CCME enjoys the comparative advantage of undertaking work that no one else can do, or work to which it can provide a unique contribution or is particularly suited. CCME does not duplicate the efforts of others. Items on the CCME agenda must be Canada-wide and intergovernmental in nature, and of interest to a significant portion of CCME member jurisdictions. To focus its resources and make real progress, CCME limits its agenda to a small number of issues per year.

CCME’s current strategic priorities are:

• Facilitate interjurisdictional cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Develop and implement the Air Quality Management System.
• Implement a vision for water to ensure that Canadians have access to clean, safe and sufficient water to meet their needs in ways that also maintain the integrity of ecosystems.
• Develop tools, data and best practices to help reduce and recycle waste.
• Increase jurisdictional capacity to manage contaminated sites.

CCME also continues a broad range of other important work, including:

• Reporting on Canada-wide Standards.
• Monitoring implementation of the Canada-wide Strategy for Municipal Wastewater Effluent.