Pollution in Canada refers to the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment , including air, water, and soil systems. It is recognized in scientific literature and government policy as a significant environmental and public health issue, and associated with industrial activity, transportation emissions, agricultural runoff, resource extraction (notably mining, oil and gas development), and urban development.
Air pollution primarily associated with greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ground-level ozone, largely produced by transportation, industry, and energy production. While air quality has improved in many regions due to regulatory measures, certain urban and industrial areas continue to experience elevated pollution levels, with documented associations to respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Water pollution historically been linked to industrial waste, agricultural runoff, inadequate wastewater treatment in some regions, and contamination of freshwater ecosystems. Although Canada has extensive freshwater resources and regulatory frameworks intended to protect water quality, localized issues persist, including nutrient loading, toxic waste, and advisories affecting drinking water in some Indigenous and rural communities. Soil contamination occurs in areas affected by industrial activity, waste disposal, mining, and the use of agricultural chemicals. Remediation efforts are ongoing at contaminated sites across the country, particularly in former industrial zones and resource extraction regions. Pollution contributes to broader policy debates on economic development, resource extraction, and environmental protection, with public concern linked to its health impacts, environmental degradation, and effects on biodiversity. Environmental policy in Canada also increasingly incorporates climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals, while regulation is addressed through a combination of federal legislation, such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, provincial environmental regulations, and municipal bylaws.
Air pollution
Air pollution in Canada is caused by industrial and vehicle emissions, agriculture, construction, wood burning, and energy production. Ongoing monitoring of Canada's Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory shows that 14 of the 17 of the air pollutants monitored are decreasing compared to historical levels. Data of 2019 shows that Canada is expected to meet or exceed its emission reduction commitments for 2020, as per the amended Gothenburg Protocol.
Oil sands pollution
While overall pollution levels have dropped, it was found that oil sand pollution has increased by 20% since 2009. Tar sands facilities were found to be among the top four highest polluters of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)- a major air contaminant. VOCs and other air contaminants are set to increase in the future as a result of continued output from the oil sands. Oil sand pollution is not only set to increase VOCs, but also, acid rain. Acid rain is rain that has been contaminated by airborne chemicals, making it acidic. Two major causes of acid rain are sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Acid rain can cause damage to soil, water, wildlife, plants and buildings. Additionally, the airborne particles that cause acid rain can also contribute to smog. In recent years progress has been made in reducing acid rain, however, Alberta's oil sands may soon set back this progress.
Pollution from oil wells In southeastern Saskatchewan, air pollution from oil production has breached provincial air quality standards hundreds of times since 2014.
Canada/United States transboundary pollution In recent years, the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement, signed on 13 March 1992, has improved air quality by reducing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions in both countries. The agreement was meant to address the issue of transnational air pollution between the two countries. The agreement was expanded in 2000 to also include goals of reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds and levels of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is caused by reactions between nitrogen oxides and VOCs in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is a contributor to smog and is known to cause numerous respiratory diseases. The 2012 Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement Progress Report found that "Canada's total emissions of sulfur dioxide have decreased by 57% from 1990 levels while the U.S. has reduced total sulfur dioxide emissions from covered sources by 67% from their 1990 emission levels. Between 2000 and 2010, Canada reduced total emissions of nitrogen oxides by 40% in the transboundary ozone region while U.S. total nitrogen oxide emissions decreased by 42% in the region". While transnational pollution between the United States and Canada has decreased many Canadians still say they contend with polluted air as a result of drifting pollution from the U.S. Approximately 70% of the air pollution in Canada comes from the United States. In 2006 the government of Ontario announced that "5,000 premature deaths caused by smog in the province every year can be attributed to air pollution that crosses the Canada-U.S. border." Additionally, the then (2006) mayor of Halifax, Peter Kelley, also proclaimed "over 50 per cent of air pollutants over New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are from the U.S. For us, we're trying to deal with what's coming our way, but also what we generate here as well." In an attempt to combat the pollution a petition was created. In 2006 the petition was filed by thirteen Canadian municipalities to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calling for a reduction in coal-fired plants.
Climate Change Accountability Act The Climate Change Accountability Act called for greenhouse gas emissions to be 25% below 1990 levels by 2021, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Although the bill was passed by the House of Commons, the bill was defeated by the Senate. Environment Minister Jim Prentice stated in early 2010 that the new goal for greenhouse gas emissions would be 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, the equivalent of a 3% increase from 1990.
Water pollution
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