Performance Report on Environment Canada's 2011–2012 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

5.1.1 Fulfill Canada's obligations under the Species at Risk Act by listing and protecting those species in critical need of conservation action. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

SARA was proclaimed in June 2003 and came into force in stages during 2003 and 2004. The purposes of the Act are to prevent wildlife species from being extirpated or becoming extinct, to provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are extirpated or threatened as a result of human activity, and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened.

EC responds to Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessments by developing recommendations for the Minister on listing of terrestrial species at risk on Schedule 1 of SARA. In cooperation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Department prepares the Minister's response statements for all species, including aquatic species. The 2010-2011 response statements can be found at this website.

Percentage of listed SARs with a recovery strategy, action plan or management plan in place within the timelines required by the Act. The target is to be determined.

Percentage of threatened and endangered species with a posted recovery strategy for which critical habitat was either fully identified in the recovery strategy, or for which a schedule of studies is underway or completed. The target is to be determined.

EC published 81 response statements acknowledging that the Minister had received COSEWIC assessments of species at risk.

Of these assessments, 21 involved terrestrial species that were the subject of pre-regulatory listing consultations. Another 3 species were the subject of ongoing extended consultations.

One terrestrial species, the Polar Bear, was added to Schedule 1 as a species of special concern during the April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 period. Listing a species as of special concern requires that a management plan be developed within 3 years to set out measures for the conservation of the species.

The 2011-2012 response statements can be found at this website.

5.1.2 Fulfill Canada's obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by helping to ensure that the status of no species is threatened by international trade. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to ensure that international trade in wildlife is sustainable such that this trade does not pose a risk to species. For further information, please visit the CITES website.

As a signatory to the Convention, Canada can use this tool to ensure species at risk in Canada are not further threatened by trade. In this manner, for those species in trade and regulated by the Convention, the CITES program contributes to Targets 5.1 and 5.2 under Goal 5 of the Strategy.

5.1.3 Maintain the Species at Risk Public Registry which fulfills the requirement under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

EC leads the maintenance of the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry with the collaboration of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada.

The Registry was developed as a key tool to support public participation in SARA-related decision making.

Documents required by SARA are available from the SAR Public Registry within statutory deadlines.

Request for content updates are sent out quarterly.

Maintenance of the website is performed regularly.

Documents required by SARA are available from the SAR Public Registry within one to two business days after they are received from the responsible jurisdictions.

Content is updated on an ongoing basis, from a variety of applications and databases.

As part of the maintenance that is performed regularly on the website, updates are requested from responsible jurisdictions on a quarterly basis.

Underlying data on the Schedule 1 status of species at risk was kept current and accurate.

5.1.4 Continue to support the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessments and reassessments to understand and communicate progress in species survival and recovery. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The species assessment process is conducted by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), which operates at arm's length from the core departments. COSEWIC uses available biological information on species deemed to be in some danger of disappearing from Canada to assess the risk status. It reviews information on population and habitat status, trends and threats from commissioned status reports and from unsolicited status reports received with an application from the public; uses community and Aboriginal traditional knowledge (ATK); and applies assessment criteria based on international standards.

EC provides a Secretariat, which supports the activities of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The Department ensures the Committee has the resources necessary to undertake species status assessments, including the preparation of species status reports, the inclusion of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, and support to twice-annual Wildlife Species Assessment Meetings.

Approximately 400 of the 650 species assessed by COSEWIC were listed on SARA when the Act came into force, requiring 10-year updates in 2013 and 2014.

As of 2011, 87% of the 650 species assessed had been reassessed within 10 years.

5.1.5 Continue to lead and cooperate under the National Recovery Program (RENEW) with provinces and territories consistent with the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

RENEW (REcovery of Nationally Endangered Wildlife), the national recovery program for species at risk, was launched in 1988. The program now involves three federal departments (EC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Parks Canada Agency) provincial and territorial government agencies, wildlife management boards authorized by a land claim agreement, aboriginal organizations other organizations and interested individuals.

RENEW has a new Terms of Reference, and now functions as a formal Working Group under the federal-provincial-territorial Canadian Wildlife Directors Committee (CWDC). This has significantly clarified the governance of RENEW, which had been an issue in the past.

EC will coordinate all RENEW activities.

RENEW will continue to exchange information among the FPT SAR Recovery programs.

EC continues to coordinate all RENEW activities.

