Performance Report on Sustainable Development April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011

2.0 Meeting Legal Requirements

The CRA is subject to Federal legislation and various regulations that promote sustainable development and protect the natural environment. In cases where Federal legislation and regulations do not apply directly to the Agency, we take a due diligent approach to managing our operations in an environmentally responsible manner. The following section outlines how the CRA managed its legal obligations during fiscal period 2010-2011.

2.1 Alternative Fuels Act

The Act requires that 75% of vehicle acquisitions have alternative transportation fuels (ATF) capability, where cost effective and operationally feasible. All CRA vehicles purchased in 2010-2011 were ATF capable, where operationally feasible.

2.2 Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999)

2.2.1 Federal Halocarbon Regulations

The Regulations prohibit the release of halocarbons into the environment and outline specific requirements for managing halocarbon-containing systems - from the purchase of the systems through to disposal. As of March 2011, the CRA had complete halocarbon inventories in 93% (124/133) of facilities, which include over 1,425 halocarbon-containing systems Footnote 1. We recorded one halocarbon release of 2.27 kg from an air conditioning unit during the period. In accordance with the Regulations, the release was reported to Environment Canada through the PWGSC semi-annual report.

2.2.2 Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations

These Regulations require that all storage tank systems be formally registered and be maintained in order to reduce the risk of soil and ground water contamination due to spills and leaks from these systems. The CRA owns and manages three storage tank systems (nine tanks in total) that are used to store fuel for back-up electricity generators. Work is ongoing to ensure continued compliance with the Regulations.

2.3 Federal Sustainable Development Act

The Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA)was passed in Parliament in June 2008 and required the development and implementation of a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) within two years of the Act coming into force. The first Federal Sustainable Development Strategy was tabled in October 2010, and mandated that the CRA prepare its own sustainable development strategy that supports the FSDS within one year of the tabling of the FSDS. The CRA Sustainable Development Strategy 2011-2014 took effect on April 1, 2011, and represents the Agency's renewed commitment to SD and its support of the FSDS and FSDA.

2.4 Conclusion

The CRA maintained compliance with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations. In keeping with the principle of continuous improvement, we will strengthen our systems and practices to ensure that we continue to meet our legal obligations related to environmental protection.

Date modified:

2012-06-19