The Canadian Constitution gives the responsibility for education to the provinces and territories, meaning there are 13 distinct education systems in Canada. Thus, Canada has no National Curriculum Framework or National Education Sector Plan. In 2008, ministers responsible for education in Canada released “Learn Canada 2020”, a non-binding joint declaration that outlines overarching principles for education in Canada. It does not mention climate change, but includes sustainability.
Canada has a strong focus on Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation, which include the people living on the land and doing land-based activities. For climate change communication and education, this includes excursions into nature and other initiatives that connect people to nature.
The Council of Ministers of Education of Canada published “Science Resources for Teachers”(2013) as a resource that teachers and subject-area specialists could use to guide the teaching of science.
More details on the context of Climate Change Education in Canada can be found on UNESCO’s Country Profile for Climate Change Education, Canada, updated in 2024: Country Profile – Canada 2024.
