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2006 September Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

September 2006 Report—Chapter 2

Appendix—List of recommendations

The following is a list of recommendations found in Chapter 2. The number in front of the recommendation indicates the paragraph number where it appears in the chapter. The numbers in parentheses indicate the paragraph numbers where the topic is discussed.

Recommendation

Government's response

Priorities and adaptation strategies

2.31 Environment Canada and the Privy Council Office should identify the responsibilities and accountabilities of the federal departments and agencies that are to be involved in a federal adaptation effort. Those departments and agencies should then clarify how the Government of Canada will manage adaptation to a changing climate, including

  • identifying the extent to which the federal government intends to work with other levels of government and stakeholders, and what it will contribute; and
  • developing and implementing a federal adaptation strategy to address federal priorities. The strategy should include an assessment of the implications of a changing climate for federal policies and programs.
    (2.16–2.30)

Recommendation accepted. The Government of Canada is developing a Made-in-Canada environmental agenda for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This approach will establish integrated and effective measures that will achieve tangible and realistic results. The recommendations of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on adapting to the impacts of climate change will be considered in developing the agenda.

Information to support adaptation

2.56 Working with other federal departments and agencies producing or using information needed for adaptation efforts and with other levels of government and stakeholders, Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada should

  • identify and fill gaps in the needed information, including results of impacts and adaptation research and results from climate science; and
  • identify the demand for initiatives that provide decision makers with access to information and technical expertise on adaptation tailored to their needs. Based on that work, they should strengthen existing initiatives and establish others, as required.
    (2.32–2.55)

Departments' response. Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada recognize the need to work with other departments and agencies within the federal government and will continue to do so, to identify information needed for adaptation efforts. Both departments recognize the necessity to consult users and decision makers, in particular other levels of government and stakeholder organizations across Canada.

The recommendations of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development will be considered by the Government of Canada in developing its Made-in-Canada environmental agenda for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.