<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>The Government of Canada is committed to reducing poverty, supporting Canadians working hard to join the middle class, and building a diverse, prosperous and truly inclusive country where everyone benefits from economic growth. This Goal's focus on reducing poverty in all of its forms directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal1" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> target 1.2: by 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.</p><p>Poverty can be understood as the condition of a person who is deprived of the resources, means, choices and power necessary to acquire and maintain a basic level of living standards and to facilitate integration and participation in society. While poverty affects everyone differently, when some Canadians are left behind, all Canadians are affected. Poverty influences the strength and resilience of our communities. People living in poverty are more likely to face health-related setbacks, to have difficulty finding and keeping a job, to find themselves in the criminal justice system, and to need various social supports and assistance. In addition, children who grow up in poverty are more likely to be in contact with the child welfare system as well as the justice system, and to remain in poverty as they age.</p><p>Data from the 2020 Canadian Income Survey released in 2022 shows that close to 2.7 million fewer people lived in poverty in 2020 compared to 2015. About 2.4 million Canadians, or 6.4% of the population, lived below Canada's official poverty line in 2020 compared to 14.5% in 2015. The government is making significant progress towards its target to reduce poverty by 50% by 2030, relative to 2015 levels. The poverty rate in Canada has decreased steadily since 2015, but the decrease in poverty between 2019 and 2020 is largely attributed to temporary COVID-19 emergency benefits.</p><p>While the overall poverty rate in Canada is falling, not all groups are affected equally. Single-parent families, single people aged 45 to 64, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Indigenous Peoples are more likely to have a low income than other groups in Canadian society. Some individuals may also face intersecting challenges that make them more at risk of poverty—for example, individuals from Black or other racialized communities, transgender individuals and persons with disabilities.</p><p>According to the Canadian Survey on Disability 2017, 13.5% of persons with a disability live below the poverty line, compared to 10.1% of all Canadians. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, working-aged Canadians with disabilities experienced significant financial hardships, on a systemic basis. They were twice as likely as their peers without disabilities to be living in poverty were and far more likely to live in deep poverty. The pandemic has made this situation worse. In a 2020 Statistics Canada crowd sourcing survey, 61% of participants aged 15 to 64 with disabilities or long-term conditions reported a major or moderate impact from COVID-19 on their ability to meet at least one type of financial obligation or essential need.</p><p>Individuals living in northern and remote communities can also experience distinct challenges that make them more at risk of living in poverty, such as high cost of food, barriers to accessing health care and unmet housing needs, which are particular challenges in Nunavut.</p><p>A similar proportion of men and women live in poverty, but some women face unique barriers that can make them more vulnerable to poverty than men. For example, 80% of single parents are women, and more than one third of single parent women live in poverty. </p><p>Poverty is linked with other sustainable development issues, including climate change. For example, poverty can worsen the impacts of extreme weather events and natural disasters, while these events can also cause or exacerbate poverty. Over the last 20 years, the world has experienced more floods, wildfires, and other climate-related disasters than in any other documented 20-year period in history. This has affected communities, the environment and the resources it provides, as well as overall poverty levels. (See Goal 13 for more information on extreme weather events and natural disasters).</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>The Government of Canada is committed to poverty reduction and is making significant investments to support the social and economic well-being of all Canadians. In 2018, the Government of Canada launched its first poverty reduction strategy, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/poverty-reduction/reports/strategy.html">Opportunity for All - Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy</a>. Building on a national consultation process with provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous governments, academics, people involved in social service delivery, and people who have lived experience of poverty, the strategy committed to the SDG 1 targets of reducing poverty by 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2030.</p><p>The Poverty Reduction Strategy seeks to reduce and remove systemic barriers, including for those communities that face unique barriers that can make them more vulnerable to poverty. This includes Indigenous Peoples, single people aged 45 to 64, persons with disabilities, single parents, newcomers, Black Canadians and individuals from other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ (in particular transgender) individuals and Canadians with significant health issues.</p><p>The Poverty Reduction Strategy defined Canada's Official Poverty Line for the first time, based on the Market Basket Measure. It reflects the combined costs of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living. The basket includes items such as healthy food, appropriate shelter and home maintenance, and clothing and transportation. Wherever individuals and families are living across the country, if they cannot afford the cost of this basket of goods and services in their particular community, they are considered to be living in poverty.</p><p>The Poverty Reduction Strategy also established the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/poverty-reduction/national-advisory-council.html">National Advisory Council on Poverty</a>. The council provides independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on poverty reduction, reports on the progress achieved, and maintains a national dialogue with Canadians. It brings together a committed and diverse group of 10 members, including persons with lived experience, leaders, experts, academics, and practitioners that work in the field of poverty reduction.</p><p>The Government of Canada continues to work with National Indigenous Organizations and other partners to co-develop indicators of poverty and well-being from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis perspectives. This will help to better measure poverty among Indigenous populations in Canada in a way that is culturally appropriate.</p><p>Following from a commitment in Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy, the <a target="_blank" href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-16.81/page-1.html"><em>Poverty Reduction Act</em></a> came into force in 2019. The Act enshrines into law the government's poverty reduction targets, Canada's Official Poverty Line, and the National Advisory Council on Poverty.</p><p>A number of initiatives to support low-income individuals and families are contributing to the target to reduce poverty in Canada by 50% by 2030. For example:</p><ul><li>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html">Canada Child Benefit (CCB)</a>, introduced in 2016, provides support for low- to middle-income families with children. The CCB provides support to about 3.5 million families in respect of over 6 million children, providing over $25 billion, tax-free, each year to Canadian families.</li><li>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html">Child Disability Benefit</a> is a tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions.</li><li>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-workers-benefit.html">Canada Workers Benefit</a> is a refundable tax credit that supplements the earnings of low- and moderate- income workers, letting them take home more money while they work. It has two parts: a basic amount and a disability supplement.</li><li>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100035256/1533307528663">On-reserve Income Assistance Program</a> supports eligible First Nations on reserve residents to cover the costs of their daily living and provides funding to access pre-employment supports.</li><li>To support future seniors, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial partners, has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-enhancement.html">enhanced</a> the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The enhancement increases the CPP retirement pension, post-retirement benefit, disability pension and survivor's pension that Canadians may receive.</li><li>In July 2022, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html">Old Age Security</a> pension increased by 10% for seniors aged 75 years and older to give seniors greater financial security as they advance in their retirement.</li></ul><p></p><p>Key federal income supports are designed to keep up with inflation. Benefits such as the CCB, Canada Workers Benefit and the GST/HST tax credit, as well as Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, are indexed to the Consumer Price Index, allowing them to keep up with increases in the cost of living.</p><p>Through Canada's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html">COVID-19 Economic Response Plan</a>, the government has invested in targeted income support to individuals, business, key sectors, and community organizations on the frontlines of serving Canadians to help reduce social inequalities and support vulnerable groups most affected by the global pandemic.</p><p>The federal government is also taking action to reduce homelessness and make housing in Canada more affordable. To learn about commitments and actions on housing, see Goal 11.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Canada Disability Benefit Act</h5><p>The Government of Canada has reintroduced the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/44-1/c-22#:~:text=On%202%20June%202022%2C%20the,the%20Income%20Tax%20Act%20(Canada"><em>Canada Disability Benefit Act</em><em>(Bill C-22 (44-1))</em></a> in the House of Commons on June 2, 2022, which is the framework legislation for the proposed Canada Disability Benefit. The proposed Canada Disability Benefit is similar to the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors or the Canada Child Benefit for families with children. The goal of the proposed benefit is to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities.</p><p></p><p>In the spirit and principle of “Nothing Without Us”, the proposed Canada Disability Benefit will be informed through further engagement with the disability community as well as other stakeholders, including Indigenous organizations, and academics.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: The Canadian Poverty Institute</h5><p>The Canadian Poverty Institute is an inter-disciplinary institute housed within Ambrose University that conducts research and teaching that informs public policy and promotes effective practices to prevent and eradicate poverty. The global pandemic has created massive disruption in life as usual. In particular, it has affected a new group of people termed “newly vulnerable”. These are people who were not previously in poverty but have been put at significant risk due to economic and social pressures linked to COVID-19. CPI is currently working on research on the subject of COVID19 and these newly vulnerable households to understand their characteristics and how best to serve this group to prevent even more Canadians from falling into poverty. The research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).</p><p></p><p> Source: The Canadian Poverty Institute - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.povertyinstitute.ca" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">www.povertyinstitute.ca</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 1: Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>Canada's food system helps to provide safe and healthy food and ensure long-term food security both domestically and internationally. This Goal's focus on a healthier and more sustainable Canadian food system directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal2" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round</li><li>2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, Indigenous Peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment</li><li>2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality</li></ul><p></p><p>Food affects the daily lives of all those living in Canada. It provides the energy and nutrients needed to live a healthy life, brings together communities, and creates economic growth and jobs. Food systems, including the way food is produced, processed, distributed, consumed, and disposed of, have direct impacts on the lives of Canadians and are integral to the well-being of communities. In particular, Indigenous and northern communities have specific needs and challenges in accessing affordable and nutritious food.</p><p>The agriculture and agri-food sector is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy. Seizing opportunities in both domestic and international markets is critical to the economic growth and profitability of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. In 2021, the agriculture and agri-food system employed 2.1 million people and generated $134.9 billion (around 6.8%) of Canada's gross domestic product. Realized net income (RNI) for Canadian farmers has generally <a target="_blank" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220525/dq220525a-eng.htm">risen</a> since the mid-2000s and has seen particularly strong growth in 2020 and 2021. RNI reached a new record of $13.5 billion in 2021 as strong growth in receipts offset sharply higher expenses, demonstrating the resilience of the sector in the face of significant disruptions such as wildfires, floods, droughts, and labour shortages.</p><p>Agriculture is grounded in nature and depends on a healthy environment, including clean water, healthy soils, and stable pollinator populations. As the planet faces a climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices and resilient food systems have never been more critical. Farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land and are helping to identify solutions to environmental challenges such as climate change, water quality issues and species at risk. They must also be resilient, responding to climate change, extreme weather events, invasive alien species, and other risks that can affect their ability to continue producing a consistent supply of food while maintaining a decent income and standard of living.</p><p>To meet these challenges, Canada's agriculture sector is adopting innovative technologies and practices, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, storing carbon in soils, protecting water, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/wildlife-habitat-capacity-agricultural-land.html">supporting wildlife habitat</a>. Farmers are adopting clean technologies, climate-smart farming practices and beneficial management practices using techniques such as no-till, low-till, cover cropping, rotational grazing and agroforestry. There is potential to achieve further progress through measures such as increased use of natural climate solutions.</p><p>A sustainable and resilient food system is essential for ensuring food security in Canada. Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. When people experience food insecurity, it affects their quality of life, increases nutritional vulnerability and contributes to poor physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of challenges in ensuring sufficient access to nutritious food for all, and food insecurity has worsened due to factors such as unemployment rates. In 2020, 11.2% of Canadian households experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. Indigenous, Black, and other racialized households are more likely to experience food insecurity in Canada.</p><p>For Indigenous Peoples, access to safe and nutritious food includes both store-bought and traditional or country food. Indigenous Peoples face unique challenges in ensuring food security, including the remoteness and isolation of many Indigenous communities, access to clean water, financial hardship and socioeconomic inequities, climate change, and environmental dispossession and contamination. The Government of Canada is advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by strengthening traditional food systems, recognizing the importance of food to Indigenous culture and well-being, and, in so doing, supporting Indigenous food self-determination and food sovereignty.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>Canada is investing in ways to promote innovative, sustainable food systems and ensure Canadians have access to safe and nutritious food, and is working to maintain the resilience of food systems by managing the spread and introduction of invasive plant and animal species that could pose a risk to livestock, crops, and agricultural production. Programming that promotes food security in Indigenous and remote communities continues through financial assistance for local and community initiatives.</p><p>In partnership with provinces, territories, civil society, industry, and Indigenous governments and organizations, the Government of Canada developed <a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/about-our-department/key-departmental-initiatives/food-policy">A Food Policy for Canada</a> to tackle food issues that matter to Canadians. The Food Policy serves as a roadmap to healthier and more sustainable food systems in Canada with a vision that all are able to access safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/about-our-department/key-departmental-initiatives/canadian-agricultural-partnership">Canadian Agricultural Partnership</a> also highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable food systems. The partnership is a $3 billion 5-year investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership will expire on March 31, 2023, and will be replaced by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership on April 1, 2023. </p><p>Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers, through the November 2021 Guelph Statement, have agreed to a vision for the next policy framework that would see “Canada recognized as a world leader in sustainable agriculture and agri-food production.” This includes tackling climate change and environmental protection to support greenhouse gas emissions reductions and the long-term vitality of the sector while positioning producers and processors to seize economic opportunities from evolving consumer demands. Ministers also agreed to a new Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program, to support carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and address other environmental co-benefits.</p><p>The Government of Canada has committed to developing a Green Agriculture Plan in consultation with the agriculture and agri-food sector, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders. The plan will establish a long-term vision and approach to agri-environmental issues in order to advance the sustainability, competitiveness, and vitality of the sector. It will coordinate efforts between existing programming and targets, while identifying gaps and opportunities for future action. Investments through programs such as the Agricultural Climate Solutions program and the Agricultural Clean Technology program are targeting increased support to farmers to develop and adopt nature-based agricultural management practices to reduce emissions, store carbon in healthy soil and enhance resiliency; adoption of clean tech on farms, including for renewable energy, precision agriculture and energy efficiency; and working with farmers and stakeholders to reduce methane and fertilizer emissions in the agricultural sector.</p><p>Different regions and communities have different needs when it comes to accessing safe and nutritious food. In Inuit Nunangat, the government is committed to improving food security through the Harvesters Support Grant and the Nutrition North Canada program. The Harvesters Support Grant, launched in 2020, supports hunting and harvesting related activities in eligible communities to strengthen local food systems and support cultural restoration and revitalization. It is rooted in Indigenous Peoples' self-determination, local and traditional decision-making structures, and the preservation of Traditional Knowledge around Indigenous food cultures and ways of living.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Nutrition North Canada Retail Subsidy Program helps lower the cost of nutritious food and other essential items in 121 isolated communities whose food insecurities are heightened because of climate change and environmental dispossession and contamination. This program makes nutritious food and other essential items more affordable and accessible than it would otherwise be. The government also provides targeted social programs and income supplements such as the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement that help improve access to essentials, including nutritious food (see Goal 1 for more information).</p><p>Internationally, Canada plays an active role in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unccd.int/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbd.int/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity</a>, and the <a target="_blank" href="https://unfccc.int/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</a>, and takes part in global conservation programmes such as the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fao.org/cgrfa/en/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture</a>. Canada also supports initiatives under the United Nations World Food Program, and has co-sponsored a World Trade Organization statement committing to not using export restrictions or prohibitions on non-commercial humanitarian food purchases by the World Food Programme, which will help to ensure that trade rules support progress toward SDG 2.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group</h5><p>The legacies of colonial policies in Indigenous and northern communities have contributed to a reliance on market foods from the south. High levels of food insecurity are present in these communities, where a lack of access to traditional and market sources of nutritious food is exacerbated by climate change. The government is committed to working with partners to address food insecurity, including through programs developed collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples.</p><p>A key partnership is the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group, established in 2019 to provide a whole-of-government approach to food security and leverage the contributions of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the 4 regional Land Claim Organizations, Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and the National Inuit Youth Council, as well as multiple federal organizations. It is a sub-group of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, established as part of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1499711968320/1529105436687">Permanent Bilateral Mechanism</a> process to advance shared priorities between Inuit and the Government of Canada.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Food Security in an Indigenous Context</h5><p>Food security for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples is a direct result of the protection of their environment, waters and lands and of the management of their territories. While food insecurity particularly affects Indigenous communities, food security in these communities requires support for initiatives that promote respect for Indigenous rights, sovereignty, self-determination, values and cultures. These initiatives are an important part of food security because traditional foods and local food systems, as sources of sustenance, have a highly sacred value. Food insecurity needs to be addressed in a holistic manner, including assessing the cumulative impacts of climate change and other environmental impacts on food security.</p><p>Research aimed at improving food security and food sovereignty has grown in recent years in Indigenous communities. These studies, conducted by and for Indigenous people, are fundamental to ensuring the integration of their knowledge to enhance traditional foods. It is also crucial to stress the importance of wildlife conservation and hunter support programs for food security.</p><p>The promotion of food security, food systems and food sovereignty offers a unique opportunity to work with Indigenous actors in the communities, as no single organization, sector or approach can address the complex issues at hand.</p><p>Source: Perspective provided by a member of the Sustainable Development Advisory Council</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Our Food Future</h5><p>Located in Guelph and Wellington County, Ontario, Our Food Future is an Infrastructure Canada-funded Smart Cities initiative committed to creating a regional circular food economy that increases access to nutritious food, fosters innovative circular collaborations, reduces food waste and affects positive system-level change. Our Food Future's more than 40 collaborator organizations are working on 50+ innovative projects across an urban-rural testbed with the goal of developing solutions that deliver new economic, social and environmental benefits, and that can scale across the country. In the first two years, Our Food Future projects delivered 77,000+ meals and 57,100+ food boxes to community members; developed new technologies and business models that upcycle food waste; and diverted more than 6,400+ tonnes of food waste from landfill.</p><p></p><p>Source: Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad</p></div></body></html>

Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>The Government of Canada recognizes that maintaining healthy lives and promoting the well-being of Canadians is essential to sustainable development and building prosperous, peaceful and inclusive societies. This includes providing support for positive mental health and promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy eating. This Goal's focus on good health and well-being upholds <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets: </p><ul><li>3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being</li><li>3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol (in the Canadian context, the terminology used is substance use related harms) </li><li>3.a Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate</li></ul><p></p><p>In general, Canada is a healthy nation; however, not all groups in Canada enjoy the same level of health and well-being. These inequalities are influenced by social, economic and political factors that in turn shape access to resources and opportunities necessary to support well-being. Identity factors, including race, ethnicity, religion and age, and the interaction among these factors also influence the way diverse groups of Canadians experience health and the conditions that impact health. Achieving good health and wellbeing for all Canadians requires integration of health equity and intersectionality in decision making and taking action on factors outside of the health care system ('social determinants of health') such as income, employment, education, childhood experiences, and racism and discrimination. </p><p>About 1 in 3 Canadians will be affected by a mental illness during their lifetime. The Government recognizes the significant and unique mental health challenges experienced by youth, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Perceived mental health has been impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in Canadians screening positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder was observed.</p><p>Currently, older adults represent 19% of the population. By 2030, the proportion of the population that is 65 and older will increase to approximately between 21% and 23%. Over the next 20 years, seniors will make up about 25% of the population. Those over 75 are among the fastest growing age groups in Canada. Among all older adults, about 73% live with at least one chronic disease and between April 2017 and March 2018, almost 452,000 people over 65 in Canada were living with diagnosed dementia. Healthy behaviours (for example, a healthy diet and physical activity) and communities that are age-friendly and dementia-inclusive can help with managing chronic conditions, decrease the risk of developing new diseases or conditions, and contribute to older adults' mental and physical health and wellbeing.</p><p>Gaps in health outcomes are significant for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people often have poorer health status and outcomes than the general Canadian population, as shown across indicators such as mortality, incidence of communicable and chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and diabetes, as well as higher rates of HIV infection and dementia. In addition, certain communities such as Indigenous people and Black Canadians are less likely to seek medical assistance due to reasons of historic medical racism, which leads to poorer health outcomes. Poor mental health outcomes in Indigenous communities is also a long-lasting and intergenerational effects of residential schools. Health inequalities are also experienced by rural communities, and particularly Indigenous communities.</p><p>Climate change, including extreme weather events, wildfires, changes in air quality and vector distribution, and increased risks to food and water safety, is also causing significant impacts to the health and well-being of Canadians as well as health systems. Climate change is having stronger and longer-lasting impacts on people, which can directly affect their mental health and psychosocial well-being. Impacts can occur after an acute event such as a flood or wildfire and can cause mental health impacts such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. </p><p>Extreme heat is a significant health issue in Canada with higher temperatures impacting the physical and mental health of Canadians (for example, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, fatigue and death). In addition, as the climate changes, certain pathogens and vectors for infectious diseases can establish in new areas, expand and shift in geographic range, or become more abundant.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>Provincial, territorial and federal governments share roles and responsibilities for health services. The Government of Canada has engaged with provinces and territories to address key health priorities and has made substantial investments to improve mental health and substance use services.</p><p>In 2016, the Positive Mental Health Surveillance Indicator Framework was developed to monitor the state of positive mental health and well-being in Canada and to inform programs and policies to improve the mental health of Canadians. This includes updated estimates for positive mental health outcomes, and associated risk and protective factors at the individual, family, community and society levels for youth (aged 12 to 17 years) and adults aged 18 years and older. Data are also broken out by key demographic and socioeconomic variables.</p><p>In April 2020, the Government of Canada launched the Wellness Together Canada portal to provide Canadians with free access to live and confidential online mental health and substance use resources, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages and dialects. Budget 2022 provided $140 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, to Health Canada for the Wellness Together Canada portal so it can continue to provide Canadians with tools and services to support their mental health and well-being. </p><p>Funding of $14.2 million was also provided to the Mental Health Commission of Canada to advance specific priorities in the area of mental health, substance use and suicide prevention. In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada provided $150 million over three years to support the mental health of those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Budget 2021 also provided funding for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems, through funding from Budget 2021, which provided $126.7 million over 3 years to take action to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination.</p><p>The Government of Canada continues to collaborate with provinces and territories to develop national standards for access to mental health and substance use. </p><p>In June 2019, the Government of Canada launched Canada's first national dementia strategy, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/dementia-strategy.html">A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire</a>. One national objective is to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and their caregivers. This objective focuses on eliminating stigma and promoting measures that create supportive and safe dementia-inclusive communities, as well as supporting family/friend caregivers. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting older adults to remain healthy, safe and socially connected, and helping them stay in their homes longer.</p><p>The Government of Canada also encourages Canadians to adopt and maintain healthy behaviours, and tracks progress through a number of key indicators such as smoking prevalence, healthy eating and movement behaviours, and substance use harms. The government takes action to champion healthy behaviours and prevent causes of premature death from tobacco use by implementing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/canada-tobacco-strategy.html">Canada's Tobacco Strategy</a>. This strategy aims to help Canadians who smoke to quit or reduce the harms of their addiction to nicotine, as well as protect the health of young people and non-smokers from the dangers of tobacco use. The government is also addressing youth vaping by, among other actions, reducing the appeal of and access to vaping products among young Canadians.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/canadian-drugs-substances-strategy.html">Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS)</a> reflects a comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy. Guided by the CDSS, the Government of Canada has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $800 million to address the opioid overdose crisis and substance-use-related harms. This includes:</p><ul><li>more than $282 million to the Substance Use and Addictions Program through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 to support community-based projects addressing substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment initiatives across the country </li><li>$150 million through the Emergency Treatment Fund to assist provinces and territories in improving access to evidence-based treatment services for substance use disorders</li><li>$200 million to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities</li></ul><p></p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/food-nutrition/healthy-eating.html">Healthy Eating Strategy</a> aims to improve the food environment to make it easier for consumers to make healthier choices by improving healthy eating information, improving the nutritional quality of foods and protecting vulnerable populations. Health Canada introduced new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-labelling-changes/front-package.html">nutrition labelling regulations</a> for packaged foods requiring a symbol on the front of packages indicating that a food is high in saturated fat, sugars and/or sodium, on July 20, 2022. Evidence is clear that high intakes of saturated fat, sugars and/or sodium can contribute to various diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. </p><p>The Government of Canada supports community-based interventions that target priority populations facing health inequalities and higher rates of chronic disease. It encourages health behaviour changes and creates physical and social environments known to enable better health. Further, while health is the primary focus, <a target="_blank" href="https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/guidelines/">Canada's Dietary Guidelines</a> acknowledge potential environmental benefits to improving current patterns of eating. For example, there is evidence supporting a lesser environmental impact by eating plant-based foods. Benefits include helping to conserve soil, water and air.</p><p>Climate change poses significant risks to Canadians' health, their communities and their health systems and these risks will grow. The Government of Canada led a <a target="_blank" href="https://changingclimate.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">National Assessment Process</a> to examine how and why Canada's climate is changing; the impacts of these changes on our communities, environment and economy; and how communities are adapting across the country. This information can help Canadians make sound decisions and take action to adapt. </p><p>In particular, the report about the <a target="_blank" href="https://changingclimate.ca/health-in-a-changing-climate/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate</a>, released in 2022, details the effects of climate change and growing risks on health and health systems, the populations most at risk, how health care authorities are adapting to climate change, and effective measures to protect health. Findings from the mental health and well-being chapter of this report support decision-makers in taking actions to protect mental health in a changing climate and adaptation options to consider. The Infectious Disease and Climate Change Program  also assists decision-making by health professionals as well as advances education and awareness raising activities to reduce the impact of climate-sensitive diseases on human health in Canada, with a focus on vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: TELUS Health</h5><p>TELUS Health, a business unit of the social-purpose driven TELUS Communications Inc., is a Canadian provider of digital health technology that focuses on improving access to health care including mental health services by connecting health teams, and empowering patients to manage their health proactively. TELUS Health offers virtual and in-person physical and mental healthcare through an array of products, services and clinics such as: TELUS Health MyCare, TELUS Health Virtual Care, TELUS Health Virtual Pharmacy, and its 14 TELUS Health Care Centres. There are currently 10 million Canadians covered by TELUS Health and 19 million users covered by virtual care, health benefits management, personal health and preventive care services.</p><p></p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.telus.com/en/health" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">TELUS Health</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 3: Support mental health and adopt healthy behaviours

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>Education is a primary driver of progress across all 17 SDGs. This Goal's focus on training and skills development as well as research and development related to sustainable development supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal4" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship</li><li>4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles</li></ul><p></p><p>Education supports social and economic mobility and enables paths out of poverty. It helps to reduce inequalities and is crucial to fostering tolerance and more peaceful societies. Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for Canadians of all ages are essential for Canada's economic and social prosperity, and for the well-being of all Canadians. This includes striving for high education attainment rates, quality early childhood development, and high levels of literacy to support developing the relevant skills for employment including well-paying jobs in the clean technology sector and participating in the clean economy.</p><p>Knowledge and education are also critical to increasing climate literacy and supporting climate action. Accordingly, <a target="_blank" href="https://en.unesco.org/themes/education-sustainable-development/cce" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">climate change education</a> is recognized as a priority in the Paris Agreement and the SDGs. Preliminary research by Environment and Climate Change Canada indicates Canadians' knowledge and awareness of climate change, environmental and nature conservation topics is increasing; as is the perception that individual actions have a positive impact on environmental change; and actions to help fight climate change, conserve nature and achieve a cleaner and safer environment are possible.</p><p>At the same time, a <a target="_blank" href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0218305" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">study on climate change curricula in Canadian secondary schools</a> found that learning objectives tend to focus on climate change mechanisms, increases in temperature, and human impacts on climate change, with less focus on scientific consensus, the negative impacts of climate change, and potential solutions to its related problems. Meanwhile, <a target="_blank" href="https://lsf-lst.ca/research-policy/survey/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">the Canada Climate Change and Education report</a>, released in 2019 by <a target="_blank" href="https://lsf-lst.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Learning for a Sustainable Future,</a> showed that while the majority of Canadians are concerned about climate change, 86% indicated that they need more information.</p><p>Achieving sustainable development requires action across Canadian society. Schools, universities and other educational institutions are contributing to these efforts by <a target="_blank" href="https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cjeap/article/view/42371" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">taking action</a> for sustainable development. A Canada-wide census by the Sustainability and Education Policy Network in 2019 showed that 43% of school divisions had participated in a sustainability certification program, and 25% had sustainability staff. Further, in a 2018 survey undertaken for Canada's 6th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 10 out of 10 participating provinces and territories reported that biodiversity had been incorporated into elementary and secondary school curricula. The report also underscores the importance of Indigenous Knowledge in contributing to the effectiveness of Canada's various biodiversity initiatives, providing information regarding the sustainable use of plants and animals, as well as the relationships and current stresses in ecosystems.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>While provinces and territories are responsible for organizing, delivering and assessing all levels of education, the Government of Canada supports quality education and lifelong learning and recognizes the external benefits of a well-educated population to the prosperity and well-being of all Canadians. In addition, the Government of Canada supports elementary and secondary education for First Nation students ordinarily resident on reserves. The Federal Government is continuing to work with First Nations partners to address the needs of First Nations students being educated on reserves.</p><p>The Government of Canada is working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based Early Learning and Child Care system so that all families have access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care. This includes an investment of more than $27 billion over five years as part of Budget 2021. Combined with other investments, including in Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, up to $30 billion over five years will be provided to assist early learning and child care. </p><p>Taking into account previous investments announced since 2015, this means that as of 2025-2026, the Government of Canada will provide a minimum of $9.2 billion every year—permanently—for Early Learning and Child Care and Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care. This investment allows governments to work together towards achieving an average parent fee of $10-a-day by March 2026 for all licensed child care spaces, starting with a 50% reduction in average fees for regulated early learning and child care spaces by the end of 2022. These targets apply everywhere outside of Quebec, which already has an affordable, well-established system.</p><p>The Government of Canada contributes to sustainable development knowledge and education by funding research, including through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. The government is also implementing the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_97992.html">Roadmap for Open Science</a>, which will make federal science publications and data more accessible and understandable to Canadians. It also aims to accelerate discovery by enabling others to build on previously validated research.</p><p>The Government of Canada will continue to provide access to data and scientific publications through initiatives such as the <a target="_blank" href="https://osdp-psdo.canada.ca/en/about-osdp">Open Science and Data Platform</a>. The platform will support cumulative effects assessments for federal regulatory processes by providing access to authoritative data and information on topics related to development activities, the environment, and communities. </p><p>Actions related to sharing information and making sustainable development available to Canadians can also be found throughout the FSDS. For example, Goal 7: Increase Canadians' Access to Clean Energy, describes how the Government of Canada is sharing information related to energy. Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change, describes how the government is sharing information related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program plays a role in providing a suite of reliable and publicly available indicators that are also used to support targets throughout this strategy.</p><p>The Government of Canada is committed to promoting civic engagement among youth while providing opportunities to build knowledge and skills. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/youth/canada-service-corps.html">Canada Service Corps program</a> funds approximately 100 organizations to deliver volunteer service opportunities for youth aged 15 to 30, and micro-grants for youth-led projects. These opportunities engage youth in building a culture of service and provide opportunities to gain essential life skills and experience while contributing to local action to improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of their communities.