Environment and Climate Change Canada - 2020-21 The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P. Minister of Environment and Climate Change
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Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020–21 Departmental Plan The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P. Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Cat. No.: En1-65E-PDF ISSN: 2371-7874 Unless otherwise specified, you may not reproduce materials in this publication, in whole or in part, for the purposes of commercial redistribution without prior written permission from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s copyright administrator. To obtain permission to reproduce Government of Canada materials for commercial purposes, apply for Crown Copyright Clearance by contacting: Environment and Climate Change Canada Public Inquiries Centre 7th Floor, Fontaine Building 200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard Gatineau QC K1A 0H3 Telephone: 819-938-3860 Toll Free: 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) Email: ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca Cover photo: © GettyImages.ca Inside photos: © Environment and Climate Change Canada © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 2020 Aussi disponible en français
2020–21 Departmental Plan Table of Contents Plans at a glance ................................................................................................................................................. 3 Core responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................5 Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities........................................................ 7 Core Responsibility: Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change .......................................7 Core Responsibility: Preventing and Managing Pollution......................................................................15 Core Responsibility: Conserving Nature ....................................................................................................21 Core Responsibility: Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions ...........................................26 Planned Results for Internal Services .............................................................................................................. 29 Key Risks ............................................................................................................................................................... 31 Spending and human resources..................................................................................................................... 33 Planned spending.........................................................................................................................................33 Planned human resources ..........................................................................................................................37 Estimates by Vote .........................................................................................................................................39 Condensed Future-Oriented Statement of Operations.........................................................................39 Corporate Information ...................................................................................................................................... 41 Organizational Profile ...................................................................................................................................41 Raison d’être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do .......................................................42 Operating Context .......................................................................................................................................42 Reporting framework ...................................................................................................................................43 Supporting Information on the Program inventory ...................................................................................... 44 Supplementary information tables ................................................................................................................. 44 Federal tax expenditures .................................................................................................................................. 44 Organizational contact information .............................................................................................................. 44 Appendix: definitions......................................................................................................................................... 45 Endnotes .............................................................................................................................................................. 48
2020–21 Departmental Plan
From the Minister
As the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I am pleased to present the
2020–21 Departmental Plan.
This plan outlines strategic action on a wide range of environmental matters,
including clean growth and climate change, preventing and managing pollution,
conserving nature, and predicting weather and environmental conditions consistent
with the mandate assigned to me in 2019.
Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue to implement the Pan-
Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF) and will
strengthen greenhouse gas reducing measures to exceed our 2030 emission
reduction goals and put Canada on a path to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
This involves continued implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act,
which puts a price on carbon pollution, creates incentives to adopt cleaner options and greener
technology, and returns proceeds to the jurisdiction of origin.
The Climate Action Incentive Fund, the Low Carbon Economy Fund, and the Climate Action Fund will
continue to encourage and facilitate wider action to reduce emissions and adopt cleaner technologies
and practices. We will set legally binding, five-year emission reduction milestones. We will continue to
implement the PCF by advancing zero-emission vehicle targets, introducing a clean fuel standard, and
continuing the implementation of regulations to reduce the emission of methane and certain volatile
organic compounds from the oil and gas sector.
Continuing Canada’s leadership in implementing the Ocean Plastics Charter, the department will continue
to collaborate through consultation with the provinces, territories and other stakeholders to ban harmful,
single-use plastics, where supported by science and warranted, as well as advance other actions to tackle
plastic pollution. We will also continue our work with provinces and territories to implement the Canada-
wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste. This includes developing national targets, standards and regulations
that will make companies that manufacture plastic products or sell items with plastic packaging
responsible for collecting and recycling them.
With the support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, we will explore options for a Canada Water
Agency, to work with provinces, territories, indigenous communities, local communities and others to
develop and coordinate effective approaches for maintaining safe, clean, and well-managed water
resources. We will continue to work with Canadian and U.S. partners to protect and improve Canada’s
freshwater resources, and we will implement the Oceans Protection Plan in conjunction with Transport
Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The Department will continue to protect Canadians and the environment from harmful substances by
delivering Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan in conjunction with Health Canada. We will continue to
work with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality Management System to reduce harmful
emissions and improve air quality. Working with the Government of Alberta, we will continue monitoring the
oil sands development to ensure environmental and social responsibility.
Building on the momentum of our recent nature conservation efforts under Canada’s $1.3 billion Nature
Legacy Initiative, we will work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada to conserve 25% of
Canada’s land and oceans by 2025, in a manner that is grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge and
local perspectives. Both targets will rise to 30% by 2030, and we will advocate that countries around the
world also set this 2030 conservation goal. We will promote and support actions to protect and conserve
areas of high ecological and biodiversity value, such as National Wildlife Areas and Indigenous Protected
and Conserved Areas. ECCC will continue to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming
Species at Risk Conservation in Canada, focussing on multi-species and ecosystem-based approaches.
