Partnerships to Achieve Clean Air Goals: The Canadian Example
Canadian government actions to improve air quality utilize and benefit from a wide range of partnerships. Partnerships can help increase the dollar-value of investments, encourage multiple voices, reach niche markets and expand scientific knowledge. In Canada, the actions of individual citizens have been a priority of many air pollutant reduction campaigns. The government wants to (1) provide individuals with information and tools so that they can make informed decisions and understand the implications of air quality on their health, and to (2) promote individual and collective actions that will reduce air emissions.
Increasing awareness and action however, are not sufficient measures to achieve long-term goals if they only result in one-time single actions. Clean air programs should also encourage a general shift in the culture and in the public consciousness towards long-term behavioural changes. These are complex, ambitious goals. And through partnerships, governments can help maximize the efficiency and success of their clean air actions.
This presentation will address many facets of partnership currently in place in Canada to engage Canadians and will highlight a selection of successful programs and mechanisms geared at:
• Reducing vehicle use and the number of vehicle kilometres traveled
• Accelerating the scrapping of old vehicles
• Accelerating the change out of woodstoves that do not meet standards
• Reducing energy use in households
• Informing vulnerable groups to remain indoors during pollution episodes
• Reducing outdoor exercise during pollution episodes