2020-21 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

This report on progress supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole of government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.

The departmental information reported accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with Indigenous Services Canada's 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Indigenous Services Canada has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2. Sustainable development in Indigenous Services Canada

Indigenous Services Canada's 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy describes the department's actions in support of achieving: Greening government, Effective action on climate change, Modern and resilient infrastructure, Clean energy, Clean drinking water, Sustainable food, and Safe and healthy communities. This report presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Previous years' reports are posted on Indigenous Services Canada's website.

3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal

The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.

Context: Greening Government

ISC is the custodian of buildings, leases space in facilities across the country, manages a fleet of vehicles, and procures goods and services in order to serve Canadians. The commitments under the Greening Government goal outline the areas ISC plans to focus on to continue to reduce the environmental effects associated with the Department's physical operations and procurement decisions. Specifically, ISC will take concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its buildings and fleets, divert waste from landfills, undertake clean technology demonstration projects, and support green procurement practices, including through implementing a new directive on green procurement.

Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green operations

1. FSDS Target: Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral)
  1. FSDS contributing action: All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing.
    Corresponding departmental actions:
    • Undertake a strategic evaluation of the department's real property portfolio to determine the most cost-effective pathway to achieve low-carbon operations.
    • All new federal buildings (including build-to-lease and public-private partnerships), starting at the latest in 2022, should be constructed to be net-zero carbon unless a lifecycle cost benefit analysis indicates net-zero carbon ready construction.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) facilities are currently excluded from the department's GHG emissions reporting as they are held for future transfer to First Nations or operated by third parties for First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) operations. ISC does not have significant operational control over these facilities or the ability to report on their energy data, and no emissions for the facilities in question have been reported to date by their former custodian departments (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and Health Canada).
Future opportunities for ISC facility GHG emissions reporting will be identified through the department's forthcoming Carbon Neutral Portfolio Assessment.
Performance indicators:Footnote 1

  • GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year)
    = 0.029 ktCO2e (estimated)
  • GHG emissions from facilities in current reporting fiscal year
    = 0.003 ktCO2e
  • Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to current reporting fiscal year
    = -90% (estimated)

Result:
ISC developed a new departmental green procurement target for net-zero construction projects during fiscal year 2020-21:
All new buildings (including build-to-lease and public-private partnerships) will be net-zero carbon unless a life-cycle cost-benefit analysis indicates net-zero-carbon-ready construction; all major building retrofits, including significant energy performance contracts, require a GHG reduction life-cycle cost analysis to determine the optimal GHG savings (the life-cycle cost approach will use a period of 40 years and a carbon shadow price of $300 per tonne and be maintained at all project stages); all new federal buildings, infrastructure and major building retrofits, including significant energy performance contracts, require a climate change risk assessment that incorporates both current and future climate conditions in the analysis.
ISC reported facility emissions for the first time in fiscal year 2020-21. Most of the estimated decrease in facility emissions since 2005-06 is attributed to the electricity grid.
Future opportunities for ISC facility GHG emissions reporting will be identified through the department's forthcoming Net-Zero Climate-Resilient Real Property Portfolio Plan in consultation with third parties by fiscal year 2021-22.

FSDS:
Actions that reduce the demand for energy or switch to cleaner sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs from building operations.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG):
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.7
  1. FSDS contributing action: Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.
    Corresponding departmental actions:
    • 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids, where feasible.
    • All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.
    • Promote behaviour change (e.g. anti-idling campaigns, driver training, car-pooling initiatives).
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC's fleet GHG base year emissions are being adjusted to include vehicles inherited from the former department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) vehicles transferred from Health Canada to ISC. FNIHB's fleet increased the size of ISC's on-road vehicle fleet by approximately 300%. ISC's adjusted base year emissions are planned for finalization during the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Performance indicators:Footnote 2
  • GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2005–06 (adjusted base year)
    = 2.247 ktCO2e
  • GHG emissions from fleet in previous reporting fiscal year (2019-20)
    = 2.013 ktCO2e
  • Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to previous reporting fiscal year (2019-20)
    = -10.4% decrease (estimated)
  • Overall fuel consumption (Gasoline Litres Equivalent) in fiscal year 2005-06
    = 969,933 litres
  • Overall fuel consumption (Gasoline Litres Equivalent) in previous reporting fiscal year (2019-20)
    = 872,918 litres
  • Percentage (%) change in overall fuel consumption from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to previous reporting fiscal year (2019-20)
    = -10.0% decrease

Result:
In 2020-21, ISC's adjusted base year (2005-06) fleet emissions were defined at 2.247 kt CO2e based on historical data from INAC and Health Canada (for the FNIHB fleet) and approved by the Centre for Greening Government.

  • GHG emissions from fleet in current reporting fiscal year (2020-21)
    = 1.278 ktCO2e
  • Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to current reporting fiscal year (2020-21)
    = 43% decrease
The overall fuel consumption (gasoline litres equivalent) base year amount was also defined in 2020-21 and remained as originally anticipated at 969,933 litres.
  • Overall fuel consumption (Gasoline Litres Equivalent) in fiscal year (2020-21)
    = 544,143 litres
  • Percentage (%) change in overall fuel consumption from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to current reporting fiscal year (2020-21)
    = 44% decrease

FSDS:
Actions that reduce the amount of fuel consumed for fleet operation or switch to less GHG intensive sources of fuels will contribute to GHG reductions.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.7
2. FSDS Target: Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030

FSDS contributing action: Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operation and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings.Footnote 3
Corresponding departmental actions:

  • Track and disclose our waste diversion rates by 2022.
  • Report building energy and water usage and waste generated using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager in all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square meters.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
All ISC offices are leased. ISC will collaborate with landlords to ensure that waste is tracked and disclosed.

