Click here to go to the following issues:
Economic Aspects | Natural Resource Aspects | Institutional Aspects | Social Aspects | Canada
Click here to go to these sections:
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information is available.
Decision Making: Strategies, Policies, and Plans
A fundamental aspect of Canadian international cooperation is involvement in bilateral and multilateral dialogue with developing countries and international financial institutions to promote the integration of development and environment considerations into their official policies. For example, on forests issues, Canada is promoting a dialogue that could lead to a comprehensive international convention on forests. Canada's International Model Forest Program, managed by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the "Montreal process" to develop criteria for and indicators of sustainable management of boreal and temperate forests outside of Europe have complemented this dialogue. The International Model Forest Program has been successful in providing on-the-ground demonstration of sustainable use forestry practices and the long-term benefits that can be derived from the wise management of this resource.
Decision Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
Canada has provided support to developing countries at key negotiations on issues of
global importance, largely through its Official Development Assistance (ODA)
programme. This has created a link between development programmes on the ground and
international policy dialogue. Through ODA, technical cooperation, and support for
intergovernmental dialogue, Canada is working with domestic and international partners to
promote global development that is sustainable.
The heart of Canada's official development assistance policy is threefold. It involves
integrating environmental considerations into the decision-making process, according a
higher priority to assisting developing countries to improve their capacity to deal with
environmental issues and working closely with Canadian and international partners to help
them address the challenge of integrating environmental considerations into their
activities. The policy encourages developing countries to work together with the Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA) to implement comprehensive national programs that
promote sustainability.
Status
No information is available.
Challenges
In the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada is encouraging discussion of environmental
security issues. As pressure on natural resources and the carrying capacity of the natural
environment is degraded, particularly in the poorest countries, social instability is
inevitable. Such instability impedes progress towards sustainable development and
encourages conflict.
Significant challenges remain in the area of international cooperation if global
sustainable development is to be achieved. Canada and other donor countries have agreed on
a series of targets for the near future, detailed in the DAC's "Shaping the 21st
Century," with regard to development and meeting the needs of the poor in a
sustainable manner. If these targets are to be met, then Canada must look for innovative
ways to mobilize the necessary resources and draw upon the expertise, experience and
capabilities of local peoples who are best suited to meet their own needs.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training, and Awareness-Raising
No information is available.
Information
No information is available.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
At the Earth Summit in 1992, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that the mandate of the IDRC would be broadened to emphasize sustainable development issues. As a result, IDRC has provided more than C$400 million in support over the last five years to developing country researchers and policy makers, and their Canadian partners to undertake research and to strengthen capacity in key sectors. These have included food systems on fragile lands, community natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, improved technologies for small enterprises, ecosystem health, and the use of new communication technologies for networking and exchange of information.
Cooperation
Canada played an active role at the 1996 World Food Summit, endorsing its Plan of Action and agreeing to implement its seven commitments. In concrete terms, this means that Canada will cooperate in efforts to halve the number of the world's malnourished people between now and 2025.
Canada continues to be a strong supporter of and contributor to both the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol based in Montreal, and the Global Environment Facility, two key mechanisms to help developing countries participate in global efforts to address environmental problems.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of Canada to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.
Click here for national information on
International Environmental Relations.
Click here for the ECE
Statistical country profile for Canada.
| Canada | All Countries | Home |
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
Since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Canada has reformed its General Preferential Tariff to provide better access to the Canadian market for the least developed countries.
Decision Making: Strategies, Policies, and Plans
Chapter 2 of Agenda 21 emphasizes the promotion of sustainable development through trade, by formulating policies that link trade and the environment, and by encouraging macro-economic policies that are conducive to environmentally sustainable development. Canada's view is that trade liberalization helps lead to the economic growth that helps to provide resources needed for environmental protection; while a healthy environment helps to provide the natural resources necessary to create long term economic growth stimulated by trade. With this in mind, Canada has worked to promote trade liberalization in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the new World Trade Organization (WTO). Canada has been an active participant in the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) of the WTO and also in the deliberations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Joint Experts Committee on Trade and Environment.
Decision Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
No information is available.
Status
No information is available.
Challenges
No information is available.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training, and Awareness-Raising
No information is available.
Information
No information is available.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
No information is available.
Cooperation
No information is available.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of Canada to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.
