Reducing Transboundary Pollution

In 1991, Canada and the United States signed a historic agreement called the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement, in order to significantly reduce smog-causing pollutants and improve air quality for millions of residents on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border

In December 2000, Canada and the United States signed the Ozone Annex to the 1991 Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement, which committed each nation to reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the precursor pollutants to ground-level ozone, the major component of smog. It defines a transboundary region in each country most associated with flows of ozone pollution. In Canada, the region includes central and southern Ontario and southern Quebec (and more than 50% of Canada's population).

On June 23, 2003, three major air quality pilot projects were announced under the Canada-U.S. Border Air Quality Strategy:

1. In southwestern British Columbia and northwestern Washington State, the Georgia Basin/Puget Sound International Airshed Strategy will identify measures to reduce air emissions and address transboundary pollution;
2. In southeastern Michigan and southwestern Ontario, the Great Lakes Basin Airshed Management Framework to explore the development of a coordinated airshed management approach; and
3. A joint study to explore the feasibility of emissions trading for NOx and sulphur dioxide (SO₂). NOx and SO₂ emissions are key contributors in smog, fine particle and acid rain problems, in the transboundary region.

These projects serve as a foundation for developing new strategies to improve air quality and address transboundary air pollution of concern to Canadians and Americans and will be completed in cooperation with provincial, state and other stakeholders.

In June 2003, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation – North American Air Working Group was established. This group aims to facilitate cooperation on air issues among representatives from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

In June 2004, stakeholders representing environmental nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), health NGOs, and industry joined states and representatives of provinces and federal governments from both countries to review and comment on progress on specific obligations under the Annex.

On August 17, 2004, Minister Dion and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Leavitt endorsed a recommendation to consider a future negotiation of an annex to the 1991 Air Quality Agreement to address transboundary particulate matter or PM.  Such a negotiation could occur as early as 2006.

In the February 2nd, 2004, speech from the throne the Government of Canada promised to intensify its commitment to clean air, primarily by engaging the United States on transboundary issues.