Performance indicators:
ISC will establish baseline levels for the following indicators by fiscal year 2021-22:

  • Mass of non-hazardous operational waste generated in the year
    = [X] tonnes
  • Mass of non-hazardous operational waste diverted in the year
    = [Y] tonnes
  • Percentage (%) of non-hazardous operational waste diverted
    = [Y/X] %

Result:
The establishment of baseline levels and implementation of targets is planned for fiscal year 2021-22.
Waste tracking and disclosure for department-owned and leased facilities through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager will be addressed in collaboration with stakeholders during fiscal year 2021-22.
The broad adoption of teleworking during the pandemic significantly reduced the volume of non-hazardous waste generated at departmental facilities during fiscal year 2020-21.

FSDS:
Actions that reduce the generation of non-hazardous operational waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.

UN SDG:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.5
3. FSDS target: Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030

FSDS contributing action: Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operation and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings. Footnote 4
Corresponding departmental actions:

  • Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in ISC operations, events and meetings.
  • When procuring products that contain plastics, ISC will promote the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste.
  • Track and disclose departmental waste diversion rates by 2022.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC has established a departmental green procurement strategy to support the diversion of single-use plastic.

Performance indicators:
ISC will establish baseline levels for the following indicators by fiscal year 2021-22:

  • Mass of plastic waste generated in the year
    = [X] tonnes
  • Mass of plastic waste diverted in the year
    = [Y] tonnes
  • Percentage (%) of plastic waste diverted
    = [Y/X] %

Result:
ISC developed a new departmental green procurement target to eliminate single-use plastic during fiscal year 2020-21.
The establishment of baseline levels and implementation of targets is planned for fiscal year 2021-22.
ISC developed draft policy instruments to restrict the procurement of single-use plastic, based on guidance provided by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

FSDS:
Actions that reduce the generation of plastic waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.

UN SDG:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.5
  • Target 12.7
4. FSDS target: Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030)

FSDS contributing action: Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation.Footnote 5
Corresponding departmental actions: Track and disclose departmental waste diversion rates by 2022.

Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC has not tracked or reported departmental construction and demolition waste for greening government to date.

Performance indicators:
ISC will establish baseline levels for the following indicators by fiscal year 2021-22:

  • Mass of construction and demolition waste generated in the year
    = [X] tonnes
  • Mass of construction and demolition waste diverted in the year
    = [Y] tonnes
  • Percentage (%) of construction and demolition waste diverted
    = [Y/X] %

Result:
ISC developed a new departmental green procurement target to ensure the diversion/recycling of construction and demolition waste during fiscal year 2020-21. The establishment of baseline levels and implementation is planned for fiscal year 2021-22.
Tracking of waste generated by construction and demolition will be addressed in collaboration with stakeholders during fiscal year 2021-22.

FSDS:
Actions that reduce the generation of construction and demolition waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.

UN SDG:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.5
5. FSDS Target: By 2030, 75% of domestic office lease transactions must be carbon neutral in situations where the federal government represents 75% or greater of the occupied space (square metres), market conditions permit and a competitive environment exists

FSDS contributing action: In all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres, landlords must report building energy and water usage and waste generated using EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager.
Corresponding departmental actions: For all new domestic office leases and lease renewals awarded after April 1, 2025, where the federal government is the majority tenant, market conditions permit and a competitive environment exists, preference will be given to buildings with the highest available EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager score.

Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC relies on Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) for leased office accommodations for departmental regional offices, and the department leases smaller facilities on/near First Nation communities to support program delivery.

Performance indicators:
ISC will establish baseline levels for the following indicators by fiscal year 2021-22:

  • Percentage (%) of domestic office lease transactions that are carbon neutral
  • Percentage (%) of domestic office leases and lease renewals awarded having the highest available EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager score
  • Average EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager score of new domestic office leases and lease renewal buildings

Result:
ISC developed a new corresponding departmental green procurement target during fiscal year 2020-21. The establishment of baseline levels and implementation is planned for fiscal year 2021-22.
ISC will track the energy efficiency of leased accommodations in EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager starting in fiscal year 2021-22.

FSDS:
Higher performing buildings with the highest scores will generally minimize energy use and therefore GHG emissions from heating and electricity (where applicable).

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Target 12.7
6. FSDS Target: Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) by 2030

FSDS contributing action: Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.
Corresponding departmental actions:

  • 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.
  • All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC faces challenges in complying with this target as most departmental vehicles are required to haul equipment on unpaved roads in remote areas to support program delivery, and zero-emission vehicle selections are limited in the heavier vehicle categories. ISC is updating its departmental policies and procedures for fleet purchases to require completion of "right-sizing" charts for new vehicles.

Performance indicators:

  • Total number of vehicles in administrative fleet:
    443 (fiscal year 2019-20)
  • Percentage (%) of annual administrative fleet purchases that are ZEV or hybrid:
    0% (fiscal year 2019-20)
  • Percentage (%) of ZEV in administrative fleet:
    1% (4 vehicles in fiscal year 2019-20)

Result:
ISC progressed on this target during fiscal year 2020-21 by increasing the number of zero-emission and hybrid vehicles purchased for routine fleet vehicle replacements across the department, and by deploying zero-emission/hybrid vehicles in isolated areas that have mainly relied on conventional sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks to date.

ISC developed a corresponding departmental green procurement target during fiscal year 2020-21 and will implement updated departmental procedures for fleet management during fiscal year 2021-22 to further update internal controls for land vehicle purchases.

In 2020-21, ISC had a total of 441 vehicles in its administrative fleet – a reduction of 2 vehicles from the previous year.

Of those purchased in 2020-21, 33% were ZEV or hybrid models (1 vehicle); bringing the overall percentage of ZEV models in ISC's administrative fleet to 0.002%.

FSDS:
As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetimes with ZEVs, and/or the size of the fleet is reduced, a greater proportion of the fleet will be ZEV.

