JPAC solicits your comments on CEC proposed Program Plan for 2002–2004

The JPAC's review of this program plan is based on the principles of transparency, accessibility and accountability, and thus your comments are extremely important. Exchange of ideas and opinions on our common environment could make a difference and will permit to reflect a broader range of public concerns, interests and values to be reflected in the review process.

As provided for by the North American Agreement for Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), JPAC provides advice to the CEC environment ministers on issues touching on the work and purview of the CEC. JPAC will hold a plenary discussion with the public on program plan on 20 September in Tucson and should provide its first advice to the ministers shortly afterwards. Subsequently, it is planned that JPAC will provide a second advice based on the written comments made by the public. This potential second advice should be discussed during the JPAC regular session of 30 November in San Diego.

The CEC's proposed Program Plan and Budget for 2002-2004 is designed around four core program areas: Environment, Economy and Trade; Conservation of Biodiversity; Pollutants and Health; and Law and Policy. Within these areas, a number of programs are set out to further the goals and objectives of NAAEC.

Specific projects outline the concrete steps to be undertaken by the CEC to implement the program goals. The programs and projects will continue to evolve over a three-year cycle in response to the results achieved each year. The public is also invited to make comments on other CEC initiatives or on any other issues related the CEC's mandate.

The CEC was established by Canada, Mexico and the United States to build cooperation among the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners in implementing NAAEC, the environmental side accord to NAFTA. The CEC addresses environmental issues of continental concern, with particular attention to the environmental challenges and opportunities presented by continent-wide free trade.

JPAC is a 15-member, independent, volunteer body that provides advice and public input to Council on any matter within the scope of NAAEC.

The proposed Program Plan for 2002-2004 is available electronically on the CEC web site <http://www.cec.org>. Written comments should be sent to Manon Pepin at the CEC Secretariat: by e-mail at <mpepin@ccemtl.org> or by fax to (514) 350-4314, no later than 15 November 2001.

To request a hard copy of the proposed program plan, or to send comments in another format, please contact Jocelyne Morin at the CEC Secretariat: by e-mail at <jmorin@ccemtl.org>; fax (514) 350-4314; or telephone (514) 350-4366.