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This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the design of federal greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations for Canada's oil and gas sector. The authors argue that because the sector has a limited ability to deliver emission intensity improvements by 2020, regulations must incorporate compliance flexibility—both within the sector (via credit trading) and beyond the sector (via price ceilings and offsets)—to remain cost-effective while increasing environmental ambition.

This case study report examines agricultural participation in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) across four Canadian watersheds: the Okanagan Basin (BC), Lower Souris River (SK), Yamaska (QC), and Souris River (PEI). It analyzes the drivers and barriers to producer engagement, the institutional structures governing water management, and the resources provided by federal and provincial governments. The report concludes that while financial incentives are a primary driver for adopting beneficial management practices (BMPs), there is a critical need for better integration between high-level IWRM planning and on-the-ground agri-environmental implementation, supported by localized technical extension and consistent monitoring data.

This report, prepared by EnviroEconomics Inc. for the International Institute for Sustainable Development's Global Subsidies Initiative, estimates the value and impact of government subsidies for upstream oil activities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and at the Canadian federal level. Using a definition based on the WTO's Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, the study identifies 63 subsidy programs totaling approximately $2.8 billion annually. The report analyzes the distribution of these subsidies, their financial impact on well-level production, and their broader macroeconomic and environmental effects through 2020.

This report, an excerpt from a paper presented at the Banff Dialogue in April 2010, argues for the creation of a coherent national energy strategy for Canada to better manage its diverse energy resources and navigate its heavy trade dependence on the United States while transitioning toward low-carbon energy.

This research paper, prepared by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for the 2010 World Resources Report, argues that existing government practices can be harnessed to manage the risks and uncertainties of climate change. The authors propose a framework of seven adaptive policy-making practices divided into 'planned adaptability' and 'autonomous adaptability' to help policy-makers navigate complex, unpredictable socio-economic and ecological systems.

This case study examines the environmental information infrastructure supporting lentil production and conservation tillage in Canada, specifically within the Prairie region. It analyzes how information flows between farmers, researchers, and organizations to manage soil fertility and erosion, while identifying gaps between farm-level informal monitoring and national-level formal reporting.

This research paper develops and tests indicators of adaptive capacity to climate change for agriculture across 53 Census Divisions in the Canadian Prairie region. Using a framework of six determinants—economic resources, technology, infrastructure, information/skills/management, institutions/networks, and equity—the authors created an aggregated index to identify regions of high and low adaptive capacity. The study finds that adaptive capacity is strongly correlated with proximity to urban centres and highlights a significant data gap regarding surface and groundwater resources. By comparing census-based indices with field interviews, the paper concludes that while statistical indicators provide a useful spatial perspective, site-specific research is essential for designing effective adaptation policies.

This report examines how farmers in the Canadian Prairie agroecosystem, specifically in Saskatchewan, adapt to increasing weather variability and climate change. Using the CRISTAL tool, the research identifies key weather stresses, their impacts on farm resources, and the coping strategies employed by producers. The findings distinguish between 'status quo' farmers and 'innovative' or 'leading' farmers, concluding that resilience is closely linked to diversification, the adoption of new technologies like zero-till farming, and a reduced dependence on government programs.

This resource handbook, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in 2008, provides guidance for First Nations communities in Saskatchewan on participating in environmental assessment (EA) processes. It outlines the roles of provincial and federal governments, the responsibilities of project proponents, and the legal framework surrounding the Crown's duty to consult. The document offers practical strategies for First Nations to build internal capacity, access funding, and engage in the EA process to protect their lands, rights, and cultural interests.

This report, prepared by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), provides a literature review and conceptual foundation for developing sustainability indicators for the urban First Nations community in Winnipeg. It examines the historical context of First Nations in Canada, the challenges of data collection, and the application of culturally relevant frameworks, such as the medicine wheel, to measure well-being and guide policy action.

This report, prepared by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), develops a conceptual methodology called the 'Impact Pathway approach' to value changes in agri-environmental indicators. The report tests this methodology on five specific indicators: Risk of Water Erosion, Risk of Water Contamination by Phosphorus, GHG Emissions, Energy Use Efficiency, and Wildlife Habitat Availability. It identifies critical data gaps, particularly in transport modelling for water-related indicators, and explores linkages between these valuations and integrated economic-environmental modelling and social indicators.

This 1997 draft report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the University of Toronto examines the vulnerability of agriculture in the Canadian Prairies to climate change. It analyzes historical droughts, projects future agroclimatic shifts, and discusses the economic and policy adaptations required to maintain sustainability and global competitiveness.

This status report examines how climate change and variability are expected to affect outdoor recreation and tourism in the Canadian Prairie Provinces. It analyzes the relationship between the natural resource base (water, vegetation, and wildlife) and recreational activities, noting that while warmer temperatures may extend the summer season, they threaten winter sports and water quality. The report highlights the economic risks for rural communities diversifying into tourism and provides recommendations for more locale-specific climate scenarios and resource management strategies.

This executive summary examines provincial and municipal regulations regarding the use of pesticides for aesthetic purposes in Canada. It analyzes the structure, implementation, and effectiveness of these laws, identifying best practices and recommending improvements to reduce the use of non-essential pesticides.

This fact sheet from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment outlines how transitioning to a low-carbon economy in Canada can provide immediate health benefits. It argues that current government commitments are insufficient to meet Paris Agreement targets and advocates for a shift toward renewable energy, plant-based diets, and active transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health outcomes.

The report summarizes the Advancing Natural Infrastructure Forum 2024, held in Calgary, Alberta, on February 21–22, 2024. Co-hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Natural Assets Initiative (NAI), and WaterSMART Solutions, the event brought together 106 participants to discuss the implementation, funding, and scaling of natural infrastructure across the Canadian Prairies to address water management and climate resilience.

This report summarizes a workshop held on March 26, 2009, hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to assess climate change adaptation activities, research, and capacity in Manitoba. The event brought together academics, policy-makers, and project coordinators to identify priority areas for a proposed Manitoba Climate Research Table and discuss regional adaptation strategies.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the decline of water storage in the Canadian Prairies and advocates for natural water retention measures to mitigate the risks of floods and droughts exacerbated by climate change.

This fact sheet by the International Institute for Sustainable Development details the economic impact and growth potential of the natural infrastructure sector in Manitoba and across the Canadian Prairies, highlighting its role in addressing water infrastructure gaps and increasing climate resilience.

The Northern Entrepreneurship Workshop Proceedings and Report details a two-day workshop held in March 2009 at the University of Saskatchewan. The event brought together Northern entrepreneurs, leaders, and academics to identify the unique challenges and opportunities of operating businesses in the North and to develop a specialized educational curriculum for Northern entrepreneurs.