RENEW continues to exchange information and develop products for use by federal-provincial-territorial SAR recovery programs.

5.1.6 Enhance the implementation of SARA within DFO and EC to protect and recover species at risk relative to their respective mandates. (DFO, EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The Minister of the Environment is responsible for the overall coordination of the federal species at risk strategy, including the implementation of federal activities in support of the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada (the Accord), the administration of the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk, and the Interdepartmental Recovery Fund.

The Minister of the Environment is also responsible for the protection and recovery of migratory birds and species at risk on federal lands other than those under the responsibility of the Minister of the Fisheries and Oceans or those individuals under the responsibility of Parks Canada. Under the Accord, it is understood that the provinces and territories will undertake actions and enforce prohibitions for the conservation of species at risk under their jurisdictions.

In addition, the Minister of the Environment is responsible for the initiation and facilitation of multi-jurisdictional recovery teams, and for coordinating the development of recovery strategies for species requiring the involvement of more than one jurisdiction. The Minister of the Environment will attempt to enter into agreements with provinces and territories for them to develop recovery strategies for species under their management responsibility.

5.2.1 Fulfill Canada's obligations under the Migratory Bird Convention of 1916 between Canada and the United States as implemented in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 by ensuring that Migratory Bird populations are managed and conserved. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The status of approximately 400 species of migratory birds in Canada (all land birds, shorebirds, water birds, and seabirds) was assessed within the Status of Birds in Canada website and publicly posted as of June 2012. Waterfowl was assessed through a separate process for migratory game birds.

An overview of the state of Canada's birds was published as part of The State of Canada's Birds report.

Progress was made on identifying criteria for setting population goals for individual species.

5.2.2 Fulfill Canada's obligations under the Species at Risk Act by listing and protecting those species in critical need of conservation action. (EC, DFO)⁸

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

5.2.3 Ensure that all Conservation Plans for the 22 Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) are publicly available. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

EC's Canadian Wildlife Service is leading the development of bird conservation plans in 25 ecoregion-based planning units. The plans identify priority species, their population objectives, threats and conservation objectives, as well as recommended actions, both within Canada and abroad. The plans will be an important tool in guiding EC's Migratory Birds Program and in informing the actions of conservation partners.

The Bird Conservation Region (BCR) plans contribute to targets 5.2, 6.1 and 6.3.

60% of the Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) strategies were completed in draft form.

Current timelines of the project:

• completion of 100% of final strategies by the end of fiscal year 2012-2013

• posting of 50% by end of 2012-2013

• posting of the remainder by mid-fiscal year 2013-2014

5.2.4 Complete hiring of management cadre within Enforcement Operations by Fall 2010. Recruit and train new officers for the Compliance and Enforcement Program by mid 2010-2011. (EC)⁹

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife

Wildlife enforcement officers enforce Canadian wildlife legislation, which protects plant and animal species in Canada, including migratory birds. Canadian wildlife protection legislation is also aimed at conserving threatened or potentially threatened species nationally and internationally. These laws regulate human interventions, such as hunting or trade, that could adversely affect long-term wildlife conservation. Wildlife enforcement officers enforce these laws throughout Canada in collaboration with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, and national and international agencies and organizations.

In order to more effectively and efficiently fulfill the wildlife protection law enforcement function, a commitment was made in Budget 2007 to increase the complement of enforcement officers in the Department.

Hiring of management cadre within Wildlife Enforcement was completed in summer or fall 2010.

Implementation of the commitment to increase enforcement capacity by 50% is complete.

5.2.5 Develop and implement a regulation for the management of the incidental takes of migratory birds in accordance with the purpose of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

While the Migratory Birds Regulations, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, strictly prohibit the harming of migratory birds and the disturbance or destruction of their nests and eggs, many are inadvertently destroyed by activities such as mining, forestry and agriculture, electrical generation and transmission, fishing, management of infrastructure, and urban development. This inadvertent destruction is called "incidental take" and is illegal.

After conducting preliminary consultations, EC is now focusing efforts on the provision of general avoidance guidelines to help stakeholders assess their risk of affecting migratory birds and enable them to develop operational strategies to avoid the incidental take of migratory birds. EC is also preparing policies that help the development by sectors of best management practices in support of the conservation of migratory birds.

