FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES PREPARESUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLANS In December 1997 the Federal Government announced that nearly 30 government departments had completed sustainable development strategies. Press Release
The following is an overview of the 27 Federal departments and agencies that are now required to prepare sustainable development strategies. It includes a brief description of the department's perspective on sustainability and links to their web sites.
Amendments to the Auditor General Act, which established the position of Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, require the federal government to prepare these sustainable development strategies and action plans for tabling in the House of Commons.
1. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
2.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
3. Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
4.
Canadian Heritage
5.
Canadian International Development Agency
6.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
7. Correctional Service Canada
8. Environment Canada
9. Federal Office of Regional Development (Quebec)
10. Finance Canada
11. Fisheries and Oceans
12. Foreign Affairs and International Trade
13. Health Canada
14. Human Resources Development Canada
15. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
16. Industry Canada
17. Justice Canada
18. National Defence
19. Natural Resources Canada
20. Public Works and Government Services Canada
21. Revenue Canada
22. Royal Canadian Mounted Police
23. Solicitor General Canada
24. Transport Canada
25. Treasury Board of Canada
26. Veterans Affairs Canada
27. Western Economic Diversification Canada
In 1996 the then Minister of Environment, supported by
the Minister of Health announced plans to strengthen
the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to better
protect the health and environment of Canadians.
Speech to the Senate Standing Committee on Bill C-32 by
Minister of Environment David Anderson - 1999
Highlights of Bill C-32: New Powers
This Bill is better than the current CEPA
for many reasons, but I would like to highlight
four specific areas where new powers in the Act
will help improve the quality of our environment.
They are:
Bill C-32 proposes to renew the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act (CEPA). The Government of Canada uses CEPA
to protect the environment and human health
from the effects of toxic substances, other harmful
pollutants and wastes.
Bill C-32 is founded on the concept that
preventing pollution is better, both for the environment
and the economy, than trying to clean up after
damage has been done.
Unlike the existing CEPA, Bill C-32 places strict
deadlines on the government to act to protect the
environment and human health from toxic substances.
For the most dangerous toxic substances that pose
the greatest potential for harm, the new CEPA
will require the "virtual elimination" of releases
into the environment.
The new CEPA will mean more action to improve
air quality. It will allow the government to require
cleaner fuels and to set tougher emission standards for
new motor vehicles and other engines.
Bill C-32 provides for greater public participation
through an Environmental Registry of CEPA-related
information and opportunities to comment on proposed
measures. Since no government acting alone can ensure
protection of the environment, Bill C-32 promotes a
cooperative approach with provincial, territorial and
Aboriginal governments.
Under Bill C-32, enforcement officers will
gain peace officer powers and will be able to
issue on-the-spot orders to stop illegal activity.
As with the current Act, those who break the law
will face stiff penalties of up to $1 million per
day and five years imprisonment.
1996 - Federal government to strengthen STRENGTHENING THE CANADIAN
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT
Current Minister of the Environment, David Anderson,
recently spoke to the Senate on why this Bill
should be passed.
Full Text
health and environment protection
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