Canadian Council of Ministers
of the Environment

Le Conseil canadien des ministres
de l'environnement

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Air

Air pollutants have the potential to impact environment and human health both locally and across political and geographic boundaries. Governments across Canada pursue active programs on air issues both individually and collectively. In 2012 ministers of environment, with the exception of Québec, agreed to implement a Canada-wide Air Quality Management System (AQMS).

AQMS is a comprehensive approach for reducing air pollution in Canada and is the product of an unprecedented collaboration by the federal, provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders. 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. 

AQMS consists of several interrelated elements. More information on these elements can be found in the State of the Air report (Canada's Air).

Prior to AQMS, CCME activities were directed at specific air issues such as acid rain, ozone depleting substances and standards for toxic substances.

AQMS Elements

 

Acid Rain

Benzene

Dioxins and Furans

Mercury

Mobile Sources

National Framework for Petroleum Refinery Emission Reductions (NFPRER)

Nitrogen Oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds

Ozone Depleting Substances

State of the Air (Canada's Air)

Wood Burning

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