2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
The 2022 to 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 provides a balanced view of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in the CNSC’s 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to the CNSC’s DSDS in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024.
The Federal Sustainable Development Actalso 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 in the CNSC’s DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, the CNSC’s departmental strategy reports on Canada’s progress towards 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.
On this page:
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Commitments for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
- Goal 7: increase Canadians' access to clean energy
- Goal 10: advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and take action on inequality
- Goal 12: reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
- Goal 13: take action on climate change and its impacts
- Goal 16: promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts
- Integrating Sustainable Development
Commitments for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Goal 7: increase Canadians' access to clean energy
FSDS Context:
The successful adoption of new nuclear builds in Canada – in a safe and timely manner that is consistent with provinces’ climate change goals and commitments – will depend largely on the CNSC’s readiness to regulate new nuclear technologies, which include small modular reactors (SMRs).
As Canada's nuclear regulator, the CNSC does not promote the use of such technologies. However, it is the CNSC’s role to ensure that it is ready to regulate SMRs and any other new nuclear projects to protect the environment and the health and safety of Canadians. Through its regulatory oversight, the CNSC also ensures national security and the implementation of international obligations to which Canada has agreed. By preparing for the future regulation of new nuclear projects, the CNSC will not only increase Canadians’ access to clean energy, but also provide a pathway to support Canada’s low-carbon energy transition and support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a means of tackling climate change.
Target theme: Renewable and non-emitting sources of electricity
Target: By 2030, 90%, and in the long term 100%, of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources (Minister of Energy and 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement and enforce regulations and legislation |
Maintain effective and efficient regulation of small modular reactors (SMRs). Program: Nuclear Reactors |
Performance indicator: Percentage of applications for SMRs reviewed within the following time frames: Licence to prepare site: 24 months Licence to construct: 32 months Licence to operate: 24 months Or as specified in project-specific administrative protocols with applicants Starting point: New indicator Target: 90% by March 2027 |
Making sure that the regulation of SMRs is effective and efficient ensures that the generation of electricity from these sources is done in a safe and secure manner Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 7.3 Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy CIF Indicator: 7.3.1 Proportion of electricity generated from renewable and non-greenhouse gas emitting sources GIF Target: 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services |
Indicator result: N/A Notes: There is no data available to update this indicator, as the CNSC has not completed a full review of a licence application since the receipt of the SMR Readiness Project’s funding. The first full review is scheduled to be completed by summer 2025. |
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Performance indicator: Percentage of regulatory documents applicable to SMRs reviewed to ensure requirements and expectations for SMR technologies are addressed Starting point: New indicator Target: 75% by March 2027 |
Indicator result: 40% Notes: The CNSC continues to review and update, as required, regulatory documents to ensure their applicability to small modular and advanced reactor technologies. The CNSC is on track to meet the target. |
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Performance indicator: Percentage of federal policies related to SMRs where CNSC provided technical input Starting point: New indicator Target: 75% by March 2027 |
Indicator result: N/A Notes: This result stems from the fact that no draft federal policy development related to SMRs has yet been undertaken; therefore, CNSC expertise has not yet been tapped. The CNSC anticipates providing advice on policy initiatives in the future and remains on target. |
Goal 10: advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and take action on inequality
FSDS Context:
Canada is committed to implementing the UNDRIP in the Canadian legal framework through the UNDA and the associated Action Plan. This plan reflects the importance of working collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance reconciliation and to promote greater equality and prosperity for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
In 2020–21, the CNSC developed a reconciliation strategy in support of its commitment to building and strengthening trust and to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Nations and communities. As part of this strategy, the CNSC has developed a policy for rights impact assessments and a related approach; finalized its Indigenous Knowledge Policy Framework; and established a new Indigenous and Stakeholder Capac ity Fund, to help support and develop the capacity of Indigenous Nations and communities to engage and meaningfully participate in the CNSC’s full lifecycle of regulatory activities.
The CNSC is also working towards formalizing and enhancing its approach to Indigenous cultural awareness training for all CNSC staff and management.
