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History of the Environment in Canada

Explore 150 years of Canada’s environmental history in one interactive timeline

This free, collaborative resource invites Canadians to engage with, learn from, and contribute to the ongoing story of conservation, business, and policy in Canada—and the people, projects, and technologies that are making a difference.

Have a story to tell? Interested in contributing to the timeline?

1972

The Limits to Growth Report

The Limits to Growth is a 1972 report that discussed the possibility of exponential economic and population growth with finite supply of resources, studied by computer simulation. The study used the World3 computer model to simulate the consequence of interactions …

1972

1972

The Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act

The Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act came into force, prohibiting the deposit of “waste” in Arctic waters. It extended a pollution enforcement zone 100 nautical miles from the low-water mark near the Arctic Islands to the east and to the …

1972

1973

Emergencies Program

The creation of Emergencies Program by Cabinet Directive in recognition of a need for consolidated scientific advice following the running aground of the SS Arrow in 1970. The directive mandated Environment Canada to take a lead role in the federal …

1973

1973

The Canada Wildlife Act

The Canada Wildlife Act was passed enabling the creation, management and protection of National Wildlife Areas. Today, there are 55 National Wildlife areas containing nationally significant habitats for animals or plants.

1973

1973

OPEC Oil Price Increases Sparking Pursuit of Energy Efficiency

The 1973 OPEC oil price hike accelerated concerns about resource limits, particularly for energy-profligate North Americans. It spurred government efforts toward energy efficiency and alternatives, leading to the establishment of the Office of Energy Conservation in 1974 by the Department …

1973

1973

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Introduced

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was formally introduced in Canada through the federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP), established in 1973. EARP provided a structured framework for evaluating the potential environmental effects of proposed projects and policies, ensuring that environmental …

1973

1974

Office of Energy Conservation Founded

The Department of Energy, Mines, and Resources (the predecessor to Natural Resources Canada) established an Office of Energy Conservation in 1974, headed by David Brooks (though in 1977, discouraged by insufficient action, Brooks left to head an Ottawa office for …

1974

1975

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,

Canada ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement between countries to ensure the trade of species of wild animals and plants is not harmful to their survival. The Convention is …

1975

1975

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter

Canada became a party to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (1972). Known as the London Convention, it was among the first global treaties to protect the marine environment from human …

1975

1977

PCBs Prohibited

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic compounds valued for their stability, making them ideal for electrical components until their use was restricted in the 1970s. While never manufactured in Canada, they were widely used here. PCB production and sale have been …

1977

1978

COSEWIC Creates National List of Species at Risk

The intergovernmental Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) began the critical task of defining a national list of species at risk in 1977. Comprising representatives from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, along with independent experts and …

1978

1979

Lloyd Tataryn, Dying for a Living: The Politics of Industrial Death, 1979

Dying for a Living connects Canadian environmentalism to the politics of industrial disease, shedding light on workplace pollution issues such as radiation exposure at Elliot Lake, arsenic contamination in Yellowknife, and asbestos-related illnesses at Thetford mines. Unlike in the U.S., …

1979

1980

National Energy Program (NEP)

Introduced by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s Liberal government on October 28, 1980, the National Energy Program (NEP) aimed to achieve Canadian energy independence, increase Canadian ownership of the oil industry, and redistribute wealth from non-renewable resources. The policy, implemented after …

1980

1981

The Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain

The Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain (1981–1991) helped obtain agreements between Canada and the United States to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. The Coalition was formed in 1981 and lobbied the Canadian and American governments for emissions controls …

1981

1981

Blue Box Pilot Program Launches in Kitchener

A project to examine the efficiency of various collection methods for recyclable materials was launched with the participation of 1,000 households in Kitchener, Ont. Organizers noted particularly high participation rates from homes that were given a blue box bearing the …

1981

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1995

Ecological Gifts Program Established

Ecological Gifts Program is established to offer tax benefits to landowners for donating ecological valuable lands to qualified recipients. By 2020, more than 1,400 ecological gifts valued at over $900 million were donated across Canada, protecting 195,000 hectares of important …

1995

1996

Arctic Council

Environment Canada participated in the inaugural meeting of The Arctic Council founded to address the issues of sustainable development and environmental protection, common to the Arctic States of Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States and …

1996

1999

Death of Gwen Mallard

Environmental activist Gwen Mallard, known for her campaigns against strip mining, oil tanker traffic, and herbicide use, passed away in East Sooke, BC. Her unwavering commitment to environmental protection and local conservation efforts had a profound and lasting influence on …

1999

1999

Freshwater Protest

In 1999, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Québec rejected a proposed national accord aimed at prohibiting the export of fresh water. These provinces expressed concerns that such a ban could infringe on their constitutional rights to manage natural resources …

1999

2002

Species at Risk Act

The Species at Risk Act (SARA) was enacted to protect Canada’s wildlife from extinction, support the recovery of extirpated, endangered, or threatened species, and manage species of special concern to prevent further decline. Passed with Royal Assent, the Act initially …

2002

2008

Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA)

The Canadian government formalized its commitment to sustainable development with the 2008 Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA), requiring the creation of a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). This whole-of-government approach enhances transparency and accountability regarding environmental sustainability. The current FSDS …

2008

2008

Integrated Watershed Management Initiative, Water Management Framework

To address Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) issues, Conservation Ontario partnered with Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to launch the Integrated Watershed Management Initiative in 2008. The initiative aimed to update Ontario’s understanding of IWM, …

2008

2014

The National Conservation Plan

The National Conservation Plan was launched to provide a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country with an emphasis on enabling Canadians to conserve and restore lands and waters.

2014

2015

Randle Reef

Environment Canada, the Government of Ontario and other partners announced funding for the remediation of Randle Reef, in Hamilton Harbour. Randle Reef is the largest contaminated site on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes resulting from years of industrial …

2015

2015

2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada

Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments released the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada in response to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its global Aichi Biodiversity Targets. A key target was …

2015

2017

Death of Gwen Barlee, Species at Risk Act

Gwen Barlee, British Columbia environmental activist, died of cancer at the age of 54. As part of her work with the Wilderness Committee, Barlee helped persuade the federal government to pass the Species at Risk Act in 2002. (See Endangered …

2017

2021

Ministry of Natural Resources

In a restructuring move, 2021 saw the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry re-integrated with the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. This merger created the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, while the Ministry of …

2021

2025

WW2, Energy use

During the Second World War, the federal government implemented energy conservation programs targeted mainly at female consumers in an effort to control Canadian energy use. The purpose, however, was not to reduce the overall consumption of energy in the country …

2025

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1988

World Conference “The Changing Atmosphere: Global Implications for Global Security

In 1988, Toronto hosted one of the early international climate change conferences with federal government involvement, but the level of action sought at the time from governments was modest, since few anticipated how quickly the changes were to become fully …

1988

1989

Blue Box Pilot Program Wins Award

In 1989, the United Nations recognized Ontario’s blue box initiative with an environmental award of merit.

1989

1989

WWF Canada’s Endangered Species Campaign

World Wildlife Fund Canada launched its 10-year national Endangered Species Campaign. The campaign aimed to complete a network of protected areas representing all terrestrial natural regions of Canada. Although the organization did not reach its goal, the campaign helped establish …

1989

1990

Canada’s Green Plan

In 1990 the federal government releases Canada’s Green Plan for a healthy environment. The Green Plan aimed “to secure for current and future generations a safe and healthy environment and a sound and prosperous economy. The plan represented a fundamental …

1990

1990

Hagersville Tire Fire

The Hagersville Tire Fire, which started on February 12, 1990, at the Tyre King Tire Recycling facility near Hagersville, Ontario, consumed 14 million tires and burned 18 football fields. The fire, fought for 17 days by 24 fire departments, caused …

1990

1991

The Canada United States Air Quality Agreement

The Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement was signed by Canada and the United States to address transboundary air pollution leading to acid rain. Both countries agreed to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the primary precursors …

1991

1991

The Northern River Basins Study

The Northern River Basins Study was established through an agreement between the governments of Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Primary objective of the study was to better understand the cumulative ecosystem impacts of developments within the Peace, Athabasca and …

1991

1991

The Fraser River Action Plan

The Fraser River Action Plan was initiated to reduce pollution, enhance environmental quality, and develop an integrated basin management program. Efforts focused on pollution abatement, environmental quality and research, enforcement and compliance, and habitat restoration and conservation.

1991

1991

ONEIA

Established in 1991, the Ontario Environmental Industry Association (ONEIA) is the business association representing the interests of the environment industry in Ontario. Its network of thousands of contacts includes key people in environmental technology, product and service companies, law, investment …

1991

1992

Earth Summit, Rio Summit, Agenda 21

The Government of Canada participated in the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), or “Earth Summit,” in Rio de Janeiro. The summit, attended by 172 countries, highlighted global environmental issues and led to key agreements, including the …

1992

1992

The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Agenda 21

The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established in December 1992 to monitor and report on the implementation of UNCED agreements. In 1997, the UN General Assembly conducted a five-year review of progress since the Earth Summit. Agenda 21, a …

1992

1992

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act was proclaimed as law to replace EARP and to strengthen EIA in Canada. The Act established a more comprehensive framework for assessing the environmental impacts of proposed projects, incorporating public participation and expanding the scope …

1992

1994

NRTEE Established

The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) was established in 1994 to promote sustainable development across Canada. It brought together experts from various sectors to provide independent, evidence-based advice on integrating environmental and economic policies. The …

1994

1994

Sulphur Protocols

Canada and 25 nations signed a United Nations protocol in Oslo, Norway, on reducing sulphur emissions, a major cause of acid rain. The protocol aimed to limit emissions from industrial sources and promote international cooperation to mitigate environmental damage, marking …

1994

1995

National Action Program on Climate Change

Canada launches the National Action Program on Climate Change marking the beginning of a national strategy designed to address climate change science, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to climate change.

1995

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1909

Canada’s Commission of Conservation Established

American President Theodore Roosevelt invited Mexico and Canada to join the United States at the North American Conservation Conference, leading to the establishment of Canada’s Commission of Conservation. Canada established the Commission on Conservation, an independent agency devoted to forest …

1909

1911

Dominion Parks Branch (Parks Canada) Established

The world’s first national parks service, the Dominion Parks Branch, was established in 1911 to protect and manage Canada’s growing network of national parks. Now known as Parks Canada, it remains a global leader in conservation, safeguarding the country’s natural …

1911

1916

National Park Service Act

The United States passed the National Park Service Act in 1916, creating a framework for preserving natural and cultural heritage. Canada, despite establishing Banff National Park in 1885, adopted similar conservation policies only in 1930 with the National Parks Act, …

1916

1916

The Migratory Bird Convention (later the Migratory Bird Treaty) Signed

The Migratory Bird Convention (later the Migratory Bird Treaty) was signed by the United States and Canada to protect bird species threatened by the plumage trade, farmers who saw them as a threat to their crops, and shrinking habitats. The …

1916

1928

Beaver People Film Released

The National Film Board of Canada released a film called Beaver People in 1928. The film features conservationists Archibald Belaney and his wife, Anahareo, and their efforts to protect dwindling beaver populations

1928