Clean Air Day in Canada
Since 1999, Canada has marked the first Wednesday in June as Clean Air Day. On June 3, 2026, take time to reflect on the importance of clean air for our health, our environment, and our daily lives.
While air quality in Canada is relatively good compared to many parts of the world, it can still affect your health.
That is why Canada is continuing to take action to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment and human health.
Air pollution in Canada comes from several sources. Human-caused sources include burning fossil fuels for transportation, electricity use and industrial processes.
Natural sources of air pollution, such as wildfires, dust and pollen, are becoming more of a concern due to climate change. Wildfire smoke contains many harmful air pollutants, resulting in poor air quality locally and thousands of kilometres away.
Air pollution harms wildlife, vegetation, and crops, and erodes buildings. It also contributes to other environmental issues, such as biodiversity loss and climate change.
Air pollution can lead to heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer, and premature death. There is no safe level of exposure to many air pollutants. Some people, including people aged 65 or older, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more at risk of experiencing health effects.
In Canada, air pollution contributes to more than 17,000 deaths each year, with estimated costs of $146 billion annually.
Clean Air Day activities
Find resources, ideas, and ways to get involved in communities across Canada:
Air Quality 101 Webinar – Green Venture (June 24, 2026 | 5 – 6 pm ET)
Find out how air quality can impact human health.
Clean Air Day event planning toolkit – Mahihkan Management
Resources to plan your Clean Air Day event that focus on community-led, youth-driven, and Indigenous-informed activities.
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Clean air is kind to our health and the planet. Explore resources, events, and everyday actions for healthier air for all.
Clean Air Day Festival – Green Venture
Enjoy student environmental film screenings, interactive activities, community displays, and light refreshments at this free event.
St. Albert Clean Air Day – Alberta
Discover how air monitoring stations work, learn easy ways to help keep our air clean and get a free bike tuneup.
EnviroFest and Commuter Challenge – Moncton, New Brunswick
Learn and participate in sustainability activities and join the Commuter Challenge throughout Environment Week.
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Learn about clean air, get free promotional materials and download a kit to plan your own event.
Understanding the air we breathe (in French only)
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, nearly 200 young people aged 9 to 12 will gather at the Labo des Neurones Atomiques (Atomic Neurons Lab) in Montréal for a big day of free interactive activities on air quality, health, and the environment!
The program will include scientific experiments, interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, outdoor activities, and a science show!
Organized by L’île du savoir (the Island of Knowledge), in collaboration with the Neurones Atomiques (Atomic Neurons) and financial support from Health Canada, this day aims to raise awareness among young people about air quality issues through fun, lively, and accessible activities.
A day for learning, experimenting, getting active, and sparking scientific curiosity!
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Free tours of energy-efficient and solar homes in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. Talk with homeowners and hear about their experiences with the latest energy-efficient technologies!
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Invite your colleagues or workplace to join in the national Commuter Challenge between May 31 to June 6, 2026.
Watch and read
Study of Winter Air Pollution in Toronto - Canadian Geographic
This story highlights the study of air pollutants in winter found at monitoring sites throughout Toronto, Ontario. This research led by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s scientists can help us find solutions to reduce air pollution in cities across Canada.
Deep Breath, Deep Dive: Air Quality and Your Health
Learn how air quality can affect our health and what we can do about it.
Learn
Air pollution and air quality in Canada
Learn about Canada’s air quality and sources of air pollution.
Air quality and health
Learn about the effects of air pollution on your health and how to protect yourself.
Indoor air quality
Find out how you can make the air inside your home safer to breathe.
Government of Canada actions to reduce air pollution
Find out how we’re keeping the air clean through research, regulations, investments and international agreements.