Environmental affairs

Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), Canada Economic Development is obligated to determine whether a project must undergo an environmental assessment before it decides to fund the project : Enforcement of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA)

Under the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals , a strategic environmental assessment must be conducted on any policy, plan, or program proposal that could potentially result in major environmental impacts, be they positive or negative.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada

This Federal Sustainable Development Strategy represents a major step forward for the Government of Canada by including environmental sustainability as an integral part of its decision-making processes.

This Strategy provides an integrated, whole of government picture of actions to achieve environmental sustainability. It takes into account international best practices and the purpose of the Federal Sustainable Development Act. Canada’s first Federal Sustainable Development Strategy will take a pragmatic approach, based on key priorities.

Agency's Sustainable Development Strategy 2011-13

Consistent with its mandate, the Agency undertakes under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy to finance projects that would help to optimize resource use, valuing residual resources, or contribute to eco-efficiency.

For further information about Agency's principal achievements in 2011-12 with regard to its engagements within the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, consult the Performance Report 2011-12.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) consultation

Public consultations on the Draft FSDS 2013-16 closed on June 14, 2013. The final Strategy will be published later this fall by visiting Environment Canada’s website.