Government of Canada Releases the 2013-2016 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

OTTAWA, Ont. – November 4, 2013 – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Environment Minister, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today released the 2013-2016 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

“Our Government is taking action on environmental issues that matter most to Canadians,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Canada’s second Federal Sustainable Development Strategy builds on the significant progress already achieved and continues to provide Canadians with the information they need to monitor the Government’s record and results.”

The 2013-2016 Strategy is an update and expansion of the first strategy reflecting the government’s priorities and decisions taken since 2010, and contains refined goals and targets.

The 2013-2016 Strategy has two new targets:

• Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the impacts of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools;
• Provide a stable or improved level of biodiversity and habitat capacity on agricultural working landscape by 2020.

With these new targets, in addition to several improved objectives, the Strategy also reflects collaboration and partnerships, recognizing the contributions of, and work done with, various levels of government and other organizations.

Public and stakeholder input played an important role in shaping the 2013-2016 Strategy, based on a 120-day public consultation period that allowed Canadians to comment on the Government’s sustainable development priorities and approach.

As a part of the 2013-2016 Strategy, the Government of Canada has a role in making operations more environmentally sustainable. Public Works and Government Services will work closely with other federal departments to introduce more sustainable building, procurement and office operations.

Canadians are encouraged to review the 2013-2016 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

Related documents:

• Synthesis Report: Public Consultations on the Draft 2013-2016 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Kennedy
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008