Video—Decision makers are not always fully briefed on the environmental impacts of proposed programs and policies

Video Transcript

The last audit covered in this report is part of our annual monitoring of how departments are implementing their sustainable development commitments. This year, we focused on the use of strategic environmental assessments by selected departments to integrate environmental considerations into their proposals to Cabinet and Treasury Board.

While processes have improved, there is still a risk that ministers are not getting complete information on the environmental impacts of proposed programs, plans and policies. This could include information about potentially important positive and negative impacts. This means that decision makers may not have the information they need to consider and lessen the present and future environmental effects of their decisions.