Home : Reports and Publications : Departmental Strategies : Sustainable Development Strategy
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 Sustainable Development Strategy 2003 (PDF | HTML)
- WD Sustainable Development Strategy 2003 online consultation
A complete review of the process used to develop the WD SDS 2003
(September 8 – 30, 2003)
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.