Canada-wide Standards (CWSs) are developed under the Canada-wide Environmental Standards Sub-Agreement of the Canada-wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization.

The Standards Sub-Agreement is a framework for federal, provincial, and territorial Environment Ministers to work together to address key environmental protection and health risk-reduction issues that require common environmental standards across the country.

The Standards Sub-agreement sets out principles for governments to jointly agree on priorities, to develop standards, and to prepare complementary workplans to achieve those standards, based on the unique responsibilities and legislation of each government. The sub-agreement does not change the jurisdiction of governments nor does it delegate authority.

Endorsed Canada-wide Standards

Benzene
Dioxin and Furan Emissions from Conical Waste Combustion of Municipal Waste
Dioxin and Furan Emissions from Incineration and Coastal Pulp and Paper Boilers Dioxin and Furan Emissions from Iron Sintering Plants
Dioxin and Furan Emissions from Steel Manufacturing Electric Arc Furnaces 
Mercury Emissions
Mercury Emissions from Coal-fired Electric Power Generation Plants
Mercury-containing Lamps
Mercury for Dental Amalgam Waste
Particulate Matter & Ground-level Ozone
Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil

Public Involvement in the Standards Process

CWS are developed through a mixture of consultation mechanisms with the participation of a variety of groups with an interest in the standards, including industry, municipal, environmental, health and Aboriginal groups.

How Standards are Developed

Ministers establish priorities for standards.

Jurisdictions work together to develop the appropriate type of standard for the designated environmental contaminant or issue. The emphasis is on developing strategies that use controls appropriate to the situation and to the unique authorities of the various governments.

Generally, CWSs are developed using a firm scientific foundation and a risk-based approach. CWS development and implementation also considers socio-economic factors and issues of technical feasibility.

Proposed CWSs are presented to Ministers and generally contain a numeric limit (e.g., ambient, discharge, or product standard); a timetable for attainment; and a framework for monitoring progress and reporting to the public.  Each standard is normally accompanied by a list of preliminary actions to attain the standard.

How Standards are Implemented

The CWS agreements help produce environmental results by encouraging joint development and execution of agreed-to plans of action. Each CCME member is responsible for implementing the CWS in its own jurisdiction, with the goal of effective, efficient, and harmonized implementation. Governments will report to the public on progress towards attaining the agreed-upon standard.

In implementing the standards, governments will maximize opportunities to share expertise and capacities; avoid overlap and duplication; use the most effective and efficient measures; and promote consistency across the country.