Environment and Climate Change Canada 12020–21 Departmental Plan The Department will continue to provide Canadians accurate and timely information on weather, water, air quality and climate conditions, as well as forecasts and warnings, to help them make decisions about their health, safety, and economic well-being. To do so, Environment and Climate Change Canada will rely on scientific expertise, a leading edge approach to data management and analysis, and innovative information techniques. The Department will continue to upgrade vital infrastructure, including seven weather radars in 2020-21. Our National Hydrologic Service will also be modernizing its water stations, as well as its engineering and technical capacity. The Department will continue to show leadership on sustainable development with legislation that will come into force in December 2020 – the Act to Amend the Sustainable Development Act – which will guide future Federal Sustainable Development Strategies. The challenges we face in terms of the environment and climate change matter to Canadians and to the world. This plan provides details on how our department will address these challenges as we work towards a cleaner and more prosperous future. ______________________________________________ The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P. Minister of Environment and Climate Change 2 From the Minister
2020–21 Departmental Plan
Plans at a glance
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is the lead federal department for strategic action on
a wide range of environmental matters, including action on clean growth and climate change, preventing
and managing pollution, conserving nature, and predicting weather and environmental conditions. The
Department’s program focus reflects the interdependence of environmental sustainability and economic
well-being. ECCC works in partnership with provincial, territorial and municipal governments and
Indigenous partners, communities and governments and aligns with the Government of Canada’s
approach of openness, effectiveness and transparency in government.
Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
In 2020 and beyond, the Department continues to lead a whole of government plan for climate change,
focused on achieving a cleaner environment and a sustainable economy. This entails the implementation
of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, while strengthening greenhouse
gas reducing measures to meet and exceed Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction goal, and lead
government-wide efforts to set Canada on a path to achieve a prosperous net-zero emissions future by
2050.
The Department will continue implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, to set a price
on carbon pollution that creates incentives for individuals, households and businesses to choose cleaner
options, including green technology—with proceeds returned to the jurisdiction of origin.
The Department will also continue the implementation of the Climate Action Incentive Fund, the Low
Carbon Economy Fund and the Climate Action Fund to encourage and facilitate action by industry and
consumers to take action to reduce emissions and shift to cleaner technologies and practices.
The Department’s will lay the ground work for more ambitious climate actions by setting legally binding,
five-year emissions-reduction milestones—based on the advice of experts and consultations with
Canadians—and will also work with Innovation, Science and Industry Canada, Transport Canada and
Natural Resources Canada to advance zero-emission vehicles targets of 10 per cent of light-duty vehicle
sales per year by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040. It will also entail working with Innovation, Science
and Industry Canada and Natural Resources Canada to position Canada as a global leader in clean
technology.
This will be complemented by actions including a clean fuel standard and regulations, continued
implementation of regulations to reduce methane emissions and certain Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC) from the oil and gas sector, amendments to coal-fired and natural gas-fired electricity generation
regulations, and other regulatory measures to reduce emissions.
Preventing and Managing Pollution
In 2020, ECCC will support its Minister in working with the Minister of Health to better protect people and the
environment from toxic substances and other pollution, including working towards strengthening the
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Following through on the Government of Canada’s leadership with The Ocean Plastics Charter—launched
under Canada’s 2018 G7 Presidency—the Department will implement the plan to ban harmful single-use
plastics, and take steps toward eliminating plastic pollution in Canada, as a cornerstone of its Zero Plastic
Waste Initiative. ECCC will work with provinces and territories to develop national targets, standards and
regulations that will make companies that manufacture plastic products or sell items with plastic packaging
responsible for collecting and recycling them.
Environment and Climate Change Canada 32020-21 Departmental Plan The Department will also continue to protect the environment and Canadians from harmful substances by delivering Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan with Health Canada. Reducing harmful emissions will continue to be a priority for ECCC in 2020 and beyond, and the Department will continue working with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality Management System and to pursue measures that improve air quality. ECCC will develop further protections and take steps to clean up the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and other large lakes and the St. Lawrence River watershed, and will work with Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to implement the Oceans Protection Plan. In collaboration with the Government of Alberta, the Department will monitor oil sands to ensure they are developed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Conserving Nature Building on the momentum of its recent nature conservation efforts under the $1.3 billion Canada’s Nature Legacy initiative, ECCC will work with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada Agency to introduce an ambitious new plan to conserve 25% of Canada’s land and 25% of Canada’s oceans by 2025, and work toward 30% of each by 2030. The plan will be grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge and local perspectives, and will be complemented by ECCC’s advocacy at international gatherings that countries around the world also set a 30% conservation goal for 2030. The Department will promote and support actions to protect and conserve areas of high ecological and biodiversity value, including National Wildlife Areas, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, provincial, territorial and municipal parks, and conservation actions by non-government organizations and foundations. ECCC will also continue to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada, with a focus on multi-species and ecosystem-based approaches, and more targeted planning and action on priority places, species and sectors. Partnerships with Indigenous peoples will feature prominently in this work. The Department will continue to work to protect biodiversity and species at risk, while engaging with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, scientists, industry and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing Species at Risk Act and assess the need for modernization. Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions ECCC will continue to implement its leading-edge approach to weather data management, analysis and innovative information techniques to provide Canadians with accurate and timely information to make health, safety and business decisions. The Canadian Weather Radar Replacement Program will see seven new radars replace outdated technology, as the primary tools used by meteorologists to forecast short- term severe weather events associated with thunderstorms, tornadoes, ice storms and blizzards. ECCC’s National Hydrologic Service will modernize and strengthen its engineering and technical capacity, modernize its water stations and infrastructure, and put in place new technologies to gather and analyze water data. For more information on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s plans, priorities and planned results, see the “Planned results and resources” section of this report. 4 Plans at a glance
2020–21 Departmental Plan
Core responsibilities
1. Taking action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
2. Preventing and Managing Pollution
3. Conserving Nature
4. Predicting Weather and Environmental Conditions
Environment and Climate Change Canada 52020–21 Departmental Plan
Core Responsibilities
Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities
Core Responsibility: Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Description
Through engagement with other federal departments and agencies, provinces, territories, Indigenous
peoples, and other stakeholders, and external experts, the Department will support and coordinate the
implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF); work to
reduce Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; drive clean growth; develop regulatory
instruments; support businesses and Canadians to adapt and become more resilient to climate
change; and contribute to international climate change actions to increase global benefits.
