International air quality agreements

Air pollution can be released at one location and travel long distances through the atmosphere with prevailing winds.  In this way, air pollution can affect air quality not only locally but also internationally.  Air pollution from international sources impacts air quality within Canada, making foreign countries important partners in addressing our domestic air pollution concerns.

Canada works with the United States, for example, through the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement, to address transboundary air pollution leading to acid rain and to high air quality levels of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Under this Agreement, Canada and the United States also work together on acid rain related scientific and technical cooperation.

Canada also participates in the Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s North American Air Working Group where acid rain, smog and other transboundary air issues are a focus of concern. 

For further information on Environment Canada's work on air, please visit the Air section.