Click here for national information on
International Environmental Relations.
Click here for the ECE
Statistical country profile for Canada.
| Canada | All Countries | Home |
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
There is no current over-arching regulatory framework that deals with sustainable consumption in Canada, however, there is considerable provincial and federal activity which contributes to more sustainable production and consumption.
The use of economic instruments and tax policies to foster more sustainable patterns of consumption and production has received some attention from groups such as the National Round Table on Environment and Economy.
Decision Making: Strategies, Policies, and Plans
There are no overall national targets for sustainable consumption, however the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment has set targets for related areas (for example, packaging and waste reduction targets set at 50% of 1988 levels by the year 2000). To focus more attention on the challenge of sustainable consumption and production, the federal government will be hosting a national conference on the issue in 1997.
Decision Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
A variety of initiatives have been implemented in Canada to alter consumption patterns and encourage more sustainable production processes. For example, the National Packaging Protocol (NAPP) is a set of policies aimed at minimizing the environmental effects of packaging and reducing the amount of packaging sent for disposal by at least 50% of 1988 levels by the year 2000. The interim target, a 20% reduction established for 1992, was exceeded. A national survey is being conducted to monitor progress toward the 1996 reduction target of 35%. Several provincial governments have also introduced waste minimization programs. For example, in 1994 more than 50% of municipalities in Quebec had access to recycling services.
The Alliance of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters has developed a manufacturing Environmental Performance Program. It includes a reference guide on improving environmental performance, an environmental coordinator's handbook, an executive forum, and a register of "environmental success stories". The Canadian Standards Association's (CSA) voluntary Environmental Management Program encourages organizations to consider the environment when making business decisions. Guidance documents have been provided on topics such as: life cycle assessment, environmental performance evaluation, risk assessment and management, environmentally responsible procurement, pollution prevention, environmental labeling, and environmental management systems. The Canadian forest industry is working with the CSA to develop a certification program for forest products coming from sustainably managed forests. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants is promoting environmental accountability in the corporate sector. In conjunction with the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Winnipeg, the CSA, and the Financial Executives Institute of Canada has prepared a guidance document on Reporting Environmental Performance.
Governments are also improving their own consumption practices and supporting research consistent with sustainable development. Canada's Federal Building Initiative (FBI), managed by Natural Resources Canada, is proving successful in increasing energy efficiency in federal facilities. By establishing a three-way partnership between a utility, a qualified energy management firm, and a federal organization, the program enables energy efficiency upgrades to be financed through the resulting energy savings.
The federal government's Environmental Choice Program is designed to support a continuing effort to improve and/or maintain environmental quality by reducing energy and materials consumption. By evaluating an organization's efforts to minimize the impact of pollution generated by the production, use and disposal of goods and services available to Canadians, the program's distinctive EcoLogo lets consumers know that the products they are purchasing meet high environmental standards.
In addition, the federal government has launched a five year plan to green its motor vehicle fleet. The plan includes measures such as fleet reduction, green driving training, and increased use of alternative fuels. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is sponsoring research to reduce the production cost of ethanol, investigating technology and process change and the use of alternative low-input crops with fewer life cycle emissions than corn. The federal government is supporting research and field trials that promote the production of bio-diesel, a diesel-like fuel produced from vegetable oils such as canola and soybean, and explore the use of hydrogen, natural gas and propane in vehicles.
Status
Non-governmental organizations continue to play key roles in drawing public attention to consumption issues and in sparking debate over the implications of changing consumption patterns. Progress is being made at all levels of government in the area of green procurement. A number of corporations are examining their own purchasing practices with an aim to reduce energy and material use.
Challenges
No information is available.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training, and Awareness-Raising
No information is available.
Information
No information is available.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
No information is available.
Cooperation
Canada participates in discussions in the OECD on promoting sustainable consumption and production within the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of Canada to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.
Click here for national information on Energy Consumption Indicators.
| Canada | All Countries | Home |
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information is available.
Decision Making: Strategies, Policies, and Plans
The federal government established the Green Plan in 1991/92 to fund programs designed to protect and improve the environment for six years. A number of programs started under the Green Plan are now part of the continuing programmes of several federal departments. The federal government introduced the Canadian Environmental Industries Strategy and Technology Partnerships Canada program to help encourage the development of Canada's environmental technologies industries.
