In the Spotlight
CEC Publishes Factual Record on the Effective Enforcement of Environmental Law Regarding the North Atlantic Right Whale Submission
Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), 6 January 2026—On 19 December 2025, the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) published the factual record regarding submission SEM-21-003 (North Atlantic right whale) filed by Oceana (“Submitter”), who asserted that the United States is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws to protect the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) from collisions with ships, known as “vessel strikes,” and from entanglement in commercial fishing gear.
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Climate Change
Supporting emissions reduction and helping communities adapt to extreme weather events
Environmental Justice
The pursuit of environmental justice (EJ) aims to address historical inequities, marginalization and discrimination in how environmental benefits and burdens are enjoyed or suffered by certain communities.
Ecosystems
Working with communities to conserve and restore North America's terrestrial and marine ecosystems and priority species
Enforcement
Supporting enforcement and compliance with domestic environmental law and with multilateral environmental agreements
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Advancing the sustainability of our economic activities and life choices by identifying and fostering alternatives that effectively integrate the environmental, social and economic dimensions for a just and resilient North America
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Over the years, the CEC has been committed to youth engagement and the efforts supported have provided youth with opportunities to raise awareness, provide tangible, sustainable, and innovative solutions for environmental issues in their communities, and influence CEC’s strategies, projects, and initiatives.
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The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) recognizes the essential role that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in environmental stewardship across Turtle Island, Madre Tierra, also known as North America.
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The private sector plays a critical role in driving economic prosperity, innovation and sustainable development.
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Community-led Environmental Education Initiative for Biocultural Heritage Protection
2022 Active Sustainable Living and Economies
Featured Publication
The Spent Goods Company
Beer -> Bread! Upcycling and Commercializing Food Waste
November 25, 2024 2 pages Sustainable Living and Economies
The Spent Goods Company, founded in Toronto, ON, Canada in 2018, aims to prevent food loss and waste by teaming up with local breweries and bakeries to turn “spent” beer grains into new products. These products include loaves of bread, bagels, English muffins, buns, and snacks such as crackers and pretzels. Following this approach, Spent Goods demonstrates the role business can play in reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact, while creating a delicious, nutritious product that generates income for participants throughout the food supply chain.
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2026 Legal Internships
Internship Opportunities
Deadline: January 31, 2026 5:00pm
Stipend: C$3,500 (Canadian dollars).
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We conduct research, provide tools and training, and provide a unique space for decision-makers and the public to engage on environmental policy issues affecting the North American region.