Environment ministers discussed the relationship among contaminated sites, climate change and reconciliation, air quality, and other environmental priorities

July 4, 2025 in News

Yellowknife, NT – July 4, 2025 – At today’s meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), federal, provincial, and territorial environment ministers discussed the relationship among contaminated sites, climate change and reconciliation. They also endorsed stronger ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter, while reflecting on the impact of wildfires on air quality.  

“Clean air is essential to our well-being. While air quality in the Northwest Territories is generally very good, we all share responsibility for clean air. The new air quality standards will contribute to healthy people and communities, as well as resilient ecosystems and a sustainable economy for the future,” said Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Northwest Territories, who hosted his colleagues in Yellowknife.

Wildfires are one of the major contributors to air pollution, which can adversely affect the health of Canadians. Communities across Canada continue to be affected by devastating wildfires this year, which have been increasing in frequency, length, and severity. Ministers recognized the challenges faced by people and communities impacted by wildfire activity and expressed sincere appreciation for the heroic efforts of first responders, community members, and the Canadian Armed Forces. By approving updated Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter, ministers are supporting actions that will continue to improve air quality in Canada.

The CAAQS are objectives for the amount of a given pollutant in outdoor air. The CAAQS are a key element of the Air Quality Management System[1] (AQMS), a comprehensive and collaborative approach to drive air quality improvements. The CAAQS for fine particulate matter were developed by federal, provincial, and territorial governments collaboratively with representatives from industry, environmental and health non-governmental organizations and Indigenous organizations. Cleaner air means being able to spend more time outside, and a better quality of life for millions of Canadians.

In their meeting ministers shared examples of positive experiences of collaboration with Indigenous partners on the remediation and monitoring of contaminated sites, and examples of managing contaminated sites under more intense and frequent weather events.

Ministers discussed the opportunities and challenges of implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) in remote communities. They recognized EPR as a key tool for shifting the responsibility for managing plastic and other waste materials from governments to producers. The conversation highlighted the importance of working towards implementing consistent EPR approaches within the jurisdictional authority of each government to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and support a circular economy.

Ministers continued their discussions on climate change adaptation and building resilience. They reflected on recent climate-related events and their effects and highlighted their government’s proactive programs and policies.

“The challenges posed by climate change are urgent, complex, and interconnected with many other aspects of life in the Northwest Territories. Jurisdictions discussed useful examples to prepare communities and residents to withstand the impacts of climate change,” said Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Ministers emphasized the importance of working together across governments to protect the environment while strengthening Canada’s economy in the face of economic uncertainty. They also agreed that further conversations among them will include sustainable development and strong environmental stewardship in cooperation with Indigenous partners, respectful of provincial and territorial jurisdictions. 

At the end of the meeting, Northwest Territories passed the presidency of CCME to Alberta, which will host the 2026 CCME meeting.

In a separate meeting on July 3, 2025, ministers met with Indigenous leaders from Northwest Territories and national Indigenous governments and organizations. They discussed remediation and management of contaminated sites in the context of Indigenous reconciliation and climate change. Indigenous leaders shared the importance of incorporating local and Traditional Knowledge into remediation activities and providing economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories.

About CCME

CCME is the primary minister-led federal, provincial, and territorial intergovernmental forum for action on environmental issues of national and international interest. CCME is composed of the environment ministers from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It was founded in 1964. www.ccme.ca