Who they are
Ontario has many laws that protect our health and environment, including the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Pesticides Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and our own Environmental Bill of Rights - but who is enforcing them?
Each day hundreds of capable and dedicated individuals, including former police detectives, air and water scientists, lawyers, volunteer pilots, lawyers and field officers are working to detect, investigate and prevent environmental violations that range from non-regulation motor vehicles to industrial spills.
The diverse and highly trained staff of the MOE's Operations Division, Investigations and Enforcement Branch, Sector Compliance Branch and Drinking Water Management Division use specialized technology such as portable emissions monitors, boats that patrol the Great Lakes, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, and police-rated cars and motorcycles.
What they do
The ministry depends on the special skills and expert knowledge of environmental officers, inspectors, scientists and lawyers to prevent and protect against environmental violations, enforce laws and monitor Ontario's ecological health. Learn more about the unique part each group plays in protecting our environment:
How you can help
If you notice strange odours, witness clouds of dust or smoke or encounter strange liquids spilled into bodies of water or the natural environment, please contact the Spills Action Centre. The SAC is ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week from across Ontario - and it depends on timely reports to take action.
Toll Free: 1-800-268-6060
Where to learn more
You can also learn more about environmental issues by visiting the MOE's Public Information Centre.
Public Information Centre
1st floor,135 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
416-325-4000
1-800-565-4923
TTY line: 1-800-515-2759
picemail.moe@ontario.ca
