Environment Canada Report on Plans and Priorities for 2003-2004

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Section 7 - Other Information

• 7.1  Ongoing Programs and Services (including Co-delivery Partners)
• 7.2  Contacts for Further Information

7.1 Ongoing Programs and Services (including Co-delivery Partners)

This table provides information on a number of Environment Canada's ongoing programs and services.

Prepare a foundation of support for the introduction of future policy measures, as outlined in the First National Business Plan and the Government of Canada's Action Plan 2000;

Encourage and motivate Canadians to take personal and community/group action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Support Canada's Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change to meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments and to facilitate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Implement investment-driven approach to funding public education and outreach projects across Canada, focusing on youth and educators, business and industry, communities, and the general public to raise awareness of climate change and encourage action to reduce GHG emissions. (solution implementation).
• Test pilot public education and outreach information and coordination centres (hubs) with provinces/ territories. (solution implementation).
• Develop and promote backdrop awareness campaign that groups across Canada can utilize for their own public outreach activities. (solution implementation).
• http://www.climatechange.gc.ca

• On Environment Canada — lead Emission Reduction Initiatives — Design and implement measures to ensure that maximum GHG emission reduction potential is achieved.
• On OGD — lead Emission Reduction Initiatives — Influence to ensure that maximum GHG emission reduction potential is achieved.
• http://climatechange.gc.ca

• Provide information on the air quality in the majority of urban centres in Canada.
• Provide information on trends for major air quality issues, ozone, particulate matter, toxic chemicals, etc.
• Maintain a national air quality database.

• Enhanced pollution data reporting tools and support for businesses and organizations. NPRI Public reporting and tools targeted at the public.

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Private sector
Foreign governments
UNEP

• Reduction/minimization of ODS consumption in developing countries, according to phase-out schedules under the Montreal Protocol
• Increased awareness, skills and understanding of practices and technologies to reduce ODS consumption in developing countries.
• Demonstration and provision of Canadian services and technologies in the field of ODS reduction (for Environment Canada bilateral projects only).

• Releases of POPs in countries considered significant sources will be reduced.

• New targets for SO₂ emissions in eastern Canada.
• Further emission reduction commitments from the U.S.
• Keeping "clean" areas clean.
• Continued science and monitoring.
• http://www.ec.gc.ca/acidrain

• Compliance with priority regulations and Section 36(3) of the Fisheries Act (FA).
• Promote compliance with and enforce CEPA 1999 and the FA.
• Implementation and Enforcement of the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations.

• Develop measures to reduce sudden and unplanned releases of toxic air pollutants.
• Advancement of community response through PTSC (Partnership Towards Safer Communities).
• CEPA Part 8 - Assessment of the risks associated with accidental releases of CEPA toxics and request for Environmental Emergency Plans under section 199 where warranted. Assess 10 substances per year.

• Provide advice on environmental assessments of policies, plans, programs and projects.
• Promote application of Best Management Practices and Best Available Economically Achievable Technology.

• Maintain the Canadian Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse environmental management initiation projects or in-plant pollution prevention projects.

• Innovative pollution prevention and control measures within various sectors in Ontario

• Progress on the virtual elimination from the Great Lakes Basin of persistent toxic substances resulting from human activity, particularly those that bioaccumulate, so as to protect and ensure the health and integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

• Lifecycle management, take back and recycling programs.

• Assessment and control of disposal at sea to meet CEPA and London Convention commitments.

• Protect Canadian coastal and marine environments from land-based sources of pollution to meet CEPA obligations and international GPA commitments.
• Protect Arctic coastal and marine environments from land-based sources of pollution to meet Arctic Council and international GPA commitments.

• Classification of shellfish areas under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP)
• Obtain Certification of the New CSSP labratory in Iqaluit; undertake water qaulity field survey in the Iqaluit area.

• Process and evaluate all new substance notifications (over 800 per year) and take appropriate risk management actions within the prescribed timeframes.
• Support the activities of Health Canada on the new Food and Drug environmental assessment regulations and work with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to develop an appropriate regime for transgenic fish and animals.
• Ensure the regulatory regime is in place to support ratification of the Protocol.

• Assist between 120 and 140 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) per year commercialize technologies, generate jobs and industry growth, deliver other government programs (e.g., ETV, NRC-IRAP Eco-efficiency, Waste exchange, etc.).

Environment Canada

NS Department of Transportation and Public Works

Health Canada

Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Joint Action Group (JAG)

• For more information on Sydney Tar Ponds, please deliverables in the performance table under Long Term Key Result: Understanding and prevention or reduction of the environmental and human health impacts as posed by toxic substances and other substances of concern - Existing Toxics sub-result.

Increase capacity of Canadians to make responsible environmental decisions.

Priority for funding given to projects in the areas of: clean air and climate change, clean water, and nature.

