Cat. No.: 45-26-0001
ISSN: 2817-7606
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- Executive Summary
- Section 1 - Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Section 2 - Statistics Canada's Sustainable Development Vision
- Section 3 - Listening to Canadians
- Section 4 - Statistics Canada's Commitments
- Goal 1: Reduce Poverty in Canada in All Its Forms
- Goal 3: Support Mental Health and Adopt Healthy Behaviours
- Goal 5: Champion Gender Equality
- Goal 10: Advance Reconciliation With Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality
- Goal 12: Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
- Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change and Its Impacts
- Section 5 - Integrating Sustainable Development
- Appendix 1
Executive Summary
Statistics Canada is committed to supporting the 2022-2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) which sets out the Government of Canada's sustainable development priorities, establishes goals and targets, and identifies actions to achieve them. The Federal Sustainable Development Act requires federal organizations to prepare their own strategies that comply with, and contribute to, the FSDS, within one year of the FSDS being tabled in Parliament.
This 2023-2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) describes Statistics Canada's objectives and plans for sustainable development that are appropriate to its mandate. Specifically, this DSDS will articulate Statistics Canada's departmental actions to support the goals of no poverty, good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption and procurement and climate action.
Section 1
Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
In keeping with the purpose of the Act to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Statistics Canada supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development
of the FSDS as well as DSDSs. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated in Statistics Canada's DSDS.
In order to promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, this departmental strategy integrates efforts to advance Canada's implementation of the 2030 Agenda National Strategy, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The strategy also now captures SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS to inform the development of Canada's Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
Statistics Canada contributes to Canada's sustainable development and environmental goals through the development of compelling and useable data to help inform decision-making in these complex areas. Data relevant to all 17 SDGs are developed throughout Statistics Canada.
In addition, Statistics Canada plays a crucial role in monitoring the GIF and the CIF with regard to sustainable development targets. Indicators are updated here: Sustainable Development Goals Data Hub.
With regards to its contribution to the 2022-2026 FSDS, Statistics Canada will be providing a range of data that will inform many of the implementation strategies. As it has for many years, Statistics Canada will continue to play an active role in providing indicators that will help measure the performance of the 2022-2026 FSDS through its Progress Report. The FSDS indicators to be provided by Statistics Canada are summarized in a table in Appendix 1.
Section 2
Statistics Canada's Sustainable Development Vision
Statistics Canada's mandate is to produce high-quality and insightful data that help Canadians better understand their country as well as support good decision making. In terms of the organization's sustainable development vision, Statistics Canada's role is to produce data that will help track whether Canada is moving toward a more sustainable future. This includes developing ongoing data on economic, social and environmental issues. Through the Department's Disaggregated Data Action Plan (DDAP), these data will be available to Canadians in greater detail in alignment with the SDGs aim of reducing inequalities and the Department's broader sustainable development vision.
In its role as Canada's horizontal lead for data, indicators and the SDG reporting platforms, Statistics Canada coordinates the compilation and public release of the reporting on the Global and Canadian Indicator Frameworks for SDGs associated with the Federal Implementation Plan for Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy. Statistics Canada's departmental plans continue to include the publication of analytical products highlighting Canada's progress toward development goals and to profile community groups that have contributed meaningfully to sustainable development.
Beyond data and reporting on the Global and Canadian Indicator Frameworks, Statistics Canada has also developed its own Sustainable Development Vision which aligns with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy in its own activities which includes more reporting of data and statistics for vulnerable groups and on-going enhanced measurement in areas related to sustainable development.
Statistics Canada complies with the Policy on Green Procurement, which adheres to the basic principles of the FSDS. Previous and future commitments for action under this Policy are integrated into the DSDS under Goal 12 and will continue to be monitored.
Statistics Canada prioritizes engagement with partners to ensure the department can best respond to evolving information needs. In that context, Statistics Canada has a continuing role in providing data to support the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators - used to measure progress of the FSDS - as well as in the development of Quality of Life indicators.
