Gender-Based Analysis of Environmental Policy In Canada: Environmental Racism, Mercury Contamination & Indigenous Women’s Health

Mercury contamination in Ontario's waterways has disproportionately impacted Indigenous women and racialized communities, exacerbating health disparities caused by environmental racism and colonial policies. Despite the well-documented neurological and developmental risks of mercury exposure, Canadian environmental policies are largely gender- blind, failing to address Indigenous women's unique health, economic, and social vulnerabilities. This study investigates how Canadian environmental policies address (or fail to address) the gendered effects of mercury contamination, particularly among Indigenous women, and examines gaps in policy frameworks that perpetuate systemic neglect. Using a qualitative content analysis, this research systematically evaluates six key Canadian environmental policies related to mercury exposure, environmental health, and Indigenous governance. A Gender-Based Policy Assessment Framework is used to determine how well these policies incorporate gendered health considerations, Indigenous perspectives, and environmental justice principles. The findings show that Canadian environmental policies primarily take a gender-neutral approach, framing mercury exposure in terms of general public health risks while ignoring gender-specific health outcomes such as autoimmune disorders, chronic illnesses, and caregiving burdens. Furthermore, policy decision-making excludes Indigenous women's leadership and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), reinforcing colonial governance structures that prioritize industrial interests over community well-being. This study emphasizes the critical need for gender-responsive, Indigenous- led environmental governance that includes gender-based health impact assessments, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and policies that explicitly acknowledge Indigenous women's disproportionate exposure to environmental harms. These findings add to the larger conversation about environmental justice, gender equity, and the importance of decolonizing environmental policy frameworks to ensure long-term, equity-driven protections for marginalized communities.