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Expenditure Management

Reports on Plans and Priorities

2009-10

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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome 1: Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved and enhanced.

Land, fresh water and oceans and the diversity of life they support, are the basis for a healthy society and economy. They provide numerous benefits to society-including life-supporting natural processes that clean the air, purify the water, pollinate plants, absorb carbon dioxide, recycle nutrients, process wastes, prevent floods, control pests and replenish soils. The benefits provided by natural capital are often very expensive to replace or are irreplaceable.

Pressures from a growing population, invasive species, pollution, climate change and changes in land-use patterns are placing extraordinary demands on land and water that threaten the long-term viability of ecosystems and the benefits they provide.

The Department’s programs, services and initiatives to restore, conserve and enhance Canada’s natural capital involve the building of shared strategies and partnerships for conserving wildlife, ecosystems, freshwater and wetland resources.

Environment Canada’s work that contributes to this Strategic Outcome is organized into three Program Activities:

  • Biodiversity and Wildlife Program
  • Water Program
  • Ecosystems Initiatives Program

SO 1: Canada’s natural capital is restored, conserved and enhanced
Performance Indicators Targets
1. Proportion of migratory bird species whose population varies within acceptable bounds of the population goals.13 1. Baseline data will be reported in 2010. A target level and date will be set once this baseline data is available.


Program Activity 1.1
Biodiversity and Wildlife Program		 Program Activity 1.2
Water Program		 Program Activity 1.2
Ecosystems Initiatives Program

In March of 2008, the Status Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) identified key challenges and made recommendations for a number of activities included within this Strategic Outcome area. The Department accepted these recommendations and is providing targeted actions in response to issues raised in the report. For further information on findings, recommendations and Environment Canada’s responses to the CESD report, please consult the following link: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_lp_e_901.html.


Program Activity 1.1: Biodiversity and Wildlife Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
1. Populations of wildlife, in particular migratory birds and species at risk, maintained at healthy levels. 1.1. Percentage of "at risk" species whose status has either improved or has stayed the same upon reassessment. 1.1. 85% by 202014
1.2. Percentage of the 22 Bird Conservation Region provincial areas which have up-to-date all-bird Conservation Plans. 1.2. 100% by 2015
2. Habitats for healthy populations of wildlife, in particular migratory birds and species at risk, are protected and conserved. 2. Land secured by Environment Canada and partners, as a percentage of the total amount needed to achieve population goals for all migratory bird Habitat Joint Ventures. 2. 100% by 2010
The current goal is 3.44 million hectares, which is established in the 2004 Update to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This goal will be reviewed in 2010.


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
341 85.5 337 84.0 332 83.3

Program Activity Description: This Program Activity consists of the protection and recovery of species at risk; conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of significant habitats and conservation of migratory birds. A primary vehicle for the achievement of results under this program is the formation of strategic partnerships for integrated management of Canada’s natural capital including the sustainable management of landscapes. Key principles in support of results under this program are the use of best available science and the provision of regulatory certainty to stakeholders.

Initiatives and activities in this Program Activity flow from the legal obligations under the Canada Wildlife Act (CWA), the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA 1994), the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).

Improvements continue to be made in program and policy mechanisms supporting the Species at Risk Act, in response to the recommendations made in the Formative Evaluation of Federal Species at Risk Programs and by the Minister’s Round Table on the Species at Risk Act. Significant progress was made on the policies in support of the Species at Risk Act, a number of bilateral agreements with provinces have been completed and the SARA Quality Management System has been initiated.

For further information please visit the following websites:

Planning Highlights

Implement the Species at Risk Act through a transparent, consistent and harmonized policy and program framework that ensures stakeholder involvement and the inclusion of both ecological and socio-economic considerations.

  • At present, 104 recovery strategies have been completed or are in the final stages and three management plans and one action plan have been completed. The work towards reaching the target of 100% of "at risk" species whose status has either improved or has stayed the same upon reassessment by 2015, is in the early stages. When the Species at Risk Act was proclaimed in 2003 there were 233 species on Schedule I, which required the need for recovery strategies and action plans. There are now 425 species on Schedule I so the planning and implementation demands on the Department have escalated significantly. Therefore, while the basic foundation to achieve the target has been developed much more work remains to be done.

Fulfill Canada’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by helping to ensure that no species are threatened by international trade.

  • Prepare for participation in the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES in January 2010.

Ensure effective conservation of migratory bird populations, while providing greater certainty for economic development, and improved program efficiency.

  • Work will continue on the development and implementation of a regulation for the management of the incidental takes of migratory birds in accordance with the purpose of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. The regulation will ensure effective conservation of migratory bird populations while promoting sustainable economic development and also support the implementation of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative;
  • Continue to update all-bird Conservation Plans for the 22 Bird Conservation Region (BCR) provincial areas. Draft plans will be available by June 2009 and the full complement of 22 plans is intended for completion by June 2010. BCR plans are an essential element of establishing regulations for incidental takes of migratory birds;
  • Increase the percentage of migratory bird species whose population meets population goals, as defined in BCR plans, (measured as population size and/or trend) within four bird groups (waterfowl; shorebirds; land birds; water birds).

Ensure the protection and conservation of specific critical habitats by facilitating a national evolution toward systems of integrated landscape management.

