Government Advances Environmental Justice with New Legislation

Gatineau, QC, June 21, 2024 — The Government of Canada has taken a significant step forward in promoting environmental justice with the passage of Bill C-226, An Act Respecting the Development of a National Strategy to Assess, Prevent and Address Environmental Racism and to Advance Environmental Justice. The bill, introduced by Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich—Gulf Islands, British Columbia, received Royal Assent today.

Commitment to a Healthy Environment for All

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, celebrated the milestone, highlighting the government’s dedication to ensuring that every Canadian has access to a healthy, clean, and sustainable environment. Minister Guilbeault stated, “I heard first-hand from communities who have lived and felt the impacts of pollution on their daily lives for generations. It is time to break the cycle. The adoption of Bill C-226 is a monumental step in Canada’s continued efforts to advance environmental justice.”

Addressing Environmental Racism

Bill C-226 mandates the development of a national strategy within two years to combat environmental racism, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The strategy will include measures to amend federal laws, policies, and programs to address these inequities. The Minister will report on progress every five years, ensuring ongoing accountability and improvement.

Elizabeth May expressed her gratitude, saying, “Today marks a historic victory in our journey toward environmental justice. The passage of Bill C-226 represents a commitment to addressing the long-standing and deeply entrenched issue of environmental racism in Canada. This legislation is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of ensuring that all voices, especially those of marginalized communities, are heard and respected in our environmental policies.”

A Decade of Advocacy

The journey to this legislative victory began with Lenore Zann, former Member of Parliament from Cumberland—Colchester, who initially introduced the bill during her term from 2019 to 2021. Reflecting on the achievement, Zann said, “Bill C-226 is a bill whose time has finally come. This is a huge step forward for Canada to correct the wrongs of the past by saying that no matter where you live in Canada, you will not be vulnerable to conditions that put your health at risk.”

Support and Collaboration

The passage of Bill C-226 has been widely praised by environmental advocates and community leaders. Sabaa Khan, Climate Solutions Director at the David Suzuki Foundation, emphasized, “The passage of Bill C-226 is a long-awaited and hard-fought first step in bringing justice to communities that have suffered a disproportionate burden of environmental risk. This new law complements recent amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, recognizing the human right to a healthy environment.”

Public Engagement and Next Steps

The government has launched the Advancing Environmental Equity online platform, inviting the public to participate in the development of the national strategy. This platform aims to gather views and lived experiences from people across Canada, further informing the strategy to address environmental racism and advance environmental justice.

Quick Facts

• The Advancing Environmental Equity online platform aims to enhance the Government of Canada’s understanding of environmental racism.
• On March 8, 2022, the government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental justice by supporting Bill C-226.
• On June 13, 2023, Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, received Royal Assent, recognizing the right to a healthy environment.
• A draft framework for the right to a healthy environment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act is expected to be published in the fall of 2024.

For more information and to participate in the development of Canada’s national strategy, visit the Advancing Environmental Equity online platform.