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2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
About this publication
Cat. No. AC2-14E-PDF
ISSN 2817-3554
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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 2024.
Introduction to the 2023-2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
The 2022–2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act . This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, and it provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Since an amendment to the act in 2020, all regional development agencies are required to contribute to the FSDS and to develop a Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
In keeping with the purpose of the act, to make decision making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in ACOA’s 2023–2027 DSDS. This 2023-2024 DSDS report provides an update on progress related to the Agency’s DSDS for the fiscal year 2023-24. The Agency is building on the success of its investments in 2023-24 by designing a new Clean Growth Initiative (CGI) to be launched in 2024-25. This new initiative will provide targeted support to promote sustainability among Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by assisting them in adopting clean technologies and sustainable practices.
The act also sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDSs. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated into the Agency’s DSDS and 2023-2024 DSDS Report.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, ACOA’s departmental strategy reports on Canada’s progress toward implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The report also now captures progress on SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS.
Commitments for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
GOAL 7: INCREASE CANADIANS’ ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY
FSDS context:
In its strategy, ACOA committed to working with key energy stakeholders, partners and First Nations communities to advocate for the advancement of transmission and clean energy sources as well as to promoting collaboration with partners on clean energy infrastructure. The objective is to support a collective vision for how jurisdictions can collaborate over the coming decades to build a clean power network across Atlantic Canada and support the Government of Canada’s goal of generating 90% of electricity from renewable and non-emitting sources by 2030, up to 100% in the long-term.Footnote 1
ACOA’s planned action areas include:
- advancing priority transmission by working with Atlantic Canada’s electricity providers and regulators to identify and address regulatory and innovation barriers to accelerate strategic high-impact regional projects
- adding new clean and non-emitting energy sources and developing emerging clean technologies to advance electrification. This includes identifying early-stage strategic proposals in Atlantic Canada, developing management capacity and fast-tracking readiness for national programs
Key updates:
In 2023-24, the Agency promoted a collective vision for jurisdictions at all levels to work together and create a clean power network at various tables. It supported concerted efforts that led to a commitment by Natural Resources Canada, the Province of New Brunswick and the Province of Nova Scotia to collaborate on the connection of the two provinces in a modified Atlantic loop. ACOA also collaborated with energy stakeholders, provincial governments and other federal government departments to build awareness of regional strategic clean-energy projects and to increase these projects’ readiness for national programs such as the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Strategic Innovation Fund Net-Zero Accelerator Initiative. In November 2023, ACOA’s then President led a panel discussion at the U.S.-Canada Executive Energy Forum in Boston to promote Atlantic Canada’s clean energy accomplishments and opportunity, encourage collaboration, and build consensus around Atlantic Canada’s clean energy value proposition. Also, as part of the March 2024 Canada–Germany Hydrogen and Ammonia Producer-Offtaker Conference in Hamburg hosted by Natural Resources Canada’s minister, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, ACOA led the discussion on the Atlantic Canada business case for large scale wind-to-hydrogen production with provincial partners. In addition, the Agency made strategic investments throughout Atlantic Canada in emerging clean technologies to advance electrification, such as in batteries, small modular reactors, wind supply chains, smart-grid technologies, and decarbonization of marine vessels and hydrogen.
Project Spotlight
Aspin Kemp and Associates (AKA) develops and commercializes hydrogen technologies in the marine- and land-based micro-grid markets. With ACOA support, AKA continues to integrate hydrogen technologies with the goal of developing a hydrogen-fuelled power and propulsion system for the marine industry.
The Agency worked with the regional energy sector to understand the economic impacts of the draft Clean Electricity Regulations and the Clean Investment Tax Credits and shared this feedback with federal departments. Internally, ACOA took concrete actions by building knowledge and awareness through 5 full-day green regional summits across ACOA offices with the goal to prepare employees to better support SMEs, organizations and communities on their greening journey. The Agency is taking a continuous learning approach to the clean energy transition, last year offering over 15 one-hour thematic sessions for staff on topics including the energy transition, clean electricity, hydrogen and other emerging clean technologies. As this sector evolves, so too will our internal efforts to ensure staff continue to learn.
