Environment & Natural Resources

1. Canada and FCM Combat Climate Change by Investing in Retrofits for Community Buildings

   The Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., and Garth Frizzell, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), today launched the Community Buildings Retrofit initiative to help communities of all sizes overcome the barriers of limited budgets and expertise when undertaking greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects.

2. Government of Canada delivers on commitment to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and proposes to recognize a right to a healthy environment

   CEPA is Canada’s cornerstone environmental protection law that has been used to reduce air pollution from industry and vehicles, ban asbestos and keep microbeads out of our water. And it is through CEPA that the Government is moving to ban harmful single-use plastics.

3. Readout: Minister Wilkinson and John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Reaffirm Shared Ambition on Climate Alignment and Cooperation

   Today, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, spoke with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, during the second meeting of the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Ambition.

4. Government of Canada Delivers on Commitment to Strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and Recognizes a Right to a Healthy Environment

   Today, the Government of Canada delivered on its commitment to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and recognized that Canadians have a right to a healthy environment.

5. Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to hold media availability on an announcement regarding the steps the Government of Canada is taking to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act

   Media representatives are advised that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will hold a virtual press conference regarding the steps the Government of Canada is taking to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

6. Minister McKenna to Announce Support for Green Community Buildings 

   On behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Garth Frizzell, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, will virtually announce support for green community buildings.

7. Minister Wilkinson to discuss bilateral climate cooperation between Canada and the U.S. with Mr. John Podesta during GLOBE Capital’s opening ceremonies 2021

   Media representatives are advised that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will participate in a fireside chat with Mr. John Podesta, Founder and Chair of the Center for American Progress as part of the opening ceremonies and plenary of GLOBE Capital 2021.

8. Governments of Canada and Quebec and City of Montréal commit to the Biosphere’s future

   That is why the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson; the Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, Benoit Charette; and the Mayor of the City of Montréal, Valérie Plante, today announced that they would be devoting $45 million over five years to ensure the continuity of the Biosphere.

9. Announcement by the government of Canada, the government of Québec and Ville de Montréal concerning the future of the Biosphere

   Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, on behalf of the Honorouable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as Benoit Charette, Québec Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism, are extending an invitation to media representatives to attend a virtual press conference concerning the future of the Biosphere.

10. Emissions Reduction Fund Onshore Program on Track to Reduce Methane Emissions 

    Today, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, announced that the $750-million Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) onshore program is on track to cut, in its first year, methane emissions equivalent to 3.1 megatonnes of carbon dioxide, roughly equal to removing 674,000 cars from the road, highlighting encouraging results from the program’s first intake.

11. Canada Launches Hydrogen Strategy Steering Committee

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the Hydrogen Strategy Implementation Strategic Steering Committee, which will advance and measure the progress outlined in the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada launched in December 2020.

12. Government of Canada invests $6 million in climate action and education for young Canadians

    Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the Government of Canada will invest $6 million in the Discovery Centre’s Inspiring Youth to Climate Action project. This Halifax-based science centre will partner with 30 science centres across the country to engage approximately 200,000 youth in every province and territory as they participate in innovative activities that will inspire them to take real action to fight climate change.

13. Minister O’Regan to make an announcement on  the Emissions Reduction Fund

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources, will make a virtual announcement regarding the Emissions Reduction Fund.

14. Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre Milestone announcement

    Science is fundamental to informing the actions we take to ensure our fisheries sector remains sustainable and healthy.

15. Government of Canada invests in climate change awareness and action project for young Canadians

    Today, Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $5.9 million from environmental fines into Let’s Talk Science. With this funding, Let’s Talk Science will engage over 600,000 youth across Canada in climate science awareness and action through regional events, action projects, hands-on activities and a suite of digital resources, including career information.

16. Canada and FCM Invest in National Capital Region's First Net-Zero Community

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources; the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and Garth Frizzell, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), today announced a $23-million investment to Hydro Ottawa through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to create a district energy (DE) system for Ottawa–Gatineau’s carbon-neutral Zibi waterfront development.

17. Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre Milestone Announcement

    Moncton, New Brunswick – On behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, will hold a news conference to highlight the latest milestone in the construction management of the new Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre. He will be accompanied by the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe.

18. Parliamentary Secretary Beech and Parliamentary Secretary Donnelly to provide an update regarding the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program

    Vancouver, B.C. – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour, Terry Beech with Fin Donnelly, British Columbia Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture, will make an announcement on investments in several projects through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP).

