Government of Canada releases the draft 2019-2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for public consultation and the 2018 Progress Report

GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada knows that, in the twenty-first century, the environment and the economy go hand in hand. To make sure we pass on a healthy and prosperous Canada to the next generation, we are putting sustainable development and the environment at the forefront of everyday government thinking and decision-making.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, released the draft 2019–2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for public consultation and tabled the Government's 2018 Progress Report of the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

The draft Strategy sets out the Government of Canada's environmental sustainability priorities, establishes goals and targets, and identifies actions that 42 departments and agencies across government will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations and advance sustainable development across Canada.

The draft 2019–2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy demonstrates Canada's commitment to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It also recognizes the important role partners, stakeholders, and Canadians play in building a sustainable country. The draft Strategy includes actions everyone can take to make a difference because the Government knows that all Canadians want to be part of the solution to building a cleaner, healthier Canada.

The 2018 Progress Report shows how the Government of Canada is implementing the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, demonstrating that it is on track to meeting many of the commitments laid out in the Strategy. This includes highlighting the leadership role Canada has taken in working toward zero plastic waste and implementing measures to conserve marine areas, as well as actions on climate change.

For the next 120 days, Canadians have the opportunity to provide comments on the draft Strategy. This feedback will help strengthen Canada's sustainability priorities.

By working together, Canadians can make the changes needed to transition to the clean economy of the future and ensure we pass on a healthy environment to our kids and grandkids.

Quotes

"Our vision for Canada is one where quality of life continuously improves for all Canadians. That means cleaner air to breathe; cleaner water in our oceans, lakes, and rivers; and an economy that is sustainable for generations to come. The draft 2019–2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy is online, and I want to hear your ideas. Together we can strengthen our low-carbon economy, protect our oceans, fight climate change, and keep Canadians connected to nature. Let us build a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Canada that our children—and their children—will cherish as much as we do." 
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• The draft Strategy updates the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, largely maintaining its aspirational goals while adding targets that reflect new initiatives, updating milestones with new priorities, and strengthening links to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• In all, 29 medium-term targets support the draft Strategy's goals, along with 60 short-term milestones and clear action plans.
• Among other results, the 2018 Progress Report shows that
• from 2016 to 2017, greenhouse gas emissions from federal government operations were 28 per cent lower than in 2005 to 2006—more than halfway to the target to reduce emissions from federal buildings and fleets by 40 per cent of 2005 levels by 2030;
• as of December 2017, close to 8 per cent of Canada's coastal and marine areas were conserved;
• from 2017 to 2018, visits to national parks and marine conservation areas increased by 34 per cent above the 2010 to 2011 baseline levels.

Associated links

• Achieving a Sustainable Future: A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada
• 2018 Progress Report of the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada