Archived - Planning for a Sustainable Future: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Contribution to the 2010 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (2011-2012 update)

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Author: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Date: February 8, 2011

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Table of contents

  • Section 2 – Implementation of INAC's Responsibilities under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
  • Section 3 – Additional Departmental sustainable development activities / initiatives not captured in the FSDS

    • Section 1 – Sustainable Development

    Introduction

    Welcome to the website component of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Sustainable Development Strategy under the 2010 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) for Canada. This website details the department's responsibilities, objectives and plans for contributing to the goals and targets of the FSDS thereby supporting the Government of Canada's approach to sustainable development.

    Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

    Canada's first Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), Planning for a Sustainable Future: A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada  [Note 1] was adopted October 6, 2010 pursuant to the Federal Sustainable Development Act. The Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) had replaced requirements established in 1995 under the Auditor General Act that required federal departments and agencies to table in Parliament their individual strategies for sustainable development. The former system was criticized by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development for lacking a common government-wide vision and sustainable development goals and targets were often pushed to the margins of federal planning and reporting. Effective measurement, monitoring and reporting of progress was also found lacking. As a result, the ability of government to pursue a "plan, do, check and improve" approach to sustainable development was limited.

    The first FSDS consolidates the federal approach to sustainable development, streamlines the way various departments and agencies report and places sustainable development at the heart of government decision-making.

    The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, hereafter referred to as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), is responsible for preparing a Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy that supports and contributes to the FSDS.

    The first INAC Sustainable Development Strategy was adopted in late 1997, with the fourth and most recent being the INAC Sustainable Development Strategy 2007-2010. This Strategy builds on the successes of previous INAC strategies and is responsive to the requirements of the FSDA.

    Decision-making under the Act

    The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) puts the Government of Canada's environmental priorities within the broader context of social and economic priorities by recognizing the linkages to environmental concerns when economic and social decisions are being made. Its strength lies in making outcomes of decision-making more transparent. The FSDS also establishes a framework for sustainable development planning and reporting with three key elements:

    Development and implementation of the FSDS is a collaborative process across the whole of the Government of Canada. The Minister of the Environment has overall responsibility for the development of the FSDS.

    The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and other Ministers presiding over departments or agencies identified in the Act are responsible for preparing and tabling in Parliament Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies that comply with and contribute to the FSDS. The government has chosen to utilize the Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP) as a means of fulfilling this requirement.

    In addition, Environment Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat and Public Works and Government Services Canada also play key management roles through the preparation of common guidelines, assessment tools and data collection and dissemination across government.

    Priorities for Environmental Sustainability

    The FSDS focuses on environmental sustainability as a first step in integrating environmental concerns with economic and social considerations. This approach is guided by international experience and best practices that demonstrate the benefits of a strategic and targeted approach to planning and reporting. This environmental focus addresses four themes that are consistently high priorities of the Canadian public:

    1. Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality;
    2. Maintaining Water Quality and Availability;
    3. Protecting Nature; and
    4. Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government.

    Departmental Overview

    Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) supports Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and Northerners in their efforts to:

    INAC is the federal department primarily responsible for meeting the Government of Canada's obligations and commitments to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and for fulfilling the federal government's constitutional responsibilities in the North. INAC's overall mandate [Note 2] and wide-ranging responsibilities are shaped by centuries of history, and unique demographic and geographic challenges. It derives from the Canadian Constitution, the Indian Act, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Act, territorial Acts, treaties, comprehensive claims and self-government agreements, as well as various other statutes affecting Aboriginal people and the North.

    Most of the Department's programs, representing a majority of its spending, are delivered through partnerships with Aboriginal communities and federal–provincial or federal–territorial agreements. INAC also works with urban Aboriginal people, Métis and non-status Indians (many of whom live in rural areas) through the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. [Note 3] INAC is one of 34 federal departments and agencies delivering Aboriginal and northern programs and services.

