Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Strategy 1997

Safeguarding our Assets, Securing our Future

Minister's Message

Sustainable
development – the integration of social, economic and environmental
factors into our decision making – is a tremendous challenge, but
also an exciting opportunity. In the natural resources sector, innovative
new technologies are showing that it is possible to enhance productivity
in our minerals and metals, forest, energy and geomatics industries without
compromising the integrity of our natural environment. Indeed, by rising
to the challenge of sustainable development, we open the door to social
and economic benefits that will improve the quality of life of all Canadians.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the first Government of Canada department
to integrate sustainable development into its legislative mandate, has
been a leader in responding to the challenges and opportunities of sustainable
development. On December 10, 1997, the first Sustainable Development Strategy,
Safeguarding Our Assets, Securing Our Future was tabled in Parliament.
It is my privilege now to present the final report of that strategy, which
covers the period December 10, 1997, to March 31, 2001.

This report highlights key accomplishments, such as the launch of GeoConnections,
which provides national access to geographic information, stimulating
innovation and strengthening capacity for decision making.

In addition to developing innovative programs at home, NRCan carried
its message of sustainable development abroad by leading trade and investment
missions to Argentina, Chile and Peru in November 1998, and to China,
South Korea and Japan in January 2000. Canadian firms showcased their
expertise during these missions in such areas as mining, geospatial information
technologies, energy and forestry, and the sustainable management of natural
resources.

During an extensive consultation process on the next generation of sustainable
development strategies, our stakeholders told us to go further. They wanted
a bold strategy that drew on our past accomplishments, but which focussed
on six key areas in which NRCan could truly make a difference. On February
14, 2001, my department delivered on this vision with Now and For the
Future, the second Sustainable Development Strategy.

We are now making this vision a reality. As we do, we are using stringent
performance indicators to measure our progress toward our new goals and
objectives, and we are also helping develop national indicators for sustainable
development. Through this process, NRCan is helping to improve accountability
to all Canadians in this vital area.

Through our sustainable development strategies and the judicious balancing
of our social, economic and environmental imperatives, Canada can lead
the world as a model of sustainable development and ensure that our resources
will contribute to our high quality of life – now and in the future.

Herb Dhaliwal