Sustainable Development Strategy 2004-2006

This report and related documents can be found on the web of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency: www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Published under the authority of the Minister of the Environment
Ottawa, 2003

Catalogue NO, En106-40/2004E-HTML
ISBN 0-662-35521-0
© Minister of Public Works and
Government Services Canada

Minister's Message

Our social and economic well being -- present and future -- is directly related to how we treat the environment. Meeting today's needs while safeguarding the future for our grandchildren is one of the Government of Canada's key priorities.

The creation of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency in 1995 was a clear demonstration of Canada's commitment to sustainable development.

Environmental assessment enables us to better integrate Canada's environmental goals with its economic, social and cultural values. By carefully considering the environmental effects of proposed projects, Canadians can make informed decisions that protect the environment and, at the same time, promote economic development and social equity.

The Agency's 2004-2006 sustainable development strategy reflects the vision of an increasingly efficient and effective federal environmental assessment process to support Canada's role as a world leader in sustainable development.

The October 30, 2003 proclamation of a renewed Canadian Environmental Assessment Act advanced this vision. It established a more predictable, consistent and timely process. The renewed Act, through strengthening opportunities for the public to participate, goes a long way toward improving the quality of environmental assessment in Canada.

The sustainable development strategy and the renewed Act will, I am confident, enable the Agency to continue to make a significant contribution to Canada's sustainable development objectives.

David Anderson, P.C., M.P.
Minister of the Environment

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Issue Scan
4. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's Approach to its 2004-2006 Sustainable Development Strategy
5. The 2004-2006 Sustainable Development Strategy Framework
6. Accountability and Performance Measurement
7. Annex