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Contact Environment and Climate Change Canada

Alerts

Telephone numbers (available 24 hours) for any kind of pollution incident

Help with common topics

  • Reporting environmental pollution and emergencies

    You can help protect the environment by quickly reporting on any of the following topics:

    • Environmental pollution issues/emergencies
    • Environmental marine emergencies
    • Pipeline emergencies
    • Oil spills or a chemical release

    Find out who to contact: Environmental emergency contacts - Canada.ca

  • Reporting suspected wildlife violations

    Help protect wildlife and their habitats by reporting suspected violations. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers work across the country to:

    • enforce laws and regulations that protect migratory birds, species at risk and protected areas
    • prevent poaching, trafficking and smuggling of threatened plant and animal species
    • collaborate with federal, provincial, territorial and international partners

    To report a suspected wildlife violation:

    • email the Public Inquiries Centre at enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
    • call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477
    • if you're in Quebec, call 1-800-711-1800
  • Migratory birds
    Hunting Migratory Birds
    How to get a permit for Migratory Game Bird Hunting

    To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you need a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit. This federal permit includes a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp and is valid anywhere in Canada. It's available to both Canadian residents and visitors.

    Check local restrictions

    Some provinces, territories or municipalities may prohibit hunting in specific areas, even if you have a valid permit. Always check with local authorities before hunting.

    When to buy

    You can buy a MGBH permit between August 1 and June 30 each year.

    Show your permit when asked

    You must be able to show your permit to a game officer if requested. You can show either:

    • a digital copy (PDF on your phone or other device)
    • a printed paper copy

    Important restrictions

    • Permits are non-refundable
    • Only the person named on the permit can use it
    • Physical permits cannot be replaced if lost

    How to get your permit

    You have 3 options:

    Youth permits: Hunters under 18 can get a free youth MGBH electronic permit online only.

    For more information, please visit the migratory game bird hunting permit page.

    Hunting regulations summaries for migratory birds by region for 2025-26

    The migratory game bird hunting regulation summaries are published online annually in July.

    Check the specific regulations for the province/territory where you plan to hunt.

    My souvenir stamp didn’t arrive in the mail

    The free physical souvenir stamp is not required to validate the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit.

    If you requested a souvenir stamp when buying your electronic permit and haven’t received it, contact the Canadian Wildlife Service permit office by:

    A permit officer can help verify your order and the address you provided. Shape

    Hunting weapons and ammunition authorized for hunting migratory game birds

    To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you may use:

    • bows with a minimum draw weight of 18 kg (40 lb) and arrows tipped with a broadhead that has at least 2 sharpened blades and a minimum width of 22 mm
    • crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 45 kg (100 lb) and a broadhead that has at least 2 sharpened blades and a minimum width of 22 mm
    • shotguns no larger than 10 gauge

    Shotgun capacity

    Your shotgun must be designed or modified so it can hold no more than 3 cartridges in total (in the magazine and chamber combined).

    Carrying more than one shotgun

    You may carry more than one shotgun while hunting, but:

    • only 1 shotgun may be ready for use at a time
    • extra shotguns must be unloaded and either:
      • disassembled, or
      • in a closed case

    Prohibited equipment

    • Single-projectile cartridges are not allowed for hunting migratory game birds with a shotgun
    • Drones are not allowed for hunting migratory game birds in Canada

    Rules for using lead shot

    The use of lead shot (toxic shot) is mostly prohibited. It is only allowed for hunting:

    • murres
    • American woodcock
    • band-tailed pigeons
    • Eurasian collared-doves
    • mourning doves

    Important exceptions

    • In Ontario and Quebec, only non-toxic shot may be used for mourning doves
    • When hunting a mix of species (for example, waterfowl and upland birds or murres and sea ducks), you must only use and possess non-toxic shot

    For more information, please consult these regulations: Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.

    Other license requirements to hunt migratory game birds in Canada

    In addition to a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, you may need other licenses or permits to hunt legally.

    The Canadian Firearms Act sets out national rules for:

    • storing, transporting and possessing firearms
    • licensing and registering certain firearms

    Most provinces and territories have additional licensing requirements for:

    • hunting migratory game birds
    • carrying or using firearms while hunting

    Check with the local authorities in the province or territory where you plan to hunt to make sure you meet all requirements.