  • Continue towards the goal of 3.44 million hectares of land being secured by Environment Canada and its partners, to achieve population goals for all migratory bird Habitat Joint Ventures. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) has, over 20 years, invested over U.S. $2.5 billion to conserve more than 2 million hectares of wetland in North America;
  • Finalize and implement the Department’s protected areas strategy, including the development of permitting standards, updating management plans, and improving site conditions such as signage and fencing to better control access;
  • Continue commitments to new northern protected areas with the implementation of the Northwest Territories Protected Areas Strategy and work on the Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement to establish new National Wildlife Areas in Nunavut. Also, work will proceed towards the establishment of marine protected areas under the Canada Wildlife Act including Scott Island (B.C) and Sable Island (N.S.).

Prepare the Department and the federal government for the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010 and the 9th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity in 2010 through the completion of significant policies and analyses that support Canada’s biodiversity goals:

  • Complete and publish Ecosystem Status and Trends Report in 2009-2010.
  • Prepare Canada’s 4th National Report on progress in implementing the Biodiversity commitments;
  • Support the International Year of Biodiversity with educational tools, partnerships and targeted community funding to support increased awareness, knowledge and commitment to the conservation of biodiversity;
  • Work will continue on the development of a Domestic Policy Framework for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) including engagement and consultations with Aboriginal peoples, provinces and territories and stakeholders.

Benefits to Canadians

The ultimate goal of this Program Activity is to ensure the protection of biodiversity within healthy ecosystems, taking social and economic considerations into account, for the benefit of present and future generations of Canadians.

Increasing knowledge, commitment and capacity for wildlife and biodiversity conservation will help to protect valuable ecosystems in Canada and help to position Canada as a responsible environmental steward.


Program Activity 1.2: Water Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
1. Reduced risks to aquatic ecosystems resulting from human activity. 1. Percentage of water bodies included in the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators Freshwater Quality Index whose quality was rated as either good or excellent. 1. Available data are presently insufficient to report meaningful national trends for this indicator, thus no specific policy target has yet been established.
NB – Indicator assesses surface freshwater quality with respect to protecting aquatic life and not the quality of water for human consumption and use.


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
588 98.3 574 92.1 564 84.3

Program Activity Description: This Program Activity is designed to provide science and policy leadership on water quality, quantity and use. Under this program, science will be focused on monitoring and research to understand what is changing in aquatic ecosystems and the reasons for the changes, as well as on providing science-based tools to empower Canadians to take action. Policy leadership will include developing a national water agenda in partnership with other government departments that identifies benefits and incentives for the sustainable use of water and ensuring that Canadian water related interests are protected globally. Involvement in transboundary arrangements will focus on ensuring that parties to water sharing agreements benefit from Canada’s technical advice and monitoring information to undertake measures to ensure compliance and meet their obligations.

Environment Canada works in collaboration with other federal departments, provinces and territories, science networks, as well as the public in determining priorities for monitoring and research, providing timely integrated scientific information and advice to decision-makers, building best management practices, and promoting sustainable water management in Canada for the efficient use of Canada’s water resources.

For further information:

Planning Highlights

Provide federal policy and water management leadership on water quality, quantity and use and develop and implement approaches to address domestic and international water policy and management issues:

  • Provide support to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to fulfill Environment Canada’s role in meeting the 2008 Speech from the Throne commitment to "bring in legislation to ban all bulk water transfers or exports from Canadian freshwater basins;"
  • Deliver on commitments to Domestic Water Boards/Binational International Joint Commission (IJC) Boards – (Prairie Provinces Water Board, MacKenzie River Basin Board, Lake of the Woods Control Board, Ottawa River Board, Rainy River Board, and St. Croix River Board);
  • Provide policy support on water quality, quantity and use through the Energy Sector Sustainability Table.

Deliver on commitments under priority domestic and international water-related initiatives:

  • Second year of the Freshwater Initiative commitments: Great Lakes Remediation, Lake Simcoe, Lake Winnipeg Initiative, including development of Canada-Manitoba Agreement;
  • Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes (2007-2010), the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, and the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence 2005-2010;
  • Review of federal/provincial Water Quality agreements;
  • Deliver the water component of the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators including the Water Quality Indicator Annual Report and the development of a Water Availability Indicator;
  • Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to deliver the Canadian Sanitation Shellfish Program.

Provide leadership on aquatic ecosystem science and conduct research and monitoring and analytical services on priority areas that are essential to support responsible decision-making:

  • National implementation of an aquatic biomonitoring and assessment network;
  • Develop new research and monitoring on the impacts of contaminants, climate variability and change on water quantity and quality and aquatic ecosystems;
  • Develop surveillance activities related to water quality pressures (e.g. land use, emerging threats such as alien species and blue-green algae and on priority watersheds such as Mackenzie River, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence);
  • Develop new research and development techniques for aquatic ecosystem remediation;
  • Provide analytical laboratory and research support services to water initiatives as well as Wildlife and Pollution Enforcement;
  • Improve decision support models and integration of water quality and water quantity modelling.

Benefits to Canadians

Managing Canada’s vast water resources, which represents about seven per cent of the world’s freshwater, is a responsibility for all levels of government. This program plays an important role in the management of Canada’s aquatic ecosystems by improving water quality and aquatic ecosystem health monitoring and information, enhancing the understanding of the impacts of human activities on water resources and aquatic ecosystem health, undertaking actions to restore and preserve Canada’s water resources and promote wise and efficient water management and use, enhancing inter-jurisdictional relations and governance structures, and improving federal water resource management across departments.