Planning highlights
Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Climate change is the defining issue of our time. ECCC recognizes the seriousness of this issue and will
continue to take ambitious action to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gases (GHG) and other harmful
emissions.
In 2016, governments, Canadians, and Indigenous peoples came together to inform and develop the
country’s first national climate plan. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
(PCF) is Canada’s plan to reduce GHGs to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and position Canada to be
competitive in the clean economy. As a result of the PCF, the 2019 GHG and Air Pollutant Emission
Projections Report shows that Canada’s emissions are projected to be 227 million tonnes (Mt) below what
was projected in 2015. Canada's Fourth Biennial Report on Climate Changei, submitted to the UNFCCC on
December 31, 2019, projects an overall decline in Canada’s GHG emissions over the next 11 years. A wide
range of policies, programs and investments implemented under Canada’s climate plan have led to the
biggest improvement to Canada’s emissions outlooks relative to pre-PCF projections encompassing all
economic sectors, and demonstrating the effectiveness of Canada’s climate plan.
However, science indicates that more action is needed. That is why the Government of Canada has
announced its intent to meet and exceed Canada’s 2030 Paris Agreement target and begin work so that
Canada can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In 2020-21, ECCC will lay the groundwork for more
ambitious climate action by continuing to implement the PCF, working with our partners to strengthen
existing and identify new greenhouse gas reductions measures, as well as setting legally binding, five-year
emissions-reduction milestones based on advice from experts and consultations with Canadians.
In 2020-2021, ECCC will continue its partnership and constructive dialogue with First Nations, Inuit, and the
Métis to inform the designs of policies and program to reflect and advance Indigenous peoples’ clean
growth and climate change priorities. These partnerships are vital to the successful implementation of the
PCF and to the success of future climate change activities.
Environment and Climate Change Canada 72020-21 Departmental Plan
Expanding Climate Action
The effects of climate change are already being felt across Canada
and around the world. The science is clear that more climate action is Integrating science, sharing data
required. The IPCC’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C
(October 2018) called for net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the Canada’s climate is changing.
Climate information is needed to plan
worst consequences of climate change. As a result, building on the
for change and to reduce risks to
ongoing implementation of the PCF, the Government of Canada is Canadians. To ensure the right
committed to exceeding Canada’s current 2030 emissions reduction audience has access to the right tools,
target and develop a plan to achieving a net-zero emissions the Canadian Centre for Climate
economy by 2050. Services (CCCS) will continue to
support a suite of climate data portals
The Government of Canada recognizes that net-zero means doing including climatedata.ca. Launched
things in a different way. Technology and innovation will be a huge in 2019, climatedata.ca is a
collaboration between CCCS, climate
part of the solution and also lead to new business opportunities for
service providers in Canada, and
Canadians. Consultations with Canadians will also be critical. leading-edge technology developers.
Together, the climate data portals
Carbon Pricing share climate information with a wide
variety of users, including engineers,
public health professionals, urban
A price on carbon pollutionii across Canada that creates incentives
planners, and others who benefit from
for individuals, households, and businesses to choose cleaner options
access to climate change information,
including green technology with proceeds returned to the jurisdiction data, resources and tools. In 2020-21,
of origin. Under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, the federal efforts will focus on new sectors and
carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on training material as well as enhancing
fossil fuels (the fuel charge); and a performance-based pricing system functionality.
for industrial facilities, known as the output-based pricing system
(OBPS). The system applies in those provinces and territories that
requested it or that did not have their own system that meets the federal benchmark stringency criteria.
The OBPS is designed to put a price on carbon pollution from industry while maintaining their competitive
position relative to international peers and reducing the risk of carbon leakage. The OBPS enables emissions
trading and use of GHG offset credits.
Strengthening the regulatory agenda
The clean fuel standardiii is aimed at reducing emissions from liquid, gaseous, and solid fuels used in
transportation, buildings, and industry. The objectives of the clean fuel standard are to reduce greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, create an incentive for investment and innovation in low carbon fuels and
technology, and reduce compliance costs through a flexible regulatory design. ECCC will publish the
proposed regulations for liquid fuels class in 2020, and intends to bring liquid class regulations into force in
2022, followed by regulations for the gaseous and solid classes in 2023.
