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RPP – 2003-2004 – Section 1

NRTEE - 2003-2004 Estimates: Part III - Report on Plans and Priorities

SECTION I: MESSAGE

Previous - Table of Content - Next 1.1 Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer Progress toward sustainable development is a priority for this government and for governments around the world. Given that sustainable development covers a very broad range of areas, the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) focuses its efforts on sustainable development policies and practices that lie at the intersection of the environment and the economy. Using a multistakeholder approach together with sound research and analysis, we produce practical recommendations for simultaneously achieving environmental protection and economic development. Since the NRTEE was created nine years ago, we have evolved and matured. In the early years, we were examining issues in up to 12 different areas at the same time. Today, we take a more strategic approach in our work, using an environmental scanning process to select a much smaller number of issues. To be chosen, these issues must be a) central to addressing the environmental/economic challenges we face in Canada and b) in areas where the NRTEE can provide a unique and valuable contribution. This enables us to develop more focused and effective recommendations and advice that government and industry can implement or react to with confidence. In our 2002-2003 Report on Plans and Priorities, we outline the following key issues that we will be exploring over the next two to three years:

• How fiscal policy can be used to promote the decarbonization of Canadian energy systems while maintaining and supporting options and opportunities for existing energy sources and uses;
• Potential tools and approaches for effectively financing targeted areas of nature conservation in Canada;
• How Canada's capital markets could better support and stimulate environmentally responsible activities; and
• How environment/economy issues are dealt with within the federal government-work in this area will help to identify and overcome the interdepartmental and interjurisdictional conflict and lack of cooperation that impedes the resolution of environmental problems.

Previously, our efforts did not extend much beyond the development and delivery of the analysis, information, insights and recommendations contained in our State of the Debate reports. However, we now recognize that we need to raise the level of understanding of these issues more broadly if our recommendations are to be adopted by government and industry. Such awareness raising is essential to generate momentum for these changes and to effectively influence decision making. To address this need, we are now planning various communication and advocacy activities for 2003 to take the information, insights and recommendations from our Urban and Brownfields programs, as well as our Nature Conservation program, directly to stakeholders across Canada. The NRTEE is committed to advancing progress toward sustainable development in Canada. Our success will depend on partnerships with all of the key stakeholders from all regions of this country. Together, we can develop the recommendations and solutions that will enable us to build a strong economy while preserving our environment for current and future generations. ______________________________ David McGuinty President and Chief Executive Officer 1.2 Management Representation Statement I submit, for tabling in Parliament, the 2003-2004 Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP) for the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles and disclosure requirements contained in the Guide to the Preparation of the 2003-2004 Report on Plans and Priorities:

• It accurately portrays the organization's plans and priorities.
• The planned spending information in this document is consistent with the directions provided in the Minister of Finance's Budget and by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS).
• It is comprehensive and accurate.
• It is based on sound underlying departmental information and management systems.

The reporting structure on which this document is based has been approved by Treasury Board ministers and is the basis of accountability for the results achieved with the resources and authorities provided. ___________________________ Eugene Nyberg Corporate Secretary and Director of Operations