Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is the main federal, provincial, and territorial forum for collective actions on environmental issues. The Council of Ministers is the CCME ministerial table that meets at least once a year to discuss shared priorities on environmental issues.
2025 Meeting of the CCME
On July 4, Northwest Territories Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jay Macdonald, hosted the 2025 Council of Ministers meeting in Yellowknife.
Agenda
Climate Change Impacts
Ministers discussed the growing impacts of climate change across Canada. They explored the links between contaminated sites, climate change, and reconciliation. They also shared progress on climate adaptation and resilience.
Air Quality
Ministers discussed the impact of wildfire on air quality. They also endorsed stricter Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter. CAAQS are a key element of Canada’s Air Quality Management System, put in place to drive air quality improvements across the country. The standards were published under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in August 2025.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Provincial and territorial ministers shared on the main challenges they experience to put EPR programs into effect to reduce and recover waste. While primarily an area of provincial and territorial jurisdiction, Canada is committed to supporting and working with provinces, territories and the industry to advance EPR.
Discussion with Indigenous Partners
On July 3, ministers met with Indigenous leaders, governments and partners to hear their views on the management and cleanup of contaminated sites in the context of climate change and environmental protection. Participants highlighted the role of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in advancing effectively environmental stewardship, the need to provide economic opportunities for Indigenous communities, and the importance of PT government to work closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in contaminated sites management and remediation.
Ongoing Collaboration on Key Environmental Priorities
Ministers confirmed that federal, provincial and territorial governments will continue working together through CCME on key environmental priorities, including:
- preventing pollution of air, water and land
- reducing waste and expanding circular economy efforts in remote areas
- advancing climate adaptation and resilience as well as efforts pertaining to lower-carbon economy
- strengthening air quality standards
- addressing contaminated sites through the lens of climate change and reconciliation
- collaborating on emerging environmental challenges and opportunities
At the end of the meeting, Alberta assumed the presidency of CCME and will host the 2026 meeting.