International Cooperation for Clean Air

Air pollution does not respect political boundaries. Pollutant emissions from transportation, energy production, industry, and residential activities enter the atmosphere and are carried long distances, across borders and even halfway around the world. This transboundary movement of pollutants means that air quality is truly a global concern.

As a result, international cooperation between Canada and other nations throughout the world is essential, addressing both global and local air concerns. Of particular importance to air quality in Canada is Canada's partnership with the United States. This is because the United States is Canada's most significant trading partner, closest neighbour and, unfortunately, a significant source of pollution in many areas of Canada. By working together, we can find solutions that benefit us all.

Find out more about international environmental issues at Environment Canada's international relations Web site

North America

Canada works closely with the United States, as well as Mexico to address transboundary air pollution in North America. This cooperation is guided by the North America Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and its Commission for Environmental Cooperation, as well as the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement, Ozone Annex, and many other related agreements.

In January 2003, the Government of Canada, led by Environment Canada but in cooperation with other departments such as Health Canada, began working to develop a Border Air Quality Strategy with the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States to identify appropriate pilot projects to address transboundary air pollution of concern and to continue on the path to reduce transborder air pollution.

Arctic and Northern Hemisphere

Canada is also active in addressing air pollution concerns within its northern Arctic regions and throughout the northern hemisphere. For instance, Canada supports the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) and is a signatory, along with over 45 other countries, to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), administered by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Globally

Canada is also working multilaterally with the United Nations through the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Bank, by providing funding for environmental programs and research and by sharing knowledge and experience through conferences and workshops in areas such as best available technology and policy options to address poor air quality. International and bilateral conferences and workshops provide countries with the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn about new policy tools and technology, and develop partnerships.