The Government of Canada responds to Canadians' call for a sustainable development vision for Canada Français
OTTAWA, Oct. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to environmental sustainability and recognizes the economic opportunities—especially for good middle class jobs—associated with clean growth. Thirteen aspirational goals set out today in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) will contribute to our efforts to create a clean environment and a prosperous economy for generations to come.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson, today tabled the 2016-2019 FSDS on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna.
The FSDS contains clear and measurable targets that will allow Canadians, who had a big part in shaping the Strategy, to track the country's progress toward a cleaner and a greener Canada.
The Government of Canada's contribution also includes a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 40 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.
The Government of Canada has also agreed to support the recommendations of the House Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on amendments to the Federal Sustainable Development Act.
Quotes
"The goals laid out here today are a Canadian reflection of the environmentally-related 2030 Agenda sustainable development goals. They acknowledge Canada's unique responsibilities—the need to conserve our lands, oceans and coastline for future generations, develop our natural resources sustainably and protect vulnerable northern regions from climate change impacts."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"By setting ambitious goals and targets to green our own operations, we are showing Canadians and the world that it is possible to transition to a low-carbon economy. The steps we continue to take to meet our climate change objectives bode well for the future, however, we can't do it alone. That is why the Government of Canada will continue to work with various levels of government, Indigenous groups, industry and other stakeholders in support of sustainable development and the Canadian Energy Strategy."
– Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources
"The Government intends to lead in the fight against climate change. Canadians across the country expect the federal government to have a pragmatic and effective plan to reduce carbon emissions. Our plan will ensure the Government of Canada meets its emissions reduction target by improving the environmental performance of its buildings and operations."
– Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board
Quick facts
- The 2016-2019 FSDS is the third three-year strategy designed to make the federal government's "environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament." The FSDS is led by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- The FSDS is Canada's primary vehicle for sustainable development planning and reporting. A collaboration among 41 federal departments and agencies, it provides Canadians with a whole-of-government picture of federal sustainable development priorities, establishes goals and targets and outlines how the government plans to achieve them.
- In September 2015, United Nations member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including 17 sustainable development goals and 169 targets. They are the result of an extensive consultation process involving millions of people around the world. The 2030 Agenda provides the global framework for sustainable development integrating social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development as well as peace, governance and justice elements.
- The Government of Canada pledged at the 2016 North American Leaders' summit that by 2025, 100 percent of the electricity we use in most of our facilities will come from clean energy sources.
Associated links
Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Contacts : Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)
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