CONTACTING YOUR GOVERNMENT

If you're concerned about an issue or you want more information, contact your local elected official or government office. To help direct you to the right person or ministry, here's a rough guide to government responsibility.

The federal government is responsible for international agreements, like the Kyoto protocol on climate change or the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances. They set national standards and guidelines for pollutants (although provinces may have their own different standards). They are also responsible for fisheries, including inland waters like the Great Lakes. The federal government body is Environment Canada. Your local representative of the federal government is your Member of Parliament (MP).

The provincial government is responsible for inspections and enforcing environmental laws and ensuring that pollution control plans and measures are in place. The province creates regulations and sets standards to protect water quality, manage waste and limit air emissions. Provincial officer also respond to spills, industrial fires and other accidental releases of pollutants. The provincial government body is the Ministry of the Environment. Your local representative of the provincial government is your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).

Your municipal government is responsible for local planning, waste diversion and recycling and provision of drinking water and sewage services. Every municipality will handle environmental issues slightly differently; to find out how it is managed in your community, search online or check the blue pages in your phone book. Many towns and cities are members of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Environment Canada
AMO