| Montreal, 18/05/1999 – The Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC)
of the Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC) held a joint meeting with the Sound
Management Chemicals (SMOC) Working Group on 7 May and a Regular Session on 8 May in
Anchorage, Alaska.
JPAC is composed of fifteen members, five from each of the three NAFTA
countries, and is responsible for providing advice to the CEC Council of Ministers on any
matter within the scope of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
(NAAEC). JPAC and SMOC planned this meeting in the Arctic region of North America in order
to provide a venue to involve indigenous peoples from the United States, Canada, and
Mexico for discussion and information-sharing on issues related to contaminants, pollution
and human health.
Over 100 people participated in this session, many of whom were
representing indigenous communities or organizations. Also in attendance were
representatives from NGOs, governments, national and government advisory committees and
concerned citizens. Many compelling and impassioned arguments were made to support the
value of directly involving indigenous peoples in the SMOC program specifically and
generally in CEC activities.
Dr. Barry Commoner, a well known expert in environmental matters,
informed the session that as a result of the intensification created by the
‘grasshopper effect' the Arctic region is the recipient of dioxins and PCBs
produced in the northern hemisphere, meaning that these toxics constantly move north and
stay. The implication for human health bears serious consideration. For example, Dr.
Commoner asserted that data from various parts of the Canadian Arctic show a five-fold
greater concentration of PCBs in breast milk than in the south.
During its Regular Session, JPAC held a round table meeting with the
public on 8 May 1999. As an ongoing feature of JPAC sessions, round tables provide an
opportunity for the public to present views, priorities and concerns regarding the
CEC's Three-Year Program Plan. Since many indigenous representatives were in
attendance, the focus was on issues of concern to them. They clearly want to be part of
the CEC process.
The JPAC approved the production of seven advice to Council on a
variety of matters, including the Sound Management of Chemicals Program, the Draft
Framework for Public Participation in the Commission for Environmental Cooperation's
Activities, and Expanding the Involvement of the North American Public, including
Indigenous Peoples, in the work of the CEC. Under the direction of Ambassador for
Circumpolar Affairs Mary Simon, an aboriginal person herself and a Canadian member of
JPAC, JPAC will be preparing a proposal for the development of a CEC strategy on the
involvement of indigenous peoples for Council's consideration at the June Regular
Session of Council in Banff, Alberta.
The next JPAC Regular Session will be held on 27–29 June in Banff,
Alberta, in conjunction with the annual CEC Regular Session of Council. |
