The Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG)

June 19, 2025 - CEDAG and Canadian Labour DAG Joint Webinar: Impacts of Changing Trade Flows

Summary

The CEDAG and the Canadian Labour DAG hosted a private webinar with guest speakers on the impacts of shifting trade flows on environmental, labour, and business conditions as a consequence of global tariffs. They discussed how the DAGs could support Canada’s commitments to Trade and Sustainable Development in a changing international context.

June 3, 2024 – CEDAG Workshop on Ecosystem Accounts

Summary

The CEDAG held a private workshop with two guest speakers from Statistics Canada, who presented Canada’s Census of Environment. The discussions focused on how underlying data on ecosystem accounts from the Census could be used to evaluate the impacts of CETA on the environment.

June 27, 2022 - CEDAG Workshop on Biodiversity and Energy Security

Summary

The CEDAG hosted a private workshop with two guest speakers to enhance their understanding of biodiversity and energy security in the context of CETA. Participants explored the impacts of trade on biodiversity and compared them with the increasingly visible effects of climate change. They also discussed options to achieve an energy-secure and net-zero future as well as the evolving role of energy in Canada-EU relations.

October 22, 2021 - CEDAG Workshop on Circular Economy and Regulatory Cooperation

Summary

The CEDAG held a private workshop with guest speakers to discuss circular economy and Canada’s potential for circularity under CETA. In addition, they discussed international regulatory cooperation as a tool to advance shared international environmental goals.

May 6, 2021 – Workshop on Climate Change, Net Zero Emissions and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms in the Context of Trade under CETA

Summary

The CEDAG held a private workshop on climate change, net zero emissions and carbon border adjustment mechanisms. The discussion touched on the shift of global trade investments towards green goods, green energy, and a greener economy.

March 2, 2020 – CETA Environmental Civil Society Workshop

Summary

The CEDAG invited trade and environment experts from a wide range of organizations, including business associations, environmental groups, think tanks, academia and Indigenous organizations to share insights on how CETA can advance Canada and the EU’s international and domestic sustainability and environmental commitments. This was the first workshop hosted by the CEDAG to deepen Canadian participation in these aspects of CETA implementation.
The workshop featured expert speakers presenting on four topics:

1. implementing CETA in alignment with global environmental goals
2. Indigenous rights and trade
3. mutual support between multilateral trade agreements and multilateral environment agreements
4. domestic enhancement of Canada and the EU’s climate commitments

1. Scope of the Terms of Reference

1.1. These rules apply to the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG) established under the Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). 

2. Main Functions

2.1. The purpose of the CEDAG is to provide views and advice to ECCC on environment and climate issues as it relates to the implementation of the Environment Chapter of CETA. More specifically, as outlined in the text of CETA:

• the CEDAG, on the request of ECCC, may provide views and advice on issues related to the Trade and Environment Chapter of CETA
  • further, the CEDAG may submit opinions and make recommendations on any matter related to this Chapter on their own initiative.
• The CEDAG is expected to participate with its other Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) counterparts in the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) Civil Society Forum (CSF), an annual forum for dialogue on environment and labour issues (CETA Article 22.5.1)
  • in addition, the CEDAG Co-Chairs may be invited by ECCC to attend the TSD Committee (CTSD) meetings

3. Structure and Membership

3.1. The CEDAG is composed of up to ten individual members with the intent of capturing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. This may include representation from environmental groups, business associations, Indigenous Peoples, academia, or relevant stakeholders.

3.2. Members are appointed for terms of up to three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

3.3. A member may terminate their service to the CEDAG by providing notice in writing to ECCC’s Bilateral Affairs and Trade Directorate.

3.4. ECCC may terminate a member’s appointment by stating in writing the reasons the appointment is being concluded and the effective date. Appointments may end for a variety of reasons including: failure to act according to the Terms of Reference; repeated and unjustified absences; and failing to abide by the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service, including conflict of interest guidelines.

3.5. The CEDAG provides reports and recommendations to ECCC through ECCC’s Bilateral Affairs and Trade Directorate.

3.6. Where, on a particular issue, a member's personal or organizational interests may give rise to a real, potential, or apparent conflict of interest with their responsibilities as a member of the CEDAG, the member should disclose the interests to ECCC’s Bilateral Affairs and Trade Directorate who will decide whether or not a conflict exists, and whether the member should participate in discussions or decisions on that issue.

4. Co-Chairs

4.1. The CEDAG will nominate two Co-Chairs from among its members.

4.2. Responsibilities of the Co-Chairs:

• develop the agenda for the meetings of the CEDAG
• chair discussions at the meetings of the CEDAG, and ensure a quorum
• act as the spokespersons of the CEDAG
• ensure the active participation of the CEDAG at the CSF
• participate, or delegate participation in, CTSD meetings on request
• ensure the completion and submission of the CEDAG’s annual reports and contributions to the DAGs’ Joint Statements

5. Activities

5.1. The CEDAG will actively participate in the annual CSF, whether virtually or in person.

5.2. The CEDAG will actively participate in the CTSD Intersessional Meeting, as applicable, taking place virtually midway through the year as an early planning discussion for the next CSF. 

5.3. The CEDAG will contribute to preparations for the CSF, including by providing suggestions for the agenda, organizing relevant DAG-led sessions, and promoting broader civil society participation.

5.4. The CEDAG will engage and maintain connections with, and seek the views of, Canadian civil society and other stakeholders on matters related to environmental cooperation and policies in relation to CETA. The CEDAG may do so by leveraging the expertise and networks of its members, conducting its own research, and organizing activities such as webinars and workshops. 

5.5. On an ad hoc basis, at the request of ECCC or on its own initiative, the CEDAG will provide advice and recommendations on relevant Canada-EU environment and trade issues.

5.6. ECCC may suggest activities and events of interest organized by third parties for the CEDAG to attend. The CEDAG may also identify such events.

5.7. The CEDAG will write an annual report of its activities and recommendations for ECCC. These recommendations should be actionable and concern the implementation of CETA’s environmental provisions and promoting mutually beneficial trade and environmental policies. The recommendations will be informed by members’ own expertise, suggestions from the CSF, and workshops and other activities throughout the year (non-exhaustive). ECCC will provide a written response to the report.

6. Meetings

6.1. The CEDAG will meet as a group at least three times a year, in addition to the CSF and the Intersessional Meeting. The meeting(s) will be virtual by default.

6.2. As determined by members, the CEDAG may hold additional virtual meetings to advance their work.

6.3. The CEDAG may hold meetings with the EU DAG, Canadian Labour DAG, and other consultative mechanisms. ECCC will facilitate virtual meetings.

6.4. CEDAG members will not designate alternates to represent themselves during meetings.

7. Languages

7.1. ECCC will communicate with the CEDAG in the Canadian official language of choice of members.

7.2. For public meetings, ECCC may arrange French / English interpretation, subject to pre-approval.

8. Interaction with ECCC and other Federal Government Departments

8.1. ECCC may participate in CEDAG meetings to provide information and prepare for upcoming events but will not take part in the group’s internal decision-making process.

8.2. Other government departments may be invited to participate in the CEDAG meetings, as requested by the Co-Chairs when relevant, but will not take part in the group’s internal decision-making process.

8.3. The CEDAG will update ECCC through the Department’s Bilateral Affairs and Trade Directorate regarding its work and indicate any concerns on a regular basis, at minimum every four months. These updates can be oral or written.

8.4. ECCC will inform the CEDAG of any concerns that are relevant to the work of the CEDAG in a timely manner.

8.5. ECCC may engage the CEDAG to inform civil society and stakeholders of submissions received from the public, including complaints, on matters under the Trade and Environment Chapter. (CETA Article 24.7.3).

8.6. ECCC will inform the CEDAG in a timely manner of any determination that a CETA Party has not met its obligations under the Trade and Environment Chapter, and of any actions or measures to be implemented by the Government of Canada in response.  The CEDAG may submit observations to the CTSD in this regard (CETA Article 24.15.11).

9. Communications 

9.1. In alignment with ECCC’s commitment to transparency, including that of its official advisory bodies, ECCC may publicly share materials related to the CEDAG, including:

• these Terms of Reference
• CEDAG members’ names, biographies, and tenures (including members’ expertise, experience)
• meeting documents (e.g. agendas, records of discussion)
• formal recommendations to ECCC, as well as ECCC’s responses as permitted or required by law and policy, including the Access to Information Act
• the CEDAG’s annual report

9.2. Members are not to disclose any confidential or non-public information received as part of their involvement in the CEDAG.

9.3. Members do not speak on behalf of the Government of Canada.

10. Financing and logistics

10.1. Any costs to be reimbursed by ECCC, including travel or events, will need authorization from the Department’s Bilateral Affairs and Trade Directorate in advance and in writing.

10.2. Financial support for in-person participation at the annual CSF for members of the CEDAG will be determined annually by ECCC. For those pre-authorized by the Department, ECCC will reimburse travel and accommodation costs in compliance with the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive and Treasury Board of Canada Guidelines for Special Travel Authorities for persons on Contract. 

11. ECCC Obligations

11.1. ECCC’s Bilateral Affairs and Trade Directorate will provide support to the CEDAG, including:

• acting as the liaison between the CEDAG and government officials, including those outside of the ECCC Bilateral Affairs and Trade Directorate
• coordinating CEDAG appointment and membership processes
• maintaining any information on the CEDAG, its mandate, and work that may be published
• pre-authorizing, approving and coordinating requests for travel reimbursement
• providing financial, in-kind, and/or logistical support for CEDAG activities as appropriate and when pre-approved
• carrying out additional duties as appropriate in support of the CEDAG

12. Operating Procedures

12.1. The CEDAG may adopt Rules of Procedure to govern its operations, including quorum, consensus building, and other internal administrative matters.

12.2. If there is conflict between CEDAG operating procedures and the Terms of Reference, the Terms of Reference will take precedence.

13. Indemnification

13.1. Members serve on the CEDAG on a voluntary basis. ECCC undertakes to provide its volunteer advisory body members with protection against civil liability provided the volunteer member acts in good faith, within the scope of their volunteer duties, and does not act against the interests of the Crown.

14. Review Process

14.1. ECCC officials will review the performance of all aspects of this Terms of Reference document annually, at which time CEDAG members and ECCC officials may propose changes. Amendments to the Terms of Reference may only be made by ECCC.