Advancing environmental stewardship, investment and jobs

Advancing environmental stewardship, investment and jobs
Federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers met in Calgary today for the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME).

Ministers discussed practical ways to ensure strong environmental standards and processes that protect human health and Canada’s air, land, and water while supporting economic growth, attracting investment, and creating jobs by making environmental permitting more efficient, and reducing regulatory burden. Ministers also discussed best practices in extended producer responsibility and the circular economy.

“Holding this meeting in Calgary, at the heart of Canada’s energy sector, sends a clear message that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not competing goals,” said Grant Hunter, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, who hosted the meeting. “With clear rules, efficient permitting and high standards federal, provincial and territorial governments can deliver both.”

During a prior and separate meeting on July 14, ministers met with Indigenous business representatives who highlighted the importance of meaningful partnerships in advancing major projects and supporting sustainable development that fosters long-term economic prosperity for all. The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation shared how it helps Indigenous communities participate directly in major projects and share in their benefits.

On the same day, ministers heard from a panel on reclamation, remediation and water, and discussed approaches to restoring industrial sites, protecting waterways, and applying new technologies to long-standing environmental challenges. Ministers acknowledged the complexity of these issues and the progress made to date to advance the environmental monitoring, science and technology needed and to engage Indigenous communities and industry on solutions based on trust and partnerships.

Before their meeting on July 15, ministers also heard from Dawn Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of the Major Projects Office, on the federal government’s work to help get major projects built faster while meeting rigorous environmental standards and upholding Indigenous rights. The discussion focused on all jurisdictions’ efforts to reduce duplication, improve coordination among governments and regulators, and give proponents clearer, more predictable permitting processes. During the meeting ministers discussed ways to address overlapping requirements and unnecessary delays which can stand in the way of projects that create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen economic competitiveness in Canada, while advancing environmental stewardship through continuing to meet high environmental standards, and addressing climate change.

“It was an honour to discuss Alberta’s work advancing tailings reclamation with my colleagues as an example of remediating challenging industrial sites. This work will not be solved by governments operating in silos; we need to partner with industry, Indigenous communities and other jurisdictions to protect water, restore land, and deliver positive environmental outcomes,” said Minister Hunter.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Alberta transferred the presidency of CCME to Nunavut, which will host the 2027 CCME meeting.

About CCME

CCME is the primary minister-led federal, provincial and territorial intergovernmental forum for action on environmental issues of national and international interest.CCME is composed of the environment ministers from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It was founded in 1964. www.ccme.ca