In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, a detailed strategic environmental assessment (SEA) was completed for the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI).
An analysis of the SADI program found that it is likely to have positive, direct and indirect environmental effects over the longer term as it aims to support research and development projects with a long term outcome of contributing to the achievement of broader environmental and other benefits (technological, economic, social) for Canadians.
As a formal implementation strategy in the 2013‐2016 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), SADI is likely to contribute positively to reducing GHG emissions, toxic dispersion and material requirements. Thus, the SADI program is likely to positively advance the following goals and targets of the FSDS:
- Goal 1: Addressing Climate Change; Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation: Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions 17% by 2020.
- Goal 5: Biological Resources: Efficient economic and ecological use of resources – Production and consumption of biological resources are sustainable.