The Brundtland Report, published in 1987 by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, coined the term "sustainable development" and defined it as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Promoting this approach to economic development is at the heart of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's mandate.
Every year, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada publishes a Sustainable Development Strategy which aligns with and supports the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. It supports and facilitates the integration of sustainable development practices within the operations of Canadian industry, and promotes sustainability principles to Canadian consumers.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is committed to supporting the development of sustainable industries. The Department conducts research, and provides recommendations about sustainable development policies and practices.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada maintains a Sustainable Development website that includes
- current and past strategies;
- progress reports on the implementation of strategies
Further information
The Department's sustainable development activities and policies are coordinated through the Strategic Policy Branch.