Program Activity 1.3: Ecosystems Initiatives Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
1. Beneficial uses and environmental quality in priority ecosystems are maintained or restored. 1. Index assessing the overall progress made against near- term objectives of Environment Canada’s six priority ecosystem initiatives.15 1.1. 100 by March 2010
2. Potential significant adverse environmental effects of projects / plans / programs / policies subject to federal environmental assessment legislation and Cabinet Directives are avoided or mitigated. 2. Proportion of projects referred to an EA panel for which Environment Canada provided expert environmental assessment advice on potential significant adverse environmental effects where that advice was incorporated and reflected into the decision. 2.1. 75% by 2009-2010
2.2. 90% by 2010-2011


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
283 40.6 281 40.0 279 39.8

Program Activity Description: This Program Activity is designed to integrate departmental action on ecosystems, by aligning science, policy, and environmental assessment in a nationally consistent inter-jurisdictional approach to ecosystem management. A further feature of this Program Activity will be multidisciplinary studies assessing the state of priority ecosystems and identifying the required actions for restoration and conservation.

Under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), Environment Canada works with its partners to deliver environmental assessment (EA) services in order to protect and conserve Canada’s environment. Across the country, those working in Environment Canada’s EA Program examine projects and proposals, perform environmental assessments, and provide advice to Environment Canada and other federal departments.

The education and outreach activities of the Ecosystems Initiatives Program are designed to support Canadians in adopting sustainable practices and lifestyles.

For further information:

Planning Highlights

Priority Ecosystems

  • Integrating departmental science, regulatory and outreach activities to improve ecosystem health;
  • Support the renewal of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement led by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada as well as the development of the Canada-Ontario Strategic Framework for the Great Lakes.

Environmental Assessment and Ecological Monitoring

  • Support the upcoming legislative review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act based on the Department’s role as federal authority and as a primary responsible authority;
  • Continue to meet obligations under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act by acting either as federal authority or responsible authority for project Environmental Assessments;
  • Continue to develop a national ecosystem and trend assessment program. In partnership with Natural Resources Canada and GeoConnections, examine emerging landscape modelling and prediction tools essential to support environmental assessment and land use planning.

Education and Outreach

  • Maximize the potential of the Environmental Damages Fund, a court awards program that funds environmental restoration through fines imposed on polluters. The program will seek to substantially increase the number of awards directed to environmental restoration by building awareness, support and confidence in the Fund to manage, track and report on projects.

Benefits to Canadians

Ecosystem Initiatives such as the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Initiative and the St. Lawrence Plan are examples of place-based approaches to delivering on environmental results (such as restoring beneficial uses and environmental quality) that focus on engaging partners and local decision-makers, promoting integrated and adaptive management and taking action to solve complex environmental issues.

By implementing the program frameworks and improved information management system in the EA program, Environment Canada will be in a position to improve its efficiency and timely delivery of the program. This should be reflected, for instance, in departmental environmental assessment advice on potential significant adverse environmental effects being incorporated in panel review reports. Such incorporation of advice demonstrates that decisions to be taken about specific projects do aim to mitigate adverse significant environmental effects, thus ensuring Canadians that all relevant components to sustainable development are considered.

The Environmental Damages Fund provides direct benefits to Canadians in communities across the country in the form of improvements, restoration, and protection of local environments as well as improved accountability for these investments.

Engaging Canadians through education and outreach initiatives such as Environment Canada’s Biosphere builds knowledge, awareness, and commitment and, through funding mechanisms, creates capacity and tangible results for the protection and conservation of natural capital and healthy ecosystems.

Strategic Outcome 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians

Canadians are affected by environmental and weather conditions such as extremes in temperature and precipitation, variable lake levels, winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, floods, smog, sea ice, road icing and air turbulence. Atmospheric conditions influence our health and safety, our property, our businesses and the economy. Consequently, Canadians must be able to take actions to limit negative impacts and optimize the opportunities (e.g. for wind energy or agriculture). To help Canadians take action, Weather and Environmental Services provides accurate and reliable meteorological and environmental information, predictions and services to promote safety, ecosystem sustainability and enhanced economic activity.


SO 2: Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians
Performance Indicators Targets
Percentage of respondents who indicate that weather forecasts "always" or "usually" provided enough information to be useful. 85% of respondents indicate that weather forecasts "always" or "usually" provided enough information to be useful.
Number of visits / sessions to Environment Canada’s weather office website. 275 million of visits / sessions to Environment Canada’s weather office website.
Percentage of respondents who indicate that they "always" or "most of the time" receive enough notice of a winter storm to take preparatory action. 85% of respondents indicate that they "always" or "most of the time" receive enough notice of a winter storm to take preparatory action.
Program Activity 2.1
Environmental Science and Monitoring Program		 Program Activity 2.2
Weather and Environmental Prediction Program


Program Activity 2.1: Environmental Science and Monitoring Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
1. Environment Canada and partners receive high quality observations that allow them to identify, analyze and predict weather, air, water and/or climate conditions. 1a. Percentage of monthly reports from the 87 stations in the climate observing network that meet World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards. 1a. 85% by March 2010
1b. Percentage of time that weather radar is available to forecasters and the public. 1b. 95% by March 2010
2. Environment Canada and partners receive high quality weather and environmental prediction information (or models) that allow them to identify, analyze and predict weather, air, water and/or climate conditions. 2. Rank of Canada’s global weather model among other global weather models.16 2. Canada’s weather model is ranked in the top 5 by April 2009
Links: Water Survey of Canada: http://www.wsc.ec.gc.ca/index_e.cfm


