State of the SDGs in Canada – 2023

Introduction:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved by 2030. In Canada, the progress towards achieving these goals is monitored and reported through the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). Let’s take a look at the state of the SDGs in Canada in 2023, based on the available information from the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies (DSDS) of Public Safety Canada (PS) [1] and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) [2].

Public Safety Canada’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS):

Public Safety Canada’s DSDS for 2023-2027 outlines the department’s commitment to supporting federal sustainable development objectives and contributing to the SDGs. PS focuses on several goals, including Goals 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 5 (Gender Equality), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The strategy highlights areas such as emergency management, transparency, engagement, intersectional policies, law enforcement, and intergovernmental cooperation [1].

Global Affairs Canada’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS):

Global Affairs Canada’s DSDS for 2023-2027 demonstrates the department’s commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. GAC aims to contribute to Canada’s FSDS and the SDGs through its sustainable development reporting, international assistance, and annual reports. While specific details about GAC’s contributions to the SDGs in Canada are not mentioned in the available information, it is evident that GAC remains steadfastly committed to sustainable development and the advancement of the SDGs [2].

Key Priorities and Actions:

Based on the available information, here are some key priorities and actions related to the SDGs in Canada:

1. Reconciliation and Indigenous Rights:

• Prioritizing reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples and communities [1].
• Collaborating with Indigenous groups to align legislation, programs, and initiatives with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [1].

2. Gender Equality and Inclusion:

• Promoting gender equality and addressing inequalities through continuous engagement with Indigenous communities [1].
• Including additional perspectives from equity-seeking groups such as racialized and 2SLGBTQI+ communities [1].

3. Climate Action and Resilience:

• Taking action on climate change and its impacts through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience [1].
• Supporting initiatives to transition to zero-emission vehicles and reduce waste [1].

---

Learn more:

1. 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
2. 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
3. Andrea Cecchetto on LinkedIn: State of the SDGs in Canada – 2023