This is an updated report. The report was originally published in October 2024.
2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy – Updated January 2025
International Standard Serial Number: 2817-710X
Canadian Grain Commission
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2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy – Updated January 2025
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Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Canadian Grain Commission supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).
The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDSs. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated in the Canadian Grain Commission’s DSDS.
In order to promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, this departmental strategy integrates efforts to advance Canada’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda National Strategy, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators.Footnote 1
Canadian Grain Commission’s Sustainable Development Vision
The Canadian Grain Commission is a small science-based regulatory department with a focused mandate as set out in the Canada Grain Act to, in the interests of grain producers, establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain and regulate grain handling in Canada. The Canadian Grain Commission supports the goals in the FSDS while delivering on our mandate to ensure the dependability of Canadian grain for domestic and export markets by providing a world class, science-based quality assurance system. This involves reviewing guidelines and processes for carrying out our work and seeking ways to limit negative environmental consequences of our activities.
For more than a century, we have worked to increase our understanding of grain and grain products, and our scientists and research staff have established a reputation for excellence and innovation. Through research and innovation, the Canadian Grain Commission will continue to provide support for the Canadian grain sector to strengthen the resiliency of the food system, accompanied by a focus on encouraging greater diversity, inclusion, and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
FSDS Goal: Support a Healthier and More Sustainable Food System
The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2023 estimates that over a quarter of a billion people were acutely food-insecure and required urgent food assistance in 58 food-crisis countries/territories in 2022. This is the highest number in the seven-year history of the report.
Canadian grain production contributes to providing safe and healthy grain and ensuring long-term food security both domestically and internationally. The Canadian Grain Commission contributes to the goal through our research, programs and services that support a consistent and reliable source of Canadian grain. To ensure that science and research continue to underpin Canada’s grain quality assurance system, we consulted with sector stakeholders on our 2023 Science Strategy.
The Canadian Grain Commission continues to provide technical and policy support to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through evidence-based analysis and advice for a modernized regulatory framework. The Canadian Grain Commission also continues to put forward regulatory amendment packages to deliver on established grain grading and producer protection modernization goals.
FSDS Goal: Champion Gender Equality
The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to strengthening our stakeholder relationships. A key focus includes building relationships with underrepresented stakeholders (women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and others) and promoting an inclusive vision for the future of the grain sector.
Despite being a small department, the Canadian Grain Commission has incrementally increased resources and collaborative cross-organizational efforts towards Gender-based Analysis Plus objectives. These efforts will continue to enhance a diverse and inclusive workplace that is representative of all Canadians.
The Canadian Grain Commission strives to eliminate barriers and address disadvantages in employment experienced by members of the four designated groups - Women, Visible Minorities, Indigenous Persons, and Persons with Disabilities. Continued emphasis is being placed on addressing representation gaps for persons with disabilities and for women in our technical inspection group. An active, employee-driven National Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee provides diverse perspectives from across the organization and supports this work. This will lead to a wider understanding of diversity among managers and employees and more varied actions to ensure employment equity.
The Canadian Grain Commission’s Open Letter on Implementation of the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion further outlines our commitment and actions to ensuring a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We remain committed to increasing resources and collaborative cross-divisional efforts towards Gender-Based Analysis Plus objectives.
The Canadian Grain Commission's 2023-2027 DSDS also outlines our five-year, forward-looking commitments in support of the FSDS and the United Nations sustainable development goals. In accordance with the new 2022-2026 FSDS, we are responsible for contributing to:
- Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and take action on inequality;
- Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles; and
- Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts.
The Canadian Grain Commission will continue to ensure that our decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through strategic environmental assessments as required.
Listening to Canadians
As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the Canadian Grain Commission has taken into account comments on the draft 2022-2026 FSDS made during the public consultation held from March 11 to July 9, 2022.
During the public consultation, more than 700 comments were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individual Canadians in different age groups and of various backgrounds. The draft FSDS was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for their review and comment.
What We Heard
Across the submissions received, the Canadian Grain Commission identified sustainable development priorities and issues that affect us. These include:
- Food security in conjunction with climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruption.
- An enabling policy and regulatory environment to stimulate innovation and advance sustainable agriculture.
What We Did
The Canadian Grain Commission took the above-mentioned sustainable development priorities and issues into consideration in this DSDS. Through our programs and services, and stakeholder partnerships that support a world-class Canadian grain quality assurance system, export market customers can rely on Canadian grain to meet their evolving quality and safety needs, and to strengthen global food security. We are dedicated to modernizing the Canadian Grain Commission’s regulatory framework, programs and services to continually support an innovative grain sector.
The Canadian Grain Commission recognizes that departmental actions affect the entire sector and values the importance of collaborative efforts. To position the Canadian Grain Commission as a global leader in grain science, we engaged with stakeholders to develop a Science Strategy. One of the objectives of our Science Strategy is to investigate the impacts of genetic and environment effects, and evolving agronomic practices on grain quality, functionality, and safety characteristics. Another objective is to leverage monitoring data using statistical modeling and artificial intelligence to better understand the impact of environmental and weather patterns on grain quality and safety parameters.
More information on the FSDS public consultation and its results is available in the FSDS Consultation Report.
Canadian Grain Commission’s Commitments
Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and take action on inequality
FSDS Context
Social, economic, and environmental inequalities persist in Canada. These inequalities disproportionately affect people with multiple intersecting identity factors such as gender identity and expression, race and ethnicity, faith community, Indigeneity, disability, sexual orientation, and low socioeconomic status. Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is essential to addressing social, economic and environmental inequalities and achieving substantive equality. Each of us has a duty to further this work, both collectively and as individuals.
The Canadian Grain Commission is integrating anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion principles into its recruitment and promotion practices. The Canadian Grain Commission established a National Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (NEEDIC) to lead work on advancing employment equity in our organization. The committee is engaging with management and staff on providing training and education through its Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Series while developing the Diversity and Inclusion Calendar. In 2022, the Canadian Grain Commission developed an Accessibility Plan in consultation with staff and the NEEDIC. The Canadian Grain Commission also applies Gender-Based Analysis Plus in decision-making processes for our services and programs.
With the help of these initiatives, we aim to close the representation gap of all designated groups. As achieving reconciliation goes beyond closing these gaps, the Canadian Grain Commission is participating in the Indigenous Career Navigator Program—an interdepartmental program initiated following the Clerks Call to Action and in response to the Many Voices, One Mind: A Pathway to Reconciliation Action Plan. The program provides advice and guidance to Indigenous employees on their career path.
Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis communities
Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act | Implement Indigenous Procurement Renewal and the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB). Program: Internal services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of the total value of procurement contracts that are held by Indigenous businesses. Starting point: new program Target: 5% annually |
PSIB supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action as well as advances Goal 8, decent work and economic growth for the Indigenous community. Thus, it also contributes to reducing inequality (Goal 10). Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians have access to quality jobs and Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth. CIF Indicator: Gross domestic product per capita |
| Continue to promote and provide Indigenous cultural competency training and/or training on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act through speaker series events or the Indigenous Learning products by the Canada School of Public Service. Program: Internal services |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of employees that attend one or more Canada School of Public Service reconciliation related courses or speaker series events each year. Starting point: new program Target: 25% |
Public servants are in a unique position to help build respectful relationships and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This action encourages public service employees to increase their cultural competency skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, and their knowledge of the UN Declaration. Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF Target: 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard. |
Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
FSDS Context
Canada is party to legally binding international agreements that prevent waste and litter, control the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and other wastes, and ensure such wastes are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Goal 12 is about ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Its focus directly supports SDG Global Indicator Framework targets in reducing food waste, achieving the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes, and promoting sustainable public procurement practices.
The Canadian Grain Commission reduces waste through selling surplus grain samples, equipment, furniture, and material through GC Surplus. We have replaced fluorescent grain grading lights with LED lights. Further, we strive to reuse plastic inspection bags until the end of their life. The Canadian Grain Commission has started pilot programs to reduce waste including recycling non-hazardous gloves and replacing environmentally hazardous solvents using a “Green Chemistry” approach. Goals of the pilots include raising awareness of reducing waste and inspiring actions in other parts of the organization and government.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible ConsumptionFootnote 2
Target: The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (All Ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transform the federal light-duty fleet | Replace conventional vehicles with hybrid or zero emission vehicles. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of new vehicle purchases that are zero emission vehicles or hybridFootnote 3 Starting point: new program Target: 50% of new purchases |
Purchasing zero emission vehicles reduces greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fleet operations. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: 12.1 Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: 12.1.1 Proportion of new light duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles. GIF Target: 12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries. |
| Strengthen green procurement criteria | Ensure all Procurement, Contracting and Materiel Management staff, as well as all acquisition card holders are well-versed with the criteria and are taking C215 Green Procurement course or equivalent. Program: Internal Services |
Performance Indicator: Percentage of SMEs who have completed training in green procurement. Starting point: In 2022-23, 90% of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in green procurement Target: 100% |
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF Indicator: 12.2.1 Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF Target: 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
FSDS Context
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Canadians are seeing more extreme temperatures and precipitation as well as more frequent and severe wildfires, heatwaves, droughts and flooding. Climate change is not only one of the top threats of global biodiversity but also puts agricultural production and food security at risk.
The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change identifies collaborative federal, provincial and territorial actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable sustainable economic growth. Actions related to agriculture under the Pan-Canadian Framework include increasing stored carbon, generating bioenergy and bioproducts, and advancing innovation. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act enshrines in legislation the Government of Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and highlights the need to reduce absolute green house gas emissions across all economic sectors, including agriculture. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership focuses on strengthening the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The Canadian Grain Commission recognizes the importance of collaboration and innovation and is committed to supporting the government and the grain sector in improving environmental performance.
In addition to ensuring Canadian grain is dependable and safe, the Canadian Grain Commission is seeking opportunities within its programs to support the whole-of-government effort to reduce emissions and take action on climate change. The Canadian Grain Commission remains committed to greening government by transitioning to climate resilient operations and taking action through tracking progress and planning proactively.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate ResilienceFootnote 4
Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations. | Action 1: Continue to reduce electricity consumption by ensuring multifunctional printers are configured to be energy efficient. Action 2: Continue to reduce printing and paper waste by shifting work processes from paper-based to digital and encouraging digital signatures. Program: Internal Services |
Action 1: Performance indicator: Percentage of multifunctional printers that are configured to be energy efficient. Starting point: new program Target: 100% Action 2: Performance indicator: Number of services in the cloud. Starting point: As of March 31, 2023, the Canadian Grain Commission had six services available online. Target: Move one paper-based system online per year. |
The main driver of climate change is the greenhouse effect. This requires swift action outlined in the Greening Government Strategy: A Government of Canada Directive. As one of the largest real property owners in Canada, the ongoing greening of federal Crown-owned assets will support Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Ambition/Target: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. CIF Indicator: 13.1.1 Greenhouse gas emissions. |
Integrating Sustainable Development
The Canadian Grain Commission supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through delivering on our mandate to ensure dependable Canadian grain for domestic and export markets. In addition to carrying out our mandate, we have a collaborative role to play in supporting broad climate resiliency.
The Canadian Grain Commission will continue to ensure that its proposal development and decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process, as required.