Target theme: Renewable and non-emitting sources of electricity
Target: By 2030, 90 percent, and in the long term 100 percent, of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources (Minister of Natural Resources)
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY | DEPARTMENTAL ACTION | PERFORMANCE INDICATOR STARTING POINT TARGET |
HOW THE DEPARTMENTAL ACTION CONTRIBUTES TO THE FSDS GOAL AND TARGET AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, TO CANADA’S 2030 AGENDA NATIONAL STRATEGY AND SDGs | RESULTS ACHIEVED |
---|---|---|---|---|
Work with partners on clean and renewable energy. | ACOA is planning Regional Green Transition Summits as an internal capacity-building initiative with the goal to accelerate Atlantic Canada’s competitiveness in a low-carbon future. These summits will raise awareness across the Agency by providing training and increasing knowledge on the green economy transition. Program: All ACOA programs |
Performance indicator: Completion of Regional Green Transition Summits that are provincially tailored and internal to ACOA staff to position the Agency for change. Starting point: 0 summits held in 2022-23 Target: 5 summits held overall by 2026-27 |
ACOA’s summits will ensure strong collaboration within ACOA and outline a clear plan on how the Agency will support clean energy for the region. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: By 2030, 90 percent, and in the long term 100 percent, of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources (7.3.1). CIF Indicator: Proportion of electricity generated from renewable and non-greenhouse gas emitting sources. GIF Target: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency (7.3). |
Indicator result: 5 regional summits were held in 2023-24. Note: In addition, 15 one-hour thematic sessions were organized to build internal capacity and raise awareness on diverse topics, including the energy transition, clean electricity, hydrogen and other emerging clean technologies. Starting point indicator is for the 2022-23 period. The 2023–2027 DSDS mistakenly indicated 2023-24. This annual report and future editions will reflect the correct baseline date. |
GOAL 8: ENCOURAGE INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CANADA
FSDS context:
ACOA aims to build a strong and resilient economy that is innovative, diverse and inclusive. In its DSDS, the Agency recognized that clean technologies provide the pathway to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and move toward more sustainable growth in all areas of the economy. ACOA carried on its significant investments in clean growth and clean technology to support the development of this sector and increase demonstration, commercialization, adoption and export in the region.
ACOA’s planned action areas include:
- electrification, decarbonization and enhanced efficiency of Atlantic Canada’s economic sectors, especially those most vulnerable to market pressures
- improving supply-chain development by helping SMEs to decarbonize their operations to remain competitive in domestic and international supply chains
In the context of the FSDS, the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Atlantic Growth Strategy and the Regional Energy and Resource Tables, ACOA prioritizes work with the governments of the 4 Atlantic Canadian provinces – as well as with federal departments, including other regional development agencies, regional Indigenous communities, organizations, industry stakeholders and experts – to pursue opportunities to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, grow clean-tech firms, adopt clean technologies, foster exports and drive innovation to transition to a low-carbon economy, leveraging regional strengths.
Key updates:
In 2023-24, the Agency funded over 230 clean-growth priority projects with expenditures totalling $57.4 million. Projects supported the commercialization of new clean technologies, funded research and development and export development, and helped SMEs adopt clean technologies. The Agency also enhanced its capacity to integrate sustainable development into its activities, resulting in employees who are more fluent in clean and sustainable growth considerations and the paths for communities, SMEs and organizations. These activities were informed by the lived experiences, including sustainability best practices, of ACOA clients.
Progress against this goal indirectly supported other SDG targets (SDG target 8.9), including support for the development of sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products by 2030. ACOA contributed to this goal by investing $66.6 million in over 660 tourism projects, of which 12 projects ($2.94 million) were also part of clean-growth priority projects investments.
In 2023-24, the Agency’s activities continued to help affected communities through economic diversification activities during the transition to a greener economy. A prime example is the assistance provided to sustainable energy sources and industrial green hubs. This supported the FSDS short-term milestone of delivering a coal-transition program in Atlantic Canada. ACOA invested nearly $11.4 million in 21 infrastructure projects to help affected communities move away from energy provided through coal. Of these projects, 11 ($6.4 million) were also part of clean-growth priority investments. As part of these activities, ACOA invested in projects that supported the commitment by Natural Resources Canada and the Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to advance the phasing out of coal by 2030.
Finally, ACOA made progress toward its planned actions on supply-chain development to remain competitive in domestic and international markets. For example, the Agency supported Energy NL’s Renewable Energy Supplier Session about wind and hydrogen developments in Newfoundland and Labrador to promote supply-chain development, which included approximately 300 service and supplier participants.
Project Spotlight
Sustane Technologies developed a disruptive technology that reduces a community’s overall carbon footprint by 10% by turning household waste into fuels, fertilizers and engineered feedstocks for virgin plastic production and renewable natural gas.
ACOA is helping Sustane to accelerate the company’s growth and to commercialize circular products such as biomass for regenerative agriculture, synthetic fuels, and fossil fuel replacements in plastics manufacturing for the industrial market. The Agency’s investment will help Sustane expand its current production rates and increase volumes of synthetic fuels for export.
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada” but not a specific FSDS target
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY | DEPARTMENTAL ACTION | PERFORMANCE INDICATOR STARTING POINT TARGET |
HOW THE DEPARTMENTAL ACTION CONTRIBUTES TO THE FSDS GOAL AND TARGET AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, TO CANADA’S 2030 AGENDA NATIONAL STRATEGY AND SDGs | RESULTS ACHIEVED |
---|---|---|---|---|
Support workers, businesses and communities. | Support economic development projects that foster the development, commercialization, export and adoption of clean technologies. Where appropriate, ACOA will collaborate with regional and provincial stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and research centres when making these investments. Program: All ACOA Programs |
Performance indicator: ACOA expenditures for economic development projects that foster clean-growth priorities. This includes development, commercialization, export and adoption of clean technologies, and the scaling up of clean-tech firms. Starting point: $36 million in 2022-23 Target: $144 million expended by 2026-27 |
ACOA investments in clean technology will count directly toward national commitments pledged for Mission Innovation, a global initiative to make clean energy affordable, attractive and accessible for all. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (8.6.1). CIF Indicator: Jobs in the clean technology products sector. GIF Target: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services (8.3). |
Indicator result: $57.4 million expended in 2023-24. |
Other – Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (part of the Investing in Canada Plan – Green Stream). | Deliver funding and support through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) to help Atlantic Canadian communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. This action is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators due to ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Program: Business Growth; Diversified Communities; and Innovation Ecosystem |
Performance indicator: Number of communities and surrounding areas benefiting from CCTI-IF investments. Starting Point: 14 communities overall as of 2022-23 Target: 5 eligible communities with projects by 2024-25 |
ACOA will help communities support employment while moving away from coal-generated energy by delivering funding to improve green infrastructure in communities. This reporting is a continuation of DSDS 2020-23 indicators to remain transparent in the ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (8.6.1). CIF Indicator: Jobs in the clean technology products sector. GIF Target: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services (8.3). |
Indicator result: 21 distinct communities received support since inception, with 8 communities receiving support in 2023-24. Note: Starting point indicator is for the 2022-23 period. The 2023–2027 DSDS mistakenly indicated 2023-24. This annual report and future editions will reflect the correct baseline date. |
Other – Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (part of the Investing in Canada Plan – Green Stream). | Deliver funding and support through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) to help Atlantic Canadian communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. This action is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators due to ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Program: Business Growth; Diversified Communities; and Innovation Ecosystem |
Performance indicator: Number of projects supported. Starting point: 31 projects overall, as of 2022-23 Target: At least 12 projects by 2024-25 |
ACOA will help communities support employment while moving away from coal-generated energy by delivering funding to improve green infrastructure in communities. This reporting is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators to remain transparent in the ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (8.6.1). CIF Indicator: Jobs in the clean technology products sector. GIF Target: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services (8.3). |
Indicator result: 58 projects were supported since inception, with 21 projects supported in 2023-24. Notes: This represents the number of CCTI-IF projects with ACOA expenditures and may include duplicates when projects have expenditures in different fiscal years. Starting point indicator is for the 2022-23 period. The 2023–2027 DSDS mistakenly indicated 2023-24. This annual report and future editions will reflect the correct baseline date. |
Other – Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (part of the Investing in Canada Plan – Green Stream). | Deliver funding and support through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) to help Atlantic Canadian communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. This action is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators due to ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Program: Business Growth; Diversified Communities; and Innovation Ecosystem |
Performance indicator: Value of projects supported. Starting point: $13.5 million overall, as of 2022-23 Target: $42.75 million by 2024-25 |
ACOA will help communities support employment while moving away from coal-generated energy by delivering funding to improve green infrastructure in communities. This reporting is a continuation of DSDS 2020-23 indicators to remain transparent in the ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (8.6.1). CIF Indicator: Jobs in the clean technology products sector. GIF Target: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services (8.3). |
Indicator result: $24.9 million in expenditures was provided since inception, with $11.4 million provided in 2023-24. Note: Starting point indicator is for the 2022–23 period. The 2023–2027 DSDS mistakenly indicated 2023-24. This annual report and future editions will reflect the correct baseline date. |
Other – Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (part of the Investing in Canada Plan – Green Stream). | Deliver funding and support through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) to help Atlantic Canadian communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. This action is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators due to ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Program: Business Growth; Diversified Communities; and Innovation Ecosystem |
