What we examined (see Focus of the review)

This review assessed the fairness of the information on the federal government’s progress in implementing the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. As well, we considered whether recommendations from our work in the 2013 Fall Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Chapter 8—Federal and Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies had been reflected in the 2015 Progress Report of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

This document does not present the results of an audit; rather, the observations and recommendations that follow are the results from our review of the 2015 Progress Report.

Why we did this audit

The Federal Sustainable Development Act requires the Minister of the Environment (renamed Environment and Climate Change) to develop a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). The Minister is required to report to Parliament at least once every three years on the federal government’s progress in implementing the FSDS. The Department, Environment and Climate Change Canada, is responsible for preparing this report. The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development must examine each FSDS progress report to assess the fairness of the information presented on the federal government’s progress in implementing the FSDS.

What we concluded

Based on our review of the 2015 Progress Report, we concluded that in general, the information provided a fair presentation of the progress made by the government in implementing the 2013–2016 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. We noted instances where improvements could be made. Nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the information is unfair.

The 2015 Progress Report provided information on progress, including a table summarizing key information. However, in most cases, the report did not indicate whether targets had been met or were on track to being met, nor did it always explain the lack of progress or the challenges in meeting the 34 targets. The 2015 Progress Report also lacked contextual and cost information for many of the 34 targets. In addition, the report did not present performance information related to integrating sustainable development into decision making.

Although the 2015 Progress Report reflected aspects of the recommendations from our 2013 Fall Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Chapter 8—Federal and Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies, we concluded that the 2015 Progress Report did not fully reflect these recommendations.

What we found

Assessing the 2015 Progress Report of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Overall, we found that the information in the 2015 Progress Report of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy provided a fair presentation of the government’s progress in implementing the 2013–2016 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. It conveyed a general sense of progress made and also included specific information regarding progress on many of the 34 targets. However, the Progress Report did not always explain why progress had been slow in some areas. In addition, the Progress Report did not present information on how sustainable development had been considered in decision making.

This finding is important because sustainable development strategies allow the federal government to advance sustainable development and make decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. Periodic reports that present a fair picture of progress are fundamental to both the credibility and the impact of the strategies.

• Reporting of the information in the 2015 Progress Report was fair, but information was lacking in some areas

  Recommendation. In future progress reports, Environment and Climate Change Canada should include more cost information on funding and spending, and when relevant, more specific information to explain key risks.

  Recommendation. In future progress reports, Environment and Climate Change Canada should clearly indicate whether targets have been achieved and whether progress is on track to meet targets. The reports should also specify any difficulties encountered in achieving results.

  Recommendation. Environment and Climate Change Canada should ensure that future progress reports are balanced by presenting additional information on positive and negative aspects of progress, and describing the remaining challenges to be overcome in order for the targets to be achieved.

• The 2015 Progress Report was missing important information on integrating sustainable development into government decision making

  Recommendation. Environment and Climate Change Canada should ensure that future progress reports contain information on progress related to integrating sustainable development into decision making, using tools such as strategic environmental assessments.

Entity Responses to Recommendations

The audited entity agrees with our recommendations, and has responded (see List of Recommendations).

Related Information

Report of the	Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Topics	Environment
Audited entities	Environment and Climate Change Canada
Completion date	28 July 2016
Tabling date	4 October 2016
Related audits	Review of the 2012 Progress Report of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

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