Quality of Life indicators, developed by Finance Canada, are now being defined by the Quality of Life Statistics Program at Statistics Canada. These indicators support the measurement of Canadian well-being, and the long-term trajectories of Quality of life outcomes through the cross-cutting sustainability and resilience lens. Through the application of this sustainability and resilience lens, the Quality of Life Framework for Canada aligns with the CIF, the FSDS and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Additionally, Statistics Canada has mapped the FSDS and SDG indicators to the Quality of Life Framework, where strong alignment can be observed. Data on these indicators are available to Canadians through the Quality of Life Hub on the Statistics Canada website, and through the individual Quality of Life indicator Hub pages.
Section 3
Listening to Canadians
As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, Statistics Canada has taken into account comments on the draft 2022-2026 FSDS made during the public consultation held from March 11 to July 9, 2022.
During the public consultation lead by Environment and Climate Change Canada, more than 700 comments were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individual Canadians in different age groups and of various backgrounds. The draft FSDS was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for their review and comment.
What We Heard
Across the submissions received, Statistics Canada identified sustainable development priorities and issues that affect us. Many of the comments received were centered on SDG Goal 13: Climate action as a top priority. Canadians also wanted to see greater acknowledgement of socio-economic challenges such as inequality, poverty, and the rising cost of living in Canada. Many also underscored the necessity to ensure all Canadians have access to clean water and emphasized the strong connections among social, economic and environmental issues.
Other sustainable development priorities for Canadians that relate to Statistics Canada's overall mandate include the need to ensure a just transition to sustainable jobs, secure workers' rights and livelihoods when transitioning to net-zero, and more action to advance a circular economy in Canada.
What We Did
Statistics Canada's mandate is to produce data that help Canadians better understand their country – its populations, resources, economy, environment, society and culture. With that in mind, Statistics Canada took the above-mentioned key priorities and issues into consideration in this DSDS and seek to develop our current initiatives to reflect the priorities and issues raised.
The comments received through the FSDS public consultation helped guide the work of two initiatives aimed at creating stronger linkages between data on social, economic and environmental issues:
- The Census of Environment (CoE) – A program that was recently launched with the aim to provide Canadians with a full picture of the complex relationship between ecosystems and the economy, society, and human well-being in one easily accessible location. To achieve its goal, it is designed to track and catalogue the changes in the different types of ecosystems in Canada (such as lakes, forests, and agriculture zones), its conditions, as well as highlight the types of goods and services these ecosystems provide for the benefit of Canadians, over time. At the foundation, the CoE will be the first-ever national register of Canada's ecosystems. This program was initiated as a result of placing climate action as a top priority. It will emphasize the strong connections among social, economic and environmental issues, which will in turn allow all levels of government to develop policies and legislation that support healthy ecosystems, preserve natural capital and combat climate change more effectively.
- The Canadian Centre for Energy Information (CCEI) - The Canadian Centre for Energy Information (CCEI) portal increases the accessibility of energy information in Canada. The CCEI works with federal, provincial, and territorial partners to compile, reconcile and integrate energy data from a number of Canadian sources, fill data gaps, and harmonize definitions and standards. The CCEI portal is evergreen and additional statistical information will be integrated into the portal over time.
Please find more information on the FSDS public consultation and its results in the FSDS Consultation Report.
Section 4
Statistics Canada's Commitments
While Statistics Canada contributes to all 17 SDGs through its reporting on the Global and Canadian SDG indicator frameworks, the following 6 Sustainable Development Goals are the goals where Statistics Canada has made specific commitments and which align to the FSDS.
Goal 1:
Reduce Poverty in Canada in All Its Forms
FSDS Context:
On August 21, 2018, the Government of Canada released the report: Opportunity for All: Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy. This strategy outlines the vision to achieve a Canada where no one lives below the poverty line and introduces poverty reduction targets that were legislated under the Poverty Reduction Act in 2019.
Both the Strategy and the Act outline commitments for Statistics Canada, including establishing Statistics Canada as the source for Canada's Official Poverty Line and tasking the Agency with regular review, maintenance, updating and publication of the official poverty thresholds and estimates.