</p><p>The government is committed to helping young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market, including in environmental and clean technology sectors. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/youth-employment-strategy.html">Youth Employment and Skills Strategy</a> supports this objective through funding programs that help young Canadians gain meaningful work experience while providing access to, among others, mentorship, mental health supports, equipment such as computers, child care services, and transportation. The Outbound Student Mobility Pilot, also branded as <a target="_blank" href="https://globalskillsopportunity.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Global Skills Opportunity</a>, provides students, particularly underrepresented students (Indigenous students, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families) with opportunities to study and work abroad to develop global skills, competencies, and international networks to successfully transition to the labour market.</p><p>Finally, the Government of Canada works with provinces and territories through the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmec.ca/en/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Council of Ministers of Education in Canada</a> (CMEC). <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmec.ca/147/Programs-and-Initiatives/Education-for-Sustainable-Development/Overview/index.html" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">This council</a> provides leadership in education at the pan-Canadian and international levels. CMEC has included education for sustainable development as one of the key activity areas in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/187/CMEC-2020-DECLARATION.en.pdf" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Learn Canada 2020</a><em>,</em> its framework to enhance Canada's education systems, learning opportunities, and education outcomes. </p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Understanding and Addressing Indigenous Knowledge </h5><p> Indigenous knowledge forms a body of knowledge representative of a vision of the world. It is strongly connected to the identity of knowledge holders and Indigenous communities. Indigenous knowledge is multi-dimensional, dynamic, and constantly adapting, which makes it difficult to collect. Indeed, Indigenous knowledge can sometimes take the form of traditional land use data or biophysical data, but it is not exhaustive. It is therefore unrealistic to collect all the Indigenous knowledge related to a subject since it consists, for example, of practices, oral histories, observations, and perceptions that are associated with attending a particular place, for one.</p><p>In addition, beyond constituting an accumulation of atomized data, the body of knowledge of an individual, or a First Nation can constitute an arrangement of interrelated principles. These can be used within the framework of the governance of the First Nation to make decisions related to the management of the territory, for example via codes of practice which define, among other things, the methods of harvesting a species (period, method, quantity, etc.).</p><p>Indigenous knowledge is also part of a system of representation of the world that is different from the Western system, and that also carries its own coherence. Indigenous knowledge is inseparable from the context in which it is constructed or transmitted. This context is like a web of values, norms and symbols that underlie Indigenous knowledge and enable it to be interpreted and given meaning. This context does not take place in a specific, limited period of time, as Indigenous knowledge can be recent, yet very valid. Note that the impacts of climate change also accelerate the evolution process of Indigenous knowledge. The interpretation and inclusion of knowledge must therefore take the entirety of the system into account. </p><p>Lastly, Indigenous knowledge is often transmitted orally, which in academic or official reports, is not referenced nor considered as equal to Western scientific knowledge. Templates have been created to cite Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders, the former of which highlight the individual's nation and/or community.</p><p>Here are some recommendations for the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge: </p><ul><li>Preserve the context surrounding Indigenous knowledge</li><li>Do not fragment the knowledge</li><li>Remember that Indigenous knowledge is varied and cannot be standardized</li><li>Take into account the intangible dimension of Indigenous knowledge, that is to say the system of values ​​in which it is built</li><li>Recognize knowledge holders as experts</li><li>Recognize Indigenous knowledge as an equal to scientific knowledge</li><li>Use more respectful and inclusive templates to cite Indigenous knowledge</li></ul><p></p><p> Read the report “More Than Personal Communication: Templates for Citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers” to learn more about templates for citing Indigenous knowledge.</p><p></p><p>Source: Excerpted from First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI) and First Nations members. (2022). <em>Guide to Best Practices for the Inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge - For Federal Departments</em>.</p><p></p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: The BC Council for International Cooperation</h5><p>In recent years (2017-2021), the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) organized a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Bootcamp for groups of motivated youth who were interested in becoming active SDG change makers in their own communities. The Bootcamp was a dynamic and practice-based training program that educated, mentored, and inspired its participants to promote social change and sustainable practices. With its focus on public engagement, the course helped participants foster the skills needed to effectively communicate and create dialogue to promote social change related to the SDGs. Building on this foundational work, BCCIC is committed to centering the lived experiences and expertise of grassroots, Indigenous and Global South activists and practitioners in a new intergenerational global partnership program. The program will connect youth activists (particularly belonging to marginalized and under-represented groups) from British Columbia and the Global South for collaborative learning, insights, and public engagement on sustainable global development issues. </p><p></p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bccic.ca" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">www.bccic.ca</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>This Goal's focus on increasing Canadian women's representation in leadership roles and participation in the broader economy supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal5" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere</li><li>5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life</li><li>5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels</li></ul><p></p><p>While substantial gains have been made over the past several decades, women in Canada and around the world are still significantly underrepresented in decision-making processes, are less likely to be employed or participate in the labour force, and have lower average annual earnings than men. Women are also often underrepresented in particular economic sectors and occupations, including cleantech and environmental sectors and occupations. Women held 41% of jobs in the Canadian clean technology sector in 2019, and two thirds of Canadian post-secondary graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) were male in 2019, with an even greater disparity in engineering and computer science programs and skilled trades. Women are also less likely than their male counterparts to enter and remain employed in STEM occupations, despite studying in the same fields.</p><p>Social, economic and environmental issues are experienced differently by women, men, and gender-diverse people due to intersectional factors such as gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, class, age, sex, physical or mental disability, and many others. In the context of the environment for example, studies have found links between natural disasters, deteriorating mental health, and increases in <a target="_blank" href="https://genderandenvironment.org/agent-gbv-env/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">gender-based violence,</a> especially among women and gender-diverse people. In addition to the different lived experiences of women and gender-diverse peoples, attitudes concerning the environment, biodiversity and climate change also differ along <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iucn.org/news/gender/202103/new-data-reveals-slow-progress-achieving-gender-equality-environmental-decision-making" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">gender lines</a>, which makes equitable representation in environmental governance crucial for ensuring that policies and actions reflect the population.</p><p>Addressing societal inequities can increase the capacity of a community or group to prepare for disruptions, recover from unforeseen shocks, and adapt to or manage a disruptive experience. In this regard, Canada's ambitions under the 2030 Agenda to advance SDG 5, notably through efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment, increase gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making, and have Canadians share responsibilities within households and families, also increase Canadians' capacities to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.</p><p>Rates of violence towards women remain high, and Indigenous women <a target="_blank" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2022001/article/00004-eng.htm">are much more likely to be victims of violence</a> compared to non-Indigenous women. Nearly six in ten (56%) Indigenous women have experienced physical assault and almost half (46%) of Indigenous women have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime, compared to a third of non-Indigenous women having experienced physical assault (34%) or sexual assault (33%) in their lifetime. Violence and harassment at work are also serious and pressing issues that disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups and have been exacerbated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ending gender-based violence is a key component to advancing all of the targets under SDG 5, including those relating to increasing leadership roles and participation in the economy. </p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>Canada is taking domestic and international action to address systemic barriers to equality for all women, girls and gender-diverse people. <a target="_blank" href="https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/gender-based-analysis-plus.html">Gender-based Analysis Plus</a> (GBA Plus) and the <a target="_blank" href="https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/gender-results-framework.html">Gender Results Framework</a> are two key tools for the Government of Canada to advance gender equality. GBA Plus applies an intersectional lens to all policies, programs, and initiatives, taking into account (but not limited to), identity factors such as sex, gender identity and expression, age, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. It helps assess and address systemic inequalities and risks experienced by diverse individuals and groups in Canada. The <a target="_blank" href="https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/gender-results-framework.html">Gender Results Framework</a> is a whole-of-government approach to tracking how Canada is performing on gender equality, defining what is needed to improve equality, and determining how progress will be measured.</p><p>The Government of Canada is also working to eliminate systemic barriers to women's participation in federally regulated workplaces. This target is being supported by concrete action. The Government of Canada is working to implement the <a target="_blank" href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-4.2/page-1.html"><em>Pay Equity Act</em></a> across federally regulated workplaces to address systemic gender-based discrimination in compensation practices and pay systems. Additionally, a review of the Employment Equity Act that seeks to remove systemic barriers to employment will be completed, with a report to the Minister of Labour in fall 2022.</p><p>It also plans to amend the <a target="_blank" href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/">Canada Labour Code</a> to provide up to five new paid leave days for federally regulated employees who experience a miscarriage or still birth, and to strengthen provisions to better support working women who need to be accommodated or re-assigned during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. The Government of Canada is also proposing regulations to provide menstrual products in federally regulated workplaces to support and ensure all employees' participation at work, including gender-diverse employees.</p><p>The Government of Canada is also showing leadership in promoting gender equality in the federal public service. For instance, it has set a target to ensure that each year the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority group (see Goal 10 for more details).</p><p>The Government of Canada recognizes that gender equality cannot be achieved if nearly half the population lives in fear of violence. The federal government is committed to ending gender and race-based violence against all women and gender-diverse people, especially Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. In response to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls</a> and its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Calls for Justice,</a> the Government of Canada, alongside Indigenous families, survivors and partners, and, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments developed and launched, on June 3 2021, the <a target="_blank" href="https://mmiwg2splus-nationalactionplan.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">2021 National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People</a>. As part of the National Action Plan, the federal government also released the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1622233286270/1622233321912">Federal Pathway</a>, outlining the federal government's commitments. On June 3 2022, Indigenous families, survivors, organizations and partners, the 13 provinces and territories and, the federal government released the 2022 Progress Report on the National Action Plan, which included a progress report on the federal commitments.</p><p>Canada is also working to strengthen its relationship with Indigenous women's organizations, including the 3 national Indigenous women's organizations: the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nwac.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Native Women's Association of Canada, </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.pauktuutit.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://en2.metiswomen.org/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak</a>. The government is also working with grassroots Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to help them bring forward their voices to ensure that government policies, programs, legislation, and services are reflective of grassroots priorities and perspectives.</p><p>Internationally, Canada supports a number of initiatives that advance gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Canada established the first Group of Seven (G7) Gender Equality Advisory Council, which helps integrate gender equality and gender-based analysis across all G7 themes. </p><p>Canada has also taken a leading role in advocating for including gender issues in implementing the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Canada supports the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbd.int/gender/action-plan/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Convention on Biological Diversity's Gender Plan of Action</a>, and actions to advance gender perspectives in the process to develop the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. In addition, Canada is a leader in advancing gender issues in the context of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.oceandecade.org/">United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)</a>, with a particular focus on supporting projects that aim to inspire and empower women in ocean science.</p><p>Canada continues to support implementation of the <a target="_blank" href="https://unfccc.int/topics/gender/workstreams/the-gender-action-plan" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Gender Action Plan adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</a>, which aims to increase women's participation and leadership in climate action and to better integrate gender considerations in climate plans and policies. Canada's international climate finance commitment aligns with Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy, which targets gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. See Goal 17 for more details.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE)</h5><p>WiRE's mission is to advance the role and recognition of women and other under-represented groups working in the energy sector. Inclusive of all renewable energy and clean energy technologies, WiRE's programming includes national and international chapters, student chapters, capacity-building field trips, networking meet-ups, awards recognition programs, student bursaries, speed mentoring, speed interviewing, spotlights, conferences, workshops, and more! One way that WiRE fulfills its mission is through Student Bursaries that support women, Indigenous Peoples, and minorities, to attend conferences, seminars on current energy issues, view state-of-the-art technology at exhibitions, meet professionals in the energy sector, and connect with employers to explore opportunities for internships and permanent positions. </p><p></p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://womeninrenewableenergy.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Women in Renewable Energy</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 5: Champion gender equality

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>Canada has about 20% of the planet's freshwater resources and 7% of the world's renewable fresh water. This Goal's focus is on restoring freshwater ecosystems and ensuring clean and safe water for Canadians, which directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all</li><li>6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally</li><li>6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity</li><li>6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate</li></ul><p></p><p>Canada's waters are an irreplaceable natural heritage that Canadians should use sustainably and be able to access equitably. In Canada, lakes and rivers supply drinking water to millions of Canadians and sustain a rich variety of plants and animals. Groundwater resources also provide drinking water to Canadians, sustain base flow in streams and rivers during dry periods, and support ecological services. </p><p>Addressing sources of water pollution and contamination, such as under-treated wastewater and run-off from cities and farms, can help ensure that lakes and rivers continue to provide opportunities for swimming, boating, and recreational fishing and support economic activities such as tourism, commercial fisheries, agriculture, shipping, manufacturing, and energy production over the long term. Fresh water is often sacred and at the centre of all life for Indigenous Peoples. For many, water permeates every aspect of existence.</p><p>Protecting and restoring water resources requires collaboration and partnership among the Government of Canada and provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, municipalities, conservation authorities, and other governments and organizations. Notably, Canada and the United States have a long history of effective cooperation in managing shared waters. More than 40% of the Canada-U.S. border is water, and more than 300 rivers and lakes (some of the largest in the world) lie along, or flow across, the border between Canada and the United States.</p><p>Finally, while Canada's drinking water is among the safest in the world, access to clean drinking water remains a challenge in some small and remote First Nations communities on reserves. The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nations to eliminate all remaining long-term drinking water advisories on reserves and make sure that long-term investments and resources are in place to prevent future ones.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>Freshwater management in Canada is a responsibility shared among federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments. The Government of Canada has jurisdiction in areas such as fisheries, pollution prevention, shipping and navigation, international relations, transboundary waters, creating and managing protected areas and managing freshwater on federal lands. It also plays a leadership role in freshwater science and research to ensure that Canadians have the necessary information for evidence-based decision making on Canadian freshwater resources. For example, the government develops Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality in partnership with the provinces and territories.</p><p>Protecting and conserving Canadian waters is a key priority for the Government of Canada. The pollution prevention provisions of the <em>Fisheries Act</em> prohibit the release of pollution in waters frequented by fish. These provisions are some of the federal government's strongest tools for reducing pollution to water. Environment and Climate Change Canada manages these responsibilities by developing regulations, such as the <em>Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations</em>, that set strict requirements on any releases to water, and by applying and enforcing the <em>Fisheries</em><em>Act</em> prohibition where there are no regulations.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-11/index.html"><em>Canada Water Act</em></a> provides a framework for collaboration among federal, provincial, and territorial governments in matters related to water resources. The Government of Canada also has agreements with provinces to work collaboratively on water issues, such as the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence 2011 to 2026 (St. Lawrence Action Plan), the 2021 Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, and the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin (2021 to 2026).</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ijc.org/en/boundary-waters-treaty-1909" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Boundary Waters Treaty</a> of 1909 is the basis for collaborative management of Canada-U.S. boundary and transboundary waters. Canada is also a signatory to other international agreements with the U.S. to manage boundary and transboundary waters, such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Columbia River Treaty. This work includes actions to restore and protect Lake Erie and other Great Lakes, as well as the 2016 commitment to reduce annual phosphorus loadings into Lake Erie by 40% from 2008 levels.</p><p>The Government of Canada has adopted <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100034988/1533665779641">protocols and guidelines</a> to support First Nations in providing community water and wastewater services comparable to the levels of service that would generally be available in off-reserve communities of similar size and circumstances, as well as to set out clear standards for the design, operation and maintenance of drinking water systems. </p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Supporting access to clean drinking water in First Nations communities on reserves</h5><p>The solutions to addressing drinking water in First Nations are unique to each community, and Indigenous Services Canada works closely with each community to find the most appropriate solution. On reserves, providing safe drinking water is a shared responsibility among First Nations communities and the Government of Canada. First Nations own and operate their water and wastewater systems and design and construct facilities. The Department provides advice and financial support to First Nations communities for their public water and wastewater systems and ensures that drinking water quality monitoring programs are in place.</p><p>Indigenous Services Canada is supporting First Nations partners to achieve sustainable access to safe drinking water, including by: </p><ul><li>committing $5.6 billion in funding from 2016 to 2024 to First Nations to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure on reserves, to better support the operation and maintenance of systems, and to improve the monitoring and testing of community drinking water</li><li>supporting First Nations to address and prevent long-term drinking water advisories</li><li>advancing reconciliation through the approval of the Safe Drinking Water Settlement Agreement</li></ul><p></p><p>Between November 2015 and August 10, 2022, 135 Long-Term Drinking Water Advisories and 222 Short-Term Drinking Water Advisories have been lifted from public systems on reserves. Indigenous Services Canada continues to partner with First Nations to develop new approaches that will ensure that on-reserve water and wastewater systems are safe and adequately meet the needs of each community. </p><p></p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: PortsToronto Trash Trapping Program</h5><p>In an effort to combat and study single-use plastics and microplastics in waterways, PortsToronto launched its award-winning <a target="_blank" href="https://www.portstoronto.com/portstoronto/media-room/feature-stories/portstoronto-trash-trapping-program.aspx">Trash Trapping Program</a> in 2019. The University of Toronto Trash Team, as project partners, count and characterize the materials captured by PortsToronto Seabins in order to further understand the origination of floating plastic and litter in the Toronto Harbour. This informs technological and behavioural solutions to prevent these materials from entering Lake Ontario in the first place. PortsToronto and the University of Toronto Trash Team report that the Trash Trapping Program diverted tens of thousands of small pieces of plastic pollution from Lake Ontario over the course of a seven-week field season in 2021. Individual Seabins removed an estimated 209 pieces of small plastic per day, with the entire network capable of diverting 33-kilograms of litter throughout an entire season—the weight of approximately 3,400 plastic water bottles.</p><p></p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.portstoronto.com/home.aspx" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">PortsToronto</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 6: Ensure clean and safe water for all Canadians

Goal 7: Increase Canadians' access to clean energy

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>This Goal's focus on encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal8" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors</li><li>8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services</li><li>8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value</li></ul><p></p><p>Opportunities exist across all sectors for businesses to increase their competitiveness and become more sustainable. To transform the economy, Canada will need to decarbonize and reduce the environmental impacts of existing sectors while growing and supporting clean technology and emerging sector jobs. Doing so requires both large-scale national and place-based approaches. Canada will also need to respond to evolving workforce needs by upskilling and reskilling workers, increasing workforce participation, and diversifying local economies. As governments, industry, and labour attempt to plan ahead for the changing skills and occupational requirements needed for the clean economy, there is an opportunity to address emerging skills gaps, undervaluing of labour, and potential labour shortages.</p><p>At the same time, the transition toward clean energy sources and clean technology poses risks of disruption, especially for vulnerable workers and those with fewer marketable skills. The shift to a clean economy needs to be pursued in a just and inclusive manner so that no one is left behind. This requires collaboration among governments, industry and organized labor to provide affected workers and communities with new opportunities for training, skills development and well-paid employment.</p><p>Canada's environmental and clean technology sector accounts for 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and nearly 2% of jobs in Canada. It includes diverse occupations in sub-industries such as clean electricity, solar panel research, nature conservation, and waste management. Jobs in this sector are well paid, with annual salaries about 33% higher than the average Canadian wage. At 3.5% GDP growth, Canada ranked first in the G20 for clean technology innovation in the 2017 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cleantech.com/the-global-cleantech-100/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Global Cleantech Innovation Index</a>, and fourth overall. Thirteen Canadian companies are highlighted on the 2022 index, giving Canada more companies on that list than any country other than the US.</p><p>In order to benefit from the environmental and clean technology sector and the transition to a net-zero carbon economy more broadly, Canadians will need access to the requisite infrastructure, which includes access to fast internet. Canadians from all communities, both urban and rural, rely on access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet and mobile connectivity. It is essential for personal and professional communications, to grow a business, to apply to jobs, and to access education and government services. Overwhelmingly, rural and remote communities have identified challenges accessing affordable, high-speed internet as the number one issue impeding their economic growth.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>The Government of Canada is taking action to promote decent work and well-paid jobs by growing the clean technology sector, promoting skills development and training, and diversifying local economies. The government is committed to sustainability across the economy, including through the creation of sustainable jobs so that all Canadians can enjoy the benefits of a clean economy.</p><p>The Government of Canada's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/062.nsf/eng/home">Innovation and Skills Plan</a> is a major redesign of the innovation policy landscape in Canada put in place to make Canada a world-leading centre for innovation, to create well-paying jobs and foster the participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, such as women and Indigenous people, in the innovation economy. The Plan targets investments at all points along the innovation continuum, starting with people and skills and extending to fundamental science, to commercial applications and new technology adoption, and to accessing markets at home and abroad.</p><p>The internet and its physical infrastructure are the foundation on which Canada's digital economy rely. The sustainable, well-paying and essential jobs promised as part of a just transition to a net-zero carbon economy are all reliant on it. The <a target="_blank" href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/high-speed-internet-canada/en/canadas-connectivity-strategy/high-speed-access-all-canadas-connectivity-strategy">High-Speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy</a> is the government's plan to coordinate investments along with complementary measures to connect every Canadian to affordable, high-speed internet no matter where they live, and to improve mobile cellular access from coast to coast to coast.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>The just transition in Canada</h5><p>The Paris Agreement on climate change called on signatories to take into account “the imperatives of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rncanengagenrcan.ca/en/collections/just-transition">just transition</a> of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities.” The just transition involves preparing the workforce to fully participate in the low-carbon economy while minimizing the impacts of labour market transitions, identifying and supporting inclusive economic opportunities for workers in their communities, and putting workers and their communities front and centre in discussions that affect their livelihoods.</p><p>In support of a just transition, in 2018 the Government of Canada established the Task Force on Just Transition for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities. Its mandate was to engage relevant stakeholder groups including labour, provinces and municipal governments, report what was heard and provide recommendations on how the government can support coal power workers and communities. The task force released its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/task-force-just-transition/final-report/section-7.html">final report in March 2019</a>.</p><p>In response, the government committed $185 million to support affected communities, including $35 million for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/services/canada-coal-transition-initiative.html">Canada Coal Transition Initiative</a> focused on skills development and economic diversification, as well as $150 million for a dedicated infrastructure fund. As of June 2022, about $91.9 million had been approved in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rncanengagenrcan.ca/sites/default/files/pictures/home/just_transition_discussion_paper_-_en_-_july_15.pdf">88 projects across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Alberta</a>.</p><p>The concept of just transition is not limited to the energy sector, and will be needed across many other sectors whose business models cannot adapt to incorporate the full cost of environmental impacts. It will be important to engage meaningfully and often with partners and stakeholders to ensure appropriate supports are in place.</p><p>At COP26, Canada was a signatory to the <a target="_blank" href="https://ukcop26.org/supporting-the-conditions-for-a-just-transition-internationally/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Declaration Supporting the Conditions for a Just Transition Internationally - Green growth, decent work, and economic prosperity in the transition to net zero</a>. This includes a commitment to support and promote stakeholder engagement, and recognition that the development of locally driven just transition plans are dependent on social dialogue that includes secondary industries built around those that are carbon intensive.</p><p>In July 2021, Natural Resources Canada, the federal lead on the just transition, launched <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rncanengagenrcan.ca/en/collections/just-transition">public consultations</a> to develop sustainable jobs legislation that could inform government decision making on climate action and establish an advisory body to advise the government on regional and sectoral strategies, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.</p><p>Canada is developing regional strategies through the newly established Regional Energy and Resource Tables. These tables will bring the federal, provincial and territorial governments together with Indigenous partners, municipalities, industry, workers, unions and experts to advance the top net-zero growth priorities in the natural resources space in every region of Canada. These discussions will result in the development of place-based economic strategies that will include analysis of the skills needed to seize these opportunities across regions.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Support for green jobs in Indigenous and northern communities</h5><p>The Government of Canada is helping Indigenous and northern communities access green job opportunities through the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program and the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF). ISET is a distinctions-based program designed to help First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban/non-affiliated Indigenous Peoples improve their skills and meet their long-term career goals. It funds a network of more than 110 Indigenous service delivery organizations providing Indigenous Peoples with training and supports to improve their skills and secure employment. Meanwhile, the SPF funds partnerships between Indigenous organizations and employers to provide skills training for Indigenous Peoples linked to economic opportunities at the local, regional, and national level. SPF has the flexibility to adjust to government priorities and address emerging economic opportunities, including in the environmental sector. For example, the 2022 Call for Proposals targeted five priority sectors: the Green Economy; Information and Communications Technology; Infrastructure; the Blue Economy (ocean-based); and the Indigenous Public Sector.</p><p>The government also supports access to green jobs through the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1330016561558/1594122175203">Strategic Partnerships Initiative</a>, which allows federal organizations to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. It fills gaps in other funding programs that might create a barrier to Indigenous involvement in economic opportunities.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Partner perspective: Inuit-Owned Land clean energy microgrid</h5><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nunavutcleanenergy.ca/projects" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation</a> has initiated a smart energy microgrid initiative on Inuit-Owned Land in Iqaluit, Nunavut. It will demonstrate a new approach to efficient clean energy development and operation in Canada's North. With construction slated to begin in 2023, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nunavutcleanenergy.ca/projects" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">power system will integrate</a> 300 kW of combined heat and power diesel generators, 250 kW of solar photovoltaics, 300 kWh of battery energy storage, and a microgrid controller.</p><p>In addition to reducing fossil fuel consumption and generating approximately $200,000 in estimated annual energy savings, this innovative power arrangement will produce reliable and affordable energy for the Aqsarniit Hotel &#x26; Conference Centre initially, as well as any future buildings to be constructed within the Inuit-Owned Land development area. This will promote new businesses and economic development opportunities otherwise considered cost prohibitive.</p><p></p><p>Source: Perspective provided by a member of the Sustainable Development Advisory Council</p></div></body></html>

Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>This Goal's focus on fostering innovation and green infrastructure in Canada directly supports several <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal9" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all</li><li>9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry's share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries</li><li>9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes</li></ul><p></p><p>Canada's industrial sector is a major driver of economic activity, including income, jobs and exports. While industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, many sectors are taking action to green their industries. For example, between 2008 and 2019, Canada's aviation industry improved its fuel efficiency by 17.8% through actions such as fleet renewal and operational improvements. Canadian ports are also taking action to reduce emissions, including investing in green infrastructure and pursuing the creation of green shipping corridors.</p><p>Green infrastructure plays a key role in conserving natural resources and addressing climate change impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting  industries is part of a more sustainable approach, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/sustainable-development-goals/why-do-sustainable-development-goals-matter/goal-9" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">investing in green infrastructure</a>, such as low-carbon transportation, climate-resilient and energy efficient buildings and clean energy, helps build healthy and resilient communities, protects against a changing climate, promotes environmental sustainability, drives economic growth and supports a net-zero economy.</p><p>As climate change continues, green infrastructure will be increasingly important to sustain economic, environmental and social well-being. For instance, a growing network of zero-emission vehicle chargers will make low-carbon transportation options more accessible to Canadians. At the same time, natural infrastructure such as conserved and restored wetlands and marshes can help prevent climate change impacts such as flash floods and support the conservation and recovery of wild species, including species at risk.</p><p>Meanwhile, investing in innovation supports the transition to a net-zero economy while increasing Canada's competitiveness. Innovation can have benefits in areas such as water, air quality, plastic waste and biodiversity, including through increased adoption of clean energy technology, increased resource efficiency and increased demand for low-carbon materials. Research, development and demonstration continues to be needed to develop new technologies and integrate them into existing systems, and to lower capital costs of solutions nearing commercial scale. Sustained innovation over the next decade and beyond will be critical to reduce the costs of technologies and processes that could enable substantial emissions cuts beyond 2030 and support future economic competitiveness.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>While the federal government owns approximately <a target="_blank" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3610060801">3%</a> of the country's infrastructure, it plays a major role in funding, regulating and setting policies and standards for infrastructure projects. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of green and resilient infrastructure to achieve a net zero-economy by 2050.</p><p>In the spring and summer of 2021, the government led an engagement process on Canada's first-ever<a target="_blank" href="https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nia-eni/index-eng.html"> national infrastructure assessment</a> and is considering this advice in launching this initiative. The National Infrastructure Assessment will provide an evidence-based and expert-driven assessment of Canada's infrastructure needs over the coming decades to tackle climate change, support the quality of life for Canadians, and enable the country's economy to flourish.</p><p>The government has also launched the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html">Green and Inclusive Community Buildings</a> program, which aims to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings and support the construction of new net-zero carbon ones, particularly in areas with populations with higher needs. This 5-year program will support the construction and adaptation of community buildings across Canada to reduce carbon emissions, advance greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation measures, and encourage best practices in building design for climate change resilience.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Natural Infrastructure Fund</h5><p>The Government of Canada has established the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2021/06/government-of-canada-announces-new-natural-infrastructure-fund.html">Natural Infrastructure Fund</a> to support natural and hybrid infrastructure projects to further Canada's commitment to climate change resilience while contributing to national biodiversity goals and targets. The program is being implemented through a two-stream approach that supports projects of diverse sizes, which will increase the use and awareness of the opportunities for natural or hybrid infrastructure to deliver multiple community services and co-benefits.</p></div><p>To lay the foundation for a net-zero buildings sector, the government committed to develop a national net zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy. The strategy will build off existing initiatives and set out new policies, programs, incentives and standards needed to drive a massive retrofit of the existing building stock, and construction to the highest zero carbon standards, while strengthening the climate resilience of the sector. Actions related to the net-zero building sector can be found in Goal 7 under the energy efficiency theme.</p><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Green bonds</h5><p>In March 2022, the Government of Canada issued its first-ever green bond. The inaugural issuance is a 7.5 year, $5 billion green bond, the first of many issuances. Green bonds are a specific type of bond in which the proceeds are used exclusively to fund projects with environmental and climate benefits. These investments will be used for projects such as green infrastructure, clean tech innovations, nature conservation, while also growing Canada's economy and creating new, good-paying jobs across the country.</p></div><p>The deployment of innovative and efficient technologies and processes remains critical to unlocking transformational change and achieving decarbonisation in Canada. Industrial emission reduction is essential for Canada to stay competitive and requires investment by and partnership with all levels of government.</p><p>To support innovation and clean technologies, the federal government is proposing to establish the Canada Growth Fund to attract private sector investments, reduce emissions, invest in low-carbon industries and support the restructuring of critical supply chains. Meanwhile, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/125.nsf/eng/home">Strategic Innovation Fund's Net Zero Accelerator</a> is investing $8 billion in support of projects targeting technology adoption or development in 3 priority areas: decarbonization of large emitters, shifting Canada's industrial base in sectors such as automotive and aerospace towards a low-carbon model, and development of clean technologies, including a battery ecosystem. Further, at the COP26 climate summit in 2021, Canada joined 22 countries to commit to advance ambitious actions to reduce international aviation emissions and joined 19 countries committed to establish zero-emission green shipping corridors.</p><p>In addition, the government has committed to introduce a new Buy Clean Strategy to support and prioritize the use of made-in-Canada low-carbon products in Canadian infrastructure projects.