Canada's Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

148 Pages·2017·9.5 MB·English

Canada’s
Implementation
2030 Agenda
of the
Sustainable
for
Development
Voluntary
National Review
Global Affairs Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Canada
Telephone:
1-800-268-8376 (toll-free in Canada)
613-944-4000 (in the National Capital Region and outside Canada)
Website: www.international.gc.ca
Email: [email protected]
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2018
Catalogue number: FR5-146/2018E-PDF
ISBN: 978-0-660-27102-6
Message from the Prime Minister
We live in a time of great change. An increasingly integrated global economy
has created unprecedented growth, but the benefits have not been felt evenly.
These shifts present an opportunity for all of us —governments, civil society,
businesses and individuals—to work together to shape a better, more equal
and more sustainable future for everyone.
That is what the 2030 Agenda challenges us to do at home and abroad. It
challenges us to take action to advance equality and make sure everyone has
the opportunities they need to prosper, particularly those whose perspectives
and needs have been ignored and dismissed for far too long.
In Canada, most of us are fortunate enough to enjoy a high quality of life. We
are strong in our diversity and united by values like equality and inclusion. We
enjoy unsurpassed natural beauty, global, open cities and vibrant communities.
Yet even in Canada, historically marginalized groups—including Indigenous
peoples, women, LGBTQ2 communities, newcomers, people with disabilities
and others—still face unequal and unacceptable barriers.
We cannot move forward as a country unless all of us have a real and fair shot
at success—and we are working hard to bring about real change.
I am pleased to present Canada’s first Voluntary National Review report,
which outlines the actions we are taking to implement the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, to help create a more equal, more prosperous and
more inclusive country and world. This report recognizes the achievements
we have made and the challenges we face, and sets out our strategies to
move forward as we continue to make progress on the implementation of the
2030 Agenda.
The Sustainable Development Goals are as meaningful in Canada as they are
around the world, and we are committed to their implementation. Our priorities
at home align with our priorities abroad: building economic growth that works
for everyone, advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women
and girls, taking action on climate change, and narrowing persistent socio-
economic gaps that hold too many people back. No one country can solve
these problems alone—but by working together, we can create a better future
for all our citizens.
We will continue to work closely and collaboratively with all levels of
government, civil society, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and partners to
leave a better, more equal, more sustainable Canada for generations to come.
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
i

Table of Contents
Section A: Introduction SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat
empower all women and girls climate change and its impacts
Summary p. 46 p. 95
p. 2
SDG 6: Ensure availability and SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably
Leaving no one behind: building a sustainable management of water and use the oceans, seas and marine
more peaceful, more inclusive and sanitation for all resources for sustainable development
more prosperous world p. 53 p. 101
p. 4
SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, SDG 15: Protect, restore and
Government of Canada’s approach reliable, sustainable and modern promote sustainable use of terrestrial
to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable energy for all ecosystems, sustainably manage
Development p. 57 forests, combat desertification, and
p. 6 halt and reverse land degradation and
SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive halt biodiversity loss
Section B: and sustainable economic growth, p.106
Goal-by-goal actions full and productive employment, and
decent work for all SDG 16: Promote peaceful and
SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms p. 63 inlcusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice
everywhere
SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, for all and build effective, accountable
p. 17
promote inclusive and sustainable and inclusive institutions at all levels
SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food industrialization and foster innovation p. 111
security and improved nutrition and p. 70
promote sustainable agriculture SDG 17: Strengthen the means of
SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and implementation and revitalize the
p. 26
among countries global partnership for sustainable
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and p. 75 development
promote well-being for all at all ages p. 118
SDG 11: Make cities and human
p. 32
settlements inclusive, safe, resilient Section C: Conclusion
and sustainable
SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable
quality education and promote lifelong p. 83 Conclusion
p. 126
learning opportunities for all
SDG 12: Ensure sustainable
p. 38
consumption and production patterns Annex A: Statistical annex
p. 90 p. 127
1
Summary
Canada is responding to these
challenges through concrete actions
to reduce poverty, advance gender
equality and the empowerment of
women and girls, narrow the socio-
economic gaps that exist between
different groups, foster inclusion
and celebrate diversity, and improve
equality of opportunity for all.
