Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
Table of contents
1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016 to 2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the purpose of this Act to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) supports reporting on the implementation of the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) — its first as a new department, since the Government of Canada announced that Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) would be dissolved in August 2017.
2. Sustainable development in Indigenous Services Canada
Indigenous Services Canada works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Our vision is to support and empower Indigenous peoples to independently deliver services and address the socio-economic conditions in their communities, aligning closely with the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainable development.
As a new department, ISC has been involved in sustainable development departmental actions that were identified under the INAC 2017 to 2020 DSDS, as well as departmental actions identified under the Health Canada 2017 to 2020 DSDS for the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
The INAC and Health Canada Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies for 2017 to 2020 describe ISC's actions in support of achieving:
- Low-carbon government
- Effective action on climate change
- Modern and resilient infrastructure
- Clean energy
- Clean drinking water
- Sustainable food
- Safe and healthy communities
This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these FSDS goals.
3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal
The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) goals listed in Section 2.
Most of the content listed in these tables pertains to departmental actions that were identified under the INAC 2017 to 2020 DSDS and Health Canada 2017 to 2020 DSDS, for activities led by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Information found under the "Results achieved" and the "Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target" columns refers to ISC performance updates.
Low-Carbon Government
ISC is the custodian of buildings, leases space in facilities across the country, manages a fleet of vehicles, and procures goods and services in order to serve Canadians. The commitments under the low-carbon government goal outline the areas ISC has been focusing on to continue to reduce the environmental effects associated with the Department's physical operations and procurement decisions. Specifically, ISC has been taking steps to 'green' its buildings, support the reduction of energy use in the Department's fleet, and better integrate environmental performance considerations into all aspects of the departmental procurement process. For example, departmental vehicles are often required to haul equipment on unpaved roads in remote areas to support program delivery but zero-emissions vehicle selections are limited in the heavier vehicle categories. ISC is therefore updating its departmental policies and procedures for fleet purchased to require completion of "right-sizing" charts for new vehicles.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025 | Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations | Develop a baseline of INAC facility GHG emissions. Implement the updated INAC Real Property Sustainability Framework. Assess and optimize the environmental performance of INAC real property projects and assets. |
Starting point: INAC has not reported on facility GHG emissions to date. INAC is currently updating its departmental Real Property Sustainability Framework and environmental performance standards for real property. INAC's environmental performance indicators for real property will be included in the next update to this strategy Performance indicators: INAC will develop a baseline for facility GHG emissions by fiscal year 2018-19. INAC will update its real property environmental performance standards by fiscal year 2018-19.
|
Results: A baseline of INAC facility GHG emissions was developed in 2017-18, and all facilities included in the baseline have been transferred to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). ISC has no reportable facility emissions and stakeholders were consulted annually to validate reporting. Finalization of ISC's Real Property Sustainability Framework and real property environmental performance standards has been delayed to fiscal year 2020-21 to align with the forthcoming Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Assets and Acquired Services Policy Suite Reset. ISC will develop a Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy in accordance with the Greening Government Strategy. ISC focused on real property due diligence, interdepartmental transfers for INAC Transformation, and other greening files during fiscal year 2019-20. INAC's Transformation required comprehensive updates to ISC's governance and implementation of greening government targets. |
FSDS: Actions that have reduced the demand for energy or switched to cleaner sources of energy have led to reductions in GHGs. SDG: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
|
| Modernize our fleet | Reduce carbon intensity through vehicle purchase and replacement (deploying hybrid, electric, and fuel-efficient vehicles where feasible). Promote behaviour change (e.g.: anti-idling campaigns, driver training, car-pooling initiatives). |
Starting point: INAC updated its departmental Fleet GHG Emissions Reduction Strategy in 2016. INAC exceeded the 2013–2016 FSDS fleet GHG emissions reduction target of "17% by 2020-21" in 2012. INAC plans to meet the new federal fleet GHG emissions reduction target of 40% by 2020. INAC's fleet GHG emissions increased between 2013-14 and 2016-17, however further reductions are expected through advances in vehicle technologies and anticipated reductions in program activities over the next several years. Performance indicators: INAC expects to reduce GHG emissions from its fleets by 40% by 2020 relative to fiscal year 2005-06.
|
Results: Adjusted base year (2005-06) fleet emissions were defined for ISC based on historical data from INAC and Health Canada (for the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch fleet).
|
FSDS: Actions that have reduced the amount of fuel consumed for fleet operation or switched to less GHG intensive sources of fuels have contributed to GHG reductions SDG: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
|
|
| Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement | Establish updated departmental targets to reduce the environmental impact of specific goods or services. Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls. Incorporate environmental considerations into the development of any common-use procurement instruments. Ensure decision-makers have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement. Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations. |
Starting point: INAC has developed an Implementation Strategy for Green Procurement to structure necessary work on internal procedures. INAC is currently developing a departmental Green Procurement Policy and updating its departmental green procurement targets. INAC's latest departmental green procurement targets included two that ended on March 31, 2017, and one related to air travel which is now addressed through the FSDS actions to promote sustainable travel. INAC's new departmental green procurement targets will be reflected in the next update to this strategy. Performance indicators: By December 31, 2017, INAC will establish new departmental green procurement targets. By March 31, 2018, 90% completion of the INAC Implementation Strategy for Green Procurement.
|
Results: ISC's Directive on Green Procurement and Departmental Green Procurement Targets has been finalized for approval during the 2020-21 fiscal year.
|
FSDS: Green procurement has been incorporating environmental considerations into purchasing decisions, with the expectation of motivating suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain. GHG reductions have been one area of consideration in green procurement. SDG: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
|
|
| Promote sustainable travel practices | Monitor annual GHG emissions from business-related air travel. Promote the use of teleconferences and videoconferences to minimize travel requirements for meetings. Promote awareness of environmental impacts due to employee travel. Purchase GHG emission offsets for travel where feasible and in accordance with federal direction. |
Starting point: INAC has been reporting on greenhouse gas emissions from business-related air travel since 2011-12. By March 31, 2021, INAC will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from business-related air travel 25% relative to 2008-09 levels. INAC will update its departmental air travel GHG emissions reduction target by fiscal year 2018-19 to promote continued improvement. Performance indicators:
|
Results: Air travel emissions for fiscal year 2017-18 were reported for the former department of INAC. Fiscal year 2018-19 was the first year ISC's GHG emissions from business-related air travel were reported independently for the new department. Emissions for 2019-20 will be reported through the Centre for Greening Government during fiscal year 2020-21. Air travel emissions:
ISC is adopting departmental green procurement target to prioritize the use of travel accommodations with high environmental performance ratings (e.g.e.g. Green Globe, Green Key). |
FSDS: Actions taken to reduce the amount of business travel or switch to less GHG intensive modes of transportation have reduced GHG emissions. SDG: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
|
|
| Starting point: INAC promotes awareness of environmental impacts due to employee travel through regular annual events such as Canadian Environment Week and the Commuter Challenge. INAC is developing an Employee Engagement Strategy in collaboration with the INAC Greening Government Working group by the end of fiscal year 2017-18. Performance indicators:
|
Results: The ISC/CIRNAC Greening Government Employee Engagement Strategy was endorsed by the Directors General Implementation and Operations Committee during fiscal year 2018-19. ISC delayed development of guidance on purchasing offsets due to the absence of federal guidance. ISC will develop guidance on purchasing offsets in accordance with the forthcoming updated government-wide Greening Government Strategy, including purchases by recipients of grants and contributions. |
||||
| Starting point: INAC has not purchased GHG emission offset credits for business-related travel or large events to date. Performance indicator:
|
Results:
|
Effective action on climate change
Climate change is a critical global problem that could affect future generations' ability to meet their basic needs. ISC's suite of climate change programs have been supporting effective action on climate change through both mitigation and adaptation. Adaptation, a key factor in addressing climate change, is about making smart, informed, forward-looking decisions. For example, the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program, which is unique among adaptation programs, has been focusing on supporting community-driven health research and adaptation strategies through allowing communities to identify the areas of research and vulnerability assessments that are of greatest importance to them. In addition, the Emergency Management Assistance Program supports emergency preparedness activities, such as the development of risk assessments, to better support First Nation communities in strengthening their capacity and resilience to the mounting threats associated with climate change.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels | Provide in-kind support and funding for climate resilience | Note: The corresponding departmental actions identified for this FSDS contributing action in the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) for 2017 to 2020 pertain to two programs — the First Nation Adapt (FNA) Program, and the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring (ICBCM) Program — which now fall under Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). Corresponding departmental actions within ISC are being delivered through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF). This has been clarified in ISC's new DSDS for 2020 to 2023. |
