2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
From: Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC)
On this page
- Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Commitments for FINTRAC
- Integrating sustainable development
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, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in FINTRAC's 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to FINTRAC'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 FINTRAC's DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, FINTRAC'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 FINTRAC
Goal 5:
Champion gender equality
FSDS context: Project Protect, first launched in 2016, is a unique public-private sector partnership that targets human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation by focusing on the money laundering aspect of the crime. This innovative initiative has helped to protect some of Canada's most vulnerable individuals and to make the fight against human trafficking in the sex trade a collective priority. Based on its analysis of sample transactions related to this crime, FINTRAC found that females were the majority of victims in human trafficking for sexual exploitation. FINTRAC provides disclosures of actionable financial intelligence to Canada's municipal, provincial and federal police forces in support of their human trafficking investigations. By following the money, investigators have been able to identify perpetrators and protect their victims. As the first of its kind in the world, Project Protect has garnered significant international interest and is a leading example of how working with the private sector to address human trafficking can be successful. FINTRAC has also updated its "Methods to verify the identity of persons and entities" guidance to help prevent the re-victimization of survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable populations without identification by facilitating their access to basic banking services and products that are so fundamental to daily life.
Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 5 – Gender equality
The following initiatives demonstrate how FINTRAC's programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, supplementing the information outlined above.
| Planned initiatives | Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|
| FINTRAC will continue to promote education and awareness of its published money laundering indicators in support of Project Protect to assist reporting entities in recognizing financial transactions suspected of being related to the laundering of proceeds associated to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Through financial transaction reports, FINTRAC is able to facilitate the detection, prevention and deterrence of all stages of money laundering (placement, layering and integration) and the financing of terrorist activities by providing actionable financial intelligence disclosures to law enforcement and national security agencies. | Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF Target: 5.2 – Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation |
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| FINTRAC will continue to promote education and awareness of the published guidance for financial institutions in relation to identifying vulnerable clients, including survivors of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, who may not have proper identification documentation or information to open a retail deposit account. The financial identity and/or banking products of survivors of human trafficking for sexual exploitation are often hijacked by their traffickers for money laundering or other criminal purposes. Developed in collaboration with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and Canada's banks, under the umbrella of the global Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking Survivor Inclusion Initiative, the guidance—the first-of-its-kind in the world—will help to prevent the re-victimization of the survivors of this appalling illicit activity by facilitating their access to basic banking services and products that are so fundamental to daily life. |
Goal 10:
Advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and take action on inequality
FSDS context: FINTRAC will continue to undertake actions to implement the Call to Action on Anti-racism, Equity and Inclusion in the Public Service and combat racism, bolster diversity and equity, while fostering inclusion. The Centre will continue to take deliberate actions and engage in meaningful dialogue in line with its core values to improve the status quo, to foster an inclusive culture, to deliver transformative change and to create lasting impacts for Indigenous people, and other equity-seeking groups.
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 | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act |
Support the Government of Canada’s commitment that a mandatory minimum target of 5% of the total value of contracts is awarded to Indigenous businesses Program: |
Performance indicator: Percentage of FINTRAC’s total contract value awarded to Indigenous businesses Starting point: Target: |
FINTRAC’s standard practice is to invite a minimum of one Indigenous supplier to bid on all professional services requests for proposal to provide ongoing opportunities to Indigenous businesses. Relevant targets or ambitions: |
Indicator result: 14.65% Notes: FINTRAC exceeded the 5% target amount for 2023–24 and will continue to implement its plan to support the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Businesses in 2024–25. FINTRAC awarded contracts to various Indigenous suppliers in 2023–24 for commodities, including IT equipment, office furniture, and professional services. FINTRAC continues to examine planned procurements at the pre-planning stage to identify opportunities for Indigenous businesses to be included in the process. There is a continued focus by procurement officers on purchasing commodities using tools that leverage Indigenous capacity (e.g., professional services and IT equipment), setting aside specific opportunities when beneficial to do so, and continuing to provide stakeholders with the tools and resources needed, along with proactive communication and timely change management practices. |
Target theme: Taking action on inequality
