Sustainable Development
Health Canada's activities are directed toward maintaining and improving the health and well-being of all Canadians. By contributing directly to a healthier society and a cleaner, safer environment, the work of the Department fosters sustainable development.
Sustainable development means thinking about all the implications of our actions, including the current implications and the possible long-term future implications. This requires that we think about the possible social/cultural, economic, and environmental consequences of our actions, advice and decisions.
As the country's single largest enterprise, the federal government can make a significant difference in Canada's prospects for sustainable development. One of the key tools used by the federal government to advance sustainable development is the preparation and implementation of Sustainable Development Strategies (SDSs). Health Canada has tabled three SDSs in Parliament to date, one in 1997, another in 2001 and the most recent SDS, entitled Becoming the Change We Wish to See, in March of 2004. The new SDS is a three-year strategic plan that tells Canadians and our Parliament what general and specific commitments Health Canada has made to sustainable development. It also highlights how employees, like you, are an integral part of the plan and identifies a number of practical tools that will help you incorporate SD into your home and work life.
As a concept, sustainable development is both very simple and very complex. It is simple because we are using up the planet's capital at ever-increasing rates. It is complex because the human community will have to make significant changes in business practices, individual behaviour and government policies to become sustainable.
We always welcome your comments about our Sustainable Development Strategy.
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