Government of Canada releases the national strategy to address environmental racism and advance environmental justice

Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada published Canada’s National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026–2031.

A clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is important for all people living in Canada. For many years, representatives of Indigenous, racialized, and marginalized communities have worked alongside organizations, governments, and advocates to understand and address how past actions and decision-making processes have contributed to environmental racism in Canada and to advance environmental justice.

Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada published Canada’s National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026–2031. It is the first national strategy of its kind in Canada and aims to guide the federal government and partners in advancing environmental justice and addressing environmental racism across the country.

The Strategy outlines the Government of Canada’s commitment to reducing environmental inequities in federal decision-making, and through recognizing lived experiences, aims to improve access to environmental information and support meaningful participation in decisions. The Strategy was informed by engagement and consultation with communities, Indigenous governments and organizations, partners working within the environmental justice space, and the Canadian public. Continuous feedback will be essential in guiding implementation and helping shape actions that are practical, effective, and reflective of community realities.

Environmental protection in Canada is a shared responsibility. The Strategy calls for ongoing collaboration with all levels of government, Indigenous rights-holders, affected communities, and partners.