Canada releases national strategy on environmental racism and justice for 2026-2031
- First national strategy of its kind, government says
- Sets out initial proposed federal actions in four priority areas
- National study finds patterns vary with method and scale
Photo: Wikimedia Commons - Ani VincentGATINEAU, Quebec, Oct 23 — Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on Oct 23 published Canada's National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026–2031, which the government says aims to guide federal action on environmental racism across the country.2
The Strategy outlines "initial proposed federal actions" in four priority areas identified through engagement and consultation, according to the document.1 The actions include tasking ECCC officials to lead implementation and establishing a federal community of practice.1
According to the Strategy, the government is also developing a methodology to assess environmental burden and social vulnerability nationally that can be shared externally.1 It is also establishing a mechanism to make consolidated environmental information accessible to affected communities.1
"Through dedicated conversations like national forums and community-specific sessions, we have developed a Strategy to address these known challenges," Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature Julie Dabrusin said in the release.2
The Strategy includes what it calls the first national study of environmental racism by the Government of Canada.1 The study found that some methods suggested Indigenous and lower socioeconomic status populations were more likely to be located near environmental hazards.1 Under the same methods, visible minority populations were less likely to be located near them.1
According to the study, those patterns often changed and sometimes reversed when the geographic area used for analysis became larger.1 The study says it does not identify or label specific communities as having experienced environmental racism.1
The document says a complementary action plan has been developed alongside the Strategy.1 The action plan will set out specific measures and timelines.1
ECCC held a 45-day public comment period on the draft from June 26, 2026, to Aug 10, 2026, and received over 200 submissions.1 Bill C-226, the legislation requiring the Strategy, received royal assent on June 20, 2024.2