Note: All of the performance indicators, and related targets and starting points identified here in the INAC DSDS pertain to the FNA and ICBCM programs. Results on these programs will be reported through CIRNAC's 2019-20 Departmental Results Report (DRR) in the corresponding Supplementary Information Tables for DSDS reporting. Performance indicators, and related targets and starting points for ISC's FNIF have been identified in ISC's new DSDS for 2020 to 2023 to aid future reporting on departmental activities in this area. |
Results: ISC worked with CIRNAC on the First Nation Adapt Program to address the impacts of climate change on infrastructure on First Nations reserves. Since April 2016, ISC has been working with First Nations to increase the resilience of high-risk communities to the impacts of climate change. In total, 58 structural mitigation projects have been launched and 26 have been completed, benefiting 63 First Nations communities and serving approximately 73,000 people. In 2019-20, to support First Nations communities, ISC:
|
FSDS: ISC provided funding to First Nations communities to develop information and tools to support the identification of climate change impacts and adaptation measures, and for activities related to building climate resilient infrastructure and emergency management. The long-term outcome of these programs is to increase resilience to climate change impacts by implementing adaptation measures and by properly considering the current and future impacts of climate change on First Nations in planning and construction. SDG: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13: Climate Action
|
| Make funding available to First Nations communities through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada's enhanced Emergency Management Assistance Program to support emergency preparedness activities, including: the development of risk assessments, the FireSmart program on-reserve, flood protection studies, and developing, updating, and exercising emergency management plans. | Starting point: In the 2016-17 fiscal year, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) funded 100% of the $19.11M allocated towards the non-structural mitigation and preparedness funding stream. Of the $19.11M, 80% was allocated towards non-structural mitigation and preparedness activities. The remaining 20% ($3.7M) was internally reallocated, when Emergency Management Service Agreements with provincial stakeholders were not finalized, to support priority housing projects in Ontario and fire hall projects in Quebec, both of which contributed to building community resilience. Performance indicator: 100% of non-structural mitigation (i.e. flood mapping and risk assessment) and preparedness funding allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building by March 31, 2018. |
Results: 100% of non-structural and preparedness funding was allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building by March 31, 2018. |
FSDS: ISC's EMAP is providing First Nations with support through the four pillars of emergency management — preparedness, non-structural mitigation, response, and recovery — as well as forest fire suppression activities. This approach to emergency events, many of which are exacerbated or caused by climate change, has enabled ISC to better support First Nations communities in strengthening their capacity and resilience to the mounting threats associated with climate change. The funding made available through the EMAP is facilitating disaster readiness, threat and capability awareness, and also supports individual and community recovery efforts following a disaster event. SDG: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
|
||
| Starting point: Historically, the EMAP has funded 100% of all identified and eligible response and recovery costs to support community recovery and disaster resilience. When the Program's A-Based funding has been depleted, the EMAP has consistently secured additional funds through submitting requests to Treasury Board. Performance Indicator: 100% transfer of funds equivalent to eligible costs identified (eligible costs include but are not limited to the evacuation of on-reserve First Nation communities, direct emergency response activities, and other cleaning and rebuilding expenses) by March 31, 2018. |
Results: 100% transfer of funds equivalent to eligible response and recovery costs identified was achieved by March 31, 2018. |
||||
| Host regional workshops with First Nations communities across Canada to promote the new southern component of the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program.* Provide funding for community-driven projects in First Nations communities south of the 60th parallel, and northern First Nations and Inuit communities. Funding will support the development of adaptation plans and actions that identify and prioritize the health impacts of climate change.* |
Starting point: In 2016-17, the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program held workshops in three regions to promote the new southern component. Performance indicator: By March 31, 2018, five regional workshops will have identified priorities related to the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program, including the expansion of the Program south of the 60th parallel. |
Results: Since 2017, Climate Change Health Adaptation Program (CCHAP) North has supported 45 projects across 14 different communities, including many multi-year and multi-community projects. In 2016, CCHAP expanded south of the 60th parallel. Since 2016, CCHAP South has supported 99 different First Nations communities to carry out a total of 64 projects. To promote CCHAP South and to help First Nations communities develop project proposals, five workshops were held. Three were held in 2016-17 (Atlantic, Northern Ontario, and Manitoba), and two were held in 2017-18 (Alberta and Saskatchewan). |
FSDS: Projects funded through the CCHAP include action-oriented projects that are helping to minimize climate change risks and to adapt to the impacts of climate change on human health. First Nations and Inuit communities are leaders in helping to understand and address vulnerabilities and risks from climate change impacts, identifying economic opportunities arising from clean growth, and reducing emissions. By providing financial support, the CCHAP is creating opportunities for communities to identify the areas of adaptation research and vulnerability-assessments (e.g. food insecurity and access to traditional food, physical and mental health impacts, extreme weather events, water monitoring) that are of greatest importance to them so they can be prioritized at a local and regional level. SDG: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 13: Climate Action
