Reports at a Glance

Each year, the Commissioner reports on environmental and sustainable development matters that she believes should be brought to the attention of the House of Commons. The reports include chapters on sustainable development strategies, audits, special studies, and since 2001 chapters on environmental petitions.

• The 2006 Report deals with aspects of the federal government's approach to climate change. Issues audited include: the management of the federal approach to climate change, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and the release of greenhouse gases from energy production and consumption in Canada. The report also deals with sustainable development strategies, and environmental petitions.
• The 2005 Report - deals with environmental and sustainable development issues concerning Canadians' health, Canada's natural wealth and how the government can make sustainability part of its work. Issues audited include: drinking water in First Nations communities, federal responsibilities for the safety of drinking water, oceans, national parks, biological diversity, green procurement and sustainable development strategies.
• 2004 Report - examined the federal government's environmental performance. The audits dealt with issues that affect Canadians, including results achieved in relation to five international agreements, environmentally sustainable assistance to developing countries, and the management of salmon habitat and stocks.
• 2003 Report - examined the federal government's actions in response to specific commitments that have implications for both human health and the environment.
• 2002 Report - discussed the federal government's track record for implementing key sustainable development agreements that have occurred since the Rio Conference. The Report also contained chapters that dealt with invasive species, abandoned mines in Canada's North, the legacy of contaminated federal sites, and the management of toxic substances.
• 2001 Report - focussed primarily on the condition of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River basin.
• 2000 Report - focussed on smog and government support for investments in non-renewable and renewable energy. It also included follow-up audits on ozone-layer protection and biodiversity.
• 1999 Report - examined the management of toxic substances and federal-provincial environmental agreements.
• 1998 Report - dealt with the federal government's efforts in key areas that included climate change, ozone depletion, and environmental assessment.