Each of the federal government's recent budgets has contained measures aimed at integrating the environment and the economy. For example, new tax measures have been introduced to encourage donations of ecologically sensitive land, to improve access to financing for the renewable energy and energy conservation sector and for mine reclamation trust funds. Consultations are underway to examine options to improve the treatment of energy efficiency and heating and cooling from renewable energy sources and to examine possible government policy barriers to recycling activity.
Decision Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
A tradeable permit system for two ozone-depleting substances, methyl bromide and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) has been introduced. The federal and provincial governments are examining the use of economic instruments, along with other policy tools, to address specific environmental problems.
A major review of federal program spending to restructure the role of government and to generate savings for deficit reduction has significantly reduced or eliminated many subsidies, grants and contributions, many of which are in areas relevant to the environment. For example, the federal government has reduced or eliminated many subsidies to the transportation, agriculture, and non-renewable energy sectors and ended direct financial support for energy megaprojects.
Status
No information is available.
Challenges
No information is available.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training, and Awareness-Raising
No information is available.
Information
No information is available.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
No information is available.
Cooperation
Key international initiatives include the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund (MPMF), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environment Fund. The Canadian Government recognizes that a key element of international cooperation in support of global sustainable development is the provision of assistance, including financial resources, to developing countries to help them to meet their commitments under Agenda 21. The flow of financial assistance from the developed to the developing world should supplement the mobilization of domestic financial, technical, and human resources in developing countries. Official Development Assistance has been identified as the main source of external funding to assist developing countries in the implementation of Agenda 21. Canada remains committed to the target of 0.7% of GNP for ODA established at UNCED as a long-term goal, the attainment of which is dependent on a strong Canadian economy. The stated purpose of Canada's ODA is to "support sustainable development in developing countries, in order to reduce poverty and contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous world". With this in mind, the Canadian Government will continue to direct most of its ODA to low-income countries. Canadian ODA will concentrate available resources on the following six priorities: basic human needs; woman in development; infrastructure services; human rights, democracy and good governance; private-sector development; and the environment.
The federal government has also provided funds to assist developing countries and environmental non-governmental organizations to participate in key international meetings since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), including the High Seas Fisheries Conference, the first session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), meetings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests and negotiating sessions of the Desertification Convention.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of Canada to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.
For information on participating States in the Global Environment Facility, click here:
| Canada | All Countries | Home |
Transfer of Environmentally-Sound Technology
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
Canadian assistance in the form of technology transfer and capacity development is
routed through a number a channels, notably CIDA and the IDRC. Most of CIDA's development
projects incorporate training programs designed to assist clients in maximizing potential
project benefits. IDRC undertakes and supports research into particular development issues
with a view to assisting developing countries to enhance their capacity to meet the
challenges of sustainable development. Much of the work of the IDRC focuses on introducing
new and adapting existing technology and know-how into developing countries through
cooperatively applied research ventures.
One example is CIDA's Southern Cone Technology Transfer project. It is a five year, $15
million development fund, which targets Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay.
The projects funds the transfer of Canadian know-how to partner institutions in the
Southern Cone, and its adaptation to, and use in, their own cultural and developmental
environment. It is an attempt to multiply the institutional linkages between Canada and
the Southern Cone in support of sustainable development. Another example is the
Canada-Brazil Technology Transfer Project. CIDA funds short-term consulting, training,
exchanges, and related activities. The $15 million project is also expected to multiply
the institutional linkages between Canada and Brazil in support of sustainable
development.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
Governments support research and development in this area through tax incentives, direct grants, and funding of research in institutions across the country. This support has helped Canadians to develop considerable expertise in industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, site clean-up, air emission control, solid waste management, plant safety and health technologies, and remote sensing for land, agricultural, forestry and fisheries management.
Decision Making: Strategies, Policies, and Plans
One of the primary goals of Canada's international cooperation with developing
countries is to assist them to develop the capacity to identify and meet their own
sustainable development objectives. This involves both the transfer of technology and the
development of skills and management capacity, including local and indigenous knowledge.
Mechanisms for technology transfer must take into consideration the intellectual property
rights and terms of transfer/sharing, the appropriateness and adaptability of technologies
to be transferred, the availability of financial resources and the capacity of developing
countries to absorb new technologies.
