climate change. Canada’s commitments under the Cancun Agreements and Copenhagen Accord form the basis for Canada’s international work on climate change and clean air.

Key highlights of 2012–2013 planned activities include:

• Participating in regional and international initiatives to address short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). Addressing SLCPs offers the potential to make near-term progress on climate change, and would also have benefits for air quality and human health. SLCPs have significant impacts on human health, air quality and food security. The Department will contribute under the Arctic Council; the Gothenburg Protocol to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution; the International Maritime Organization; and a new global initiative to enhance existing actions to reduce SLCPs. The Department will also work with other countries, including the United States and Mexico. On a related front, Environment Canada will also continue to serve as the federal lead on the Global Methane Initiative as part of international efforts to reduce methane;
• Continuing to participate in international negotiations to deliver a global, legally binding agreement on mercury under the United Nations Environment Programme. The goal is to complete the negotiations before the 27th regular session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum in February 2013;
• Engaging in ongoing international negotiations on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including following up on the outcomes of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) 17 held in Durban in 2011, and participation in the 2012 United Nations’ annual climate change conference (CoP) 18 in Qatar;
• Carrying on with the fast-start climate change financing (under the Copenhagen Accord) to support the efforts of developing countries to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change;
• Reporting annually to the United Nations on Canada’s GHG emissions, including reporting on progress towards its national climate change target for 2020; and
• Continuing collaboration with the United States to reduce transboundary air pollution, including work with the U.S. towards an expansion of the 1991 Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement to address particulate matter.

Benefits to Canadians

Environment Canada’s collaborative approach (at home and abroad) to regulating reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollutants, and to advancing clean technologies, helps to protect the health of Canadians and their environment. Environment Canada also provides information about air emissions to decision-makers at all levels of government, the public and the private sector, thus supporting informed decisions for the benefit of Canadians. Clean technologies have a positive impact on Canada's economic competitiveness and prosperity. Environment Canada helps ensure that federal clean technology investments offer value for money and promote the development of the green economy.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) Table

FSDS Goals	FSDS Performance Indicators	FSDS Targets
Goal 1: Climate Change—Reduce greenhouse gas emission levels to mitigate the severity and unavoidable impacts of climate change	Government actions to meet reduction target	Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation—Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 17% by 2020
Goal 2: Air Pollution—Minimize the threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems	Air emissions indicators of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia	Target 2.1: Air Pollutants—Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country and achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultations with provinces and stakeholders
	Trends in air quality related health outcomes14

Program Activities 3.3: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement—Pollution and 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement—Wildlife

Program Description

Program Activity 3.3 (Pollution): This program contributes to minimizing damages and threats to the natural environment and biodiversity, through the promotion and enforcement of legislation administered by Environment Canada, supported by sound scientific analysis and advice. Program actions focus on pollution including toxic substances, their release to air, water or land, and the import and export of hazardous waste that present a risk to the environment and/or human health. The program maintains a contingent of compliance promotion and enforcement officers. Compliance promotion officers provide information to regulatees on legislative requirements, the environmental benefits of compliance and the potential penalties of non-compliance. Enforcement officers’ activities include gathering intelligence, conducting inspections to verify compliance with laws and regulations, and pursuing investigations to take appropriate enforcement measures against offenders. The program also performs compliance analysis in order to provide continuous feedback on program planning and results.

Program Activity 1.4 (Wildlife): This program serves to conserve and protect the natural environment through compliance promotion and enforcement, supported by sound scientific analysis and advice, of the following wildlife-related legislation administered by Environment Canada: the Species at Risk Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, and the Canada Wildlife Act. Measures to promote compliance include communication and publication of information, education, and consultation with parties affected by these statutes. The program maintains a contingent of enforcement officers, whose actions focus on ensuring and verifying conformity with laws, regulations and permits pertaining to wildlife, through several activities—which include gathering intelligence, conducting inspections and pursuing investigations to take appropriate enforcement measures against alleged offenders. These actions ensure that damages and threats to biodiversity are reduced for the benefit of Canadians and the international community.

Program Activity 3.3: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement—Pollution

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Compliance with pollution laws and regulations administered by Environment Canada	Compliance with regulatory requirements for selected regulations Regulations reported under this indicator: Dry Cleaning Regulations (initial pilot; other regulations to be added)15	Dry Cleaning Regulations: 10% increase in compliance in 2015–2016 relative to the 2012–2013 baseline

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	45.6	45.5	45.5
Less: Respendable Revenues	(0.1)	(0.1)	(0.1)
Net Expenditures	45.5	45.4	45.4

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
391	397	398

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Program Activity 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Compliance with wildlife laws and regulations administered by Environment Canada	Percentage of inspected regulated community compliant with regulatory requirements under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994	90% by 2012–2013

Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	17.3	17.6	17.6
Less: Respendable Revenues	(0.0)	(0.1)	(0.1)
Net Expenditures	17.2	17.5	17.5

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
140	140	140

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

Promote compliance and enforce regulations—pollution and wildlife

Environment Canada takes a multi-faceted approach to compliance promotion and regulatory enforcement.

In 2012–2013, the Department will:

• Continue to implement its core mandate of promoting compliance and enforcing legislation and regulations. This work will include conducting ongoing inspections and investigations (including follow-up to ensure compliance following investigations) as well as conducting investigations in response to events, such as environmental incidents with the potential for pollution and/or harm to wildlife;
• Identify, in collaboration with experts, priority areas and issues based on data collected through inspections, investigations and intelligence, and from partners and stakeholders in Canada and around the world. Results of compliance promotion and enforcement activities will continue to be reported in accordance with various acts—for example, results of wildlife activities are reported in accordance with such acts as the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. Pollution-related activities are reported in accordance with such acts as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Fisheries Act;
• Implement the Environmental Enforcement Act Phase I to develop a model for the assessment of new penalties for environmental damage, and for financial benefit gained from environmental offences (related to both pollution and wildlife); and,
• Lay the foundation for the migration and centralization of data that support compliance promotion and enforcement. This preparatory work will enable Environment Canada and its partners to readily access and analyze data to support ongoing work and priorities.

Benefits to Canadians

Through Environment Canada’s efforts to promote compliance and enforce federal regulations, wildlife and the natural environment are protected.

Internal Services

Program Activities for Internal Services

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Financial Resources ($ millions)*

	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
Gross Expenditures	172.4	170.2	169.2
Less: Respendable Revenues	(0.2)	(0.2)	(0.2)
Net Expenditures	172.2	170.0	169.0

* Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalent—FTE)**

2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
1,400	1,393	1,385

** Total may differ within and between tables due to rounding of figures.

Planning Highlights

During the 2012–2013 planning cycle and beyond, Environment Canada (and all federal departments) will be going through a period of fiscal restraint. A central element of this exercise will involve the provision by Shared Services Canada of a number of services that have to date been provided internally. The Department recognizes that it will be necessary to explore and adopt, where practical, new technologies and other approaches to streamlining operations. Moreover, the Department will face the challenge of managing the transition period, including any effects on resources (both human and financial), while providing ongoing support to its internal and external clients. In preparation for this work, the Department’s internal services will develop and implement a number of responses aimed at maintaining services while developing or adopting new service models.

Internal services branches provide many basic operational services (such as human resources, communications, financial and information management). The way in which these services support the Department’s programs will be tailored to reflect specific budgetary and program adjustments. The Department’s regional offices will also continue to be instrumental in supporting partnerships with provincial governments, community stakeholders, Aboriginal communities and leadership, institutes of higher learning, and in facilitating Deputy Minister access to local intelligence.

Below are the highlights of Environment Canada’s five actions to meet the Department’s management priority of enabling transition:

1. Develop and implement a strategic approach to human resources management and to financial resources management that is responsive to conditions created by the period of fiscal restraint

Environment Canada’s Human Resources Branch will continue to support the Department's mandate and human resources management needs, and to adapt to changing resourcing levels; the Branch will continue to implement its new service delivery model in 2012–2013.

Environment Canada’s Finance Branch will continue to provide a robust financial management regime by delivering on the following activities in 2012-2013: Budget Management Excellence; development of a Multi-Year Financial Plan; implementation of the new service delivery model; approval and implementation of the Integrated Investment Plan; and, continue to build capacity through the implementation of the new Financial Management Framework.

2. Sustain management oversight

Environment Canada will maintain strong and independent internal audit and evaluation functions that provide value-added support to the Deputy Minister and senior management in areas of governance, risk management, controls and performance. As well, the Department's Audit and Evaluation Branch will further strengthen its project and quality management, streamline audit and evaluation reporting, and improve its approach to monitoring the implementation of management action plans.

3. Implement Environment Canada’s Departmental Security Plan (including the Business Continuity Plan)

Environment Canada will implement its Departmental Security Plan to ensure that safeguards to personnel, assets and information meet ongoing and changing needs, including the continuity of critical services during an emergency. To achieve this goal, integrated security activities will be set and will meet clearly defined operational standards across the Department. As a result, the Department will be positioned to both enable and participate in Departmental transition initiatives, such as the consolidation of accommodations.

Security Program priorities to support these initiatives include: the continued implementation of the cyclical physical security Threat and Risk Assessments Program aimed at creating risk-based security safeguards in all Environment Canada facilities across Canada; the Departmental security program policy suite; the computer-based Security Awareness Program for all employees; and the continued implementation of Environment Canada’s prevention, real-time detection and response capabilities against cyber attacks targeting Departmental assets.

4. Communicate adjustments internally and externally to programs and services

The Communications Branch will prepare tailored communications strategies, including focused products (communications plans, media lines, questions and answers, etc.) that respond to the specific needs of the Department throughout the transition period. In addition, the Branch will re‑engineer its service delivery model to effectively balance the operational needs and the strategic communications requirements of the Department.

5. Re-engineer the information management and information technology (IM/IT) operations to support the Shared Services Canada model and ongoing Departmental requirements

With internal restructuring in 2011–2012, the Department’s new Corporate Services Branch was established. The Branch, in addition to its responsibilities for the information management and information technology (IM/IT) functions, is now responsible for the assets management, contracting, procurement and security functions. Shared Services Canada is presently developing a business arrangement memorandum of understanding, which it expects will take effect in 2012–2013. The business arrangement will describe the services, roles and responsibilities of Shared Services Canada and the 43 partnering departments.

Greening Government Operations

Environment Canada is a participant in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and contributes to the Greening Government Operations targets through the Internal Services Program Activity. The Department contributes to the following target areas of Theme IV of the FSDS:

• green buildings;
• green procurement;
• e-waste, managed print, paper consumption and green meetings; and
• greenhouse gas emissions.        

For additional details on Environment Canada's Greening Government Operations activities please see this website.

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