1

G

Raising Awareness & Providing Information

1.1

O

Improve SMEs access to SD information via WCBSN and create awareness of SD principles among its members.

On-going

The WD website has links to other sustainable development sites.

1.1.0.1

A

Develop SD information that WCBSN member can share with small business.

On-going

To date information has been primarily on a “pull” basis as requested by clients rather than on a “push” basis. Examples of actions taken by WD: In Alberta, the Business Link has 47 links to sustainable, including Environment’s International Institute for SD; and WD has made information available to all WCBSN members in January 1998 through the website. 

1.1.0.2

A

Facilitate sharing of SD principles and practices among WCBSN members [survey members for examples of how they put SD principles into practice and use data to assemble a list of best practices].

On-going

Briefings on SD and Climate Change have been provided to CFDC associations.  CFDC’s were asked to identify how they raise SD awareness in their communities starting in their 97/98 Operating Plans to begin the process of establishing best practices.

1.2

O

Make SD information widely available in Western Canada through Internet.

On-going

WD has put sustainable development links on the WD website.

WD is funding a project at the Pembina Institute in Alberta to develop Genuine Progress Indicators.  The results of the project will be posted on the WD website.

1.2.0.1

A

Create a webpage highlighting the implementation of any new environmental regulations and actions that firms can take on greening their workplaces and create links to other sites where small business can get detailed SD information.

Mar-00

WD's public web site redevelopment process is under way as of July 2000 and will include easy access to SD-related information.

1.2.0.2

A

Put the SDS on the WD web site and post period updates on implementation.

Posted and on-going

WD’s SD strategy is posted at http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/6814.asp

1.3

O

Provide small businesses with information on SD business opportunities.

On-going

1.3.0.1

A

Consult with other government departments about future procurement requirements in Western Canada and provide this information to clients and potential suppliers.

Fall 2000

Procurement and e-business strategies are currently under development that would address this item.

1.3.0.2

A

Create a team of SD experts to coordinate implementation of the SDS and act as an information resource (98/99).

On-going

The SD Team was established in Nov 99, while an Environmental Assessment Team has existed for many years.

WD – B.C. has also established a regional SD working group comprising representatives of the four regional branches, to help coordinate the development and implementation of the departmental SDS in BC.

1.3.0.3

A

Educate WD client service officers on SD.

On-going

Presentations have been made in each office by SD Team members, updates are provided via e-mail and information on SD is available on the WD INTRAnet site.

2

G

Supporting Sustainable Development through cooperative action

2.1

O

Cooperate with provincial governments on SD.

On-going

In collaboration with the Province of BC, WD has agreed to allocate $13 million in federal and provincial funding for fuel cell-related projects under the Canada-BC Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

2.1.0.1

A

Participate and promote SD at future western federal-provincial meetings.

On-going

A study done on WD's behalf by the Canada West Foundation included sustainable development in their findings.  This information was shared with the Western Economic Development Deputy Minister Group comprised of the four provincial DMs and WD's Deputy Minister.

2.1.0.2

A

Gather information on provincial SD activities.

On-going

WD liaises with Alberta Climate Change strategy via provincial Climate Change Central, a virtual information & development organization, participates in activities with the provinces and partners with the provinces on specific projects (a research project in Alberta with the Pembina Institute, for example).

2.2

O

Encourage cooperative action between the 3 levels of government in Western Canada to promote SD.

On-going

2.2.01

A

Co-sponsor an SD conference.

On-going

As examples, support has been provided to Globe and North Sun 99 conferences. Sponsor of Combustion Canada 99 & Canadian Waste Management Conference 99.  W" name=_ftnref1 #ftn?>[1] workshop on angel financing for environmental companies in Nov 98. WD sponsored Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (1999) annual meeting, including a booth promoting the Environmental Technology Loan Fund. WD co-sponsored (with TD Bank-$500 each) a breakfast session at the May 1998 Environmental Round Table in Winnipeg (WD had a booth as well).  WD was also a sponsor of the Fraser Basin Council’s November 2000 conference on sustainable indicators.

2.3

O

Promote achievement of federal SD objectives to support entrepreneurship and increase economic development.

On-going

WD participates with other federal departments in the SDS Regional Information Sharing Group in BC, a regional group working to coordinate and share information on federal SD strategies and initiatives.

2.3.0.1

A

With the western members of the Industry Portfolio, increase the inclusion of SD objectives in economic development initiatives and activities.

On-going

WD employees have participated in sustainable development training developed by Industry Canada.  Eco-efficiency pilot projects are under development that could involve both WD and Industry Canada.   Conference calls with the other regional agencies have resulted in sharing of forms, procedures and ideas for inclusion in the next three year strategy.