• For Clean Environment issues: Measurable results on greenhouse gas reductions and other air pollutants; chemical pesticide and fertilizer reductions; household hazardous waste and waste oil diversion; implementation of environmental management plans.
• Capacity development of non-profit sector organizations to sustain projects and partnerships into the future.
• http://www.ec.gc.ca

Assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain a better understanding of environmental management systems and pollution prevention practices and how to implement them.

Draw the link between improvements in environmental management and improvements in profitability and competitiveness of SMEs.

Environment Canada -Quebec Region

Canada Economic Development

National Research Council of Canada

Industry

Atlantic Region: ACOA

Environment Canada and provincial and community partners (in kind)

• Workshops to initiate SMEs to pollution prevention and environmental management.
• In-plant pollution prevention projects aimed at improving the competitiveness and profitability of SMEs.
• EnviroClub pilot projects involving 44 companies that attended the workshops and implemented environmental management initiation projects or in-plant pollution prevention projects.

Protect species at risk.

Conserve, protect and rehabilitate habitats of significance to migratory birds and species at risk in Canada.

1. SARA: Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Parks Canada Agency (PCA)

2. Accord: Environment Canada, provinces, territories

3. HSP: Environment Canada, DFO, PCA, provinces, territories, non-government organizations, Aboriginal communities, private landowners

SARA

• Received Royal Assent in December 2002. Proclamation expected in June 2003.

Accord

• Continue work on the bilateral agreements under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk with pilot jurisdictions of Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon.

Canada Stewardship Agenda (CSA)

• Continue implementation and planning for the CSA, including the Stewardship Portal.

Habitat Stewardship Program

• Implement through regional partnerships with provinces/territories, non-governmental organizations, resource industries and other stakeholders in 2001-2004.
• Align the Habitat Stewardship Program with SARA provisions including recovery strategies and action plans in 2003.

• EC to develop 67 new recovery strategies and implement up to 20 action plans during 2000-2005; DFO to develop 24 strategies and implement up to 20 action plans; PCA to develop 10 strategies and implement up to eight action plans.

• Complete science assessments of status of listed species at risk in 2002-2003.
• Complete new science assessments during 2001-2004.

• An international agreement on the NABCI will be established and demonstration projects implemented.
• National plans will be in place or in draft form for the 4 bird groups of the NABCI.

• The NAWMP Update will have revised international objectives.

• Continue to implement the EcoGifts Program and secure new resources for program continuation, in 2003-2004.

• Lead on development of federal protected areas strategy in cooperation with other government departments.

• Provide meaningful work experience to at least 94 youth in 2002-2003.
• This program also supports the Clean Environment and Weather and Environmental Predictions Business Lines.
• http://www.ec.gc.ca/sci_hor/

• Improve public awareness and understanding of environmental issues.
• Build capacity to assume a leadership role for sustainability in their communities.
• Improve and enhance the environment through actions identified in comprehensive management plans.
• http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/

Initially planned for two Nova Scotia community areas, this initiative is an innovative plan for governments to work with communities and each other in a more integrated way, which embraces the principles of modern governance and a strong societal fabric, highlighted the Speech from the Throne.

Depending on the shared vision and priorities identified by the partner community areas, the initiative should achieve measurable progress in quality of life, whether its a cleaner environment, higher literacy, improved health, better infrastructure, safer streets or more opportunities to earn a good living.

• Coordinated federal approach to working with communities in support of improved quality of life.
• Collaborative working relationships among 35 federal and provincial agencies.
• Two formal secured partnerships for the achievement of a fully collaborative community-government sustainable communities approach.
• http://www.nsaccess.ns.ca/sci/

In the context of sustainable development, contribute to ecological integrity, human health, economic activity which respects the environment and involve communities to ensure a healthy and prosperous St. Lawrence ecosystem

(being negotiated)

Environment Canada, AAFC, DFO, TC, CSA, with the collaboration of several other federal departments, Government of Quebec, Area of Prime Concern (ZIP) committees, non-governmental organizations, industry

(being negotiated)

• Protection of wildlife and habitats along the St. Lawrence
• Better information and knowledge for the public and decision makers
• Monitoring and reporting on the St. Lawrence monitoring
• New knowledge on the effects of water level fluctuations, climate change, urban pollution and exotic species
• Reduction of the toxicity of municipal waste waters
• Implementation of the Sustainable Navigation Strategy
• Greater involvement of riverside communities and youth

(being negotiated)

• Action plan Web site: http://slv2000.qc.ca

• Implement community projects to improve the St. Lawrence River.

• Strengthened local efforts to protect, conserve, restore and enhance the St. Lawrence in a manner that is consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

• Currently under negotiation.

Industry Sector pollution prevention: The prevention and reduction of adverse impacts of toxics (existing substances).

