Supporters are pleased with the approval of a bill addressing environmental racism in Canada.

Canada has passed its first environmental justice law, Bill C-226, with the goal of developing a national strategy to prevent and address the effects of environmental racism. The Canadian Coalition for Environmental and Climate Justice (CCECJ) welcomed this bill, which aims to help communities better understand the scale of the problem and propose strategies to tackle it. Ingrid Waldron, co-founder and co-director of CCECJ, emphasized the importance of data collection and analysis in understanding and addressing environmental racism to prevent negative impacts on people’s health and well-being.

Environmental racism, the disproportionate siting of hazardous projects and polluting industries among marginalized populations, has been a long-standing issue in Canada. Examples include mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows First Nation, major oil and gas pipelines on Indigenous lands, and landfills near African-Canadian communities. Advocates, such as Janelle Nahmabin of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, have been calling for action on this issue, highlighting the harmful effects of pollution on communities and Indigenous cultures. The United Nations has also noted the prevalence of discrimination in Canada’s laws and policies regarding hazardous substances and wastes.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government supported Bill C-226, recognizing the need to address environmental racism and promote environmental justice. The bill, put forward by Green Party leader Elizabeth May, requires the development of a national strategy to advance environmental justice and address environmental racism. The minister of environment and climate change, Steven Guilbeault, emphasized the importance of ensuring equal environmental protection for all individuals, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. The bill also mandates collaboration with Indigenous communities and the submission of a report to Canada’s Parliament within two years of passage.

The passage of Bill C-226 is seen as a commitment to addressing the deeply entrenched issue of environmental racism in Canada. Elizabeth May praised the legislation as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in environmental policies. With this new law, Canada aims to take a proactive approach to environmental justice and work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all its residents.