Government and Industry Engagement

Industry and government both have important roles in advancing environmental justice. Their decisions influence how environmental risks are managed and how communities are supported. By working together with affected communities, they can help identify challenges, improve practices, and support fair and informed solutions.

To build an effective strategy, the federal government needs input from industry, and other governments. These groups bring valuable knowledge, lived experience, and practical insight. Their perspectives help ensure the strategy reflects real needs, identifies meaningful solutions, and supports fair outcomes for all.

Government

Environmental protection is a shared job across all levels of government. The federal government cannot act alone.  Local, provincial, territorial, and federal governments all make decisions about the environment. Environmental racism often affects specific communities, so governments must work closely together.

• They can use environmental justice principles to make fair and inclusive decisions
• They can listen to diverse voices, especially those furthest from decision-making
• They can share clear, accessible data to help people understand environmental impacts
• Environmental justice supports strong, healthy communities and a fair economy

That’s why the federal government needs input from all levels of government. Together, we can build a strategy that supports equity and long-term change.

Industry

Environmental justice helps guide fair and inclusive decision-making. It brings community voices and lived experiences into environmental planning.

It supports development that is sustainable and benefits everyone. Industry plays an important role in shaping policies and practices that reflect the needs of affected communities.

Industry can help advance environmental justice by:

• Working with governments and communities to understand environmental impacts and share useful data
• Supporting inclusive planning so communities have a say in decisions that affect them
• Building respectful partnerships that reflect local priorities and shared benefits

By applying environmental justice principles, industry can help reduce harm and support fairer outcomes. These efforts make environmental decisions more inclusive, responsive, and grounded in real experiences.