The Lancet medical journal released a study Friday suggesting at least nine million people died around the globe in 2015 because of pollution.
Half of those deaths were in India and China.
The report also found that nine in 10 of the deaths were in low and middle-income countries.
Three times more people died from air, soil and water pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals than of AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
It’s reported pollution from the oilsands as an environmental injustice for First Nations in Northern Alberta.
While Canada does have ambient air quality standards under the Environmental Protection Act, they are only voluntary. Environment Defence program minister Muhannad Malas says it is one of the few developed nations that doesn’t have legally binding national standards for air quality.
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna has committed to updating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act next year.
