Programs and services

We are the lead federal department for a wide range of environmental issues, including taking action on clean growth and climate change. We are also engaged in activities aimed at:

• preventing and managing pollution
• conserving nature
• predicting weather and environmental conditions.

More about our mandate.

Environmental protection

The Environmental Protection Branch (EPB) implements legislation, regulations and other policies and programs that protect Canadians and the environment. Working with federal departments, provinces and territories, aboriginal people, municipalities, industry and environmental non-governmental organizations on:

• clean air and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission regulations
• chemical substances management
• environmental emergencies
• advancement of Canada's plastics and waste agenda
• Pollution and waste management
• Canadian Environmental Protection Act Registry
• Environmental Damages Fund
• National Pollutant Release Inventory
• Canadian environmental sustainability indicators
• Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
• Contaminated sites

Canadian Wildlife Service

Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) branch programs include:

• recovery of species at risk and their critical habitat
• migratory birds and other wildlife
• stewardship
• protected areas partnerships for the integrated management of Canada's natural capital
• international responsibilities
• compliance promotion and enforcement to protect biodiversity
• Wildlife, plants and species
• Species at Risk Registry
• Nature Legacy for Canada
• National wildlife areas across Canada
• Migratory birds

Meteorological Service of Canada

Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) is the primary supplier of meteorological and water resources information in Canada. With a Canada-wide observation network to monitor changes in the weather, climate, water, ice and air quality, to obtain the data behind the weather forecasts and warning provided to Canadians on a 24-hour basis. 

• Weather, climate and hazards

Climate change

The Climate Change Branch (CCB) leads the coordination, development and implementation of Canada’s climate policy and programs. In collaboration with their partners to support a clean economy, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build Canada’s resilience to a changing climate.

• Climate change
• Net-zero by 2050
• Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy
• Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan
• Healthy Environment Healthy Economy

International affairs

The International Affairs Branch (IAB) works with experts across ECCC and other departments to advance Canada’s priorities and positions on bilateral, multilateral, regional and global climate change and environmental issues. IAB supports Canada’s negotiation and implementation of international environmental agreements and the environmental provisions in free trade agreements.

• Canada’s international action on climate change

Science and technology

Science and Technology Branch (STB) undertakes fundamental work to understand emerging threats in Canada’s ecosystems through atmospheric and climate modelling, water quality monitoring, risk assessment and regulatory activities.

• Environmental science and technology
• Ask a scientist
• Scientists-at-Large

Enforcement

The Enforcement Branch (EB) is responsible for enforcing Canadian environmental and wildlife acts and regulations through the work of on-the-ground enforcement officers across Canada who enforce the applicable laws in a fair, predictable and consistent manner.

• Environmental and wildlife enforcement