FAQs
What is environmental justice?
In Canada, there is no definition of environmental justice that is accepted by everyone. Instead, environmental justice is considered a concept that can be applied in various contexts. Environmental justice is a movement seeking to ensure fair and meaningful inclusion of affected peoples and equal sharing of benefits and costs when making decisions about the environment. When making these decisions, environmental justice aims to recognize and seek to address the existing inequalities faced by Indigenous, racialized, or otherwise marginalized communities.
What is environmental equity?
The concept of environmental equity is broadly understood to mean that no single group or community is at a disadvantage when dealing with hazardous environmental exposures or pollution, regardless of their diversity or social position. It requires the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of those that are or could be affected by environmental decision-making.
What is environmental racism?
Like environmental justice, there is no definition of environmental racism accepted by everyone, and it has not yet been defined by the Government of Canada. It is a broad concept that can be applied in various contexts. Environmental racism is a form of systemic racism. When it comes to the environment, environmental racism is when environmental decision-making, policies, and practices overly disadvantage some people due to their race. This outcome can be intentional or unintentional.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation defines environmental racism as, “A systemic form of racism in which toxic wastes are introduced into or near marginalized communities. People of colour, indigenous peoples, working class, and poor communities suffer disproportionately from environmental hazards and the location of dangerous, toxic facilities such as incinerators and toxic waste dumps. Pollution of lands, air, and waterways, often causes chronic illness to the inhabitants and change in their lifestyle.”
