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Context
Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS)
Air Zones
Airsheds
Base-level Industrial Emissions Requirements (BLIERs)
Mobile Sources
Monitoring and Reporting
On October 11, 2012, jurisdictions, with the exception of Québec, agreed to begin implementing a new air quality management system (AQMS). AQMS is a comprehensive approach for improving air quality in Canada and is the product of unprecedented collaboration by the federal, provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders. It includes:
- New Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) to set the bar for outdoor air quality management across the country
- Industrial emission requirements that set a base level of performance for major industries in Canada
- A framework for air zone air management within provinces and territories that enables action tailored to specific sources of air emissions in a given area
- Regional airsheds that facilitate coordinated action where air pollution crosses a border
- Improved intergovernmental collaboration to reduce emissions from the transportation sector
Federal, provincial and territorial governments all have roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the system. Although Québec supports the general objectives of AQMS, it will not implement the System since it includes federal industrial emission requirements that duplicate Québec's Clean Air Regulation. However, Québec will collaborate with jurisdictions on developing other elements of the system, notably air zones and airsheds.
Context
Federal, provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders developed a framework called the Comprehensive Air Management System (CAMS) from 2007 to 2010. The CAMS proposal was presented to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) on October 20, 2010. Ministers agreed to move forward with a new air quality management system based on the CAMS approach and directed officials to develop the major elements of the system.
Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS)
The Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards will be established as objectives under Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999, and will replace the existing Canada-wide Standards under CCME. Standards for fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone have been developed and work has begun on standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Air management will be guided by an Air Zone Management Framework to ensure proactive measures are taken to protect air quality in accordance with the principles of keeping clean areas clean and continuous improvement.
Air Zones
Air zones are a place-based approach to manage local air quality. They are to be arenas for air quality management. The provinces and territories will delineate and manage air zones within their boundaries. The goal in all air zones will be to drive continuous improvements in air quality and to prevent the CAAQS from being exceeded.
November 2012 (260 KB) (pdf)
Airsheds
Six regional airsheds together covering all of Canada have been established to coordinate efforts to reduce transboundary air pollution flows and report on regional air quality. Coordinating mechanisms will be built on existing mechanisms or established as needed to address air pollution issues, including transboundary pollution from the United States, and across interprovincial and inter-regional boundaries.
Base-level Industrial Emissions Requirements (BLIERs)
Base-level Industrial Emission Requirements (BLIERs) are intended to ensure that all significant industrial sources in Canada, regardless of where facilities are located, meet a good base-level of performance. BLIERs are quantitative or qualitative emissions requirements proposed for new and existing major industrial sectors and some equipment types. These requirements are based on what leading jurisdictions inside or outside Canada are requiring of industry in “attainment areas,” adjusted for Canadian circumstances. BLIERs are focused on nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM).
Mobile Sources
Emissions from mobile sources (transportation and small engines) are a major source of air pollution in many parts of the country, especially urban areas. Recognizing that there are multiple jurisdictions responsible for managing mobile source emissions, a working group has been established of federal, provincial, and territorial government representatives in the environment, transport, energy, natural resources, and health fields who are involved with policies and programs addressing emissions from mobile sources.
Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring and public reporting are critical to transparency, accountability and the effective implementation of the system. Provinces and territories, with assistance from the federal government, will be responsible for monitoring in the air zones and reporting to the general public in their jurisdictions on air quality and the measures taken to implement the AQMS.
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