Performance indicator: Amount leveraged per dollar investment by ACOA for diversified community projects. Starting point: $1.92 overall, as of 2022-23 Target: $1.50 overall by 2024-25 |
ACOA will help communities support employment while moving away from coal-generated energy by delivering funding to improve green infrastructure in communities. This reporting is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators to remain transparent in the ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (8.6.1). CIF Indicator: Jobs in the clean technology products sector. GIF Target: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services (8.3). |
Indicator result: $1.19 leveraged per dollar invested by ACOA for CCTI-IF projects in 2023-24, for a total $1.69 since inception. Note: Starting point indicator is for the 2022-23 period. The 2023–2027 DSDS mistakenly indicated 2023-24. This annual report and future editions will reflect the correct baseline date. |
Other – Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (part of the Investing in Canada Plan – Green Stream). | Deliver funding and support through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) to help Atlantic Canadian communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. This action is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators due to ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Program: Business Growth; Diversified Communities; and Innovation Ecosystem |
Performance indicator: Number of partnerships/collaborations concluded. Starting point: 15 partnerships/ collaborations with a total of 62 partners in 2022-23 Target: 30 partnerships/collaborations by 2024-25 |
ACOA will help communities support employment while moving away from coal-generated energy by delivering funding to improve green infrastructure in communities. This reporting is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators to remain transparent in the ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (8.6.1). CIF Indicator: Jobs in the clean technology products sector. GIF Target: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services (8.3). |
Indicator result: 26 partnerships/collaborations, with 108 partners by the end of 2023-24. |
Other – Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (part of the Investing in Canada Plan – Green Stream). | Deliver funding and support through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) to help Atlantic Canadian communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. This action is a continuation of DSDS 2020-2023 indicators due to ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Program: Business Growth; Diversified Communities; and Innovation Ecosystem |
Performance indicator: Number of jobs created or maintained. Starting point: 187 since inception Target: 100 by 2024-25 |
ACOA will help communities support employment while moving away from coal-generated energy by delivering funding to improve green infrastructure in communities. This reporting is a continuation of DSDS 2020–2023 indicators to remain transparent in the ongoing implementation of the CCTI-IF. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth (8.6.1). CIF Indicator: Jobs in the clean technology products sector. GIF Target: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services (8.3). |
Indicator result: 362 jobs in 2023-24, for a total of 561 since inception Note: The number of jobs may not add up due to normal data variations. |
GOAL 10: ADVANCE RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND TAKE ACTION ON INEQUALITY
FSDS context:
The Government of Canada aims to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. ACOA’s Departmental Plan speaks to realizing this goal through the overarching objective of building a more innovative, inclusive, diversified and sustainable regional economy. ACOA’s investments target capacity building and increasing knowledge and awareness by convening federal, provincial, stakeholder and community partners.
In its DSDS, ACOA’s planned action areas include:
- investing in projects led by Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups, as well as projects with goals of diversity and inclusion
- supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment that 5% of the total value of contracts be awarded to Indigenous businesses
- continuing to prioritize equity, inclusion and anti-racism within its Human Resources practices to respond to the forward direction of the Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion in the Federal Public Service as well as to Many Voices One Mind: a Pathway to Reconciliation
- the Agency’s 2022–2025 Employment Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EEIAR) Action Plan contains recruitment, retention and career development objectives for Indigenous peoples and other equity-seeking groups
- continuing to move toward inclusive business practices by promoting its internal strategy for employees to contribute to a culture that welcomes, respects, appreciates and includes voices from diverse backgrounds, and takes action toward identifying systemic racism, discrimination and barriers
Key updates:
In 2023-2024, with its suite of programs and initiatives, ACOA invested $62.9 million on 520 projects to support diversity, equity and inclusion objectives or entrepreneurs from under-represented groups. This included $18.9 million for Indigenous peoples, as well as support for the following groups: $24.4 million for women; $13.8 million for official language minority community members; $4.3 million for Black, racialized and visible minorities; $3.5 million for persons with disabilities; $3.4 million for recent immigrants; and $3.8 million for youth. In addition to these groups, the Agency recognized that a person’s place of residence may be a limiter to accessing government support. In response to this reality, ACOA delivered a significant portion of its support, nearly 50%, to rural communities, representing $179.5 million in spending on more than 1,261 projects. Furthermore, the Agency awarded 27.8% of its contracts to Indigenous businesses, continuing to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to increase the participation of such businesses in federal procurement. Finally, ACOA invested $2.6 million in Atlantic Canadian business support organizations through the Black Entrepreneurship Program’s National Ecosystem Fund to help support a dynamic and vibrant Black presence within the business community in the Atlantic provinces.
As part of its response to the Call to Action and its EEIAR action plan, the Agency met its objective of making its workforce more diverse by including greater Indigenous employee representation and creating a new Indigenous employee-led network. This new network, along with 8 other equity-seeking networks and 4 regional EEIAR Committees, has helped guide the Agency’s strategies and action plan.
Project Spotlight
Wabanaki Maple is a 100% Indigenous- and female-owned company that produces high-end organic maple syrup that is infused with flavours such as aged bourbon and toasted oak. With ACOA support, the company grew in the Canadian market and prepared to export to new markets.
Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis communities
Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY | DEPARTMENTAL ACTION | PERFORMANCE INDICATOR STARTING POINT TARGET |
HOW THE DEPARTMENTAL ACTION CONTRIBUTES TO THE FSDS GOAL AND TARGET AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, TO CANADA’S 2030 AGENDA NATIONAL STRATEGY AND SDGs | RESULTS ACHIEVED |
---|---|---|---|---|
Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. | Award 5% of the total value of contracts to Indigenous businesses. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Total percentage of contracts with Indigenous businesses. Starting point: 10% in 2022-23 Target: At least 5% annually |
ACOA strengthens its relationship with Indigenous Peoples and helps increase economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses, especially those located in the Atlantic region. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians live free of discrimination, and inequalities are reduced (10). GIF Target: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and by promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard (10.3). |
Indicator result: 27.8% in 2023-24 |
GOAL 12: REDUCE WASTE AND TRANSITION TO ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES
FSDS context:
ACOA’s DSDS 2023–2027 highlighted how the Agency plans to support the Government of Canada’s goal to reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse, as well as to promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. ACOA is committed to supporting the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan by converting its light-duty fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and by maximizing the diversion of waste to landfills by following the Greening of Government Strategy for the procurement of goods and services.
ACOA does not own real property; however, it does participate in Government of Canada initiatives to maximize diversion waste from landfills. The Agency reduces waste destined for landfills through its ongoing internal strategies such as donating all functional computers and accessories to the Computers for Schools Plus program, and posting all reusable furniture on GCSurplus for transfer or resale.
Key updates:
In 2023-24, ACOA made active efforts to reduce its waste and practise responsible procurement. ACOA continued to green its fleet of vehicles, now consisting of 10% ZEVs. The Agency ensured all supplies purchased were sustainable, including Forest Stewardship Council-certified recycled paper. The Agency also recycled unused goods, donating nearly 400 items to Computers for Schools Plus. To extend the useful lifespan of ACOA’s surplus furniture, the Agency donated 11% of its furniture and sold 74% through GCSurplus.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption
Target: The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (all ministers)
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY | DEPARTMENTAL ACTION | PERFORMANCE INDICATOR STARTING POINT TARGET |
HOW THE DEPARTMENTAL ACTION CONTRIBUTES TO THE FSDS GOAL AND TARGET AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, TO CANADA’S 2030 AGENDA NATIONAL STRATEGY AND SDGs | RESULTS ACHIEVED |
---|---|---|---|---|
Transform the federal light-duty fleet. | Take actions to decarbonize ACOA fleets, notably by right-sizing analysis and prioritizing hybrid and/or ZEV purchases as per the Greening Government Strategy’s fleet guidance, all while considering PSPC purchasing guidelines, availability of infrastructure and service, and ACOA’s operational needs. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of vehicles replaced using right-sizing analysis and low-carbon replacement assessments, as per the Greening Government Strategy’s fleet guidance. Starting point: 100% in 2022-23 Target: 100% annually |
As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetime with ZEVs or hybrids and/or as the size of the fleet is reduced, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: ZEVs represent 10% of new light duty vehicle purchases by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040 (12.1.1). CIF Indicator: Proportion of new light-duty vehicle registrations that are ZEVs (12.1.1). GIF Target: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities (12.7). |
Indicator result: 100% in 2023-24 |
Strengthen green procurement criteria. | Ensure completion of green procurement training for all Agency acquisition cardholders and track this information. Ensure the integration of environmental performance considerations into the procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal. Monitor and analyze green purchasing trends. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of Agency acquisition cardholders that have completed green procurement training. Starting point: 100% in 2022-23 Target: 100% annually |
Actions that reduce the generation of 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. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices (12.2.1). GIF Target: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities (12.7). |
Indicator result: 100% in 2023-24 |
Strengthen green procurement criteria. | Ensure completion of green procurement training for all Agency acquisition cardholders and track this information. Ensure the integration of environmental performance considerations into the procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal. Monitor and analyze green purchasing trends. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of toner cartridges that are recycled. Starting point: 100% in 2022-23 Target: 100% annually |
Actions that reduce the generation of 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. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices (12.2.1). GIF Target: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities (12.7). |
Indicator result: 100% in 2023-24 |
Strengthen green procurement criteria. | Ensure completion of green procurement training for all Agency acquisition cardholders and track this information. Ensure the integration of environmental performance considerations into the procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal. Monitor and analyze green purchasing trends. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of copy paper purchased with a minimum of 30% recycled content. Starting point: 100% in 2022-23 Target: 100% annually |
Actions that reduce the generation of 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. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices (12.2.1). GIF Target: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities (12.7). |
Indicator result: 100% in 2023-24 |
Strengthen green procurement criteria. | Ensure completion of green procurement training for all Agency acquisition cardholders and track this information. Ensure the integration of environmental performance considerations into the procurement process, including planning, acquisition, use and disposal. Monitor and analyze green purchasing trends. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of paper used that is Forest Stewardship Council certified, including for letterhead, business cards and envelopes. Starting point: 100% in 2022-23 Target: 100% annually |
Actions that reduce the generation of 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. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices (12.2.1). GIF Target: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities (12.7). |
Indicator result: 100% in 2023-24. |
GOAL 13: TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS
FSDS context:
The Government of Canada, through the FSDS, will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green operations in support of the Greening of Government Strategy. ACOA will continue to support these efforts through the implementation of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, the Strengthened Climate Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
Key updates:
ACOA acknowledges that climate change can have an impact on its operations and continuously reviews its risk profile to identify climate-change-related risks in the departmental risk-identification exercise and make necessary changes to mitigate them as appropriate.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience
Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY | DEPARTMENTAL ACTION | PERFORMANCE INDICATOR STARTING POINT TARGET |
HOW THE DEPARTMENTAL ACTION CONTRIBUTES TO THE FSDS GOAL AND TARGET AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, TO CANADA’S 2030 AGENDA NATIONAL STRATEGY AND SDGs | RESULTS ACHIEVED |
---|---|---|---|---|
Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the Government’s overall operations. | Include climate-change-related risks in the departmental risk-identification exercise and make necessary changes to mitigate them, if applicable. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Ongoing review of ACOA’s corporate risks to ensure they are relevant and/or integrate considerations of climate change mitigation and adaptation, if applicable. Starting point: ACOA’s corporate risk profile was reviewed in 2021-22 Target: Review and update corporate risk identification exercise annually |
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. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient face the effects of climate change. CIF Indicator: Proportion of municipal organizations who factored climate change adaptation into decision-making processes (13.3.1). GIF Target: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2). Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries (13.1). |
Indicator result: In 2023-24, ACOA reviewed and partially updated its corporate risk profile. |
Integrating Sustainable Development
In its strategy, ACOA shared its sustainable development vision of creating opportunities for economic growth and prosperity in Atlantic Canada by building on competitive regional strengths and through inclusive clean growth while remaining conscious of the impact of those actions. For example, the Agency has integrated the identification of opportunities and impacts into its decision-making tools through the analysis of baseline data that indicates the level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for ACOA’s client groups.Footnote 2 This data has proven instrumental in assisting the Agency in identifying key areas of the Atlantic economy that might benefit from a concerted or targeted effort to mitigate GHG emissions. Additionally, the training of staff with tools such as the internal Green Toolbox, enables project officers to encourage clients to find opportunities to green their operations as a part of their future plans and projects. Over the next two years, ACOA will further support 100 SMEs’ strategic plans for greening their operations and implement sustainable actions through the CGI.
ACOA will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. Performing 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.
Statements on the results of ACOA’s assessments are made public when an initiative 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.
ACOA did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023-24.