The key elements of the national monitoring infrastructure are the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) network with 239 sites and the Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CAPMoN) with 24 sites. In addition, a number of  smaller networks exist to support Canada's monitoring program and include the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN),Canadian Atmospheric Mercury Measurement Network (CAMNet), and Canadian Baseline Program Network for greenhouse gases and aerosols.  Six stations from the above networks (excluding NAPs) have been especially designated as “CORE” sites to study the long-term impact of human activities on Canadian air quality.  Some monitoring networks are capable of providing real-time measurements.

The goal is to ensure that Canada has the monitoring capability to support policies such as, Canada-wide Standards (CWSs) and ozone annex commitments with the United States, support the National Air Quality Prediction Program and collect data that will guide future actions on emissions reduction. In addition, Canada is working with other nations, bilaterally, mulitlaterally or through involvement with the United Nations (UN) to exchange information and expertise in order to enhance the effectiveness of global monitoring systems.

To learn more about:

• Summary of Canadian air quality monitoring networks (including links to Health Canada and the United States national air quality monitoring programs)
• What air quality monitoring networks measure
• How the monitoring networks are managed
• International commitments to monitoring
• Some key milestones in air quality monitoring in Canada
• Future development of monitoring in Canada