Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2023 to 2027
The Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy describes the specific actions the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will take to advance goals, targets, and/or implementation strategies of the Government of Canada’s broader Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. It also sets out the starting points, targets, and performance indicators that the CNSC will use to measure and report on results.
Table of contents
- Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Section 2: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Sustainable Development Vision
- Section 3: Listening to Canadians
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Section 4: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Commitments
- 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
- Section 5: Integrating Sustainable Development
Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
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 this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
The Federal Sustainable Development 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 in the CNSC’s DSDS.
In order to promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, this departmental strategy integrates efforts to advance Canada’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda National Strategy, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The strategy also now captures SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS to inform the development of Canada’s Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
Section 2: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Sustainable Development Vision
The CNSC regulates the development, production and use of nuclear energy and substances to protect the environment and the health, safety, security of persons; implements Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and disseminates objective scientific and regulatory information to members of the public.
The CNSC maintains a regulatory framework, and is committed to building and maintaining the confidence of the public and Indigenous peoples through transparent, open and inclusive regulatory processes. It conducts licensing activities (including environmental protection reviews) and verifies and enforces licensee compliance with regulatory requirements.
The CNSC is also committed to consulting and engaging with Indigenous Nations and communities, with a focus on advancing reconciliation. To this end, it is modernizing its approach to consultation and engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities: this includes establishing the new Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund and plans to engage an Indigenous Advisor, to name just a few initiatives.
The CNSC is also passionate about its initiatives for women in STEM in support of gender equality and education in the STEM fields. It was proud to host Canada’s first Nuclear Energy Agency International Mentoring Workshop in May 2023. This event wove together Indigenous and Western STEM systems to provide an empowering and inspiring experience for young Indigenous women.
The CNSC will contribute directly and significantly through its DSDS to 5 of the 17 goals of Canada’s FSDS.
Section 3: Listening to Canadians
As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the CNSC has taken into account comments on the draft 2022–2026 FSDS made during the public consultation held from March 11 to July 9, 2022.
During the public consultation, more than 700 comments were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individual Canadians in different age groups and of various backgrounds. The draft FSDS was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for their review and comment.
What we heard
Across the submissions received, the CNSC identified sustainable development priorities and issues that affect it. Submissions discussed the incorporation and promotion of Indigenous knowledge, as well as concerns about the lack of collaboration with Indigenous peoples. These comments are of particular interest to the CNSC as it continues to transform how it works with Indigenous peoples and how it builds those relationships.
The comments suggested modifications to how nuclear energy generation is discussed and featured in the FSDS. While the CNSC does not promote nuclear energy, any comments about nuclear energy are of interest.
What we did
The CNSC took the above-mentioned key priorities and issues into consideration in this DSDS. It acknowledges the importance of working with, considering and reflecting Indigenous knowledge alongside regulatory information in its assessments and regulatory processes. Indigenous ways of knowing, and the Indigenous cultural context, enhance the CNSC’s understanding of the potential impacts of nuclear projects and strengthen the rigour of project reviews and regulatory oversight. The organization’s policies and processes for consultation, engagement and collaboration with Indigenous Nations and communities – including its Indigenous Knowledge Policy Framework – support the Government of Canada’s implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA). These policies and processes also articulate the CNSC’s approach to working with Indigenous peoples and their knowledge. In addition, the DSDS discusses how the CNSC consults with Indigenous peoples, as well as Canadians, as part of its regulatory processes.
While the Government of Canada may seek to pursue nuclear power generation as a source of sustainable power generation, the CNSC’s role is not to promote nuclear energy or activities, but to ensure that all nuclear activities falling within its mandate are executed safely and securely. Therefore, within the context of this DSDS, any implementation strategies specifically related to nuclear activities focus on implementation and reinforcement of nuclear-related regulations and legislation.
Please find more information on the FSDS public consultation and its results in the FSDS Consultation Report
Section 4: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Commitments
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 so as 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Implement and enforce regulations and legislation |
Maintain effective and efficient regulation of small modular reactors (SMRs). Program: Nuclear Reactors |
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 |
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 |
Implement and enforce regulations and legislation |
Maintain effective and efficient regulation of small modular reactors (SMRs). Program: Nuclear Reactors |
Performance indicator: Percentage of federal policies related to SMRs where CNSC provided technical input Starting point: New indicator Target: 75% 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 |
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 Capacity 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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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 |
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 |
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 |
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Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act |
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 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% |
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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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 |
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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: 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 |
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Meaningfully consult, engage and accommodate Indigenous Peoples and consider Indigenous Knowledge in impact assessment and regulatory 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: 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 |
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Provide the public and Indigenous Peoples with a voice in impact assessment and regulatory 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 |
Support fair, transparent, and predictable impact assessment and regulatory 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 |
Section 5: Integrating Sustainable Development
The CNSC is committed to integrating sustainable development into its operational processes and its regulatory framework. For example, it is developing a proposed climate lens assessment template that would be applied to the revision and/or drafting of regulatory documents, as an exercise of due diligence.
Pursuant to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, the CNSC will continue to consider FSDS goals and targets in its decision making by way of its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An SEA is incorporated into the development of regulations in order to anticipate, assess and mitigate impacts on the environment, including impacts on relevant FSDS goals and targets, that would result from amendments or new policies relating to a given proposal.
Public statements on the results of analysis are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA (see here). The purpose of a public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.
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