CEN Cross-Caucus Workshop

Merrickville, Ontario
February 17-19, 2004

The Caucus Unit of the Canadian Environmental Network held an intensive two- and a half-day workshop for 36 of its most involved and dedicated members to government consultation in areas of Toxics, Health, Mining, Atmosphere and Energy.

The purpose of the workshop was multifold. The CEN recognizes that the recent broadening of responsibility for environmental policy through the Harmonization Accord, operationalization of CEPA, and Canada's domestic response to international agreements is changing the scope and dynamic of consultation. As such, we acknowledge that informed public participation requires a general understanding of the larger horizontal picture. Therefore, the workshop was intended to enhance the ability of ENGOs to participate effectively and meaningfully in public consultations by expanding their knowledge and awareness of the 'bigger picture'. In addition, with the participation of key senior staff from Environment Canada in this workshop (Dr. Barry Stemshorn, ADM; Cynthia Wright, DG, Strategic Priorities; John Arseneau, DG, Environmental Protection Service; and James Riordan, RD, National Office of Pollution Prevention) we built upon existing relationships with CEN members and established new ones. As well, we built and enhanced relationships between CEN members, which we expect will lead to more and varied working links on specific issues.

This web page provides on-line links to the work accomplished at the workshop. Note that some documents are available to CEN members only. Questions should be directed to Barbara Schaefer at (613) 728-9810 x 30.