UN SDG:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.7
7. FSDS target: By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations
  1. FSDS contributing action: Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
    1. Corresponding departmental actions: By 2021, ISC will take action to understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect federal assets, services and operations across the country.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Departmental climate risk assessment for departmental assets completed

Target: 1 risk assessment with a focus on departmental assets completed by March 31, 2021

Result:
ISC completed a departmental climate risk assessment that considered departmental assets during fiscal year 2020-21.
Changing climate conditions were assessed as presenting a moderate impact and moderate likelihood of causing unanticipated changes in the values of assets and real property in the short-term. The likelihood of the risks is expected to increase beyond 2030. ISC will systematize consideration of climate change adaptation in departmental asset management through the forthcoming departmental Net-Zero Climate-Resilient Real Property Portfolio Plan by fiscal year 2021-22.

FSDS:
Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and operations is one of the most important ways the government can adapt to a changing climate and is consistent with the government's risk management approach of enhancing the protection of public assets and resources and strengthening planning and decision-making.

UN SDG:
SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.3
  1. Corresponding departmental actions: ISC is participating in a climate change vulnerability assessment with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) that will identify high-level risks and vulnerabilities for the health, regional operations, and lands and economic development sectors of the department.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Departmental climate change vulnerability assessment completed

Target: 1 risk assessment with a focus on regional operations, health and lands, and economic development completed by March 31, 2021

Result:
ISC completed a departmental climate change vulnerability assessment by March 31, 2021. The results of the assessment are being used to inform adaptation planning.

FSDS:
This assessment will support the creation of adaptation plans across ISC sectors.

UN SDG:
SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.3
  1. FSDS contributing action: By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council Canada (NRC).
    Corresponding departmental actions:
    • All major real property projects will integrate climate change adaptation into the design, construction and operation aspects.
    • Climate change adaptation will be included in the design, construction and operation aspects of real property or engineered asset projects.
    • Construct buildings conforming to the National Research Council Canada's (NRC) code.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC's real property sustainability framework is planned for development during fiscal year 2020-21. This framework will mandate integration of climate change in all real property projects.

Performance indicator:
ISC will begin reporting on the following indicator by fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage (%) of buildings constructed in the reporting year that conform to the NRC climate-resilient building codes

Result:
In 2020-21, ISC developed a new departmental green procurement target to require all new construction to be net-zero carbon. Implementation and coordination with departmental investment planning is planned for fiscal year 2021-22.
Development of ISC's Net-Zero Climate-Resilient Real Property Portfolio Plan was deferred to fiscal year 2021-22.

FSDS:
Early adoption of the code in the construction of buildings demonstrates federal leadership in climate resilient buildings.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.7

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.3
8. FSDS target: Use 100% clean electricity by 2025

FSDS contributing action: Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions.Footnote 6
Corresponding departmental actions: In regions with carbon emitting electricity generation, organizations will at a minimum produce or purchase megawatt hours of renewable electricity equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid. This includes the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site. There is a preference, but not a requirement, to buy electricity in the province or territory in which it is consumed.

Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
Electricity in ISC's regional offices is provided and purchased by PSPC. ISC only purchases electricity for smaller office accommodations leased directly to the department.

Performance indicators:
ISC will begin reporting on the following indicators by fiscal year 2020-21:

  • Electricity consumption in the year
    = [X] kWh
  • Electricity consumption from non-emitting sources (including renewable energy certificates) in the year
    = [Y] kWh
  • Percentage (%) of clean electricity
    = [Y/X] %

Result:
In 2020-21, ISC developed a new departmental green procurement target to purchase 100% clean electricity by 2022. Departmental operations that purchase electricity will be identified and required to use 100% clean electricity.

FSDS:
The use of clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions in jurisdictions with emitting generation sources.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
9. FSDS target: Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government
[These actions support the goal Greening Government but do not directly support a FSDS target.]
  1. FSDS contributing action: Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation.
    Corresponding departmental actions:
    • Specification of low embodied carbon materials in construction and construction contracts.
    • Substitution of low embodied carbon materials in construction and renovation projects.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC's real property sustainability framework is planned for development during fiscal year 2020-21. This framework will mandate integration of climate change adaptation in all real property projects.

Performance indicator:
ISC will begin reporting on the following indicator by fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage (%) of major construction projects in which embodied carbon in building materials was minimized

Result:
In 2020-21, ISC developed a new departmental green procurement target that supports the use of materials with low embodied carbon in construction and renovation projects.
The percentage of major construction projects using building materials with minimized embodied carbon will be identified through ISC's Net-Zero Climate-Resilient Real Property Portfolio Plan during fiscal year 2021-22.

FSDS:
The use of low embodied carbon materials expands the market and encourages industry to adopt low carbon extraction, production and disposal practices. This will reduce Scope 3 emissions and other harmful environmental impacts.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.7
  1. FSDS contributing action: Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions.
    Corresponding departmental actions:
    • Include criteria that address carbon reduction, sustainable plastics and broader environmental benefits into procurements for goods and services that have a high environmental impact.
    • Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls. Incorporate environmental considerations into the development of any common-use procurement instruments.
    • Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations.
    • Set departmental targets to reduce the environmental impact of specific goods or services.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
The new ISC Directive on Green Procurement and twelve departmental green procurement targets were endorsed by the department's Directors General in 2020 and are planned for approval and implementation in fiscal year 2020-21. ISC's new departmental green procurement targets will be reflected in the next update to this strategy.

Performance indicators:

  • Volume of expenditure through Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements (SOSAs) that include environmental criteria
    • Starting point (2018-19): 100%
  • Inclusion of environmental considerations (e.g. reduce, reuse, or include environmental criteria) in new common-use procurement instruments
    • Starting point (2018-19): 100%
  • Inclusion of environmental considerations (e.g. reduce, reuse, or include environmental criteria) in procurements valued over $2 million
    • Starting point (2018-19): Not available

Result:
In 2020-21, ISC developed a new departmental directive on green procurement and departmental green procurement targets. Implementation is planned for fiscal year 2021-22.
In 2020-21:

  • 100% of ISC's expenditures through Standing Offers and Supply Arrangements included environmental criteria.
  • 100% of ISC's new common-use procurement instruments included environmental considerations (e.g. reduce, reuse or other environment criteria).
  • 100% of ISC's procurements valued over $2 million included environmental considerations (e.g. reduce, reuse or other environment criteria).