Official measures of poverty are calculated using the Market Basket Measure (MBM). The MBM is a measure of low income, based on the cost of a basket of goods and services (e.g., food, clothing, shelter, transportation and other necessities) that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living. Individuals and families living across the country who cannot afford the cost of this basket of goods and services are considered to be living below Canada's Official Poverty Line. Working in partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada, and after consultations with Canadians, in 2018, Statistics Canada re-evaluated the MBM to reflect current standards of living. Data based on these updated standards are available to Canadians through the Canadian Income Survey (annually) and the Census of Population (every five years). In addition to the poverty estimates based on the MBM, a dashboard of other indicators has been made available through the Dimensions of Poverty Hub. This Hub allows Canadians and governments to track progress on an additional12 dimensions of poverty as well as the aspects of poverty other than income, including indicators of material deprivation, lack of opportunity and resilience which recognizes that poverty is a multifaceted issue that cannot be fully captured by considering income and costs alone, as is done with the MBM (e.g., unmet housing needs, food insecurity, literacy, numeracy, etc.). A link to Statistics Canada's Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics is also available through the Dimensions of Poverty Hub.
Target theme: Poverty Reduction
Target: By 2030, reduce the poverty rate by 50% from its 2015 level (Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improve the measurement of poverty |
Program: Centre for Income and Socioeconomic Well-being Statistics |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
Strengthens poverty data and measurement that reflects the unique costs of living in Canada's northern and remote communities. Regular updates to the costs and the items within the basket of goods and services will further ensure that it reflects what Canadians require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living. In late 2022, Statistics Canada finalized the Northern Market Basket Measure (MBM-N) methodology for two of Canada's northern territories (Yukon and the Northwest Territories) and recently proposed an MBM-N methodology for Nunavut. The review period for Nunavut's methodology is expected to end in the fall of 2023. The MBM-N is an adaptation of the original Market Basket Measure (MBM) and is intended to capture the spirit of the MBM (i.e., to represent a modest, basic standard of living) while accounting for adjustments needed to reflect life in the territories. The third comprehensive review of the MBM started in June 2023. A comprehensive review is the first stage in the updating process of the contents of the MBM basket. It is expected that the updated basket will be finalized in 2025. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms / By 2030, reduce the poverty rate by 50% of its 2015 levels |
Goal 3:
Support Mental Health and Adopt Healthy Behaviours
FSDS Context:
Statistics Canada is mandated to collect, compile and disseminate data on a wide variety of subjects. It is within this mandate that Statistics Canada provides data to support reporting and measuring of progress towards achieving goals and targets under the Federal Sustainability Act. These data are a part of the suite of Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) that are publicly available through the Environment and Climate Change Canada webpage. Indicators supporting mental health and the adoption of healthy behaviours available from Statistics Canada also contribute to information related to quality of life.
Quality of life, or well-being, refers to the wealth and comfort of individuals, communities and society based on both material and non-material factors that are important to people's lives, such as health and social connections. In 2022, Statistics Canada launched the Quality of Life Hub to bring together key economic, social and environmental datasets to support the measurement of Canadians' quality of life.
