International Agreements In Sustainable Development

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1.20 As noted above, the federal government is committed to improving its management efficiency and accountability. It has developed a series of management frameworks and other instruments that could help responsible services define and achieve the desired results under international environmental agreements. 1.126 While there were no specific requirements to report to Parliament or Canadians on the achievement of results in the five environmental agreements, responsible services have, in some cases, used their departmental performance reports to report on international environmental agreements. However, in most cases, the reports focused on departmental activities or initiatives, not on environmental outcomes. We found an exception: with respect to the ozone schedule, Environment Canada provided information in its performance reports on the xenon content of soil in major cities and the concentration of clean air pollutants. 1.29 This review was based on the principles of accountability before Parliament and the results achieved for Canadians and examined how the Canadian federal government is responsible for the outcome of its international environmental agreements. We have selected five agreements to use as audit case studies. We have opted for agreements that reflect different and important environmental issues and represent clear environmental objectives. We have also focused on agreements that have a clear impact on the Canadian environment and for which the federal government is primarily responsible within Canada. The selected international environmental agreements (and responsible federal departments) are as follows: In 2001, the United Nations Environment Programme reported that there were “more than 500 international treaties and other environmental agreements…. Nearly 60% date from 1972, the year of the Stockholm conference, until today.

1.16 Because international environmental agreements reflect the federal government`s major environmental policy, Canadians should know what has been achieved and what has not been achieved through these agreements. In line with the federal agenda and commitments, we are committed to reviewing accountability for the outcome of some international environmental agreements. 1.93 In its sustainable development strategy and in its reports on plans and priorities, the Department also reaffirmed its commitment to clear and measurable targets for fisheries management. The Department uses integrated fisheries management plans as Canada`s primary fisheries management instrument, which should include specific and measurable targets for fish stocks. 1.18 Despite the designation of a leading department for each international environmental agreement, there is no common mechanism for defining and formally delegating the competences of the responsible departments. The core role of feather administration is generally based on the mandate of the department and the responsibilities of the minister associated with it. Similarly, federal cabinet documents that authorize the negotiation and ratification of agreements (such as cabinet memorandums and decision files) can identify the lead division and, to some extent, describe its role. However, cabinet documents are not available to the public or members of Parliament by law and are therefore not sufficiently transparent for liability purposes. 1.8 In Canada, the quality of our environment depends not only on what we do at home, but also, increasingly, on activities outside our borders.

Our national policies are often insufficient to protect our environment, our resources and our health. We need to work with other countries to find common solutions to international environmental problems that have a direct impact on us.