Canada's approach to the transfer of technology encourages the consideration of
demand-focused arrangements rather than the establishment of administratively cumbersome
clearinghouse mechanisms. In addition, Canada also encourages the rationalization of
existing transfer mechanisms, and the promotion of mutually beneficial technology sharing
arrangements leading to expanded trade and market development for participating countries.
The application of environmentally sound technologies and alternative energy technologies that will improve the efficiency and environmental performance of traditional manufacturing and resource processing sectors is another area of particular emphasis. Governments' "green industry" initiatives such as the Canadian Environmental Industry Strategy (CEIS) foster Canadian technologies and the environmental industry.
Decision Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
Environment Canada will be launching a Canadian Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program. The ETV program is aimed at the assessment and validation of a performance claim by an independent third party. The ETV Program will pursue recognition from international organizations such as the International Standards Organization (ISO), United Nations's Economic Commission for Europe's Environmental Committee, and the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Environment Canada also provides scientific support to the national environmental laboratory certification program of the Canadian Standards Council and the Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories. Laboratory certification program seminars have been delivered in Mexico and Ukraine. Environment Canada's Environmental Technology Centre has developed a laboratory inspection program in Canada consistent with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) "Principles of Good Laboratory Practices". The Centre also plays key roles in the oil and hazardous Materials Committees of the Association for Standards and Testing Materials (ASTM) by providing the leadership and performance standards for environmental protection technologies.
Efforts are underway to establish an Environmental Technology Clearinghouse under a trilateral initiative between Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation has established this project along with the private sector in the three countries. The Canadian Environmental Training Opportunities Program has been initiated to promote, to the international community, a sampling of the many environmental training courses offered in Canada. The objective of the program is to promote a selection of one or two week full-time courses with emphasis on short courses that have integrated environmental industry support. Private sector initiatives include the development of a vehicle propulsion system using electricity produced by a hydrogen fuel cell. This state-of-the-art technology will help reduce local smog problems and global greenhouse gas emissions.
Status
The Canadian environmental industry consists of some 4,500 firms that employ some 150,000 persons. It generates annual revenues of about $11 billion. One third of these firms are manufacturers and account for annual sales of $6 billion, while two thirds are service providers with annual sales of $5 billion. A number of companies have come together to create the Canadian Environment Industry Association (CEIA), an umbrella organization for nine autonomous provincial/territorial associations.
Challenges
Canada recognizes the increasing importance of transferring technology and expertise to developing countries to improve their capacity to achieve sustainable development. However, the country's efforts in this regard are constrained by a scarcity of resources, and consequently the broad participation of the business, academic, and NGO communities is vital if progress is to continue. Canada is continuing to seek out innovative means to enhance our cooperative relationship with developing countries along non-traditional lines, building linkages at the level of civil society, and allowing for the development of a productive synergy between groups with common interests.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training, and Awareness-Raising
The federal and provincial governments and environmental industry associations, municipal organizations, and private sector companies, have set up three Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Centres (CETACs). The CETACs provide technical, managerial, and financial services and support to Canadian small and medium sized companies to help develop and commercialize technologies and access sources of financing and international markets.
Information
Canada has developed processes to transfer technology as well as to provide access to technological information. ENV-I-NET, an on-line bulletin board service includes information on environmental technologies and priorities in developing countries to be financed by multilateral international financial organizations. "Canadian Environmental Solutions" is a vendor-oriented multimedia tool that gives Canadian companies an opportunity to use their technologies, products and services to the benefit of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Environment Canada has developed and is commercializing with private-sector licensees the environmentally friendly Microwave-Assisted Process (MAP TM) for extraction of chemicals at laboratory and industry scales. An on-line bulletin board (SPILLS) that provides technical information to help prevent or prepare for spills of oil and hazardous chemicals is now available. The Green Lane provides updated information on various environmental issues and events on the Internet.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
In 1996, Environment Canada, the Toronto Dominion Bank and the federal Western Economic Diversification agency, announced a $40 million Environmental Technologies Loan Program to help environmental companies develop and market new technologies. This pilot program in Western Canada may eventually be extended across Canada and complements the environmental component of Technology Partnerships Canada, which provides 25 to 30% of total project funding to eligible Canadian companies involved in environmental technology development, demonstration, and commercialization through a repayable funding mechanism.
Cooperation
International technology transfer is channeled to other countries through cooperative arrangements between Environment Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), Industry Canada, and Canadian companies. Governments support efforts by industries and researchers to meet international needs through agreements with other countries, joint ventures and technology transfer. Efforts in technological cooperation and capacity-building are focused on particular areas of Canadian expertise and measures have included environmental trade missions, bilateral memoranda of understanding, and other institutional links and initiatives involving the Canadian environmental industry. For example, Environment Canada, with support from CIDA/DFAIT and in partnership with Canadian companies, is involved in the transfer of Canadian technologies to Latvia and Ukraine to aid with the cleanup of military and missile sites. Environment Canada is also involved in other technology transfer activities in China, Mexico, Russia, Japan, and South Korea.
Canada has transferred expertise on environmental regulations, policies and technical programs to several developing countries under the International Environmental Management Initiative (IEMI), an integral component of Canadian Environmental Industry Strategy. Projects supported by the IEMI include an environmental auditing program in Thailand, vehicle emission control workshops in Mexico and Pakistan, and a laboratory accreditation program in Ukraine. Similarly, IDRC has an ongoing Sustainable Technologies Program based in Asia that facilitates the development, diffusion and adoption of cleaner production technologies.
Mexico has been a focus of Canadian assistance since the signing of a bilateral agreement on environmental cooperation in 1990. Implementation of training and certification programs for the Mexican water and wastewater treatment plant operators is being pursued as a follow up to recent bilateral programs with Mexico. A central Mexican model with regional implementation is envisaged and training of Mexican trainers is also a goal.
Montreal will host the Americana 97 Trade Show and Conference, a biennial world calibre event focusing on practical solutions to environmental problems. Americana 97 represents an opportunity for research and commercial links between international partners. In 1996, the federal government and the World Bank established a $2 million Canadian Consultants Trust Fund to enhance the participation of Canadian companies in projects and studies of the global environment. The Canadian Consultants Trust Fund was established through an Agreement between the World Bank, Environment Canada, and CIDA. The Fund is directed at Canadian technical expertise to identify, prepare and appraise projects financed by the World Bank under the Global Environmental Facility. In 1994, Environment Canada initiated a bilateral program under the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement by 150 countries to control the production of ozone-depleting substances. The program has helped Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, and India to meet Protocol requirements. It also has opened market opportunities and links to international financial institutions for Canadian companies.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of Canada to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.
Biotechnology
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
The federal government has the primary responsibility for protection of the environment for applications that are national in scope, with provinces and municipalities having jurisdiction within their respective regions. Provincial input into environmentally sound management of biotechnology is developed through the Federal-Provincial committee on the safety net under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
Policies and regulations are moving towards a pollution prevention model that emphasizes assessment prior to release of a biotechnology product into the environment. The federal government regulates biotechnology products using modifications to existing legislation and regulations to ensure that all products are assessed for environmental effects before they are imported or manufactured or sold in Canada. In 1996, a Standing Committee of the federal Parliament held hearings on the regulation of biotechnology in Canada with input from government, industry, academia, risk assessment experts, environmentalists, and consumers. The Committee made several recommendations to government to ensure that environmentally sound management of biotechnology products, a responsibility shared among a number of federal departments, is effective. The Committee recommended that CEPA function as a safety net for products of biotechnology not regulated under other federal legislation.
In 1993, nine federal government departments agreed to a framework for regulating the products of biotechnology. Among the principles was a commitment to maintain Canada's high standards for the protection of the health of workers, the general public, and the environment; to use existing legislation and avoid duplication; and to develop clear guidelines for evaluating products of biotechnology that are in harmony with national priorities and international standards. In 1996, two federal departments (Agriculture and Environment) published proposed amendments to regulations that would clarify responsibility for and enable environmental risk assessment of the products of agricultural and environmental biotechnology in 1997. These amendments will implement the regulatory components of the federal framework and will ensure that all assessments of biotechnology products in Canada will include whether they are toxic as defined in the CEPA. The text of the amendments is available to the public on the Internet.
Decision Making: Strategies, Policies, and Plans
The National Biotechnology Strategy was put in place in 1983. The strategy
focuses on building research and industrial capabilities in Canada. It is currently being
reviewed in order to meet future challenges.