The provision of information regarding the risk of affecting migratory birds and guidance on the development of best management practices (BMPs) will help industries plan their activities in order to meet their obligations towards the environment, including migratory bird conservation. This will contribute to maintaining populations of migratory bird species within acceptable bounds.

Pilot project for avoidance advice will be undertaken in one region by fall 2011.

Guidance for industry groups on how to develop beneficial management practices that support migratory bird conservation will be available in draft form by winter 2011.

EC's website was updated in fall 2011, providing general guidance on how to avoid incidental take of nests and eggs of migratory birds.

Draft guidance for industry groups on how to develop beneficial management practices that support migratory bird conservation was shared in 2011 with interested stakeholders and input was solicited.

5.2.6 Implement recommendations of the review of migratory bird monitoring programs. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

Monitoring and reporting are essential to our understanding of the health of migratory bird populations.

Bird banding is a basic monitoring tool, informing studies that assess the effects of environmental contaminants, protect endangered species and set hunting regulations. EC administers the North American Bird Banding Program in Canada.

EC also coordinates two key surveys. Volunteers across Canada have been collecting data for the North American Breeding Bird Survey since 1966. For the National Harvest Survey, the CWS engages hunters to establish annual harvesting and hunting estimates. This information determines the amount of hunting each species can sustain.

EC's Avian Monitoring Review Steering Committee has prepared summary recommendations for all surveys, and is in the process of completing detailed recommendations for any surveys that require substantial change.

Specific timelines are to be identified for implementing changes to monitoring programs; the first changes are being incorporated into 2011-2012 work planning. Changes include shifting resources so as to reduce efforts in areas where adequate information is now available to effectively manage populations and intensify efforts in areas where significant gaps have been identified.

A permanent Avian Monitoring Committee will be created to ensure that all monitoring programs are reviewed regularly and that the results are analyzed appropriately and provided to decision makers in a timely manner.

EC continued to deliver the North American Bird Banding Program in Canada, and a key Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the United States clarifying shared roles and responsibilities.

EC continued to deliver many key bird-monitoring programs, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey in Canada, the National Harvest Survey and various regional bird survey programs. EC also provided support to non-governmental partners to deliver various other volunteer-based surveys in Canada.

The Avian Monitoring Review (AMR) report incorporating recommendations on various key surveys, was finalized and published (in May 2012) by a team involving both Environmental Stewardship Branch (ESB) and Science and Technology (S&T) staff.

An Avian Monitoring Committee (AMC) was established in September 2011 and is overseeing the implementation of recommendations from the AMC.

The AMC has developed a work plan for ongoing review of monitoring programs and tracking and implementation of recommendations from the AMR. Changes were made to several monitoring programs during the fiscal year.

5.2.7 Recruit and train new officers for the Compliance and Enforcement Program. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife

Wildlife enforcement officers enforce Canadian wildlife legislation that protects plant and animal species, including migratory birds, in Canada. Canadian wildlife protection legislation is also aimed at conserving threatened or potentially threatened species nationally and internationally. These laws regulate human interventions, such as hunting or trade, that could adversely affect long-term wildlife conservation. Wildlife enforcement officers enforce these laws throughout Canada in collaboration with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, and national and international agencies and organizations.

In order to more effectively and efficiently fulfill the wildlife protection law enforcement function, a commitment was made in Budget 2007 to increase the complement of enforcement officers in the Department.

Implementation of the commitment to increase enforcement capacity by 50% is complete.

Training for new officers is complete and ongoing to handle regular turnover.

5.2.8 Carry out actions for priority migratory bird species as indicated by Bird Conservation Regions Plans. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

Working with partners in the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), EC coordinates, tracks and implements actions that support conservation objectives for birds. EC also leads the development of an integrated land-use management strategy.

The Bird Conservation Region plans contribute to FSDS targets 5.2, 6.1 and 6.3.

Between 2012-2017, focus on broadening conservation activity by Joint Ventures to continue to extend into non-wetland habitats.

Implement, in partnership with others, priority conservation actions articulated in BCR plans.

Put in place a system to track partner activities for adaptive management purposes by the end of 2012-2013.

Participated in the North American Grasslands conservation project of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, bringing together North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) partners and joint ventures. In Canada, this project is implementing some priority conservation actions for BCR 11 grassland birds.

Developed expertise in the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation to inform potential future effectiveness monitoring of the implementation of BCR activities.

