2022-23 United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
In 2015, all United Nations (UN) member states came together and adopted Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that encompass the social, economic, and environmental challenges of today.
Many Government of Canada priorities align with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, including gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.
All federal ministers, departments and agencies are accountable for implementing the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs within their areas of responsibility. This shared collaboration across the Government of Canada will help to ensure that Canada's commitment to the 2030 Agenda remains focused on effective implementation from now until 2030. Officials across federal departments and agencies are responsible for integrating the SDGs into their work, engaging with stakeholders and reporting on progress made on the SDGs within their purview.
To support a whole-of-Canada approach, the Government of Canada has established an SDG Unit to coordinate efforts, raise awareness, monitor and report on Canada's implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is a key contributor to many of the SDGs outlined in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda. The table below identifies key examples of initiatives or areas of work, as well as related domestic and global targets from the following frameworks:
| UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Planned initiatives | Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere | On-reserve Income Assistance program Assisted Living Program Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative First Nation Infrastructure Fund |
Canadian ambition – Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms Global target 1.3 – Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable Global target 1.5 – By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters |
| SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture | As part of Nutrition North Canada, the Government of Canada funds and supports community-based nutrition education activities in isolated northern communities to increase knowledge of healthy eating and skill development in selecting and preparing healthy store-bought and traditional or country foods and to improve healthy food access. Communities decide which activities to undertake based on their local needs and priorities. (see 2020 to 2023 DSDS – Sustainable Food) The Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group was established in 2019 as a sub-group of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, which provides a whole-of-government approach to addressing food security by leveraging the contribution of multiple Federal Departments and Agencies as well as Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the four regional Inuit Land Claim Organizations, Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and the National Inuit Youth Council. |
Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food Global target 2.1 – By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round |
| SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages | Mental health and wellness in First Nations and Inuit communities Indigenous health (including diabetes, HIV, tuberculosis) Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities COVID-19 Public Health funding Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative Indigenous Community Support Fund ISC's 2020 to 2023 DSDS outlines additional departmental actions in relation to:
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Canadian ambition – Canada prevents causes of premature death Canadian target 3.11 – Eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and reduce the incidence of active tuberculosis by at least 50% by 2025 Canadian indicator 3.11.1 – Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population in Inuit Nunagat Global target 3.4 – By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being Global target 3.8 – Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all Global target 3.9 – By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination |
| SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all | The Elementary and Secondary Education Program (Education Transformation) On April 1, 2019, the Department launched a new funding approach that aims to provide schools on reserve with funding that is more comparable to funding in provincial education systems. First Nations-operated elementary and secondary schools Indigenous post-secondary education strategies First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (through ESDC's Youth Employment Skills Strategy) Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework (with ESDC) Investing in education facilities and infrastructure Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative |
Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives Canadian target – 4.1.1 High school completion rate; 4.2.1 Post-secondary education attainment rate Global target 4.1 – By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes Global target 4.2 – By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education Global target 4.3 – By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university Global target 4.4 – By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship Global target 4.a – Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all |
| SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls | ISC is supporting the work led by CIRNAC, along with Indigenous partners, and provinces and territories, to implement the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan as well as the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. This will respond to the issues identified in the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice as well as the Métis-specific Action Plan's Calls for Miskotahâ. ISC is supporting the work led by Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), along with Indigenous partners, and provinces and territories, to develop a Gender-Based Violence National Action Plan. ISC is also supporting the work led by WAGE, along with partners, and provinces and territories to address inequities experienced by the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community through the development of a Federal Action Plan. National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association's (NACCA) Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative offers support to Indigenous women in various stages of engagement with entrepreneurship. |
Canadian ambition – Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment Global target 5.1 – End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere Global Target 5.2 – Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation Global target 5.c – Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels |
| SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all | Investing in water and wastewater infrastructure Ending long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities As a key contributor to SDG 6, ISC's 2020 to 2023 DSDS further outlines the department actions that contribute to sustainable water and wastewater systems. |
Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to drinking water and use it in a sustainable manner Canadian target 6.1 – All of the long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve are to be resolved Canadian indicator 6.1.1 – Number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves Global target 6.1 – By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all Global target 6.3 – By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally Global target 6.5 – By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate Global target 6.b – Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management |
| SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all | First Nations Community Infrastructure ISC is also contributing to SDG 7 by working with Natural Resources Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity on reserve. (see 2020 to 2023 DSDS – Clean Energy). |
Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy Global target 7.2 – By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix |
| SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all | Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program Strategic Partnerships Initiative Land and economic development services program Reserve lands and environment management program |
Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to quality jobs Global target 8.6 – By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training |
| SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation | First Nation Infrastructure Fund eHealth Additional details on ISC's contributions through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund can be found in ISC's 2020 to 2023 DSDS (see Effective action on climate change). |
Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure Global target 9.1 – Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all Global target 9.4 – By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
| SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries | Annual report to Parliament on the socio-economic gaps between First Nations individuals, Inuit, Métis individuals and other Canadians and the measures taken by the Department to reduce those gaps; and the progress made towards the transfer of responsibilities to Indigenous organizations. Between 2022 and 2026, continue to report on an annual basis to Canadians on access to clean drinking water in First Nations communities through Indigenous Services Canada's departmental website as data becomes available. First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy ISC also contributes by working with First Nations to co-develop options to address environmental protection regulatory and capacity gaps (see 2020 to 2023 DSDS – Safe and healthy communities). |
Canadian ambition – Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced Global target 10.3 – Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
| SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable | First Nation On-Reserve Housing Program First Nation Infrastructure Fund Investing in Community Infrastructure Emergency Management Assistance Program Additional details on ISC's contributions to SDG 11 through these programs and others such as waste management, land use planning and environmental protection can be found in the 2020 to 2023 DSDS (see Effective action on climate change; Modern and resilient infrastructure, and Safe and healthy communities). |
Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to quality housing Global target 11.3 – By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries Global target 11.4 – Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage Global target 11.5 – By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations Global target 11.6 – By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management Global target 11.7 – By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities Global target 11.a – Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, per-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning Global target 11.b – By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels |
| SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns | First Nations Waste Management Initiative Contaminated Sites Management Program ISC procurement, First Nations Waste Management Initiative and Contaminated Sites Management program contribute to SDG 11 (see 2020 to 2023 DSDS – Greening Government, Modern and resilient infrastructure, Safe and healthy communities) |
Global target 12.4 – By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment Global target 12.5 – By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse Global target 12.7 – Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
| SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts | Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program First Nation Infrastructure Fund Emergency Management Assistance Program Additional details on these programs that contribute to SDG 13 can be found in the 2020 to 2023 DSDS (see Greening Government, Effective Action on Climate Change, Modern and Resilient Infrastructure, and Safe and Healthy Communities). |
Canadian ambition – Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change Global target 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries Global target 13.2 – Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning Global target 13.3 – Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
| SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development | Activities related to Environmental Review Processes and the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects can be found in the 2020 to 2023 DSDS (see Effective action on climate change and Safe and healthy communities). | Global target 14.1 – By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
| SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss | Activities related to Environmental Review Processes and the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects can be found in the 2020 to 2023 DSDS (see Effective action on climate change and Safe and healthy communities). | Global target 15.9 – By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts |
| SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels | ISC collaborates with partners to implement measures to that take aim at systemic discrimination. This includes actions to address anti-Indigenous racism in health systems, enhancing supports for culturally-sensitive policing and safety in Indigenous communities. ISC is supporting the National Action Plan launched to address the Calls for Justice outlined in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. All these initiatives reflect the broader Government of Canada commitment to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and Canada's responsibilities under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. ISC is supporting the work led by Women and Gender Equality, along with Indigenous partners, and provinces and territories, to address gender-based violence. The new Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Program will support holistic Indigenous community safety and well-being initiatives that prioritize and address the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls. |
Canadian ambition – Canadians are safe and secure, in person and online Global target 16.1 – Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere Global target 16.2 – End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children Global target 16.3 – Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all |