Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report 2023 to 2024

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Background

About Us

Accessibility Standards Canada came into being in 2019 through the Accessible Canada Act. Our mandate requires that we work to address accessibility barriers in priority areas. We develop standards intended to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility. We are an accredited standards development organization. This means our standards can be recognized as National Standards of Canada. This positions us to be a global leader that can influence others on accessibility matters.

Accessibility Standards Canada’s sustainable development strategy is linked to its mission and core values. Our values inform our work. Our objective is to create a more equitable Canada. Creating a sustainable Canada requires all Canadians, including those with disabilities, to contribute to the economic, social, environmental, and political well-being of this country.

Vision

Everyone, including people with disabilities, can expect a Canada without barriers and be sure that opportunities and services are fully accessible.

Mission

People with disabilities lead Accessibility Standards Canada to create a Canada without barriers. We collaborate with people with disabilities to:

  • create modern accessibility standards in priority areas,
  • revise current accessibility standards,
  • lead research, and
  • support society to reach the highest level of accessibility.

Values

Our values are based on the principles stated in the Accessible Canada Act.

  • We value the knowledge and experience of people with disabilities. We expect those we collaborate with to also value this.
  • We value the diversity of society. Our work respects human rights and focuses on including everyone.
  • We value a Canada without barriers where people with disabilities can expect the same high level of access across the country.
  • We value universal access where services, products, and places are designed to be accessible to everyone.
  • We value two-way communication in all areas of our work. Communication must be open, accessible, timely, and clear.
  • We value lived experience of disability and research. These are equally important when making decisions.

We are committed to fulfilling our mandate: to develop standards that address inequalities faced by people with disabilities. Achieving our mandate enables us to make a significant contribution to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

In addition, through the standards we develop, we contribute indirectly to the other UN Sustainable Development Goals highlighted in this report. For example, our standards address barriers in many areas. These include areas such as employment, the built environment, and the design and delivery of accessible programs and services. These efforts reflect our commitment to a more equitable and sustainable Canada. They are also in line with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

All of our standards are developed by technical committees. Membership is open to all eligible Canadians. A total of 58% percent of these members live with a disability. In addition, 50% of our Board of Directors and over 25% of our employees live with a disability. This ensures our work is informed and guided by people with lived experience.

Furthermore, all of our standards are reviewed by the public before they are finalized. This allows us to listen to Canadians and consider their views and ideas to help inform and improve our standards. This helps us take action to reduce inequities and ensure the standards we develop achieve their intended purpose. 

Section 1: Introduction to this Report

Photo of a green landscape with trees and a stream running through it. Credit: Rhonda Steed

The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy presents the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals and targets. Setting targets is a requirement of the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDS) This Act aims to make decision-making in this area more transparent and accountable to Parliament.

The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy provides a balanced view of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development. It supports Canada’s efforts to advance the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Accessibility Standards Canada supports the goals laid out in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. We also support the intent of the Federal Sustainable Development Act. We demonstrate this support through the activities described in our 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

The purpose of this report is to document the progress we made in the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year toward implementing our 2023 to 2027 departmental sustainable development strategy.

The Federal Sustainable Development Act sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development of both the federal strategy and departmental strategies. These principles therefore apply to our 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy and this 2023 to 2024 progress report.

Our departmental strategy is part of coordinated actions on sustainable development across the federal government. It reports on progress in implementing Canada’s National Strategy for the 2030 Agenda and in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are supported by the targets and indicators set out in the Global Indicator Framework and the Canadian Indicator Framework.

This report captures our progress on initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals that fall outside the scope of the federal strategy.

Section 2: Our Commitments

(a) Listening to Canadians

We strive to embody the “Nothing Without Us” principle, which recognizes that people with disabilities need to be involved in decision-making that affects them. This requires us to engage with and listen to people with disabilities. It also means involving them in the setting of our priorities and the delivery of our programs. We achieve this in 3 ways:

  • engaging with and consulting stakeholders,
  • asking the public to review our draft standards, and
  • inviting qualified Canadians to serve on our technical committees, which develop new standards.