FSDS:
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain. GHG reductions are one area of consideration in green procurement.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.5
  • Target 12.7
  1. FSDS contributing action: Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects.
    Corresponding departmental actions:
    • Undertake or commission research and development for innovative clean technologies.
    • Address specific departmental needs or increase operational efficiency by testing state-of-the-art innovations not yet available in the marketplace.
    • Lead by example as an early adopter of clean technology innovations.
    • Develop operational innovation proposals for the Greening Government Fund.
    • Create departmental set-asides or targets for procurement of clean technology goods and services.
    • Incorporate life-cycle assessments and outcomes-based approaches into procurement practices to ensure innovative approaches are considered.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
ISC's greening priorities in recent years have focused on complying with mandatory requirements and the ongoing transformation of the former Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has impeded the department from progressing on projects to adopt new clean technologies. The department's forthcoming real property sustainability framework and Sustainable Workplace Operations Approach will provide opportunities to deploy clean technologies.

Performance indicator:
ISC will identify and report projects that adopt clean technology by fiscal year 2020-21.

Result:
ISC consulted all departmental sectors on the feasibility of developing an Expression of Interest for the Greening Government Fund during fiscal year. Internal consultation identified one potential project to be submitted for consideration by 2022.
Departmental clean technology projects pertaining to facilities will also be identified and reported through ISC's forthcoming Net-Zero Climate-Resilient Real Property Portfolio Plan by fiscal year 2021-22.

FSDS:
Actions by individual departments that incent, support, or procure state-of-the-art innovative clean technologies that lower the environmental footprint of government operations while contributing to the success of clean-tech businesses in Canada.

UN SDG:
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.7
  1. FSDS contributing action: Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees.
    Corresponding departmental actions: Ensure decisions makers, material management and specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.
Starting point
Performance indicators
Targets		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting point:
Departmental specialists in procurement and materiel management are required to complete the Canada School of Public Service online course on Green Procurement. The completion rate for this course was determined to be 95% in 2017 (21 of 22 employees), but has not been verified since then due to significant organizational changes resulting from the transformation of the former department of INAC into ISC and CIRNAC.
ISC has developed updated training for departmental procurement officers on how to record green procurement details in the financial information system that is currently planned for delivery during the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Performance indicators:
ISC will begin reporting on the following indicators by fiscal year 2020-21:

  • Percentage (%) of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed the Canada School of Public Service training course on green procurement
  • Percentage (%) of specialists in procurement who have completed departmental training on recording green procurement in the financial information system

Result:
ISC developed and provided training on green procurement for departmental procurement officers during fiscal year 2020-21.
In 2020-21:

  • 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management completed the Canada School of Public Service training course on green procurement (estimated)
  • The percentage of specialists in procurement who have completed departmental training on recording green procurement in the financial information system will be reported in fiscal year 2021-22, however preliminary information sessions were conducted in fiscal year 2020-21.

FSDS:
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain.

UN SDG:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.7

Context: Effective Action on Climate Change

Climate change is a critical global problem that could affect future generations' ability to meet their basic needs. ISC's climate change programs support effective action on climate change through reducing GHG emissions and supporting climate resilience. Through the First Nation Infrastructure Fund, First Nations on reserves are provided funding for infrastructure projects to help address and mitigate climate change impacts. In addition, the Emergency Management Assistance Program supports emergency preparedness activities, such as the development of risk assessments, to better support First Nations communities in strengthening their capacity and resilience to the mounting threats associated with climate change. The Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program, which is unique among adaptation programs, focuses on supporting community-driven health research and adaptation strategies, allowing First Nations and Inuit communities to identify the areas of research and vulnerability assessments that are of greatest importance to them. ISC will also be engaging and collaborating with Indigenous Peoples on policies, programs and other priorities, including through the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE). The ICCE is a non-for profit corporation that was created to support the technical and scientific capacity of communities to undertake cumulative effects assessment, monitoring and management, based on the values of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

climate

Effective Action on Climate Change: A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius

1. FSDS Target: By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emissions levels

FSDS contributing actions: Support businesses and Canadians in taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Corresponding departmental actions: Through the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF), provide funding to First Nations on reserves for infrastructure projects, such as planning and skills development, energy systems and structural mitigation.

Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Funding that is allocated to First Nations and spent each fiscal year

Target: 100% of yearly funding is allocated and spent

Starting point: Current planned funding for FNIF by fiscal year:
2020-21: $97.6 million
2021-22: $59.0 million
2022-23: $59.0 million

Result:
100% of 2020-21 FNIF funding was allocated and spent.

Planned funding amounts will be revised in the 2022-23 update to ISC's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

FSDS:
Key departmental actions will support First Nations with infrastructure projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that are tailored to the needs of the community, comparable to off-reserve communities.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.3
2. FSDS Target: Actions supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change
[This section is for actions that support the Effective Action on Climate Change Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target]
  1. FSDS contributing actions: Provide support and funding for climate resilience.
    1. Corresponding departmental actions: Provide direct funding, through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF), to support First Nation communities, band councils, tribal councils and Indigenous organizations. The FNIF supports First Nation communities in their efforts to have reliable and sustainable infrastructure by providing funding to plan, design, construct, and acquire community infrastructure assets and facilities. This includes the delivery of structural mitigation projects, which will reduce the impacts of natural disasters on First Nation communities (e.g. construction of dykes).
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Number of resilient infrastructure projects that are underway or have been completed with the allocated funding

Target: 56 structural mitigation projects underway or completed by March 31, 2024

Starting point: 45 projects underway or completed as of December 31, 2018

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, ISC has already surpassed the target established for 2024 with 61 structural mitigation projects that were underway or completed.

FSDS:
ISC provides funding to First Nations communities to develop information and tools to support the identification of climate change impacts and adaptation measures. The long-term outcome of these programs is to increase resilience to climate change impacts by implementing adaptation measures.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.1
  1. Corresponding departmental actions: Make funding available to First Nations communities through the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) to support emergency preparedness activities, including the development of risk assessments; the FireSmart program on-reserve; flood protection studies; and developing, updating, and exercising emergency management plans.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Percentage of non-structural mitigation and preparedness funding allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building

Target: 100%; forecasting $16M in funding as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: Annual target; at 100% of $11M in funding as of March 31, 2020 (maintain percentage)

Result:
100% of non-structural mitigation and preparedness funding was allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building by March 31, 2021.

FSDS:
ISC's EMAP provides First Nations with support through the four pillars of emergency management — preparedness, non-structural mitigation, response, and recovery — as well as forest fire suppression activities. This approach to emergency events, many of which are exacerbated or caused by climate change, enables ISC to better support First Nation communities in strengthening their capacity and resilience to the mounting threats associated with climate change. The funding made available through the EMAP facilitates disaster readiness, threat and capability awareness, and also supports individual and community recovery efforts following a disaster event.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.5
  • Target 11.B

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.1
  • Target 13.3

Performance indicator:
Percentage of FireSmart funding allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building

Target: 100%

Starting point: Annual target; at 100% as of March 31, 2020 (maintain percentage)Footnote 7

Result:
92.4% of FireSmart funding has been allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building by March 31, 2021. The remaining funds were not allocated due to COVID-19 and a reprofile has been requested for 2021-22.Footnote 8

Performance indicator:
Percentage of Response and Recovery funding allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building

Target: 100%

Starting point: Annual target; at 100% as of March 31, 2020 (maintain percentage)

Result:
100% of Response and Recovery funding was allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building by March 31, 2021.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of notional Capacity Enhancement positions funding allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity buildingFootnote 9

Target: 100%; forecasting 76 notional Capacity Enhancement positions funded as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: Annual target; at 100% of the 39 notional Capacity Enhancement positions funded as of March 31, 2020 (maintain percentage)

Result:
100% of funding for 76 notional Capacity Enhancement positions had been allocated towards on-reserve emergency resiliency and capacity building by March 31, 2021. Notional positions are based on a national average of $130,000 per position. Actual number of positions hired may vary by jurisdiction, their circumstances and the expressed desires of First Nation partners.
  1. Corresponding departmental action: Indigenous communities take measures to reduce the health effects of climate change. Provide funding for community-driven projects in First Nations and Inuit communities. Funding will support the development of adaptation plans and actions that identify and prioritize the health impacts of climate change.Footnote 10
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Percentage of First Nation and Inuit communities covered by climate change health adaptation funded projects

Target: 38% of communities as of March 31, 2022

Starting point: 8% of communities as of March 31, 2017Footnote 11

Result:
34% of First Nation and Inuit communities were covered by climate change health adaptation funded projects as of March 31, 2021.

Since the baseline and target were established, the denominator for this indicator has been updated from 477 First Nations and Inuit communities to 463. This denominator better reflects information from the 2019 Indian Registry System, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's record of Inuit communities. 158 communities have been supported from a starting point of 36 communities.

Communities in British Columbia served by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Nunavik and Nunatsiavut communities are excluded from the denominator.

FSDS:
The Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program was established in 2008.
The Program is unique among adaptation programs in that it focuses on supporting community-driven health research and adaptation strategies. This allows communities to identify the areas of research and vulnerability-assessments that are of greatest importance to them.
Initially the Program targeted northern communities in the territories and has been expanded in 2016-17 to include First Nations communities. 9 Projects funded through this Program include action-oriented projects that help minimize climate change risks and adapt to the impacts of climate change on human health.
First Nations and Inuit communities play a leading role in helping to understand and address vulnerabilities and risks from climate change impacts, identifying economic opportunities arising from clean growth, and reducing emissions.
By providing financial support, the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program creates an opportunity for communities to identify the areas of adaptation research and vulnerability-assessments (e.g., food security and access to traditional food, physical and mental health impacts, extreme weather events, water monitoring) that are of greatest importance to them so they can be prioritized at a regional level.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Target 3.9

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.1
  • Target 13.3
  1. FSDS contributing actions: Work with partners on climate change.
    Corresponding departmental actions: Engaging and collaborating with Indigenous Peoples on policies, programs and other priorities, including through the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE).
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Number of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities who have accessed services and tools supporting their work on cumulative effects through the ICCE's website or at its conferences/workshops

Target: 200 communities and/or organizations as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: 0 communities and/or organizations as of December 31, 2019

Result:
In 2020-21, 232 First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and/or organizations accessed services and tools supporting their work on cumulative effects through the ICCE's website or at its conferences/workshops.

158 community members were in attendance for a virtual 2-day cumulative effects workshop, which was held March 23-24, 2021.

There were also 74 Indigenous communities who accessed and submitted a proposal via the ICCE website. Communities have the opportunity to apply directly online, using the funding tab of the website.

FSDS:
The ICCE is a non-for profit corporation that was created to support the technical and scientific capacity of communities to undertake cumulative effects assessment, monitoring and management, based on the values of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. ISC's Lands and Economic Development Sector will continue to support and collaborate with the ICCE to better understand how the cumulative impacts resulting from development, climate change and other activities affect Indigenous lands, waters, and people. Enhancing Indigenous capacity in this regard is essential for sound environmental stewardship and decision making.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.B

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.2

SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 15: Life On Land

Context: Modern and Resilient Infrastructure

Green infrastructure protects the natural environment, supports healthy and resilient communities, drives economic growth, and improves our quality of life. ISC investments in waste management infrastructure and programming on-reserve seek to work with First Nations to develop solid waste management approaches that meet individual community needs with solutions tailored to the needs of the community comparable to off-reserve communities. The commitments ISC continues to focus on include: diverting waste from reserves whenever possible; supporting recycling, composting, and hazardous waste diversion programming; increasing community awareness; and constructing landfills when appropriate. Land use plans guide the best use of available lands, prevent incompatible land uses, and help protect important conservation areas, cultural resources and traditional grounds. When integrated with infrastructure, environment and economic development planning, the implementation of land use plans can be an effective approach to mitigate against climate change impacts (including the building of climate resilient infrastructure), ensure source water protection and contribute to the overall improvement in socio-economic conditions.

Modern and Resilient Infrastructure

Modern and Resilient Infrastructure: Modern, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure supports clean economic growth and social inclusion

FSDS Target: By the end of 2027-28 fiscal year, invest $26.9 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environment quality

FSDS contributing actions: Work with partners on green infrastructure.

  1. Corresponding departmental actions: Invest in waste management infrastructure and programming on-reserve. Work with First Nations to develop solid waste management approaches that meet individual community needs. Activities will include:
    • diverting waste from reserve whenever possible
    • supporting recycling, composting, and hazardous waste diversion programming
    • increasing community awareness
    • constructing landfills when appropriate
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Number of First Nation communities with improved infrastructure (i.e. landfills and/or transfer stations upgraded or constructed)

Target: 209 communities as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: 58 communities as of March 31, 2018

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, 139 First Nation communities had improved infrastructure, such as landfills and/or transfer stations that had been upgraded or constructed.

FSDS:
Key departmental actions will support First Nations with waste management solutions that are tailored to the needs of the community, comparable to off-reserve communities and provide employment opportunities to Indigenous people.

UN SDG:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Target 6.3

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.6
  • Target 11.7

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.5

Performance indicator:
Number of First Nation communities with diversion programs (e.g. recycling, composting, waste reduction, etc.)

Target: 147 communities as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: 0 communities as of April 1, 2016

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, 119 First Nation communities had diversion programs, such as recycling, composting, waste reduction, etc.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of First Nation communities with adequate solid waste management systems

Target: 40% as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: 1.4% as of March 31, 2018

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, 37% of First Nation communities had adequate solid waste management systems.

  1. Corresponding departmental actions: Through the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF), provide funding to First Nations on reserves for infrastructure projects, such as planning and skills development, energy systems and structural mitigation.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Funding that is allocated to First Nations and spent each fiscal year

Target: 100% of yearly funding is allocated and spent

Starting point: Current planned funding for FNIF by fiscal year:
2020-21: $97.6 million
2021-22: $59.0 million
2022-23: $59.0 million

Result:
100% of 2020-21 FNIF funding was allocated and spent.

Planned funding amounts will be revised in the 2022-23 update to ISC's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

FSDS:
Key departmental actions will support First Nations with infrastructure projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that are tailored to the needs of the community, comparable to off-reserve communities.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.4

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.3
  1. Corresponding departmental actions: Through the Lands and Economic Development Services Program and budget investments, provide funding to First Nations for land use planning towards building healthy and sustainable communities.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Number of land use plans developed by First Nations

Target: 70 new land use plans developed by March 31, 2023

Result:
In 2020-21, 5 new land use plans were completed, with a further 35 in development.

There are 8 First Nations who have made modest progress on land use planning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Partner organizations hope to re-engage them in 2021-22.

FSDS:
Key departmental actions will support First Nations with climate resilient and energy efficient infrastructure projects in part through land use planning that also promotes environmental quality, culture, economic development, and community health and wellbeing.

UN SDG:
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.1

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.3
  • Target 11.4
  • Target 11.7
  • Target 11.A
  • Target 11.B

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.2

Context: Clean Energy

ISC seeks to ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy by working with First Nations communities, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and other federal departments to plan and support the implementation of projects that reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity on reserve.

Clean Energy

Clean Energy: All Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy

FSDS Target: By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources

FSDS contributing actions: Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy infrastructure.
Corresponding departmental actions: Provide direct funding support to First Nations communities to plan and implement projects that reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity on reserve.

Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Number of First Nation communities located on reserves that rely on ISC-funded diesel for electricity generation

Target: At most 24 communities as of March 31, 2025

Starting point: 40 communities as of March 31, 2017

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, 38 First Nation communities located on reserves relied on ISC-funded diesel for electricity generation.

FSDS:
Working with First Nation communities and other governments to reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity on reserve, and continuing to support First Nations-led efforts to implement renewable electricity options (such as solar, hydro and wind) will promote greater use of clean energy infrastructure.

UN SDG:
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.2

Context: Clean Drinking Water

ISC has implemented an action plan aimed at eliminating all long-term drinking water advisories affecting on-reserve public First Nations drinking water systems financially supported by ISC.Footnote 12 As long-term drinking water advisories are continually lifted, First Nations will have improved access to safe and sustainable drinking water. Capital investments result in a newer and upgraded stock of water assets on reserve that can be more easily operated and maintained and contribute to meeting the priority of improving essential physical infrastructure for First Nations communities. Through investments in facility operation and maintenance, and operator training, First Nations are able to manage water and wastewater assets and ensure ongoing drinking water safety for community members.

Clean Drinking Water

Clean Drinking Water: All Canadians have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face are addressed

1. FSDS Target: By March 31, 2021, all of the long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve are to be resolved

FSDS contributing actions: Work with partners on drinking water quality.
Corresponding departmental actions:

  • Provide funding and advice to First Nation communities on the planning, procurement, design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.
  • Assist First Nations in identifying infrastructure needs and submitting capital projects proposals.
  • In spring 2017, ISC's Regional Operations Sector created the Strategic Water Management Team to oversee the Department's commitment to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by ISC by 2021. The team coordinates departmental efforts in addressing this commitment and liaises between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders and First Nations Communities on issues pertaining to drinking water.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Percentage of on-reserve public drinking water systems financially supported by ISC that have low risk ratings

Target: 65% of on-reserve public drinking water systems as of March 31, 2021

Starting point: 27% of on-reserve public drinking water systems as of March 31, 2011

Result:
The 2019-20 result was previously delayed at the last reporting cycle as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result for 2019-20 has since been determined at 57% for on-reserve public drinking water systems financially supported by ISC that had low risk ratings

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Annual Performance Inspections were cancelled in 2020-21. Therefore data for the 2020-21 year is unavailable.

FSDS:
Funding and technical support will enable delivery of drinking water and wastewater services in First Nations communities to ensure that First Nations public drinking water and wastewater systems financially supported by ISC meet established standards.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Target 3.9

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Target 6.1
  • Target 6.3
  • Target 6.5
  • Target 6.B

Performance indicator:
Percentage of on-reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by ISC that have low-risk ratings

Target: 65% of on-reserve public wastewater systems as of March 31, 2021

Starting point: 35% of on-reserve public wastewater systems as of March 31, 2011

Result:
The 2019-20 result was previously delayed at the last reporting cycle as a results of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result for 2019-20 has since been determined at 48% for on-reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by ISC that had low risk ratings.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Annual Performance Inspections were cancelled in 2020-21. Therefore data for the 2020-21 year is unavailable.

Performance indicator:
Number of long-term drinking water advisories affecting on-reserve public water systems financially supported by ISC

Target: 0 long-term drinking water advisories as of March 31, 2021

Starting point: 105 long-term drinking water advisories as of November 2015

Result:
Since November 2015, and as of March 31, 2021, 106 long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves have been lifted by First Nations, with support by Indigenous Services Canada, and 53 long-term drinking water advisories are in effect in 33 communities.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of on-reserve public drinking water systems financially supported by ISC that have primary operators certified to the level of the drinking water system

Target: 70% of on-reserve public drinking water systems as of March 31, 2021

Starting point: 51% of on-reserve public drinking water systems as of March 31, 2011

Result:
The 2019-20 result was previously delayed at the last reporting cycle as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result for 2019-20 has since been determined at 74% of on-reserve public drinking water systems financially supported by ISC that have primary operators certified to the level of the drinking water system.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Annual Performance Inspections were cancelled in 2020-21. Therefore data for the 2020-21 year is unavailable.

Performance indicator:
Percentage of on-reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by ISC that have primary operators certified to the level of the wastewater system

Target: 60% of on-reserve wastewater systems as of March 31, 2021

Starting point: 42% of on-reserve wastewater systems as of March 31, 2011

Result:
The 2019-20 result was previously delayed at the last reporting cycle as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result for 2019-20 has since been determined at 60% of on-reserve reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by ISC that have primary operators certified to the level of the wastewater system.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Annual Performance Inspections were cancelled in 2020-21. Therefore, data for the 2020-21 year is unavailable.
2. FSDS Target: Actions supporting the Goal: Clean Drinking Water
[This section is for actions that support the Clean Drinking Water Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target]

FSDS contributing actions: Work with partners on drinking water quality.
Corresponding departmental actions:

  • Support all First Nations communities in ensuring they have ongoing access to a trained Community Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor or an Environmental Public Health Officer (EPHO) to sample and test the drinking water for potential bacteriological contamination.
  • Support First Nations communities in on-going monitoring of drinking water quality in order to minimize potential negative health impacts.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Percentage of First Nation communities that have access to a Community-based Water Monitor or an Environmental Public Health Officer (EPHO) to sample and test drinking water quality at the tap

Target: 100% of First Nation communities as of March 31, 2022

Starting point: 100% of First Nation communities as of March 31, 2009 (maintain percentage)

Result:
Data available from 2019-20 resulted in 100% of First Nation communities who had access to a Community-based Water Monitor or an Environmental Public Health Officer to sample and test drinking water quality at the tap.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, data for the 2020-21 year has been delayed. Therefore, result for the 2020-21 year is unavailable.

FSDS:
ISC works together with First Nations communities and provides funding to Chiefs and Councils for drinking water monitoring through its Community-Based Water Monitor program.
By working with First Nations communities to ensure they have the technical support and expertise required to monitor drinking water quality, potential concerns can be identified and the appropriate recommendation can be provided to the Chief and Council of the First Nation community for action. These recommendations can include issuing a drinking water advisory.
ISC works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.
These measures contribute to an understanding of drinking water quality issues facing First Nation communities and their resolution.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Target 3.9

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Target 6.1
  • Target 6.5
  • Target 6.B

Performance indicator:
Percentage of the recommended number of sampling weeks that public water systems in First Nation communities were monitored for bacteria

Target: 82% of the recommended number of sampling weeks as of March 31, 2022

Starting point: 75% of the recommended number of sampling weeks as of March 31, 2013

Result:
Data available from 2019-20 resulted in 82% of the recommended number of sampling weeks where public water systems in First Nation communities were monitored for bacteria.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, data for the 2020-21 year has been delayed. Therefore, result for the 2020-21 year is unavailable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on both normal, planned, and periodic drinking water activities due to restricted access to communities and travel restrictions and other related factors. Therefore, it is expected that the average sampling frequency for 2019-20 and 2020-21 be lower compared to the previous years.

Context: Sustainable Food

ISC contributes to creating a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians by supporting the Nutrition North Canada program. Through the nutrition education initiatives component of this Program in encouraging healthier food choices, ISC aims to raise awareness of healthy eating and help develop skills in selecting and preparing healthy food in isolated communities.

Sustainable Food

Sustainable Food: Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians

FSDS Target: Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food
[This section is for actions that support the Sustainable Food Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target]

FSDS contributing actions: Make healthier food choices easier.
Corresponding departmental actions: Support the nutrition education component of the Nutrition North Canada (NNC) Program to increase the knowledge of healthy eating and to develop skills in selecting and preparing healthy food.

Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator: Percentage of communities receiving Nutrition North Canada Program Nutrition Education Initiatives funding that are promoting nutrition education activities

Target: 100% of funding recipients are promoting and offering nutrition education activities as of March 31, 2021

Starting Point: 93% of funding recipients promoted and offered nutrition education activities between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018Footnote 13

Result:
69% of funding recipients promoted and offered nutrition education activities between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. ISC continues to fund and support the implementation of NNC Nutrition Education Initiatives to all eligible First Nations and Inuit communities, to increase knowledge of healthy eating and to develop skills in choosing and preparing healthy foods.

