Shattering the Myth of Pollution Progress in Canada: A National Report

Based on the PollutionWatch analysis of data from Environment Canada's reporting program - the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) - it is clear that, despite years of government and industry rhetoric, the goal of pollution prevention has yet to be realized in Canada .

Among the findings of the report:

  • Surprising amounts of pollutants are still being released across Canada to the air, water, and land and injected underground each year.
  • Releases and transfers of toxic chemicals continue to increase in Canada .
  • The majority of facilities in Canada are making little or no progress in reducing pollution.

The report recommends:

  • A national action plan, coordinated among federal, provincial and territorial governments, with the following pollution reduction targets:

    • virtual elimination of releases of carcinogens to the air and water by 2008;
    • interim target of 50% reduction in releases of CEPA toxics to the air and water by 2008;
    • interim target of 50% reduction in releases of respiratory toxins to the air by 2008;
    • interim target of 50% reduction in releases of pollutants known to cause developmental and reproductive harm to the air and water by 2008

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