Overview

Environmental Response Systems is responsible for developing and administering policies, regulations and programs to protect the marine environment, to mitigate the impact on the environment of marine pollution incidents in Canadian waters, and to ensure the safety of the general public. It works with other federal agencies and departments, such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment Canada, to establish guidelines, the regulatory framework and mechanisms for the preparedness and response to oil spills. It also manages the National Aerial Surveillance Program, which serves to detect pollution violations in Canadian waters and to collect evidence for use in the prosecution of offenders, as well as the department's response to spills of hazardous noxious substances.

Environmental Response Systems is an active member of the Arctic Council and works with stakeholders through the Regional Advisory Councils.