Who handles environment & climate?
Environment & Climate
Environmental protection is shared across all levels.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Species at risk protection (Species at Risk Act)
- ● Environmental impact assessments (federal projects)
- ● Climate change policy and carbon pricing
- ● National parks and protected areas
- ● Canada Wildlife Habitat and National Parks
- ● Fisheries and Oceans Canada (marine protection)
💡 Example: Contact Environment and Climate Change Canada about endangered species, or your MP about climate policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Environmental permits and approvals
- ● Provincial parks and conservation areas
- ● Natural resource management
- ● Provincial emissions standards
- ● Provincial parks and conservation areas
- ● Environmental assessment and impact reviews
💡 Example: Contact your provincial environment ministry about permits, or your MPP/MLA about conservation concerns.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local pollution and noise complaints
- ● Recycling and waste management
- ● Urban trees and green spaces
- ● Municipal environmental by-laws
💡 Example: Report noise or pollution through your city's 311 service, or contact your councillor about waste management improvements.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved in Environmental Issues
Environmental protection affects every Canadian and future generations. You can advocate for stronger climate action, conservation, and pollution reduction by taking these steps:
- ● Contact your MP about federal climate policy, carbon pricing, or international environmental agreements
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about environmental assessments, conservation, or resource management
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local green initiatives, waste management, or urban planning
- ● Join environmental organizations like the David Suzuki Foundation, Sierra Club Canada, or local conservation groups
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Environmental protection is shared. The federal government sets national standards (Canadian Environmental Protection Act), provinces enforce regulations within their borders, and municipalities manage local environmental programs.
Canada has a federal backstop carbon price that applies in provinces without their own compliant carbon pricing system. The federal carbon price increases over time, with rebates provided to most households through the Canada Carbon Rebate.
Recycling, reducing energy consumption, using public transit, supporting local businesses, and participating in community environmental programs are all effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint.
This is Canada's national climate plan, adopted in 2016. It includes carbon pricing, clean electricity, energy efficiency, clean fuels, and climate resilience measures.
Contact your provincial environmental ministry or Environment and Climate Change Canada. Many provinces have environmental hotlines for reporting spills, illegal dumping, and other violations.