Annual Meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment

CCME Hears Northern and Aboriginal Perspective at First Meeting in NWT

INUVIK, NWT -- September 11, 1998 -- Noting the importance of involving stakeholders, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has approved principles for more and notably improved involvement by stakeholders in environmental management. These principles will guide such CCME activities as the development of standards for serious pollutants that effect the health of Canadians and their environment.

Further principles approved by the council elaborate on how governments will be accountable to the public. Ministers confirmed their commitment to openness and transparency as they fulfil their obligation to preserve, protect and enhance the environment.

These principles will guide the implementation of the Canada-Wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization which was signed by Canada, the territories and all provinces except Quebec in January. It commits governments to work in partnership to achieve the highest level of environmental quality for all Canadians. Under the accord, each government retains its existing authorities but uses them in a coordinated manner to achieve enhanced environmental results. The principles were developed after consultation involving stakeholders and government officials.

For the first time, the Council of Ministers met yesterday with leaders of three national and two northern Aboriginal groups. The Council struck a ministerial committee to work with Aboriginal leaders to formulate principles for Aboriginal involvement. These principles will be presented to the Council for approval at a future meeting.

The Council recognized that Canadians care deeply about their own health and the health of their children. It reaffirmed its commitment to develop tough Canada-wide standards on pollutants that affect the health of Canadians and the health of the ecosystem. In that regard, they reviewed progress on the development of uniform standards as provided for under the harmonization accord. Canada-wide standards are being developed for six pollutants (particulate matter, ground-level ozone, benzene, mercury, dioxins and furans, and petroleum hydrocarbons in soil). Extensive consultations will take place over the next year, with some standards expected to be finalized by next fall, along with plans to put the standards in place.

Work continues to harmonize efforts in the areas of environmental assessment, enforcement, monitoring and reporting, research and development, and environmental emergencies. These harmonized efforts mean governments can more effectively work together to ensure Canadians continue to enjoy a clean and healthy environment.

As Quebec did not sign the Canada-Wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization, it did not participate in discussions around development of the annex nor other harmonization issues.

Air Issues
The Council reviewed progress on efforts to combat climate change and a draft Canada- Wide Acid Rain Strategy for Post 2000. Both these issues will be discussed by environment and energy ministers at a joint meeting in Halifax, October 19 and 20.

Northern Perspective
Ministers appreciated the opportunity to better understand the cultural and ecological uniqueness of the Mackenzie Delta region of the NWT as well as the unique northern perspective and approach to environmental management.

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For further information:
Peter Globensky
Director General
CCME
204-948-2120