2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

Goal 3:
Support mental health and adopt healthy behaviours

FSDS Context:

Through the Arctic and Northern Challenge program, the NRC is supporting a holistic view of health that encompasses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. In a Northern and Indigenous context, this definition is deeply connected to culture and is dependent on a health care system focused on person-centred care that is accessible, comprehensive and appropriate.

This year, the NRC participated in 4 Northern-led projects dedicated to the development of technologies to improve Northern and Arctic health resources. These projects covered topics such as protecting lung health in Nunavut, using digital interventions to enhance mental health and using virtual reality to connect culture and land-based healing to support individual mental health and well-being.

For instance, the Anirniq project in Nunavik, named after the Inuktitut word for "breath of life," addresses the increasing lung health issues caused by climate change such as mold growth in homes and poor air quality from forest fires. This initiative, in partnership with the Inuit-led Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau and Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre, involves local researchers, healthcare workers and community members co-creating a lung health program. This program integrates biomedical, housing and social determinants of health, rooted in the Nunavik Inuit cultural model.

Target theme: Mental health

Target: By March 2027, reduce the percentage of Canadians (aged 15+) with a mental disorder who have expressed that they have an unmet care need to 22% at most (Minister of Health)

Goal 4:
Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development

FSDS Context:

Capacity building is a major pillar in the NRC's Arctic and Northern Challenge program. Through this program, the NRC is prioritizing Northern-led research projects with a focus on Northern capacity building to address pressing issues confronting Northerners. The program is guided by several key principles, including:

• building true partnerships based on mutual recognition, trust and transparency
• following the "nothing about us, without us" principle by enabling the leadership of Northern First Nations, Inuit and Métis in research
• protecting the rights of Northerners and Indigenous Peoples living in the North to control and influence research conducted in their communities
• respecting and including local Indigenous Knowledge and epistemologies in the design, execution, interpretation and sharing of research

In FY 2023-24, the program trained a total of 62 people through project-specific training, courses, mentoring and experiential development.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development" but not a specific FSDS target

Goal 6:
Ensure clean and safe water for all Canadians

FSDS Context:

The social, economic, cultural and spiritual well-being of Arctic and Northern communities is dependent upon safe and clean water but for many communities, particularly Indigenous communities, access to reliable and safe drinking water has been a significant concern.

In FY 2023-24, the NRC's Arctic and Northern Challenge program worked on 3 projects focused on improving Northern and Arctic water and sewage services. These projects include:

• assessing groundwater vulnerability in Whitehorse, Yukon
• supporting the planning of the future water supply in Pangnirtung in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut
• contributing to the inclusive design of pilot water equipment for innovative water strategies in Nunavik which will improve the water quality in household water tanks.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Ensure clean and safe water for all Canadians" but not a specific FSDS target

Goal 7:
Increase Canadians' access to clean energy

FSDS Context:

Critical minerals play a pivotal role in Canada's goal to shift to clean energy. These minerals, including lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and others, are essential components of batteries for zero-emission vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy aims to secure a stable and sustainable supply of these minerals, reducing dependency on foreign sources and supporting domestic manufacturing and innovation.

The NRC is supporting the strategy through its Critical Battery Materials Initiative, which is housed under its Advanced Clean Energy program. This initiative will establish automated, AI-enabled platforms that can discover new critical battery materials and processes in a third of the time it takes today, contributing to the growth of the Canadian battery supply chain.

The NRC's Advanced Clean Energy program is also supporting Canada's transition to clean energy by accelerating the development of clean, renewable fuels, and energy storage materials and devices that will facilitate the transition to low‑ and zero‑carbon fuel and the electrification of our energy supply, across all sectors.

To address challenges in decarbonizing the heavy-duty transport sector where electrification and hydrogen fuel may be less viable, NRC researchers are exploring the use of ammonia in diesel engines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60%. In collaboration with researchers from across the world, the NRC is also developing a new energy storage model that simulates electrical and thermal energy storage systems to optimize renewable energy usage, ensuring reliable power supply even when renewable sources are intermittent.