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 |
Provide Indigenous cultural competency training and/or training on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Program: Scientific, Regulatory and Public Information Consult and cooperate with Indigenous peoples on the development of new/amended legislation, regulations, and other documents pertaining to the regulatory framework. Program: Scientific, Regulatory and Public Information |
Performance indicator: Percentage of staff who work on Indigenous files who have completed Indigenous cultural competency training (internal or external) Starting point: 0% in 2021–22 Target: 100% by March 31, 2027 Performance indicator: Percentage of new/amended legislation, regulations, and other documents pertaining to the regulatory framework that include a consultation and cooperation process with Indigenous peoples Starting point: Annual target Target: 90% |
Public servants are in a unique position to help build respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples in Canada. This action encourages public servants to increase their cultural competency skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, and their knowledge of UNDRIP. This action contributes to the development of the cultural competency knowledge and skills needed to implement UNDRIP. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Not applicable CIF Indicator: Not applicable GIF 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 With the passage of the UNDA, the Government of Canada must, in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples, take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with UNDRIP. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Not applicable CIF Indicator: Not applicable GIF 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 |
Indicator result: 71% Notes: On track to meet target Indicator result: 50% Notes: Target not achieved for 2023–24. Of the projects for which no specific consultation was held (50%), 2 were of a highly technical nature and were deemed not to be of interest, and 1 received little interest from Indigenous communities during general consultation, meaning specific consultation was not pursued. The CNSC is raising awareness of the expectations related to Indigenous engagement within the appropriate directorate. The CNSC believes it is on track to meet the annual target in the future. |
Goal 12: reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
FSDS Context:
Greening government operations and moving towards a low-carbon government is important to achieving Canada’s goals for environmental and sustainable development. The CNSC is committed to greening its operations and has identified a number of measures to support the Government of Canada’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal operations. These measures include developing a plan to reduce emissions from the CNSC’s fleet of vehicles and strengthening green procurement by incorporating environmental considerations into procurement processes.
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 |
Where a vehicle needs to be purchased, ensure that a hybrid or zero-emission vehicle is considered first, provided that it meets operational needs Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of newly purchased fleet vehicles that can be hybrid or zero-emission, are hybrid or zero-emission Starting point: New indicator Target: 75% of newly purchased fleet vehicles for the conventional fleet that can be hybrid or zero-emission, are hybrid or zero-emission by March 2027 |
The use of hybrid over non-hybrid vehicles will allow the CNSC to reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 12.1 Canadians consume in a sustainable manner CIF Indicator: 12.1.1Proportion of new light duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles GIF Target: 12.1 Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries |
Indicator result: 67% Notes: On track to meet target |
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Performance indicator: Percentage of vehicles in the fleet that are hybrid or zero-emission vehicles Starting point: In 2022–23, 33% of vehicles in the fleet were hybrid Target: 45% of vehicles in the fleet are hybrid or zero-emission by March 2027 |
Indicator result: 44% Notes: On track to meet target |
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Strengthen green procurement criteria |
Support clean technologies and green products and services by taking environmental considerations into account in purchasing decisions Ensure that decision makers have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel that have completed training on green procurement Starting point: In 2022–23, 75% of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel had received training on green procurement Target: 100% of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel have received training on green procurement by March 2027 |
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain. Greenhouse gas reduction is one area of consideration in green procurement. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 12.2 Canadians consume in a sustainable manner CIF Indicator: 12.2.1 Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices GIF Target: 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Indicator result: 100% Notes: Target reached |
Goal 13: take action on climate change and its impacts
FSDS Context:
Effective, timely action on climate change requires a transition to a net-zero economy. This transition necessitates reducing greenhouse gas and short- lived climate pollutant emissions while continuing to grow prosperity and realizing opportunities such as renewable energy and clean technology in emerging markets.
