At the completion of negotiations for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the parties agreed to continue collaboration on environmental objectives through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
A statement from Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, noted that the areas of collaboration would include a broad range of issues, such as “reducing pollution; supporting strong, resilient, low-carbon economies; conserving and protecting nature, biodiversity, and habitats; and supporting clean growth, sustainable development, and sustainable use of natural resources.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to bringing Canadian goods to international markets while maintaining our high standards of environmental protection. We know it’s possible, and that we have a responsibility to do both,” said McKenna.
Objectives defined within the Agreement on Environmental Cooperation include:
- Modernizing and enhancing effectiveness of cooperation.
- Promote mutual trade and environment policies.
- Conservation, protection, and enhancement of the environment.
- Promote public participation on environmental issues.
- Cooperate on environmental compliance and enforcement.
Strategic priorities to reduce pollution include the reduction of marine pollution, transboundary water issues, the restoration and conservation of soils, and the management of hazardous waste.
“Canada, the United States, and Mexico have come together to ensure we’re protecting our shared environment now and for future generations,” said McKenna. “This agreement is a good deal for Canada and a good deal for our kids and our grandkids.”
The Agreement on Environmental Cooperation can be found, in full, on the Government of Canada’s website.