    A Vision under the FSDS

    INAC's vision realizes the important role that social, economic and environmental conditions play in supporting sustainable communities:

    Canada's economic and social well-being benefits from strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal and northern people and communities.

    Our vision is a future in which First Nations, Inuit, Métis and northern communities are healthy, safe, self-sufficient and prosperous - a Canada where people make their own decisions, manage their own affairs and make strong contributions to the country as a whole.

    The department strives to integrate environmental, economic and social factors in the making of decisions in order to derive added benefits or to avoid or mitigate negative impacts on Aboriginal and northern communities for both present and future generations.

    Sustainable Development Practices

    Strategic Environmental Assessments at INAC

    In association with the adoption of the first FSDS in 2010, the Government of Canada revised the Guidelines for Implementing the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (the Cabinet Directive). First established in 1990, the Cabinet Directive is a key policy that formally integrates environmental considerations into federal government decision-making through the use of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Revisions to the Guidelines link SEA to the FSDS in three ways:

    1. Applying the FSDS goals and targets when undertaking SEAs;
    2. Reporting on the results of SEAs in Departmental Performance Reports; and
    3. Describing the link to the achievement of the FSDS goals and targets in SEA public statements.

    SEA is a key analytical tool used by the federal government to support environmentally sustainable decision-making. It evaluates the environmental effects of a proposed policy, plan, or program and its alternatives, and informs strategic decision-making through a careful analysis of environmental risks and opportunities. For more information on SEAs visit the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency  website [Note 4].

    Managing Sustainable Development Internally

    Indian and Northern Affairs Canada commits to:

    Managing Sustainable Development Externally

    External to the Department, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is actively engaged in several interdepartmental working groups to advance sustainable development. INAC is a member of the following interdepartmental working groups:

    In addition to the above, the Department is an active member of the Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network.


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    Section 2 – Implementation of INAC's Responsibilities under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

    This section outlines INAC's contribution to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. INAC is responsible for 10 implementation strategies under the FSDS that reflect existing departmental initiatives related to the federal goals and targets.

    FSDS Theme I: Climate Change and Air Quality

    INAC contributes to the Goal 1: Climate Change and Goal 2: Air Pollution under Theme I as follows:

    Goal 1: Climate Change – Reduce greenhouse gas emission levels to mitigate the severity and unavoidable impacts of climate change.

    Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation – Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

    Implementation Strategy 1.1.31 – Work with Aboriginal and northern communities, organizations and governments on climate change issues, through the development of sustainable energy initiatives and support them in managing vulnerabilities and opportunities created by a changing climate. (INAC, NRCan)

    The Department's two climate change programs contribute to this implementation strategy and support two departmental strategic outcomes. The ecoEnergy for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency sub-activity contributes to the Community Infrastructure Program Activity and supports the Land and Economy strategic outcome. The Assist Northerners in Assessing Key Vulnerabilities and Opportunities Program is under the Climate Change Adaptation sub activity which contributes to the Northern Governance and People Program Activity and supports the North strategic outcome.

    Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

    This program addresses greenhouse gas and criteria air contaminant emissions from energy production and use in Aboriginal and northern communities, including off-grid communities, by providing incentives to catalyze renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, such as investments in small and micro hydro, wind turbines, improved diesel generation efficiency, district heating and home and building heating systems. The program will assist Aboriginal and northern communities through all stages of project development, including project identification and inception, feasibility and planning studies, financial and project completion. It is expected that this initiative will assist in the overall increase in installed electrical generation capacity and in more energy efficiency use, resulting in the accompanying displacement of natural gas, coal and diesel-electric generation. As a result, greenhouse gas and associated criteria air contaminants emissions will be reduced. Therefore the program directly contributes to the achievement of Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation. This program sunsets on March 31, 2011. There are no performance expectations for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