|
||
| Starting point: Since the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program began in 2008, 95 projects in northern First Nations and Inuit communities have been supported. Performance indicator: By March 31, 2018, 100% of stakeholders receiving funding from the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program will have identified adaptation measures in their plans, strategies, reports and projects (n=7 southern communities, n=4 northern communities). |
Results: 100% of CCHAP North and South funding recipients have identified local or regional health adaptation measures as part of their funded projects. These measures were shared with community members and partners through workshops, community communication strategies and resources, adaptation plans, engagement sessions, reports, videos, or community events. This has increased awareness of climate change and health adaptation across Inuit and First Nations communities in the North and South. |
||||
| * This corresponding departmental action and the related starting points and performance indicators were identified under Health Canada's DSDS for 2017 to 2020. | |||||
Modern and Resilient Infrastructure
Green infrastructure protects the natural environment, supports healthy and resilient communities, drives economic growth, and improves our quality of life. ISC investments in waste management infrastructure and programming on reserve seek to work with First Nations to develop solid waste management approaches that meet individual community needs with solutions tailored to the needs of the community comparable to off-reserve communities. The commitments ISC has been focusing on include: diverting waste from reserve whenever possible; supporting recycling, composting, and hazardous waste diversion programming; increasing community awareness; and constructing landfills when appropriate.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By the end of 2025-2026, invest $20 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality | Work with partners on green infrastructure | Invest in waste management infrastructure and programming on-reserve. Work with First Nations to develop solid waste management approaches that meet individual community needs. Activities will include:
|
Starting point: TBD. Performance indicator: By March 31, 2018, 42 First Nation communities will improve their infrastructure and 64 First Nation communities will improve waste programming. |
Results: As of March 31, 2020, 87 First Nations communities have improved their waste management infrastructure and 132 communities have improved their waste programming. |
FSDS: Key departmental actions have been supporting First Nations with waste management solutions that are tailored to the needs of the community, comparable to off-reserve communities, and that are providing employment opportunities to Indigenous people while contributing to improving environmental quality. SDG: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
|
Clean energy
ISC seeks to ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy by working with First Nations communities, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations, and other federal departments to plan and implement projects that reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity on reserve.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources By 2025, contribute to the North American goal of 50% clean power generation By 2019, there is a favourable five-year trend in renewable electricity capacity compared to overall electricity sources, from a 2014 level of 64.4% |
Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy | Work with territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and communities, and other federal departments to develop a plan and timeline for deploying innovative renewable energy and efficiency alternatives to diesel. | Note: All of the performance indicators, and related targets and starting points identified in the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) for 2017 to 2020 pertain to the Northern REACHE (Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heating and Electricity) program, which now falls under Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). Results on this program will be reported through CIRNAC's 2019-20 Departmental Results Report (DRR) in the corresponding Supplementary Information Tables for DSDS reporting. |
Results: As part of the funding announced in Budget 2016 and onward, ISC has invested in energy projects to enable communities to transition away from diesel dependency. Of the 76 energy projects that have been launched, 55 are completed. These projects benefit 71 different communities and serve approximately 88,000 people. In May 2018, Wuikinuxv in British Columbia, in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, completed the construction of the 350kW Nicknaqueet River Hydropower Project, which will displace approximately 92% of the diesel used for power generation. In March 2018, the federal government announced a $1.6-billion investment in the Wataynikaneyap Power Project to connect 16 remote First Nations to the provincial power grid in northwestern Ontario. Through 2017 to 2019, approximately $63M in funding was provided for the first community, Pikangikum First Nations, to be connected to the provincial grid in Ontario, which was completed in December 2018. In 2019-20, ISC provided $3.15-million to six First Nations communities in Ontario in order to prepare them for their eventual connection to the provincial grid. ISC also continued to provide support to advance diesel reduction and elimination projects ongoing in remote First Nation communities across Canada. |
FSDS: ISC continues to support and provide funding for First Nations-led efforts to establish baseline community diesel consumption and identify and implement renewable electricity options to reduce diesel consumption in remote communities. ISC is also working in collaboration with other federal government departments, such as Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Infrastructure Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada, for the development of a national approach to reduce dependency on diesel energy. SDG: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
|
Clean Drinking Water
ISC continues to take steps to ensure clean drinking water for First Nations on reserve. One specific aspect of this commitment is the ongoing implementation of an action plan aimed at eliminating all long-term drinking water advisories affecting on reserve public First Nations drinking water systems financially supported by ISC through making additional resiliency investments. As long-term drinking water advisories are lifted, First Nations will have improved access to safe and sustainable drinking water. Capital investments result in a newer and upgraded stock of water assets on reserve that can be more easily operated and maintained and contribute to meeting the priority of improving essential physical infrastructure for First Nations communities. Through investments in facility operation and maintenance, and operator training, First Nations will be able to manage water and wastewater assets and ensure ongoing drinking water safety for community members.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By March 31, 2021 100% of the long-term drinking water advisories affecting First Nation drinking water systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada are to be resolved | Provide support for water and wastewater services | Provide funding and advice to First Nation communities on the planning, procurement, design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems. Assists First Nations in identifying infrastructure needs and submitting capital projects proposals. |
Starting point for drinking water systems: 2011 baseline: 27% of on-reserve public drinking water systems financially supported by INAC have low risk ratings. Drinking water systems performance indicator: By March 31, 2021, 65% of on-reserve public drinking water systems financially supported by INAC will have low risk ratings. |
Results: In 2018-19, 56% of on-reserve public drinking water systems financially supported by ISC had low risk ratings. Due to regional delays in uploading data as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results for this indicator for 2019-20 were not available at the time of this reporting. Data will be updated once the new report is complete. |
FSDS: Funding and technical support are enabling the delivery of drinking water and wastewater services in First Nations communities to ensure that First Nations public drinking water and wastewater systems financially supported by ISC meet established standards. SDG: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
|
| Starting point for wastewater systems: 2011 baseline: 35% of on-reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by INAC have low-risk ratings. Wastewater systems performance indicator: By March 31, 2021, 65% of on-reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by INAC have low risk ratings. |
Results: In 2018-19, 48% of on-reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by ISC had low risk ratings. Due to regional delays in uploading data as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results for this indicator for 2019-20 were not available at the time of this reporting. Data will be updated once the new report is complete. |
||||
| Starting point for long-term drinking water advisories 2015 baseline: 77 of long-term drinking water advisories affecting on-reserve public water systems financially supported by INAC. Long-term drinking water advisories performance indicator: End long-term drinking water advisories affecting on-reserve public water systems financially supported by INAC by March 2021. |
Results: As of March 31, 2020, there were 61 long-term drinking water advisories affecting on-reserve public water systems financially supported by ISC. |
||||
| Infrastructure projects performance indicator: Number of Budget 2016 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects completed and in use in First Nation communities. Infrastructure projects performance indicator: 140 Budget 2016 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects completed and in use in First Nation communities per year until March 31, 2021. |
Results: This indicator is no longer applicable to the DSDS, as it does not measure success against meeting the outcome of eliminating long-term drinking water advisories. |
||||
| Starting point for water and wastewater system operators 2011 Baselines: 51% of on-reserve public systems financially supported by INAC that have primary operators certified to the level of the drinking water systems. 42% of on-reserve public systems financially supported by INAC that have primary operators certified to the level of the wastewater system. Water and wastewater system operators performance indicators By March 31, 2021 70% of on-reserve public systems financially supported by INAC that have primary operators certified to the level of the drinking water systems. By March 31, 2021, 60% of on-reserve public systems financially supported by INAC that have primary operators certified to the level of the wastewater systems. |
Results: In 2018-19, 74% of on-reserve public systems financially supported by ISC had primary operators certified to the level of the drinking water systems. Due to regional delays in uploading data as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results for this indicator for 2019-20 were not available at the time of this reporting. Data will be updated once the new report is complete. |
||||
| Results: In 2018-19, 58% of on-reserve public systems financially supported by ISC had primary operators certified to the level of the wastewater systems. Due to regional delays in uploading data as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results for this indicator for 2019-20 were not available at the time of this reporting. Data will be updated once the new report is complete. |
|||||
| Support all First Nations communities in ensuring they have ongoing access to a trained Community Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor or an Environmental Health Officer to sample and test the drinking water for potential bacteriological contamination.* Support First Nations communities in on-going monitoring of drinking water quality in order to minimize potential negative health impacts.* |
Starting point: Since 2012-13, all First Nations communities have had access to a trained Community Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor or an Environmental Health Officer. Performance indicator: By March 31, 2018, 100% of First Nations communities have access to a trained Community Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor or an Environmental Health Officer. |
Results: All First Nations communities continue to have access to a trained Community Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor or an Environmental Public Health Officer to sample and test the drinking water for potential bacteriological contamination. |
FSDS: ISC has been working together with First Nations communities and providing funding to Chiefs and Councils for drinking water monitoring through its Community-Based Water Monitor program. By working with First Nations communities to ensure they have the technical support and expertise required to monitor drinking water quality for bacteriological parameters, potential concerns can be identified and the appropriate recommendation can be provided to the Chief and Council of the First Nation community for action. These recommendations can include issuing a drinking water advisory. ISC has been working directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality, which has included providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective. These measures have contributed to an understanding of drinking water quality issues facing First Nation communities and their resolution. SDG: SSDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
|
||
| Starting point: The average percentage rate of public water systems monitoring in First Nations communities was 80% in 2016-17. Performance indicator: By March 31, 2018, public water systems on reserve will be sampled on average at a minimum of 80% of the recommended frequency for bacteriological parameters in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. |
Results: Results for 2019-20 will be available in Fall 2020. It should be noted that in 2017-18, public water systems were monitored for bacteria for 85% of the recommended number of sampling weeks. This was the highest percentage attained since 2004-05. The indicator has plateaued in the last two years despite ongoing efforts. Given the challenges associated with the management of very small water systems located in rural or remote locations, achieving a higher percentage may not be achievable. |
||||
| * This corresponding departmental action and the related starting points and performance indicators were identified under Health Canada's DSDS for 2017 to 2020. | |||||
| Additional departmental activities and initiatives | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| In spring 2017, Regional Operations Sector created the Strategic Water Management Team to oversee the Department's commitment to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by INAC by 2021. The team coordinates departmental efforts in addressing this commitment and liaises between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders on issues pertaining to drinking water advisories. | Note: No starting point or performance indicators were specified for this additional activity; however, this activity contributes to progress on the performance indicators identified in the main table for this goal above. |
Results: As of March 31, 2020, more than $1.64 billion of targeted funding has been invested to support 619 water and wastewater projects, including 331 that are now completed. These projects will serve 462,000 people in 581 First Nations communities. ISC is also working with First Nations communities to ensure effective management and maintenance of existing water systems on reserves, as well as helping to ensure that new water infrastructure better meets the needs of communities. Between November 2015 and March 31, 2020, 88 long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves have been lifted and 61 long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves remain (down from 105 In November 2015). For 2019-2020, ISC eliminated 8 long-term drinking water advisories (7 lifted and 1 deactivated). With continued support from ISC, the Assembly of First Nations is engaging with First Nations partners on the co-development of a legislative framework for safe drinking water for First Nations. ISC is also continuing to co-develop a long-term water and wastewater strategy with First Nations partners to ensure the sustainability of water and wastewater on reserve beyond 2021. |
FSDS: Funding and technical support are enabling the delivery of drinking water and wastewater services in First Nations communities to ensure that First Nations public drinking water and wastewater systems financially supported by ISC meet established standards. SDG: SSDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
|
Sustainable Food
ISC has been contributing to creating a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians by supporting the Nutrition North Canada Program. Through the nutrition education initiatives component of this Program, ISC aims to raise awareness of healthy eating and help develop skills in selecting and preparing healthy food in isolated communities.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensure safe and accessible food supply by mitigating risks to animal and plant resources from pests, diseases and other health hazards and prevent risks to health of Canadians | Provide a food subsidy | Expand the nutrition education component of the Nutrition North Canada Program to include the new communities that were added in 2016-17.* | Starting point: The Nutrition North Canada program was expanded in October 2016. As of March 31, 2017, 94% of the newly added First Nations communities received the funding to support delivery of the nutrition education component of the program. Performance indicator: By March 31, 2018, 100% of the new communities will be receiving funding to support the delivery of the nutrition education component of the Nutrition North Canada program. |
Results: As of March 31, 2018, 94% (30 of 33) of the newly added First Nations communities received the funding to support delivery of the nutrition education component of the program. As of March 31, 2019, 88% (29 of 33) of the newly added First Nations communities received the funding to support delivery of the nutrition education component of the program. |