6.1.1 Implement integrated activities and programs with other levels of government and external stakeholders that lead to the improvement of the state (environmental quality) of priority ecosystems across the country. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.3: Sustainable Ecosystems

Departmental work to integrate an ecosystem approach into program planning continued. Ecosystem-level analysis was deepened, with a focus on potential development pressures, and work on landscape-level assessment to support priority species and habitat was advanced. In addition, coordination continued in selected priority ecosystems and hotspots.

In the Okanagan,

1. EC influenced the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) through participation in the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council

2. EC worked to provide data on the lake evaporation study--an integral piece to the OBWB's Okanagan Water Supply and Demand Project work

3. EC helped influence science outcomes at the Osoyoos Lake Science Forum

4. an intra-departmental committee was struck that discussed activities in the Okanagan that various EC branches were undertaking

In the Georgia Basin,

1. EC co-chaired the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference in Vancouver with the United States Environmental Protection Agency / Puget Sound Partnership

2. EC participated and supported, along with the U.S. EPA, the Coast Salish Gathering

Continued transition of the Atlantic Ecosystem Initiatives to implement the Department's ecosystem approach in Atlantic Canada.

EC worked with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, other government departments (Canadian and American), the Atlantic provinces, New England states and other stakeholders in collaborative development and implementation of the ecosystem approach in three vulnerable Atlantic ecosystems: the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine, the Northumberland Strait, and the Halifax coastal zone.

EC supported initiatives through contribution funding to achieve tangible results on the issues of nearshore water quality, habitat and biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change.

6.1.2 Ensure the protection and conservation of important habitats for wildlife by facilitating an integrated landscape management approach. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The concept of landscape management is arising more frequently as governments deal with the trade-offs of sustainable development. Landscape management involves land, water and resource use decisions that are integrated across sectors, and considers planned and potential human activities in a defined area, such that the results are ecologically sustainable. This requires user interests, including conservation, to be at the table, supported by a sound scientific understanding of ecological functions and thresholds of sustainability.

EC's work includes the formation of strategic partnerships for integrated management of Canada's natural capital, including stewardship and the sustainable management of landscapes.

Complete a review of habitat monitoring in EC by the end of 2012-2013.

Complete three pilots to evaluate the proposed ecosystem, multi-species approach (identification of priority habitats through landscape planning) by the end of 2011-2012.

The habitat components of BCR plans have been converted into map form.

Key steps have been completed for the creation of a spatial database of critical habitat and range maps:

• Data standards: Standard data attributes/metadata for critical habitat spatial data.

• Map layout standards: Standard annotation of critical habitat in recovery documents.

• 206 range maps have been extracted and digitalized from various sources.

• Work to complete identification of national hotspots (priority habitats) for habitat conservation is in progress.

• Identification of priority habitats through landscape planning in regions is in progress.

EC is implementing a collaborative research and development project with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to develop land-use scenario assessment tools to inform integrated landscape management.

6.1.3 Manage National Wildlife Areas (NWAs), Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs) and Marine Wildlife Areas to protect wildlife habitat, and unique and productive ecosystems either directly and/or through partnership arrangements. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

EC is on track with regards to the recapitalization of our protected areas assets. The depreciated value and cost to upgrade capital assets in protected areas prior to the current reinvestment program was estimated to be $10.7 million. Subsequently, EC invested approximately $4.2 million and is planning to invest another $4.6 million over the next three fiscal years for a total capital investment of $8.8 million.

40% of CWS properties had been completely assessed, 21% had been partly assessed and 34% have not yet been assessed. Planning for assessments is ongoing.

Continued investment in recapitalization of federal infrastructure and visitor facilities over the next 10 years.

Completion of contaminated sites assessment within protected areas and remediation of sites where required within 3 years.

6.1.4 Implement the Northwest Territories (NWT) Protected Areas Strategy and the Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement to implement up to six new NWAs in the NWT and three in Nunavut. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

Designation of Edéhzhíe NWA as the first NWA under the NWT PAS by March 2012.

Initiate the regulatory process for designation of two additional NWA sites under the NWT PAS in 2011-2012.

Put in place Area Co-Management Committees for each designated NWA within 6 months of designation.

Identify priority sites in the Nunavut Land Use Plan and determine the conditions needed to protect those sites (NWA or MBS establishment or establishment of terms and conditions under the Plan) by the end of 2011-2012.

EC is waiting for a final recommendation report from the regional working group for one additional site in fiscal year 2012-2013 (Ramparts) and expects to begin the regulatory process in the spring of 2013.

Five out of nine area co-management committees have been established under the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA).

Negotiations for the IIBA are expected to begin in fiscal year 2012-2013. A Year 5 Review was recently completed.

Key habitat sites have been identified for Nunavut and terms and conditions for these key habitat sites have been developed. EC is now working with the Nunavut Planning Council to incorporate these terms and conditions in the land use plan.

6.1.6 Determine resilience of National Protected Areas network in the face of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

Complete the assessment of projected climate change-induced species shifts within protected areas by the end of 2011-2012.

Complete a risk assessment for priority sites including PAs in the Nunavut Land Use Plan by the end of 2011-2012.

6.1.7 Develop and apply models for economic valuation of ecosystem services to support sustainable development decision making. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

Program 5.1: Internal Services

The development of valuation models and frameworks for the economic analysis of policy decisions having environmental impacts is a key component for the integration of environmental, economic and social priorities into policies and programs.

To that effect, we have developed an Ecological Goods and Services (EG&S) Analytical Framework that allows the integration called for by the FSDS.

The application of the framework, will include valuation of EG&S, including wildlife species, water, carbon etc. to make decisions related to protected areas, species at risk and other EC issues.

EC has been co-leading the ongoing Measuring Ecosystem Goods and Services (MEGS) project with Statistics Canada to develop a framework for national environmental statistics and undertake a pilot project on wetlands valuation.

EC has been exploring the expansion of the Air Quality Valuation Model (AQVM II) to include the value of the impact of ozone on livestock mortality and the impact of air pollution on urban trees.

6.1.8 Establish frameworks for identifying indicators and developing appropriate monitoring activities for EC habitat programs. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

Performance Expectations:

EC will update the 1995 Ecological Framework as part of work planned in 2011-2012, contingent upon allocation of available resources.

6.1.9 Maintain the Conservation Areas Reporting and Tracking System. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

6.1.10 Complete the development of the protected areas strategy including the development of permitting standards and updating management plans. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The Environment Canada Protected Areas Strategy and permitting policy are complete and are posted online.

Twelve management plans have been drafted and they are expected to be posted for consultation in fiscal year 2012-2013.

6.1.11 Enhance enforcement in EC Protected Areas (MBSs and NWAs). (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.4: Compliance Promotion and Enforcement - Wildlife

Enforcement and Compliance Promotion activities uphold EC-administered laws and regulations that support the conservation of migratory birds and species at risk, such as the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and the Species at Risk Act.

In mid-2010-2011, the implementation of a commitment to increase enforcement capacity by 50% was completed. The hiring and training of new officers bolstered enforcement efforts in EC-protected areas.

Maintain a proactive response to enforcement in Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) based on risk-based enforcement patrols.

Use strategic targeting of high-priority NWAs during peak usage periods and of areas with previous non-compliance history.

Continue to monitor the number of inspections and detected violations in EC-protected areas.

Strategic targeting of high-risk protected areas remained an integral part of regional operational planning.

In addition, EC initiated preparations for plans to cross-designate Parks Canada wardens to enable them to enforce EC legislation in protected areas close to parks.

To be implemented in 2012-2013, this will help to alleviate some of the travel times associated with reaching some of those areas and improve response times to incidents.

In 2011-2012, Wildlife Enforcement conducted a total of 471 inspections in EC-protected areas and detected 91 violations.

6.3.4 Undertake research to improve understanding of marine ecosystems and support initiatives to identify and characterize vulnerable marine ecosystems. (DFO, EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The responsibility for establishing and managing the national system of Marine Protected Areas is shared among Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Marine Protected Areas), Parks Canada (National Marine Conservation Areas), and EC (National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and Marine Wildlife Areas).

Identification of vulnerable and priority marine ecosystems is being conducted through Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy partners (PC and DFO).

6.3.5 Provide advice to decision-makers on potential impacts on migratory birds and species at risk and ecological risks associated with specific high-priority ocean activities. (DFO, EC, NRCan)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

EC continues to provide advice to federal decision-makers through the Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy and participation in interdepartmental mineral and non-renewable resource assessment policy groups.

This initiative crosswalks to CARTS (6.1.9), which is providing marine information and data in support to this multi-partner initiative.

Work with DFO on the issue of fisheries bycatch and marine aquaculture to minimize adverse effects on marine birds, by developing best operating procedures for use by commercial fisheries and aquaculture operators.