</p><p>The government has put in place several tax measures to support the adoption of clean technologies. It has expanded Classes 43.1 and 43.2 to include more properties eligible for an accelerated capital cost allowance for investments in specified clean energy generation and energy conservation equipment. The government has also introduced a measure to reduce corporate income tax rates for qualifying zero-emission technology manufacturers. Finally, the government has proposed to establish an investment tax credit of up to 30%, focused on net-zero technologies, battery storage solutions, and clean hydrogen.</p><p>Sustainable Development Technology Canada helps Canadian companies develop and deploy clean technology innovations by delivering critical funding support and promoting the development of a robust Canadian market. Since its inception in 2001, Sustainable Development Technology Canada has committed approximately $1.38 billion to almost 540 projects. The Strengthened Climate Plan included continued support to Sustainable Development Technology Canada with an additional $750 million to support start-ups and to scale-up companies to enable pre-commercial clean technologies to successfully demonstrate feasibility as well as to support early commercialization efforts.</p><p>Finally, to advance a critical pathway in Canada's transition to a net-zero economy, Canada is supporting the development and deployment of Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, including through research, development, and deployment funding support and laboratory research as well as the development of a CCUS Strategy and a CCUS Investment Tax Credit. </p><div class="boxnote well"><h5>The Clean Growth Hub</h5><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/099.nsf/eng/home">Clean Growth Hub</a> is a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology focused on supporting companies and projects, coordinating programs and tracking results. It helps clean technology developers and adopters identify the federal programs and services most relevant to their needs, simplifying access to government programs and reducing duplication of effort. Services are available to firms of all sizes in the clean technology space and across all sectors of the economy.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Sustainable finance</h5><p>Sustainable finance refers to the incorporation of climate and environmental considerations throughout financial decision making. In turn, this enables the mobilization and alignment of private sector investments in climate and environmental objectives. In May 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Sustainable Finance Action Council (SFAC) to help lead the Canadian financial sector towards integrating sustainable finance into standard industry practice. SFAC will make recommendations on critical market infrastructure, with an initial focus on climate-related financial disclosure, green and transition investment standards, and climate data for the financial sector.</p><p>In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada announced that the SFAC will develop and report on strategies for aligning private sector capital with the transition to net-zero, with support from the Canadian Climate Institute and in consultation with the Net-Zero Advisory Body. It also announced that the federal government is committed to moving towards mandatory reporting of climate-related financial risks across a broad spectrum of the Canadian economy, based on the international Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework.</p><p>Subsequently, in May 2022, the Sustainable Finance Action Council Terms of Reference were updated, seeking advice on a variety of issues. These include: aligning private sector investment with the transition to net-zero and developing a net zero capital allocation plan; highlighting the remaining obstacles to bringing mandated climate-related financial disclosure into the mainstream in Canada; and, coordinating input to the global baseline standards of the of the International Sustainability Standards Board and adopting the standards in Canada.</p><p>Canada's Crown corporations will also demonstrate climate leadership by adopting the TCFD standards, or complying with more rigorous and acceptable standards as applicable to the public sector at time of disclosure, as an element of their corporate reporting. To ensure Crown corporations are transparent about issues that matter to Canadians, Budget 2021 announced that Crown corporations are required to implement gender and diversity reporting beginning in 2022.</p><p>Recognizing the importance of nature, the Government of Canada has joined the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, which will provide a similar framework to the TCFD, but with an aim to support corporate and financial institutions to assess, manage and report on their dependencies and impacts on nature.</p><p>The federal government welcomed the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation's selection of Montreal to host one of the two central offices of the new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). The government is committed to supporting the start-up of the Montreal office and positioning Canada as a leader in sustainability reporting.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Thawing permafrost in Canada's Arctic coastal communities</h5><p>Warming caused by climate change will have a disproportionate impact on infrastructure in Canada's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.climatechangenunavut.ca/sites/default/files/3154-315_climate_english_reduced_size_1_0.pdf" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Arctic coastal communities</a> due to the thawing of permafrost. Permafrost is a layer of earth beneath the surface that remains frozen for more than 2 consecutive years. As permafrost thaws, it can cause the surface to shift and destabilize. This in turn causes the foundation of buildings and other forms of infrastructure such as roads and airports to sink and crack, impacts water flow and absorption, and leaves shorelines more susceptible to erosion from wave activity. In regions such as Nunavut, where infrastructure has been designed specifically for stable permafrost conditions, significant investments will be needed to meet the infrastructure challenges posed by climate change.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Upcycled onions</h5><p>The circular economy offers tremendous opportunities to turn waste into a new economic resource! In southern Ontario, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.repurposebyprovision.ca" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">RePurpose Incubator</a> - a program within Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad (COIL) - successfully identified a new upcycled value chain for 6,000 megatonnes of onion byproduct that was going to waste. Through several months of research, nutritional and environmental analysis as well as workshops, it was determined that an upcycled concentrated onion juice would be the highest-value economic and environmental opportunity that would address a previously-unidentified gap in the market. This innovative value chain has the potential—when fully implemented—to generate additional value of $1.7 million per year.  Also, the upcycled product will return 897,000 meal equivalents to the food system, and reduce (Scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions by about 795 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide equivalent based on the footprint used to grow the onions.</p><p></p><p>Source: Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad</p></div></body></html>

Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada

Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action to reduce inequality

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>This Goal's focus on promoting public transit and active transportation, providing access to affordable housing, maintaining and improving air quality, and helping Canadians get out in nature supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums </li><li>11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons</li><li>11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries</li><li>11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage</li><li>11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management</li><li>11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities</li></ul><p></p><p>In Canada, making cities and communities sustainable means improving access to transportation, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage, clean air and affordable housing.</p><p>The percentage of households in core housing need, which measures progress against Sustainable Development Goal 11.1, shows housing challenges across Canada. A household is said to be in “core housing need” if its housing falls below at least one of the adequacy, affordability or suitability standards and the household would have to spend 30% or more of its total before-tax income to pay the median rent of alternative local housing that is acceptable (i.e., meets all three housing standards). In 2018, more than 11% of Canadian households were living in Core Housing Need. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homelesshub.ca/solutions/housing-accommodation-and-supports/affordable-housing#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Canada%20Mortgage,be%20in%20core%20housing%20need." title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Many Canadians</a> today experience or are at risk of homelessness, and otherwise face challenges with accessing acceptable housing. These challenges are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately negatively affected disadvantaged groups, and have continued to worsen since the COVID pandemic began.</p><p>Increased public transit and opportunities for active transportation support the transition to a net-zero economy by reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and urban congestion. They also support economic growth by enabling greater access to employment as well as other opportunities and services. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected transit systems across Canada. Transit ridership dropped significantly in spring 2020 and has remained below pre-pandemic levels, reducing revenues for many cities and communities. Nevertheless, public transit and opportunities for active transportation are improving in Canada, with several light rail transit projects currently underway in Canadian cities. Cycling networks are also expanding and pedestrian-friendly streets are becoming more common.</p><p>Improving air quality is an important part of making cities more sustainable. In 2020-2021, it was estimated that air pollution contributed to 42 premature deaths per 100,000 Canadians every year. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/air/about-air" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Air pollution</a> also worsens health issues, such as asthma, for millions of Canadians. The total economic cost of all health impacts attributed to air pollution is an estimated $120 billion per year from issues such as medical costs and reduced workplace productivity. Reducing air pollution is also important for protecting food security, land use, and cultural activities, which are critical to the mental and physical health of Canadians.</p><p>Making cities and communities more sustainable also means providing access to green spaces. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.td.com/document/PDF/corporateresponsibility/TD_CAN_17006_TD_GreenSpaces.pdf" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Most Canadians</a> agree that access to community green space is important to their quality of life and three quarters say that their local green space could benefit from improvement. Canadians living in communities with populations of less than 10,000 experience more <a target="_blank" href="https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&#x26;context=healpub" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">barriers</a> to accessing physical activity than those in larger communities with populations of 250,000 or greater. This means that rural Canadians currently experience greater barriers to accessing green spaces than urban Canadians do, including lack of sidewalks, lack of street lighting, and lack of access to facilities and transportation. These gaps in infrastructure make it harder for those living in rural areas to undertake active transportation. Nature trails are generally free to use, making them an excellent opportunity to advance equity of access to green spaces. Improving access to green spaces also promotes co-benefits for mental and physical health and quality of life, as well as a natural way to cool cities from extreme temperatures as well as promote and maintain biodiversity.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>The Government of Canada is committed to addressing homelessness and ensuring affordable housing for all Canadians. It launched the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.placetocallhome.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">National Housing Strategy</a> in 2017 and introduced Canada's first <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/poverty-reduction/reports/strategy.html">Poverty Reduction Strategy</a> in 2018 (updated in 2020) to reduce poverty and homelessness.</p><p>In April 2022, the federal Budget introduced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2022/04/making-housing-more-affordable.html">new measures</a> that will address homelessness and make housing more affordable across the country by: </p><ul><li>putting Canada on the path to double housing construction over the next decade</li><li>helping Canadians buy their first home</li><li>protecting buyers and renters</li><li>curbing unfair practices that drive up housing prices</li><li>continuing to prevent and reduce homelessness and support housing affordability, particularly for the most vulnerable</li><li>addressing the housing needs of Indigenous Peoples</li></ul><p></p><p>Everyone should have a place to call home, yet access to affordable and acceptable housing is becoming increasingly challenging for many Canadians. Housing affordability issues disproportionately impact low-income and equity-seeking groups. Demand for all types of housing has increased, and more housing, including affordable housing, must be created to address housing needs, especially in fast-growing cities. </p><p>Building more homes and making housing more affordable across the country are priorities for the Government of Canada, and will contribute to inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities. The federal government has re-engaged in affordable housing through the National Housing Strategy, which provides a platform for the public, private and non-profit sectors to work together to provide more Canadians with a place to call home.</p><p>In the Indigenous context, during the spring and summer of 2022, the government led a distinctions-based engagement process to understand infrastructure needs in Indigenous communities. The results of this engagement will provide a community-defined assessment of the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada and support the co-development of infrastructure plans to address critical needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Budget 2022 also announced $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2022-23, to accelerate work in closing Indigenous housing gaps for First Nations on reserve communities, First Nations Self-Governing and Modern Treaty Holder communities, as well as Inuit and Métis communities.</p><p>The Government of Canada is working with partners to ensure that cities and communities are resilient and sustainable. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2021/02/a-plan-to-permanently-fund-public-transit-and-support-economic-recovery.html">Permanent Public Transit Fund</a> will support new subway lines, light-rail transit and streetcars, electric buses, active transportation infrastructure, and improved rural transit. This will create affordable commuting options and reduce Canada's emissions. It will also provide local governments with predictable transit funding.</p><p>Electrification of public transit fleets can be challenging due to the complexities of converting transit systems to a new technology, which involves significant upfront costs associated with zero emission buses and related infrastructure. To bridge this gap, the $2.75 billion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/zero-emissions-trans-zero-emissions/index-eng.html">Zero Emission Transit Fund</a> offers support to public transit and school bus operators electrifying their fleets.</p><p>In addition, the Government of Canada has released its first <a target="_blank" href="https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/active-actif-eng.html">National Active Transportation Strategy</a> and launched the Active Transportation Fund, which will help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges and undertake planning studies. This will provide tangible benefits to communities by shortening commute times for families, promoting healthier lifestyles, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p>The new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2021/04/government-of-canada-highlights-budget-2021-investments-to-create-a-healthy-environment-for-a-healthy-economy.html">Natural Infrastructure Fund</a> supports projects related to local parks, green spaces, and waterfronts as well as design elements that enhance access to nature. Design elements may include walkways, ramps, signage, lighting, garbage bins, benches, and multi-functional piers. Natural features will also support biodiversity goals and targets by providing wildlife habitat, resources, and connectivity, and these projects can provide public education opportunities related to natural processes and species.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://fcm.ca/en/programs/green-municipal-fund" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">The Green Municipal Fund</a> (GMF) supports innovative and replicable municipal environmental projects through grants, loans, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. With GMF support, municipalities and their partners can pursue plans, studies, pilots, and capital projects across energy, transportation, waste and land use, improving energy efficiency, reducing pollution, and delivering triple bottom line benefits to communities across Canada. Since its original endowment in 2000, the GMF has grown into a $1 billion revolving fund administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. GMF used the investment of $950 million from Budget 2019 to create three new energy efficiency funding offers and endow 7 local climate hubs through the Low Carbon Cities Canada initiative.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Back to the Land</h5><p>Back to the Land initiatives help further a connection between Indigenous communities and their ancestral land. By bringing Indigenous Peoples closer to the land culturally, socially and spiritually, Back to the Land initiatives aid in maintaining sustainable land-use practices, support environmental conservation, and even promote social and psychological well-being. By supporting Back to the Land initiatives the Government of Canada can ensure these benefits are maintained, while also helping to preserve Indigenous cultural heritage and practices. The Mental Health Innovation Network's Going Off, Growing Strong program has helped socially-isolated Inuit youth connect with their community and cultural heritage and build strong relationships. This has resulted in drastically reduced rates of youth suicide through land-based activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering, all of which build connections between Indigenous Peoples with their communities and the land. Back to the Land initiatives respect the rights, responsibilities, needs, and unique perspectives of Indigenous Peoples.</p></div><p>The Government of Canada is also committed to improving air quality through the Air Quality Management System. A key element of this approach is the <a target="_blank" href="https://ccme.ca/en/air-quality-report" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards</a>, which are in place for 4 air pollutants—sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter, and ground-level ozone—to protect human health and the environment and to drive continuous improvement in air quality across Canada. The Government of Canada also works to address air pollutant emissions from industrial sectors and equipment, the transportation sector, and consumer and commercial products that are used every day.</p><p>The Government of Canada works with other countries to address air pollution originating from outside its borders through international agreements such as the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement and the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/international-affairs/partnerships-organizations/gothenburg-protocol-air-pollution.html"> Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution</a> and its Gothenburg Protocol. </p><p>The Government of Canada also provides opportunities for Canadians to get out into nature and experience Canada's cultural heritage, including through Canada's network of national parks, national wildlife areas, migratory bird sanctuaries, national historic sites, and other protected areas. The government has launched a new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pun-nup">National Urban Parks</a> program to create a network of national urban parks in collaboration with local authorities, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders with the goal of protecting biodiversity, supporting health and well-being, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and connecting Canadians with nature.</p><p>Internationally, the Government of Canada adopted the <a target="_blank" href="https://habitat3.org/the-new-urban-agenda/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">New Urban Agenda</a> at the United Nations 2016 Habitat III Summit in Ecuador. This will strengthen the commitment to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of towns, cities and human settlements for the next 20 years.</p><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Differences in exposure to air pollutants</h5><p>Canadians are exposed to varying levels of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/air-pollution-drivers-impacts.html">air pollution</a> that depend on factors such as the proximity to emissions sources and the long-range transport of pollutants by wind. The highest concentrations of most <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/air-quality.html">air pollutants</a> are found around Canada's Census Metropolitan Areas, with the Windsor to Québec City corridor generally having the highest levels of air pollution. This is primarily due to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2017003/article/14781-eng.htm">large concentration of population</a> and associated emissions sources, such as cars, trucks and industry, as well as the transport of air pollutants over long distances by wind from the United States. Exposure to air pollutants is particularly felt amongst visible minority and immigrant populations living in Canada's largest cities. Additionally, those living in areas impacted by wildfire smoke can experience higher levels of air pollution.