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A nation's competitive advantage is directly
related to the performance of its cities. Furthermore, the
quality of life in cities is becoming one of the prime determinants
of investment decisions and, hence, the attraction of knowledge
workers. However, one necessary first step is to better
understand the measures and policies that determine quality
of life in Canadian cities and that impact their ability
to retain and enhance their competitive positions in the
global economy. The Urban Sustainability1
program aimed to catalyze momentum toward alternative or
more coherent strategies, based upon sustainable development
principles, that improve the quality of life and competitiveness
of Canada's cities or urban regions.
The program's findings included 11 high-priority recommendations
for immediate implementation, falling under four mutually
supportive themes: getting the federal house in order;
supporting the use of urban transit; promoting sustainable
infrastructure; and encouraging the efficient use of energy
and land. The final State of the Debate report entitled,
Environmental
Quality in Canadian Cities: The Federal Role,
was released in May 2003.
1
The NRTEE defines urban sustainability as the enhanced well-being
of cities or urban regions, including integrated economic,
ecological, and social components, which will maintain the
quality of life for future generations.
For
more information about the NRTEE's Urban Sustainability
program, please contact:
National
Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
Telephone: (613) 992-7189
E-mail: Urban
Sustainability
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