Based on 119 available indicators allowing a coverage of 93 of the 169 SDG targets, Canada has currently achieved 14 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.7). For example, Canada performs well on water stress, has a relatively high share of renewable energy and low exposure to air pollution in cities (measuring targets 6.4, 7.2 and 11.6). However, some challenges remain; Canada is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 3% of the targets. These include obesity rate, Hepatitis B incidence and support to fisheries (measuring targets 2.2, 3.3 and 14.6).
Measuring Distance to the SDG Targets 2019
An Assessment of Where OECD Countries Stand
Note: The chart shows current level of achievement on each available target. The longer the bar, the shorter the distance still to be travelled to reach 2030 target (dotted circle). Targets are clustered by goal, and goals are clustered by the “5Ps” of the 2030 Agenda (outer circle).
Source: See www.oecd.org/sdd/OECD-Measuring-Distance-to-SDGs-Targets-Metadata.pdf for detailed metadata.
The Measuring Distance to the SDG Targets Study is intended as an analytical tool to assist countries in identifying strengths and weaknesses across the goals and selected targets of the 2030 Agenda, and as such differs in nature from the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) or other reporting processes. To ensure international comparability, indicators used in the Study are primarily based on the UN Global List of indicators on SDGs; they are sourced from the UN SDG Database and OECD databases and may not be based upon national statistics. Countries’ comparisons may be affected by differences in some indicators as reported in the underlying international databases. VNRs typically use national indicators that reflect national circumstances and are more up to date. The Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Data Hub can be accessed here: www144.statcan.gc.ca/sdg-odd/index-eng.htm.
Figure 2.8, Panel A shows that Canada is on average closest to reaching goals on Cities (goal 11). Relative to the OECD average, Canada outperforms on Education and Institutions (goals 4 and 16). Conversely, Canada is relatively further away on goals such as Infrastructure (goal 9), as well as on goals relating to Planet (in particular goals 13 on Climate, 14 on Oceans and 15 on Biodiversity).
However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.8, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans and Cities (goals 12, 14 and 11), Canada’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.
Note: Panel A shows the average distance the country needs to travel to reach each SDG. Distances are measured in standardised units (see Chapter 3 for details) with 0 indicating that the level for 2030 has already been attained: and 3 is the distance most OECD countries have already travelled. Bars show the average country performance against all targets under the relevant Goal for which data are available, and diamonds show the OECD average. Whiskers show uncertainties due to missing data, ranging from assuming that missing indicators are all 3 standardised distances from the 2030 target level to assuming that they are already at the target level. Panel B shows the share of targets covered by at least one indicator out of the 169 targets of the 2030 Agenda, according to the 17 goals and 5Ps.
Source: See www.oecd.org/sdd/OECD-Measuring-Distance-to-SDGs-Targets-Metadata.pdf for detailed metadata.