Environment Canada
Environment Canada, officially known as Environment and Climate Change Canada since 2015, is a federal department of the Canadian government dedicated to environmental policies and programs. Established on June 11, 1971, it combines several existing governmental elements, including the Meteorological Service and the Wildlife Service, to fulfill its mandate. The department's core responsibilities include the preservation of natural resources, conservation of water, air, and soil quality, and forecasting weather and environmental changes.
Environment Canada seeks to protect and enhance the environment through scientific research and the enforcement of various environmental regulations, such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. It actively collaborates with a range of stakeholders, including industries, local governments, and international organizations, to promote sustainable practices and address environmental concerns. The department also participates in global initiatives with entities like the United Nations and the Arctic Council, emphasizing its commitment to both national and international environmental stewardship. Through its multifaceted approach, Environment Canada aims to educate the public and inspire sound environmental decision-making across Canadian society.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Environment Canada
IDENTIFICATION: Department of the Canadian federal government responsible for environmental policies and programs
DATE: Established on June 11, 1971
Environment Canada serves as a model for best practices in monitoring, public education, and action in protection of the environment. The department works to develop, implement, and enforce policies that can prevent future damage to the environment and repair damage already done.
Environment Canada (officially Environment and Climate Change Canada as of 2015) was created in 1971 through the combination of various existing elements of the Canadian federal government, including the Meteorological Service (established in 1871) and the Wildlife Service (established in 1947). The first five services established by the new department were the Atmospheric Environment Service, the Environmental Protection Service, the Fisheries Service, the Water Management Service, and the Land, Forest, and Wildlife Service. In 1979, organizational changes were made, and the Fisheries Service left Environment Canada to form the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Environment Canada’s stated mandate includes the following elements: preservation and enhancement of the quality of the natural environment, including water, air, soil, flora, and fauna; conservation of Canada’s renewable resources; conservation and protection of Canada’s water resources; the forecasting of weather and environmental changes; enforcement of rules relating to boundary waters; and coordination of environmental policies and programs for the Canadian federal government. The various services and programs of Environment Canada are concerned with protecting, conserving, and enhancing the environment by shaping how Canadians think about the environment, developing and supporting partnerships, and establishing economic incentives for industries and individuals to make sound environmental decisions. Environment Canada is also responsible for overseeing the environmental regulations created in acts such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.
The department uses scientific research and technologies to track and manage wildlife populations, improve understanding of ecosystems and support the recovery of degraded ecosystems, and assess environmental risk. The department also supports policy and legislative action aimed at promoting environmental health and sustainable practices. It is a participant in several United Nations organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization, and the Commission on Sustainable Development, and is involved in joint efforts with international organizations such as the Arctic Council and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change. In addition, the department works with industries, businesses, farmers, municipalities, customs officials, hunters, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to enforce legislation related to areas of environmental concern, including the import and export of harmful substances, the protection of migratory birds and endangered species, and the protection and trade of both domestic and internationally shared waters.
Bibliography
"Acts and Regulations: Environment and Climate Change Canada." Government of Canada, 11 Sept. 2023, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/acts-regulations.html. Accessed 16 July 2024.
Biggs, David, et al. Life in 2030: Exploring a Sustainable Future for Canada. University of British Columbia Press, 1996.
Boyd, Susan C., Dorothy E. Chunn, and Robert Menzies, eds. Toxic Criminology: Environment, Law, and the State in Canada. Fernwood, 2002.
"Environment and Climate Change Canada." Government of Canada, 3 July 2024, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html. Accessed 16 July 2024.
Fafard, Patrick C., and Kathryn Harrison, eds. Managing the Environmental Union: Intergovernmental Relations and Environment Policy in Canada. School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University, 2000.
Holland, Kenneth M., F. L. Morton, and Brian Galligan, eds. Federalism and the Environment: Environmental Policymaking in Australia, Canada, and the United States. Greenwood Press, 1996.
Hummel, Monte, and Erin James-abra. "Environmental and Conservation Movements." The Canadian Encyclopedia, 26 Jan. 2022, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/environmental-and-conservation-movements. Accessed 16 July 2024.