Target: Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority (President of the Treasury Board)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the 50 – 30 Challenge | FINTRAC will continue to prioritize initiatives and programs that improve access for employment equity and equity seeking groups to positions of influence and leadership on committees and in senior management, as well as to achieve diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Starting point: In 2021–22, 17% of FINTRAC’s internal committees had achieved at least 30% of under-represented groups, including racialized persons and members of the LGBTQ2. Target: 75% by March 31, 2026 |
FINTRAC is committed to increasing the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within its workplace. The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative co-created by the Government of Canada that aims to attain gender parity and significant representation (at least 30%) of under-represented groups, including racialized persons and members of the LGBTQ2 community, on committees and senior management positions to build a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant economic future for Canadians. Relevant targets or ambitions: |
Indicator result: 0% Notes: In 2023–24, the majority of FINTRAC's governance committees met gender parity, but none had a membership of at least 30% of under-represented groups, including racialized persons Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Two out of three committees were one member short of achieving 30% representation, while the third committee was 10% short of achieving significant representation. As a small agency, each committee member's role is substantial, with a single individual often constituting approximately 8% of the entire committee membership. Therefore departures have a very tangible effect on representation within FINTRAC's committees. A strategic approach will be taken to permanently backfill any vacancies to improve representation, enhancing the diversity of committees and reflecting the Centre's commitment to inclusion. In the last fiscal year, FINTRAC began a comprehensive review its governance function, including all committee Terms of Reference documents and membership lists. As FINTRAC continues to review its internal committee structure and membership, the Centre is committed to ensuring discussions include an appropriate balance of position-based and talent-based considerations, as well as EEDI principles. FINTRAC continues to leverage its annual executive talent management exercise to identify individuals that will drive the Centre towards gender parity and significant representation of under-represented groups on its internal committees. FINTRAC remains steadfast in its goal of closing the gap and to meeting its target by March 31, 2026. |
| Mandatory training curriculum on employment equity and equity-seeking groups | Implement mandatory employment equity, diversity, and inclusion-related learning path for employees, with additional modules for managers, to increase awareness/knowledge as well as to break down the barriers and reduce biases. |
Performance indicators: Starting point: Target: 100% by March 31, 2026 |
FINTRAC is committed to increasing the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within its workplace. This training curriculum will prominently feature a number of courses related to EEDI, such as courses on bridging the diversity gap, systemic racism and racial discrimination, unconscious bias, and reflecting on cultural bias – Indigenous perspectives. The Centre is investing in developing an inclusive mindset and in establishing a sense of belonging and trust for all employees, as well as those joining the organisation now and in the future, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender expression. Relevant targets or ambitions: |
Indicator result: 93% Notes: In 2023–24, 93% of employees were compliant with training as part of Phase 1 (of 3) of the mandatory Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) learning path. The training program included courses on unconscious bias and reconciliation related training. Phases 2 and 3 will be implemented in 2024–25 and 2025–26 respectively. |
Goal 12:
Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
FSDS context: FINTRAC will support the goal of reducing waste through procurement and operational practices that take into account environmental considerations and support new and innovative environmentally friendly technologies. FINTRAC will reduce the environmental impacts of government operations, promote environmental stewardship, and adapt to climate change by integrating environmental considerations in its procurement process. When hosting events, FINTRAC will collaborate with venue representatives to ensure the carbon-footprint of the venue, food and food-waste, paper and plastic consumption, and waste-related emissions align with the objectives to reduce as much waste per participant as possible.
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 | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthen green procurement criteria |
Ensure all procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in green procurement (such as, the Canada School of Public Service course on green procurement, or equivalent) within one year of being identified Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in green procurement within one year of being identified Starting point: In 2022–23, 100% of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in green procurement Target: 100% of procurement officers and material management specialists receive training within one year of being identified. |
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. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF Indicator: 12.2.1 Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices GIF Target: 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Indicator result: 100% Notes: All procurement and materiel management specialists have completed the Canada School of Public Service's training on green procurement. |
Goal 13:
Take action on climate change and its impacts
FSDS context: Recognizing that climate change will have unavoidable impacts, FINTRAC will work with its partners at Public Services and Procurement Canada and Shared Services Canada to understand and assess the possible effects of a changing climate on its operations. As part of business planning, FINTRAC will consider climate change impacts in its planning and investments, and identify opportunities to ensure that its operations are resilient to the anticipated impacts of climate change. FINTRAC will also seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and from business travel, including its Compliance examinations which are now a mixture of virtual, hybrid and on-site. When a hybrid option is made available, FINTRAC will consider if presenting to conferences and/or conducting outreach activities virtually is most appropriate.
