The government has released a "what we heard" report as part of its commitment to modernizing the Clean Air Act.
The report highlights input and perspectives gathered during in-person and online engagement sessions with First Nations, the public, industry and key stakeholders last fall, reflecting a collaborative approach to shaping the future of clean air policies.
"This marks an important milestone in advancing this critical work," said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage. "Protecting our environment requires collective action, which is why our government is fully committed to working with New Brunswickers to ensure the updated legislation aligns with their priorities and addresses what matters most to them."
The report includes a variety of recommendations for possible improvements to regulatory systems under the act. They include:
- Better access to clear, plain-language information on air quality, its health impacts, and how to access air quality data.
- More outreach, school and community education, and ongoing opportunities for the public to stay engaged on air quality.
- More timely and transparent enforcement of air quality rules.
- Support for revising the regulated air quality objectives to better protect human health.
LePage said collaboration with First Nations communities remains a priority throughout this process and is ongoing. Amendments to the Air Quality Regulation to update the air quality objectives are targeted for this year, with amendments to the act targeted for implementation by fall 2027 to reinforce the government's commitment to stronger environmental protection and modernized policies. The standing committee on climate change and environmental stewardship undertook a separate engagement exercise regarding modernization of the act and produced a report with its recommendations, which the department will consider.
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