2003 Report From The Canada-Chile Commission For Environmental Cooperation

Approved by Council on October 24, 2003

Message From The Council

When Chile and Canada signed our Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) in 1997, it not only signaled the beginning of a new and mutually beneficial trade relationship between our two countries, but it also signaled the beginning of a new and mutually beneficial relationship in the area of environmental cooperation. The Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, an agreement signed at the same time as the CCFTA, has laid the foundation for strengthening our environmental relations. The Agreement sets out our shared objectives to ensure that our trade and environment policies are mutually supportive and clearly defines our obligations to each other. It also provides the framework under which we have developed a program of activities and initiatives that help us strengthen environmental management.

Our experience with the implementation of this agreement has been highly positive. With a modest budget and streamlined institutional arrangements, this agreement has served both countries well by focusing on key issues of mutual importance. For example, in the time since the last Council Session in April of 2002, the Commission has supported studies concerning the development of a pollutant release and transfer registry in Chile. Also, with the assistance of the Canadian International Development Agency we have also been able to initiate new work in the area of health and environment. This work may one day lead to the development of an air quality index in Chile.

This report of our activities since the last Council Session provides an excellent account of our recent efforts to improve environmental management through cooperation. As the negotiations to conclude a Free Trade Area of the Americas proceed, we are pleased to have this opportunity to share our work with the public and demonstrate our positive experience addressing environmental concerns in the context of trade liberalization.