Environmental cooperation commission

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is an international organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. Its objectives include facilitating cooperation and public participation to foster conservation, protection and enhancement of the North American environment for the benefit of present and future generations, in the context of increasing economic, trade and social links between the three countries. It also aims to help prevent potential trade and environmental conflicts, promote the effective enforcement of environmental laws and provide high-quality information on all these subjects. The Agreement complements the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Environment Canada has the overall federal lead for the CEC, with the Minister of the Environment representing Canada on the Council of the CEC. Environment Canada works closely with other government departments, particularly with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, to establish Canadian positions on issues addressed at the CEC and ensure the participation of Canadian experts in cooperative activities. In addition, Environment Canada coordinates provincial participation on issues related to the NAAEC and the CEC.