    Check local rules before hunting

    Some municipalities have rules that restrict how close you can be to homes or businesses when discharging a firearm.

    Before you hunt, make sure to check the regulations for the:

    • province or territory
    • city or municipality

    For other questions about migratory bird hunting: Migratory game bird hunting: frequently asked questions

    Canada geese causing damage or danger

    Protection under the law

    Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

    It is illegal to:

    • capture, kill, injure or harass Canada geese
    • disturb, damage or destroy their nests or eggs when they are occupied by a live bird or viable eggs (typically during the nesting season)
    • hunt geese or fire a gun to scare them

    Managing conflicts

    If Canada geese are behaving aggressively or causing property damage, such as crop damage, you may apply for a damage or danger permit to scare them away from your property.

    To request a permit, contact your regional Canadian Wildlife Service permit office.

    Learn more about managing Canada geese:

    What to do if you find an injured migratory bird

    If you find an injured migratory bird, you may temporarily possess it to transport it to a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

    The Government of Canada:

    • does not operate or manage wildlife rehabilitation centres
    • does not maintain a list of available centres

    You are responsible for finding and contacting a nearby rehabilitation centre. Some centres may be able to pick up injured birds if you report them.

  • Bringing or shipping exotic animals or wildlife products

    Do I need a permit?

    You may need a permit to import or export:

    • exotic animals
    • souvenirs or personal items made from plants, wildlife or wood

    If the item is made from a species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you must present a valid permit at customs.

    Check if your item is on the CITES checklist of species.

    Permits are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada and its partners. We do not issue permits retroactively for wildlife or wildlife products that have been seized at customs.

    Get help with your permit

    To determine which application form you need or for help filling it out, contact:

    cites@ec.gc.ca

    Questions about importing or exporting wildlife

    For questions about exotic pets, souvenirs, antiques, household items or other wildlife products, contact: ReglementsFaune-WildlifeRegulations@ec.gc.ca

    Learn more about international wildlife trade regulations in Canada: International trade in protected animals and plants - Canada.ca

  • Import or manufacture of off-road engines or machines
    For companies
    Import or manufacture of off-road engines for sale or use in Canada

    Important: This guidance does not replace the official regulatory text.

    Emissions regulations

    If your company imports or manufactures off-road machines with diesel, small spark-ignition, or large spark-ignition engines, you must meet federal emissions regulations. There are also important engine labelling standards to keep in mind along with supporting technical documentation that demonstrates compliance with the regulations.

    Who must comply

    The standards apply to:

    • companies that import or manufacture off-road engines or machines for sale in Canada
    • individuals who import off-road engines or machines for personal use in Canada

    Types of off-road engines covered by the regulations

    You must meet the standards for:

    • mobile compression-ignition (MCI) engines (2006 model year and later)
    • mobile large spark-ignition (LSI) engines manufactured on or after June 4, 2021
    • small spark-ignition engines (2005 model year and later)
    • stationary compression-ignition (SCI) engines manufactured on or after June 4, 2021

    Common uses for off-road engines

    The types of engines and common uses:

    • Mobile compression-ignition (MCI) engines
      • used in construction, forestry, mining and agricultural equipment such as bulldozers, tractors, and loaders
    • Mobile large spark-ignition (LSI) engines
      • found in mini-excavators, ice re-surfacers, forklifts, airport service vehicles, and other industrial machines
    • Small spark-ignition engines
      • used in lawn and garden equipment, mini-excavators, portable generators, and small utility vehicles
    • Stationary compression-ignition (SCI) engines
      • used in fixed installations such as standby generators and water pumps

    When the standards apply

    The standards apply whether the engine is:

    • new or used
    • imported or manufactured in Canada
    • installed in a machine or shipped separately

    Learn more about applicable emission regulations for off-road engines:

    For Canadian manufacturers

    If you are manufacturing these engines in Canada, your products:

    • must meet all applicable regulations
    • may be considered Canada-Unique
    • require a submission to Environment and Climate Change Canada

    For support, email: Emission-Verification@ec.gc.ca

    For importers

    Before importing these engines or machines, you must check that they meet Canadian emission and labelling standards.

