Canada Revenue Agency’s 2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Interim Report

This report on progress supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole of government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.

The departmental information reported accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).

For information on the Government of Canada’s overall progress on the targets of the 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), please see the FSDS Progress Report. The FSDS includes 13 aspirational goals supported by measurable targets and clear action plans. The FSDS progress reports demonstrate the Government of Canada’s sustainable development actions in the three years since the last Progress Report was tabled in 2018, and almost two and a half years since the 2019-2022 FSDS was tabled in Parliament. The FSDS and CRA DSDS comply with the requirements of the strengthened FSDA, is released at least once in each three-year period.

1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2019 to 2022 FSDS presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development (SD) goals and targets, as required by the FSDA. In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing an FSDS that will make SD decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the CRA has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing its DSDS.

2. SD in the CRA

The CRA’s 2020 to 2023 DSDS describes the department’s actions in support of achieving the FSDS goal of greening government. This report presents an interim progress update for the DSDS. Previous years’ reports are posted on the CRA’s website.

3. Interim progress update

In accordance with the legislative requirements of the FSDA, the CRA tabled its 2020 to 2023 DSDS on June 3, 2020, within one year of the tabling of the 2019 to 2022 FSDS. Following amendments to the FSDA in December 2020, departments are now required to table a progress report at least once in each of the two years following the tabling of their DSDS. As a result, the CRA’s second progress report, which will cover the fiscal year 2021 to 2022, is due by June 3, 2022. The CRA’s DSDS includes many performance indicators for which data will not be available until after the legislated deadline. This includes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data and paper savings due to electronic filing for the current tax season. As such, the CRA is presenting this interim update and will table a complete year-end report in fall 2022 when data will be available and the majority of other departments will table their progress reports.

Overview of SD at the CRA

The CRA pursues SD within the context of our corporate mandate to administer taxes, benefits, and related programs for governments across Canada. The CRA is committed to contributing to the economic and social well-being of Canadians in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The CRA recognizes the impact we have in the communities in which our employees live and work. We are committed to continuing to:

• minimize harmful emissions from our vehicle fleet
• purchase products responsibly to reduce environmental impacts
• divert non-hazardous waste from landfills
• ensure our decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process
• contribute to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for SD and the United Nations’ SD goals

Interim Progress to Note

In support of the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy, we are taking important steps to reduce GHG emissions from operations and divert non-hazardous waste from landfills. We are currently conducting a three-year pilot project to implement an innovative on-site composting system that will increase waste diversion and reduce GHG emissions. As part of this project, a mechanical composter was installed at the CRA headquarters building in 2021 that will convert organic waste to biofuel. The CRA is also conducting a feasibility study on the installation of a specialized shredder that would convert waste paper into biofuel. This project will divert waste from landfill, thereby reducing GHG emissions from waste decomposition and transportation, and will generate a source of clean energy.

In addition, the CRA continues to implement efficient and effective use of its office space and flexible telework arrangements for its employees and operations which is expected to result in a reduction of GHGs.

The CRA also recognizes the importance of taking action to understand climate change impacts that could potentially affect our assets, services and operations across the country. As a result, we are currently conducting a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment on the CRA’s services and operations. This assessment will be used to develop measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services, and operations.

The CRA will table a complete year-end report in fall 2022 with results for all DSDS performance indicators.