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 |
Where a workspace needs to be refurbished, ensure that a design that decreases and optimizes the CNSC’s overall space footprint is considered first, provided that such a design meets operational needs Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of the CNSC accommodation portfolio that is modernized to the new GC Workplace design/standard Starting point: 15.5% of the CNSC accommodation portfolio in 2022–23 was modernized to the new GC Workplace design/standard Target: Convert at least 60% of the CNSC accommodation portfolio to GC Workplace design standards by 2026–27 |
A decrease in the accommodation portfolio (space footprint) using innovative and collaborative methods supports the CNSC’s efforts to reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada’s GC Workplace design supports efficient use of space. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: 13.3 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change CIF Indicator: 13.3.1 Proportion of municipal organizations who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process GIF Target: 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries 13.3 Improve education, awareness- raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Indicator result: 50% Notes: On track to meet target |
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Where a workspace needs to be refurbished, ensure that a design that decreases and optimizes the CNSC’s overall space footprint is considered first, provided that such a design meets operational needs Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Increase or decrease in the size of the accommodation portfolio Starting point: The size of the accommodation portfolio in 2022–23 was 22,559 m2 Target: Decrease the accommodation portfolio to 17,000 m2 by 2026–27 |
Indicator result: 19,174 m2 Notes: On track to meet target |
Goal 16: promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts
FSDS Context:
The CNSC is Canada’s sole lifecycle regulator for the use of nuclear energy and materials. The CNSC regulates under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act to protect the environment and the health, safety, and security of persons. Designated projects related to nuclear facilities and activities are subject to a single, integrated impact assessment led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), with support from the CNSC. For all nuclear designated projects that require an impact assessment, the CNSC is committed to meaningful consultation with Indigenous Nations and communities that is consistent with UNDRIP principles and in collaboration with the IAAC.
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts” 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Meaningfully consult and accommodate Indigenous Peoples and consider Indigenous Knowledge in impact assessment and energy regulation processes |
Program: Continue to reduce barriers to Indigenous participation by increasing funding and capacity support (including by enhancing the existing Participant Funding Program and establishing the new Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund) to allow for meaningful participation in the CNSC’s regulatory and decision-making processes, and by strengthening relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities Program: Scientific, Regulatory and Public Information |
Performance indicator: Percentage of Indigenous groups and stakeholders who indicated the Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund funding provided increased capacity to meaningfully participate in CNSC’s regulatory process, by region Starting point: New indicator – baseline to be established by March 2024 Target: 90% by March 2027 |
Reducing barriers to Indigenous participation in the regulatory process ensures that consultation and engagement are meaningful and provides an opportunity for invaluable insight into the regulatory process. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Not applicable CIF Indicator: Not applicable GIF Target: Not applicable |
Indicator result: 99% Notes: Target reached. Given the small number of survey responses (n=9), the CNSC cannot further break down data by region while maintaining the anonymity of respondents. |
Provide the public and Indigenous peoples with a voice in impact assessment and energy regulation processes |
Continue to build on existing relationships, and develop new ones, with Indigenous Nations and communities and formalize these relationships through the signing of terms of reference. Program: Scientific, Regulatory and Public Information |
Performance indicator: Number of established relationships* with Indigenous Nations and communities (*Defined as signed terms of reference) Starting point: 8 signed terms of reference as of 2022–23 Target: 20 signed terms of reference by March 2027 |
Established relationships help in fostering communication and provide groups with a voice, which will allow for meaningful participation in the CNSC’s regulatory and decision-making processes and strengthen relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities. Reducing barriers to Indigenous participation in the regulatory process ensures that consultation and engagement are meaningful and provides an opportunity for invaluable insight into the regulatory process. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Not applicable CIF Indicator: Not applicable GIF Target: Not applicable |
Indicator result: 9 Notes: On track to meet target |
Support fair and predictable impact assessment and energy regulation processes |
Continue to reduce barriers to Indigenous participation by increasing funding and capacity support (including by enhancing the existing Participant Funding Program and establishing the new Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund) to allow for meaningful participation in the CNSC’s regulatory and decision-making processes, and by strengthening relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities Program: Scientific, Regulatory and Public Information |
Performance indicator: Satisfaction of Indigenous Nations and communities and of stakeholders with the CNSC’s regulatory processes Starting point: New indicator – baseline to be established by March 2024 Target: 90% or 10% over baseline by March 2027 |
Reducing barriers to Indigenous participation in the regulatory process ensures that the process is fair, transparent and predictable Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Not applicable CIF Indicator: Not applicable GIF Target: 16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels 16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision- making at all levels |
Indicator result: 66% Notes: 66% will serve as the baseline for future years. |
Integrating Sustainable Development
The CNSC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An 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.
Public statements on the results of the CNSC’s assessments are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA (see here). 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.
CNSC did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023-24.
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