Sustainable development is a central pillar of public policy in Canada, emphasizing the integration of economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship. It serves as the guiding principle for organizations, reflecting a commitment to creating a prosperous and resilient future for all Canadians.
Sustainable Development in Canada
| Aspect of Sustainable Development | Facts |
|---|---|
| Environmental Protection |
– Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. – Approximately 10% of Canada’s landmass is protected, including national parks, marine conservation areas, and wildlife reserves. |
| Renewable Energy |
– Canada is the fourth-largest producer of wind energy in the world and is investing in renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. – Hydroelectricity accounts for approximately 60% of Canada’s total electricity generation. |
| Biodiversity Conservation |
– Canada is home to vast biodiversity, with various ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. – Efforts are made to protect endangered species, such as the Woodland Caribou and the Southern Resident Killer Whale. |
| Sustainable Transportation |
– Canada is promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and investing in charging infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for transportation. – Public transportation systems are being expanded and upgraded in major cities to reduce carbon emissions from cars. |
| Waste Management |
– Canada aims to divert 50% of its municipal solid waste from landfills by 2040. – Recycling and composting programs are widespread, with many municipalities implementing organic waste collection services. |
| Sustainable Agriculture |
– Canada promotes sustainable farming practices, including crop rotation, reduced pesticide use, and soil conservation techniques. – Organic farming is growing in popularity, with increased demand for locally sourced, organic produce. |
Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals
| SDG | Description |
|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | – In 2018, the poverty rate in Canada was 9.5%, representing approximately 3.2 million Canadians living below the poverty line. |
| – Canada has implemented various social assistance programs, including the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), to reduce child poverty and support low-income families. | |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | – Approximately 4.5 million Canadians experience food insecurity, with Indigenous communities disproportionately affected. |
| – Canada’s Food Policy aims to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food for all Canadians while promoting sustainable food practices. | |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | – Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, providing universal access to essential medical services for all citizens and residents. |
| – Mental health issues affect 1 in 5 Canadians, prompting investments in mental health services and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma. | |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | – Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in education quality, with high literacy rates and a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. |
| – The government invests in early childhood education, Indigenous education initiatives, and post-secondary scholarships to enhance access to education. | |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | – The gender wage gap in Canada is approximately 12%, with Indigenous women and women of color facing greater disparities. |
| – Canada has implemented policies such as pay equity legislation and gender mainstreaming initiatives to promote gender equality in the workplace. | |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | – Despite abundant freshwater resources, many Indigenous communities in Canada face water advisories due to inadequate infrastructure and pollution. |
| – The government is committed to addressing water quality issues and improving access to clean drinking water for Indigenous communities. | |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | – Canada is a global leader in renewable energy production, with hydroelectricity, wind, and solar power contributing significantly to the energy mix. |
| – The government has committed to phasing out coal-fired power plants by 2030 and investing in clean energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | – Canada’s unemployment rate was 6.9% in 2020, with challenges in youth employment and underemployment in certain regions and sectors. |
| – Efforts are made to promote job creation, skills training, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster economic growth. | |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | – Canada invests in research and development (R&D) and innovation to drive economic growth and competitiveness in sectors such as technology and green energy. |
| – Infrastructure projects, including transportation and digital connectivity, are prioritized to enhance productivity and support sustainable development. |
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Canada’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda National Strategy
Canada, along with 192 other UN member states, embraced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015, committing to a transformative global framework focused on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encompassing 169 targets and over 230 indicators. This ambitious agenda envisions a world free of poverty and hunger, characterized by full employment, access to quality education and healthcare, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
In light of recent global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens to erode progress towards these goals, Canada recognizes the critical importance of the SDGs in building a peaceful, just, inclusive, clean, resilient, and prosperous world. The pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of nations, emphasizing the need for collaborative action on a global scale.
Canada’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda National Strategy is rooted in the principles of human rights and gender equality, acknowledging the essential role of these approaches in achieving sustainable development. The strategy aligns with the overarching objectives of the 2030 Agenda, aiming to:
- Promote Gender Equality: Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering all women and girls, recognizing their fundamental rights and contributions to sustainable development.
- Combat Climate Change: Canada seeks to achieve net-zero emissions and halt environmental degradation by implementing robust climate action measures and transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
- Protect Biodiversity: Conservation efforts will be intensified to halt and reverse nature loss, safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations.
- Build Resilient and Inclusive Societies: Canada will foster resilience and inclusivity in its communities and economies, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
- Ensure Access to Quality Education and Healthcare: Accessible and high-quality education and healthcare services will be prioritized to promote human development and well-being for all Canadians.
Canada’s national strategy for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda emphasizes the importance of concrete actions, partnerships, and accountability mechanisms to realize these goals. By mobilizing resources, engaging stakeholders, and adopting a whole-of-society approach, Canada is committed to achieving the SDGs and creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Now, more than ever, Canada urges all citizens to #GoForTheGoals and play their part in realizing this shared vision of prosperity and well-being for present and future generations.
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FAQs on Sustainable Development in Canada
What are 17 sustainable development goals of Canada?
Canada aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda, including eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and combating climate change.
Which countries did not sign agenda 2030?
As of my last update, all UN member states, including Canada, have endorsed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, there are no countries that did not sign it.
What is Canada’s sustainable development policy?
Canada’s sustainable development policy integrates environmental, economic, and social considerations to ensure long-term prosperity while safeguarding natural resources and promoting well-being for current and future generations.
Which country is No 1 in sustainable development?
The assessment of which country is number one in sustainable development can vary based on different criteria and rankings. Nordic countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Finland often rank highly in sustainable development indexes due to their focus on environmental protection, social welfare, and economic stability.
What are the 5 main elements of the 2030 agenda?
The 2030 Agenda encompasses five main elements: people (ensuring dignity, equality, and well-being for all), planet (protecting the environment and natural resources), prosperity (fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth), peace (promoting peaceful and inclusive societies), and partnership (strengthening global solidarity and cooperation).
How is Canada a sustainable country?
Canada demonstrates sustainability through various initiatives such as investing in renewable energy, protecting natural habitats, promoting sustainable agriculture, implementing climate action plans, and fostering inclusive and resilient communities.
What is an example of sustainable development in Canada?
One example of sustainable development in Canada is the Great Bear Rainforest conservation project in British Columbia. Through collaboration between Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and the government, this initiative protects biodiversity, supports sustainable forestry practices, and promotes economic opportunities for local communities while preserving a vital ecosystem