Canadian Environmental Timeline

  • Fisheries Act

    Acting as one of Canada's earliest environmental laws, it was created after people realized fish were not an endless resource. It was created to protect fish and manage fisheries in hopes of conserving resources.
  • Creation of Banff National Park

    Creation of Banff National Park

    Established as Canada’s first national park. Marking the beginning of the national parks system and a commitment to preserving natural spaces.
  • Creation of Algonquin Provincial Park

    Established as Ontario's first national park to protect a vast amount of wilderness from uncontrolled development.
  • Boundary Waters Treaty Signed

    The boundry waters treaty is a treaty between Canada and the U.S.A to prevent future and current disputes over shared waters.
  • National Parks Service

    National Parks Service

    Created in 1911 it's worlds first national parks service. It was formed to manage and protect Canada's growing system of national parks.
  • Migratory Bird Convention Signed

    An agreement signed between Canada and the U.S.A to protect migratory birds across its borders. It was signed to prevent overhunting and habitat loss.
  • Canada National Parks Act

    This act declared that national parks belong to all Canadians. Marking them as not just scenic places but as spaces for national pride, health, and heritage.
  • Canadian Wildlife Federation

    The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national non-profit organization founded to promote conservation, education, and advocacy for wildlife and habitats.
  • Greenpeace

    Greenpeace

    In 1971, Vancouver, Greenpeace was founded to protest nuclear testing, growing into a leading global environmental activist organization.
  • Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act

    The Arctic waters pollution prevent act strengthened Canada’s control over pollution in Arctic waters, asserting environmental jurisdiction.
  • Canada-US Air Quality Agreement

    In 1991, Canada and the U.S.A entered an agreement to address air pollution that crosses the borders.
  • Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights

    Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights was enacted in 1993, giving the public the right to access environmental information, comment on government decisions, and challenge actions that may harm the environment.
  • Clayoquot Sound Blockade

    Clayoquot Sound Blockade

    The Clayoquot sound blockade was a major series of protests in British Columbia against the massive industries destroying natural resources
  • Kyoto Protocol

    In 1997 the Kyoto Protocol was created to combat climate change by committing participating countries to legally binding agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act

    The Canadian Environmental Protection Act was enacted to prevent pollution and protect the environment and human health by regulating toxic substances, emissions, and waste.
  • Species at Risk Act

    Canada’s Species at Risk Act was created in 2002 to prevent wildlife species from becoming extinct, provide for their recovery, and protect their habitats.
  • Ontario Clean Water Act

    The Ontario clean water act was created to protect sources of drinking water through watershed-based planning
  • Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

    The Canadian environmental assessment act was enacted to ensure that federal projects are assessed for potential environmental impacts before approval.
  • Paris Climate Change Agreement

    The Paris climate agreement is an agreement with countries committing to limit global warming. Its goals are to keep global warming temperatures to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • Great Bear Rainforest Agreement

    Great Bear Rainforest Agreement

    The Great Bear Rainforest Agreement was implemented in British Columbia, protecting 85% of the forest from industrial logging while supporting sustainable economic opportunities for local communities and Indigenous groups.