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Sustainable Development Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is "Sustainable Development" and what does it mean to western Canadians?
  2. What kind of action will WD take as a result of this strategy?
  3. What makes this strategy different from the previous one?
  4. Why call it the SDS 2003 when it was tabled in 2004?
  5. How will we know if the Department has actually fulfilled the commitments set out in the SD Strategy?
  6. How is WD going to make an impact on the environmental goals of the federal government?
  7. Why is a regional economic development department required to produce a sustainable development strategy? How does developing the economy affect the environment?
  8. What does the WD SDS offer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the West?

1. What is "Sustainable Development" and what does it mean to western Canadians?

Sustainable development means that full consideration is given to the preservation of the environment and the social well being of Canadians, in addition to economic development. Sustainable Development recognizes that economic growth is not the sole factor influencing quality of life for Canadians.

While economic growth and diversity remain priorities for WD, they cannot be achieved at the expense of the environment or the health and welfare of Canadians.

2. What kind of action will WD take as a result of this strategy?

WD has identified four key activities that we will undertake as we strive to achieve our ongoing goals and priorities: strengthened innovation, enhanced competitiveness and sustainable communities.

  • 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.

3. What makes this strategy different from the previous one?

This strategy is based on the findings of an independent evaluation of our previous strategy. The evaluation was a thorough analysis of the structure and goals of the strategy, as well as any progress to date. It, as well as a comprehensive internal and external consultation process, helped shape the strategy’s goals and key activities.

This is WD’s first SDS that incorporates our three strategic directions – enhanced innovation, enhanced competitiveness and sustainable communities – as goals of the strategy. WD’s SDS is also linking elements with priorities identified in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, tabled at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in August 2002.

4. Why call it the SDS 2003 when it was tabled in 2004?

The SDS was scheduled to be tabled in December 2003 but was delayed when Parliament prorogued until February. As the strategy was developed with December in mind, and our next strategy is mandated for development in 2006, the date was left unchanged.

5. How will we know if the Department has actually fulfilled the commitments set out in the SD Strategy?

WD will be reporting on the goals and objectives contained in the SDS in its annual report to Treasury Board (Departmental Performance Report) and through annual progress reports available on the Internet. In addition, WD will participate in the review conducted annually by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development.

6. How is WD going to make an impact on the environmental goals of the federal government?

The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development has pointed out that one of the ways federal government departments can be more effective in delivering on federal commitments is to work cooperatively. WD is a member of the Interdepartmental Network of Sustainable Development and we will continue to work with other departments as we undertake our sustainable development planning. WD also participates in a number of groups related to the implementation of Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency regulations. In addition, WD's SDS will contribute to the Government of Canada's objectives to increase resources to support innovative environmental technologies and encouraging their commercialization.

7. Why is a regional economic development department required to produce a sustainable development strategy? How does developing the economy affect the environment?

WD believes that the health and well being of Canadians, the environment and the economy are all interdependent. Diversification of the economy is our key priority, but it is only a sustainable goal if we do so while preserving the environment and the well being of the Canadians who live and work in that environment.

8. What does the WD SDS offer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the West?

We have knowledge, expertise and research that we share with our network partners and SMEs. As part of our SDS commitments, WD will also be promoting "best practices" in sustainable development. Case studies of SMEs that have successfully incorporated SD practices will serve as working examples of the benefits of sustainable practices. Given that we are planning to make sustainable development part of our policies and programs, SMEs who receive assistance from the Western Canadian Business Service Network will find an increasing emphasis on sustainability issues. WD will provide SMEs with business development information and advice on initiatives and opportunities aimed at improving the ability of business to use SD as a competitive advantage.