SDS II (2000-2003) - Introduction

The following document is out of date.

The Government of Canada has made sustainable development a national goal and is taking action to ensure that Canadians can enjoy environmental, social and economic security now and in the future. Sustainable development is a way of recognizing that social, environmental and economic issues are interrelated and interdependent. As a department that exists to support economic development in western Canada, we believe that we have a responsibility to contribute to development in a way that is sustainable and explicitly recognizes the interaction of economic, social and environmental factors in any economic development activity.

Since 1990, the federal government has made a number of commitments related to the “greening” of government operations. However, it was not until December 1995 that the need for accountability was addressed through amendments to the Auditor General Act. These amendments created the position of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (Commissioner) within the Auditor General’s office and the requirement to develop and table a Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) in Parliament. Each department’s SDS must demonstrate how the department will incorporate sustainable development principles and practices into its policies, programs and operations. An updated SDS must be tabled every three years and annual progress reports are required within the Departmental Performance Report.

The Government of Canada’s approach to sustainable development involves integrated decision-making based on three major elements:

• a long-term focus seeking to preserve and enhance economic, social and natural (resources) capital in order to improve the quality of people’s lives and ensure a continuing legacy for the future;

• a horizontal perspective that fully incorporates social, economic and environmental factors; and

• recognition of the interdependence of domestic and global activities.

This approach reflects the balance necessary in modern, cohesive societies that consider the social, environmental and economic implications of their decisions. Through the implementation and development of our SDS and the accompanying environmental management system (EMS) that supports its implementation, we will unify the goals of government, industry, institutions, communities and individuals. This is not a call for limiting economic development but a call to be smarter about how we develop our economy. We must be open to innovative ways of doing business; ways that will have the best impact on the environment and will promote sustainable development. Managed, strategic economic development will help contribute to an enhanced quality of life in western Canada while at the same time ensuring its economic competitiveness, now and in the future.

Integrating sustainable development into the strategic direction of WD
WD is a regional department with responsibilities for economic development in the four western provinces. As such, we consider sustainability as an integral part of the decision-making process for economic development matters and for our internal operating practices rather than as a separate program developed on a stand-alone basis. WD activities focus on promoting and supporting the on-going economic well-being of western Canada while making significant contributions to environmental and social areas as well. WD participates in a wide variety of activities, often working in partnership with other federal departments and agencies that have a lead role in addressing environmental, social and economic concerns.