2.4

O

Expand market opportunities through joint action for environmental and related enabling technologies.

On-going

In October 2000, WD announced $980,000 for the start-up of Fuel Cells Canada, a national industry organization for Canada’s fuel cell industry.

2.4.0.1

A

Identify opportunities or mechanisms to expand SD, including climate change, market opportunities and support CEIS [2].

On-going

WD works with EC & NRCAN and other federal agencies to promote western projects for TEAM [3] funding. 

2.4.0.2

A

Promote the Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) program’s investment in western Canadian environmental firms.

On-going

WD is developing an Innovation Strategy which includes activities to assist western Canadian firms in accessing TPC program funding. 

2.4.0.3

A

Promote WD-TD Bank Environmental Technology Loan Program.

On-going

Over $5 million in the various WD loan funds have been approved across the West.  SD projects are not isolated within the Environmental Loan Fund, as many can be funded other others, such as the Knowledge-Based Industries Loan Fund.

2.4.0.4

A

Work with Environmental Industry Association in western Canada to identify technology gaps and barriers in conjunction with the national work so that industry members can identify potential business opportunities.

On-going

WD participates with other agencies and associations to enhance opportunities for SMEs.  For example, WD has a platinum membership in the Environmental Services Association of Alberta and is an associate member in the BC Chapter of the Canadian Environmental Industries Association.

3

G

Fostering a Sustainable Development culture at WD

3.1

O

Ensure WD staff have understanding of Sustainable Development issues.

On-going

3.1.0.1

A

Make SD presentations to staff.

Jul-00

A "News Flash" on Strategic Environmental Assessment was communicated to all employees Oct 99. SD Team members have met with staff and managers within their respective regions.  On July 4th, 2000, the Executive group engaged in an SD Learning event facilitated by Dr. Brian Nattrass, an expert in sustainable development and the Natural Step.  Ron Bergin from the Office of the Auditor General made a presentation to the Executive group at this session as well.

3.2

O

Ensure SD is reflected in policy, plans and program development.

On-going

3.2.0.1

A

Develop a process to include SD principles in policy, plans and programs.

Mar-00

Innovative Management Solutions Inc. is assisting WD to establish an EMS and related infrastructure to support and build sustainable development capacity and to include SD considerations in WD policies and programs.

3.2.0.2

A

Conduct environmental reviews of projects as required.

On-going

100% of WD funded activities, including programs delivered on behalf of other agencies such as the Infrastructure Program, are subject to an “environmental review”.

3.3

O

Work to improve the environmental efficiency of office operations.

On-going

3.3.0.1

A

Support SD through the purchase of environmentally friendly goods and services.

On-going

Envelopes, letterhead and brochures use recycled paper.  Recycle paper bins are available.  “Used computers for schools” program in place.  Staff is encouraged to shut down computers in the evening.  Recycle containers for cans and bottles are provided to staff.

3.3.0.2

A

Support the development of the green procurement policy, including a definition of green goods and services in partnership with other federal and provincial agencies (I.e. via shared services or federal councils).

On-going

A sub-committee of the SD Team is developing ways and means to green WD's operations.  Innovative Management Solutions Inc. is assisting WD to establish an EMS and related infrastructure to support and build sustainable development capacity within WD and will play a part in advancing progress in this area.

4

G

Enhancing federal visibility on the Climate Change file and delivering programs or services that contribute to the national Climate Change agenda.

4.1

O

Position the department as a key player on the Climate Change file.

On-going

4.1.0.1

A

Plug into regional groups working on Climate Change issues.

On-going

WD is an active participant on provincial Climate Change committees / steering groups (ie: Alberta Climate Change Central).  WD has coordinated a study to identify joint initiatives / opportunities in support of National Climate Change Strategy and western provincial Climate Change initiatives and activities.  Several WEPA projects have been funded in cooperation with other federal departments, provincial & municipal governments and industry-ie: Greenhouse Gas Technology Showcase, Carbon Dioxide Sequestration, etc.

The Fraser Basin Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to the SD of the Fraser Basin.  WD has provided funding to the Council to assist it in the operation of the Fraser River Debris Trap near Aggassiz.  Further, WD is assisting the Council to implement its Regional Debris Strategy, which will help reduce pollution and greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of captured wood debris that is burnt each year.

4.1.0.2

A

Participate in key National Climate Change Secretariat issues Tables (e.g. the Technology Table).

On-going

WD has participated in all Technology Table meetings and in the development of the business plan resulting from the Technology Table.

4.1.0.3

A

Work with the Federal and National Climate Change Committees.

On-going

The Assistant Deputy Minister (AB) is leading the Industry Portfolio Climate Change actions in the West.  WD has facilitated and sponsored several TEAM projects with the support of Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada and others.