The circular economy presents an alternative to today’s linear society that supports the sustainability, growth and resilience Canada’s economy.
Only 8.6 per cent of materials extracted from the Earth are cycled back into the economy at the end of their use.1 The majority ends up as ‘waste’, which often contributes to polluting our environment.
This linear ‘take-make-waste’ economy puts enormous pressure on our planet’s natural ecosystems. We are also failing to recapture the value of these resources under the current wasteful model.
The circular economy presents an alternative to today’s linear society that addresses our planet’s triple environmental crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The vision of a circular economy is to optimize our resources by recovering and cycling materials through our economy indefinitely by designing out waste and keeping materials in use, all while regenerating natural systems.
The circular model has the potential to generate new economic opportunities, create more resilient communities and businesses, and spur innovation and investment.
The circular model has the potential to generate new economic opportunities, create more resilient communities and businesses, and spur innovation and investment.
Circularity is not a novel concept – these principles align with traditional ways of living in harmony with the natural environment and within ecological boundaries.
Ultimately, the circular economy aims to decouple finite resources from economic activity and long-term wellbeing, so that prosperity can continue in a world of finite resources without environmental degradation.
The circular economy opportunity for Canada
Canada is at the forefront of many global sustainability and climate initiatives; yet, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the opportunities presented by the circular economy.
The circular economy requires us to rethink how products are designed, resources are used, reused, and recaptured, and how new services are leveraged for a resilient economy that rebuilds economic and natural capital while providing society-wide benefits.
Achieving this at scale will require structural and cultural shifts that will impact how we live, work, and play. No single government, industry, or organization can do it alone. A multi-stakeholder network is needed that is focused on advancing a prosperous and sustainable circular economy for Canada.
CELC: A multi-stakeholder platform for action
Circular Economy Leadership Canada (CELC) is working to advance the circular economy in Canada across all sectors and supply chains, enhancing innovation and improving the competitiveness of Canada’s economy over the long-term by creating a “network of networks” for circular innovation.
CELC provides thought leadership, technical expertise, and collaborative platforms accelerating systems change and the transition to a low carbon, circular economy in Canada.
CELC is co-hosting the first ever national Canadian Circular Economy Summit in Toronto from June 19-20, 2023. The purpose of the Canadian Circular Economy Summit is to raise the profile of the circular economy and its important role in delivering on critical environmental imperatives.
The Canadian Circular Economy Summit will provide an opportunity for 400 Canadian leaders from across sectors and industries to come together in-person, share leading efforts and activities, and to collaborate on an ‘action plan’ for the circular economy in Canada in support of Canada’s climate change and biodiversity agendas.
Help us build a more circular Canada
To advance the circular economy in Canada, we must work together to create the systems change we need. Through our collaborative approach, we can accelerate the opportunities and tackle the barriers together. We welcome organizations to join our network as CELC Partners, participate in the various work streams, and advance action toward a more circular economy in Canada.
Interested in partnering with CELC? Contact us at
[email protected]
[1] Circle Economy (2020). Circularity Gap Report. See: https://www.circularity-gap.world/2020