The Department will continue to implement regulations reducing the release of methane and certain
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from the upstream oil and gas sector that aim to reduce methane
emissions by about 20 Mt by 2025 relative to the estimated 2012 levels of 45 Mt CO2e. ECCC will also
implement amendments to coal-fired electricity generation regulations that will reduce GHG emissions by
12.8 Mt in 2030, as well as natural gas-fired electricity generation regulations.
The Department will also implement regulations amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine GHG
Emission Regulations that are projected to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 6 Mt annually, starting
in 2030. To help inform options to reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles, ECCC will finalize and publish
Canada’s Mid-term Evaluation on standards for model years 2022 to 2025 under the light-duty vehicle GHG
regulations.
8 Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities2020–21 Departmental Plan
The Department will continue to implement Canada’s Strategy on Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPS).
SLCPs are a group of potent GHGs and air pollutants including black carbon, methane,
hydrofluorocarbons and ground-level ozone, which contribute to climate warming and can affect air
quality. In 2020-21, ECCC will publish a progress report on commitments under the SLCP Strategy and
continue to advance domestic and international work to reduce SLCP emissions.
In 2020-21, ECCC will release a National Climate Change Science and Knowledge Plan to support the
delivery of the PCF. It will support better coordination and strategic investments for all Canadian science
and knowledge actors.
ECCC will continue laying the groundwork towards Canada’s zero emission vehicle targets of 10 per cent
light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040. This work will be done in
collaboration with Innovation, Science and Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Transport
Canada.
Climate Action Incentive Fund
Under the carbon pollution pricing system, approximately 90% of proceeds from the fuel charge in
provinces will be returned directly to individuals and households through Climate Action Incentive
payments when they file their tax returns. The remainder of the revenues will be devoted to federal
programming, including the Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF) that will support small- and medium-sized
businesses, as well as municipalities, universities, colleges, schools, hospitals, not-for-profit organizations, and
Indigenous peoples in advancing energy efficiency and carbon-reduction projects.
Low Carbon Economy Fund
To support actions under the PCF, ECCC will continue to implement the $2 billion Low Carbon Economy
Fundiv. The Department will continue to work with provinces and territories under the Leadership Fund to
identify further opportunities for partnership to leverage investments in projects that will generate clean
growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help meet or exceed Canada’s Paris Agreement
commitments. ECCC is investing $500 million under the Challenge to support GHG reduction projects
administered by provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations,
businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. For example, ECCC is providing funding to the University of
Calgary to perform energy retrofits allowing for greater energy efficiency and heat recovery that will
reduce GHG emissions by 12,750 tonnes CO2e. Further, a project to enable the expansion of Regina’s
landfill gas collection system with new infrastructure will allow the increased collection and combustion of
methane/landfill gas onsite.
Climate Action Fund
ECCC will continue to implement the $3 million Climate Action Fund, which
supports projects delivered by students, youth, Indigenous peoples and
organizations, not-for-profit organizations, small- and medium-sized enterprises,
and research and educational institutions, that are designed to raise
awareness of climate change and clean growth, and encourage others to
take action. For example, the Department will support the Saskatchewan
Environmental Society’s Saskatchewan Low Carbon Stories project, which will
engage local farmers, young people, Indigenous communities, and economic developers across the
province and share their low-carbon business solutions in rural Saskatchewan.
International Climate Action
ECCC will continue its leadership role in working with international partners to advance the effective
implementation of the Paris Agreement, which Canada ratified in October 2016, towards increasing the
global response to climate change. ECCC led Canada’s participation at COP 25 in December 2019 in
Madrid, Spain to continue advancing implementation of the Paris Agreement and to promote clean
Environment and Climate Change Canada 92020-21 Departmental Plan
growth and the integration of efforts on climate, oceans and nature. Going forward—including in the lead
up to COP 26 in November 2020—Canada will continue to engage internationally to advance ambitious
and inclusive climate action. This includes by ensuring Indigenous peoples are engaged in developing
international climate policy, and by promoting gender equality and the role of women in climate action
around the world. Canada will also remain steadfast in its efforts to ensure that international market
mechanisms are guided by a robust set of rules and operate with environmental integrity.
ECCC will continue to support developing countries transition to resilient, low-carbon economies, including
by working closely with Global Affairs Canada to deliver Canada’s climate finance commitment of
$2.65 billion by March 2021. Canada’s climate finance is delivered through various multilateral and bilateral
initiatives, including the Green Climate Fund. Funds will target sectors such as clean technology and
renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and forest management, and risk insurance and capacity
building, with special consideration for the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries. Canada’s
climate finance is consistent with its feminist international assistance policyv to promote gender equality
and help empower all women and girls.
Clean growth and climate change in trade agreements
Canada seeks to include ambitious, comprehensive, and enforceable provisions on environment in its free-
trade agreements. This includes obligations to maintain robust environmental governance as trade and
investment are liberalized, as well as commitments on a range of global environmental issues, including
illegal wildlife trade, sustainable fisheries and forestry management, and climate change. These
commitments are being implemented as part of agreements with key trading partners, including the United
States, Mexico, the European Union and countries party to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
United Nations’ 2030 Agenda1 and Sustainable Development Goalsvi
In defining a whole of government view of federal environmental sustainability commitments and
actions, the 2019-2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, developed and coordinated by
ECCC, supports Canada’s overall response to the 2030 Agenda. ECCC’s continued implementation
of activities in support of its core responsibility for Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate
Change, will directly contribute to the achievement of numerous sustainable development goals.
