SURREY, B.C. - Environment and Climate Change Canada has published the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026–2031, the first national strategy of its kind in Canada. Released on October 23, 2026, the strategy is meant to guide the federal government and its partners in addressing environmental racism and advancing environmental justice across the country.
What the strategy commits to
The strategy sets out Ottawa’s commitment to reducing environmental inequities in federal decision-making. It aims to improve access to environmental information and to support meaningful participation in decisions by the communities those decisions affect. The federal government says implementation will be shaped by continuous feedback from communities, and that environmental protection will remain a shared effort with provinces and territories, Indigenous rights-holders, affected communities and other partners.
The strategy was informed by engagement and consultation with communities, Indigenous governments and organizations, partners working on environmental justice, and the Canadian public, including national forums and community-specific sessions.
“Environmental harms and risks are not always experienced equally, including by Indigenous, racialized, and other marginalized communities,” said Environment, Climate Change and Nature Minister Julie Dabrusin. “Through dedicated conversations like national forums and community-specific sessions, we have developed a Strategy to address these known challenges.”
Why it matters in Surrey
Surrey is one of Canada’s most diverse cities, home to large South Asian and other racialized communities, including many families living near industrial lands, truck routes and busy corridors. The strategy’s premise, that these communities have historically been left out of environmental decision-making, speaks directly to debates Surrey residents already have about air quality, truck traffic and where industry is placed. The release does not name Surrey-specific measures; those details will come as federal departments put the strategy into practice over its 2026 to 2031 term.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada news release, October 23, 2026