Under the National Biotechnology Strategy, an Advisory Committee was formed to provide
advice to the Minister of Industry on applications of the National Biotechnology Strategy
Fund, valued at $30 million for the 1995-97 period. The Fund will be used to improve
regulations, communications and other issues related to the development and management of
biotechnology.
Decision Making: Major Groups Involvement
Canada's activities in all areas of the environmental regulation of biotechnology have involved major environmental, industry and consumer groups, governments and the general public.
Programmes and Projects
No information is available.
Status
A study commissioned by Industry Canada and Environment Canada in 1995 reported that there were 538 biotechnology companies in Canada concentrated in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Based on 1993 data, 23,260 people were working in Canadian biotechnology. During the 1989 to 1993 period, employment grew at 14% per year. In addition, almost all Canadian universities are conducting some research in biotechnology. Consumer groups (Consumers Association of Canada) and environmental groups (Canadian Environmental Network) are also involved in consultation on biotechnology, including regulatory, ethical, and socioeconomic issues.
In 1993, the total value of Canadian biotechnology sales was $2 billion of which 22% was in recombinant DNA activity. Research and development grew by 41% from 1989 to 1993 reaching $991 million in the last year of that period. Exports totalled $750 million in 1993.
Challenges
No information is available.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training, and Awareness-Raising
Improved public awareness of biotechnology will be important in the future. To help address this, the National Biotechnology Strategy has provisionally approved funding for several projects to identify detailed ethical issues associated with biotechnology. The federal government will spearhead these initiatives and will ensure the involvement of all major groups with an interest in the issue.
Information
A reorganization of seven sectoral biotechnology networks has resulted in the formation of three 'teams' (health, environment, and resources) under the umbrella of a new National Biotechnology Network with over 4000 members. Each team consists of members of government, industry, and academia and functions to encourage communication between industry, academia, government, and the general public regarding both the promotion and regulation of biotechnology products. Communications within the network is fostered by a biannual newsletter and by an annual meeting.
Research and Technologies
The federal government believes that protection of environmental quality related to biotechnology products and processes requires the involvement of all sectors of society. Research on biotechnology applications to improve the environment includes removal of hazardous wastes and pollutants. Research on biotechnology applications related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and mining is carried out by various government agencies and universities. The Medical Research Council is encouraging collaboration in areas of environmental and human health in biotechnology through a joint university-industry program. Recent National Biotechnology Strategy allocations support a range of activities, including the following: more efficient extraction and use of non-renewable resources; development of hardier, disease-resistant canola, salmon, and conifer species; enhanced ability to detect pollutants rapidly and more accurately; minimized use of harmful chemical pesticides; assistance in the remediation of surface, subsurface and contaminated aquifers, and the destruction of recalcitrant pollutants.
Specific examples of the application of biotechnology include the improvement of productivity and wood quality of commercial forests, while reducing pressures on Canada's forest land base (by Natural Resources Canada): and a bacterial substance that can be used to clean up soils contaminated by energetic materials such as explosives and propellants (by scientists from the National Defence Research Establishment in Valcartier, Quebec, in partnership with the Biotechnology Research Institute of National Research Council Canada)
Financing
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Medical Research Council are two major bodies that fund research at Canadian universities. For example, they supported $78 million of research in 1991-92 in biotechnology. Provincial governments are also actively involved in research and development on applying biotechnology to the environment. For example, the Quebec Biomass Recovery Centre spends $3 million annually through industry and university cooperative agreements, to design and improve biological processes for organic waste treatment.
Cooperation
Canada is an active participant in international bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). For example, Canada is working, through the OECD to develop a set of principles for harmonized regulation of environmental releases of biotechnology products. A recently created network of Canadian companies, specializing in bio-remediation, has been formed by Environment Canada, Industry Canada, the Environmental Bio-Industries Council of Quebec, and the Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada. This network is currently pursuing market and technology transfer opportunities in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Other biotechnology-related grants to developing countries through the Canadian International Development Agency will assist in building capacity in developing countries.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of Canada to the fifth and sixth sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: July 1998.
Click here for national information on Environmental Industry & Technology.
Click here for national information on Science & Technology.
Click here to link to biosafety web sites in Canada.
Click here to go to the Web Site of UNEP's International Register on Biosafety.
| Canada | All Countries | Home |
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
In 1994, the federal government amended its Ocean Dumping Regulations to ban the disposal of radioactive waste and industrial wastes at sea.
Decision Making: Strategies, Policies, and Plans
In the future, farmers will continue their shift to sustainable management practices and industry will improve its ability to self-regulate through initiatives such as environmental codes of practices and self-assessment guides.
Industry and governments will continue to promote environmental sustainability and improve the understanding of the links between the sector's activities and their impacts on the environment.
Decision Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available.
Programmes and Projects
No information is available.
Status
No information is available.
Challenges
No information is available.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training, and Awareness-Raising
No information is available.
Information
The agricultural industry has developed tools for environmental stewardship, such as programmes to reduce environmental impacts and health risks in the agri-chemical industry, publications promoting improved water quality, and videos on best management practices.
Research and Technologies
No information is available.
Financing
No information is available.
Cooperation
No information is available.
* * *
This information was provided by the Government of Canada to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: 1 April 1997.
| Canada | All Countries | Home |
Decision Making: Coordinating Bodies
Decisions
on transportation are undertaken by four orders of government in Canada —
federal, provincial/territorial, regional, and municipal — in consultation
with stakeholders. Local governments, municipalities, and regional governing bodies are responsible
for local planning decisions, such as municipal transportation, transit, setting
parking fees, and establishing bicycle lanes.
Aspects of intraprovincial/territorial highways, urban planning and
transportation, and vehicle licensing and inspection fall within provincial
/territorial jurisdiction.
Most provinces/territories involve their departments of transportation,
public works, economic development, and the environment in decision-making
related to transportation.
They also have the authority to establish standards for all vehicles and
engines, new or in-use, and may set emissions standards and fuel quality
standards comparable to or exceeding federal standards.
The
federal government is largely responsible for international issues in
transportation, standards for new vehicles (including national emissions
standards for new on-road, off-road, and non-road vehicles and national fuel
quality standards), the aviation mode, and almost all the marine mode. It is
also responsible for national and inter-provincial/territorial aspects of rail,
bus, and truck transportation.
Specific
federal departments have responsibilities as follows.
Transport Canada develops and administers policies, regulations, and services
aimed at maintaining a transportation system for Canada and Canadians that is
safe, efficient, affordable, integrated, and environmentally sustainable. It is
committed to working with the transportation industry and its customers to
develop pragmatic, collaborative, and cost-effective approaches to improving our
quality of life through sustainable transportation systems.
Environment Canada¡¯s mandate is to preserve and enhance the quality of the
natural environment, including the atmosphere;
informing Canadians; and
providing the science needed to understand and respond to climate change.
Environment Canada is responsible for regulating vehicle emissions and fuel
quality standards, including pollutants that are deemed to be toxic to human
health (e.g., lead in gasoline).
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) conducts research and development, and advances
policies and programs, for the stewardship of Canada's natural resources.
Protection of the atmosphere is major consideration for NRCan¡¯s Energy Sector
and its Forest Service. The Energy Sector coordinates energy policy development
and conducts programs in the areas of energy efficiency,renewables and
alternatives, hydrocarbons, and nuclear energy. NRCan also coordinates energy
technology research and development, operates the Energy Technology Branch, and
manages the Program of Energy Research and Development.
Both Transport Canada and Natural Resources Canada are responsible for managing
the voluntary motor vehicle fuel consumption program. Natural Resources Canada,
Environment Canada, and Transport Canada are involved to varying degrees in
education and awareness activities to reduce vehicle fuel use and emissions.
Industry Canada works with industry stakeholders to design ¡°greener¡±
vehicles and to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the
manufacturing of transportation equipment.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada plays an important role in
preventing, detecting, and responding
to marine pollution incidents through a national marine spill preparedness and
response system and through the Canada Coast guard¡¯s National Aerial
Surveillance Program.
The
National Climate Change Process established 16 Issue Tables/Working
Groups involving 450 experts from industry, academia, non-governmental
organizations, and government. The Tables reviewed seven key sectors of the
economy and eight cross-cutting strategies. An analysis and modeling group
integrated the results into a comprehensive preliminary analysis of the
implications of options for meeting Canada¡¯s Kyoto target. No other country
has adopted such an open, inclusive, and comprehensive process. Among other
issues, the National Process identified:
the
continued growth in aggregate emission in all Canadian regions
the huge diversity of climate-related activities under way in all sectors of the economy, and the resulting progress in reducing energy and carbon intensity in almost every Canadian sector
opportunities for immediate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that have positive economic, environmental, health, social or other benefits for Canadian communities, businesses, and individuals
the need for further clarification of international rules and agreements on climate change and Canadian opportunities and costs
In
2000, building on the work of the National Process and acknowledging the
considerable contributions of the Issue Tables, the Energy and Environment
Ministers moved forward a coordinated national approach to climate change that
includes the National Implementation Strategy for Climate Change and the First
National Climate Change Business Plan, the federal component of which is
reflected in the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change. These
documents can be found at the following Web site: http://www.nccp.ca
In
the context of developing Canada's new National Implementation Strategy for
Climate Change in response to the Kyoto Protocol (announced in October
2000), a Transportation Table was formed through which various orders of
government, the transportation industry, and other stakeholders met over a
period of 18 months to examine options to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from
transportation. The Transportation Table analyzed more than 100 measures to
reduce to greenhouse gas emissions within the transportation sector. To learn
more about the Table's work please see http://www.tc.gc.ca/envaffairs/english/climatechange/ttable/.
This work contributed significantly to the transportation initiatives outlined
in the Government of Canada's Action Plan
2000 on Climate Change announced in early October.
The announced measures recognized that, while fuel efficiency is
improving, it is not keeping pace with increases in the use of transportation.
Measures were aimed at ensuring vehicles are more fuel efficient and increasing
the supply and use of lower-emitting fuels.
Action Plan 2000 measures represent a balanced approach which addresses
vehicle and fuel technology, behaviour change and infrastructure.
To learn more about the Action Plan please visit
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca
It
is common for different orders of government in Canada to work together through
various bodies to address transportation issues of national importance. For
example, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) is the
official organization in Canada for coordinating all matters dealing with the
administration, regulation, and control of motor vehicle transportation and
highway safety. CCMTA incorporates members from the federal government and the
provincial/territorial governments, as well as associate members from more than
370 transportation-related organizations. The Council¡¯s Standing Committee on
Drivers and Vehicles is responsible for all matters relating to motor vehicle
registration and control, light vehicle standards and inspections, and driver
licensing and control. The Standing Committee on Compliance and Regulatory
Affairs is concerned with the compliance activities of programs related to
commercial driver and vehicle requirements, transportation of dangerous goods,
and motor carrier operations, in order to achieve standardized regulations and
compliance programs in all jurisdictions. The Standing Committee on Road Safety
Research and Policies is responsible for coordination of federal,
provincial, and territorial road safety efforts, recommendations in support of
road safety programs, and development of overall expertise and strategies to
prevent road collisions and reduce their consequences.
The
federal and provincial/territorial governments cooperate on transportation
matters through the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and
Highway Safety. This Council cooperates with the corresponding Canadian Council
of Ministers of the Environment on matters concerning both energy and
environment through Joint Ministers¡¯ Meetings. Officials from the federal and
provincial/territorial governments cooperate on air issues at the technical
level through the National Air Issues Coordinating Committee.
Decision Making: Legislation and Regulations
The
main federal legislation governing transportation in Canada is the Canada
Transportation Act 1996. This Act is currently under review to assess
whether it provides Canadians with an efficient, effective, flexible, and
affordable transportation system. This review may also include an assessment of
the Act's overall environmental impact, including changes in demand within and
across the modes and changes in environmental management practices (for land and
operations) of the individual transportation entities. Economic regulation is
also addressed by the Act. The review panel is considering issues such as the
effectiveness of the legislative and regulatory environment to sustain capital
expenditures required to enhance productivity and promote innovation; government
powers to support sustainable development objectives; and the advisability of
measures to preserve urban rail corridors for future mass-transit use.
Generally
speaking, air, rail, and marine engines are covered by the Aeronautics
Act, the Canada Transportation Act,
and the Canada Shipping Act. Authority
to regulate pollution (including air emissions) from planes, ships, and railways
rests with Transport Canada. Environment Canada has responsibility for motor
vehicle emissions. Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada together manage
fuel economy ratings for vehicles.
Other
federal laws that address transport and traffic systems in Canada are: