Feds Strike Major Climate Agreement With Canadian Petroleum Producers

The new regulations will improve air quality and protect human health 

Ontario, Toronto – The Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson, announced that the Government of Canada has finalized national regulations that will reduce pollution from petroleum and petrochemical facilities across the country, including in Sarnia, Mississauga, Montréal, Burnaby, Prince George, Saint John, and many communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Harmful airborne substances—known as volatile organic compounds—emitted from these facilities contribute to premature deaths and more frequent and severe asthma symptoms, and they force workers and nearby residents to interrupt their daily activities.

According to Wilkinson, the Government has been working closely with the petroleum industry to provide many compliance options to minimize costs. As a result, industries can find the most effective ways to reduce their pollution. Many of the new requirements to reduce air pollution are already in place for similar facilities in the US. These measures support competitiveness as the petroleum and petrochemical sectors begin to recover from the economic downturn and low energy prices.

“I have always been supportive of improving the air quality and environment for our community while preserving our economic competitiveness and prosperity.” – Mike Bradley, Mayor of the City of Sarnia 

The regulations also support clean growth in Canada’s energy sector and complement the commitment to meet and exceed the country’s 2030 emissions-reduction target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Copies of the final regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 11. 

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