For example, pricing carbon pollution and the associated regulations will comprehensively and
directly combat climate change and its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating investments in
clean innovation (Goal 13vii), while initiatives such as climate action incentives and partnership funding will promote
sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth (Goal 8viii). Supporting resilient infrastructure and innovative and
inclusive approaches to industrial development will be achieved through LCEF incentives (Goal 9ix), which will also
foster sustainable business and employment opportunities and consumption practices (Goal 1x and Goal 12xi). Taken
together, numerous ECCC initiatives to reduce harmful emissions and to track and respond to pollutant releases will
help protect human health and the environment.
When considered together, ECCC initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to facilitate Canada’s shift to a low
carbon economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve clean and sustainable growth, and promote innovation
in industrial technologies and processes that will create sustainable industries and jobs and enhance Canada’s
competitiveness. ECCC’s programs will also help regions and communities plan for, and adapt to, the impacts of
climate change, so as to mitigate threats to health, safety and well-being.
1In 2015, all United Nations (UN) member states came together and adopted Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals that encompass key social, economic, and environmental challenges.
10 Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities2020–21 Departmental Plan
Commitment to experimentation: Encouraging Canadians to purchase low-emission vehicles
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has a mandate to ensure a clean, safe, and sustainable
environment for present and future generations. Part of these efforts include helping Canadians make
environmentally-conscious choices. Behavioural Insights can support this goal, offering innovative, low-cost, and
evidence-based approaches to help people reduce their carbon footprint. ECCC is planning to continue to
conduct qualitative research in response to the report generated in 2019-20 following the completion of a
behavioural insights evaluation in conjunction with Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan). This would help design a
behaviourally-informed intervention (e.g., randomized controlled trial) to encourage Canadians to purchase low-
emitting vehicles.
Planned results for Taking Action on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Departmental Result: Canadian greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions are reduced
Departmental result Target Date to 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 actual
indicator achieve actual result actual result result
target
GHG emissions from light 21% improvement March 2020 15% 18% improvement 16%
duty vehicles in performance vs [2018 Model improvement [2015 model year improvement
2011 standard year [2014 model reporting]3 [2016 model
(measured by reporting] year reporting]2 year]
CO2e g/mile) for
manufacturer
model year 2018
GHG emissions from Percentage December This is a new indicator. Results are not Results not yet
heavy duty vehicles improvement in 2020 available for these years. available. The
GHG emissions performance
performance for results for the
manufacturer 2018-19 model
model year 2018– year fleet will
2020 reporting be available in
relative to the the 2020-21
2010 model year: reporting
•13%: heavy-duty cycle.
pick-up trucks and
vans
•11%:
Combination
Tractors
•5%: Vocational
vehicles
Black carbon emissions, 25% decrease 2025 35 Kt [18% 36 Kt [18% Results not yet
as reported in Canada’s from a baseline of reduction from reduction from available. 2018
Black Carbon Emissions national emissions baseline] baseline] emissions of
Inventory in 2013 black carbon
will be
reported in the
upcoming
black carbon
inventory, to
be released in
summer 2020.
2 This result was amended to reflect revised calculations, and differs from past publications.
3 This result was amended to reflect revised calculations, and differs from past publications.
Environment and Climate Change Canada 112020-21 Departmental Plan
HFC emissions 85% reduction 2036 This is a new indicator. Results are not Results not yet
from baseline in available for these years. available.
2017-18 Results
expected to
be available in
April 2020,
following the
submission of
the National
Inventory
Report for the
2019 calendar
year.
Reduced methane 40–45% reduction, 2025 This is a new indicator. Results are not Results not yet
emissions from the oil relative to 2012 available for these years. available.
and gas sector levels Emission
reductions will
be estimated
in 2020 based
on
compliance
actions.
Emissions reductions are 30 Mt annual GHG 2030 This is a new indicator. Results are not Results not yet
being achieved under emissions available for these years. available.
the Clean Fuel Standard reduction in 2030 Draft
building on the relative to 2016 regulations for
Renewable Fuels levels the liquids
Regulations class are to be
published in
2020, with
those for
gaseous and
solid classes to
come in 2021.
Percentage of coal-fired 100% of coal-fired Annual in This is a new indicator. Results are not Results not yet
electricity generation electricity December available for these years. available.
units meeting their generation units Although the
regulated GHG meeting their date to
emissions intensity regulated achieve this
performance greenhouse gas target is
requirement emissions intensity identified as
performance December
requirement 2019, reporting
will only be
available in
2021-22.
Carbon pollution pricing 13 Provinces and July 2019 This is a new With the As of March
systems are in place in Territories have in indicator. Results implementation 31, 2019, all 10
Canada place carbon are not of the federal provinces had
pollution pricing available for carbon pollution in place
that meets the these years. pricing system, carbon
federal there will be a pollution
benchmark or price on carbon pricing systems
federal system pollution in every that aligned
applies jurisdiction in with the
Canada in 2019. benchmark or
the federal
system.
12 Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities2020–21 Departmental Plan
GHG emissions from 40% GHG 2031 23.1%5 24.6%6 31%
ECCC operations are emissions
reduced reduction relative
to 22,793 tonnes
of CO2e in 2005–
064
Departmental Result: Indigenous peoples are engaged in clean growth and climate change
Departmental result Target Date to achieve 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 actual
indicator target actual result actual result result
Co-development of Revise target N/A This is a new indicator. Results Results not yet
indicators with periodically, when are not available for these available. A
Indigenous peoples required, to reflect years. new date to
to ensure they are Canada’s achieve this
engaged in the engagement, and target is being
implementation of relationship, with established in
the PCF, through its Indigenous consultation
three distinct senior- partners. with
level joint tables with Indigenous
First Nations, Inuit and partners.
the Métis Nation.
