Canadian Environmental Protection Act: research

Scientific research provides valuable insight into the causes, nature and impacts of environment and health risks. Among other things, scientific research helps: determine the extent of exposure to pollutants; monitor changes to the environment over time; guide risk assessments; develop preventive and control measures by identifying pollution prevention solutions; and provide specialized sampling and analytical techniques used in compliance promotion and enforcement.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada conduct research in support of the implementation of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA 1999) across a broad range of issues:

• Water and the environment
• About air quality
• Canada’s action on climate change
• Wildlife research and landscape science
• Health science, research and data
  • Environmental Contaminants
  • Air Quality

Research services

The following Environment and Climate Change Canada science institutes conduct research directly related to CEPA 1999.

• National Water Research Institute (NWRI) conducts research and development in aquatic science
• Science & Technology Laboratories coordinates the operations of the National Air Pollution Surveillance Network, develops tests to measure toxic substances, tests exhaust emissions from vehicles, and conducts research relating to spill control and other environmental matters.
• National Wildlife Research Centre studies the impact of toxic substances on wildlife

These institutes, along with other Environment and Climate Change Canada research services, track environmental data and explore ways to prevent and clean-up pollution. For example, Canadian Meteorological Center studies the levels and movements of pollutants in the atmosphere.