    • Many engines sold online by overseas retailers are not compliant with Canadian regulations
    • Non-compliant engines may be denied entry at the importer’s expense, and may result in legal liabilities

    For help, contact: infovehiculeetmoteur-vehicleandengineinfo@ec.gc.ca

    Importing multiple engines per year

    Depending on the product category, volume of engines, and if the engines are imported for sale, you may need to submit import declarations.

    Requirements for used or remanufactured engines

    The same standards apply whether the engine is:

    • new or used
    • imported or manufactured
    • installed in a machine or shipped loose

    Remanufactured engines must:

    • meet the emission standards that applied when the original engine was manufactured
    • be in their original certified configuration

    Importers must provide proof that the engine meets the requirement under the Regulations. This includes technical documentation and a copy of the engine’s label. The label can be original or a reprint. If using a reprint, make sure it includes all the information from the original label.

    Engines that do not meet these requirements are inadmissible to Canada.

    Companies also need to comply with federal emissions regulations for:

    • marine spark-ignition engines
    • fuel systems in recreational marine vessels
    • off-road recreational vehicles (like ATVs and snowmobiles)

    Learn more about emission regulations for engines and recreational vehicles:

    If you have more questions, email us at infovehiculeetmoteur-vehicleandengineinfo@ec.gc.ca.

    For individuals

    Rules for individuals importing machines for personal use

    If you are importing a machine with a diesel or spark-ignition engine for your own use, you still must meet the federal emission standards and regulatory requirements.

    Differences for individuals

    While individuals benefit from simplified administrative requirements, the engine must still:

    • meet the same emission standards as those for companies
    • bear a valid emissions compliance label as prescribed by the regulations
    • be declared on import declarations if you import 10 or more diesel or large spark-ignited engines

    Important: Many off-road engines, in particular small spark-ignition engines sold by online retailers outside North America do not meet Canadian emissions regulations.

    You are responsible for making sure the engines you import meet Canadian requirements. Engines that do not comply with the standards may be denied entry. You may also face legal liabilities and be required to pay the costs of returning or disposing of the engines.

    Small spark-ignition engines are commonly used in:

    • lawn and garden equipment
    • portable generators
    • small utility vehicles

    You will also still need to comply with federal emissions regulations for:

    • marine spark-ignition engines
    • fuel systems in recreational marine vessels
    • off-road recreational vehicles (like ATVs and snowmobiles)

    Learn more about emission regulations for engines and recreational vehicles:

    If you have more questions, email us at infovehiculeetmoteur-vehicleandengineinfo@ec.gc.ca.

  • Moving hazardous waste or hazardous recycling material across Canada and internationally

    Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) regulates these movements through the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations (XBR). Here is an overview of the most common scenarios.

    1. Applying for a permit

    A permit allows the movement of hazardous waste and hazardous recycling material. You must submit a notification for a permit at least 60 days before the planned shipping date.

    A permit is:

    • not required for what moves between provinces
    • required for what moves into (import), out (export) of, or transits through Canada

    Note: A valid permit must be issued prior to any international shipments.

    1. Movement document

    A movement document is needed for:

    • what moves between provinces and territories
    • what moves into (import) or out (export) of Canada

    Note: The movement document is separate from the permit.

    1. Confirmation documents for disposal or recycling

    The confirmation of disposal or recycling (CDR) must be submitted using the Canadian Notification and Movement Tracking System (CNMTS), within 30 days of disposal or recycling.

    To learn more or for questions:

Contacts for other topics:

Use the following contacts and resources to find more information or get help:

Contact us

Place Vincent Massey Building 
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard 
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3
Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767
Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

Make an access to information or personal information request (ATIP)

Media relations  

Toll-free (within Canada): 1-844-836-7799
Outside of Canada: +1 819-938-3338
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Email: media@ec.gc.ca

Minister of ECCC

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin

House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, K1A 0A6
Email: ministre-minister@ec.gc.ca

Other contacts

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