Reducing emissions from the construction industry is crucial for Canada to achieve its emissions reduction goals. Through the Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector at Scale, the NRC is working with Canadian industry to build low carbon construction tools, products and services that reduce life cycle carbon. The NRC is also working with stakeholders to support the needed regulatory framework to systematically scale-up decarbonization through the development and implementation of new low carbon-based codes, requirements, guidelines, standards, and specifications.

In FY 2023-24, the NRC supported the technical committee of the National Model Code Development System to develop a number of proposed changes to the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes, specifically to improve energy efficiency through the alteration of existing buildings and requirements to reduce operational GHG emissions.

Adoption of clean energy solutions in Northern Canada and the Arctic faces significant challenges due to harsh weather conditions, remote locations and logistical constraints. The extreme climate, with long winters and limited daylight, complicates the viability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. The NRC is working with communities and research partners to develop innovative solutions to increase access to affordable clean energy in Northern Canada.

In FY 2023-24, in collaboration with Polar Knowledge Canada and Natural Resources Canada, the NRC helped establish an Arctic wind turbine demonstration at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. This project aims to establish a fully integrated microgrid, enhancing clean energy accessibility in Arctic regions. The NRC is also helping to increase access to affordable clean energy through the Arctic and Northern Challenge program.

In FY 2023-24, in collaboration with the Canada-Inuit Nunangat-United Kingdom Arctic Research Programme, the NRC participated in the REMIROCaN project which focuses on integrating renewable energy microgrids in remote, off-grid cabins in Nunavut, applying Inuit principles to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby increasing energy resilience and mitigating climate change impacts in Inuit Nunangat.

Target theme: Renewable and non-emitting sources of electricity

Target: By 2030 90%, and in the long term 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources (Minister of Natural Resources)

Target theme: Energy efficiency

Target: By 2030 600 petajoules of total annual energy savings will be achieved as a result of adoption of energy efficiency codes, standards and practices from a baseline savings of 20.0 petajoules in 2017 to 2018 (Minister of Natural Resources)

Target theme: Clean fuels

Target: By 2030 increase Canada's capacity to produce clean fuels by 10% over 2021 levels (Minister of Natural Resources)

Goal 8:
Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada

FSDS Context:

Sustainable economic growth is necessary for long-term prosperity while safeguarding environmental and social well-being. The NRC is supporting this goal by investing in clean technologies through the Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)—Canada's leading innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). NRC IRAP assists approximately 10,000 SMEs each year by providing advice, connections, and funding to increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.

In FY 2023-24, NRC IRAP supported 477 new clean technology projects totalling up to $86.5 million in grants and contributions. This support will help to grow Canada's clean technology sector and help innovative SMEs commercialize their novel technologies. The NRC also supports industry clients through its network of research centres by fostering innovation, technology development and collaboration. In FY 2023-24, 84% of NRC clients reported that they saw benefits from working with the NRC, including increased jobs, sales and improved capabilities. By working closely with businesses, the NRC accelerates the commercialization of new technologies, enhances competitiveness and stimulates economic growth across sectors.

Access to high-speed internet is crucial for fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth in Canada. It enables businesses to participate more fully in the digital economy, expanding market reach and increasing productivity. Additionally, reliable internet access supports the delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education and government services online, improving efficiency and accessibility for all Canadians. Despite progress, some Canadians still lack access to high-speed internet, particularly those in remote and rural areas where the cost of infrastructure development can be prohibitive.

The NRC's High-throughput and Secure Networks Challenge program develops disruptive technologies and technologies that improve the cost and performance of delivering secure, affordable and high-speed internet services in rural and remote communities across Canada. Since the start of the program in 2019, the NRC developed 68 technologies that will enable 5G high-speed telecommunications networks and will support the Government of Canada's efforts in increasing broadband internet access.

Target theme: Support for workers and business

Target: By 2026, there are at least 245,000 jobs in the clean tech products sector, an increase from 2019 (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry)

Target theme: Connectivity in Canada

Target: By 2030 ensure that 100% of Canadians have access to broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload (Minister of Rural Economic Development)

Goal 9:
Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada

FSDS Context:

Infrastructure is a major pillar in Canada's National Adaptation Strategy, which outlines a shared path to a more climate-resilient Canada. The strategy highlights the impact of climate change on physical infrastructure but also emphasizes that physical infrastructure holds the highest potential for preventing or lessening the effects of climate change. The NRC is advancing the strategy through research initiatives such as the Climate Resilient Built Environment Initiative which is included in Canada's Adaptation Action Plan.

