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:

• 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.

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.

• Framework Backgrounder - February 2001

• 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 - 516kb) - March 2008

• Additional Reference Documents