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 | Departmental action | Performance indicator Starting point Target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations |
Implementation of on-premises and cloud-based energy use monitoring to inform decision-making processes regarding the establishment of FINTRAC’s cloud infrastructure Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Starting point: No information is currently available Target: Energy consumption information is available to inform decision-making processes by March 2024 |
FINTRAC will work with Shared Services Canada to determine the most effective mix of services and solutions that ensure that the Centre’s need for reliability and security are met and Canada’s commitment to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is supported CIF Ambition / Target: 13.3 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change CIF Indicator: 13.3.1 Proportion of municipal organization who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process GIF Targets: 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Indicator result: Energy consumption information was used to decrease our processing footprint in 2023–24. Notes: Although FINTRAC's level of carbon emissions has increased by approximately 48% since April 2023, this can be attributed to an increase of workloads in the cloud – including creating new workloads to support processes to improve the agency's outputs. Despite the increase in our carbon output, our carbon intensity (measure of grams of CO2 are released to produce a kWh of electricity) has decreased by approximately 38% since April 2023. |
| Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations |
FINTRAC is transitioning its processes to modern, efficient, electronic systems that are expected to operate almost entirely with electronic records, thereby reducing the need for paper documents. FINTRAC will establish processes to monitor paper consumption by sector to inform decision-making. Program: Internal Services, Compliance, and Intelligence |
Performance indicator: Starting point: No information is currently available Target: Paper consumption per employee to be reduced. Exact target to be determined once measurement begins. |
FINTRAC will work with Shared Services Canada and contractors to transition operational systems to current standards for security reliability and interoperability CIF Ambition / Target: 13.3 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change CIF Indicator: 13.3.1 Proportion of municipal organization who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process GIF Targets: 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Indicator result: Starting point calculated at 889 sheets of paper purchased per full-time equivalent in 2023–24. Notes: A baseline has been established in 2023–24 and it is expected that paper consumption will decrease in the 2024–25, 2025–26, and 2026–27 reporting years as manual processes continue to transition to electronic systems. In December 2022, Treasury Board Secretariat Canada announced the implementation of a common hybrid work model across the core public administration requiring employees work on site at least 2 or 3 days per week, or 40 to 60% of their regular schedule as of March 31, 2023. With on-site presence increasing in all four of FINTRAC's offices in 2023–24 compared to previous years, additional paper was purchased to ensure the workplace was prepared for increased employee presence. Due to the nature of FINTRAC's work, a number of processes remained paper-based in 2023–24. As the Centre explores the possibility of digitalizing more of its functions – for example, the production and approval of financial intelligence disclosures – it is expected that paper purchases, and consumption, will decline in the coming years. In 2024–25, the Intelligence sector is committed to transitioning to a paperless disclosure process, which is estimated to save the sector over $5,000.00 CAD in associated costs for printer paper and document folders, while increasing sustainability and security measures. |
Goal 15:
Protect and recover species, conserve Canadian biodiversity
FSDS context: Illegal wildlife trade poses a serious environmental, economic, security and public health threat in Canada and around the world. It's a major and growing threat to the global environment and biodiversity, imperilling endangered species already on the edge of survival, and threatening fragile habitats, communities and livelihoods. Illegal wildlife trade can also have significant public health impacts, as the circulation of animal parts increases the chances of disease transmission and can be a path for future pandemics. FINTRAC will continue to promote awareness of the money laundering indicators related to illegal wildlife trade and produce actionable financial intelligence in support of law enforcement investigations that will assist in targeting, disrupting and dismantling the organized criminal networks that profit from this heinous crime.
Initiatives advancing Canada’s implementation of SDG 15 – Life on land
The following initiatives demonstrate how FINTRAC’s programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, supplementing the information outlined above.
| Planned initiatives | Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|
|
FINTRAC will continue to promote education and awareness of its published money laundering indicators that will assist businesses in identifying and reporting suspicious transactions suspected of being related to illegal wildlife trade. This, in turn, will facilitate the production of actionable financial intelligence in support of law enforcement investigations in Canada and abroad in identifying, pursuing and prosecuting perpetrators – and broader networks – linked to illegal wildlife trade. |
Relevant targets or ambitions: |
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Integrating sustainable development
Working with our portfolio partner in the Department of Finance Canada, FINTRAC 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. As the overall policy lead for Canada's anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing (AML/ATF) regime, the Department of Finance Canada advances these assessments, with input from FINTRAC, where relevant.
Public statements on the results of the Department of Finance Canada'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.
FINTRAC did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023–24.
Cat. No.: FD2-13E-PDF
ISSN: 2818-5374
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
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