Our Story

Our mission

Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

For over 30 years, Environmental Defence has worked at the municipal, provincial and federal level to safeguard our freshwater, create livable communities, decrease Canadians’ exposure to toxic chemicals, end plastic pollution, tackle climate change and build a clean economy.

Every day, we work to create lasting and meaningful change. That’s why we prioritize collaborating with government, industry and individuals. Because of this, our work is focused on:

1. Encouraging government to enact policies to protect Canadians’ health and environment.
2. Working with industry to build a clean, prosperous economy.
3. Empowering Canadians to take action in their own daily lives.

And we do so by:

1. Being politically non-partisan
   Our goal is to protect Canadians and our environment, not to advance the goals of any specific political party. We work with political leaders of all stripes to create a world Canadians are proud to pass on to their children.
2. Sticking to the facts
   Our work is based on research and a good understanding of the facts. In some cases, we do our own research, and in others, we consult peer-reviewed science and experts in their field to identify threats to our health and environment and good solutions. We have established ourselves as experts on issues that matter to Canadians by asking questions and basing our work on the answers.
3. Getting results
   Inspiring change is more than a tagline. We inspire change by promoting solutions to protect Canadians’ health and environment. Our end goal is to do what’s right for our environment.
4. Working cooperatively
   For over 30 years, we’ve worked with businesses, communities, lawyers, scientists, advocates and governments to inspire change. We know that advocacy is only one piece of the puzzle, and we strive to create partnerships and educational opportunities to help Canadians understand threats to our health and environment, and what role they can play in protecting them.
5. Following the law
   We do not participate in unlawful activities.