2023 to 2027 Departmental
Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS)
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Download this report in PDF (791 kb)
Cat. No.: BC9-38E-PDF
ISSN: 2817-7010
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, 2023
Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDSs. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated in the CRTC’s DSDS.
In order to promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, this departmental strategy integrates efforts to advance Canada’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda National Strategy, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The strategy also now captures SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS to inform the development of the Canada’s Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGS.
Section 2: The CRTC’s Sustainable Development Vision
The CRTC supports sustainable development in the areas of telecommunications, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and reducing inequality, green procurement and climate change.
Telecommunications
The CRTC supports FSDS Goal 8, “Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada,” and the Access to High-speed Internet Target. Through its Broadband Fund, the CRTC is working to improve high-speed Internet and mobile wireless access in underserved areas across Canada. It has also been working to improve affordability, reliability and competition through its Telecommunications in the Far North proceeding.
In support of the UN SDGS, the CRTC has been working with Employment and Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada to contribute to the development and measurement of two indicators related to the national availability of both high-speed Internet and the latest generally deployed mobile wireless technology. These indicators contribute to the measurement of Sustainable Development Goal 9 of the Canadian Indicator Framework, “Industry, innovation and infrastructure: build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.”
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and reducing inequality
The CRTC supports Goal 10 of the FSDS, “Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action to reduce inequality” with activities like the Broadband Fund and the Telecommunications in the Far North proceeding, as well as its work to co-develop a new Indigenous broadcasting policy with Indigenous Peoples.
Also in support of Goal 10, the CRTC has been working to reduce barriers and increase diversity in its staffing, and in particular, at the executive level. The CRTC provides training in support of diversity, inclusion and reconciliation and has Champions and committees related to these goals.
Green procurement
The CRTC is committed to using strategies and best practices that reduce the environmental impact of its purchasing decisions. By strengthening green procurement criteria, the CRTC contributes to Goal 12 of the FSDS, “Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles” and of the UN SDGS, “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.”
Climate change
The CRTC does not own real property and has recently disposed of its fleet of vehicles. In support of Goal 13 of the FSDS, “Take action on climate change and its impacts,” the CRTC will not purchase any new vehicles.
Section 3: Listening to Canadians
As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the CRTC has taken into account comments on the draft 2022-2026 FSDS made during the public consultation held from March 11 to July 9, 2022.
During the public consultation, more than 700 comments were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individual Canadians in different age groups and of various backgrounds. The draft FSDS was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for their review and comment.
What We Heard
Across the submissions received, the CRTC identified sustainable development priorities and issues that affect it.
As part of the comments related to Goal 8, “Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada,” Canadians, and in particular those living in rural and remote communities, made clear that inclusive economic growth goes hand in hand with access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet. Participants emphasized that connectivity is key for prosperous rural, remote and Indigenous communities. It is essential for work, quality education, starting a business, building community and to access services.
Participants also noted that improved access to high-speed Internet is part of the infrastructure needed for a just transition to a net-zero carbon economy. Internet connectivity is required for training, skills development, job search and interview opportunities that Canadians need to transition to green jobs. It also has the potential to drive down carbon emissions by reducing the need to commute for work, school and to access services.
As part of the comments related to Goal 10, “Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action to reduce inequality,” participants and representatives from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities emphasized the importance of accounting for each community’s unique history and lived experience when discussing Indigenous priorities and challenges. This extends to Indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions. Comments also reaffirmed that collaboration and engagement with Indigenous Peoples should include free, prior and informed consent on matters that impact Indigenous rights and take place at a nation-to-nation level with appropriate rights-holders.
Finally, with respect to Goal 10, participants also called for the inclusion of additional perspectives from equity-seeking groups, including racialized and 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
What We Did
The CRTC took the above-mentioned key priorities and issues into consideration in this DSDS.
The CRTC recognizes the importance of telecommunications services in the lives of all Canadians. In support of Goal 8, it will continue to help improve broadband Internet and cellphone services across Canada in underserved areas through its Broadband Fund.
In support of the goal of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the CRTC is establishing a dedicated team to foster ongoing meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations and persons. The work of this dedicated team will be in the spirit of “nothing about us without us”, which is at the heart of Canada’s renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples. The CRTC is committed to improving engagement with Indigenous partners and to hiring Indigenous staff to better understand the needs, challenges and gaps specific to Indigenous Peoples.
The CRTC is already actively engaging and consulting with Indigenous communities and governments on how to improve Internet and telephone services in the Far North and in reviewing the Broadband Fund policy. The CRTC is also co-developing a new Indigenous Broadcasting Policy with First Nations, Métis and Inuit broadcasters, content creators and audiences. The renewed framework will be anchored in self-determinacy. The CRTC will actively engage with Indigenous Peoples on how to modernize Canada’s broadcasting system to promote Indigenous content.
Finally, the CRTC also supports taking action to reduce inequality. The CRTC continues to improve the accessibility of telecommunications services with proceedings like the one to review the regulatory framework for video relay service (VRS) in Canada to ensure the service meets the needs of Canadians whose first language is sign language. As the CRTC focuses its efforts on implementing the Online Streaming Act, it will take into account all of the Act’s policy objectives, including those related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Please find more information on the FSDS public consultation and its results in the FSDS Consultation Report
Section 4: CRTC’s Commitments
Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada
FSDS Context:
The CRTC plays an important role in supporting high-quality, high-speed, affordable access to mobile and Internet services for all Canadians. To accomplish this, the CRTC is reviewing its approach to wholesale high-speed access services and implementing new rules that will help regional cellphone providers offer more competition and choice to Canadians. The CRTC’s Broadband Fund supports expanding access to underserved areas of the country. The CRTC has also launched a review of telecommunications services in the Far North and put measures in place to ensure mobile wireless services better meet the needs of Canadians with disabilities.
Target theme: Connectivity in Canada
Target: By 2030, ensure that 100% of Canadians have access to broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload (Minister of Rural Economic Development)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invest in broadband capacity across Canada | Continue to help improve broadband Internet and mobile wireless access across Canada in underserved areas through the CRTC Broadband Fund Program: Canadians are connected to world-class communications services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of households that have access to fixed broadband Internet access service at speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 10 Mbps upload (50/10) with the option of an unlimited data plan Starting point: 91.9% of households., in 2022-23 (excludes satellite coverage) Target: 100% by December 2031 Performance indicator: Percentage of households that have access to the latest mobile wireless technology Starting point: 99.4% of households have access to long-term evolution (LTE) or higher in 2022-23. The latest generally deployed mobile wireless technology is currently LTE. Target: 100% by December 2026 |
The CRTC's Broadband Fund contributes to building broadband capacity across Canada by closing the gaps in connectivity in underserved areas. This includes improving access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet and mobile wireless services in Canadian homes and businesses, as well as along major roads in rural and remote communities. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure. CIF Indicator: 9.3.1 Proportion of households that have access to broadband Internet service at speeds of 50/10 Mbps CIF Targets: 9.3.1 By 2026, 98% Canadian homes and small businesses have access to Internet speeds of 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload, with the goal of connecting all Canadians to these speeds by 2030. 9.4.1 Proportion of Canadians that have access to the latest generally deployed mobile wireless technology |
Initiatives advancing Canada’s implementation of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
The following initiatives demonstrate how the CRTC’s programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGS, supplementing the information outlined above.
| Planned initiatives | Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets |
|---|---|
Broadband Fund In 2022-23, the CRTC initiated a proceeding to review and update the Broadband Fund Policy in light of changes to the funding landscape since the policy was first established. This includes exploring how to provide better Internet and wireless services to Indigenous, rural and remote communities. |
The Broadband Fund contributes to advancing: CIF ambition: “Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure.” |
Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with indigenous peoples and take action on inequality
FSDS Context:
The CRTC is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and acting on inequality. Through internal policies for increasing Indigenous employment and better supporting Indigenous employees, the CRTC is continuing to remove barriers. The CRTC is also fostering diversity, equity and inclusion for employment equity and equity-seeking groups. For example, the new sponsorship component of the CRTC’s mentorship program supports the leadership development of members of employment equity and equity-seeking groups at the EX minus one level who aspire to executive positions. The CRTC launched its first cohort of executive mentor-protégé pairings in 2022.
The CRTC has also committed to removing barriers and facilitating accessibility in its Accessibility Plan for 2023‑2025. As the CRTC continues to implement the action steps set out in its Plan, it intends to identify additional barriers, remove barriers that have already been identified and prevent new barriers.
The CRTC is working to improve its engagement with Indigenous communities and governments. This includes consultation and ongoing engagement in its review of Internet and telephone services in the Far North and the co-development of a new Indigenous Broadcasting Policy anchored in self-determinacy. To foster ongoing meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations and persons, the CRTC is establishing a dedicated team to undertake this role. This team will be Indigenous led and will co-develop the CRTC’s approaches to engagement with Indigenous partners.
Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis communities
Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act | Provide mandatory Indigenous cultural competency training. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of employees who have completed Indigenous cultural competency training Starting point: 23% of employees as of October 2023 Target: Progressive annual increases in rate of employee completion of mandatory training to obtain 100% completion rate by April 2026 |
Public servants are in a unique position to help build respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This action encourages public service employees to increase their cultural competency skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada. This action contributes to the development of necessary cultural competency knowledge and skills to implement the UN Declaration. Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF Target: 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
Target theme: Taking action on inequality
Target: Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority (President of the Treasury Board)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foster diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the federal public service | Increase awareness of accessibility issues and the duty to accommodate. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of employees and functional specialists to have completed mandatory accessibility training Starting point: 24.83% of employees and 13% of functional specialists as of September 2023 Target: 90% of employees and 100% of functional specialists by 31 March 2024 |
Increasing awareness of accessibility issues and the duty to accommodate will contribute to eliminating biases and barriers for employees with disabilities and for persons with disabilities looking for employment with the federal government. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced GIF Targets: 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal “Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality” but not a specific FSDS target
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Indigenous employment in the federal public service | Take active measures to increase Indigenous representation, such as considering CRTC diversity targets for Indigenous Peoples in all hiring, ensuring that hiring managers are aware of available inventories with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, continuing to explore new recruitment strategies for Indigenous Peoples and supporting the onsite presence exception, which allows Indigenous employees whose location is critical to their identity to work from their communities. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Representation gaps for Indigenous Peoples overall and at the executive level are progressively reduced and eliminated by 2030. Starting point: The overall representation rate for the CRTC as of July 1, 2023 is 4.01%. At the executive level, the representation rate is 2.63%. Target: Meet the CRTC’s progressive annual representation targets for Indigenous Peoples to meet a long-term representation rate of 2% above WFA at all levels no later than 2030. Initial focus is on meeting WFA and stretch targets for the CRTC overall to build diverse feeder pools to help meet similar targets at the executive level. |
Relevant Public Service Commission inventories and emerging recruitment initiatives focused on Indigenous Peoples will be leveraged whenever possible. Hiring managers will be kept apprised of options to help meet diversity targets within their sectors and for the CRTC overall. The onsite presence exception will allow the CRTC to hire Indigenous Peoples from outside the National Capital Region without requiring them to relocate. This action will help increase the number of potential Indigenous candidates for a position while also allowing for the preservation of their cultural identity. Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF Targets: 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
| Implement the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan | Identify representation rates of 2SLGBTQI+ employees at the CRTC through the new self-identification form. Establish targets to eliminate representation gaps throughout the CRTC. Include 2SLGBTQI+ employees in inclusion and professional development programs where members of Employment Equity (EE) and equity-seeking groups are targeted. Identify and remediate any issues negatively affecting 2SLGBTQI+ employees in the workplace. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicators: Representation rates are established and gaps are identified. Targets to eliminate overall and executive-level representation gaps are established. 2SLGBTQI+ employees are included in inclusion and professional development programs where members of EE and equity-seeking groups are targeted. Bias and barriers specific to 2SLGBTQI+ employees are identified. Strategies to eliminate or mitigate them are put in place. Starting point: The CRTC 2SLGBTQI+ representation rates are unknown and results particular to 2SLGBTQI+ employees are not identified in the Public Service Employee Survey. Target: 50% women and/or non-binary persons at the CRTC’s executive level by 2027 Other targets to be established once representation levels are known. |
Ensuring the representation of 2SLGBTQI+ employees and supporting their professional development will reduce some of the biases and barriers 2SLGBTQI+ employees face, which will contribute to eliminating inequality. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced GIF Targets: 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
| Support accessibility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities | Address accessibility gaps in current internal technological systems and tools. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: A workplan to make inaccessible tools accessible is developed. Starting point: No workplan exists Target: By 31 December 2024 Performance indicator: An inventory of tools, resources and training opportunities is created and promoted to functional specialists and front-line providers. Starting point: No inventory exists Target: By 31 March 2025 |
Accessible internal technological systems and tools will reduce some of the biases and barriers employees with disabilities face and will contribute to increasing representation of employees with disabilities at the CRTC. These tools will also support their professional development. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced GIF Targets: 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
Raise awareness with senior leaders and hiring managers of any applicable Public Service Commission pools and inventories of partially qualified candidates with disabilities, of diversity targets and of areas where gaps exist. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Representation gaps overall and at the executive level for persons with disabilities are eliminated. Starting point: The representation rate for persons with disabilities overall at the CRTC as of July 1, 2023 is 7.67%. At the executive level, the representation rate is 5.26%. Targets: Meet the CRTC’s progressive annual representation targets for persons with disabilities to meet a long-term representation rate of 2% above WFA at all levels no later than 2030. Initial focus is on meeting WFA and stretch targets for the CRTC overall to build diverse feeder pools to help meet similar targets at the executive level. Performance indicator: The CRTC meets its goal toward the GoC’s commitment to hire 5,000 new public servants with disabilities by the end of 2025. Starting point: 28.57% toward its hiring goal for new public servants with disabilities in 2021-22 Target: Hire 19 new employees with disabilities by 2025. |
Senior leaders and hiring managers who are aware of specific pools and inventories are more likely to use them. Knowing diversity targets and gaps will also contribute to the hiring of more employees with disabilities. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced GIF Targets: 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard |
Initiatives advancing Canada’s implementation of SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
The following initiatives demonstrate how the CRTC’s programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGS, supplementing the information outlined above.
| Planned initiatives | Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets |
|---|---|
Telecommunications in the Far North In 2022-23, the CRTC launched the second phase of its review of telecommunications services to improve the affordability, quality, and reliability of Internet and telephone services for communities in the Far North.Footnote 1 The CRTC is applying a reconciliation lens in its approach that includes consultation and ongoing engagement of Indigenous communities and governments. |
Telecommunications in the Far North contributes to advancing: Canadian Indicator Framework ambition “Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure.” |
Broadband Fund In 2022-23, the CRTC initiated a proceeding to review and update the Broadband Fund Policy in light of changes to the funding landscape since the policy was first established. This includes considering an Indigenous-specific funding stream and is in recognition of the CRTC’s role and commitment to reconciliation and renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples. |
The Broadband Fund contributes to advancing: Canadian Indicator Framework ambition “Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure.” |
Indigenous Broadcasting Policy The CRTC will continue to co-develop a new Indigenous Broadcasting Policy with First Nations, Métis and Inuit broadcasters, content creators and audiences. The renewed framework will be anchored in self-determinacy and will support the creation, presentation and discoverability of Indigenous content throughout the broadcasting system. The CRTC will hold a public consultation on how the broadcasting system in Canada can best promote the broadcasting interests and needs of Indigenous Peoples. Following the public consultation, the CRTC will work with Indigenous representatives and participants to co-develop a proposed policy and to further comments on the potential impacts of the new policy. |
The co-development of the Indigenous Broadcasting Policy contributes to advancing: Global Indicator Framework targets 10.2 “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status” and 10.3 “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.” |
Rules for described video and audio description The CRTC will develop a regulatory policy for described video and audio description that allows viewers to equitably access programming, regardless of the platform. |
The regulatory policy on described video and audio description contributes to advancing: Global Indicator Framework targets 10.2 “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status” and 10.3 “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.” |
Online Streaming Act The CRTC has a multi-year plan to implement the Online Streaming Act (OSA) and help ensure that Canadian audio and audiovisual content is widely available on online streaming services. As part of its plan, the CRTC will launch several public processes, including to examine options for the contributions that should be made by online streaming services and traditional broadcasters to support the creation and promotion of Canadian and Indigenous content. The CRTC will actively engage with Indigenous Peoples during the implementation process and will consider diversity, equity and inclusion when developing its regulatory policies. |
The implementation of the Online Streaming Act contributes to advancing: Global Indicator Framework targets 10.2 “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status” and 10.3 “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.” |
Dedicated team As part of its engagement strategy, the CRTC will establish a dedicated team to undertake engagement with Indigenous groups and communities. This team will be Indigenous led with predominantly Indigenous staff and will co-develop its approaches to engagement with Indigenous partners. This team will support Indigenous groups and individuals in CRTC processes and work to eliminate barriers to participation. |
The dedicated team will contribute to advancing: Global Indicator Framework target 10.2 “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” |
Video relay service The CRTC will continue the proceeding to review the regulatory framework for video relay service (VRS) in Canada to ensure the service meets the needs of Canadians whose first language is sign language. |
Video relay service contributes to advancing: Global Indicator Framework target 10.2 “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” |
Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
FSDS Context:
The CRTC is an administrative tribunal responsible for regulating and supervising Canada’s communications system in the public interest. Although its scope for action in this area is limited, the CRTC is committed to reducing waste and to promoting sustainable public procurement practices. To this end, the CRTC is focused on strengthening its green procurement criteria. To achieve this goal, all CRTC procurement and materiel management specialists will be trained in green procurement.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption
Target: The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (All Ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthen green procurement criteria | Ensure all procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in green procurement (such as the Canada School of Public Service course on green procurement, or equivalent) within one year of being hired. Program: Internal Services
|
Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in green procurement within one year of being hired Starting point: 33% in 2022-23. Target: 100% |
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner CIF Indicator: 12.2.1 Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices GIF Target: 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
FSDS Context:
Although the CRTC’s scope for action in this area is limited, it is committed to acting on climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and short-lived climate pollutants and building resilience. To this end, the CRTC has taken action within its limited capacity by disposing of its fleet of vehicles and establishing as policy that no new vehicles will be purchased in the future.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience
Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations | The CRTC disposed of its only two vehicles in July 2023 through the government surplus program. The Commission does not expect or plan to purchase any new vehicles in the future. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: No vehicles are purchased. Starting point: Zero vehicles as of July 2023 Target: Ongoing |
Cars and trucks contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Without a vehicle, the CRTC will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the overall reduction of these emissions in Canada. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions CIF Target: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. CIF Indicator: 13.1.1 Greenhouse gas emissions GIF Target: 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Section 5: Integrating Sustainable Development
The CRTC considers sustainable development in its decision making.
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