Reducing pollution and managing waste effectively are critical for protecting the health of Canadians and our environment. The Government of Canada works with provinces, territories, and international partners to set standards, monitor pollution levels, and implement strategies to reduce the impact of waste on our ecosystems.
Maintaining clean air is essential for public health. We set national air quality standards and monitor the levels of key pollutants across the country. Through regulations like the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations, we work to reduce emissions from industrial sources, transportation, and consumer products. These efforts help reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses and protect our natural environment from acid rain and smog.
Canada is home to a significant portion of the world's fresh water. We protect our water resources by setting standards for wastewater treatment and managing the runoff of pollutants from agricultural and industrial activities. Through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative and other regional programs, we work to restore and protect the health of our vital water bodies and ensure safe drinking water for all Canadians.
We are committed to reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and our environment. This involves promoting a circular economy where products are designed for durability, reuse, and recycling. We work to reduce plastic pollution through the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste and support initiatives that encourage the proper disposal and recycling of hazardous waste and electronic products.
Managing the risks posed by chemicals and toxic substances is a key part of our environmental policy. Under the Chemicals Management Plan, we assess thousands of substances for their potential impact on human health and the environment. We implement regulations to restrict the use of harmful chemicals and provide information to Canadians on how to safely use and dispose of products containing these substances.