    Climate Change Adaptation

    This program supports the development of sustainable Aboriginal and northern communities through identification of risks and vulnerabilities related to climate change, as well as development and implementation of plans and actions to manage those risks. It supports development of capacity and policy for the integration of climate change considerations into decision-making, and develops partnerships with Aboriginal and northern governments to maintain their engagement in addressing climate change issues. Therefore the program directly contributes to the achievement of Target 1.1 Climate Change Mitigation. This program sunsets on March 31, 2011. There are no performance expectations for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air contaminants in northern and Aboriginal communities
    Estimated reductions of GHG emissions resulting from funded renewable energy and energy efficiency projects (over a 20-year period). An estimated 1.3 Mt reduction of GHG emissions over a 20-year project life-cycle, for projects funded by the program. Projected GHG savings over 20 year life-cycle as of March 31, 2011.
    Expected Result: Increased capacity of Aboriginal people and Northerners to adapt to climate change impacts.
    Number of communities that are taking actions to integrate climate change risk management in planning, decision-making, and project implementation. 10 communities per year (2008-2011) March 31, 2011

    Goal 2: Air Pollution – Minimize the threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems.

    Target 2.1: Air Pollutants – Reduce air pollutants in order to maintain or improve air quality across the country and achieve the emission targets which are currently under development in consultation with provinces and stakeholders.

    Implementation Strategy 2.1.16 – ecoACTION programs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can directly or indirectly contribute to air pollutant emission reduction. (NRCan, TC, INAC)

    This implementation strategy is supported by the ecoEnergy for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency sub-activity which contributes to the Community Infrastructure Program Activity and supports the Land and Economy strategic outcome.

    Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (See description above)

    The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency program assists Aboriginal and northern communities in project development of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. The implementation of these measures will result in sustainable energy resources, as well as a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of reduced fossil fuel use. Therefore the program directly contributes to the achievement of Target 2.1 Air pollutants. This program sunsets on March 31, 2011. There are no performance expectations for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air contaminants in northern and Aboriginal communities
    Estimated reductions of GHG emissions resulting from funded renewable energy and energy efficiency projects (over a 20-year period). An estimated 1.3 Mt reduction of GHG emissions over a 20-year project life-cycle, for projects funded by the program. Projected GHG savings over 20 year life-cycle as of March 31, 2011.

    Goal 2: Air Pollution – Minimize the threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is clean and supports healthy ecosystems.

    Target 2.3: Chemicals Management – Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment posed by harmful substances as a result of decreased environmental concentrations and human exposure to such substances.

    Implementation Strategy 2.3.7 and 3.12.6 The Northern Contaminants Program will continue monitoring contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North.

    This implementation strategy is found under the North Strategic Outcome, the Northern Science and Technology Program Activity and the Northern Contaminants sub-activity.

    Northern Contaminants Program

    This program engages Northerners and world-class Canadian scientists in research and monitoring of long-range contaminants in the Canadian Arctic. The health and well-being of all Northerners is augmented as northern people consume traditional/country foods based in part on information and advice made possible by this program. The program has international influence as a leader in the Arctic Council – Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, and is a key contributor of scientific data to international agreements, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Stockholm Convention, and helps to position Canada as an international leader in Arctic science.

    The Northern Contaminants Program generated data is used to complete assessments on ecosystem and human health. The results of these assessments influence policy that results in actions to eliminate contaminants from long range sources. This action will ensure that the safety and security of traditional country food that is important to the health of Northerners and Northern communities. Therefore, this activity directly contributes to the achievement of Targets 2.3 Chemicals Management.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Reduced contaminant related risk to ecosystem and human health.
    Percent decrease in concentrations of previously identified contaminants in northern wildlife. 5% decrease in concentration from 1990 levels by 2014. March 31, 2014
    Percent decrease in concentrations of previously identified contaminants among northern populations. 5% decrease in concentration from 1990 levels by 2014. March 31, 2014

    FSDS Theme II: Maintaining Water Quality and Availability

    INAC contributes to the Goal 3: Water Quality under Theme II as follows:

    Goal 3: Water Quality – Protect and enhance the quality of water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems.

