Environmental Damages Fund
The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a Government of Canada program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Fund receives money from fines, penalties, court orders, and voluntary payments for environmental violations. This money is used to support projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment, usually in the area where the violation occurred.
The Fund invests in projects falling within four funding categories:
- Restoration
- Environmental quality improvement
- Research and development, and
- Education and awareness.
Since 1995, more than $195 million has been invested in over 500 projects benefitting ecosystems and communities across Canada.
Explore the Environmental Damages Fund
What is the Environmental Damages Fund
Learn about the EDF and how it is used to fund priority projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment.
Funded projects map
Explore current and completed projects funded under the EDF.
Climate Action and Awareness Fund
Find out how the Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF), created through the EDF, is investing up to $206 million using the largest fine ever received by the program.
Apply for funding
The EDF generally issues one to two calls for proposals each year. Explore the information in this section to learn more about the process.
How to apply for funding
Find out if you are eligible to receive funding and how to write an application.
Available funds
Get updates on the current funds available in the EDF.
Applicant guide
Get step-by-step instructions on how to apply using the online Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System (GCEMS).
News releases
The EDF news releases and announced projects can be found below.
- Nearly $4.4 million available for projects in Quebec that will reduce air pollution from transportation by improving urban mobility (October 11, 2023)
- Government of Canada commits $12.5 million in funding in new collaboration with philanthropic organizations to support environmental literacy projects across Canada (October 4, 2023)
- The Government of Canada invests in science and technology projects supporting the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (November 23, 2022)
- Government of Canada supports Science North’s newly opened innovative climate change experience for young Canadians (July 8, 2022)
- The Manitoba Metis Federation takes on two climate action initiatives with about $5 million in support from the Government of Canada (June 29, 2021)
- Marking World Environment Day, Canada invests up to $55 million in 58 local climate action projects (June 4, 2021)
- Government of Canada invests $4.4 million in climate action and awareness for young Canadians (May 19, 2021)
- Government of Canada invests $6 million in climate action and education for young Canadians (April 9, 2021)
Contact us
For general questions, enquiries, and news about the EDF, including future funding opportunities, please contact the National EDF Office or any of our regional offices.
National EDF Office
E-mail: edf-fde2@ec.gc.ca
East and Central Region (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island)
E-mail: fde.est.centre-edf.east.central@ec.gc.ca
West and North Region (British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut)
E-mail: fdeouestnord-edfwestnorth@ec.gc.ca
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