Trade and Environment
Canada's Environmental Assessment Framework for Trade Negotiations
The Government of Canada is committed to conducting environmental
assessments (EAs) of trade negotiations using a process that requires
interdepartmental coordination and external consultations. The 2001
Framework for the Environmental Assessment of Trade Negotiations
details this process. It was developed in consultation with the
provinces and territories, aboriginal groups, and representatives
from academia, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
This exercise began in early 1999 in response to a commitment to
assess the domestic environmental implications of a new round of
trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The approach
was broadened so that the Framework would be flexible and could
be applied to bilateral, regional, and multilateral negotiations.
The Framework has two key objectives:
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First, it provides a means to integrate environmental concerns
into the negotiating process. The analytical methodology requires
the identification of the economic effects of the negotiation
and the likely related environmental impacts. Environmental
impacts are then assessed for their significance. The Framework
recognizes that economic and environmental effects can relate
to changes in the level and pattern of economic activity, the
type of products traded, technology changes, as well as regulatory
and policy implications. There are three increasingly detailed
phases of assessment that correspond to progress within the
negotiations: the Initial, Draft, and Final EA.
- Second, it addresses public concerns by documenting how the
environment is considered during negotiations. There is a strong
commitment to communications and consultations throughout each
EA of trade negotiations. Results from the analysis are enhanced
through consultations that include engagement with the provinces
and territories, experts, and the public. Public reports are issued
at the end of each phase of assessment.
International Trade Canada works with other government departments
to apply the Framework to current negotiations. The Handbook
for the Environmental Assessment of Trade Negotiations contains
guidance on how to apply the Framework, and is updated based on
improved understanding regarding EA of trade.
The Government of Canada actively participates in discussions on
EA of trade in international forums such as the WTO, the North American
Commission for Environmental Cooperation, and the International
Association for Impact Assessment.
Ongoing Environmental Assessments
The public is invited to submit comments at any stage of an environmental
assessment (EA) of a trade negotiation. Consult the Ongoing
Environmental Assessments list.
If you have questions about the EA of Trade process or consultations,
please consult our Frequently Asked Questions
or contact consultations@international.gc.ca.
Reference Documents:
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Framework Backgrounder
- February 2001
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Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade
Negotiations (html | pdf)
- February 2001
-
M. Pettigrew Announces Framework for Environmental Assessment
of Trade Negotiations - News
Release - February 5, 2001
-
Handbook for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade
Negotiations (pdf
- 132 pages, 4,163KB) - March 2006
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Additional Reference Documents
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