Share your ideas: National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice
Current status: Open – accepting input
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is inviting interested persons, communities and organizations to provide input on Canada’s draft National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026-2031.
The document is open for a 45-day public comment period beginning June 26, 2026, and closing on August 10, 2026.
The comments received during this period will be considered when developing the final strategy.
Background
On June 20, 2024, Private Member's Bill C-226, the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act became law. It requires the Minister to develop a national strategy to promote efforts across Canada to advance environmental justice and to assess, prevent and address environmental racism.
The strategy is to be developed within two years of the Act coming into force and reported on every five years thereafter. It will include a study, as well as strategic measures that could include things like possible amendments to federal laws, policies and programs. As per the Act, the final strategy will be tabled in Parliament in Fall 2026.
To meet the obligations of the Act, the initial strategy must demonstrate an approach that is consistent with the Government of Canada's framework for the recognition and implementation of the rights of Indigenous peoples, consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PDF).
Focus of this consultation
You are invited to review Canada’s first draft National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026-2031 and provide comments and perspectives that will inform the development of the final strategy.
The strategy sets out how the federal government will advance environmental justice and assess, prevent and address environmental racism across Canada.
- The Strategy focuses on four priority areas:
- Embedding environmental justice across federal institutions
- Strengthening collaboration across governments and organizations
- Improving participation of communities most affected by environmental harm
- Learning from experience and preventing future challenges
This draft document seeks to acknowledge and build on previous engagement, bringing together aspects of a potential strategy for further consideration.
Privacy Notice Statement
The personal information is collected under the authority of section 5 of the Department of the Environment Act and subsection 7(1) of the Financial Administration Act.
The Government of Canada is seeking input from individuals and communities across the country, particularly racialized, marginalized, and Indigenous peoples, to help inform the development of a national strategy to address environmental racism. Your feedback will support a better understanding of the issues and contribute to the creation of effective, inclusive policies.
The personal information created, held or collected by Environment and Climate Change Canada is protected under the Privacy Act. Information will be used, disclosed and retained in accordance with the conditions listed in the Personal Information Bank Outreach Activities PSU 938.
Any questions or comments regarding this privacy notice may be directed to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy Division at ECATIP-ECAIPRP@ec.gc.ca. If you are not satisfied that your privacy has been adequately respected, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by calling their information center at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting their contact page.
How to participate
Send an email with your input, ideas or comments using the contact information below.
Comments must be submitted by August 10, 2026.
Please read our privacy statement for this consultation.
Send a letter with your ideas and input to the address and contact information below.
Who is the focus of this consultation
ECCC would like to hear from:
- Individuals and communities with lived experience relevant to Environmental Justice and Environmental Racism
- Indigenous Peoples
- Provincial, territorial and local governments
- Industry stakeholders and association members
- Non-governmental organizations
- Interested persons and the general public
Related information
Draft National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice and Environmental Racism - Canada.ca
National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act
Contact us
By mail
Environmental Justice and Racism Team
Environment and Climate Change Canada
125 Zaida Eddy Private
Ottawa, ON, K1R 0E3
By email
Email: EJ-JE@ec.gc.ca