Danish

Uncovering ‘GreenWash’
federal support to community sustainability initiatives and federal involvement
with municipalities. Non- governmental organizations are increasingly being
recognized for their role in promoting sustainable development. Canada has
been a promoter of youth inclusion in policy and decision-making and promotes
gender equity, however it is a long way from settling treaties and landuse
management plans with aboriginal peoples, and does little to support small
farmers. Some companies have taken initiatives around corporate social responsibility,
but numbers will remain few until Canada develops a standardized
set of indicators that can be tracked, monitored and reported on in a systematic
and reliable way. Legislation around pollution prevention in workplaces
is also needed to protect workers and the environment.
4. Means of Implementation
Part of why Canada has not developed sustainably is that it has not adequately
planned or used the tools necessary to implement Agenda 21 and the multilateral
environmental agreements to which it is a party. Although it committed
to do so, Canada has yet to develop a national sustainable development plan
with clear objectives, goals and means to measure progress. Unlike many European
countries, Canada has few examples of ecological fiscal reform or redesigning
taxation and expenditure programs to create incentives and support in
the shift to sustainable development. To improve our record we must also harmonize
legislation upwards to the highest standard. For the private sector, Canadians
want enforceable legislation to ensure environmental compliance and
social responsibility, not voluntary measures. We need improvements on environmental
assessment requirements. On the international level, Canada has
failed to reach the target of 0.7% of GNP for overseas development assistance.
As one of the world’s largest consumers, we have a responsibility to provide
resources towards environmental sustainability and the elimination of poverty.
In order to affect change at all levels, education regarding environment and
sustainability needs to be implemented.
Conclusion
Several contributors recognized our high standard of living as impetus to take
a leadership position toward change and environmental and social accountability.
The demands are clear: what we need is leadership at the highest levels
and the political will to change Canada’s course toward a more sustainable
future.
Nikki Skuce, One Sky
Canadian Environmental Network’s Forum on the WSSD
www.cen-rce.org/wssd info@onesky.ca