FSDS: As part of the Nutrition North Canada Program, ISC has been providing funding to support the delivery of retail and community-based nutrition education initiatives to help promote a safe and accessible food supply in isolated communities, and strengthen retail-community partnerships. SDG: SDG 2: Zero Hunger
|
| * This corresponding departmental action and the related starting point and performance indicator were identified under Health Canada's DSDS for 2017 to 2020. | |||||
Safe and Healthy Communities
ISC has been working with Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure First Nations, Inuit and Métis live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being. ISC has been implementing the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and completing remediation and risk management activities at known high priority federal contaminated sites. As part of its Environmental Public Health Program, ISC continues to work with First Nations communities to identify and recommend corrective actions to potential public health risks that could adversely impact the health of community residents.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, address the 4,300 substances identified as priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan | Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites | Implement the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and complete remediation and risk management activities at known high priority federal contaminated sites. | Starting point: The percentage of high-priority contaminated sites that have advanced to Step 8 (implementation) through Step 10 (monitoring) of the Approach to Federal Contaminated Sites' 10-step process is tracked annually. The greater the percentage, the greater the proportion of high-priority contaminated sites where remediation, risk management and monitoring activities are occurring to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety. Performance indicator: The Contaminated Sites (On-Reserve) Program will undertake remediation activities (Steps 8 through 10) on 35% high priority sites, yearly. |
Results: In 2019-20, ISC conducted remediation activities on 41% of high-priority contaminated sites. |
FSDS: Contaminated sites are managed to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety. SDG: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
|
| Performance indicator By March 31, 2018, 80 Number of Class 1 sites (sites with imminent concerns for public health and safety) where remediation activities are occurring to reduce risk. |
Results: In 2019-20, remediation activities occurred on 150 Class 1 sites to reduce risks. |
||||
| Performance indicator By March 31, 2018, 5 contaminated sites completely remediated. |
Results: As of March 31, 2020, 33 contaminated sites have been completely remediated. |
||||
| Performance indicator By March 31, 2018, 8 million dollar reduction in total of known federal financial liabilities in confirmed contaminated sites at the beginning of the fiscal year. |
Results: As of March 31, 2020, there has been a $25.5-million reduction in the total of known financial liabilities in confirmed contaminated sites. |
| Additional departmental activities and initiatives | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respond to requests to conduct environmental public health inspections of homes in First Nations communities to help identify environmental public health issues including but not limited to the protection against infection and physiological requirements of the home. As appropriate, inspections will result in recommendations on remedial actions to Chiefs and Councils, community workers, and occupants.* | Performance indicator: The proportion of homes inspected where deficiencies were noted in the category; "protection against infection" which includes personal and domestic hygiene, food safety, sanitation, drainage and water supply. The proportion of homes inspected where deficiencies were noted in the category: "physiological requirements", which includes dampness and mould, excess cold and heat, and non-microbial pollutants. |
Results: The program is still transitioning regarding how it is collecting and reporting based on the public health indicators. At this time, no baseline has been established. Additionally, the program has only recently started the analysis of the 2019-20 annual raw data. |
FSDS: Poor housing conditions and lack of adequate housing are linked to a range of negative health outcomes, making housing a central public health priority in First Nations communities. Housing conditions can be improved by providing, advice, recommendations and guidance to First Nations communities on how to reduce or mitigate potential public health risks, such as mould, that are identified during public health inspections. These inspections were conducted by Environmental Public Health Officers on request from First Nations householders and communities. SDG: SSDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
|
| * This additional departmental activity and the related performance indicators were identified under Health Canada's DSDS for 2017 to 2020. | |||
4. Report on integrating sustainable development
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) remains committed to contributing to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and to supporting Canada's vision for sustainable development.
By encompassing all three pillars of sustainable development in the design and delivery of services essential to Indigenous communities' wellbeing and critical to their self-determination, ISC's sustainable development vision aims to systematically incorporate economic, social and environmental considerations into departmental decision-making and in co-development with Indigenous peoples.
ISC is committed to integrating sustainable development considerations into the decision-making, risk management, planning and delivery of its programs and initiatives. In addition to supporting Environment and Climate Change Canada with the development of the FSDS, ISC also collaborates with Employment and Social Development Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat in the advancement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
ISC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process. An SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.
Public statements on the results of ISC's assessments are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.