2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The CBSA's sustainable development vision

The CBSA envisions a sustainable future in which its operations and activities are conducted in a manner that supports the long-term well-being of both the environment, and the institutions and communities it serves. This vision is based on a commitment to responsible stewardship of our natural resources and a recognition that sustainable development is critical to our collective future.

To achieve this vision, the agency will work to integrate sustainable development principles into all aspects of its operations and decision-making processes. This includes reducing its environmental footprint, promoting environmental compliance and the health and safety of its staff, and supporting economic growth in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible. In the 2022 to 2026 FSDS, the Federal Government is advancing efforts to divert waste from landfills, to transition to net-zero procurement, facilities and fleet, and to increase the climate resilience of government operations. The CBSA is named responsible for the implementation strategies that support goals 2, 10, 12, 13, and 15.

By fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation, the CBSA aims to enhance its role in safeguarding Canada's borders while contributing positively to the global effort to address climate change, promote social inclusivity, and bolster economic prosperity.

The CBSA's sustainable development goals

• 2: Zero hunger
• 10: Reduced inequalities
• 12: Responsible consumption and production
• 13: Climate action
• 15: Life on land

Looking back on the CBSA's 2020 to 2023 DSDS achievements

In the 2020 to 2023 DSDS, the CBSA focused on four overarching areas of sustainable development: Greening Government, Healthy Wildlife Populations, Sustainable Food, and Safe and Healthy Communities. Within this framework, the agency has made significant progress in 1) modernizing its infrastructure; 2) transitioning our fleet to Zero-Emission or Hybrid Vehicles, and 3) ,installing charging stations at CBSA facilities across the country.

Energy performance contracts (EPCs), which examine energy systems and equipment for energy-saving opportunities, have been completed or are underway at approximately 60 border facilities throughout Canada. These contracts also incorporate climate change resilience considerations into all retrofits. Climate resiliency studies have been completed at all facilities included under the first phase of the Land Border Crossing Project (LBCP), an infrastructure renewal project, and the minimization of embodied carbon has been included in the agency’s design guide for project construction. The CBSA further completed a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRiVA) to identify and assess the potential impacts of climate change on its operations and infrastructure. Next steps will involve developing and implementing a climate change adaptation plan to mitigate risk and prevent any disruptions to its services or critical impacts to its facilities.

The agency remained committed to ensuring that the equipment entering the workplace was green, and the equipment that exited was diverted from landfills. All CBSA employees with delegated financial authorities have completed Green procurement training, and roll out of this training to procurement specialists is ongoing. Waste audits were completed at Ports Of Entry (POE) in all regions across Canada. Moreover, the agency has reduced the number of paper forms by 25%, installed energy-efficient closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in 84 POEs, and replaced traditional desktop computers with work laptops for 89% of employees. An aquatic watercraft inspection training module to intercept invasive aquatic species at the border was fully developed and delivered to Border Services Officers to further ensure that Canada’s native biodiversity is protected.

To support a natural and clean environment, the agency dedicated over $1.5M in funding to the remediation and monitoring of its contaminated sites, and has completed audits for all of its fuel storage tanks across Canada. The potable water at all custodial POEs is sampled and checked regularly, and through the implementation of corrective actions and follow-up monitoring, many drinking water advisories were removed. Water meters have been installed at over half of municipal POEs to track water consumption. The agency has tested for radon at 97% of its custodial sites, and a national inventory of our halocarbon-containing systems has been established, with plans to coordinate with regional stakeholders to take proactive measures to reduce their environmental impacts. All custodial sites have been tested for asbestos, with asbestos management plans in place at approximately 90 sites with remediation implemented where necessary.

The CBSA’s 2020-2023 DSDS outlined many targets beyond its three-year range. These included goals such as reducing the agency’s buildings and fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2025, comprising our fleet of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030, and using 100% clean electricity by 2025. The CBSA has made significant progress towards these goals, and its 2023 to 2027 DSDS showcases the agency’s ongoing commitment towards achieving them. Next steps will include, among others, the continued planning of net-zero carbon buildings, further energy-efficient retrofitting of our existing infrastructure, and the implementation of waste reduction and diversion initiatives.

Listening to Canadians

As required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the CBSA has taken into account comments on the draft 2022 to 2026 FSDS made during the public consultation held from March 11 to July 9, 2022. During the public consultation, more than 700 comments were received from a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses, and individual Canadians in different age groups and of various backgrounds. The draft FSDS was also shared with the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for their review and comment.

Please find more information on the FSDS public consultation and its results in the FSDS Consultation Report.

What we heard

Across the submissions received, Canadians identified sustainable development priorities and issues where CBSA plays a role. Many of the comments received were centred on SDG 13: Climate Action as a top priority. Stakeholders called for more action to advance a circular economy in Canada. Reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights and self-governance were also strong themes in the consultations.

What we did

The CBSA took the above-mentioned key priorities and issues into consideration in this DSDS. The agency has dedicated resources to the development and implementation of projects that prioritize taking action on climate change and its impacts. We are on track to meet the 40% greenhouse gas emission reductions below 2005 levels by 2025, with an aspiration to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We will achieve this by taking actions such as implementing clean electricity at all ports of entry through the purchase of energy from renewable and non-emitting sources, reducing emissions by transitioning our facilities and fleet to net-zero carbon alternatives, and integrating climate resiliency considerations in all retrofits and new construction projects.

In addition to training procurement specialists, the CBSA will ensure the transition towards a circular economy by procuring operational equipment that meets green procurement standards, such as energy-efficient CCTV in our custodial facilities.

To advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities, the Indigenous Training Program at the CBSA gives opportunities for employees to enhance cultural awareness, knowledge and understanding of Indigenous history and culture, and establishes Indigenous learning as a priority. The Indigenous Learning Policy responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Call to Action #57 which requires the Government of Canada to increase cultural competency.

Goal 2: Zero hunger—Support a healthier and more sustainable food system

The CBSA contributes to the goal of supporting a healthier and more sustainable food system of food grown, harvested and produced in Canada, through the administration and enforcement of border management legislation.

The CBSA is committed to ensuring the safety of Canada’s food systems and contributing to the Canadian economy by preventing the introduction of invasive plant and animal species that could pose a risk to local livestock, crops and agricultural production. Invasive species can pose a risk to forestry production, fisheries, lakes and waterways, parks and recreational areas.

In order to prevent the introduction of invasive species that pose a threat to Canada's food system, the agency is focusing on advancing the modernization of its detection technology and enforcing regulations and legislation such as the Plant Protection Act, the Health of Animals Act, and the Safe Food for Canadians Act. Additionally, the CBSA works in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection agency to administer and enforce 7 federal acts dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants.

The CBSA recognizes the importance of Canada’s agri-food and fisheries sectors in providing safe, accessible and sustainable food while ensuring the livelihood of thousands of farmers and ranchers across the country. Since 2020, the agency has been focusing on increasing watercraft inspections for invasive species and advancing a technology to automate risk assessment of commercial import documentation for food, plant and animal commodities, thereby increasing the interception rate of invasive species at the border and preventing their introduction into Canada.

Initiative advancing Canada’s implementation of Goal 2: Zero hunger

The following planned initiative shows how the CBSA programming supports the 2030 agenda and the SDGs, supplementing the information outlined above:

Nature Intelligence System (NIS) Technology: Working with DFO under the direction of the International Border Working Group, an experiment will be conducted in 2023-2024 and plans are to conduct a pilot project at one POE with expansion to additional ports of entry for 2024-2025 and beyond. The NIS will help improve monitoring, tracking and the prevention of invasive alien species. As a result, the CBSA’s programming will support the global effort to protect biodiversity and ensure safe and healthy food systems.

Associated domestic targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

• Goal 1 (No poverty)
• Goal 2 (Zero hunger)
• Goal 14 (Life below land)
• Goal 15 (Life on Land)

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

The CBSA is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and taking action on inequality. The goal to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and taking action on inequality is aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the FSDS. The federal government’s efforts to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and the implementation of UNDRIP is a whole-of-government approach being led by the Department of Justice.

To achieve the implementation strategy to implement UNDRIP, the CBSA is committed to engaging with Indigenous peoples, communities and organizations in a meaningful and respectful way. This engagement will involve working collaboratively with Indigenous partners to co-develop policies and practices related to advancing reconciliation. With regard to the LBCP―an infrastructure renewal project―the CBSA is respectful of the interests of Indigenous Peoples concerning real estate and construction projects, and is taking a proactive approach to actively engage Indigenous partners.

The CBSA and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, working closely with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and other Federal Departments, are developing options to amend legislation on the right of entry to Canada in consultation and cooperation with interested Indigenous partners. The initiative also includes exploring ways to revise policies to address complex border crossing issues, including matters related to the repatriation of Indigenous cultural items and regalia.

The agency recognizes the importance of advancing reconciliation and is committed to building its capacity to work effectively with Indigenous peoples and communities. This will involve providing training and awareness-raising for CBSA employees on Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives, as well as developing partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities. Improving cultural sensitivity and awareness of CBSA employees will promote a better understanding of the unique needs and realities of Indigenous peoples and enable the agency to provide culturally appropriate services.

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

The CBSA recognizes the need to reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles to achieve a sustainable future. As a key player in ensuring the safety and security of Canadians, the CBSA is committed to reducing waste, transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and net-zero procurement, and remediating contaminated sites.

Green procurement

Green procurement is the integration of environmental performance considerations into the purchase decision-making process. To further strengthen the green procurement criteria, the CBSA will continue to assess the environmental impact of products and services, promoting the use of green materials and prioritizing energy-efficient technologies.

In alignment with the Treasury Board Secretariat’s (TBS) Policy on Green Procurement, the agency will focus on a life-cycle approach to procure, operate, and dispose of its assets in a manner that protects the environment while meeting its operational goals.

To facilitate the implementation of green procurement practices, the CBSA is increasing the number of employees who have received green procurement training. Training programs are designed to enhance employee knowledge and understanding of sustainable procurement principles, including environmental certifications, product labelling, and supplier evaluation methodologies. With green procurement training, employees are equipped with the proper tools to assess the environmental attributes of goods and services, integrate sustainability criteria into procurement processes, and engage with suppliers to promote sustainable practices. By equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge, the CBSA ensures that green procurement practices are effectively implemented across the organization, contributing to its overall sustainable development objectives.

Operational waste

With over 15,812 employees working at the CBSA, daily activities may generate significant non-hazardous operational waste. Non-hazardous operational waste includes waste generated on a typical work day, such as papers, plastics and food along with waste generated in the modernization of traditional workspaces.

The CBSA has implemented measures to minimize waste generation, promote recycling and reuse, and ensure proper waste disposal. These measures include the reduction of physical paper forms, repurposing and recycling office equipment and finding opportunities to encourage environmentally-friendly habits amongst employees.

Between 2020 and 2023, the agency conducted waste audits in in 10 of our busiest POEs. These audits allowed the agency to complete its first steps of identifying and quantifying non-hazardous waste production. In order to further identify opportunities for waste diversion, the agency will continue to conduct waste audits and collaborate with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to offer recommendations for waste reduction activities. Additionally, the CBSA is working to reduce the amount of single-use plastics it uses by promoting the use of reusable products, and implementing waste reduction strategies in its operations. To this end, the CBSA is developing a policy on reducing the procurement of, and diverting, single-use plastic waste from departmental operations, meetings and events.

Construction waste

The CBSA is aiming to divert 90% of Construction, Renovation and Demolition (CRD) waste from landfills by 2030. In order to reach this target, the CBSA will focus efforts to ensure that contractual requirements for all new construction are in place, and to reuse, recycle, and minimize construction waste. For renovation and demolition projects, the agency will explore opportunities to reuse and divert the construction waste generated.

CBSA fleet

As per the GGS, the CBSA commits to adopt low-carbon mobility solutions, deploy supporting infrastructure in its facilities, and modernize its fleet. The CBSA manages a fleet of approximately 1,100 operational and administrative vehicles that serve in the agency’s day-to-day operations. In 2005, fleet emissions were responsible for 33% of the CBSA’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles is another key aspect of the CBSA's efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The agency has set a target of electrifying 100% of its light-duty fleet by 2030 where suitable options exist. To accommodate the zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) charging infrastructure needs, the CBSA is installing 17 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at a number of POEs across the country in the spring of 2023.

Additionally, the CBSA is exploring the use of other low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to reduce emissions from its fleet.

For the vehicles located outside of custodial facilities, the agency will seek opportunities to engage with local authorities to access and use their available infrastructure, such as charging stations.

The CBSA fleet now includes an electric pick-up truck

The CBSA is proud to add an electric pick-up truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning, to its fleet. The Ford F-150 Lightning will be used for operational purposes at the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This investment will help to further reduce emissions from the CBSA’s fleet; the replacement of one gas-powered pickup truck with a fully electric version will result in the reduction of, on average, about 74 metric tons of carbon emissions over the lifetime of the vehicle.

Clean electricity

The CBSA is moving towards clean electricity for all of its facilities and fleet with plans to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2025. While the majority of facilities use electricity for heating, 46 facilities still rely on traditional fuels such as natural gas or oil for heating. The CBSA plans to convert these facilities to electric heating, particularly in Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba, where there is a clean supply of electricity from renewable sources such as hydro-electricity.

Over 86% of CBSA’s electricity is obtained from clean energy sources. In provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, where electricity is produced mainly using coal, the CBSA is purchasing clean electricity from renewable sources, thus encouraging their energy sectors to modernize, as per the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. This will result in the provinces producing more energy from renewable sources for residential homes and industry sectors Clean Energy Purchase will decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025.

The CBSA is continually seeking low-carbon energy sources, such as renewable natural gas or biogas, to power facilities where possible. Starting in 2023, the agency will procure 10% of its natural gas (methane) consumption at Rigaud College from renewable sources such as landfills. This accounts for a 1% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions in the agency’s real property portfolio.

Embodied carbon

Under the TBS Guide for Implementing the Standard on Embodied Carbon in Construction, the CBSA is working to prioritize low-carbon emitting construction materials using the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), an environmental declaration providing quantified environmental data using predetermined parameters and, where relevant, more environmental information in all new construction projects.

Contaminated sites

The CBSA is committed to the identification, assessment and remediation of any contaminated site within its real property portfolio. As an active contributing department of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), the CBSA has received $1.2 million in funding for remediation activities and monitoring, in addition to its own contribution of $1.5 million.

Hybrid Work Model

The CBSA is also moving towards green leases in buildings where the agency is occupying 70% or more of the floor space. In an effort to improve space utilization, the CBSA is piloting a GCworkplace design in many of its offices nationally, including a number of floors in the buildings located in Ottawa headquarters, Halifax, Vancouver and Calgary.

This consists of condensing and optimizing the use of leased spaces, as well as leveraging the common hybrid work model where feasible, which will reduce environmental impacts associated with commuting to work.

The CBSA is also working in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on a pilot of GC Coworking, an initiative to provide alternative workspaces for Government of Canada employees throughout the country to provide employees with modern collaboration space and alternative location on remote work days.

Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts

In support of SDG 13 to take action on climate change and its impacts, the CBSA’s 2023 to 2027 DSDS includes various measures to reduce its carbon footprint, such as:

• reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agency’s fleet and facilities
• modernizing facilities to net-zero carbon buildings
• assessing and mitigating climate change risks

As the 12th largest contributor within the federal government of greenhouse emissions, the CBSA recognizes the critical importance of taking action on climate change and its impacts. As a key contributor to Canada's economy and safety, the CBSA has committed to implementing the country's climate plans and actions, building climate resiliency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to net-zero carbon operations, and collaborating on emergency management and disaster risk reduction.

Since the onset of the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the agency has made significant progress towards greening its operations and improving its overall energy efficiency. The agency is on track to meet its greenhouse gas reduction target of 40% below 2005 baseline levels by 2025.

To continue its work in achieving Canada's climate goals, the CBSA has identified several opportunities to reduce its carbon footprint by enhancing its energy management practices, optimizing buildings and systems, and investing in low-carbon technologies.

The CBSA is taking action to transition to net-zero carbon operations for its facilities and conventional fleet. This includes implementing sustainable transportation practices, such as the use of zero-emissions vehicles like plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, and reducing energy consumption in buildings through the use of renewable energy sources, green building practices, and energy-efficient technologies. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the CBSA will continue to undertake energy retrofits through EPCs within its custodial portfolio.

As per Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy, the CBSA is taking action to establish a more climate resilient future for Canadians.

Building climate resiliency is an essential part of the CBSA's efforts to address climate change. The agency recognizes the risks associated with climate change and the need to adapt to the changing environment to maintain the safety and security of Canadians. The CBSA has completed its CRiVA to identify and assess the potential impacts of climate change on its operations and infrastructure. The next step consists of developing and implementing a climate change adaptation plan to guide the agency towards mitigating risks, preventing disruption to its services and avoiding severe impacts to its facilities.

Given the agency’s unique position within the Government of Canada with respect to border management, the CBSA has the opportunity to collaborate on emergency management and disaster risk reduction initiatives, such as incorporating climate change considerations into its emergency management plans.

CBSA facilities

Custodial POEs and supporting infrastructure account for 70% of the CBSA’s greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2003, the CBSA has been expanding its operations through the construction of several larger buildings, such as new Immigration Holding Centres in Quebec and British Columbia and the new Refugee Processing Centre in Lacolle, QC. Despite the recent increase in floor area at custodial facilities, the CBSA has successfully managed to reduce its greenhouse gas emission intensity per square metre (m2) by 58.5% through the implementation of various measures.

Land Border Crossing Project (LBCP)

The agency has developed a real property strategy to modernize its custodial facilities. Through the first phase of facility renewal, the LBCP will increase energy efficiency, implement net-zero carbon ready standards and integrate climate change resilience into the design, construction, and operational aspects of its custodial facilities.

Additionally, the LBCP’s design will include low-carbon concrete as per the Standard on Embodied Carbon in Construction which requires major construction projects of Government of Canada real property assets to disclose and reduce the embodied carbon of structural materials used as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. This initiative alone is anticipated to reduce CBSA’s GHG emissions by approximately 6%.

Water conservation

In support of the federal GGS, the CBSA will work towards reducing both water consumption in its custodial buildings and its load on municipal water systems.

All new construction will include best-in-class practices, such as incorporating low-flow toilets and faucets as well as water meters to monitor water consumption.

For existing construction, the CBSA will create an inventory of water meters within its custodial facilities with municipally-supplied water.

Energy performance contracts

For existing infrastructure, the CBSA has leveraged Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Federal Buildings Initiative (FBI), which helps federal organizations enter into third-party EPCs that allow major retrofits to be self-financing. The EPC will allow the CBSA to undertake energy efficiency retrofit projects with no upfront capital costs, and take advantage of private sector funding. The private investment is paid back by future energy savings.

Project measures are designed to increase energy efficiency and increase the occupant comfort of front line officers through project delivery in the areas of energy-efficient heating and cooling, lighting retrofit, alternate energy supply, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system optimization.

The CBSA will complete the national EPC at approximately 60 POEs across the country in 2025 and in Quebec in 2024, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17% combined. The Rigaud Training Centre, which completed its EPC in 2022, achieved a greenhouse emission reduction of 44%, which represents a reduction of 6% for the CBSA’s total GHG emissions. Additional EPC activities are planned for various regions and facilities, to achieve additional energy savings.

Figure 1. The CBSA’s GHG reductions to be achieved through the implementation of various initiatives from 2022 to 2025.

Text description: CBSA GHG Emissions Reduction Plan 2022-2025

In the 2005 to 2006 baseline year, the CBSA’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was at 12,810 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. By 2021 to 2022, the CBSA’s GHG emissions had decreased to 10,119 tonnes of CO2. The FSDS target is set to achieve a 40% GHG emissions reduction (by 7,686 tonnes of CO2 equivalent) from 2005 levels through a number of important reductions measures. By 2025, it is anticipated that the net GHG emissions will be 7,045 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Climate change adaptation

In 2023, the CBSA completed a CRiVA for all of its assets, programs and services. The findings of this study have allowed the CBSA to identify critical facilities and high-priority areas where significant climate-related risks have been identified within its programs. The agency has plans to address climate-related risks and integrate climate change considerations into its policies and procedures by developing a comprehensive climate change adaptation plan, informed by the findings of the CRiVA. This plan will outline the agency's strategic approach to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance its resilience.

By implementing the CRiVA recommendations, the CBSA aims to identify and manage major climate risks associated to its infrastructure, adapt its operations and improve its emergency response capabilities. The plan will include measures to integrate climate considerations into decision-making processes, enhance infrastructure resilience, and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, the agency is in the process of implementing mitigation measures at high-priority POEs where flooding has occurred and where significant vulnerabilities to the infrastructure components have been identified. Through these efforts, the CBSA will contribute to national climate goals, and ensure the continuity of its services in the face of climate change challenges.

Canada’s changing climate

With Canada’s changing climate, adaptation and resilience measures will be vital for all CBSA operations now and in the future. At the Abbotsford Huntingdon Border Crossing Facility, heavy rainfall events pose a significant flooding risk. As a result, the CBSA has commissioned an Environmental Risk Assessment and Flood Preparation Plan that will seek to provide a long-term, easy-to-deploy solution to prevent flood damage to infrastructure, while incorporating climate change considerations.

Emergency management

The Government of Canada Cyclical Event Response Plan (CERP), led by the Government Operations Center, outlines the federal approach to supporting provinces and territories in their efforts to respond to emergencies related to cyclical events, mainly including flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes/tropical storms. Updated annually, the CERP also gives strategic guidance and orientation for planning and whole-of-government response activities at the national level.

With the rise in climate change, these types of natural hazards are increasingly affecting Canadians in different ways. By focusing on a forecast-centric planning approach, the CERP helps ensure that the Government of Canada is better informed and aligned to respond to these emergencies by prioritizing high preparedness, high vigilance, and an integrated Federal response.

The CBSA’s CERP is updated annually, and is aligned with the Government of Canada’s CERP planning objectives and assumptions by establishing a common understanding of the agency’s capabilities in preparation for and in response to cyclical events. It also outlines the agency’s organizational capacity while also addressing the question of ‘what do we need to do’ within the agency to prepare for and mitigate impacts. Tthe CBSA CERP complements, but does not replace existing plans, authorities, or mandates. It supports the comprehensive and coordinated federal approach to emergency response as it pertains to cyclical events in Canada.

The CBSA also contributes to a whole-of-government response by supporting and collaborating with many federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories, stakeholders, and partners throughout each phase of the Government Operations Centre’s planning to ensure a timely, integrated and effective response to incidents. The agency also supports the Government Operations Centre through enhanced reporting, risk assessment planning, and participating in the coordination of the federal response.

Goal 15: Protect and recover species, conserve Canadian biodiversity

The conservation of biodiversity is critical for the survival of our planet's ecosystems and the services they provide, such as clean air and water, nutrient cycling, and pollination. The CBSA recognizes the importance of protecting and recovering species and conserving Canadian biodiversity.

One of the major threats to biodiversity is invasive alien species (IAS), which can cause significant ecological and socio-economic damage. The CBSA is taking action to prevent the introduction and spread of IAS by implementing risk management measures, conducting inspections of watercraft vessels, along with goods including food, plant and animals, and collaborating with partners to share information and best practices. The CBSA is also investing in the modernization of technology for monitoring international wildlife trade to detect and prevent the illegal trade of endangered species.

To prevent the introduction and spread of IAS, the CBSA is implementing risk management measures that target high-risk goods, such as plants, soil, and wood products. CBSA officers are trained to identify IAS and conduct inspections to prevent their entry into Canada. In collaboration with partners such as the Canadian Food Inspection agency, the CBSA also shares information and best practices to enhance border security and reduce the risk of IAS introduction. In the last few years, the CBSA has successfully completed and implemented its training module for Border Services Officer on watercraft inspections for aquatic invasive species. The training has allowed the border operations to increase its effectiveness in intercepting invasive species and preventing invasive species from entering Canada.

The CBSA has been working on the use of emerging automated risk assessment technology, specifically the Nature Intelligence System (NIS), which helps Border Services Officers assess risk for every species in a shipment identified on commercial import documentation. The NIS technology recognizes taxonomic names on commercial invoices and flags those species that are prohibited or regulated. This technology links to multiple international taxonomic databases and transfers scientific expertise to Border Services Officers to enable informed, evidence-based decision-making at the border.

The CBSA is running an experiment using the NIS to process a larger sample size, commercial invoices for recent imports of 600 shipments of live aquatic species. Following the experiment, the CBSA will work with the NIS developers and with Microsoft to run an operational pilot project to process import transactions in a live environment.

Other effective area-based conservation measures

The CBSA is also taking measures to protect Canada's biodiversity by officially recognizing a part of the CBSA’s Canada Border Services College located in Rigaud, QC as an Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure (OECM). The recognized 8.4 hectare maple grove forest will contribute to the goal to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and to conserve 30% of lands and waters in Canada by 2030. As part of its efforts to protect biodiversity, the agency is also conducting a three-phase wildlife study at the site. This study will include engaging with local Indigenous communities to gain knowledge on the flora and fauna that reside in the College forest. Once complete, the CBSA will use the findings from this study to update its management plan to actively promote habitat protection for species at risk in the area.

OECM – Conserving land at the Canada Border Services College

The Maple Grove forest at the Rigaud College Main Campus is home to various species at risk. This includes several species of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. One such species is the endangered Butternut tree, Juglans cinerea, pictured on the right. The OECM at Rigaud helps to halt Canadian biodiversity loss by protecting species, like the Butternut tree, that are at risk.