Overview

The 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) of Canada details the nation's efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including initiatives, obstacles faced, and advancements made toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Canada has concentrated on building robust institutional frameworks and creating an atmosphere that is conducive to discussion and action on the 2030 Agenda both nationally and globally since its first VNR in 2018. Five core SDGs—No Poverty (SDG 1), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)—are given particular attention in the 2023 VNR.

Canada's 2023 VNR demonstrates a comprehensive and multifaceted implementation strategy for the 2030 Agenda. Although Canada has made significant progress, there are still problems that need persistent work and creative solutions. To advance the SDGs, the VNR emphasizes the significance of diversity, leadership, and teamwork.

Canada contributes to the worldwide endeavour to attain sustainable development and guarantees that no one is left behind by exchanging best practices and lessons learned.

Location

Government of Canada, 4300 Yonge St., North York, Ontario M2N 6M4, Canada

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Key Dates and Figures

Canada allocated $109.2 million in the 2018 budget to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, establishing the SDG Unit and launching the SDG Funding Program.
Canada remains well-positioned to achieve a 50% decrease in poverty by 2030, based on 2015 levels.
Maintaining the $5.3 billion pledge to assist developing nations in addressing and mitigating the effects of climate change; and creating a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy to support agricultural, environmental, and climate change initiatives through 2030 and 2050.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Country Focal Point

Anar Mamdani
Counsellor
Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations
Anar.Mamdani@international.gc.ca
Tel: +1-212-848-1100

SDGs Country Progress: On-Track

SDG 1 (No Poverty): Canada has made tangible progress toward its poverty reduction targets, having exceeded its interim goal of a 20% reduction in poverty by 2020, with a poverty rate of 7.4% in 2021, which is nearly half of the 2015 rate of 14.5% 16.

SDG 4 (Quality Education): Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all - The government is actively working to enhance access to education, which is a key focus of its initiatives to promote lifelong learning opportunities.

SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Canada is actively working towards this goal progress has been made, but significant barriers still exist that hinder the full participation of women and girls in society.Overall, Canada remains committed to addressing these challenges and promoting gender equality

SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Canada is committed to ensuring water resources availability and sustainable management, aligning with its broader goals for sustainable development.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Canada is making strides in providing access to affordable and clean energy, which is part of its commitment to sustainable development.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The government assessment highlights that Canadians have access to quality jobs and benefit from sustainable economic growth, indicating progress in this area.

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Canada is actively working towards sustainable consumption and production patterns, which is reflected in its policies and initiatives.

SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Canada is on track with its efforts to conserve marine resources, aligning with its commitments under this goal.

SDG 15 (Life on Land): Canada’s commitment to sustainable development includes efforts to protect terrestrial ecosystems.

SDG 17 ( Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. The VNR indicates that Canada is fostering partnerships and collaboration across various sectors to advance the SDGs, demonstrating progress in this area.

SDGs Country Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): While Canada aims to build resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable industrialization, the government assessment indicates that there are challenges in ensuring access to modern and sustainable infrastructure for all Canadians.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): This focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, the report highlights that despite some progress, there are ongoing health disparities that need to be addressed, particularly among marginalized communities.

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): This aims to reduce inequality within and among countries, the VNR notes that while efforts are being made, significant gaps remain in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, indicating that progress is not sufficient.

SDG 13 (Climate Action): The goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change is challenged by the need for more aggressive measures to mitigate climate impacts, as the report emphasizes the importance of enhancing climate resilience.

SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): This promotes just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, the report suggests that while Canada is committed to these principles, there are still issues related to social justice and equity that require further attention.

SDGs Country Progress: Seriously Off-Track

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): SDG 2 is seriously off track in Canada, as indicated by ongoing issues with food insecurity. The report highlights that many Canadians still lack access to sufficient and nutritious food, which is a significant concern. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities in food systems, making it harder to achieve food security.

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Seriously Off-Track

SDG2

World Challenges

Major Challenges

COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict- The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have had a significant socio-economic and financial impact on the country.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: Transitioning to a cleaner and more circular economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains a critical challenge.
Challenges of Inequality and Social Inclusion: Achieving inclusive growth requires addressing systemic disparities, especially those made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite, Canada’s progress towards gender equality, women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals still face significant barriers, including increased risk of gender-based violence and lag in labour force participation and employment earnings.
Challenges of rising food prices and food waste: Significant amounts of food waste indicate inefficiencies in the food supply chain and the need for more sustainable practices. Additionally, rising food prices and economy-wide inflation are making it more difficult for many families to consistently afford nutritious food.

World Lessons Learned

Country Lessons Learned

Canada's VNR offers valuable lessons for other countries striving to achieve 2030. The country recognizes that partnerships are at the heart of delivering the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs. Therefore, the key strategies employed by Canada are worth emulating by other countries. These strategies are developing leadership and governance, improving policy coherence, increasing awareness, and encouraging collaborations between all governmental and social levels. Additionally, inclusionary policies like gender equality and support for marginalized groups, emphasise the importance of removing structural barriers for sustainable growth.
Canada’s commitment to achieving the SDG goals is exemplified by the country's commitment to the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan at COP27 in 2022. Their commitment is demonstrated by the financial commitment of $84.25 million to help address developing nations' needs in the areas of climate governance, access to climate financing, and loss and damage. Canada’s efforts in helping less developed countries and commitment to climate finance are commendable and thus worth emulating by other developed countries.

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