Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development Strategy 1997
Safeguarding our Assets, Securing our Future
Introduction
Sustainable development is often described as a journey, not a destination. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has a legislated responsibility for the sustainable development of Canada's natural resources. The Natural Resources Canada Sustainable Development Strategy Safeguarding our Assets, Securing our Future(SDS 1997) was tabled in Parliament on December 10, 1997. The strategy was a key tool for addressing sustainable development challenges at all levels: policy, science and technology, programs, legislation, regulations, and departmental operations, through a set of sustainable development goals, objectives and actions.
The purpose of this final report is to provide stakeholders with an account of the actions taken by the department over the period of SDS 1997, and how these actions contribute to broader efforts to advance sustainable development in Canada and abroad. As part of the department's commitment to reporting on our progress and to continuous improvement, NRCan published annual reports on progress in 1999, 2000 and 2001. This report consolidates these annual reports and provides a full description of how we feel that the completion of SDS 1997 has helped to advance sustainable development in the natural resources sector.
This report also provides an overview of the road ahead: the Natural Resources Canada Sustainable Development Strategy - Now and for the Future (SDS 2001). NRCan's second Sustainable Development Strategy, tabled on February 14, 2001, builds upon the successes from the first, as well as the lessons that were learned along the way.
Building the Foundation
SDS 1997 was recognized as a key tool to address sustainable development challenges at all levels: policy, science and technology programs, legislation/regulations and departmental operations. The Department's strong foundation for its SDS was critical to the success of Safeguarding our Assets, Securing our Future. This foundation, which will continue to support NRCan's sustainable development strategy, is composed of three pillars: 1) stakeholder engagement; 2) performance measurement; and, 3) an effective management system.
Stakeholder Engagement
Since the first round of consultations held for the first SDS, NRCan has maintained an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders through progress reports, questionnaires to provide input and comments, a Web site with links to key documents and related work, and face-to-face multi- stakeholder meetings. Public engagement is a key component of the Department's ongoing approach to sustainable development and we are appreciative of the enduring level of interest and support demonstrated by stakeholders. NRCan will continue to seek the counsel of Canadians as the commitments made under SDS – Now and for the Future are implemented. The Department will further strengthen its partnerships with individual Canadians, environmental groups, industry associations, professional associations, academic institutions, private companies, other levels of government and other federal government departments.
Performance Measurement
From the outset, NRCan recognized that a consistent system to measure its performance would be critical to the implementation of the Department's 1997 Strategy. Consequently, the Department realigned its policy goals to match those in the Strategy and developed a single set of performance indicators to meet various reporting needs. The performance indicators, developed in consultation with stakeholders, enable NRCan to measure its performance against the objectives of its SDS. NRCan is now well positioned to report on this established performance measurement framework. These indicators form a vital component of our progress towards the Department's vision of a sustainable future. Performance indicators for SDS 1997 are included in this report, and the current performance measurement framework is in Appendix A.
Effective Management
NRCan uses leading-edge environmental management tools and practices to advance sustainable development through its own operations. It has strong support from senior management and its Sustainable Development Working Group. The Department employs a team approach to the development, implementation and monitoring of the SDS. Reviews of this management system are conducted to ensure accountability and results.
What the Tables Say
The following tables consolidate 3 previous progress reports, published in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Each of the tables, for the four goals of SDS 1997, list the target, the date it was reported, and how it contributes to sustainable development. The table also highlights future directions for SDS - Now and for the Future that built upon successes of SDS 1997.
For more information on the commitments made in SDS - Now and for the Future, please consult the SDS, located at http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sd-dd