While Canada has a relatively
small population, it also has a large
landmass with most of it located
in the northern half of the northern
hemisphere. These factors contribute
to relatively heavier energy and
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Canada’s Voluntary National Review transportation needs. To respond to
Development presents Canada underscores the Government of these national circumstances, the
and the world with a historic Canada’s commitment to implement Government of Canada is taking
opportunity to positively shape all 17 SDGs and the principles that firm action to reduce greenhouse
how societies of tomorrow grow underpin the 2030 Agenda, including gas emissions and support clean
and develop sustainably and “leaving no one behind.” As Canada’s technology and innovation.
inclusively to the shared benefit first review, this report takes stock of
Canada’s priorities at the global level
of all. It is an opportunity to build national actions, achievements and
align with its priorities domestically.
a more prosperous and resilient challenges, and identifies next steps
In June 2017, Canada announced
future where the economic, social in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
its Feminist International Assistance
and environmental dimensions Canada’s implementation of the
Policy, which seeks to eradicate
of sustainable development are 2030 Agenda is a work in progress.
poverty and build a more peaceful,
advanced in a balanced and While Canada has attained an overall
more inclusive and more prosperous
integrated way, “leaving no one high standard of social and economic
world. Canada firmly believes that
behind.” development, three million Canadians
promoting gender equality and
still struggle to satisfy their basic
Canada is committed to implementing needs. Indigenous peoples, women, empowering women and girls is the
the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable youth, the elderly, the LGBTQ2 most effective way to achieve this
Development Goals (SDGs) at home community, newcomers to Canada goal and drive progress on all SDGs.
and abroad. As Prime Minister Justin and persons with disabilities are more
Trudeau said in his address to the likely to face poverty, discrimination
United Nations in September 2017, and social exclusion.
“the SDGs are as meaningful in
Canada as they are everywhere else
in the world.”
2
National strategy and Partnerships
coordinating structures
Canada recognizes that innovative,
multi-stakeholder partnerships
The Government of Canada’s policies,
are essential to achieving the
programs and priorities are already
2030 Agenda, including to mobilize
well-aligned to the SDGs. Canada’s
additional sources of capital in
2018 federal budget allocated new
support of the SDGs. Across Canada,
funds to establish an SDG Unit
governments, organizations and
to ensure effective 2030 Agenda
individuals are already answering
coordination across federal
the 2030 Agenda’s call to action
departments and agencies and with
and convening new partnerships
Canadian stakeholders, and to track
to respond in new ways to the
Canada’s progress on the SDGs.
challenges we collectively face.
Federal departments and agencies
Going forward, the Government of
have been tasked to further examine
Canada will strengthen efforts to bring
how their policies and programs are
together all segments of society in
contributing to the 2030 Agenda’s
Canada around the SDGs, including
goals and targets. Canada will
in the development of the national
mainstream a gender-responsive
strategy. Canada will also continue
perspective in the implementation
to work with its domestic and
of the SDGs, consistent with its
international partners to foster new
emphasis on gender equality as a
and innovative solutions to realize this
cross-cutting priority.
historic and transformative agenda.
The Government of Canada will

launch a process in the coming
months to develop a national
strategy on the 2030 Agenda
through collaboration with all levels
of government, Indigenous peoples,
civil society and the private sector.
Data is key to developing solutions to
challenges facing the implementation
of the 2030 Agenda, to ensure no one
is left behind, and to track progress
on the SDGs. As such, this report
includes validated Canadian data for
the SDG Global Indicator Framework.
3
Leaving no one behind: building a more peaceful,
more inclusive and more prosperous world
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Everyone should be able to safely To succeed in a rapidly changing
Development is among the defining drink the water that comes out of their world, diversity needs to be reflected
global frameworks of our time. It tap. Everyone deserves access to a in the economy. Canadian women
is an ambitious action plan to end safe and affordable home. No young are among the best educated in the
poverty, reduce inequality and person should have to move far from world; however, they earn 31% less
protect the planet from the ravages of home to get a good, basic education. than men on an annual basis. They
climate change. Yet throughout Canada, these are also earned $0.87 for every dollar
the disparities faced by Indigenous earned by men in 2017, based on
The Government of Canada strongly peoples. average hourly earnings. Studies
supports the overarching principle show that by closing the wage gap
of the 2030 Agenda to “leave no Indigenous peoples, non-Indigenous between women and men, Canada’s
one behind.” For Canada, leaving Canadians and the Government economic growth would jump
no one behind means that everyone of Canada agree that the situation significantly. The Government of
can participate in, contribute to and has long been untenable and must Canada is leading by example and
benefit from the achievement of the change. The Government of Canada putting in place measures to address
Sustainable Development Goals. and Indigenous peoples are forging a the gender wage gap by shining a
new relationship based on recognition light on pay practices in the federally
The 2030 Agenda is a transformative of rights, respect, cooperation regulated sector and moving forward
agenda, rooted in the principles and partnership. The Government with a proactive pay equity regime.
of inclusiveness, diversity and the of Canada is developing—in full This robust pay equity regime will
need for meaningful international partnership with First Nations, Inuit cover businesses and organizations
partnerships that deliver positive and Métis—a Recognition and operating within the federally
change for all. It is an agenda that Implementation of Rights Framework regulated sector, applying to around
values human dignity and emphasizes that will lay the foundation for real and 1.2 million individuals. It will include
fairness and opportunity for everyone. lasting change on issues that matter strong oversight and enforcement,
Diversity extends beyond race and most. Additionally, the Government require regular maintenance, and take
ethnicity. It spans language, gender, of Canada is taking steps to eliminate an innovative approach to ensure
religion, sexual orientation, age, long-term boil water advisories, that on average, women and men
individual ability and economic improving primary and secondary receive the same pay for work of
status. Diversity is a proven path education on reserve and taking equal value. When women have equal
to peace and economic prosperity. further steps to better align Canada’s opportunities to succeed, it ensures
Canada’s own story is proof of that. laws and policies with the United powerful economic growth and
But in the Canadian experience, that Nations Declaration on the Rights of encourages a more inclusive dialogue
path was neither easy nor perfect. In Indigenous Peoples. around the questions that will shape
particular, Canadians recognize that our future. Improving the quality of life
for Indigenous peoples, the Canadian for women also contributes to growing
reality is not, and never has been, healthier families and more vibrant
equitable or fair. communities.
4
We can only eliminate poverty and
safeguard our natural environment
if the SDGs that we have agreed
to become more than lofty words.
Human ingenuity, combined with
unprecedented development in
technology, now gives us the
capacity to feed the hungry,
educate all children and protect
the natural environment.
As Canadians, we all benefit from We are correcting what needs One nation alone cannot drive the
accessibility when we are all able correcting because fundamentally, achievement of true and lasting global
to fully participate and contribute, every Canadian deserves a fair and transformation. Canada can inspire,
barrier-free, to our communities and equal chance at success. In common and lead by example, but to attain
workplaces as equal participants. This with people across the world, these ambitious goals, the world
is why the Government of Canada Canadians work hard to build a more must join hands and work together to
introduced accessibility legislation in prosperous future for themselves, achieve our shared ambitions.
June 2018 to help address barriers their children and their grandchildren.
and strive toward a more accessible And Canadians are proud of their
Canada by increasing the inclusion leadership in building a more just,
and participation of Canadians who safer and equitable world for others.
may have disabilities or functional
limitations. Canadians understand that quality
of life and future economic success
Everyone deserves to live free of are inextricably linked to the
persecution and discrimination—no commitments we make today to
matter who they are or whom they protect the air, earth and water that
love. Canada is actively promoting sustain us. That is why Canada
human rights related to sexual remains steadfast in implementing
orientation, gender identity and its commitments made in the Paris
gender expression at home and Agreement and is driving action on
on the international stage, where climate, clean energy and oceans.
Canada is co-chair of the Equal Rights
Coalition. The Coalition is the first
intergovernmental network formed to
promote and protect the human rights
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and intersex (LGBTI)1 people around
the world. More than 30 countries
have joined the coalition since its
launch in July 2016.
1 LGBTI is a common international term. In the Canadian domestic context, however, this report uses the term
LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirited). This term includes Indigenous two-spirit
identities and is used in Government of Canada titles and documents.
5
Government of Canada’s approach to the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable degradation and unsustainable use of Indigenous peoples, persons with
Development presents a historic marine resources necessitate greater disabilities and LGBTQ2 and non-
opportunity for all countries to cooperation among all countries and binary individuals—to ensure that
work together to take bold and stakeholders. everyone can benefit and share
transformative action toward a more in the Canada’s economic and
resilient and sustainable future. The The Government of Canada’s Federal social prosperity.
Government of Canada is working to Sustainable Development Act (2008)
build a more peaceful, more inclusive, provides the legal framework for the The Government of Canada is
more prosperous and resilient future development and implementation of working to renew its relationship
where no one is left behind. Canada the Federal Sustainable Development with Indigenous peoples, including
firmly believes that all people should Strategy (FSDS), which currently by moving toward their greater
enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives facilitates greater transparency and self-government and addressing
and be given the same opportunities accountability for environmental the socio-economic gaps that exist
to succeed. Achieving this vision decision making, and sustainable between Indigenous and non-
will require concerted, consistent development planning and reporting Indigenous Canadians.
and balanced efforts to advance within the federal government. It sets
all three dimensions of sustainable out Canada’s federal environmental The Government of Canada believes
development: economic, social and priorities, establishes goals and that achieving gender equality and
environmental. targets and identifies actions to the empowerment of all women and
achieve them. girls at home and around the world
Building opportunities for inclusive is central to realizing transformative
and sustainable economic growth for The 13 aspirational goals laid out in social and economic outcomes: it
all is a priority for the Government of the FSDS are a Canadian reflection of is at the heart of the Government of
Canada, both at home and abroad. the environmental SDGs. The goals Canada’s approach to implementing
Domestically, the Government is and targets consider Canada’s unique the 2030 Agenda. The Government
working to ensure that the benefits of responsibilities: to conserve our vast put gender equality at the heart of
a growing economy are enjoyed by land area, coastline and oceans, its mandate by prioritizing actions to
an increasing number of Canadians. to sustainably develop our natural increase representation of women
Canada is committed to an inclusive, resources and to protect vulnerable at all levels of decision making,
people-centred approach to northern regions from climate change increasing women’s economic
reduce poverty, improve equality of impacts. prosperity and security, addressing
opportunity and strengthen Canada’s gender-based violence and advancing
social safety net. Abroad, the An inclusive approach to the a feminist foreign policy. In June
Government of Canada is advancing implementation of the SDGs in 2017, Canada launched its Feminist
a progressive trade agenda that seeks Canada needs to broadly span the International Assistance Policy, which
to ensure that all segments of society diversity of Canadian society to seeks to eradicate poverty and build
can take advantage of and benefit truly leave no one behind. That is a more peaceful, more inclusive and
from the opportunities that flow from why Canada is focusing its efforts more prosperous world. Canada
trade and investment. on putting people at the centre of firmly believes that promoting gender
our decision making and ensuring equality and empowering women
Actions taken to help to build strong, our policies and programs respond and girls is the most effective way to
resilient economies and societies to the distinct challenges faced by achieve this goal and drive progress
must be balanced with measures under-represented and marginalized on all SDGs. This is being pursued
to protect and conserve our natural groups—such as women, youth, alongside a progressive trade agenda
environment. Global challenges such newcomers to Canada, single parents, and a commitment to women, peace
as climate change, environmental seniors, racialized communities, and security.
6