Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2013-14

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) outlines the Government of Canada's commitment to improving the transparency of environmental decision-making by articulating its key strategic environmental goals and targets. The Government will be consulting the public in 2013-14 regarding the second three-year cycle of the FSDS (2013-16). The 2013-16 FSDS will be finalized in 2013-14. It will be presented as part of the year end performance reporting for 2013-14.

Public Safety Canada contributes to Theme III – Protecting Nature and Theme IV - Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government, as denoted by the visual identifiers.

These contributions are components of the Emergency Management Program and the Internal Services' activities. Please visit Public Safety Canada's website for additional details on the Department's activities to support sustainable development. For complete details on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, please see the website.

Canada's Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) outlines the Government of Canada's priorities for sustainable development, separated under 4 different themes. The FSDS brings together goals, targets, and implementation strategies developed through the regular course of decision-making throughout the Government of Canada. The 2010-2013 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) continues to guide Public Safety Canada's (PS) sustainable development activities, but 2013-14 will be a transition year for the FSDS; the FSDS 2013-16 will be finalized in 2013-14; and the FSDS 2013-2016 will be the basis for performance reporting starting with the 2013-14 Departmental Performance Report (DPR).

Departmental Sustainable Development Vision
PS exercises national leadership to ensure the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.  The Department contributes to Canada's resiliency through the development and implementation of innovative policies and programs, as well as the effective engagement of domestic and international partners. PS is committed to managing its business in the most environmentally sustainable manner possible.

Departmental decision-making and sustainable development
Managing Sustainable Development
In accordance with the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA), PS integrates environmental, economic and social factors in the making of all decisions. In 2013-14, PS will continue to align sustainable development with its internal policies and operational processes, reinforcing a new way of thinking and acting to shape long-standing habits and procedures.

With the FSDS being updated in 2013-14, PS will review its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) in the coming year and will seek support from the senior management team, by obtaining approval of an updated DSDS in 2013-14, if appropriate. When reviewing its DSDS, PS will engage and strengthen the dialogue among internal stakeholders; consult with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy experts at Public Works and Government Services Canada; and share best practices with partners within the PS Portfolio.

Furthermore, PS will continue its proactive, coordinated communications approach, including with its regional offices, to ensure that internal communications are consistent with key federal government sustainable development messaging. Through a combination of existing communications channels, the Department will strive to increase staff awareness and encourage action on sustainable development initiatives. The Department will also encourage action on sustainable development initiatives by ensuring that green procurement is integrated into the corporate planning cycle and sustainable development goals are identified in branch business plans.

Information on Departmental Implementation Strategies
In the coming year, PS will contribute to  two themes within the FSDS. As co-lead with Environment Canada, the Department will be responsible for a new target under Theme III- Protecting Nature. Additional details on PS's contribution to Theme III will follow the approval of the 2013-16 FSDS, and review of PS's DSDS. Under Theme IV – Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – PS is planning to continue with the following activities in 2013-14:

• Implementing processes, plans and tools to reduce its volume of computers and office equipment;
• Ensuring that surplus electronic and electrical equipment is reused, disposed of and/or recycled in accordance with Treasury Board Secretariat Directive on Disposal of Surplus Material;
• Implementing measures to reduce paper consumption;
• Raising awareness of the importance of greening the Department's operations; and
• Including environmental considerations in purchasing decisions in conjunction with traditional interests of price, performance and availability.

Strategic Environmental Assessment Planned Highlights and Commitments
PS does not have planned environmental assessments in 2013-14.

Additional departmental sustainable development activities/initiatives not captured in the FSDS (optional)

In 2013-14, the Department has not identified additional departmental sustainable development activities/initiatives.

Greening Government Operations – “Public Safety Canada is committed to demonstrating environmental, economic and social responsibility in support of sustainable development.”

Date modified:

2015-12-15