Notice of Opportunity: Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG)

In 2019, under the Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) established the CEDAG as a public advisory committee of experts representing groups including environmental organizations, business associations, and Indigenous organizations. The CEDAG has a key role in ensuring the interests of Canadian civil society are represented in Canada’s environmental cooperation with the EU through CETA. The CEDAG also advises ECCC on the range of issues covered under CETA’s Trade and Environment Chapter.

ECCC is looking for individuals for the CEDAG that:

• Want to reinforce environmental cooperation with a key international partner
• Are interested to find solutions to ensure that trade and environment policies are mutually supportive
• Offer insightful and actionable advice to ECCC on trade and environment issues based on current government priorities
• Have experience and knowledge on trade and environment matters
• Have an interest in making connections with other Canadian and European civil society representatives to encourage public engagement in CETA

Position: Advisory Group Members to be appointed in Spring 2026.

Description

Context: CETA’s Chapter 24 on Trade and Environment aims to support sustainable development, strengthen environmental governance, and build on the international environmental agreements to which both Canada and the EU are a party. These objectives are supported through commitments and mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation on trade and environment-related issues.

Under CETA, Canada and the EU are to seek the views of civil society, with a balanced representation from environmental groups, business associations, Indigenous Peoples, and relevant stakeholders, on issues relating to the environment chapter. ECCC formed the CEDAG as part of this commitment. Two other Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) are formed under CETA with a similar role to the CEDAG: the Canadian Labour DAG and the EU DAG.

Further details on CETA and the Trade and Environment Chapter can be found on Global Affairs Canada’s website. More information on the advisory group can be found on the CEDAG’s website.

Key activities: The CEDAG has three main roles:

1. Provide ECCC with advice on matters under CETA Chapter 24: Trade and Environment
   • Including through annual reports, workshops, ad hoc recommendations on priority issues, and interactions with departmental officials
2. Encourage and facilitate public engagement on environmental cooperation under CETA 
   • Mainly through participation in the annual Civil Society Forum (CSF), which brings together government officials and civil society representatives to discuss sustainable development issues. The CEDAG and the other DAGs contribute to setting the agenda, lead various sessions during the event, and create Joint Statements with calls to action for the governments
   • The CEDAG also engages and seeks the views of Canadian civil society, including by leveraging the networks of its members and organizing activities such as webinars and workshops
3. Channel for stakeholder communications
   • The CEDAG serves as a channel through which ECCC can inform stakeholders in the case of public submissions on environment matters related to CETA

Time commitment/Position location: CEDAG members are appointed for up to three-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment.

Most CEDAG activities take place virtually. The annual Civil Society Forum (CSF) alternates between Ottawa and Brussels (Belgium) in a hybrid format. In-person participation at the CSF for members of the CEDAG is determined on a year-by-year basis.

The CEDAG meets at least three times a year as a group to discuss, amongst other things, plans for possible workshops and activities, the group’s annual report, and CSF preparations. A large portion of the CEDAG’s work follows the annual preparatory cycle for the CSF (e.g., agenda setting, additional organizing for meetings).

Remuneration: This is a volunteer position; members do not become a part of the Public Service of Canada as a result of this appointment. Members do not receive gifts, honoraria, or fees.

Travel expenses incurred in the performance of duties are reimbursed at a level consistent with the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive and Treasury Board of Canada Guidelines.

How to apply

Expressions of interest are welcome from individuals currently holding positions in environmental groups; business associations; and Indigenous, youth, and other organizations with relevance to environment and/or trade. For these candidates, a letter of nomination from the organization is required with the application package.

Individuals who do not hold such positions, but who have specific expertise or competence in areas covered by CETA’s Trade and Environment Chapter, may also apply. Members are selected in a way that ensures a balanced representation of interests and fields of expertise. 

Candidates must submit an application to ec.nominations-appointments.ec@canada.ca by January 19, 2026. The application must include the following:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact information for two references
• Short Cover Letter (Max one page)
• Letter of nomination from the candidate's organization (if applicable)

To be considered for this position, candidates must provide a cover letter and CV clearly demonstrating how they meet the criteria listed below.

Eligibility criteria

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Environment and climate change issues
  • Civil society engagement
  • Environment-economy linkages
  • Environment issues in relation to trade
• The following personal attributes demonstrated in current and recently held positions:
  • Leadership and sound judgment
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Diplomacy and tact
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Initiative
• Experience in a field relevant to the work of the CEDAG

Asset criteria

• Experience in positions of leadership, which could include youth, Indigenous, business, or advocacy leadership
• Experience conveying perspectives and advice to decision makers in various settings related to the areas of expertise listed above
• Experience with public consultations
• Knowledge of the functioning of the Government of Canada and environmental policies

Pre-selected applicants will be contacted for interviews. References will be contacted to verify the eligibility of successful applicants, and to confirm other personal attributes such as interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively transfer knowledge.

Diversity and Official Languages

This appointment process aims to ensure fair and equitable representation for the CEDAG to reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We encourage and value the inclusion of all people including members of the 2SLGBTQ2+ community, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and those from a diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Candidates should feel welcome to self-identify as belonging to one of the groups outlined above as the CEDAG strives to establish a diverse membership.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Eligibility factors and conditions of employment

• Members serve at the pleasure of the Minister of the Environment.
• Members must be Canadian Citizens and reside in Canada.

If appointed to this position:

• Members must comply with the ethical, political activity and conflict of interest guidelines applicable to federal Ministerial appointments. They are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website
• Members’ professional information may be shared publicly on a Government of Canada website

A roster of qualified candidates may be established and used for future opportunities with the CEDAG.