(b) Stakeholder engagement and consultations

During the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, we consulted with various stakeholders in the disability community across Canada. We did this to gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and priorities. What we hear during consultations informs our work.

Members of our senior management team presented at 9 conferences focused on disability inclusion. They also met with over 45 stakeholders in both group and one-on-one meetings. Our Board of Directors also met with diverse stakeholder groups, which included in-person Board meetings in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. This enabled discussions on important accessibility issues.

On June 1, 2023, we held our annual public meeting. The theme of the meeting was “From words to action: Moving together for a Canada without barriers." This meeting was held virtually. It was attended by more than 250 people. The meeting focused on the standards development process and the role of technical committees in developing standards. The meeting allowed the public to hear about the progress we are making toward achieving our objective of a barrier-free Canada by 2040. It also gave attendees an opportunity to ask questions about our approach and priorities.

We also engaged in other ways:

An additional 2 memoranda of understanding with two separate provinces were well under way by the end of the fiscal year. More details about them will be reported in our 2024 to 2025 report.

(c) Public review of standards

This is a mandatory part of our process; no standard can be finalized until it has been reviewed by the public. Public reviews give people with disabilities and other stakeholders a chance to get involved, engage with us, and provide feedback on our standards. The input we receive gives us an opportunity to strengthen our standards to ensure they address accessibility barriers. During the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, we reached another milestone when we posted 3 draft standards for public review:

We expect to publish 2 of these standards (Employment and the Accessibility Requirements for Information Communication Technology Products and Services) during the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year.

(d) Establishing inclusive technical committees

Our standards are drafted by technical committees. These committees are made up of people from different backgrounds and organizations. Members combine their expertise and lived experience to identify accessibility barriers and develop national standards to eliminate them. During the last fiscal year, we established 3 new technical committees. They are working to create the following standards:

Goal 10: Advance Reconciliation on Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality

Icon 1: Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Context

This goal focuses on reducing inequalities within First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Our mandate is to develop standards that address accessibility barriers for all Canadians with disabilities. To do this, we draw on the experience and expertise of people with disabilities from across the country. Our work includes recognizing the unique history of Indigenous Peoples. We are also aware there are individuals with disabilities who are Indigenous.

When we engage with stakeholders, we apply an intersectional lens. This means we recognize that everyone’s identity is made up of multiple, intersecting factors. We also work to ensure our standards development and review processes are open and inclusive.

Accessibility Standards Canada developed a strategy to help implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. It includes:

  • increasing research funding for Indigenous-specific accessibility issues,

  • conducting tailored outreach and engagement activities, and
  • increasing the cultural awareness of our staff.

These actions will help us build bridges and put us on a path toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. This is in line with federal sustainable development goal 10.

Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year thereafter, we will annually report on our progress toward implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Tables 1 and 2 below provide details on the actions we are taking to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Table 1: Advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Communities

Implementation Strategy Departmental Action Performance Indicator Starting Point Target Contribution to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goals and Canada’s 2030 Agenda Results Achieved as of March 31, 2024
Support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Action 1: Increase funding for Indigenous-focused accessibility research projects. Percentage of research funding dedicated to such projects. A total of 2% of research funding was being allocated to such projects as of March 31, 2023. During the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, we will allocate 4% of research funding to Indigenous-focused accessibility research projects.

Increasing funding to research Indigenous-specific accessibility issues will reduce inequalities for Indigenous people living with disabilities.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition (Goal 10): Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

This action aligns with Canadian indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment. It also aligns with Global Indicator Framework target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome.

This includes eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices. It also includes promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and actions.

 By the end of the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, a total of 2% of research funding had been allocated to Indigenous-focused accessibility research projects.
Support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Action 2: Execute a mandatory Indigenous awareness training program for all employees. Percentage of employees who have attended mandatory Indigenous awareness training. As of April 1, 2023, 25% of our employees had been trained. By March 2026, we will have trained 100% of employees.

This action is meant to increase cultural awareness of issues related to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canada. Increasing understanding of the unique history and rights of Indigenous Peoples will improve the cultural sensitivity of our employees. It will also empower them with the skills needed to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition (Goal 10): Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

Indicators: As with action 1 (above), this contributes to Canadian indicator 10.2.1 and global indicator 10.3.1.

 As of March 31, 2024, 40.3% of staff had received Indigenous awareness training.

Table 2: Initiatives Planned to Reduce Inequalities

Planned Initiatives Associated Ambitions and Domestic and Global Targets Results Achieved as of March 31, 2024
We continue to seek partnerships to advance the development of accessibility standards. During the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, we developed new and strengthen relationships on a national and international level.

These partnerships are vital to removing inequalities.

This aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

During the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, we achieved the following:

A total of 11 standards were under development during the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year:

These standards will reduce inequities, as highlighted in Goal 10, global indicator 10.3.1. In addition, they will support the safety and well-being of Canadians with disabilities.

For people with disabilities, these standards will enable safe access to buildings and outdoor spaces. They will also improve access to services and the delivery of goods. This contribution is highlighted in Goal 11, global indicator 11.7.1.

During the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, 3 of our draft standards were publicly reviewed: Employment, Outdoor Spaces, and Accessibility Requirements for Information and Communications Products and Services. We expect to publish these standards by the fall of 2025.

We also received approval from the Board of Directors to proceed with 4 new standards:
Accessibility Standards Canada drafted a technical guide on accessible-ready housing. The objective of this guide is to help provinces and territories develop housing that will support aging in place. This includes housing in Indigenous communities. This will support people with disabilities.

This guide contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

The Canadian Indicator Framework for federal sustainable development goal 10 refers to the need to eliminate inequities. It also refers to Canadians being able to live free of discrimination. This includes everyone, regardless of age; gender; disability; race, ethnicity, or origin; religion; or other economic or social factors.

 A decision was made to draft a Standard instead of a Guide. Drafting of the Standard will begin in the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year.

Goal 12: Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles

Icon 1: Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Context

Proper management of waste, resources, and chemicals requires responsible consumption. Responsible consumption is an attitude. It involves making well-reasoned decisions about the products we buy. It means considering a product’s environmental, social, and economic benefits. The aim of sustainable consumption and production is to “do more and better with less.” This will increase the net benefit of economic activity. Reducing resource use also reduces environmental degradation and pollution.

Accessibility Standards Canada has adopted the federal government’s green procurement policy. This aligns with the general procurement policy for the federal public service. We are working toward buying more recycled materials. There are recycling bins in the office for staff use. In addition, our faucets and lighting fixtures are automated. This reduces unnecessary water and electricity usage.

Target theme: Management of waste, resources, and chemicals.

Target: Reduce the amount of waste Canadians send to disposal from a baseline of 699 kg per person in 2014 to 490 kg per person by 2030 (a 30% reduction), to 350 kg per person by 2040 (a 50% reduction). This target was set by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the federal lead in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.

Refer to Table 3 for details on the actions we are taking to support this target.

Table 3: Management of Waste, Resources, and Chemicals

Implementation Strategy Departmental Action Performance Indicator Starting Point Target Contribution to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goals and Canada’s 2030 Agenda Results Achieved as of March 31, 2024
Strengthen green procurement criteria. Identify procurement and similar specialists needing training in green procurement. Have these specialists take a training course on green procurement, such as the course offered by the Canada School of Public Service. Ensure they are trained within 1 year of being identified. Percentage of procurement specialists who received training within 1 year of being identified. A total of 50% had been trained as of April 1, 2023. 100% of procurement specialists receive training within 1 year of being identified as of March 2025.

Relevant Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner.

Canadian indicator 12.2.1: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices.

Global target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

 All (100%) of procurement specialists have received training on green procurement within 1 year of being identified.

Table 4: Planned Initiatives to Reduce Waste

Planned Initiatives Associated Ambitions and Domestic and Global Targets Results Achieved
as of March 31, 2024

Accessibility Standards Canada is currently developing a standard on the Accessible Procurement. Its objective is to ensure that people with disabilities can access the goods and services that accommodate their needs.

Designing products for people with disabilities is an opportunity to embrace diversity. It also drives innovation and creates a more inclusive society. The consumers of these products and services are considered and/or involved at every stage of the service and product production cycles.

By incorporating user-centric, accessible, and universal design principles, businesses can create products that resonate with a larger and more diverse audience. This will increase the social impact and the bottom line of businesses. It will also improve inclusivity and sustainability and reduce waste.

 This standard contributes to Canadian indicator 12.2.1: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices.

The technical committee for the standard on the Accessible Procurement will be formed in the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year. The first public review of this standard is expected to take place in summer 2026.

Our office space was created using universal design principles. It has become a model for other federal government agencies. Increasingly, these agencies are looking to our model to inspire their own workspace designs.

 

Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change and its Impacts

Icon 3: Goal 13 Climate Action.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Context

Federal sustainable development goal 13 advocates for action to combat climate change and its impacts. Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives. It is costing people, communities, and countries dearly.

Recent storms, fires, and mudslides are a reminder that urgent action is needed to address climate change. Accessibility Standards Canada is committed to developing standards that not only address accessibility barriers, but also mitigate climate change and its impacts, particularly impacts on people with disabilities.

Target theme: Adapting to and mitigating climate change.

Target: By 2030, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels. By 2050, achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Accessibility Standards Canada does not own a fleet of vehicles; however, we are adopting policies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Table 5: Initiatives Advancing Canada’s Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action

Implementation Strategy Departmental Action Performance Indicator Starting Point Target Contribution to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goals and Canada’s 2030 Agenda Results Achieved as of March 31, 2024

Implement the Greening Government Strategy. We do this by putting measures in place that:

  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • improve climate resilience and make governmental operations greener.

Action 1: Identify employees that need to be trained on climate change.

Action 2: Within 1 year of being identified, train these employees on climate change. This will include training on assessing impacts, undertaking risk assessments, and developing adaptive actions.

 The percentage of identified employees that have been trained on climate change. Zero employees trained as of April 1, 2023. 100% trained by March 31, 2026.

Trained staff can:

  • identify climate-related risks to the delivery of critical programs
  • develop responses to ensure program continuity
  • improve operational resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Relevant Canadian Indicator Framework Ambition: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.

Canadian indicator 13.1.1 and global target 13.3:

Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

The organization has identified staff that will be trained on climate change.

Training will commence shortly.

Table 6: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Planned Initiatives Associated Ambitions and Domestic and Global Targets Results Achieved
as of March 31, 2024

Accessibility Standards Canada is a federal leader in creating a sustainable and accessible office space. Our space uses universal design. This ensures the space is safer and more flexible. It is also more accessible for employees of varied ages and abilities.

Our office space has automated lighting and water faucets, reducing water and electricity usage.

We have also adopted a hybrid working policy. This reduces staff commuting time, which lowers the emission of greenhouse gases and vehicular carbon.

 These actions correspond to Canadian target 13.1.1. This target advocates for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We continue to maintain an environmentally friendly office space.

We also continue to follow the hybrid working policy adopted by the federal government. This lowers the emission of greenhouse gases and vehicular carbon emissions.

 

Section 3: Integrating Sustainable Development

Image #2 is a photo of a young girl happily watering a vegetable garden and two men in the background that seem to be watching her as they walk by. Credit Ryan Bray - Parks Canada

Accessibility Standards Canada is committed to contributing to federal sustainable development goals that fall within its mandate. We will continue to listen to Canadians through stakeholder consultations, our annual public meetings, and public reviews of the standards we develop.

We will continue to build inclusive technical committees and invite Canadians to join them.

We will continue to build partnerships and engage with all our stakeholders. These include disability groups and communities, the private sector, governments (local, municipal, provincial, territorial), and other federal agencies. This aligns with Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goal 17. This goal encourages establishing partnerships with stakeholders to help achieve sustainable development goals.

We will increase research funding for projects aimed at addressing accessibility barriers faced by Indigenous people. We will step up our outreach to Indigenous communities. These efforts are meant to build bridges toward Indigenous reconciliation and reduce inequalities. This will help us contribute to Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goal 10.

We have planned activities to meet the goals of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. These include increasing training to support green procurement and the assessment of climate change impacts. We will review our policies and practices to ensure our consumption of office supplies and furnishings aligns with Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goal 12, which focuses on waste reduction and responsible consumption and production.

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