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Sustainable Development Strategy
Introduction | Background | SDS
2003 Report | Key
Components | FAQ | Links
Introduction
Sustainable development is the simple idea that we do not inherit our environment
from our ancestors; rather, we borrow it from future generations. It recognizes
that economic growth cannot be achieved at the expense of the environment or
the health and well-being of citizens.
Background
Every three years, federal departments are required, under the Auditor General
Act, to update their Sustainable Development Strategies (SDS). The first two
sets of SDSs were tabled in 1997 and 2001. This third set of strategies has
allowed federal departments to build on their experience with sustainable development
and to set goals and objectives that demonstrate a commitment to continuous
improvement.
The Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) SDS 2003 is the result of
extensive discussions and consultations, both internal and external, over the
past year. We also commissioned an independent evaluation of the previous SDS
to help us assess our planning and implementation to date. The evaluation found
that real progress has been made towards integrating sustainable development
into WD’s activities, due in part to the natural fit of sustainability
goals with WD’s mandate and priorities.
WD SDS 2003 - Key Components
Goals, Objectives and Key Activities
Our third SDS integrates sustainable development into the everyday activities
of the department and ensures that sustainability is reflected in our three
ongoing goals:
- Strengthened innovation
- Enhanced competitiveness
- Sustainable communities
To help achieve these goals, our SDS focuses on four key activities:
- Provide information to WD staff and our partners on the practical applications and benefits of sustainable development;
- Invest in the development and commercialization of environmental technologies and processes in Western Canada;
- Invest in projects that enable western Canadian communities to improve their social, environmental, and economic sustainability; and,
- Provide information to western Canadian businesses on sustainable development concepts, practices and benefits.
TABLE A: Summary
of WD's Three Strategic Directions
TABLE B: The SDS 2003
Logic Model outlines the correlation
between the four key activities and our strategic directions.
Action Plan Summary
WD’s Action Plan outlines specific activities that will help achieve
the goals and objectives. The Action Plan is broken down by key activity. Over
the next three years, we will report against this action plan in our annual
reporting.
WD Progress in Sustainable Development
WD will provide annual updates on progress
and activities related to sustainable
development.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions:
Review our Frequently
Asked Questions and
answers regarding WD's SDS initiatives.
Links to Sustainable Development Sites:
Review our list and summaries of recommended
sites for further reading on sustainable development.
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