Consultative Work Group terms of reference: National Pollutant Release Inventory
1. Purpose of the work group
Each year, more than 7,000 facilities across Canada must report their releases, disposals and recycling of pollutants to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI). The NPRI is publicly available. All levels of government, companies, organizations, researchers, and citizens can use the data.
The Consultative Work Group is a space for sharing ideas between Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), NPRI reporters, and users.
The group provides input on:
- changes to the NPRI substance list
- reporting rules
- data gaps and quality
- public access to pollution data
Note: The group provides advice but is not a decision-making body. ECCC considers the group’s input when making decisions about the NPRI.
2. Membership
Who can Join
About 20 members will represent:
- civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Indigenous governments, communities or organizations
- sector associations (NPRI reporters)
Membership aims for a 50/50 balance between reporters and data users, with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Members should have strong networks that are affected by NPRI reporting or public access to pollutant data.
Membership renewal process
Every 3 years, ECCC reviews membership. To apply, review our privacy noticeFootnote 1 and send :
- CV and contact information
- cover letter explaining your organization’s interest and network
- organization type
- relevant experience
- contact information of your senior manager
CSO members are nominated through a coordinated process led by the CSOs already on the work group. ECCC shares applications with these CSOs so they can consider them for nomination.
Final decisions about membership are made by ECCC. The last membership renewal was in March 2025, at the start of the current 3-year work plan. The next one is planned for 2028. Applications can be submitted at any time and may be considered if there are openings.
Alternates
Each member can name an alternate. Alternates:
- join meetings if the main member can’t attend
- may attend in-person meetings with approval
- can speak only if the main member is absent
Current members
Civil society organizations
- Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
- Canadian Environmental Law Association
- Citizens’ Network on Waste Management
- Friends of Fish Society
- Keepers of the Water Society
- Manitoba Eco-Network
- MiningWatch Canada
- New Brunswick Lung Association
Indigenous governments, communities or organizations
- Cree Nation Government/Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)
- Fort McKay First Nation
Sector associations
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
- Canadian Fuels Association
- Canadian Gas Association and Canadian Energy Partnership for Environmental Innovation
- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and Canadian Association for Surface Finishing
- Canadian Steel producers Association
- Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
- Canadian Water and Wastewater Association
- Cement Association of Canada
- Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
- Forest Products Association of Canada
- Mining Association of Canada
3. Observers and resource persons
Individuals or organizations that are interested in receiving updates and information about NPRI consultations can request to be an observer. Observers:
- receive work group communications
- can attend virtual meetings
- can request approval from ECCC to attend in-person meetings
- must stay silent during meetings
- can share feedback with ECCC before or after meetings
Resource persons are experts or government representatives invited by ECCC to share knowledge. They:
- may present on specific topics on request from ECCC or on behalf of members
- do not help form recommendations
4. Roles and responsibilities
Members
Members represent their organization and network. They:
- reflect their organization’s views
- share updates and outcomes with their network
- suggest agenda items for topics of discussion
- are prepared for meetings and respond to consultations
- understand the NPRI reporting and public disclosure
- complete recommended training on NPRI, to ensure a common knowledge base
Secretariat
ECCC’s Science and Technology Branch chairs the work group and provides support. It:
- plans meetings and shares materials
- writes and shares meeting summaries
- manages membership and the work plan
- requests resources for work group activities
5. How the group works
The work plan
The group follows a work plan aligned with NPRI’s reporting timelines. The current plan covers activities taking place in 2025, 2026, and 2027, and prepares for the Notice with respect to the substances in the NPRI for 2028, 2029, and 2030.
Meetings
- three virtual meetings per year
- two in-person meetings per 3-year cycle, generally in the National Capital Regional
- if needed, extra meetings or emails for training or discussions
Bilateral meetings
We may provide bilateral meetings between us and individual members or observers of the work group or groups of members or observers when requested. This could provide additional opportunities to discuss background or technical details regarding consultation or engagement items, or planning and funding.
For civil society organizations (CSOs), additional meetings will be scheduled between us and the CSO members through a coordinated approach.
Ground rules
- use either official language
- be respectful and open
- work toward solutions
- review and comment on meeting summaries
6. Funding
Members volunteer their time to participate on the work group. However, they may receive funding to help with participation. This is usually for non-profit organizations and must be approved by ECCC.
ECCC has a contribution agreement with Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) to support CSO members.
Members may be reimbursed for:
- approved travel costs, following federal guidelines
- time spent preparing for and attending meetings
- space for members to meet before in-person meetings
- technical expertise, studies or reports