Agricultural pollution prevention: reduction of impacts to fish and fish habitat.

Industry Sector pollution prevention: there are numerous partners, including:Canadian Vehicle Manufacturing Association; Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association; printing and graphics industry; metal finishing industry; dry cleaning industry, marinas, recreational vehicles and campgrounds, golf courses, auto body shops, other government departments (e.g., Correctional Services, CFIA), municipalities (including City of Toronto)

Agricultural pollution prevention: There are numerous partners, including: Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, Ontario Pork.

• Industry Sector pollution prevention: achieve reductions of toxic substances (e.g., substances listed under Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, CEPA Toxics, substances identified under the Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics program, Priority Substances List).
• Annual reductions are quantified and reported in a fact sheet (to be posted in future at www.on.ec.gc.ca/epb/fpd).
• Agricultural pollution prevention: reduce the number of manure spills to watercourses; increased compliance with the Fisheries Act.

• Complete all federal remediation actions in 13 of the remaining Areas of Concern (AOCs).
• Make progress in restoring Hamilton Harbour, Metro Toronto and Port Hope Harbour AOCs.
• Develop new knowledge, tools and techniques for establishing restoration targets and restoring impaired beneficial uses of the environment.
• Achieve progress/success in restoring impaired beneficial uses in the Great Lakes Basin .

• Sediment action plans. implemented in six AOCs.
• Completion of the Northern Wood Preservers contaminated. Sediments remediation project in Thunder Bay.
• Implementation of watershed management plans for each Toronto watershed.
• Communication of science through appropriate technology transfer mechanisms.
• Completion of science assessments on issues related to restoration of beneficial uses in AOCs.w http://www.on.ec.gc.ca

• New scientific knowledge on the effects of contaminants and nutrients on the aquatic ecosystem of the northern river basins by 2003.
• Improved knowledge of the hydrology of the northern river basins and the hydrological response to climatological, flow regulation and land-use factors by 2003.
• Development of nutrient-loading guidelines by 2003.
• Adoption of pollution prevention practices by basin residents.
• http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/

Project Partners:

Environment Canada, DIAND, NRCan, AgCan, DFO, Health Canada, Government of the NWT, Yukon, Nunavut, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Innu Nation, ITC, Dene Nation, Council of Yukon, First Nations, Cree Council of Northern Quebec, academia, private sector, NGOs, northern communities

Program Partners in 2002-2003:

Canadian Rural Partnership Initiative, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatimi (Inuit of Canada)

• Increased knowledge and awareness of ecosystem impacts of contaminants, climate change and development activities.
• Further development of a northern monitoring network able to provide information on ecosystem status and trends.
• Enhanced capacity in northern communities and Aboriginal organizations.

Direct: Environment Canada, DFO, HC

Also includes: additional federal, provincial, municipal and non-governmental organization partners (e.g.,; TC, MELP, Farm Folk/City Folk)

• Long-term and integrated resource management and land use strategic plan for all areas in the Fraser Basin by 2003.
• Development of water use plans for hydroelectric facilities in the Fraser Basin by 2002.
• Action Plan 1999/2004: http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/

• All sources of air emissions inventoried for modeling in 2002.

• Greater than 25% of closed shellfish harvesting areas in selected Georgia Basin communities will be re-opened by 2005.

• Securement plans initiated for 250 ha land for wildlife and agriculture; protection of two Garry Oak sites (implementation by 2003).

• Georgia Basin QUEST model developed (deployed 2003).
• http://www.pyr.ec.gc.ca./

MSC: DG AEPD, RD SCPD and RDs

Partners:
NAV CANADA, DND, Transport Canada, private meteorological sector, media

• Provide weather forecasts and warnings to marine, aviation and public communities.

MSC: DG SCPD

Partners: DFO (CCG), CSA

• Provide ice information on past, present and future sea ice, lake ice and iceberg conditions in Canadian waters.

• Provide information and warnings on tropical storms and hurricanes approaching or affecting Canadian waters and Canada as well as public education and research.

• Assure quality and provide analysis and forecast modelling outputs, provide national telecommunications for the MSC, make advances in weather modelling and provide emergency response services.

• Recruit and train meteorologists and technicians to ensure key skill sets are maintained and to address succession.

• Monitor atmospheric conditions, climate and the quantity of water in Canadian lakes and rivers.

• Provide access to services and products through the Internet.

MSC: DG AEPD, DG AMWSD, RDs
Partners: Health Canada

IAEA, ICAO, DND, OCIPEP, municipal, provincial and territorial EMOs

• Provide support to emergency organisations and first responders.

• Carry out R&D in a wide variety of areas related to climate change, air quality, weather and water, support the development of science policy, support external R&D and hold leadership roles in key international forums.

7.2 Contacts for Further Information