Right to a Healthy Environment

The purpose of the right to a healthy environment is simple: To legally protect the basic elements of our survival, such as clean air, safe water and unpolluted land. And in countries where this right is recognized, the benefits are clear – stronger environmental laws and lower ecological footprints.

Since 1972, the right to a healthy environment has gained global recognition faster than any other human right – including water, food or health. From Norway to Nicaragua, more than 100 countries now legally recognize their citizens' right to live in a healthy environment. So why doesn't Canada?

Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms promotes free expression and protects us from discrimination. But it remains silent on the issue of our right to a healthy environment. 

That's why Ecojustice is using its unique expertise to ensure Canada joins the ranks of other global leaders. And we want you to be part of the movement.

• Get informed
  Learn more about our Chemical Valley lawsuit and Ecojustice's work to ensure that the human rights of people living in one of Canada's most polluted communities are recognized and protected. 
• Watch the video
  Take two minutes to see how the right to a healthy environment helped one community in Brazil, and could do the same for another one in Canada, in A Tale of Two Valleys.
  
• Join the movement
  Add your name to the growing list of Canadians who want to see their right to a healthy environment legally recognized by governments at all levels.
  
• Read the book
  Get the full scoop on why Canada needs a right to a healthy environment and how we can get there from award-winning author Dr. David Boyd, in his latest book The Right to a Healthy Environment: Revitalizing Canada's Constitution.
  

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