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
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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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Reaching Horizon 2030: An Environmental Outlook for North American Cooperation
2024 Active Climate Change, Sustainable Living and Economies
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Compilation of Engagement with Indigenous Communities and Experts Associated with TEK in the United States
March 26, 2024 76 pages Ecosystems
The purpose of this Compilation of Engagement with Indigenous Communities and Experts Associated with TEK in the United States is to assist the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and other partners engaging in work that involves TEK. This paper provides an inventory of existing frameworks in the United States that provide mechanisms for the voluntary engagement of indigenous communities and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) experts.
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2026 Legal Internships
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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.