Backgrounder

Canada-China Renewed Memorandum of understanding on environmental cooperation

In signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on environmental cooperation, Canadaand China have agreed to build partnerships and facilitate dialogue through the sharing of information, visits of experts, joint seminars and activities, cooperation and networks between environmental protection agencies, including on research. To this end, a Joint Committee on Environmental Cooperation will formulate an annual co-operative work plan, examine and evaluate the implementation of the MOU and provide, if necessary, specific methods for strengthening co-operation.

Environment Canada has identified biodiversity, water, mercury emissions, environmental emergencies and environmental industries as priorities for its engagement with China and sees opportunities for cooperation in other areas, including national parks, protected areas, and environmental assessment and monitoring related to heavy oil developments. Environment Canada will consider opportunities for building on current and past successes with China on environmental governance and management initiatives in these and other environment-related areas.

Due to geographic positioning, geopolitical influence, landmass and economic growth of an expanding population, China is of significant importance to Canada. As a major emerging economy, China is also an important player in international environmental fora. Environment Canada has been engaged with Chinese counterparts since the early 1990s. Canada’s work with China to address environmental issues of importance to both countries is organized primarily through bilateral agreements. In particular, our MOU agreements with China have set the stage for government-to-government policy discussions and cooperation on global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, meteorology, environmental science and technology, and transboundary air pollution.

China and Canada have enjoyed a strong relationship for forty years. The importance of this relationship was reaffirmed through several visits and exchanges between our leaders. The Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, visited China in December 2009, while President Hu Jintao came to Canada in June 2010, prior to the G20 meeting in Toronto.