2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

ISSN : 2817-7045

Table of Contents

Introduction to the 2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in PPSC’s 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to PPSC’s DSDS in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024.

The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDSs. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated in PPSC’s DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.

To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, the PPSC’s departmental strategy reports on Canada’s progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The Report also now captures progress on SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS.

Commitments for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada

Goal 10: Advance Reonciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality

10: Reduced Inequalities

FSDS Context

The PPSC acknowledges the historical and ongoing failure to protect the lives, values, and culture of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. We are striving to gain a better understanding of the truth of how colonialism affected Indigenous Peoples and the intergenerational trauma it has caused. The PPSC’s role in reconciliation is to ensure that prosecutorial practices continue to evolve to intentionally consider the realities affecting Indigenous Peoples and communities and actively contribute to reducing the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples within the criminal justice system and the high rates of violence against Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous women and girls.

In 2021, the PPSC renamed and revised the mandate of the then National Committee on the Interaction of Indigenous Persons with the Criminal Justice System that was created in 2018. The Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation Committee’s (IJRC) mandate is to consider the impact of prosecutorial policies and practices on Indigenous communities and Indigenous persons as victims, witnesses, accused, jurors, and members of the public. The IJRC makes recommendations on legal issues that relate to the interaction of Indigenous persons with the criminal justice system including issues relating to cultural bias, systemic discrimination, and the PPSC’s role in decreasing the rates of victimization and incarceration of Indigenous persons in Canada. The IJRC works in close collaboration with PPSC’s National Prosecutorial Policy Committee (NPPC), the Advancement Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (ACEDIA), and the National Indigenous Council of Employees (NICE), to provide an Indigenous lens in the ongoing review of the PPSC Deskbook.

Target Theme

Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis communities.

Target

Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)

Implementation Strategy: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Departmental Action

Raise awareness of the complex issues surrounding Indigenous realities and the criminal justice system through a specialized training series customized specifically for the PPSC.

How the Departmental Action Contributes to the FSDS Goal and Target and, Where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is one of the most pressing issues facing Canada today. The over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system has been historically high, and this rate keeps going up.

In December 2022, the PPSC launched a new national training series “Historical and Present Indigenous Realities, Trauma and Gladue Reports.” This training will be mandatory for all non-Indigenous employees of the PPSC. This course was developed through collaborative efforts between PPSC’s Advancement Centre for EDIA, the Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation Committee, the National Indigenous Council for Employees and the NVision Insight Group Inc. in response to Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action #30 and #57. Through this training PPSC employees will learn about the various factors that may be contributing to the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous People. Prosecutors will also learn about consideration that is relevant at various stages of the prosecutorial process that will help ensure the equity of outcomes and contribute to curbing over-representation of Indigenous persons in the criminal justice system.

Relevant targets or ambitions
Results Achieved

Indicator result: As of March 31, 2024, 63% of PPSC employees had completed the training sessions.

The “Historical and Present Indigenous Realities, Trauma and Gladue Reports” training curriculum was specifically adapted for every regional office to acknowledge and integrate the unique historical and present realities of the First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Indigenous communities living in that particular geographical region and served by the PPSC. Employees learned about the various factors that may be contributing to the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous People. Prosecutors also learned about considerations that are relevant at various stages of the prosecutorial process that will help ensure the equity of outcomes and contribute to reducing the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples within the criminal justice system.

Notes: There are currently 77 employees who have self-identified as Indigenous; although members of the indigenous community are not required to attend these sessions, some have attended.

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

12: Responsible Consumption and Production

FSDS Context

The PPSC is a small federal agency with a specific mandate that is tied to prosecution of federal offences. The PPSC is committed to supporting the Government of Canada’s efforts to reduce waste and transition to zero emissions by following the relevant directive issues by leading federal agencies.

Target Theme

Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption

Target

The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (All Ministers).

Implementation Strategy: Transform the federal light-duty fleet

Departmental Action

Ensure all new PPSC fleet vehicles will be hybrid where operationally feasible.

How the Departmental Action Contributes to the FSDS Goal and Target and, Where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs

The PPSC currently owns four (4) vehicles, in the following regional offices: one (1) in Nunavut, one (1) in Northwest Territories, and two (2) in Yukon. The use of hybrid vehicles enhances sustainable consumption by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fleet operations. The PPSC will consider converting its fleet to hybrid vehicles, should this be feasible with consideration of climate conditions and infrastructure availability.

Relevant targets or ambitions
Results Achieved

Indicator result: The PPSC’s fleet was reduced to three (3) gas-powered vehicles; the PPSC conducted a survey with the Northern Regions to determine the feasibility of converting the remaining vehicles, and which vehicle option suited the PPSC’s needs. An analysis was then drafted based on the results of the Survey, and a recommendation was made to convert the remaining vehicles to hybrid models.

The construction of EV charging stations is scheduled to be completed in two (2) of the three (3) locations in the Fall of 2025.

Notes: Opting for hybrid vehicles would ensure consistent operation without dependence on charging infrastructure, leading to greater reliability and operational efficiency, particularly in remote areas where access to services may be limited.

Implementation Strategy: Strengthen green procurement criteria

Departmental Action

Ensure procurement officers and acquisition cardholders have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

How the Departmental Action Contributes to the FSDS Goal and Target and, Where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains.

The training on green procurement for all procurement officers has been a requirement at the PPSC since the 2015-2016 fiscal year. In the more recent years, this requirement was extended to include all acquisition cardholders, which may include business coordinators or other office support staff. Green procurement training will be a continues and ongoing requirement for all new employees involved in procurement and material management.

Relevant targets or ambitions
Results Achieved

Indicator result: Four (4) out of six (6) procurement officers have completed the green procurement training by March 31, 2024, and 25 out of 47 acquisition cardholders attended the information session on green procurement.

Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change and its Impacts

13: Climate Action

FSDS Context

The PPSC is a small federal agency with a specific mandate that is tied to prosecution of federal offences. The PPSC is committed to supporting the Government of Canada’s efforts to action on climate change and its impacts by following the relevant directive issues by leading federal agencies.

Target Theme

Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience

Target

The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)

Implementation Strategy: Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations.

Departmental Action

Optimize PPSC office locations in accordance with the GC workplace modernization initiative, by implementing the new Government of Canada Fit-Up Standards.

How the Departmental Action Contributes to the FSDS Goal and Target and, Where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs

PPSC currently operates from 21 office locations across Canada. The PPSC actively engages with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Shared Services Canada (SSC), and private sector partners to ensure any new office locations and/or fit-up projects are implemented in line with established government policies and standards. Furthermore, the organization is currently working on developing a hybrid workplace model to help further reduce the environmental footprint of its operations.

Relevant targets or ambitions
Results Achieved

Indicator result: 14% of PPSC office were retrofitted to meet the standards established by the GC modern and green workspace directive by March 31, 2024.

Implementation Strategy: 2nd Mail / E-delivery

Departmental Action

Implement a mail service digital transformation initiative to reduce the amount of paper-based mail received by the organization.

How the Departmental Action Contributes to the FSDS Goal and Target and, Where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs

Approximately 20% of paper mail received by the PPSC qualifies for e-delivery. Eligible mail includes vendor invoices, credit card statements, newsletters and promotional materials. The PPSC currently logs and tracks mail received in many of its office locations, this practice will be continuing to expand other PPSC offices. The transition will to e-delivery of eligible mail will help support green operations by reducing waste and unnecessary use of paper.

Relevant targets or ambitions
Results Achieved

Indicator result: Overall, the PPSC has seen a small increase in paper mail received during the last fiscal year. Although some courts and investigative agencies had adopted the paperless option during the pandemic, some have reverted to paper mail; furthermore, some are unwilling or unable to switch to electronic delivery.

The PPSC remains dedicated to encouraging its communicating affiliates to adopt an electronic mail delivery system.

Goal 16: Promote a Fair and Accessible Justice System, Enforce Environmental Laws, and Manage Impacts

16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

FSDS Context

As a key participant in the Criminal Justice System, the PPSC is committed to modernize its prosecutorial policies and practices to contribute to uphold public trust and support a criminal justice system that is more equitable and fairer to all Canadians. The review of the PPSC’s main policy document, the PPSC Deskbook, from an intersectional and reconciliation perspective, will bring a change that will help mitigate discrimination, systemic racism, and over-representation within the criminal justice system. This review has already fruited to positive change. The first two (2) chapters to undergo the review chapter 2.2 Duties and Responsibilities of Crown Counsel and chapter 2.3 Decision to Prosecute require prosecutors to consider systemic and background factors that may have contributed to bringing an accused person to court, to recognize and guard against all forms of bias, and ensure that their decisions do not disproportionately impact those who may be vulnerable or marginalized.

Target Theme

A Fair and Accessible Justice System and the Rule of Law

Target

By 2030, at least 70% of Canadians think the criminal justice system is both fair and accessible to all people (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)

Implementation Strategy: Take action to improve fairness in law enforcement and the criminal justice system

Departmental Action

Review the PPSC Deskbook with an intersectional lens to ensure it contains guidance directing that prosecution decisions are made in a fair and equitable manner and recommend changes to any policy or practice that may contribute to discrimination, systemic racism, or over-representation within the criminal justice system.

How the Departmental Action Contributes to the FSDS Goal and Target and, Where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs

The PPSC Deskbook currently includes 60 chapters that provide directives and guidelines that instruct and guide prosecutors in their decisions on various legal issues or stages of the prosecutorial process. In 2021, the Director of Public Prosecutions tasked the National Prosecution Policy Committee to review of the PPSC Deskbook from and intersectional perspective. The broad objective of the review is to identify any policy, practice, or procedures that may contribute to discrimination, systemic racism, or over-representation in the criminal justice system and make the changes necessary to provide prosecutors with the direction required to ensure that all cases are prosecuted fairly, impartially, and in a way that furthers the public interest, thus ensuring more equitable outcomes for Canadians.

The NPPC is taking a phased approach to this review. The first two (2) phases include a review of 10 existing chapter and the drafting of one (1) new chapter.

Chapter 2.3, Decision to Prosecute, was the first to undergo review. The revised chapter was published in March 2023. The revised guideline requires a more active approach from prosecutors in a number of respects to address over-representation and systemic racism.

Chapter 2.2 Duties and Responsibilities of Crown Counsel was also recently reviewed and the revised chapter published in September 2023. The revised guideline requires prosecutors to consider systemic and background factors that may have contributed to bringing an accused person to court to ensure that their decisions do not a disproportional impact.

In the course of the review, the PPSC may also publish new Chapters to provide prosecutors with additional relevant guidelines.

Relevant targets or ambitions
Results Achieved

Indicator result: In 2023-2024, the DPP implemented changes to three guidelines:

Implementation Strategy: Other

Departmental Action

Implement PPSC’s National Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Action Plan 2021-2024.

How the Departmental Action Contributes to the FSDS Goal and Target and, Where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs

The National EDIA Action Plan will help PPSC advance in a way that ensures everyone in the organization experiences a work culture that is more equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible. This will enable PPSC employees to contribute towards supporting a criminal justice system that is more equitable and fairer to all Canadians. The plan includes 53 national and regional initiatives and actions to support three main goals:

Relevant targets or ambitions
Results Achieved

Indicator result: Although only 3% of the actions identified in the 2021-2024 National EDIA Action Plan can be reported as “completed” during the 2023-24 fiscal year, the majority of these actions are -and will remain an ongoing process.

Integrating Sustainable Development

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.

Public statements on the results of PPSC’s assessments are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.

The PPSC did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023-24.

Date modified: