2018–19 Departmental Plan

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Although Elections Canada is not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act and is not required to develop a full departmental sustainable development strategy, the agency adheres to the principles of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) by implementing the Policy on Green Procurement.

The Policy on Green Procurement supports the Government of Canada's effort to promote environmental stewardship. In keeping with the objectives of the policy, Elections Canada supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision-making process through the actions described in the table below.

2. Commitments for Elections Canada

FSDS goal: low-carbon government

FSDS target	FSDS contributing action	Corresponding departmental action(s)	Starting points where available and performance indicators for departmental actions	Programs where the departmental actions will occur
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025.	Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement.	Reduce waste generated and minimize the environmental impacts of assets throughout their life cycle.	Elections Canada's suppliers are required to: (a) use paper containing fibre certified as originating from a sustainably managed forest and/or containing a minimum of 30% recycled content; (b) use an environmentally preferable format, including black and white printing, double-sided/duplex printing and simply stapling when possible instead of binding; and (c) use online forms where possible.	Voting Services Delivery and Field Management National Register of Electors and Electoral Geography Electoral Information and Awareness Electoral Integrity and Regulatory Compliance Internal Services
			At least half (50%) of all specialists in procurement complete the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course or equivalent. In 2016–17, 61.5% of all specialists attended the course.	Internal Services
			Percentage of resources* equipped with laptops by March 31, 2019. In 2016–17, 41% of Elections Canada's resources were equipped with laptops.	Voting Services Delivery and Field Management National Register of Electors and Electoral Geography Electoral Information and Awareness Electoral Integrity and Regulatory Compliance Internal Services

*"Resources" are defined as indeterminate, term and student employees; contractors; and all people directly engaged by Elections Canada.

3. Integrating sustainable development

Elections Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets.