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

GATINEAU. QC, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ -- 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.

Quotes

"Environmental harms and risks are not always experienced equally, including by Indigenous, racialized, and other marginalized communities who have historically been left out of environmental decision-making, policies, and practices. Through dedicated conversations like national forums and community-specific sessions, we have developed a Strategy to address these known challenges. It will share our path forward as we work in partnership to advance environmental justice and support more equitable outcomes."
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Quick facts

• On June 20, 2024, Bill C-226, An Act Respecting the Development of a National Strategy to Assess, Prevent and Address Environmental Racism and to Advance Environmental Justice received royal assent.

Related products

• Canada's National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026–2031

Associated links

• Environmental Justice and Environmental Racism
• Indigenous Engagement
• National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act

Environment and Climate Change Canada's X page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Contacts: Amy Falkner, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, 873-355-9725, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]