Brock University welcomed prominent Niagara voices to campus last week for a collaborative conversation about the important role of local action in advancing federal sustainability priorities.
The Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) consultation, which included one session in Brock's Sankey Chamber and another in TH 257 on March 3, brought together government officials, community partners and Brock senior administration, faculty, staff and students.
Attendees at each session heard a presentation from ECCC representatives, participated in a review of the draft 2026-2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and engaged in discussions.
"Brock plays a critical role in connecting research, experiential learning and community partnerships," said Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg. "We are committed to supporting inclusive, evidence-based policy development to drive meaningful climate action and thank ECCC for partnering with us to include local voices in shaping a stronger and more responsive national strategy."
Brock University hosted an Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) consultation in the Sankey Chamber on March 3, 2026, bringing together community partners, elected officials, local leaders, and Brock students, staff, and faculty for a panel and roundtable discussion connecting local action to federal sustainability priorities and the draft 2026-2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. (Photo by Stephen Leithwood)
The FSDS outlines the Government of Canada's sustainable development priorities, establishes corresponding goals and targets and identifies federal plans to achieve them. It is organized around three interconnected pillars of sustainable development: Building an Inclusive and Resilient Society, Driving Clean Growth, and Protecting the Environment and Well-Being.
The Minister responsible for Environment and Climate Change tables a new Strategy every three years, and each draft must be released for a 120-day public consultation.
As an essential framework for advancing sustainability in Canada, the FSDS incorporates public consultation opportunities to inform understanding of regional priorities, barriers and opportunities and innovative practices already emerging locally.
As well as leading sustainability experts at Brock and across Niagara, students in the University's Sustainability master's and PhD programs provided feedback on the FSDS as part of their SSAS 5P04 and SSCI 7P03 seminar courses. They offered comments and critiques that drew from their diverse research interests and lived experiences, while also gaining first-hand experience with the processes involved in developing and refining federal policies.
"The ESRC program is transdisciplinary in nature and many of us come from very different backgrounds, which makes our perspectives unique when given the chance to have collaborative discussions," said Master of Sustainability student Kaila Belovich. "This speaks to the experiential learning opportunities that sets the sustainability program apart from others of its kind."
During the event, Brock also highlighted its commitment to advancing transformational research and infrastructure projects that address local priorities and emerging global and national challenges.
This included the world-class research on climate change, ecosystems and environmental governance taking place at the University's Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, for example, as well as the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute's work in sustainable agriculture and climate-sensitive industries and potential future projects at the Norris W. Walker Research Farm.
The University's journey toward operational sustainability and emissions reduction through the SPARK (sustainability, performance, adaptation, renewal and knowledge) initiative was also discussed. The three-year clean infrastructure program will drastically reduce Brock's carbon footprint and accelerate achievement of its sustainability goals, positioning the University as a leader in climate action and highlighting the potential that exists when organizations work together on driving meaningful environmental change.
"At Brock, sustainability is embedded in who we are, with our strategic directions, priorities and guiding principles closely aligning with federal priorities around climate action, social well-being, economic resilience and knowledge mobilization," Rigg said. "As a living lab for sustainability where research, teaching, operations and community engagement intersect we see our role not only as generating research, but as facilitating dialogue, mobilizing knowledge and strengthening community partnerships that address our shared challenges."
Public input on the draft 2026-2029 FSDS will be accepted until Tuesday, May 12.