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
728 106.5 727 106.0 709 103.0

Program Activity Description: This Program Activity consists of environmental science and monitoring activities to detect hazardous conditions, to understand what is changing in the atmosphere (weather, climate, air quality and ultraviolet radiation), hydrosphere (water) and cryosphere (ice and snow) and the causes. A key benefit of results under this program will be the provision of improved knowledge, information and tools on weather and environmental conditions (e.g. a better understanding of the causes of severe weather, the mechanisms that transport chemicals through the atmosphere and the impacts of human activity on the atmosphere). These benefits will support the delivery of environmental services as well as the development of policy for the sound management of the environment.

This Program Activity is expected to reach all targets and fulfill the expected results laid out above. Risks such as insufficient supercomputer capacity and access to the research community, inadequate observational data or resources to properly manage the monitoring networks and difficulties in attracting or retaining necessary, world-class experts are being anticipated and managed before they become problematic. The audit of Contingency Plans for the Meteorological Service of Canada Weather Prediction Program17 revealed that a more formal, standard and integrated contingency planning program is needed to maintain continuous, uninterrupted operations. In response, such a program will be established to coordinate this effort, with representatives from monitoring, prediction as well as with Administration (facilities) and the Chief Information Officer Branch (IT).

Planning Highlights

This Program Activity establishes the foundation of scientific knowledge used to estimate the risks posed by weather and related conditions, as well as the opportunities these conditions may offer to improve economic well-being. To continue to fulfill this essential function and address challenges regarding observation networks and scientific capacity, this Activity intends to:

  • Continue to provide reliable information about the current state of the environment with respect to weather, water and climate, particularly in strengthening our partnerships with the provinces to increase data availability regarding water level and flow to Canadians and specialized users;
  • Risk-manage its monitoring systems and networks, including the development of a monitoring plan;
  • Exploit and maximize benefits from advances in science and technology for weather, water, air quality and climate services by: a) improving access to scientific information; b) enhancing integrated monitoring and environmental prediction capability; c) transferring techniques, knowledge and technology to service operations and, d) planning for the renewal of the supercomputer in 2011 to ensure continued provision of weather warnings, forecasts and climate predictions;
  • Inform policy and decisions based on further development of global and regional modelling capabilities;
  • Lever information, expertise and knowledge through national and international (WMO and others) partnerships to access needed meteorological in-situ, airborne, satellite and other remote sensed data and the results of international science activities to address critical program gaps.

Benefits to Canadians

Better observational data and a stronger scientific foundation will lead to the following benefits:

  • Improved accuracy and lead times for warnings of severe weather, thus improving the safety margin for Canadians;
  • Improved accuracy and utility of weather and related information and predictions to provide a stronger scientific basis for policy development and decision-making. As a result, Canadians and their institutions can better adapt to manage the risks they face from changes in the environment as well as benefit from the opportunities in fields such as agriculture, forestry, or renewable energy.

Program Activity 2.2: Weather and Environmental Prediction Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
1. Canadians use weather forecasts for decision making. 1a. Percentage of Canadians who indicate that they seek out weather forecasts at least once per day. 1a. 90% by March 2012
1b. Percentage of Canadians who indicate usage of Environment Canada’s weather and environmental information dissemination tools. (Tools are Automated Telephone Answering Devices, Weatheradio, Weatheroffice). 1b. 35% by March 2012
2. Weather and climate sensitive industries, governments and institutions are aware of and benefit from Environment Canada’s weather, climate, water and their services in their economic decision making & planning. 2. Client satisfaction, on a scale of 1 (excellent) to 5 (unsatisfactory), averaged across all Service Quality categories and across the four NAV CANADA-specified Environment Canada operations.18 2. 3.0 by April 2010
Links: weather forecasts and warnings: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
Atmospheric Hazards: http://www.hazards.ca
Air Quality Health Index: http://www.ec.gc.ca/cas-aqhi/default.asp
Canadian Ice Service: http://ice-glaces.ec.gc.ca/


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
1,065 131.2 1,040 127.2 981 117.3

Program Activity Description: This Program Activity consists of making available relevant knowledge and information on past, present and future conditions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere, in response to the needs of policy/decision-makers, business persons or individual Canadians, or others who require this information to deliver on ministerial or federal responsibilities and obligations (e.g. NAV CANADA). Under this Program Activity, information on the state of the environment is disseminated by means of various services, products and tools allowing Canadians to safeguard themselves and their property against environmental hazards and to help them make better informed socio-economic and environmental decisions. Domestic and international partnerships are critical to the success of these endeavours.

Targets for this Program Activity are unchanged from 2008-2009 and are expected to be reached. These targets demonstrate the consistency and reliability of the Weather and Environmental Prediction program in spite of challenges such as those posed by the increasing demand for information and services (e.g. for the North or regarding climate variations). The Department’s ISO 9001-certified Quality Management System for this business line, which fosters a quality improvement culture, is an important tool to help address these challenges.

Planning Highlights

This Program Activity includes the main functions regarding the delivery of services related to weather, climate or water levels and flows. It allows Canadians, their businesses and institutions to integrate into their short-term and long-term decisions and plans information about the past, present and especially future states of weather and climate. These users are thus better able to protect themselves against potentially dangerous conditions and to benefit from opportunities to help the environment and the economy. This Activity plans to:

  • Provide reliable weather, water, climate and air quality information and predictions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by:
    • Providing timely warnings and accurate forecasts;
    • Providing meteorological information to emergency management organizations before, during and after emergencies and enhancing services to these organizations and to the media in times of severe weather;
    • Continuing to provide and implement, in a phased manner, the Air Quality Health Index in collaboration with Health Canada and provincial, territorial and municipal health agencies;
    • Improving the usefulness of information for decision makers through initiatives like research on climate change scenarios, vulnerability and impacts assessments and tools to support decision-making;
    • Contributing to community resilience by: a) developing disaster risk reduction models/tools including climatic design recommendations for infrastructure codes/standards with various partners and b) providing expert advice on the impacts of changing weather and climate patterns on water availability and exploring new products and tools (such as drought indices).
  • Position Canada’s meteorological and hydrological service to respond to future challenges, by:
    • Leading and developing a strategy to ensure the sustainability and integrity of weather and environmental services to respond to emerging and evolving needs of Canadians for improved services. The views of partners and stakeholders will help shape the development of this strategy.
    • Pursuing an international strategy for the Department to access earth observations and global science for the advantage of Canadians, including pursuing long-standing bilateral relationships with the U.S. and China.
    • Addressing critical gaps by participating in national and international partnerships and initiatives to access information, expertise and knowledge.
    • Contributing to the success of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games by delivering timely, high-quality weather information to the Games organizers, participants and spectators.

Benefits to Canadians

Weather and environmental information and predictions enable Canadians and their enterprises, institutions and governments to prepare and take appropriate actions to safeguard life and property, adopt health strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution and prosper through decisions that advance economic competitiveness and individual well-being.

  • More specifically, benefits include:
    • Constant watch of potentially inclement weather to alert Canadians to potentially life-threatening circumstances;
    • Access to timely, quality weather, water, climate and air quality information and predictions all the time over Canada’s sovereign territory and adjacent waters via multiple means including radio, television and http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/;
    • Insights on the impacts and vulnerabilities of a changing climate at global and regional scales that inform built infrastructure design codes, policy development and adaptation strategies;
    • Provision of timely and accurate information about ice in Canada’s navigable waters.

Strategic Outcome 3: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

Toxic and other harmful substances pose considerable threats to the health and well-being of Canadians and have significant negative impacts on air, water and land. These substances may exert a direct or indirect harmful effect on animals, plants or humans and, depending on their volume, nature and manner of release, may pose long-term risks to the environment. In addition, some potentially hazardous chemicals are accumulating in humans and in our ecosystems-in lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Due to global atmospheric transport and other pathways, the Arctic region is a major receptor of these pollutants and their associated effects.

Scientific research shows that human activities (particularly the use of fossil fuels and the clear-cutting of forests) are accelerating the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a result, the earth’s average temperature is getting warmer. This will have far-reaching environmental, social, and economic consequences.

Environment Canada is taking strong regulatory action to protect Canadians and their environment from the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and toxic substances:

  • Tackling Climate Change – The Government is committed to a national target of reducing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and has indicated that it will work with provincial governments and partners to develop and implement a North America-wide cap-and-trade system for GHGs.
  • Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan – in partnership with Health Canada, Environment Canada is taking immediate and systematic action to manage chemicals that are harmful to human health or the environment.
  • Improving the Enforcement of Environmental Laws – as per the 2007 and 2008 budgets, Environment Canada is significantly enhancing the capacity of its enforcement program to target high risk compliance areas, increase capacity to respond to referrals and incidents (see Other Items of Interest on page 49).

The Department’s work that contributes to this Strategic Outcome and the priorities stated above has been organized into three program activities: Chemicals Management Program; Legislation and Information Program and the Clean Air Program.


SO 3: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste
Performance Indicators19 Targets
1. Canadian emissions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide equivalents) in mega tonnes (MT). 1. Total national emissions of 577 MT by 2020 based on current estimates and as part of a national effort by all governments in Canada.
The Government’s commitment is to a national 20% reduction in Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. This includes actions by provinces and territories.
2. Canadian ambient ground-level ozone levels measured in parts per billion (ppb). 2 and 3. Targets will be determined with the finalization of the air pollutant regulatory framework.
3. Canadian ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels measured in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3).


Program Activity 3.1
Chemicals Management Program		 Program Activity 3.2
Legislation and Information Program		 Program Activity 3.3
Clean Air Program


Program Activity 3.1: Chemicals Management Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
1. Risks to Canadians and impacts on their environment posed by toxic and other substances of concern are reduced. 1. Number of existing commercial substances under the Chemicals Management Plan assessed for risk to human health and/or the environment. 1. 4300 by 2020
2. Percentage of new commercial substances, for which Environment Canada has been notified by industry of their intended use, that are assessed to determine if toxic within the timelines in the regulation. 2. 100% by March 31, 2010
3. Percentage of substances added to the List of Toxic Substances for which at least one risk management instrument has been developed within legally mandated timeframes. 3. 100% by March 31, 2010


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
863 131.3 838 114.9 676 85.4

Program Activity Description: This program aims to protect the health of Canadians and their environment by assessing, managing and mitigating the risks posed by substances throughout their full life cycles. This program is aimed at reducing harm from toxics and other harmful substances which pose considerable threats to the health and well-being of Canadians and have significant negative impacts on the environment, economy and our quality of life.

The main focus of this program is the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), which deals with the legacy of existing substances and maintains the New Substances Program, both key components of the Government of Canada’s pollution prevention agenda.

The Plan’s four-year incremental funding improves the degree of protection against hazardous chemicals by taking a number of new, proactive measures to ensure that chemical substances are managed more efficiently and in a timely fashion. To date, through an initiative known as the "Challenge," Environment Canada and Health Canada have identified some 200 high-priority substances and are working with industry and stakeholders, within a three-year timeframe, to develop a sound management plan for these substances.

In addition to the CMP, this Program Activity also includes other activities that reduce the risks to Canadians and impacts on their environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances. These include:

  • Establishing national standards for wastewater management across Canada;
  • Ensuring effective national coordination to prevent coastal and marine pollution from land-based sources by assessing waste and other matter for disposal at sea, issuing appropriate permits and monitoring representative disposal sites;
  • Ensuring that risks related to the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes are managed;
  • Strengthening the end-of-life and waste-recyclables management regimes;
  • Implementing the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), a government-wide program to assist federal departments, agencies and crown corporations to remediate their contaminated sites;
  • Implementing regulatory programs for mining and pulp and paper sectors;
  • Minimizing the risks of accidental/uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances at industrial facilities that use such materials by enhancing process safety and ensuring that effective emergency contingency plans are in place;
  • Assessing and managing risks associated with new biotechnology products, primarily those for industrial application.

For further information on the Environment Canada’s work that contributes to this Program Activity’s expected results, please visit the following websites:

Planning Highlights

In partnership with Health Canada, continue implementing the Government’s Chemicals Management Plan to improve the degree of protection against hazardous chemicals, including the following:

  • Continue to address high priority substances under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), by implementing the Challenge Initiative and the Petroleum Sector Stream Approach according to the established timeline;
  • Develop strategies to address medium priority substances using a sectoral approach where possible;
  • Continue to administer existing regulations that support the sound management of chemicals and, where warranted, develop new instruments to control harmful substances;
  • Enhance coherence among relevant legislative and policy regimes;
  • Enhance cooperative approaches (internationally and domestically) for the management of chemicals over their lifecycle;
  • Design research and monitoring programs to address chemicals of emerging concern, risk assessment needs and risk management activities;
  • Deliver the first cyclical update of the Domestic Substances List that includes maximizing opportunities for information exchange and comparability with the United States.

Development of risk management and mitigation strategies, instruments and measures (e.g. regulations, performance agreements and environmental emergency plans) for assessed commercial chemicals:

  • Advance work on the environmental elements of the federal government’s Northern Agenda and Wastewater implementation work;
  • Implement results of reviews for the National Program of Action for land-based sources of marine pollution and the environmental emergencies response program;
  • Analyse environmental risks of federal government operations and activities on federal and Aboriginal lands and develop appropriate instruments to address highest risks;
  • Work with other federal government departments, agencies and crown corporations to renew the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) program;
  • Implement regulatory programs for mining and pulp and paper sectors, including results of review of Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program and streamlining of regulatory process.

Strengthen Environment Canada’s capacity to enforce environmental protection legislation under its jurisdiction:

  • Develop and implement national enforcement plans for Environmental Enforcement Operations, aligning resources with threats/risks;
  • Conduct national staffing campaigns to implement the Government’s commitment to expanding resources for Environment Canada’s enforcement regime to improve Environmental Enforcement Outcomes.

Benefits to Canadians

The main outcome of the CMP is the risk assessment and, where appropriate, risk management of all commercial chemicals that were in use in Canada prior to modern environmental protection legislation (i.e. CEPA 1999). The main benefits of this are:

  • An improved information base;
  • Regulatory clarity and predictability for industry; and
  • Protection of Canadians and their environment from the potential risks posed by commercial chemicals.

In addition to the CMP, this Program Activity also includes other ongoing activities that reduce the risks to Canadians and impacts on their environment associated with commercial and industrial activities.

The effective enforcement of and compliance with Canada’s environmental protection acts and regulations aims to protect and conserve Canada’s air, water, wildlife species and their habitat.


Program Activity 3.2: Legislation and Information Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
1. Facilities releasing pollutants to the environment comply with public reporting requirements. 1. Percentage of facilities reporting emissions to the National Pollutant Release Inventory which provide fully compliant reports in their initial response within mandated timeframes. 1. 100% by 2009-2010
2. Regulations and orders made by Environment Canada under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and under the Fisheries Act (FA) comply with the Cabinet Directive on Streamlining Regulation, statutory and other policy requirements. 2. Percentage of regulations and orders under CEPA and FA using a Quality Management System (QMS) for which all stages of the QMS were implemented as required. 2. 100% by 2009-2010


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
274 47.9 287 62.3 205 48.2

Program Activity Description: This program aims to protect the health of Canadians and their environment by supporting effective risk management decision-making within Government through the provision of high quality information on sources and sinks of toxics, pollutants and greenhouse gases. This program is necessary because toxics, air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions pose considerable threats to the health and well-being of Canadians and have significant negative impacts on the environment, economy and our quality of life. This program’s mix of short-term and permanent funding supports effective decision-making along the full risk management, compliance and reporting continuum through the collection, analysis, management and assembling of data to meet international reporting obligations and domestic reporting needs. This program will reduce the risks to Canadians, their health and their environment from toxics, air pollutants, and greenhouse gases.

In order to achieve our environmental protection objectives under this Strategic Outcome, this Program Activity is engaged in actions that support the implementation of our Clean Air Regulatory Agenda, the Chemicals Management Plan and other legislative priorities:

  • Support for instrument of choice and efficient, consistent and transparent regulatory decision making processes;
  • Generate and collect data on environmental pollutants and greenhouse gases to inform Canadians and decision makers of risks and trends;
  • Implement the statutory governance provisions of CEPA 1999 and oversee all legislative reforms related to Environment Canada’s statutes;
  • Coordinate and deliver compliance promotion for Environment Canada’s environmental protection laws.

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 is the principal legal foundation for both the Chemicals Management Plan and the Clean Air Agenda. In May 2007, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development concluded in its report entitled The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 - Five-Year Review: Closing the Gaps, that the basic architecture of the CEPA 1999 is sound and that, in the future, the Government’s focus should be on expanding knowledge and improving implementation.

In the area of generating and collecting data on environmental pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs), the Department’s focus has been on developing a single-window reporting system. This system will enable the integration of various data collection supporting the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) and foster improvement of air pollutants (AP) and GHG emissions estimation techniques and data quality.

For further information on the work undertaken to achieve the planned results in this Program Activity, please visit the following websites:

Planning Highlights

Environment Canada will undertake actions that support the implementation of our Clean Air Regulatory Agenda, the Chemicals Management Plan and other CEPA 1999/Fisheries Act priorities:

  • Maintenance of a quality management system (QMS) to ensure that decision-making for regulations, as well as implementation of other regulatory tools such as Codes of Practice, Pollution Prevention Plans and Performance Agreements, under key environmental protection statutes such as CEPA 1999 is as consistent, transparent and predictable as possible;
  • Continuing efforts to coordinate and improve the quality of emissions reporting, including:
    • working with the provinces and territories towards a single, harmonized system for mandatory reporting of all pollutant and GHG emissions; and
    • improving the quality of information reported to and contained in the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and the emissions inventories for pollutants and GHGs.
  • Continue development of electronic and other infrastructure needed to support regulatory regime (credit tracking system and compliance assessment process);
  • Undertake technology research and development to assess whether emerging technologies will aid industry in meeting its regulatory obligations.

Benefits to Canadians

Within the federal government, CEPA 1999 is the primary environmental legislation for protecting the Canadian environment and human health. A key aspect of CEPA 1999 is the prevention and management of risks posed by toxic and other harmful substances. CEPA 1999 also manages environmental and human health impacts of products of biotechnology, marine pollution, disposal at sea, vehicle, engine and equipment emissions, fuels, hazardous wastes, environmental emergencies, and other sources of pollution.

Providing publicly accessible information on pollutants and their associated risks is a means by which the Department can promote the use of environmental information in market-based decisions to encourage and enable sustainable production and consumption.


Program Activity 3.3: Clean Air Program
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment from air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. 1. Canadian industrial emissions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide equivalents) in megatonnes (MT). 1. Total national industrial greenhouse gas emissions of 240 MT by 2020 based on current estimates.
(The Government’s commitment is to a national 20% reduction in Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 as part of a national effort by all governments in Canada).
2. Canadian industrial emissions:
Tonnes (T)
  • Particulate Matter 10 (PM10);
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2);
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx);
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Kilograms

  • Mercury (Hg)
 2. Targets will be determined with the finalization of the air pollutant regulatory framework.
3. Canadian transportation emissions:
Tonnes (T)
  • Particulate Matter 10 (PM10);
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx);
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs);
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO2).
 3. Targets will be determined with the finalization of the air pollutant regulatory framework.


Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
598 138.6 594 131.2 343 39.6

Program Activity Description: This program aims to protect the health of Canadians and their environment by assessing, managing and mitigating the risks from air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. This program is necessary because air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions pose considerable threats to the health and well-being of Canadians and have significant negative impacts on the environment, economy and our quality of life. This program’s four year funding builds upon existing permanent funding using an integrated approach to managing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by regulating industrial, transportation and consumer and commercial product sector emissions.

On March 10, 2008, the federal government published Turning the Corner: Regulatory Framework for Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions, which set out a regulatory framework for the greenhouse gas elements of the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA). Finalization of the regulations will occur in the context of developing a North American cap-and-trade system. CARA is a component of the Clean Air Agenda which is an Environment Canada-led federal horizontal initiative involving nine departments and agencies and incorporating the development of both regulation and program measures to achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

The Government is also making investments in clean energy and transportation technologies in Canada, which are anticipated to yield reductions in the short term, as well as lead to long-term economic benefits from improved energy efficiency, greater competitiveness, more opportunity to sell Canadian environmental products and knowledge abroad and more jobs for Canadians.

For more information on the federal government’s Clean Air Agenda, please visit the following websites:

Clean Air Online: http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/Home-WS8C3F7D55-1_En.htm

Clean Air Agenda (horizontal initiative): http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2009-2010/index-eng.asp

Planning Highlights

Continue implementing an integrated approach to managing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by regulating industrial, transportation and consumer and commercial product sector emissions:

  • Advance approaches to reduce GHG emissions from industrial sectors in the context of a North American cap-and-trade system;
  • Advance work on a regulatory framework for air pollutant emissions;
  • Continue the development of the renewable fuel regulation to mandate a 5% renewable fuel content in gasoline and 2% renewable fuel content in diesel;
  • Work with Transport Canada in the development of vehicle fuel consumption regulations and to reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gases from other modes of transportation (marine shipping, rail and aviation);
  • Continue development and implementation of air pollutant emission regulations for various classes of on-road vehicles, large and small engines used in off-road applications and fuels;
  • Develop harmonized global technical regulations for vehicles and engines to ensure that stringent emission standards will be applied around the world, along with continued development of a joint Canada-U.S. application to the International Maritime Organization proposing to designate North American waters as an Emission Control Area;
  • Advance work with the United States on a Particulate Matter (PM) Annex to the Canada- United States Air Quality Agreement;
  • Finalize and implement regulations related to concentration limits of Volatile Organic Compounds in certain consumer and commercial products;
  • Oversee the implementation of the vehicle scrappage program, which will help to remove older, higher polluting vehicles from Canadian roads;
  • Upgrade and/or develop scientific and economic models to measure the impacts and benefits of proposed mitigation options and improve and expand the network to monitor air pollutants.

Benefits to Canadians

The Clean Air Program aims to reduce the risks to Canadians, their health and their environment from air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada will work with its partners to meet its target of reducing greenhouse gases an absolute 20 percent by 2020, in particular through the implementation of a North America-wide cap-and-trade system.

Internal Services Program Activity


Program Activity: Internal Services
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
1,938 283.7 1,932 283.1 1,852 273.2

Program Activity Summary and Planning Highlights

The Internal Services Program Activity includes three sub-activities which assist Environment Canada (EC) in delivering on its mandate and commitments towards improving the quality of life and health of Canadians:

  1. Governance and Management Support;
  2. Resource Management Services;
  3. Asset Management Services.

This Program Activity is supported by an Internal Services (IS) Board consisting of representatives from across the Department, including: Management and Oversight Services (Strategic Policy, Science and Technology Policy, Corporate Services, Internal Audit Services, Evaluation Services, Values and Ethics); Communications; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Travel and Other Administrative Services; Real Property; Materiel; Acquisitions; as well as from the regions.

The IS Board provides program managers with integrated information and services to enable them to make sound decisions and deliver on the Department’s mandate and commitments effectively and efficiently.

The policy priorities of the Internal Services Program Activity support the Environment Canada and Government of Canada policy agenda while the management priorities enable program areas to pursue Environment Canada’s mandate in a manner that meets the stewardship and performance requirements of the Management, Resources and Results Structure Policy, the Management Accountability Framework and specific program priorities.

Environment Canada plans to focus on Internal Services policy priorities which include:

  • Strengthening policy analysis and coordination capacity in support of Environment Canada program priorities and the Government of Canada’s overall environmental agenda;
  • Implementing a departmental approach on international strategic issues through the international Policy Framework (e.g. G8-2010, trade agreements, strategic partners and organizations);
  • Proactively engaging in international negotiations to achieve a robust and effective global greenhouse gas reduction agreement for the post-2012 period;
  • Implementing the Federal Sustainable Development Act, and developing the first federal sustainable development strategy;
  • Enhancing how Environment Canada engages provincial and territorial governments, stakeholders and citizens in policy development and sustainable actions;
  • Articulating clearly the link between the environment and the economy and enhancing communication of other key environmental information.

Environment Canada plans to focus on departmental management priorities which include:

  • Simplifying the management of Environment Canada’s financial resources. This will be accomplished by improving the quality, timeliness and consistency of financial information and reporting and by assigning greater flexibility to managers in exercising responsibilities in accordance with delegated authorities;
  • Progressing towards meeting the Financial Statement Audit Readiness (FSAR) Report requirements;
  • Clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for managers by stabilizing Environment Canada’s new governance structure, improving the integration of business, financial and human resources planning and the departmental planning cycle, and implementing a renewed Program Activity Architecture (PAA);
  • Focusing on people management and the provision of a healthy and productive workforce. This will be accomplished by implementing strategies in the 4 priority areas identified in the Department’s Human Resources Plan, i.e. effective staffing and recruitment, improving representativeness, retaining and enhancing talent through learning and development and retaining and strengthening capacity through succession planning. In addition, Environment Canada will respond to the results of the 2008 Public Service Survey when they become available;
  • As one of five early adopter departments, Environment Canada will continue participating in the TBS-led Corporate Administrative Shared Services Initiative;
  • Strengthening Environment Canada’s information management (IM) and information technology (IT) services. This will be accomplished by implementing the Department’s IM & IT Plan; optimizing IM and IT infrastructure to promote effective Life Cycle Management and Government of Canada "greening government" objectives; ensuring optimal alignment between departmental and program objectives and delivery of IM and IT products and services; and providing secure, reliable and efficient IM and IT products and services to meet departmental requirements;
  • Strengthening Environment Canada’s management of its assets. This will be accomplished by: developing an Accommodation Strategy; enhancing and standardizing Environment Canada’s approach to Life Cycle Management; improving the Materiel Management Framework; improving the departmental Project Management Framework and partnering with Public Works and Government Services Canada in the development and implementation of the Greening Government Strategy;
  • Providing high-quality legal advice to ensure that decisions are based on a thorough understanding of Environment Canada’s legal authorities and relevant legal risks;
  • Maintaining strong and independent internal audit and evaluation functions that support the Deputy Minister in his role as Accounting Officer.


Date Modified: 2009-03-26
 
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