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Le Pôle sur la ville résiliente de l'Université du Québec à Montréal</h5><p>The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) created the Pôle sur la ville résiliente to develop, in collaboration with urban partners, innovative solutions to improve living environments, limit the impact of the urban environment on natural ecosystems, and cope with potential crises and extreme events. The research areas of the Pôle's members include urban forests, urban water, habitat and living environments, nourishing cities, and mobility. For example, in the “Soft and collective mobility” research project, a research team from the Urban and Tourism Studies department of ESG-UQAM was mandated to design a transit-oriented development (TOD) area project for the municipality of Bois-des-Filion. This work allowed for the design of development scenarios that will increase the density of the built environment according to TOD criteria. This will be accomplished while promoting walkability in the sector and the use of bicycles and public transit, respecting the natural environment while focusing on the development of quality public spaces, and finally increasing the canopy and green spaces to avoid heat islands and soil permeabilization.</p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://villeresiliente.uqam.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Pôle sur la ville résiliente, UQAM</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>This Goal's focus on reducing waste and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses</li><li>12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment</li><li>12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.</li><li>12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities</li></ul><p></p><p>By transitioning to a cleaner and more circular economy that prioritizes reducing consumption and waste generation, reusing the resources already extracted, and finding processes and technologies that take a holistic systems-based approach to minimizing waste throughout the economy, we can help reduce negative impacts on the environment. Doing this also improves resilience to resource shortages, rising or volatile prices, and supply chain interruptions. </p><p>The circular economy is founded on 3 principles: design pollution and waste out of the economy, keep products and materials in use (through sharing, reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing and recycling), and work with nature to regenerate and enhance ecosystems. Using these principles, we can sustainably manage our economy for the benefit of current and future generations.</p><p>Developing the circular economy provides opportunities for innovation in the way that material resources are able to be reclaimed and reused throughout supply chains as well as changing the norm of throwing out old or broken products. As Canada aims to reduce the amount of waste produced, it will be important to look at circularity sector by sector to overcome unique barriers and take advantage of existing and emerging opportunities. In a 2021 study published by the Council of Canadian Academies, Canada's circularity rate, a measure of the contribution of recycled content towards the overall use of materials, was estimated at 6.1% in 2020. When compared to the average circularity rate of 12.8% reported by Eurostat for the European Union countries in 2020, Canada has room to improve how efficiently it utilizes resources. </p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Right to Repair</h5><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-244/first-reading">Bill C-244</a>, <em>An Act to amend the Copyright Act</em> <em>(diagnosis, maintenance and repair)</em>, was re-introduced in the House of Commons in February 2022. This Bill would amend the <em>Copyright Act</em> to allow people to work around a technological protection measure in a computer program for the purpose of diagnosis, maintenance or repair of a product in which the program is used. It also allows people and businesses to manufacture, import, distribute, sell, rent, and provide services to that effect.</p><p>This is a first step towards a broader respect for the Right to Repair - the use of legislative and regulatory means to require manufacturers to make devices easier for users to service and to make replacement parts, tools and repair manuals available and affordable. These efforts support a transition to a circular economy by including reuse capability, reparability, and service economy as well as reducing waste, specifically e-waste, and lowering costs for consumers. </p></div><p>Many efforts by the public and private sectors as well as individual Canadians have focused on addressing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unep.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">plastic waste and pollution</a>. Globally, roughly 8 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans each year from land and sea-based activities, causing an <a target="_blank" href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/06/471492-plastic-waste-causes-13-billion-annual-damage-marine-ecosystems-says-un-agency" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">estimated USD $13 billion</a> in damages annually to marine ecosystems. By improving the processes involved in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-calls-urgent-rethink-resource-use-skyrockets" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">plastic production</a>, Canada has the opportunity to limit a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Finding solutions to plastic pollution and waste has emerged as a global priority, increasing momentum for a circular plastics economy.</p><div class="boxnote well"><h5>The Waste Management Hierarchy</h5><p>The waste management hierarchy outlines the set of preferred actions for preventing and managing waste. It is a means for all Canadians, from civil society to governments, to make purchase and use decisions that will contribute to a circular plastics economy, by reducing, repairing, reusing and recycling plastic items.</p><p>Working with its provincial and territorial colleagues, the Government of Canada supports the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in taking this approach nationally, as described in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste/canada-action.html">Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste</a>.</p><p><img src="https://data.2022-2025.fsds-sfdd.ca/data/img/strategy/image2_en.png" alt="https://data.2022-2025.fsds-sfdd.ca/data/img/strategy/image2_en.png"></p><p></p></div><p>Food loss and waste is also a global problem of enormous economic, environmental, and societal significance. A <a target="_blank" href="http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2020/eccc/en14/En14-405-2020-eng.pdf">2020 study</a> estimates that food waste made up about 23% of the waste landfilled in Canada in 2016. Food waste disposed of in landfills produces methane, a short-lived but powerful greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide. Emissions from Canadian municipal solid waste landfills account for 24% of national methane emissions. Canada's landfills present an opportunity to turn these emissions into a source of biogas, or refined further into renewable natural gas that can be blended into natural gas pipelines, decarbonizing Canada's natural gas consumption.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/critical-minerals/23414">Critical minerals</a> are the building blocks for the clean and digitized economy. They are essential for renewable energy and clean technology applications (batteries, permanent magnets, solar panels and wind turbines); they are also required inputs for advanced manufacturing supply chains, including defence and security technologies, consumer electronics, agriculture, medical applications and critical infrastructure. Canada is already a top global producer of many critical minerals and has the capacity to produce much more.</p><p>Transportation accounts for a quarter of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, of which the majority comes from the on-road sector, including light-duty vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. One way to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions is to replace vehicles powered by fossil fuels (internal combustion engines, or ICEs), with zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). In doing so, it will be important to ensure that the life-cycle carbon footprint associated with producing, powering and recycling zero-emission vehicles (and their component parts, such as lithium-ion batteries) is lower than that of ICE vehicles.</p><p>Reducing the number of cars needed to support living across Canada by investing in public transportation, walkable communities, and car-sharing can also reduce emissions and support sustainable cities and communities. Efforts will also be required in other transportation modes, including air, rail, marine, and off-road engines, all of which have opportunities for efficiency improvements and electrification or other zero or low carbon alternative fuels.</p><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>The Government of Canada has committed to reduce plastic pollution and waste, with an approach that works at each stage of the plastics life cycle, and follows the waste management hierarchy. It is promoting a circular economy that fosters sustainable design of plastic products and materials so that they can be reused, remanufactured or recycled and therefore retained in the economy for as long as possible.</p><p>Canada continues to be recognized as an international leader in combatting plastic pollution, stemming from both its 2018 Group of 7 (G7) Presidency and its ongoing championing of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/international-commitments/ocean-plastics-charter.html">Ocean Plastics Charter</a>. The charter, now endorsed by 28 governments and 75 Canadian, global and regional businesses and organizations, takes a comprehensive lifecycle approach to tackling plastic pollution. It lays the groundwork to ensure that plastics are designed for longer product life and increased recovery, such as through reuse and recycling.</p><p>Domestically, the government is working with provinces and territories through the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ccme.ca/en" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment</a> (CCME) to implement the Canada-wide Strategy and Action Plans on <a target="_blank" href="https://ccme.ca/en/current-activities/waste" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Zero Plastic Waste</a>. The CCME is currently implementing phase 2 of the Action Plan. As part of the commitments under the Ocean Protection Plan, new regulations banning 6 single-use plastics were published in June 2022, and includes items such as checkout bags, cutlery, and foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics. The new Regulations will eliminate more than 125,000 tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic products in the first year of implementation and 1.3 million tonnes over the next ten years. It is contributing to the appropriate management of single-use items that are harmful in the environment, developing recycled content regulations so more plastic remains in the economy, and proposing labelling requirements to help Canadians better recycle and compost. </p><p>Meanwhile, the Chemicals Management Plan aims to reduce risks posed by chemicals, polymers, and organisms. These substances are assessed for potential effects on human health and the environment. Risk management actions are developed and implemented to mitigate these impacts if substances are found to be harmful to human health or the environment.</p><p>Canada is party to legally binding international agreements that prevent waste and litter, control the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and other wastes, and ensure such wastes are disposed of in an environmentally sound way, including the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.</p><p>Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan outlines Canada's commitment to develop a light duty vehicles <a target="_blank" href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/innovative-technologies/zero-emission-vehicles">zero-emission vehicle</a> (ZEV) sales mandate that will set annually increasing requirements towards achieving 100% of their sales by 2035. The Emissions Reduction Plan also signaled the Government's plan to launch an integrated strategy to reduce emissions from medium-and heavy-duty vehicles with the aim of reaching 35% of their total sales being ZEVs by 2030. The government has committed to develop a medium-and heavy-duty vehicles ZEV regulation to require 100% medium-and heavy-duty vehicles sales to be ZEVs by 2040 for a subset of vehicle types based on feasibility, with interim 2030 regulated sales requirements that would vary for different vehicle categories based on feasibility, and explore interim targets for the mid-2020s. To support the uptake of these vehicles, the Government of Canada has launched both the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles and Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles Programs.</p><p>The federal government is committed to boosting the supply of critical minerals. A Critical Minerals Center of Excellence and targeted research and development will be supported for upstream critical minerals processing and battery precursors and related materials engineering. The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy aims to speed up development of Canada's critical mineral resources and expertise, by adding value to each stage of the development process, further solidifying Canada's global leadership. In addition, the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan envisions a circular economy where mine waste is reprocessed to improve sustainability and derive additional economic value.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad</h5><p>Operating across southern Ontario, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.COIL.eco" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad</a> (COIL) is a circular business and innovation accelerator aimed at developing and scaling transformative solutions that will move Canada toward a more resilient, climate-smart economic model.  A collaborative project of the City of Guelph, County of Wellington, Innovation Guelph and 10C Shared Space, COIL contains a suite of programs and resources to embed and accelerate circularity across businesses, supply chains and material streams. COIL programming includes:  accelerators, incubator, innovation challenges, learning and training curriculums, material flow analyses—just to name a few.</p><p>Since launch in 2021, more than 65 organizations have participated in COIL programming; more than 230 new circular collaborations have been supported; more than $750,000 in organization funding and mentorship has been provided to support circular transition; 17 new pieces of Intellectual Property (IP) have been nurtured; and hundreds of tonnes of organic byproducts have been upcycled to new high-value goods.  This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/home">Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario</a>.</p><p></p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://coil.eco/the-circular-opportunity-innovation-launchpad/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>Recognizing that Canada's coasts and oceans are facing pressures, the focus of this Goal is on conserving and protecting Canada's oceans. This focus directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal14" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution</li><li>14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans</li><li>14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics</li><li>14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information</li></ul><p></p><p>Climate change is <a target="_blank" href="https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-5/living-with-the-coasts/coastal-pressures/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">increasing water levels and temperatures</a> and the loss of marine habitat. With rising sea levels, ocean acidification and thinning sea ice, life is becoming more vulnerable in many coastal, northern and Indigenous communities.</p><p>Growing pressure on fish stocks poses challenges for fisheries management. A shortfall in wild-caught fish and seafood is projected for the coming decade. As the world's fastest-growing food production sector, increasing sustainable aquaculture production could potentially relieve harvesting pressure on wild fish stocks. Aquaculture already represents nearly 20% of total seafood production in Canada, and about a third of the total economic value of fisheries. Sound management of aquaculture is also important for protecting ocean ecosystems, such as by preventing the escape of farmed fish into the ocean.</p><p>Oceans are not only home to an immense web of marine life, they also generate half of the oxygen we breathe, act as thermostats to regulate the Earth's temperature, and support most of our planet's biodiversity. Dependence on <a target="_blank" href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/2449249373e.pdf" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">ocean resources and services</a> will increase as populations grow. Other issues affecting our oceans include increased physical and noise disturbances from marine shipping, human use and development, oil spills and other contaminants, and the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.</p><p>As plastics have become part of everyday lives around the world, managing their life cycle becomes critical. Each year, 8 million tonnes of plastic pollution enter the oceans from land, globally. It is found on shorelines, in the water, and even in wildlife. For example, between 2001 and 2018, 69% of Arctic-nesting Northern Fulmars that were examined had plastic particles in their stomach. Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear, also known as ghost gear, are major contributors to the plastic debris problem and mortality of non-target species. Recent studies indicate that ghost gear may make up to 70% of all macro-plastics in the ocean by weight.</p><p>Canada is an ocean-rich country, with the world's longest coastline linking 3 different oceans—Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific. Canada's oceans are home to many species of marine life, including many at-risk species such as 42 distinct populations of whales. These whales and other marine species at risk, such as seabirds and shorebirds, are vital to marine and coastal ecosystems, and central to ecotourism in coastal communities. They include iconic but endangered species such as the Southern Resident killer whale, North Atlantic right whale, St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga, as well as Pink-footed Shearwater, Ivory Gull, and Red Knot.</p><p>Conserving coastal and marine areas helps address these environmental challenges, as do actions Canadians are taking to ensure healthy, resilient, sustainably managed and productive fisheries and ecosystems over the long term. One in five Canadians live in coastal communities and today's ocean industries generate more than $30 billion a year and more than 300,000 jobs, which reveals the potential of a blue economy.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>Protecting Canada's marine ecosystems from the threats of pollution, climate change and overfishing is critical to their long-term health. For the Government of Canada, one of the most important initiatives is the establishment of marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, including marine refuges. Marine protected areas are defined geographical spaces in the water that are dedicated and managed in an effort to conserve and protect unique areas, ecologically significant species and their habitats, and representative marine environments. Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) are area-based measures that provide long-term biodiversity outcomes, regardless of their original intended objective. </p><p>In addition, the Government of Canada in April 2019 announced new protection standards for federal MPAs and federal marine OECMs, including marine refuges. All future federal MPAs are subject to a new federal standard that prohibits oil and gas activities, mining, dumping as well as commercial and recreational bottom trawling. </p><p>The Government of Canada has adopted <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/management-gestion/msp-psm/index-eng.html">Marine Spatial Planning</a>, an internationally recognized approach to integrated ocean planning and management. By working with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners in a collaborative and transparent way, Marine Spatial Planning supports the protection of healthy marine ecosystems while fostering sustainable economic growth.</p><p>As part of its marine conservation efforts, the Government of Canada has committed to modernizing the<em> </em><em>Oceans Act</em> to explicitly consider climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and species in regional ocean management, ensuring the Act provides for measurable progress indicators and objectives, and  to create a national, interdisciplinary working group focused on climate-resilient ocean conservation planning.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/f-14/"><em>Fisheries Act</em></a> provides the legislative basis for the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture in Canada. Modernized in 2019, the <em>Fisheries Act</em> now provides stronger protections and modern safeguards for fish and their habitat. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-rapports/regs/sff-cpd/overview-cadre-eng.htm">Sustainable Fisheries Framework</a> also supports sustainable fisheries, establishing a precautionary approach to fisheries management. The federal government also has plans to introduce Canada's first-ever <em>Aquaculture Act</em> to support responsible aquaculture production.</p><p>The Government of Canada has also made important investments for protecting the biodiversity of marine species, including the Oceans Protection Plan, the <a target="_blank" href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/initiatives/oceans-protection-plan/whales-initiative-protecting-southern-resident-killer-whale">Whales Initiative</a>, and the Enhanced Nature Legacy Initiative. These initiatives support the recovery and protection of marine species, including endangered whales, from anthropogenic threats such as physical and acoustic disturbances, vessel strikes, lack of prey, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/wildlife-habitat/conservation-funding-success-stories/reducing-contaminants-threat-southern-resident-killer-whales.html">contaminants</a>. The next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan will invest $2 billion over 9 years to improve the safe movement and navigation of large and small vessels, keep Canada's supply chains healthy, strong and resilient, expand Canada's marine emergency prevention, preparedness and response, and strengthen marine traffic management. It will also involve amendments to the <em>Canada Shipping Act, 2001</em>, including to enable the proactive management of marine emergencies and to address a broader range of pollution from vessels.</p><p>The Government of Canada is developing a forward-looking Blue Economy Strategy. It seeks to grow Canada's ocean and freshwater economy, and supports the long-term sustainable growth of Canada's fish and seafood sector. It will ensure Canada is positioned to succeed in the fast-growing global ocean sectors of the blue economy and advance reconciliation, conservation and climate objectives.</p><p>Reducing plastic waste, marine litter, plastic pollution and marine spills is a priority for the Government of Canada. Canada plays an active role in international efforts to address marine plastic pollution, including through the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/international-commitments/ocean-plastics-charter.html">Ocean Plastics Charter</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ghostgear.org/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Global Ghost Gear Initiative</a>, as well as legally binding international agreements that prevent marine waste and litter and ensure that marine wastes are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. The Government of Canada has committed to promoting Canadian technologies for reducing ocean plastics.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area</h5><p>On August 1, 2019, Tuvaijuittuq, meaning “the place where ice never melts,” became the first marine protected area established via Ministerial Order under the <em>Oceans Act</em>. By limiting human activities in the area for up to 5 years, this measure protects more than 300,000 square kilometres of Arctic water off the coast of Ellesmere Island, Nunavut. Tuvaijuittuq is a testament to a successful collaboration among the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. Future assessment of the region to support longer-term protection will include science and traditional and local knowledge such as Inuit <em>Qaujimajatuqan</em><em>g</em><em>it</em>, a source of information passed down from generation to generation.</p><p></p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Birds Canada</h5><p>Birds Canada is a nationwide non-profit, charitable organization built on the contributions of thousands of supporters and volunteer Citizen Scientists. Their mission is to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada. Data collected by Citizen Scientists, alongside targeted research and outreach projects, are used to identify changes in bird populations and help direct conservation actions. Birds Canada is working with Indigenous communities on both the east and west coasts to help inform and improve the conservation status of several seabird and shorebird species. This work has involved close collaborations with Indigenous communities to find and remove invasive species from remote seabird colonies on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, as well as partnering with Coastal First Nations to train and equip their Guardian programs to deploy trail cameras on isolated islands to detect threats on coastal, burrow-nesting seabirds.</p><p></p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.birdscanada.org/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Birds Canada</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 14: Conserve and protect Canada's oceans

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>As the second-largest country in the world, Canada is one of the few countries that still has relatively large, healthy natural ecosystems. This Goal's focus on protecting and recovering species and conserving Canadian biodiversity directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal15" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services</li><li>15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally</li><li>15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world</li><li>15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species</li><li>15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species</li></ul><p></p><p>Canada's forests, wetlands, prairies and tundra provide habitat that all organisms, including humans, need to thrive. Many of these ecosystems are under pressure due to human activities and climate change. For example, wetlands cover about 13% of the land area of Canada. They were once abundantly distributed throughout the country. Recently, however, wetlands have become an increasingly scarce resource in settled areas of the country. Throughout Canada, wetlands have been adversely affected by land use practices that have resulted in vegetation destruction, nutrient and toxic loading, sedimentation, and altered flow regimes. In southern Ontario, 68% of the original wetlands have been converted from their natural state to support alternative uses such as agriculture and housing. Only about 25% of the original wetlands of the "pothole" region of southwestern Manitoba remain in existence.</p><p>Conserving these natural spaces helps promote biodiversity and maintain the ecosystem services that we rely on for our well-being, such as pollinating crops and vegetation, controlling floods, and filtering air and water. Managing for resilient forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems also helps to mitigate climate change by sequestering and storing carbon. Improved land use can increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural spaces also support adaptation to climate changes like extreme heat by providing shade, which can reduce temperatures.</p><p>Canada's lands and fresh water are an integral part of Canadians' natural and cultural heritage. In particular, many natural areas hold cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic significance for Indigenous Peoples and support life-sustaining activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering. Nature provides physical and mental health and other well-being benefits for all Canadians.</p><p>Healthy ecosystems also contribute to our economy, including through nature-based tourism. Canada's national parks and national historic sites generate millions of dollars annually and provide thousands of jobs for local communities. Recreational fisheries, many of which are in inland lakes, rivers and streams, also contribute several billion dollars to Canada's economy.</p><p>Canada has a strong commitment to sustainable forest management. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/forests/state-canadas-forests-report/how-do-forests-benefit-canadians/16509">Forests</a> play a central role—culturally, spiritually and economically—in the lives of many Indigenous communities across Canada. According to the 2016 census, 12,000 Indigenous people work in the forest sector, representing about 6% of the sector's workforce.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>Budget 2021 committed to invest $2.3 billion over 5 years for Canada's Enhanced Nature Legacy to continue supporting nature conservation measures across the country, including Indigenous leadership in conservation. Taken together with $1.3 billion for the Nature Legacy Initiative announced in 2018, this represents the largest investment in nature conservation in Canada's history.</p><p>Canada plays an active role in international efforts for biodiversity, including protection of wetlands, mitigating the risk of international trade in endangered species, and collaborating for Arctic flora and fauna conservation. In particular, Canada is working with other Parties to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbd.int/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">UN Convention on Biological Diversity</a> to develop a Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that is expected to be adopted in December 2022. Following the adoption of a new Framework, Canada will develop a domestic implementation plan in collaboration with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments, and stakeholders.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>15<sup>th</sup> Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15)</h5><p>Canada will welcome the world to Montréal in December 2022 for the 15<sup>th</sup> Conference of the Parties (COP15), which will focus on protecting nature and halting biodiversity loss around the world. This important international conference will be a landmark event for Canada, with thousands of delegates from around the world gathered in Montréal to take action on protecting nature.</p></div><p>The government is committed to creating new national parks, national wildlife areas, freshwater national marine conservation areas, national urban parks, ecological corridors and to co-designate Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. Collaborating and partnering with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, local jurisdictions, and the private and non-profit sectors is an essential element of this work.</p><p>To help protect and restore migratory birds and promote compliance with the <em>Migratory Birds Convention Act</em>, <em>1994</em>, the government has amended the Migratory Birds Regulations (MBR), which were first enacted in 1918, through collaboration and consultation with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, partners, hunters, and other stakeholders. The amended MBR ensure that Indigenous peoples are accurately represented and that their existing harvesting rights, recognized and affirmed under the <em>Constitution Act, 1982</em>, are reflected. The changes also make it easier for Canadians to understand and comply with the regulations, and improve the government's ability to effectively manage migratory birds in Canada.</p><p>Enhancing the implementation of the <em>Species at Risk Act</em> is also a priority for the Government of Canada. The Act ensures legal protection for federally listed species at risk, preventing them from becoming extirpated or extinct, and providing for their recovery.</p><p>To protect and recover species at risk, the government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada in partnership with most provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other partners. This approach focuses collaborative action on a national set of priority places, species, sectors, and threats across Canada. It is guided by commitments for increased collaboration between partners, evidence-based decision making, and improved monitoring and reporting. It is yielding results through strengthened partnerships, greater returns on investments, and increased co-benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems. Since 2018, federal, provincial and territorial governments have:</p><ul><li>Collectively established 11 federal-provincial-territorial priority places covering nearly 30 million hectares in habitats and ecosystems with high concentrations of species at risk and other biodiversity. Actions implemented in priority places will support the protection and recovery of hundreds of species at risk and other biodiversity</li><li>Identified 6 priority ecologically important species (Barren-ground Caribou; Greater Sage-grouse; Peary Caribou; Wood Bison; Caribou, Boreal population; and Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain population) that are distributed over 561 million hectares of Canada. Protecting and recovering priority species and their habitats will address multiple barriers to recovery and provide co-benefits for species throughout their ranges</li><li>Initiated dialogue for 3 priority sectors (agriculture and the forest sector, as well as urban development). Collaborative action in these sectors will address common broad-based threats to multiple species and promote sustainable practices</li></ul><p></p><p>For aquatic species, a Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation is under development to guide multi-species, place-based and threat-based approaches to species at risk recovery and protection. Since 2018, as part of the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk, 11 priority places, 2 priority marine threats, and 3 priority species have been identified across Canada as a focus for targeted multispecies recovery and protection stewardship actions. In these areas, 36 projects have been funded that target 70 populations of aquatic species at risk.</p><p>Work is underway on a shared, national 5-year strategic and operational plan to support and implement the goals identified in a Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health. The government is also working to promote the implementation of the One Health approach to address emerging risks from the human-animal-environment interface.</p><p>The 2020 Wild Species: the General Status of Species in Canada report and associated indicator, which is published every five years with progressively enhanced coverage of Canadian species, will be released in late 2022 and will provide the conservation status of more than 50,000 species from 46 taxonomic groups. The 2025 report is anticipated to cover nearly 60,000 species, representing about three-quarters of the species known to occur in Canada.</p><p>At the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021, Canada joined 128 nations in a pledge to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 while delivering sustainable development and promoting an inclusive rural transformation. The countries signed the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forest and Land Use backed by USD$19.2 billion in public and private funding to help developing nations restore degraded land. In addition, Canada, along with 11 other countries, endorsed the UK‑led Global Forest Finance Pledge that aims to provide collectively USD$12 billion for forest-related climate finance from 2021 to 2025.</p><p>Finally, the Government of Canada is taking action to support sustainable forest management and an innovative forest sector, including by supporting provincial and territorial collaboration, promoting innovation in the forest sector, and supporting increased Indigenous participation.</p><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Provincial Park expansion</h5><p>Through $5.3 million in funding under the Canada Nature Fund, the Mikisew Cree First Nation is working with the province, industry, and land owners to expand the existing Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Provincial Park in Alberta. This collaboration expands the park by 1,438 square kilometres and significantly adds to the largest connected area of protected boreal forest in the world.</p><p>The newly protected area will expand protected habitat for species at risk, including the threatened Ronald Lake wood bison herd and boreal caribou, as well as the endangered whooping crane. The expanded portion of the park also fulfills an objective of the Mikisew Cree First Nation's land use plan to conserve an ecologically and culturally important watershed.</p><p></p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool for agricultural producers</h5><p>With funding from the Canada Nature Fund, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canadianfga.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA)</a> developed the Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool (HBAT), building upon existing work in Alberta. The HBAT is a province-specific online tool for agricultural producers to assess habitat and biodiversity on their land. It will provide guidance on which beneficial management practices are most relevant to the habitats on their farms and help them integrate the needs of multiple native species in the management of the land. CFGA has developed and tested the tool for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, with work underway to expand the tool to Ontario, New Brunswick and British Columbia.</p><p></p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canadianfga.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Canadian Forage and Grassland Association</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 15: Protect and recover species, conserve Canadian biodiversity

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>This Goal focuses on the essential role of strong institutions in solving the interconnected challenges of sustainable development—especially the rule of law, a fair and accessible justice system, effectively and impartially enforcing environmental laws, and managing the impacts of proposed development projects. This perspective was drawn from the <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal16" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all</li><li>16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels</li><li>16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development</li></ul><p></p><p>All three branches of government (the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary) that make up representative democracy contribute to sustainable development. Through representative government, the legislative branch ensures that all citizens have a voice in shaping the law and debating its effects on the environment, economy and society. The executive branch develops new policies, regulations, as well as funding and enforcement programs to advance the sustainable development goals. The judiciary interprets legislation and works to ensure that laws are impartially applied and enforced. Finally, the executive and the judiciary work together to uphold the rule of law, a fundamental value of Canadian society as acknowledged in the preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>The Government of Canada supports transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions, both domestically and internationally. It does this through legislation and regulatory requirements that contribute to the rule of law, a fair and accessible justice system, evidence-based decision making, and strong enforcement, reporting, and oversight.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/j-2/index.html"><em>Department of Justice Act</em></a> outlines three roles for the Minister of Justice: ensuring that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law; overseeing all matters relating to the administration of justice within federal jurisdiction; and providing legal advisory, litigation and legislative services to government departments and agencies. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada also has the mandate to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Black and racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system and ensure that all people living in Canada have access to fair and just treatment. This includes work to continue developing an Indigenous Justice Strategy and to develop Canada's Black Justice Strategy.</p><p>The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) is a national, independent, and accountable prosecuting authority whose main objective is to prosecute cases under federal jurisdiction in a manner that is fair and free from any improper influence.  In the three Territories, PPSC also prosecutes all criminal offences under the Criminal Code. </p><p>The Law Commission of Canada was revived in 2021. As a federally mandated law reform agency, the Commission will provide independent advice on improvements, modernization and reform that will ensure a just legal system, to allow the role of law to be reconsidered when necessary and to study the impact of the law on communities and individuals.</p><p>The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is taking action to modernize itself through its strategy “Vision150 and Beyond.” The strategy sets out an ambitious plan to enhance and modernize critical aspects of the RCMP and its culture. Current focus is on advancing five priority areas: 1) ensuring a safe, equitable workplace; 2) addressing systemic racism; 3) advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples; 4) supporting modern policing; and 5) improving accountability, transparency and conduct. </p><p>Enforcing environmental legislation and regulations is a critical component of the government's sustainable development activities. Key federal departments responsible for enforcement include Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Transport Canada, whereas the PPSC is responsible for prosecuting offences under a number of environmental statutes. In cases where offenders are convicted of an environmental crime, sentenced offenders may be subject to a fine or a court order.</p><p>The federal government also promotes sustainable development by predicting and mitigating the effects of proposed development projects, while also considering ways to enhance positive effects. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) conducts and administers high-quality assessments that consider the economic, social, health and environmental impacts of designated projects—both positive and negative. The Agency is also placing greater emphasis on considering Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives alongside western science in each assessment.</p><p>The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) ensures that pipeline, power line and offshore renewable energy projects are constructed, operated and abandoned in a safe and secure manner to protect people and the environment. Designated projects under the <a target="_blank" href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-15.1/"><em>Canadian Energy Regulator Act</em></a> are subject to a single, integrated impact assessment led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada with the support of the CER. The <a target="_blank" href="https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-2.75/index.html"><em>Impact Assessment Act</em></a> and the <em>Canadian Energy Regulator Act</em> also specifically commit the Government of Canada to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples during the assessment of designated projects.</p><p>The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is Canada's sole lifecycle regulator for the use of nuclear energy and materials. It regulates to protect the health, safety, security of people and the environment under the <em>Nuclear Safety and Control Act</em>. Designated projects related to nuclear facilities and activities are subject to a single, integrated impact assessment led by the IAAC with CNSC providing support. For all nuclear designated projects that require an impact assessment, the CNSC in collaboration with the IAAC are committed to meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities that is consistent with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples.</p><p>In addition to environmental and impact assessments, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts regional assessments and strategic assessments under the <em>Impact Assessment Act</em>. Regional assessments go beyond the scale of project-specific assessments by analyzing the effects of multiple current and anticipated physical activities in a specific region. Meanwhile, strategic assessments examine the Government of Canada's existing or proposed policies, plans, or programs relevant to impact assessment. Both regional and strategic assessments can help inform the planning and management of cumulative effects (cases where the combined effects of multiple projects exceeds the effects of each project considered on their own).</p><p>The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD), on behalf of the Auditor General of Canada, promotes transparency and accountability by assessing the performance of government programs, and providing parliamentarians with objective, independent analysis and recommendations. Under the <em>Federal Sustainable Development Act</em>, the CESD must review and comment on draft federal sustainable development strategies, as well as progress reports on their implementation. As part of an agreement of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, the CESD also will regularly conduct audits related to Canada's performance in achieving the 2030 Agenda. This includes the 2018 audit report <em>Canada's Preparedness to Implement the United Nations' </em><em>Sustainable Development Goals</em>, and the 2021 audit report <em>Implementing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals</em>. </p><p>Canada supports the SDG 16 objectives of peace, justice and inclusion through several ways.  