Canada-Mexico environment working group

Plain language summary

The Canada-Mexico Partnership is a key mechanism for bilateral cooperation between Canada and Mexico on mutual domestic priorities, including environmental issues. This partnership has created thematic working groups which work independently or jointly, as relevant, to address mutual priorities, for example in relation to the environment. The Environment Working Group typically meets annually to discuss collaborative activities and the work program. Environment and Climate Change Canada and Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with external experts, are responsible for coordinating the activities of this group.

Objective

The Canada-Mexico Partnership Environment Working Group provides a high-level forum to discuss priorities and undertake bilateral cooperation activities on environmental issues of mutual interest.

Key elements

The Environment Working Group typically meets annually to review projects and plan upcoming initiatives at the same time as the annual meeting of the Canada-Mexico Partnership, which includes representatives from all thematic working groups, led by Global Affairs Canada.

Participation by sub-national governments, as well as private sector and non-government representatives is encouraged in the activities.

Expected results

Facilitate collaboration between Canada and Mexico on environmental priorities to address issues of mutual interest.

Canada’s involvement

Environment and Climate Change Canada works with Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to coordinate Environment Working Group activities, in partnership with external experts (including representatives of other government departments/agencies, academics, private sector and NGOs) who support collaborative activities.

Results / progress

Activities

There are annual Canada-Mexico Partnership and Environment Working Group meetings to discuss cooperative activities and approve the work program. Both parties support the implementation of projects focusing on priority topics identified in the work program. The Environment Working Group last met as part of the annual Canada-Mexico Partnership Meeting in November 2021.

Reports

The Environment Working Group provides updates on activities to the annual report of the Canada-Mexico Partnership (available on the Canada-Mexico Partnership website).

Results

Under this mechanism, Canada and Mexico have strengthened bilateral relations on environmental matters.

The annual Environment Working Group meeting provides an opportunity for policy dialogue and information exchanges on a wide range of priority topics.

Activities supported under the Canada-Mexico Partnership have fostered capacity-building and collaborative research on issues of importance to Canada and Mexico.

Recent cooperative activities have focused on climate change, addressing illegal wildlife trade and conservation / biodiversity.