    3.10 Target: Drinking Water Quality – Increase the percentage of First Nation communities with acceptable [Note 5] water and wastewater facility risk ratings by 2013.

    This target is co-lead by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Health Canada.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Infrastructure base in First Nation communities that protects the health and safety of community members and enables engagement in the economy
    Percentage of First Nation communities with acceptable water and wastewater facility risk ratings Increase in the percentage of First Nation communities with acceptable water and wastewater facility risk ratings 2013 March 31, 2013
    Percentage of First Nation drinking water systems have low risk ratings The National Assessment will provide the baseline for this indicator. A target will be established in 2011 and will be reviewed annually.

    The following six INAC implementation strategies support target 3.10 Drinking Water Quality. The implementation strategies are all from the program sub-activity Water and Wastewater Infrastructure under the Community Infrastructure Program Activity of The Land and Economy Strategic Outcome.

    Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

    The goal is to support First Nations in meeting health and safety standards and providing their residents with similar levels of service to off reserve communities. First Nations identify their priorities and needs and present project proposals to the department. Grants and contribution funding is provided for projects based on a priority assessment and project risk levels. This program supports the provision of funding for the planning, design, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of infrastructure facilities, including: community water supply, treatment and distribution systems; and community wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems. It includes the provision of funding for: coordination, training and capacity building for activities related to water and wastewater facilities; identification of on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure needs; development of water and wastewater infrastructure capital plans; and the design, and ongoing implementation of water and wastewater facilities maintenance management practices.

    Implementation Strategy 3.10.1 – Undertake a National Assessment of First Nation communities to assess the current status and associated risk for all existing communal water and wastewater systems and analyze various options for community serviceability. Indirect link to FSDS target.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Infrastructure base in First Nation communities that protects the health and safety of community members and enables engagement in the economy
    All field work for the National Assessment of Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities assessment is complete. Analysis of options Early fiscal year 2011-2012.

    Implementation Strategy 3.10.4 – Ensure that training is available for all operators and that a regime is in place so that all water systems have oversight of a certified operator. Direct link to FSDS target 3.10.

    Implementation Strategy 3.10.5.1 – Enhance the Circuit Rider Training Program. Direct link to FSDS target 3.10.

    Implementation Strategy 3.10.5.2 – Increase the number of Circuit Rider trainers and operators. Direct link to FSDS target 3.10.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: The operation of water and wastewater facilities meet INAC protocols and communities have the capacity to manage water and wastewater facilities.
    % of First Nations communities that have primary operators certified to the level of the wastewater systems The National Assessment will provide the baseline for this indicator. A target will be established in 2011 and will be reviewed annually.
    % of First Nations communities that have primary operators certified to the level of the drinking water systems The National Assessment will provide the baseline for this indicator. A target will be established in 2011 and will be reviewed annually.

    Implementation Strategy 3.10.9 – Develop and continuously update technical guidance protocols, such as the Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities and the Protocol for Wastewater Treatment and Disposal in First Nations Communities. (INAC and Environment Canada are jointly responsible for this implementation strategy.) Direct link to FSDS target 3.10.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Infrastructure base in First Nation communities that protects the health and safety of community members and enables engagement in the economy
    Develop or update protocols as required. Protocols developed or updated. Completed as required.

    Implementation Strategy 3.10.11 – Develop appropriate regulatory framework and legislation for safe drinking water and wastewater treatment in First Nation communities. Direct link to FSDS target 3.10.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Infrastructure base in First Nation communities that protects the health and safety of community members and enables engagement in the economy
    Development and approval of legislation. Approval of legislation. Legislation approval is dependent on Parliamentary processes.

    Target 3.12: Chemicals Management – Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment posed by harmful substances as a result of decreased environmental concentrations and human exposure to such substances.

    Implementation Strategy 2.3.7 and 3.12.6 – The Northern Contaminants Program will continue monitoring contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North.

