How does NRCan apply the principle of sustainable development in decision-making?

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Sustainable development in decision-making means weighing social, economic, and environmental impacts together to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. For NRCan, this means evaluating how a policy, project, or regulation affects communities and workers, the economy, and natural resources over the long term, and choosing options that are viable and fair now while protecting resources and opportunities for the future.

This approach isn’t about maximizing growth alone, nor about protecting the environment while ignoring people or profits. It’s about balance and long-term viability: policies should be designed so they are socially acceptable, economically sound, and environmentally responsible, with robust consideration of trade-offs and stakeholder input. It also involves making decisions that ensure resources aren’t depleted or degraded and that benefits and costs are distributed responsibly over time.

Choices that push for growth alone, or that privilege one pillar at the expense of the others, don’t align with sustainable development. Likewise, focusing only on reducing regulatory burden can overlook environmental and social implications. So the best fit is the option that describes weighing the intertwined impacts across social, economic, and environmental dimensions to protect present and future needs.