Departmental Result: Canada contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience
globally
Departmental result Target Date to achieve 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 actual
indicator target actual result actual result result
Canada’s public Ratio of private Long term cumulative This is a new indicator. Results Results not yet
sector investments sector finance indicator. Date to are not available for these available. A
leverage private leveraged by achieve target is not years. joint
sector climate finance Canada’s public applicable. The methodology
sector nature of the between
investments, of at indicator is such that it ECCC and
least 1 to 0.5 is expected to Global Affairs
generate results for an Canada
undetermined period. (GAC) is being
finalized.
GHG reductions Higher Long term cumulative This is a new An estimated An estimated
resulting from cumulative indicator. Date to indicator. reduction of cumulative
international initiatives reductions from achieve target is not Results are not 24.8 Mt of reduction of
funded by Canada year to year, applicable. The available for GHGs is 175.7 Mt of
from the nature of the these years. expected GHGs is
baseline, indicator is such that it from funds expected from
reaching is expected to delivered so Canada’s
minimum generate results for an far. $2.65B funding
reduction of 200 undetermined period by 2018-19.
Mt of GHGs.
4 This is an interim target, established by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) in its Greening Government Strategy, toward a full 80% reduction
below 2005 levels by 2050.
5 In 2015, the TBS Centre for Greening Government issued updated emissions factors for all federal organizations reporting GHG emissions
from electricity consumption. Therefore, the 2016–17 and 201718 results are not comparable to earlier years’ results.
6
Idem.
Environment and Climate Change Canada 132020-21 Departmental Plan
Cumulative number of 10,000,000 direct December 2030 This is a new An estimated A cumulative
people in developing beneficiaries indicator. 650,000 estimate of
countries who Results are not people with 4,593,285
benefited from available for increased people will
Canada’s adaptation these years. resilience are have
finance expected increased their
from funds resilience by
delivered so 2018-19 as a
far. result of
Canada’s
$2.65B funding.
Departmental Result: Canadian communities, economies and ecosystems are more resilient
Departmental result Target Date to achieve 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19
indicator target actual result actual result actual result
Number of individuals, For annual For annual reporting: This is a new indicator. Results are Results not
businesses, and reporting: Annually in March not available for these years. yet
governments available.
Increase from For reporting every 5
accessing climate
baseline8 years: March 2028
services and using
that information to For reporting
inform decision- every 5 years:
making7 Increase from
baseline9
Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)*
2020–21 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23
Main Estimates Planned spending Planned spending Planned spending
845,293,508 845,293,508 476,831,653 117,644,682
*All figures, throughout the document, are net of respendable revenues.
Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents—FTEs)*
2020–21 Planned 2021–22 Planned 2022–23 Planned
580 572 489
* Totals may differ within and between tables due to the rounding of figures. The FTE numbers, throughout the
document, include students.
7
The results reported relate to the number of individuals, businesses, and governments accessing climate services. Access is measured
through a survey conducted annually and usage is measured through a survey conducted every 5 years.
8 Baseline for the annual survey will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services has been functioning for one full year.
It is expected that the baseline will be set in 2019-20.
9 Baseline for the 5-year survey will be established when the Canadian Centre for Climate Services has been operational for 5-6 full years.
14 Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities2020–21 Departmental Plan
Core Responsibility: Preventing and Managing Pollution
Description
Collaborate with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop and administer
environmental standards, guidelines, regulations and risk management instruments to reduce releases
and monitor levels of contaminants in air, water and soil; and promote and enforce compliance with
environmental laws and regulations.
Planning highlights
Reaching Zero Plastic Waste
The Government of Canada has taken a leadership position
in addressing plastic waste both nationally and
internationally. As of December 2019, the Ocean Plastics
Charterxii, launched under Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency, is
supported by 25 countries and over 60 businesses and
organizations globally. Environment and Climate Change
Canada is leading the Federal Leadership Towards Zero
Plastic Waste initiative, a comprehensive federal agenda that
aims to increase the knowledge and evidence base about
plastic waste and pollution, and to support targeted actions
to affect change at each stage of the plastics lifecycle.
Targeted federal actions include advancing regulatory Figure 1: Main areas of action for a circular plastics economy in Canada
action to ban harmful single-use plastics when
supported by science and where warranted and work with provinces and territories to develop national
targets and standards to require companies that manufacture plastic products or packaging are
responsible for collecting and recycling them.
To eliminate plastic pollution, ECCC will be providing funding through the Zero Plastic Waste Initiative (ZPWI)
for projects that mobilize Canadians to capture and remove plastic pollution or prevent plastic waste from
entering the environment and capture and remove plastic pollution from the environment. The ZPWI aims
to affect change within and across the plastics lifecycle to increase collection, improve value recovery,
and prevent and remove plastic pollution. The initiative supports projects that use an innovative and
ecosystem approach that leads to measurable, positive impacts to reduce plastic waste and pollution in
Canada.
In 2020-21, ECCC will continue to collaborate with industry and other partners to achieve Canada’s
ambitious goals of 100% reusable, recyclable or recoverable plastics by 2030, and increasing recycled
content in plastic products where applicable by at least 50% by 2030. A Plastics Innovation Challenge
intended to spur innovative solutions related to food packaging, construction waste, and the separation of
plastics for recycling will fund the development of three prototypes. Demonstration projects and voluntary
agreements in key industry sectors will be developed to advance the implementation of solutions to
reduce plastic waste and increase their recovery.
Work with the provinces and territories to implement the Canada-Wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Wastexiii will
also continue. The Phase I Action Planxiv was approved by Environment Ministers in June 2019 and
implementation is underway. The development of Phase II will be completed in 2020. Further information on
ECCC’s work on plastic waste and pollution can be found on the zero plastic waste websitexv.
Environment and Climate Change Canada 152020-21 Departmental Plan
In 2020-21, Canada will host the World Circular Economy Forum 2020, co-organized by ECCC, on behalf of
the Government of Canada, and the Finnish innovation fund Sitra. The World Circular Economy Forum is a
global event that brings together leaders, businesses, policymakers, and experts to present solutions for a
circular economy. The 2020 forum will provide a global platform for national and international discussions
on new business models that use our natural resources more efficiently, minimize waste and pollution, and
accelerate the transition to a clean economy.
Protecting the environment and Canadians from harmful substances
To protect the environment and Canadians from harmful substances, ECCC will continue to deliver
Canada’s Chemicals Management Planxvi with Health Canada. As of the fall of 2018, the two departments
had addressed 3,621 of 4,363 chemicals identified in 2006 as priorities for attention, with the remaining 679
priority chemicals to be addressed as required by the end of FY 2020–21. ECCC and Health Canada will
continue their work to set new directions and objectives for managing chemicals beyond 2020, and to
support greater transparency and public participation in the notification and risk assessments of new
substances and organisms through the New Substances Voluntary Public Engagement Transparency
Initiativexvii. ECCC is committed to continuous improvement and will work with Health Canada to better
protect people and the environment from harmful substances, including through strengthening the
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. (CEPA).
Oil sands monitoring
ECCC will continue to collaborate with the Government of Alberta to ensure oil sands in Alberta are
developed and monitored in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The terms of a 2017
memorandum of understanding renewed both governments’ commitment to use a collective approach
that includes Indigenous communities, industry, and governments in its Oil Sands Monitoring (OSM)
program. The OSM program is funded by industry through Alberta’s Environmental Protection and
Enhancement Act. ECCC will continue to be actively engaged in the OSM program through participation
in its governance and by providing scientific expertise, laboratory infrastructure, and leadership to
monitoring that considers the impact of oil sands development on air, water, land and biodiversity.
Protecting whales from contaminants
Law Enforcement
To protect endangered whales, ECCC will continue to increase
ECCC continues to move toward a
research, strengthen regulatory control and enhance risk-based approach to enforcing
enforcement of environmental regulations to reduce federal environmental laws that
contaminants affecting endangered whales, including the protect the environment and human
Southern Resident Killer Whale and the St. Lawrence Estuary health. ECCC is working closely with
partners, including provinces and
Beluga. The Department has proposed amendments to the
territories, other federal departments,
Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations 2012 that as well as foreign law enforcement
would remove exemptions (flame retardants and oil and water agencies, to protect the environment
repellents) for five already prohibited substances, and prohibit and human health.
two additional substances (flame retardants) that pose a danger
to these species.
Reducing air pollution and improving air quality
Air pollution remains a significant global risk to human health and the environment. Improving air quality in
collaboration with partners by reducing harmful emissions will continue to be a priority for ECCC in 2020-21.
The Department’s efforts will include working with provinces and territories to implement the Air Quality
Management System (AQMS). For example, the Department will review the national ambient air quality
standard for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) to encourage continuous improvement in air quality. In 2020
the Department will publish the final volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations for the petroleum sector
and will continue to develop and implement regulations on emissions from off-road compression-ignition
and large spark ignition engines. ECCC will also continue its global efforts to reduce transboundary air
pollutants, including under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement and the Convention on Long-Range
Transboundary Air Pollution.
16 Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities2020–21 Departmental Plan
The Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), designed to reduce air pollution from industrial boilers
and heaters, cement manufacturing, and stationary spark-ignition engines, were published in June 2016.
ECCC will continue to administer the MSAPR, as well as various non-regulatory instruments to reduce air
pollution. The Department will also finalize an on-line reporting system for the Multi-sector Air Pollutant
Regulation for stationary spark-ignition engines. In addition, ECCC will publish the final Off-Road
Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine emission regulations,
implement Tier 3 under the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulation, and implement amendments
to the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations, which came into force on March 22, 2018.
Protecting Canada’s freshwater resources
In 2020-21, ECCC will continue to focus efforts on the health of Restoring Hamilton Harbour
some of Canada’s important freshwater resources: Great Lakes,
ECCC continued to collaborate with
Lake Winnipeg, and the St. Lawrence River watersheds. the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment, Conservation and Parks,
In the Great Lakes Basin, home to one in three Canadians (and Stelco, Hamilton-Oshawa Port
one in ten Americans), ECCC will build on progress achieved Authority, City of Hamilton, City of
through Canada-United States collaboration to restore and Burlington, and Halton Region to
protect the Lakes and their significant environmental and clean up the Hamilton Harbour Area
economic benefits to both countries. Under the Great Lakes of Concern. Dredging and containing
contaminated sediments within a six-
Water Quality Agreement, the two nations have made
hectare, double-walled engineered
significant progress in addressing long-standing environmental containment facility will be finished in
degradation in Areas of Concernxviii (which are identified as 2020-21. The next step is to install an
having experienced high levels of environmental harm), and the environmental cap on top of the
spread of toxic and nuisance algae, particularly in the Lake Erie engineered containment facility
basin. The 2019 Progress Report of the Partiesxix reports on which will be finished by 2022-23.
progress and points to future priorities. Draft priorities for science Once completed, the site will be
and action were open for public comment (summer 2019) and, turned over to the Hamilton-Oshawa
Port Authority, which will maintain the
once finalized, will guide the work of the governments of both
facility in perpetuity and use the site
countries for the next three years. as valuable port land.
A new Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water
Quality and Ecosystem Health will be finalized in 2020. It will align
with Canada’s commitments under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement by addressing key
challenges in the Lakes (such as algae in Lake Erie) and focusing action on improving wastewater and
stormwater management, reducing pollution (such as chemical pollution and plastic waste), protecting
the more than 3,500 species living in the Basin, and addressing invasive species and climate resilience.
Funding announced in 2019 ($1 million over three years) for ten new partner-led projects – including one
that will create and restore aquatic habitats in the bays and coastal wetlands of Toronto’s Tommy
Thompson Park – will advance efforts to address priority areas under the Great Lakes Protection Initiative.
Lake Winnipeg is Canada’s sixth-largest lake and has a basin that drains water from four provinces (Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario) and four states (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and
Minnesota). Lake Winnipeg is an important freshwater resource that generates millions of dollars in revenue
through hydroelectricity, recreation and commercial freshwater fishing. It is also a significant cultural, social,
and economic resource for Indigenous Peoples and communities. Through the Lake Winnipeg Basin
Program, ECCC will continue to support nutrient-reduction efforts, basin-wide collaboration, and engage
Indigenous Peoples on freshwater issues. Actions funded through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program (2017-
2022) that reduce nutrient loading to the lake include wetland restoration and water retention. A key
priority for 2020-21 is the renewal of the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding Respecting
Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin, which facilitates important collaboration in support of the
long-term management of this key freshwater resource.
Environment and Climate Change Canada 172020-21 Departmental Plan The St. Lawrence River is recognized worldwide, as reflected in the Ramsar Convention10 designations of its four Wetlands of International Importance, as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designations of the Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve and the Miguasha National Park World Heritage Site. The Department will continue its priority work under the Canada-Québec Agreement on the St. Lawrence (St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011-2026) to conserve, restore, protect, and develop this major river. ECCC will continue its monitoring program, with the results of 21 indicators of water quality to be published in 2020-21. To protect and conserve freshwater resources across Canada, ECCC will support new EcoAction Community Funding Program projects – community-driven initiatives that will divert and reduce harmful substances, improve freshwater management, and increase climate resilience through action involving the development and/or restoration of natural infrastructure. In other major basins, such as the Saint John River (Wəlastəkw) watershed, the Department will continue efforts to increase coordination and collaboration with other government departments, Indigenous people, and stakeholders to identify and advance water quality and ecosystem priorities, goals, and objectives. To further protect Canada’s freshwater resources, ECCC will advance amendments to the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations that will strengthen protections. ECCC plans to publish proposed Coal Mining Effluent Regulations, which will be published for consultations, and to initiate preliminary consultations to advance the development of a new Oil Sands Effluent Regulations. With the support of Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada, ECCC we will explore ways to create a new Canada Water Agency, which will work with provinces, territories, indigenous communities, local communities and others to build on existing work and find the best solutions for maintaining safe, clean, and well-managed water resources. Protecting coastlines and oceans ECCC will continue to be a key partner in Canada’s $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), led by Transport Canada, to build a world-leading marine safety system and strengthen stewardship of Canada’s oceans and coasts. The Department’s major contribution is the provision of expertise in ocean modelling, spill behaviour, and other scientific advice to support improved prevention, emergency planning, and response to oil spills. ECCC will also continue its ongoing contribution of weather and environmental data to support healthier and safer coasts. Strengthening sustainable development across the Government of Canada ECCC is responsible for leading the development of a federal strategy for sustainable development every three years. The 2019-2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, tabled on June 19, 2019, sets out federal priorities, goals, and targets, as well as the actions to achieve them. ECCC’s Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program supports this work through data and information that tracks Canada's performance on key environmental sustainability issues including climate change and air quality, water quality and availability, and protecting nature. An Act to Amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act will come into force on December 1, 2020, and will expand the number of federal organizations required to report on their sustainable development activities from 26 to more than 90. 10 The Ramsar Convention was adopted as the first of the modern global nature conservation conventions. It is a highly regarded and active multilateral environmental agreement. The mission of the Ramsar Convention is the wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world. Canada joined the Convention in 1981. It is named after Ramsar in Iran, where the Convention was signed in 1971. 18 Planned results and resources, and key risks, for core responsibilities
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