    This implementation strategy is found under the North Strategic Outcome, the Northern Science and Technology Program Activity and the Northern Contaminants sub-activity.

    Northern Contaminants Program

    This program engages Northerners and world-class Canadian scientists in research and monitoring of long-range contaminants in the Canadian Arctic. The health and well-being of all Northerners is augmented as northern people consume traditional/country foods based in part on information and advice made possible by this program. The program has international influence as a leader in the Arctic Council – Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP), and is a key contributor of scientific data to international agreements, such as the UNEP Stockholm Convention, and helps to position Canada as an international leader in Arctic science.

    The Northern Contaminants Program generated data is used to complete assessments on ecosystem and human health. The results of these assessments influence policy that results in actions to eliminate contaminants from long range sources. This action will ensure that the safety and security of traditional country food that is important to the health of Northerners and Northern communities. Therefore, this activity directly contributes to the achievement of Targets 3.12 Chemicals Management.

    FSDS Theme III: Protecting Nature

    INAC contributes to one goal under Theme III as follows:

    Goal 7: Biological Resources

    Target 7.3: Sustainable Forest Management – Improve the management of Canada's forest ecosystems through the development and dissemination of knowledge.

    Implementation Strategy 7.3.1 – First Nations Forestry Program – support initiatives to enhance first nations' capacity to sustainably manage reserve forests and other forests. (INAC and Natural Resources Canada are jointly responsible for this implementation strategy).

    The program is found under the Land and Economy Strategic Outcome, the Aboriginal Economic Development Program Activity, Activation of Community Assets sub-activity.

    First Nations Forestry Program

    The First Nations Forestry Program is a joint program with Natural Resources Canada. It provides funding and support to improve the capacity of First Nations to develop and sustainably manage their forest resources and to participate in and benefit from forest-based development opportunities. This activity links to the FSDS and directly to the achievement of Target 7.3: Sustainable Forest Management. This program sunsets on March 31, 2011 and does not have any performance expectations for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

    FSDS Theme IV: Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government

    Greening of Government Operations was a major objective of INAC's previous Sustainable Development Strategy. The Office of Greening Government Operations was created in April 2005 and recommended that federal departments include activities concerning three areas – buildings, vehicles and green procurement – in their fourth strategy. Building on these recommendations, the FSDS sets out new mandatory targets in the areas of green buildings, greenhouse gas emissions, electronic waste, printing units, paper consumption, green meetings and green procurement. INAC is committed to greening its internal operations as required by the new targets for greening government operations.

    INAC contributes to the Greening of Government Operations targets through the internal services program activity. The Department contributes to the following target areas of Theme IV, Shrinking the Environmental Footprint — Beginning with Government, of the FSDS:

    Details regarding INAC's specific responsibilities are available in the Greening Government Operations Supplementary Table [Note 6] in INAC's 2011-2012 Report on Plans and Priorities.


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    Section 3 – Additional Departmental sustainable development activities / initiatives not captured in the FSDS

    Contaminated Sites

    Indian and Northern Affairs Canada contributes to the cleanup of contaminated sites in Canada through two programs: Contaminated Sites on Reserve and northern Contaminated Sites, which support two departmental strategic outcomes. Contaminated Sites on Reserve is under the Land and Economy Strategic Outcome, the Federal Administration of Reserve Land Program Activity, Environmental Management sub-activity. Northern Contaminated Sites is under the North Strategic Outcome, the Northern Land, Resources and Environmental Management Program Activity, Contaminated Sites sub-activity.

    Contaminated Sites on Reserve (Land and Economy Strategic Outcome)

    The Contaminated Sites on Reserve activity provides for the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites on reserve land through the implementation of the Contaminated Sites Management Program (CSMP) and the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FSCAP), in accordance with departmental and federal policies and procedures. It also provides funding to First Nation organizations and individual First Nations for the identification, assessment, management and remediation of contaminated sites, as well as environmental capacity building. This program links to FSDS and the achievement of Target 2.3 Chemicals Management under Theme I – Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality and Target 3.12 Chemicals Management under Theme II – Maintaining Water Quality and Availability.

    Contaminated Sites (The North Strategic Outcome)

    This sub-activity ensures that contaminated sites are managed to ensure the protection of human health and safety as well as the environment for all Northerners by assessing and remediating contaminated sites and supporting the employment and training of Northerners, particularly Aboriginals. This program links to the FSDS and the achievement of Target 2.3 Chemicals Management under Theme I – Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality and Target 3.12 Chemicals Management under Theme II – Maintaining Water Quality and Availability.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: A more accurate picture of contaminated sites on reserve (Contaminated Sites on Reserve).
    Percentage of sites assessed in Integrated Environmental Management System (IEMS). 80% March 31, 2012
    Management of contaminated sites to protect human health and the safety of the environment. Number of contaminated sites remediated. March 31, 2012
    Expected Result: Reduction of highest ranked human health and ecological risks on reserve according to the priority ranking system (Contaminated Sites on Reserve).
    Number of Class 1 and 2 sites in IEMS where risk reduction is occurring (Step 7 and 8). Five sites at Step 7 and 8. March 31, 2012
    Number of Class 1 and 2 sites in IEMS where risk reduction has occurred (Step 9 and 10). Five sites at Step 9 and 10. March 31, 2012
    Number of Class 1 and 2 sites in IEMS where risk reduction is completed. Two sites completed. March 31, 2012
    Expected Result: Contaminated sites are managed to ensure the protection of human health and the safety of the environment while bringing economic benefit to the North (Contaminated Sites).
    Number of suspected contaminated sites assessed. 848 (all) by 2012. March 31, 2012
    Number of sites in Step 8 (implementation) through Step 10 (monitoring) of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan 10-step process. 25 March 31, 2012

    Protected Areas Strategy

    Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Protected Areas Strategy is under the North Strategic Outcome, the Northern Land, Resources and Environmental Management Program Activity, Environmental Management sub-activity.

    This sub-activity manages environmental interests of Northerners, Aboriginal Peoples and Canadians in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Protected areas, land use planning, environmental assessments and environmental monitoring are important and complementary pieces of INAC's environmental management responsibilities as required by policy, legislation and comprehensive land claims agreement obligations. This sub-activity indirectly supports the achievement of Target 6.1 Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitat – Non-Park Protected Habitat under Theme III – Protecting Nature.

    Performance Indicator Target Target Date
    Expected Result: Sound environmental protection and management is fostered and promoted through the NWT Protected Areas Strategy and fulfilling claims-related obligations with respect to the implementation of environmental monitoring programs.
    Number of areas brought under protection through the NWT Protected Areas Strategy. 6 areas by 2013 March 31, 2013

    Comprehensive Sustainable Development Strategy

    In keeping with our mandate and vision [Note 7], Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will continue to better integrate the department's response to environmental concerns with its responses to social and economic issues.

    This integrated approach to addressing sustainable development concerns is particularly relevant to the department, and is reinforced by Aboriginal and northern communities which often regard social, economic and environmental challenges as inter-related.

    Healthier, safer, economically, politically and environmentally more stable Aboriginal and northern communities is a sustainable development outcome that the department seeks to support through its policies, programs, funding opportunities and relationships.


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    Footnotes:

    1. http://www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/default.asp?lang=En&n=F93CD795-1  (return to source paragraph)
    2. For INAC's mandate, please see www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/arp/mrr-eng.asp. (return to source paragraph)
    3. For more information on the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians (OFI), please see www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/ofi/index-eng.asp. (return to source paragraph)
    4. www.ceaa.gc.ca  (return to source paragraph)
    5. It is understood that "acceptable" means "low risk". (return to source paragraph)
    6. www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2011-2012/info/info-eng.asp . (return to source paragraph)
    7. See: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/index-eng.asp (return to source paragraph)

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