In FY 2023-24, the NRC advanced the development of a number of infrastructure guidance and standards, and informed proposed changes to the National Model Codes and Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, expected to be published in FY 2025-26. By producing robust guidance and standards, and by supporting code development, the NRC is ensuring that the top climate change risks to buildings and infrastructure are addressed by decision-makers and professionals.

The NRC is also developing guidelines for life cycle assessments to stimulate innovation in low-carbon materials, technologies and design of infrastructure. The NRC has developed 2 key guidelines, namely the infrastructure life cycle assessment and the National Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment (wbLCA) Practitioner's Guide. The latter, developed in collaboration with Treasury Board Secretariat and the City of Vancouver, is now referenced in policies by the City of Vancouver, Canada Green Building Council, and the City of Toronto, aiding in sustainable building practices.

Rail systems are a critical component of Canada's infrastructure, they transport approximately $320 billion of goods annually and move 50% of the country's exported goods^{Footnote 2}. Using its research and testing data to inform industry practices, the NRC began drafting guidelines and best practices to enhance the resilience of Canada's passenger railway systems against climate impacts and aims to publish them by March 31, 2026. The NRC has also made progress in risk mapping for railway systems, developing 2 tools to predict wildfire and flooding risks, which are being deployed and tested with railway partners.

Target theme: Green infrastructure and innovation

Target: By 2023 and each year thereafter until 2026, 30% of Sustainable Development Technology Canada's portfolio of SD Tech Fund-supported technologies are commercialized annually (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry)

Target: By FY 2027-28, the federal share of the value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada Plan will reach $27.6 billion (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities)

Goal 10:
Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality

FSDS Context:

The NRC is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and taking action on inequality as these goals are integral to fostering a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for Canada. In FY 2023-24, in alignment with its Indigenous Engagement Strategy, the NRC developed 9 resources to enhance intercultural competency and strengthen research relationships with Indigenous communities. These resources included engagement strategies, best practices toolkits and learning sessions, all aimed at fostering respectful and informed interactions.

Preserving Indigenous languages is crucial to reconciliation efforts. These languages hold cultural significance and are important for Indigenous groups communication of knowledge. By developing technologies that support their preservation, the NRC is supporting Indigenous communities towards self-determination and fostering stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. In FY 2023-24, the NRC contributed to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages through the Canadian Indigenous languages technology project. This initiative saw 24 Indigenous language communities in Canada adopt new methodologies and software, enhancing educational resources and community engagement. In addition, 19 communities outside of Canada have also adopted these tools.

The NRC recognizes the value of Indigenous knowledge and strives to learn from it to develop solutions that address pressing issues impacting the quality of life of Northern peoples. All projects conducted under the Arctic and Northern Challenge program interweave Indigenous knowledge to achieve research objectives. For instance, one project aims to learn from Indigenous-made clothing to inform the design of personal protective equipment for harsh weather.

A diverse workforce is key to driving innovation. The NRC's representation and hiring goals, and initiatives of the NRC's equity, diversity and inclusion strategy, aim to support a more inclusive workplace and to correct historical barriers in accessing employment. In FY 2023-24, the NRC exceeded its representation targets for women and racialized persons, met its target for persons with disabilities and essentially met its target for Indigenous Peoples, missing by only 1%.

The NRC also introduced several diversity-focused initiatives to tackle employment inequalities among equity-deserving groups. These included:

• the Indigenous Student Employment program, providing job opportunities and exposure to NRC projects for Indigenous students
• the NRC Sponsorship pilot program, aimed at supporting high-potential Indigenous and racialized employees who aspire to grow into executive-level roles
• the Internship for Persons with Disabilities pilot program, offering meaningful work experiences to enhance professional skills and support inclusivity

The NRC strives for a workplace culture that supports and fosters accessibility and a built environment that is welcoming and accessible for employees, partners and members of the public.

In December 2023, the NRC published its first Accessibility Plan progress report, highlighting the completion of 17% of planned actions. These actions resulted in:

• improved organizational awareness of barriers faced by persons with disabilities
• the establishment of an accessibility advisory body
• increased representation and hiring of persons with disabilities
• the launch of a self-identification campaign and persons with disabilities employee network
• the promotion of available support services and mentorship opportunities for persons with disabilities
• implementation of accessibility assessments for NRC buildings
• accessibility training and new guidelines for procurement officers

The NRC continues to focus on developing a diverse, respectful and inclusive workplace where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to grow and can bring different perspectives to the table.

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)

Target theme: Taking action on inequality

Target: Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority (President of the Treasury Board)

Goal 11:
Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada

FSDS Context:

In Canada, thousands of hospital visits and more than 15,000 premature deaths each year are linked to air pollution. Studies have shown it is the most important environmental contributor to poor health and premature deaths, and the overall loss associated with air pollution has an economic value of $120 billion per year^{Footnote 3}. In addition to having a huge impact on our health, black carbon, the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, exacerbates global warming in snow-covered territories by darkening their surface. Reducing air pollution is crucial to foster sustainable development. The NRC is supporting this goal through a number of research activities such as developing new building solutions, standards and guidelines, and evaluating new technologies to reduce the health risk from indoor air pollution. In FY 2023-24, the NRC helped develop 6 standards and guidelines aimed at reducing health risks from indoor air pollution, including international standards on ventilation related to COVID-19 and radon control. The NRC also evaluated 6 new technologies that address indoor air quality, to validate their effectiveness before they are deployed. These include air cleaning devices to control infectious aerosols indoors and other indoor air pollution, as well as a spray foam product to reduce radon ingress.

To mitigate the impact of wildfire smoke, the NRC conducted 2 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) flights in partnership with McGill University to collect data on wildfire plumes to determine air quality protection measures and support the development of guidelines. The NRC also advanced the measurement of black carbon and methane by developing a calibration-free method and designing a prototype instrument that measures light absorption across the full solar spectrum, increasing the accuracy and reliability of black carbon measurements.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada" but not a specific FSDS target

Goal 12:
Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles

FSDS Context:

In the context of a global transition to low‑carbon modes of transportation, industry needs to adopt new technologies to comply with strict government standards and increased consumer demand for more environmentally responsible vehicles.

In FY 2023-24, the NRC supported this transition with 48 innovative projects through its Clean and Energy Efficient Transportation program, including projects focused on:

• aerodynamics
• batteries
• electrical machines
• hydrogen
• fleet energy efficiency

The NRC is also supporting the development of measurement standards for electric vehicle charging stations, including the National Power and Energy Measurement Standard for Fast High Voltage DC Chargers and a Partial Discharge Testing Facility for high voltage components. Electric charging stations charge customers based on how long they charge or an estimate of the charge, but there is currently no accurate way to measure the exact amount of electricity transferred to the vehicle. By creating accurate measurement standards, calibration labs and service providers can help electric charging stations accurately measure and charge for electricity, supporting Canada's transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The NRC is also helping decarbonize the aviation industry, participating in 31 collaborations with leading innovators from SMEs, multinational corporations and academic institutions, to develop technologies for low-emission aircraft. To advance aircraft charging, the NRC supported Pratt & Whitney Canada in developing an advanced mobile charging unit (MCU) capable of charging high-power batteries up to 1,500 volts. This technology is crucial for the propulsion system of a hybrid-electric flight demonstrator project, marking a significant step towards the electrification and decarbonization of aircraft travel. The MCU aligns with aerospace industry standards and can also return unused energy to the electrical grid, enhancing energy efficiency in aviation.

Greening government operations and moving towards a low-carbon government are important to achieving Canada's goals for environmental and sustainable development. In support of this goal, the NRC continued to improve its internal operations, specifically in regards to waste management, fleet management and green procurement. In FY 2023-24, the NRC continued to divert its waste from landfills, with a notable 96% diversion rate for construction and demolition waste. In terms of fleet management, 11% of light-duty and executive fleet vehicles were zero-emission or hybrids in FY 2023-24, as well as a 55% reduction in Scope 1 GHG emissions from the conventional fleet.

Canada must reduce its plastic waste to protect its environment and to promote responsible consumption and production practices. In FY 2023-24, the NRC developed a decision support tool called the Ocean Microplastic Explorer (COMEX) to aid in the management and development of policy decisions regarding plastic pollution. The NRC is also working on methods to reduce the waste of other materials such as rare earth magnets used in electronic vehicles. The NRC is collaborating with Canadian SMEs to develop a novel, eco-friendly recycling method for rare earth magnets. This new approach bypasses traditional, environmentally harmful recycling methods by directly converting end-of-life magnets into powders suitable for 3D printing new magnetic parts. This advancement not only reduces the environmental impact but also addresses the supply risk by recycling critical materials domestically.

Target theme: Zero-emission vehicles

Target: Aim is to have 35% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sales being zero emission by 2030 and 100% by 2040 for a subset of vehicle types based on feasibility (Minister of Transport; Minister of Environment and Climate Change)

Target theme: Federal leadership on responsible consumption

Target: By 2030 the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 75% by weight of non-hazardous operational waste (All Ministers)

Target: By 2030 the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 90% by weight of all construction and demolition waste (All Ministers)

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 strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles" but not a specific FSDS target

Goal 13:
Take action on climate change and its impacts

FSDS Context:

Canada must take immediate action to meet its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which requires transitioning to a cleaner economy. The NRC is positioned to support this transition by improving the environmental sustainability of its operations and collaborating with industry to develop necessary technologies and tools. In FY 2023-24, the NRC recommissioned 10.6% of its building footprint to enhance energy efficiency and reported a 48.4% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the baseline year of FY 2005-06.

The NRC is also developing methods to report on energy, water and waste for new office leases to better manage GHG emissions in its leased spaces. Finally, to protect its assets from climate change risks and inform risk mitigation plans, the NRC completed asset-level climate risk and vulnerability assessments for its critical assets in FY 2023-24.

Through the Climate Resilient Built Environment Initiative, the NRC is contributing to the Government of Canada's climate resilience efforts by providing guidance, tools and standards which contribute to long-lasting infrastructure and buildings, including retrofits and upgrades. These efforts will help communities build resilience, reduce disaster risks and conserve costs over the long term.

In FY 2023-24, the NRC advanced pilot studies aimed at mitigating urban heat islands—urban areas that are warmer than their rural counterparts due to human activities and dense infrastructure. These studies, which concentrated on the use of nature-based solutions and protecting vulnerable buildings like schools and care facilities, will help reduce the effects of extreme heat and urban heat islands, safeguarding particularly at-risk populations.

In order to meet emissions targets and its sustainable development goals, the Canadian transportation sector must undergo substantial changes. In terms of marine transportation, in collaboration with Transport Canada, the NRC is helping reduce maritime emissions by developing tools to analyze hydrodynamic interactions in Canadian fishing vessels. The NRC is using this new capability to understand how hydrodynamic interactions between hull, propeller, rudder and appendage systems affect performance efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and underwater radiated noise which will help to develop and test future noise mitigation solutions and energy-saving technologies. In another project, the NRC is working with Transport Canada, BC Ferries and Simon Fraser University to apply AI techniques to shipboard data to study how navigation could be more fuel efficient. Through this project, the NRC helped to develop a real-time fuel consumption prediction model. The goal is to integrate this model into vessels to provide operators with optimal navigation parameters, potentially reducing fuel consumption.

In support of resilient shores, the NRC has established Canada's first emergency flood barrier testing facility, working with industry bodies to develop and certify flood barrier solutions and standards. This work also promotes nature-based solutions for flood and erosion risk management, supporting projects like Living Dykes in Surrey, British Columbia.

The NRC is also collaborating with Indigenous communities to develop marine renewable energy solutions with consultations and environmental assessments in the northern region. The NRC, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation and other Indigenous partners carried out culturally appropriate stakeholder consultations and fieldwork within Indigenous territories to assess the unique environmental conditions and hydrokinetic potential in Northern and remote communities to inform the development of these solutions.

The NRC has a number of research initiatives to support the green transformation of the aviation sector and ground transportation. In FY 2023-24, for instance, the NRC worked on boundary layer ingestion (BLI) technology to improve the efficiency of aircraft engines. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to the global effort towards more sustainable aviation practices. In a collaboration with the University of Calgary and major Canadian transportation companies, the NRC developed AI-driven tools that optimize truck routes. This technology helps planners select the most effective routes, notably under adverse weather conditions, reducing travel distances, operational costs and environmental impact. The software's ability to anticipate traffic patterns and suggest optimal routes is a game-changer for logistics and supply chain management.

Target theme: Federal leadership on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and climate resilience

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon national safety and security fleet operations by 2050 (Ministers with national safety and security fleets)

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050 (All Ministers)

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Take action on climate change and its impacts" but not a specific FSDS target

Goal 14:
Conserve and protect Canada's oceans

FSDS Context:

Oceans play a crucial role in the well-being of communities throughout Canada. They have the potential to be part of climate solutions, enhance prospects for coastal and inland communities, and help foster a sustainable and thriving blue economy. Healthy oceans are critical to fighting climate change and protecting marine life. That is why Canada has committed to conserving 30% of our marine and coastal areas by 2030. In alignment with this goal, the NRC has developed 4 new modelling and monitoring tools that are designed to enhance understanding and prediction of climate change impacts on oceans and estuaries, including a method to predict anoxic (no oxygen) episodes in estuaries using machine learning and chaos theory.

With its expertise in ocean science, the NRC plays an important role in safeguarding Canada's coasts and oceans. In FY 2023-24, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO endorsed the NRC as a Decade Implementing Partner for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 to 2030). Coordinated by UNESCO, the Ocean Decade provides a framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and partnerships needed to reverse the decline of the ocean system and catalyze opportunities for the sustainable development of this massive marine ecosystem. The NRC plans to launch 6 projects under this framework focused on areas such as coastal resilience, flood mapping, microplastics, seaweed aquaculture, zero-waste fish processing and marine decarbonization using autonomous ships.

The presence of microplastics in our oceans poses significant ecological and human health concerns. These minuscule plastic particles, often originating from the breakdown of larger plastic items and synthetic fibers, threaten marine life across Canada's extensive coastal and freshwater ecosystems. To combat this, the NRC is working with partners to generate and disseminate information on micro and nanoplastics pollution to increase our understanding of pollution and climate change impacts on Canada's marine ecosystems and to support conservation efforts. In FY 2023-24, the NRC developed a multidisciplinary team to tackle the issue of microplastics in Canadian waters. This team is using a multi-pronged approach to address this issue, including developing real-time 3D sensing technology for tracking microplastics, creating AI-enhanced models to predict the movement and impact of these plastics in water systems, studying the chemical properties and fate of microplastics, and using zebrafish to understand the biological impacts of microplastics.

Target theme: Ocean protection and conservation

Target: Conserve 25% of marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30% By 2030 in support of the commitment to work to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 in Canada, and achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050 (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard)

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Conserve and protect Canada's oceans" but not a specific FSDS target

Goal 15:
Protect and recover species, conserve Canadian biodiversity

FSDS Context:

Canada's conservation network is varied and unique, extending beyond just national wildlife areas and national parks. The Government of Canada is recognizing lands and waters that are managed in a manner that achieves long-term conservation of biodiversity, maintains ecosystems and supports healthy populations of wild species. These areas are known as other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). In FY 2023-24, the NRC assessed 9 of its properties to determine if they could be recognized as OECMs using established pan-Canadian criteria. This work will lead to positive long-term outcomes in conservation and biodiversity outside of protected areas.

Target theme: Conservation of land fresh water

Target: Conserve 25% of Canada's land and inland waters by 2025, working toward 30% by 2030 from 12.5% recognized as conserved as of the end of 2020, in support of the commitment to work to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 in Canada, and achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050 (Minister of Environment and Climate Change)