These include its collaboration with international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, its participation in international fora such as the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, its multilateral treaty negotiations, and its contributions to international assistance that are guided by Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy. This work includes promoting and protecting human rights; increasing equitable access to a functioning justice system; enhancing participation in public life; and ensuring that public services work for everyone.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and the Impact Assessment Act</h5><p>The <em>Impact Assessment Act</em> requires Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus for projects subject to the Act. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and project proponents must conduct GBA Plus at each stage of the assessment, including early planning, impact assessment, decision making, and post-decision phases. GBA Plus provides a framework and a set of analytical questions to guide an impact assessment. It is used to identify who is impacted by a project, and assesses how people may experience impacts differently in order to improve project design and develop mitigation measures that address different impacts. Applying GBA Plus to impact assessments helps practitioners and decision makers understand, describe, and mitigate adverse impacts on diverse populations.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Indigenous Knowledge in environmental research</h5><p>First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities each have a distinct way of describing their knowledge. While, knowledge-holders are the only people who can truly define Indigenous Knowledge for their communities, many international agencies and instruments have addressed Indigenous Knowledge, including the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbd.int/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples</a>.</p><p>Many sections of the Declaration work together to protect Indigenous Knowledge. The Declaration recognizes “that respect for Indigenous Knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contributes to sustainable and fair development and proper management of the environment.” Canada is obliged to respect and protect the rights articulated in the Declaration. </p><p>Indigenous Knowledge is defined in article 31 of the Declaration as: the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, Traditional Knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. Indigenous Peoples also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, Traditional Knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions. <a target="_blank" href="https://fnigc.ca/ocap-training/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Guides</a> such as the First Nations Principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP<sup>®</sup>) can be used to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have more control over their intellectual property.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/declaration/index.html"><em>United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act</em></a> mandates Canada to implement the Declaration in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples in a whole-of-government approach. Indigenous Knowledge helps federal organizations improve their understanding of Indigenous worldviews, Indigenous cultures, the environment, issues affecting the environment, impacts those issues are having now and in the future, and ways to address them. The Government of Canada is working to renew its relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on a recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. This work includes collaborating with Indigenous Knowledge Holders on research projects. Working with Indigenous partners, the Government of Canada is beginning to understand the importance of Indigenous Knowledge systems that have been handed down since time immemorial. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with Indigenous partners and Indigenous Knowledge Holders to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge systems are supported and considered in all stages of environmental research and monitoring activities.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: Cutthroat Trout in the Porcupine Hills Environmental Rehabilitation Project</h5><p>The Porcupine Hills are a landform consisting of a montane ecoregion of outlying hills, located in southwestern Alberta near the town of Claresholm. Historically, Trout Creek, a stream that originates from these hills, provided valuable coldwater habitat for Westslope Cutthroat Trout (<em>Oncorhynchus </em><em>clarkii</em><em>lewisi</em>) and Bull Trout (<em>Salvelinus </em><em>confluentus</em>). However, a range of activities including industrial, agricultural, and recreational land uses within the region, along with natural disturbances, have resulted in changes to how water flows across the landscape and in the creeks which have resulted in habitat degradation and fragmentation. </p><p>Financially supported by the Government of Canada's Environmental Damages Fund, Trout Unlimited Canada undertook a restoration program that improved aquatic and riparian habitat in the Trout Creek watershed and assisted in the recovery of Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Trout Unlimited Canada worked with stakeholder groups, resource managers and community members to implement a successful rehabilitation program and increased public awareness of the threats facing native trout populations and measures to address them.</p><p>Sources: Environment and Climate Change Canada and <a target="_blank" href="https://tucanada.org/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Trout Unlimited Canada</a></p></div></body></html>

Goal 16: Promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts

<html><head></head><body><div class="WhyImportant" id="why"><h4 id="why-this-goal-is-important">Why this goal is important</h4><p>Diverse and inclusive partnerships are required at the local, regional, national and global levels to achieve the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This Goal's focus on strengthening partnerships to promote global action on sustainable development directly supports <a target="_blank" href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal17" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDG Global Indicator Framework</a> targets:</p><ul><li>17.2: Developed countries to implement fully their official development assistance commitments, including the commitment by many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of ODA/GNI to developing countries and 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries; ODA providers are encouraged to consider setting a target to provide at least 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries</li><li>17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources</li><li>17.4: Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress</li><li>17.10: Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization, including through the conclusion of negotiations under its Doha Development Agenda</li></ul><p></p><p>The impacts of climate change are being increasingly felt around the globe, particularly in developing countries that are least equipped to respond to the consequences. In 2009 as part of the Copenhagen Accord under the <a target="_blank" href="https://unfccc.int/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</a> (UNFCCC), developed countries, including Canada, committed to jointly mobilize climate finance from a variety of public and private financial sources, reaching USD$100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate efforts in developing countries.</p><p>This commitment was reaffirmed in the <a target="_blank" href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">Paris Agreement</a>, where Parties agreed that the USD$100 billion goal would be continued through 2025. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/canada-international-action/climate-finance/delivery-plan.html">Climate Finance Delivery Plan</a>, prepared jointly by Canada and Germany and published in October 2021, clarifies when and how developed countries will reach this collective climate finance goal through 2025. Canada and Germany prepared a Climate Finance Delivery Plan Progress Report with developed countries to demonstrate continued progress towards the goal in the lead-up to COP27.</p><p>Another aspect of partnership relates to trade. The linkages between trade and the environment are complex and the subject of international discussions and negotiations. Countries and international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, G7, G20, OECD and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, are working together to promote mutually supportive trade and environment objectives such as environmental protections in bilateral and regional trade agreements and multilateral initiatives on trade and environment.</p><p>Any agenda focused on reducing inequalities must consider Canada's role in global affairs and in alleviating inequalities among countries. Despite some global measures that have reduced inequalities, such as international assistance and preferential trade status that benefits low-income countries, inequalities persist worldwide. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have deepened inequalities, especially where weakened health systems or existing humanitarian crises have increased the risk of people being left behind or dying.</p><p>Developing countries are particularly exposed to the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. They also have fewer financial resources and less technical capacity to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Canada's international engagement on climate change, including its climate finance commitment to developing countries to support their climate mitigation, and to foster resilience among those most at risk from the effects of climate change, is important to reduce global inequalities.</p><p>Climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, extreme weather events, and food and water insecurity have a greater and differentiated effects on at-risk groups, especially women, girls, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and people with reduced incomes. These groups face greater vulnerabilities, including the burden of managing the shocks of climate change and the health impacts of indoor and outdoor pollution. Therefore, individuals and groups in vulnerable situations stand to benefit the most from climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, and from measures to protect and restore nature.</p><p>Finally, in a time of constant change, open data is an important mechanism for enhancing transparency, and ensuring evidence-based dialogue and collaboration between governments and civil society. In Canada, open data helps foster multi-stakeholder collaboration to better understand and contribute to solving public challenges. Open data also provides critical information to help achieve the SDGs and to measure progress in meeting them. These insights can inform priorities and help determine the most effective paths for driving innovation and action to resolve issues. The quality and relevance of available open datasets is of particular importance for informed decision making.</p></div><div class="CanadaContributes" id="canadacontributes"><h4 id="how-the-government-of-canada-contributes">How the Government of Canada contributes</h4><p>Canada recognizes that meeting the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement will require a global effort. In 2019 to 2020, Canada contributed more than $700 million in bilateral international assistance to address climate change. Canada also provides institutional support to multilateral organizations, which support initiatives to address climate change. However, the transition to low-emission, climate-resilient economies will require substantially more financing, from all actors and sources. That is why the Government of Canada has committed to providing $5.3 billion in climate finance over 2021 to 2026 and is working with partners to tap into the significant potential for investment in climate solutions by the private sector and helping to mobilize additional climate finance in developing countries.</p><p>In support of the Paris Agreement, Canada's climate finance commitments encompass a wide range of climate mitigation and adaptation measures in developing countries, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. On June 13, 2021, Canada announced a climate finance commitment of $5.3 billion over 5 years, including increased support for adaptation as well as nature-based climate solutions and projects that contribute to biodiversity co-benefits. Canada's climate finance commitment will be delivered across four main thematic areas: clean energy transition and coal phase-out, climate-smart agriculture and food systems, nature-based solutions and biodiversity, and climate governance.</p><p>Canada's commitment is delivered through a variety of bilateral and multilateral initiatives, including the Green Climate Fund, the largest dedicated climate fund in the world. Canada's approach includes partnering with Multilateral Development Banks, such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank Group, to establish Canadian climate funds to leverage private sector financing by removing market barriers to private climate investment in developing countries.</p><p>To date, under its $5.3 billion commitment, Canada has announced investments of up to $372.5 million to help the world's poorest and most vulnerable countries adapt to the climate crisis and increase their resilience, including funding to the Least Developed Countries Fund, Adaptation Fund, National Adaptation Plan Global Network, and Partnering for Climate. Canada is also supporting clean energy transitions and coal phase-out in developing countries, including up to $1 billion to the Climate Investment Funds - Accelerated Coal Transition Initiative.</p><p>Canada's climate finance commitment aligns with its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/priorities-priorites/policy-politique.aspx?lang=eng">Feminist International Assistance Policy</a>, which guides Canada's overall approach to international assistance. Canada's international climate finance has a strong focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Canada's $5.3 billion climate finance commitment will ensure that at least 80% of its projects integrate gender equality considerations.</p><p>In addition to implementing its climate finance commitment, the Government of Canada pursues an ambitious trade and investment agenda and actively promotes trade and investment in goods and services needed to protect Canada's natural environment. Canada's overall approach to environment in its free trade agreement negotiations is based on the guiding principle that trade and environment should be mutually supportive, incorporating environmental considerations and obligations to ensure that strong environmental standards are upheld by all Parties. Canada also champions trade and environment at the World Trade Organization's Committee on Trade and Environment and the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions, as well as the OECD's Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment.</p><p>Through its International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technology, the Trade Commissioner Service is helping more Canadian clean technology firms pursue export opportunities and scale up internationally, including by connecting them with sources of global climate finance to support projects in developing markets.</p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Canada's Feminist Foreign Policy</h5><p>Canada currently applies a feminist approach across all of its international policies and programming, including diplomacy, trade, security, development, and consular services. It is being operationalized through a suite of complementary international policies, programs, and initiatives. These include Canada's Inclusive Approach to Trade; its National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and Elsie Initiative; and its Feminist International Assistance Policy. These policies place a focus on dismantling persistent systemic barriers, discriminatory norms and practices, and inequalities based on sex and gender—including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics—as well as on the basis of other intersecting aspects of identity such as race, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, language, or disability.</p><p>Canada's feminist foreign policy is the international expression of ongoing, coordinated, and whole-of-government efforts to advance human rights, diversity, inclusion and gender equality domestically. In doing so, it reinforces Canada's overarching objectives of strengthening a rules-based international system, supporting lasting peace and security, fostering prosperity, and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.</p><p>As communities around the world experience the destabilizing effects of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss in different and costly ways, gender-responsive and inclusive action, and diverse partnerships, are necessary to develop strong, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.</p></div><p>Canada is party to a number of international agreements and initiatives to reduce inequality in relation to global climate and environmental challenges. These include the <a target="_blank" href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-convention/what-is-the-united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement</a>. Canada is a strong proponent of international climate action by Indigenous Peoples and played a key role in launching and operationalizing the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform in the UNFCCC. The platform aims to strengthen the capacity of local communities and Indigenous Peoples to address and respond to climate change, exchange best practices and knowledge with respect to mitigation and adaptation, and enhance their engagement in the broader UNFCCC process.</p><p>Canada also continues to actively promote 2SLGBTQI+ rights in a number of multilateral fora, and collaborates closely with civil society organizations in Canada and abroad to advance 2SLGBTQI+ rights. In line with the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada has continued to implement the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/02/canada-announces-new-funds-in-support-of-lgbtq2-rights.html">LGBTQ2I International Assistance Program</a> which represents $30 million in dedicated funding over five years (2019-2024) aiming to advance human rights and improve socio-economic outcomes for 2SLGBTQI+ people in developing countries.</p><p>To promote inclusive partnerships and collaboration within Canada, the Government Canada maintains the Open Government Portal as a single point of entry for open data and information published by federal organizations, as well as from some provinces and territories. For example, the Federal Geospatial Platform includes a collection of federal, provincial, and territorial geospatial information that provides quick and easy access to economic, social and environmental data on a range of complex issues. Since the Open Government Portal was relaunched in June 2013, more than 80,000 datasets have been published. Following a series of consolidations of small data sets into more comprehensive series, individuals can now access more than 30,000 open data and information assets online. In particular, data for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators.html">Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators</a> that are used to measure progress on the FSDS are available through the Open Government Portal.</p><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Relationships with Indigenous Peoples</h5><p>Environment and Climate Change Canada has a long history of working in partnership and consulting with Indigenous Peoples with the intent to uphold Aboriginal and Treaty rights, such as access to traditional territory and the harvesting of plants and animals. Indigenous Peoples also participate in Environment and Climate Change Canada's international work by informing policy positions and participating in international discussions. This includes work related to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation. Environment and Climate Change Canada also engages with Indigenous groups through other mechanisms, such as:</p><ul><li>Distinctions-based Senior Bilateral Tables on Clean Growth and Climate Change</li><li>the National Steering Committee for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas</li><li>the Indigenous Guardians Working Group</li><li>the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada</li></ul><p></p></div><div class="boxnote well"><h5>Stakeholder perspective: UN Global Compact Network Canada</h5><p> The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">UN Global Compact</a> is a call to companies to align their strategies and operations with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">ten universal principles</a> related to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advance societal goals and the implementation of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">SDGs</a>. With more than 16,500 business and 3,500 non-business participants based in over 160 countries, and 69 Local Networks, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. The Canadian chapter, the <a target="_blank" href="https://globalcompact.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">UN Global Compact Network Canada</a> (GCNC) is dedicated to building the capacity of the Canadian private sector to embrace sustainable business practices by convening and accelerating opportunities for multi-stakeholder collaboration. Their programming delivers a range of activities to guide businesses on how to embed the sustainability principles into core business management and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. For instance, by signing the <a target="_blank" href="https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/action/signatories-to-the-cfo-principles" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">CFO Principles on Integrated SDG Investments and Finance</a>, GCNC members can join the CFO Coalition for the SDGs on their mission to develop principles, frameworks and recommendations to integrate the SDGs in corporate finance and create a market for mainstream SDG investments. The United Nations has estimated that the world will need to spend between $3 trillion to $5 trillion annually to meet the SDGs by 2030. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased those estimates by an additional $2 trillion annually. Since launching in December 2019, the CFO Taskforce has addressed this financial gap, re-envisioning the role of CFOs as the architects of long-term sustainable value creation.</p><p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://globalcompact.ca/" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Terms and Conditions in the footer of this page.">UN Global Compact Network Canada</a></p></div></body></html>

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