FSDS:
As part of the Nutrition North Canada Program, ISC provides funding to support the delivery of retail and community-based nutrition education initiatives to help promote a safe and accessible food supply in isolated communities, and strengthen retail-community partnerships

UN SDG:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  • Target 2.1

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Target 3.4

Context: Safe and Healthy Communities

ISC works with Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure all First Nations, Inuit and Métis live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being. ISC implements the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan to reduce risks to human and environmental health and safety by completing remediation and risk management activities at known high-priority federal contaminated sites. In addition, to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances, ISC manages the Environmental Review Process to ensure that projects on reserve do not cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Safe and Healthy Communities

Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being

1. FSDS Target: By 2022, take risk management actions in a timely manner for 100% of substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health

FSDS contributing actions: Use legislation and regulations to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances.

  1. Corresponding departmental actions: Manage the Environmental Review Process (ERP) to ensure that projects on reserve do not cause significant adverse environmental effects.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
An indicator will be developed as part of the ongoing ERP revision process

Target: An indicator is developed by March 31, 2021

Starting point: ISC has the legislative requirement to conduct the ERP under the Impact Assessment Act

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, and due to limitations of working through COVID-19, an indicator has not been fully developed.

Currently, a complete review of the environmental review process remains in progress. Tools and guidance documents have been revised to comply with new legislation and to streamline the process. Once the review has been completed and the process updated, an indicator will be developed in collaboration with the regional working group to accurately measure the impact of the environmental review process on reserves.

FSDS:
Through the ERP, ISC ensures that proposed projects on reserve lands comply with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations and determines whether projects have the potential to result in significant adverse environmental effects. The ERP enables ISC to identify potential impacts of projects and their related activities, to what degree reductions of impacts may be achievable, and what types of mitigation may be required.
The ERP helps identify potential emissions during project activities as well as mitigation measures that can be implemented to address and reduce issues related to air quality problems, such as the health and wellbeing of community members.

UN SDG:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.6

SDG 14: Life Below Water

  • Target 14.1

SDG 15: Life On Land

  • Target 15.9
  1. Corresponding departmental actions: In collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, ISC works with First Nations to co-develop options to address environmental protection regulatory and capacity gaps.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Number of Indigenous representative organizations engaged in the process to co-develop options to address the environmental protection gap on reserve lands

Target: At least 5 regional Indigenous representative organizations are engaged in the co-development process as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: 3 Indigenous representative organizations are funded for initial regional planning work as of March 31, 2020

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, 5 regional Indigenous representative organizations are being engaged with their communities to identify priorities and potential solutions to address the environmental protection gap on reserve lands. Outcomes of this regional engagement would inform the co-development phase.

FSDS:
Through a multi-phase engagement process with First Nations, ISC will co-develop options to address the environmental protection gap on reserve lands. Such options may include legislation that would better protect reserve land, air and water from pollutants and contamination.

UN SDG:
SDG 10: Reduce Inequalities

  • Target 10.3

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.6
2. FSDS Target: Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities
[This section is for actions that support the Safe and Healthy Communities Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target]
  1. FSDS contributing actions Provide information to inform action and decision making.
    Corresponding departmental actions: Provide funding to the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources to continue to support the ClimateTelling web portal, which was established to create awareness about climate change and the impacts on human health facing Indigenous communities in Canada.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Percentage of planned funding provided to the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources

Target: 100%

Starting point: Annual target; at 100% of $10K in funding as of March 31, 2020 (maintain percentage)

Result:
100% of funding was provided to Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) as planned to maintain the ClimateTelling website. The site reflects all project final reports received to date.

FSDS:
The ClimateTelling web portal provides resources and tools for Indigenous communities interested in undertaking climate change and health-related initiatives. It also provides a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise and experiences and supports collaboration between scholars, professionals and community advocates.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Target 3.9

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.3
  1. FSDS contributing actions: Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts.
    Corresponding departmental actions: Work with First Nations communities to identify and recommend action on potential public health risks that could adversely impact the health of community residents.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Number of confirmed water/foodborne disease cases and outbreaks

Target: 0 cases and outbreaks as of March 31, 2023

Starting point: 0 cases and outbreaks as of March 31, 2016 (maintain)

Result:
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, data for 2019-20 and 2020-21 have been delayed. Therefore, results are unavailable.
An analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from Environmental Public Health Officers (EPHOs) on the number of Foodborne/Enteric/Waterborne investigations was undertaken for fiscal years 2015-16 to 2018-19. The analysis concluded that, in all enteric illnesses/outbreaks that had involved EPHOs, the issue was food related.

FSDS:
As part of its prevention and control activities, ISC's Environmental Public Health Program conducts investigations where there are suspected or confirmed foodborne/waterborne or vectorborne outbreaks. Environmental Public Health Officers focus on the elements of environmental risk that could pose health risks by working with First Nations Authorities and other public health workers in Regions and communities to address suspected or confirmed cases or outbreaks of communicable diseases.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Target 3.9
  1. FSDS contributing actions: Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites.
    Corresponding departmental actions: Implement the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and complete remediation and risk management activities at known high priority federal contaminated sites.
Performance indicators
Targets
Starting point		 Results achieved Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Performance indicator:
Percentage of high-risk contaminated sites on reserve where clean-up or containment is occurring to reduce risk

Target: 41%

Starting point: Annual target; at 41% of high-risk contaminated sites as of March 31, 2020 (maintain percentage as additional sites are identified)

Result:
As of March 31, 2021, 29% of high-risk contaminated sites on reserve had clean-up or containment occur to reduce risk.

Many planned remediation work for high-risk (Class 1) sites did not progress as there were COVID restrictions in many communities.
Money was redirected to communities where work could be undertaken and therefore increased remediation activities for moderate and low risk sites (Class 2 and 3 sites).

FSDS:
Contaminated sites are managed to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety.

UN SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Target 3.9

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Target 6.3

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.4

4. Report on integrating sustainable development

Indigenous Services Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process. A SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.

Public statements on the results of Indigenous Services Canada's assessments are made public when an initiative that has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision-making.

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