Work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state and provincial governments to identify threats and mitigating actions related to conservation of marine waterfowl (e.g. a study to locate, identify and describe important habitat for sea ducks in the marine near shore environment on the east coast of North America will be completed by 2013. This will inform advice on location of offshore wind farms, shipping oil spills, and other similar threats).

6.4.1 Fulfill federal responsibilities related to prevention, detection, rapid response and management of invasive alien species. Key activities are related to governance (including international cooperation legislation/regulation, science and technology, risk analysis, information management and sharing, performance promotion, management, and mitigation). (EC, NRCan)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

EC continues to coordinate An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (IASSC) (2004) especially at the federal level, where EC chairs the Interdepartmental DG Committee on Invasive Alien Species (IAS). EC manages the Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program (see 6.4.2) and also has the lead for terrestrial alien invasive wildlife. The responsibility for implementing measures related to IASSC is shared among many federal departments, including AAFC, CBSA, CFIA, DFO, NRCan and TC.

The IASSC aims to reduce the introduction and spread of IASSC in Canada, thereby protecting ecosystems and biodiversity from the threats posed by IASSC. As such, the implementation of the IASSC directly contributes to the achievement of Target 6.4: Managing Threats to Ecosystems.

Develop a national IASSC logic model.

Maintain a national secretariat for coordination of an invasive alien species strategy for Canada.

EC led two Interdepartmental DG Committee meetings on invasive alien species (IAS).

EC supported the organization of the National Invasive Alien Species Forum (Ottawa, February 28, 29 and March 1, 2012) and the development of the multi-stakeholder national invasive species council.

In collaboration with the other federal departments and agencies, EC led the development of an indicator for the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target related to invasive alien species: "Threats of new invasive alien species (IAS) entering Canada are understood and reduced by 2015."

6.4.2 Implement the Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program, which provides funding to provinces, municipalities, educational institutions and non-government organizations, as well as to other groups who are working in support of the goals of the National Strategy - An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (2004). (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 1.1: Biodiversity - Wildlife and Habitat

The Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program (IASPP) is a partnership-based funding program with an annual contribution budget of $1 million per year. For further information on the IASSCPP, please visit this website.

The IASSCPP provides funding for initiatives that reduce the introduction and spread of IASSC, preventing serious threats to Canadian ecosystems and biodiversity. As such, the IASSCPP directly contributes to the achievement of Target 6.4: Managing Threats to Ecosystems.

The Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program (IASPP) is a partnership-based funding program with an annual contribution budget of $1 million per year. For further information on the IASSCPP, please visit this website.

The IASSCPP provides funding for initiatives that reduce the introduction and spread of IASSC, preventing serious threats to Canadian ecosystems and biodiversity. As such, the IASSCPP directly contributes to the achievement of Target 6.4: Managing Threats to Ecosystems.

In 2011-2012, the IASSCPP funded 29 projects, for a total contribution of $1 million.

The ratio of the federal contribution to the partners' contributions was 1:2. Six contributions were provided in 2011-2012.

2,167 volunteers participated in 2011-2012 funded projects.

The IASSCPP ended on March 31, 2012.

6.4.4 Coordinate both national and regional environmental emergency preparedness capabilities. (EC)¹⁰

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 3.1: Substances & Waste Management

To effectively manage natural and human threats to Canada's ecosystems, EC works with Public Safety Canada to identify potential risks, develop contingency plans that outline how to deal with emergencies; train personnel to apply the plans; and review and exercise these plans to strengthen their effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement.

Being prepared for an emergency is critical to mounting a quick and effective response that will help minimize impacts on the health of people and the environment.

EC's Strategic Emergency Management Plan was approved in principle on April 8, 2011, and was submitted to Public Safety Canada (PS) shortly thereafter. PS provided the evaluation results, which were discussed with EC.

The National Environmental Emergencies Contingency Plan is undergoing revisions.

The regional annexes of the Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan were updated for the East (CANUSEAST) and the Pacific (CANUSPAC) in fiscal year 2011-2012. The regional annexes for the other areas are not yet complete.

Complete EC's Strategic Emergency Management Plan by December 2011, in collaboration with Public Safety Canada.

Revise its national and regional contingency plans by the end of March 2012.

Complete regional annexes to the Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan by fall 2012.

6.4.5 Develop spill models, analysis methods, fate and behaviour algorithms, measurement and remote sensing capabilities, decontamination protocols, and countermeasures used during incidents. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 3.1: Substances & Waste Management

EC (EC) manages environmental emergencies by taking measures to reduce the frequency and consequences that affect Canada. To effectively manage the threats to ecosystems resulting from incidents, the Department uses the most effective technologies, tools and approaches developed for application under Canadian conditions. EC also provides operational support during major spill incidents and scientific advice and technology solutions to mitigate the effects of spilled hazardous materials on the environment. The Department aims at making progress to develop and advance scientific knowledge, technologies, tools and approaches associated with environmental emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

An example would be the information that EC provided to the Government of Canada and to the United States government during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident in 2010. EC's R&D activities allowed Canada to provide information on the spilled oil chemical and physical properties, fate and behaviour predictions, advice on spill countermeasures such as dispersant application and in-situ burning.

EC is implementing a new performance measurement strategy beginning April 1, 2011. Baseline data will be collected for the first fiscal year, and targets set for the next.

Following are some of the key expectations for 2011-2012:

Provide response or restoration advice or support to environmental emergency incidents.

Publish scientific journal papers and peer-reviewed conference proceedings.

Prepare the annual AMOP Technical Seminar on Environmental Contamination and Response.

EC provided advice or support to more than 44 environmental emergency incidents in fiscal year 2011-2012.

EC published a minimum of 42 scientific journal papers and peer-reviewed conference proceedings.

The 35th AMOP Technical Seminar on Environmental Contamination and Response was successfully delivered June 5-7, 2012. Planning for the 36th AMOP seminar in 2013 is in progress.

6.4.6 Provide scientific and technical advice on weather and sea state and the behaviour and effects of chemicals, sampling and analysis, countermeasures, sensitivity mapping, trajectory, modeling, and operation of the 24/7 National Environmental Emergencies Centre in Ottawa. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 3.1: Substances & Waste Management

In identifying potential risks, it is important to know about the environment where a spill might occur. For example, EC prepares sensitivity maps with up-to-date information on environmentally sensitive areas, and on seasonal considerations affecting key physical, biological and cultural resources.

EC fulfills its commitment to provide scientific and technical advice, specifically on the operation of the National Environmental Emergencies Centre (NEEC).

Environmental emergency management benefits from the availability of the most effective technologies, tools and approaches developed for application under Canadian conditions. Improved knowledge of new and innovative technologies, tools and approaches by stakeholders will help reduce the consequences of environmental emergencies that affect Canada.

Provide monthly NEEC summary reports to senior management.

Provide accurate and timely advisories or alerts to senior managers for pollution incidents from across Canada on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis.

Monthly summaries by the National Environmental Emergencies Centre (NEEC) were prepared for senior managers.

The NEEC issued 41 advisories in 2011-2012.

Conduct oil and chemical spill research and development targeting the priorities and needs of the Environmental Emergencies Program and other clients.

6.4.9 Promote compliance, track and report number of environmental emergency plans in place as required by s.200 Environmental Emergency Planning Regulation under CEPA 1999. (EC)

Alignment with the 2011-2012 PAA:

Program 3.1: Substances & Waste Management

Environmental Emergency (E2) plans help industry identify risks, and prevent, prepare for and respond to accidental releases.

Tracking the number and quality of E2 plans will provide EC with information about the level of compliance with the Environmental Emergency Regulations. Hence, this implementation strategy contributes to the reduction in frequency and the consequences of environmental emergencies at fixed facilities in Canada.

Tracking and reporting of the number of emergency plans is in place and will continue to be consistently executed at the regional and national levels. Reports on plans will be provided through CEPA 1999 annual reports.

A baseline for quality of plans has been established, and improvements to the baseline will be tracked as compliance promotion visits are made to selected facilities.

The numbers of facility submissions to the E2 regulation will be tracked using the E2 regulation website and associated database.

Currently, over 4,700 schedules have been submitted by facilities with one or more substances regulated under the Environmental Emergency Regulations.

Some 2,000 E2 plans are required and around 1,600 E2 plans have been prepared. Reports on plans were provided in the CEPA 1999 2011-2012 annual report. The numbers of facility submissions to the Environmental Emergency Regulations are tracked using the website and associated database.

The quality of facilities' environmental emergency plans was evaluated during site visits in cooperation with Enforcement in four of the five regions.