Ottawa wants to do 'better job' on environment

The report, released Thursday by environment commissioner Ron Thompson, gave the government an "unsatisfactory" grade in nine of 14 areas, including protection of endangered species, Great Lakes cleanup, control of invasive species such as zebra mussels and just keeping its own operations green.

Progress has been made in assessing dangerous chemicals, managing pesticide safety and cleaning up contaminated sites, he said.

While the report examines the actions of past governments, much of it examines action taken since 2004-2005.