The Council oversees the implementation of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and serves as a forum for the discussion of environmental matters within the scope of the Agreement.

The Council meets at least once a year, including with the public, to set the CEC's overall direction, including its budget and activities. It assigns responsibilities, if needed, to committees, working groups or expert groups, as it may require to fulfill its mandate.

Alternate Representatives

Each Council member assigns an Alternate Representative, who has full authority to act in all matters within the competence of the ministers (or the equivalent) to ensure implementation of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), including the approval of the CEC Program Plan.

General Standing Committee

The General Standing Committee (GSC) is composed of one representative from each country who acts as first point of contact between the CEC Secretariat and the governments to ensure timely follow-up of Secretariat requirements for information and/or action.