19. Minister O’Regan and Minister McKenna to Announce Support for Net-Zero Community in the National Capital Region 

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Garth Frizzell, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, will virtually announce support for a net-zero community in the National Capital Region.

20. Government of Canada and Partners Support Canadian Participation in Global Youth Summit

    From April 5 to 16, 2021, more than 10,000 youths from over 140 countries will take part in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) first-ever virtual One Nature, One Future Global Youth Summit, including 400 Canadian youth.

21. Canada Invests in Community-Led Clean Energy Projects in the Northwest Territories 

    Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, Michael V. McLeod, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced over $640,000 for two projects in the Northwest Territories that will help rural and remote communities combat climate change by reducing their reliance on diesel fuel for heat and power.

22. Marking a year of progress in cleaning up Canada's Northern contaminated sites 

    The health and safety of Canadians and the protection of our environment are priorities for the Government of Canada.

23. Cleaner Refuelling Options for Prairie Truck Drivers Coming to Trans-Canada Highway

    The Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $3-million investment to Envoy Energy for the installation of three natural gas stations on the Prairies that will put the trucking industry in the driver’s seat on the road to a cleaner future.

24. Cleaner Refuelling Options for Northern Ontario Truck Drivers Coming to Trans-Canada Highway

    Marc Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $3-million investment to Envoy Energy for the installation of three natural gas stations in northern Ontario that will put the trucking industry in the driver’s seat on the road to a cleaner future by helping it switch from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG).

25. Joint Statement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Environment and Climate Change Canada on Environment and Climate Change   

    Canada and the United States share a common vision: that of a prosperous and sustainable economy that will help protect the environment and health of communities across North America. The U.S. and Canada share the world’s longest border, common ecosystems, and an integrated economy. Today we recommit to working together to fight climate change and grow our economies for the benefit of all our citizens, including those most vulnerable to climate and environmental threats.

26. Canada Raising Awareness on Zero-Emission Vehicles

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a federal investment of $50,000 to the Pollution Probe Foundation to raise awareness of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and help Canadians choose zero-emission for their next vehicle.

27. Canada Invests in Innovative Clean Technology at the University of Alberta

    The Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies and Member of Parliament of Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $1,990,000 investment in the University of Alberta’s biojet technology.

28. Government of Canada takes important steps to protect critical habitat of trout in Alberta

    A key part of protecting aquatic species at risk is ensuring their critical habitat is also protected. The Government of Canada recognizes that we must safeguard these vital areas—including breeding sites, nursery areas, or feeding grounds—to help our at-risk species recover and survive for future generations.

29. Minister Carr to Make a Clean Technology Announcement

    The Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies and Member of Parliament of Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, will make a virtual funding announcement for a clean technology project.

30. Government of Canada takes further action to address marine pollution from the MV Schiedyk shipwreck in British Columbia

    When the Government of Canada launched the Oceans Protection Plan, a primary objective was to address wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels across Canada. Three years later, the Government remains committed to protecting Canada’s oceans and waterways by removing these vessels in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.

31. Government of Canada invests in research to study the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems in Quebec

    Microplastics have been found on almost every beach, on the surface of every ocean, in deepest parts of the sea, and in some of the most remote parts of the planet. The Government of Canada is further investing in research to better inform the protection of our oceans, lakes, rivers and waterways and the many species that call them home from contaminants like microplastics.

32. Government of Canada invests in research to study the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems in Atlantic Canada

    The Government of Canada is further investing in research to better inform the protection of our oceans, lakes, rivers and waterways, and the many species that call them home. The unfortunate reality is that microplastics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and oil- and gas-related contaminants enter our water systems due to human activity. This means we must continue to study and understand the threats that our ecosystems face.

33. Government of Canada Collaborates With Microsoft To Support Climate Action Research

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a collaboration with Microsoft Canada to develop and apply digital solutions to support Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) sustainable development and climate action research.

34. 2021 Newfoundland and Labrador Snow crab quotas increase by 29 per cent

    St. John’s, NL – The Government of Canada is committed to responsibly managing Snow crab fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure the sustainability of the stock for today and generations to come. This work requires close collaboration with harvesters, the Fish Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) union, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders while also considering socioeconomic factors and the most recent science advice.

35. Supreme Court of Canada rules on the constitutionality of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act

    In June 2018, the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act became law, ensuring that it is no longer free to pollute anywhere in Canada. A price on carbon pollution provides an incentive for climate action and innovation, and in jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies, it puts more money in the pockets of the majority of families. It is a proven, efficient, and cost-effective way of reducing emissions.

36. Teck Coal Limited to pay $60 million under the Fisheries Act and must comply with a Direction requiring pollution reduction measures

    On March 26, 2021, Teck Coal Limited was ordered to pay a total of $60 million in fines and monetary court orders after a guilty plea was entered on two counts of unlawfully depositing a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish, contrary to s. 36(3) of the Fisheries Act. In addition to the penalty, the company must also comply with a Fisheries Act Direction.

37. Teck Coal Limited ordered to pay $60 million under the Fisheries Act and must comply with a Direction requiring pollution reduction measures

    Between 2012 and 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada Enforcement conducted a comprehensive investigation into the leaching of selenium and calcite from Teck Coal Limited’s Fording River Operations and Greenhills Operations coal mines into the Fording River and its effect on fish. On March 24, 2021, this investigation culminated in the laying of two charges under the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act. On March 26, 2021, the company pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay a total of $60 million in fines and monetary orders.

38. Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to hold media availability following the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on the constitutionality of Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act

    Media representatives are advised that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will hold a virtual press conference following the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on the constitutionality of Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

39. Government of Canada takes action on fish fraud

    The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is addressing the issue of food fraud so Canadians can be confident that the food they buy is accurately represented.

40. Minister Wilkinson Congratulates the Meteorological Service of Canada on 150 Years of Service to Canadians

    “Today is World Meteorological Day and on this occasion, I would like to congratulate the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) for 150 years of providing Canadians with authoritative, timely and quality weather information. As one of our country’s oldest government institutions, the MSC is a unique national asset with a long and proud history of serving Canadians.

41. Canada Invests in Smart Grid Technology in Alberta

    The Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., today announced a combined investment of over $900,000 for two smart grid projects in Alberta that will enhance the energy grid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

42. Alberta energy companies fined $1.5 million for unlawful deposit of chlorinated water into North Saskatchewan River

    On March 18, 2021, Gibson Energy ULC and GEP ULC (operating in partnership as Gibson Energy Partnership) were sentenced in the Provincial Court of Alberta and ordered to pay a total fine of $1.5 million. The companies were found guilty of two counts of violating the Fisheries Act. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund. In addition to the fine, the companies will be ordered to make a presentation to industry within Strathcona County about the danger of chlorinated water.

43. Canada Supports Increased Indigenous Participation in the Natural Resources Economy

    Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., today announced $2.6 million in funding for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, as well as $1 million in funding for the First Nations Climate Initiative.

44. Canada Raising Awareness on Zero-Emission Vehicles

    Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., today announced a federal investment of $50,000 in a campaign by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) to raise awareness of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and help Canadians make informed decisions when choosing their next vehicle. The CAA is matching the investment in the project, bringing the total funding to $100,000.

45. PS Duguid To Make a Green Infrastructure Announcement

    Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, will virtually announce support for Winnipeg’s electric vehicle charging network.

46. Canadian Mass Timber to Make Vancouver Schools More Earthquake-Resistant 

    Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., today announced a $1,482,000 investment in British Columbia’s Vancouver School Board District #39. This investment will enable the construction of two local schools as part of recent seismic upgrades to make B.C. schools safer.

47. Minister Wilkinson, Mayor Stewart and Mayor Buchanan announce first-ever federal fund for cycling paths and trails

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, highlighted that the Government of Canada will invest $400 million in a first-ever federal fund to support new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, as well as repairs and planning studies across the country.

48. Minister Wilkinson to provide an important update on community infrastructure

    Members of the media are advised that the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will deliver an important update related to community infrastructure. Minister Wilkinson will be joined by Mayor Kennedy Stewart and Mayor Linda Buchanan.

49. Invasive Mussels found in Moss Ball products in Canada

    As one of the six prohibited species under the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, Zebra Mussels are one of the biggest aquatic invasive threats in Canada. Once established, these invasive mussels multiply quickly and can harm Canada’s aquatic ecosystems by altering food webs, damaging habitats, and out-competing native species for food. They also have the potential to cause substantial, costly damage by clogging intake structures in power stations and water treatment plants as well as damaging watercrafts.

50. Government of Canada supports cleaner, healthier classrooms across Ontario by reinvesting carbon pollution pricing revenues

    Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, announced that the federal government will provide approximately $40.8 million through the Climate Action Incentive Fund to upgrade 162 schools in Ontario to be more energy efficient. Energy-efficient schools will support better indoor air quality, leading to better health outcomes for Ontario students and educators, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy-efficient buildings also pollute less and help schools save on energy costs while fighting climate change.