Help Shape Canada's First Census of the Environment
Official title: Census of the Environment Program
Statistics Canada is building a new Census of Environment to track the health of Canada's ecosystems—forests, wetlands, lakes, prairies, and coastal areas. Think of it as a national inventory of nature. The census will measure what these ecosystems provide: clean air, food, recreation, and more. They're looking for input on how to design this program.
Why This Matters
Ever wonder what Canada's forests, wetlands, and lakes are actually worth? This census will put numbers on it. The data could shape decisions about development, conservation, and climate policy for decades. If you care about protecting nature—or balancing it with economic growth—this is your chance to influence how we measure what matters.
What Could Change
Canada could get its first comprehensive inventory of ecosystems and their economic value. This data would inform environmental regulations, land-use decisions, and climate adaptation strategies. Governments and businesses would have hard numbers when weighing development against conservation.
Key Issues
- What ecosystems should be tracked and how should their condition be measured?
- How should ecosystem services like clean air, food, and recreation be valued?
- What information do Canadians need to understand the benefits of ecosystems?
How to Participate
- Contact Statistics Canada at consultativeengagement-mobilisationconsultative@statcan.gc.ca to express interest in participating in upcoming engagement sessions in 2025-2026.
- Learn more about the Census of Environment program to understand what's being developed.