Target theme: Adopt Healthy Behaviours
Implementation strategies supporting the goal: This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Support Mental Health and Adopt Healthy Behaviours" but not a specific FSDS target
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collect data and information to inform evidence-based decisions |
Program: Centre for Social Data Insights and Innovation |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
Strengthens measurement of well-being and the determinants of well-being. Supports Implementation Strategy to collect data and information to inform evidence-based decisions related to health and mental health. Collecting and disseminating more timely and granular data on well-being and the determinants of well-being based on Canada's Quality of Life framework was introduced in Budget 2021 Of the 84 indicators in the Quality of Life framework, 77 definitions have been endorsed by an interdepartmental governance committee and are now available publicly on Statistics Canada's Quality of Life Hub. All indicator pages of the Quality of Life Hub are populated with relevant data, analysis, and linkages to other key frameworks such as the Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians have healthy and satisfying lives |
Goal 5:
Champion Gender Equality
FSDS Context:
In 2018, Statistics Canada launched the Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics (GDIS) Hub. This Hub connects all Statistics Canada products related to gender, diversity and inclusion in Canada as well as information on gender statistics in the international context. This Hub facilitates access for all Canadians to a wide range of information within the gender, diversity and inclusion lens. In 2021, Statistics Canada updated this Hub to, among other things, connect users to a new Sex, Gender and Sexual Orientation Hub. This new hub was developed to monitor and report on indicators included in the Gender Results Framework—a framework that represents the Government of Canada's vision for gender equality in Canada. The GDIS Hub now serves as the primary platform for disseminating products and information related to Statistics Canada's Disaggregated Action Plan which aims to highlight and make more broadly available information on the lived experiences of diverse groups of people in Canada, such as women, Indigenous peoples, racialized populations and persons with disabilities. In addition, the ‘Fairness and Inclusion' lens of the Quality of Life Framework builds upon the existing tradition of Gender-based Analysis Plus, and aligns with the ambitions of the Disaggregated Data Action Plan in its efforts to move beyond population averages to look at distributions of quality of life outcomes.
Statistics Canada has also been collaborating with Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada and Natural Resources Canada to develop statistics on Canada's environmental and clean technology sector. The Environmental and Clean Technology Products Economic Account includes a human resources module which provides statistics on demographics associated with environmental and clean technology activities production in Canada (e.g., gender, age, education, immigration status, Indigenous identity, wages and occupation types). These data allow for broader insight into the sector's role in the economy and of women's contribution to this sector and further support the target theme of taking action on gender equality.
Target theme: Take Action on Gender Equality
Implementation strategies supporting the goal: This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Champion gender equality" but not a specific FSDS target
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disaggregate data |
Program:
|
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
Data on women in the clean technology sector are being produced as part of the Human Resources Module (HRM) of the Environment and Clean Technology Products Economic Account. The HRM provides annual estimates that cover employee jobs only. Data on gender were released to the public as an analytical piece in November 2022 using data derived from the employee jobs data; specific tables that break down employee jobs by gender are not yet published separately. The Disaggregated Data Action Plan (DDAP) is a whole-of-government approach led by Statistics Canada that aims at providing more representative data and statistical information for diverse groups of population. It enables more representative data collection methods, enhances statistics on diverse populations, including gender statistics, to allow for intersectional analyses, and supports government and societal efforts to address known inequalities and promote fair and inclusive decision-making. DDAP will significantly increase the quality and size of Statistics Canada's data holdings, including the number of statistical products available that highlight the experiences of different population groups. It will also improve the Agency's analytical capacity and insights on diverse population groups to inform decision-making across different levels of government and promote equity, fairness and inclusion. Statistics Canada also produces a suite of indicators to advance gender equality. These span across six key areas: education and skills development; economic participation and prosperity; leadership and democratic participation; gender-based violence and access to justice; poverty reduction, health and well-being; and, gender equality around the world. Many of the indicators align with other international frameworks, such as the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. Producing and publishing estimates on gender, including under the Environmental Clean Technology Products Economic Account supports the goal of Championing Gender Equity. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: n/a |
Goal 10:
Advance Reconciliation With Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality
FSDS Context:
Statistics Canada is working to create more disaggregated analysis that includes data pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, gender, racialized persons and people with disabilities. Since 2021, the Disaggregated Data Action Plan has encouraged the regular release of socio-economic analyses that includes data pertaining to these groups and has incorporated measures of performance for these into its Departmental Performance Framework. This work supports the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. In 2019, the Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships was established within Statistics Canada. The Centre strives to build and enhance Indigenous statistical information and capacity through partnerships and the provision of the tools needed for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities for better decision-making. The Centre also works within the department to further encourage employees to increase their knowledge and understanding of relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
To facilitate access to data and information pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, Statistics Canada created the Statistics on Indigenous Peoples portal. Data and information found in this portal highlight the unique and shared experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Canada and provides links to resources for Canadians to learn more about the socio-economic well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and about Indigenous history, languages, cultures, and experiences.
Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities
Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act |
Program: UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
Public servants are in a unique position to help build respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This action encourages public service employees to increase their Indigenous cultural competency skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada, and their knowledge of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This action contributes to the development of necessary cultural competency knowledge and skills to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF Target - 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
Target theme: Taking action on inequality
Target: Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority (President of the Treasury Board)
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the Disaggregated Data Action Plan to fill data and knowledge gaps on inequalities |
Implement the Disaggregated Program: Departmental Disaggregated Data Action Plan |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
Supports other implementation strategies in this area by providing detailed statistical information and analysis to better understand the experiences and inequities facing groups such as Indigenous Peoples, racialized populations and people with disabilities. Statistics Canada Disaggregated Data Action Plan (DDAP) enables more representative data collection methods, enhances statistics on diverse populations to allow for intersectional analyses, and supports government and societal efforts to address known inequalities and promote fair and inclusive decision-making. DDAP, will significantly increase the quality and size of Statistics Canada's data holdings, including the number of statistical products available that highlight the experiences of different population groups. It will also improve the Agency's analytical capacity and insights on diverse population groups to inform decision-making across different levels of government and promote equity, fairness and inclusion. Women are also included under the disaggregated action plan. Specific targets related to women are outlined under Goal 5: Championing Gender Equality Relevant targets or ambitions: |
Goal 12:
Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
FSDS Context:
The Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations are part of Canada's national strategy to reduce plastic waste. In collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Statistics Canada launched a new program called ‘Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material' that produces new data to track the production, use and fate of plastic materials in Canada's economy.
Target theme: Management of Waste, Resources, and Chemicals
Target: By 2030, the amount of single-use plastics that is entering the environment as pollution will be reduced by 5% and that is sent to landfill by 3% (Minister of Environment and Climate Change)
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research innovative solutions for plastics |
Produce statistics on the production and fate of plastic products in the Canadian economy – broken down by product category resin type, and province and territory. Program: Physical Flow Accounts: Environmental Accounts and Statistics Program |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
In conjunction with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Statistics Canada is producing a Physical Flow Account on plastic material. This project tracks the production and fate of plastic products in the Canadian economy – broken down by product category resin type, and province and territory. The flow begins with production, continues with use, and tracks waste and recycling. These data will support tracking of the waste reduction targets by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: n/a |
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption
Target: The Government of Canada's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (All Ministers)
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transform the federal light-duty fleet |
As StatCan replaces or purchases new vehicles for its fleet, they will be hybrid or fully electric vehicles only. Program: Procurement |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
Purchasing electric and hybrid vehicles reduces greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fleet operations. This enhances sustainable consumption. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner |
| Strengthen green procurement criteria |
Ensure all procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in green procurement (such as, the Canada School of Public Service course on green procurement, or equivalent) within one year of being identified Program: Procurement |
Performance indicator:
Starting point:
Target:
|
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner |
Goal 13:
Take Action on Climate Change and Its Impacts
FSDS Context:
Statistics Canada contributes to the government-wide Greening Government Strategy. One action taken was to update business continuity plans to include an assessment of climate risk as well as identification of options to adapt to climate related hazards. A business continuity plan is an integrated management process to provide reasonable assurance that in the event of a disruption, the department can maintain an acceptable level of delivery of critical services and activities, and can achieve the timely recovery of other services and activities. In 2021, Statistics Canada also broadened the scope of the team responsible for management and coordination of business continuity plans to include emergency management and preparedness. This team supports the Department in outlining priority actions and plans to reduce impacts from major events, including those related to climate change, to ensure that critical services continue to be met.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience
Target: The Government of Canada will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050
| Implementation Strategy | Departmental Action | Performance Indicator Starting Point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations |
Assess the risk of climate change impacts to the provision of mission critical data programs and ensure that climate resiliency is included in the scope of the business continuity plans. Program: Internal Services |
Performance Indicator:
Starting Point:
Target:
|
Statistics Canada worked with the Greening Government Strategy team at the Treasury Board Secretariat to incorporate a climate change risk assessment tool into the existing risk assessment and business continuity plan processes. Since 2022-2023, all services have been assessed on risk, from low risk to very high risk, per definitions established by Public Safety Canada. Business continuity plans address mitigation measures for these risks, including identifying actions to prioritize in the event of a climate related impact. By assessing the risks of climate change impacts, and developing plans to reduce the risks, the risk of disruption to the proper functioning of the Government of Canada is reduced. It is a requirement that these plans be reviewed and updated twice yearly. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition / Target: 13.3 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change CIF Indicator: 13.3.1 Proportion of municipal organization who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process GIF Targets: 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Section 5
Integrating Sustainable Development
Statistics Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. When warranted, 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.
As the National Statistical Agency, Statistics Canada is mandated to provide Canadians with data. Proposals for plans or programs under this mandate are assessed against the requirements for an SEA at the approval stage. During this assessment, consideration of the environmental impacts of the proposal's implementation may rule out the need for an SEA. To date, Statistics Canada project proposals have not required an SEA. When required, SEAs would be published via Statistics Canada's corporate reporting page.
Statistics Canada will also continue to adhere to the principles of the FSDS by complying with the Policy on Green Procurement. This policy supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision-making process. Statistics Canada will continue to track progress towards this objective through this first Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
Through its continuing involvement in developing data relevant to all 17 SDGs, its role in monitoring the Global Indicator Framework and the Canadian Indicator Framework, and through this Strategy, Statistics Canada remains committed to supporting the Government of Canada achieve its sustainable development goals.
Appendix 1
Performance indicators involving Statistics Canada (reference, Annex 2 of the FSDS 2022-2026)
| SDG Goal | Target | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Goal 1. Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms | ||
| Direct indicator Footnote * | By 2030, reduce the poverty rate by 50% from its 2015 level | Percentage of Canadians below Canada's official poverty line (annual) |
| Contextual indicator Footnote ** | Same as above | Prevalence of asset resilience (occasional) |
| Goal 2. Support a healthier and more sustainable food system | ||
| Contextual indicator | By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability | Prevalence of food insecurity (annual) |
| Goal 3. Support mental health and adopt healthy behaviours | ||
| Direct indicator | By March 2027, reduce the percentage of Canadians (aged 15+) with a mental disorder who have expressed that they have an unmet care need to 22% at most | Percentage of Canadians with a mental disorder with unmet care (annual) |
| Direct indicator | By March 2035, at most 5% of Canadians (aged 15+) are current cigarette smokers | Percentage of Canadians who are current cigarette smokers (annual) |
| Contextual indicator | Same as above | Percentage of Canadians who perceived their overall health and social well-being as very good to excellent (annual) |
| Contextual indicator | Same as above | Percentage of the population that is overweight or obese |
| Goal 5. Champion gender equality | ||
| Direct indicator | By 2026, at least 37% of employees in the environmental and clean technology sector are women | Percentage of women working in the environmental and clean technology sector (Annual) |
| Contextual indicator | By 2026, reduce self-reported rates of intimate partner violence by up to 5% | Persistence and representation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs (occasional) |
| Contextual indicator | Same as above | Proportion of leadership roles held by women (occasional) |
| Goal 10. Take action on inequality and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples | ||
| Contextual indicator | Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability and members of a visible minority | Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment (annual) |
| Goal 11. Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada | ||
| Direct indicator | By 2030, 22% of commuters use public transit or active transportation | Population using public transit or active transportation (every 5 years) |
| Contextual indicator | Same as above | Population living close to a public transit stop (occasional) |
| Contextual indicator | By 2026, support at least 23.7 million visitors annual to Parks Canada places | Proximity to neighbourhood parks (every 2 years) |
| Contextual indicator | Same as above | Visits to parks and public green spaces (every 2 years) |
| Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles | ||
| Contextual indicator | The Government of Canada's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero circular economy | Total waste diversion (every 2 years) |
| Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts | ||
| Contextual indicator | The Government of Canada will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050 | Proportion of municipal organizations who factored climate change adaptation into decision-making processes (occasional). Responsibility shared with Infrastructure Canada |
|
||