Help Shape Canada's First Census of the Environment
Official title: Census of the Environment Program
Statistics Canada is building a national inventory of ecosystems—forests, wetlands, lakes, prairies, and coastal areas. The Census of Environment will track how these ecosystems change over time and measure what they provide: clean air, food, recreation, and more. This data will guide decisions on protecting and restoring Canada's natural environment.
Why This Matters
Ever wonder what Canada's forests, wetlands, and lakes actually do for you? This census will put a number on it—clean air, drinking water, flood protection, places to hike and fish. The results could shape where conservation dollars go and how development decisions get made near natural areas.
What Could Change
Canada could get its first comprehensive ecosystem accounting system. This would create standardized data on ecosystem size, condition, and services across the country. Future environmental policies and land-use decisions could be based on this data rather than patchwork provincial information.
Key Issues
- What ecosystem data should the Census of Environment collect and track?
- How should ecosystem services like clean air, water, and recreation be measured?
How to Participate
- Review the results from previous engagement rounds: the Census of Environment E-Form Summary Report and the Urban Ecosystems E-Form Summary Report.
- Contact Statistics Canada at consultativeengagement-mobilisationconsultative@statcan.gc.ca to express interest in participating in upcoming 2025-2026 engagement activities.