<html><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Link for more information: <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/default.asp?lang=En&n=E19EE696-1" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">http://www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/default.asp?lang=En&n=E19EE696-1</a><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b>Public Consultation on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy<o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b><o:p> </o:p></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b>Invitation from the Federal Minister of Environment:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">To maintain our standard of living in the 21st century, Canada must address the challenge of environmental sustainability. The issues are well known; we need to address climate change and air quality, maintain water availability and quality, and protect our natural heritage. Environmental issues must be balanced with economic considerations. By doing so, we can make long-term sustainable progress on the environment that is integrated with progress on the economic and social agenda for Canadians. <o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">I am pleased to present to Canadians this consultation paper, <i>Planning for a Sustainable Future: A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada</i>, that will both strengthen how government promotes environmental sustainability, and improve the transparency and accountability of how we do it.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">This Federal Sustainable Development Strategy represents a major step forward for the Government of Canada by including environmental sustainability as an integral part of its decision-making processes. It replaces a system that was established in 1995, when amendments to the <i>Auditor General Act</i> required key federal departments and agencies to table in Parliament their individual strategies for sustainable development. The old system had many problems and did not achieve the intended results. Without one government-wide strategy, environmental sustainability issues were often pushed to the margins of federal planning and reporting. There were no goals, no targets, and no way to measure federal accomplishments. In government as elsewhere, what gets measured gets done.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">This system had many critics. In 2002, for example, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) observed that watching 32 departments and agencies try to prepare their strategies in the absence of an over-arching government-wide plan was like watching people try to assemble a large jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. Because the individual strategies were not integrated into broader government goals and targets, their contribution to environmental sustainability was very modest. The federal government was not showing leadership, and it was not delivering results.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">To strengthen the system and to address some of the weaknesses found by the CESD, we are proposing a new approach. The three key elements of this strategy represent the first major improvement in the system since 1995. First, the strategy will provide an integrated, whole of government picture of actions to achieve environmental sustainability. Second, we are linking sustainable development planning and reporting with the government’s core expenditure planning and reporting system. And finally, we are establishing effective measurement, monitoring and reporting in order to track and report on progress to Canadians.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">The Government of Canada welcomes this opportunity to improve planning and reporting for environmental sustainability. Taking into account international best practices and the purpose of the <i>Federal Sustainable Development Act</i>, Canada’s first Federal Sustainable Development Strategy will take a pragmatic approach, based on key priorities.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">The proposed approach is one of responsible, practical progress. It will deliver a significant advance in terms of sustainable development in Canada, and will also allow the government to build on it as we learn over time. Focusing on environmental sustainability at the outset will allow the government to address environmental sustainability in a clear and coherent way, while at the same time placing an emphasis on getting the framework right.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">This consultation paper outlines the Strategy. It responds to the advice of many, including the CESD, on how to improve transparency and accountability. Now we are seeking further input and advice from the Commissioner, the Sustainable Development Advisory Council, Parliament, and all interested Canadians.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">The paper sets out long-term goals and, for each goal, a series of targets for short- and medium-term action. Each goal and target is supported by specific government initiatives--some of which have already been launched, and some that will lead very soon to specific policies and programs.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><i>Planning for a Sustainable Future</i> will help Canadians and Parliament identify whether there are gaps in the system, and how effective the government has been in hitting the targets it has set. It will become a very valuable tool to help government set ambitious goals that will lead to a more sustainable Canada.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">For the first time the Government of Canada will have a coherent strategy for sustainable development across the various departments and agencies. The Strategy will streamline the way these departments and agencies report, and put sustainable development at the heart of government decision-making. This Strategy will be more transparent to Canadians, hold government departments and their Ministers more accountable, and will deliver better results.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">I am looking forward to receiving guidance from Canadians on the issues that are presented in this consultation paper, and I am looking forward to implementing the new Strategy.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Jim Prentice<br>Minister of the Environment<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b><o:p> </o:p></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b>How to provide input<o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Consultation Paper is available <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/default.asp?lang=En&n=F93CD795-1" title="The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Consultation Paper" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">here</a> and for download from the links below in PDF format.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Download the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Consultation Paper:<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><i><a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/9E362EF7-74F6-4189-8AAF-B966EB2F9157/Planning_for_a_Sustainable_Future_a_Federal_Sustainable_Development_Strategy_for_Canada.pdf" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">Planning for a Sustainable Future: A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada</a></i> (PDF FORMAT - 296 KB)<br><a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/?promoid=BUIGO" title="Link to a resource that is not part of a Government of Canada Web site. For more information, read the Important Notices in the footer of this page. This link is available in English only." style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">Download free Acrobat PDF Reader.</a> Alternative formats are available by submitting a request by email at <a href="mailto:sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca" title="mailto:sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca mailto:sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca</a>.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Your comments on the draft Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be provided by email to <a href="mailto:sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca" title="mailto:sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca</a></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><br></div><div style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><br></div><div apple-content-edited="true"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div>Tanya I. Markvart</div><div>M.E.S. University of Waterloo</div><div>PhD (Planning) Candidate</div><div>School of Planning</div><div>University of Waterloo</div><div><a href="mailto:tanoon@mac.com">tanoon@mac.com</a></div><div>(519) 746-5179</div></div></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"> </div><br></body></html>