Supplementary Information Tables: Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy – 2021–22 Departmental Plan

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Section 1: Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer adheres to the principles of the FSDS and, while not formally bound by the Act, has developed this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).

Section 2: Sustainable Development Vision and Context in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer ensures that Canadians are able to exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.

The agency's programs and policies affect Canada's democratic fabric more directly than its ecosystems; this is why it is not responsible for leading any targets in FSDS areas beyond the goal of Low-Carbon Government.

By implementing the Policy on Green Procurement, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer has identified opportunities for setting targets for a Low-Carbon Government and for continuing to adhere to the principles of the FSDS.

The Policy on Green Procurement supports the Government of Canada's efforts to promote environmental stewardship. In keeping with the policy's objectives, the agency supports sustainable development by integrating economic, social and environmental performance considerations into the decision making process for procurement.

Section 3: Commitments for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, and green operations.

Responsible Minister: All ministers

This goal captures commitments from the Greening Government Strategy, as well as reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement.
FSDS target(s)	FSDS contributing action(s)	Corresponding departmental action(s)	Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target	Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s)	Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur
Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government	Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions	Ensure green procurement instructions and processes are included in request for proposals	Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) will encourage suppliers to adopt practices that are in line with the Policy on Green Procurement via instructions in request for proposals. At a minimum, request for proposals will require suppliers to: use paper containing fibre that is certified as originating from a sustainably managed forest and/or containing a minimum of 30% recycled content; use an environmentally preferable format, including black and white printing, double-sided/duplex printing and stapling when possible instead of binding; and use online forms and submit bids electronically where possible.	Starting point: PCS includes green submission instructions in its request for proposals 100% of the time. Performance indicator: Percentage of requests for proposals, including green instructions Target: 100%	Voting Services Delivery and Field Management National Register of Electors and Electoral Geography Public Education and Information Electoral Integrity and Regulatory Oversight Compliance and Enforcement Internal Services
		Adopt process to reduce the use of paper in the procurement process	Adopting processes to reduce the use of paper directly reduces GHG in the harvesting of lumber, production of paper and transportation, thus reducing the department's footprint	Starting point: PCS receives and sends contracts electronically, is able to sign electronically, and permits electronic submission of bids. Performance indicator: Required paper use in stages of the procurement process. Target: Paperless	Voting Services Delivery and Field Management National Register of Electors and Electoral Geography Public Education and Information Electoral Integrity and Regulatory Oversight Compliance and Enforcement Internal Services
		Environmental performance criteria will form a part of the procurement decision-making process.	Procurement personnel will ensure that projects consider incorporating criteria for: carbon reduction, sustainable plastics and broader environmental benefits into procurements for goods and services that have a high environmental impact; eliminating the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings; and promoting the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste.	Starting point: This is a new target. Performance indicator: Percentage of new procurements where environmental performance criteria are raised as a consideration. Target: By March 31, 2022, 100% of new procurements to include environmental performance criteria.	Voting Services Delivery and Field Management National Register of Electors and Electoral Geography Public Education and Information Electoral Integrity and Regulatory Oversight Compliance and Enforcement Internal Services
	Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees	Specialists in procurement will complete the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course or equivalent.	Green procurement incorporates environmental criteria into purchasing decisions. Procurement agents who are trained to apply such criteria can award contracts to suppliers with a reduced GHG footprint. This is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce GHG emissions associated with their goods, services and supply chains.	Starting point: As last assessed, 71% of procurement specialists had completed the course. Performance indicator: Percentage of all specialists in procurement complete the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course or equivalent. Target: Remain over 50%	Voting Services Delivery and Field Management National Register of Electors and Electoral Geography Public Education and Information Electoral Integrity and Regulatory Oversight Compliance and Enforcement Internal Services

Section 4: Integrating Sustainable Development

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets.