Government of Canada signs environmental cooperation agreement with the United States and Mexico

OTTAWA, Dec. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadians expect their government to work with international partners to build a cleaner future. As the Government of Canada builds strong trade relationships, it is firmly committed to the principle that trade and environmental protection go hand in hand. Free-trade agreements that include commitments to protect the environment ensure a sustainable economy for the next generation of Canadians and the one after that.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, signed the new Agreement on Environmental Cooperation among the Governments of Canada, the United States of America, and the United Mexican States. This environmental cooperation agreement complements the ambitious environment chapter of the recently signed Agreement between Canada, the United States of America, and the United Mexican States and strengthens environmental cooperation between the three trade partners. The environmental cooperation agreement addresses international environmental challenges and identifies ways to seize opportunities presented by the new Agreement between Canada, the United States of America, and the United Mexican States.

Canada, Mexico, and the United States have agreed to collaborate on a broad range of environmental issues, including reducing pollution; supporting strong, resilient, low-carbon economies; conserving and protecting nature, biodiversity, and habitats; and supporting clean growth, sustainable development, and sustainable use of natural resources.

Robust environmental provisions ensure Canadian companies compete on a fair footing with companies in other jurisdictions, help drive clean innovation throughout industry, support good jobs, and protect the clean air and clean water we all share.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to bringing Canadian goods to international markets while maintaining our high standards of environmental protection. We know it's possible, and that we have a responsibility to do both. And we're finding that Canada's trade partners agree. Canada, the United States, and Mexico have come together to ensure we're protecting our shared environment now and for future generations. This agreement is a good deal for Canada and a good deal for our kids and our grandkids."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• The environmental cooperation agreement ensures that the unique institutions created more than 24 years ago under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, such as the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and its Montréal-based secretariat, will be retained and modernized.

Associated links

• Environment chapter and Environmental Cooperation Agreement summary
• Agreement on Environmental Cooperation among the Governments of Canada, the United States of America, and the United Mexican States

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada