Ozone depletion: Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to gradually eliminate global consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).  The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol was established in 1991 by the Parties to the Protocol to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries to achieve their targets to phase out ODS.  Headquartered in Montreal, the Multilateral Fund is financed by mandatory contributions from developed countries that are Party to the Montreal Protocol, including Canada.

Environment Canada coordinates Canada’s overall participation under the Montreal Protocol, including representing Canada internationally and implementing domestic policies and regulations to ensure Canada’s compliance with the Protocol’s requirements.  Environment Canada also addresses issues and activities related to the Multilateral Fund, with a view to advancing Canada’s strategic interests and objectives regarding implementation of the Montreal Protocol in developing countries. 

Through its Bilateral Program under the Montreal Protocol, Environment Canada has contributed to important results: over 400,000 tonnes of ODS phased out in developing countries under the Multilateral Fund; more than 30 bilateral projects implemented by Environment Canada - in countries such as Bolivia, Chile, India, Jamaica, Mexico and Uruguay - that have transferred Canadian know-how or technology; a range of technical advice and information provided to delegations from China, Indonesia and Latin American countries.    

Further information on stratospheric ozone can be found here.