Advancing Environmental Accountability in Global Trade
Nature Canada’s Akaash Maharaj accepted the federal invitation to join the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG).
Canada’s Environment Minister has invited Nature Canada’s Director of Policy, Akaash Maharaj to become an official member of the federal government’s Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG).
CEDAG’s mandate is to provide the Government of Canada with independent, expert advice on the intersection of international trade and environmental protection, specifically focusing on the landmark trade agreement between Canada and the European Union (CETA).
Note: CEDAG members are all independent volunteers. Nature Canada receives no payment or financial compensation for this work. Our loyalty remains entirely to our members, the public interest, and the protection of nature.
Why do we need a voice for nature on CEDAG?
International trade agreements might seem distant from local conservation, but they dictate how and if our environmental laws are protected from global market pressures. Akaash has joined CEDAG to promote three core convictions:
1. Protecting Sovereignty to Safeguard Nature
Canada must diversify its trade networks so single foreign markets cannot pressure us into weakening conservation laws. Heavy economic dependence on one country creates leverage that outside actors may use to demand lower environmental standards, expanded resource extraction, or reduced habitat protections. Diversifying our trade safeguards our independence, ensuring Canadian governments retain full sovereignty to protect domestic ecosystems.
2. Trading with Partners Who Share Our Ideals
Canada should preferentially expand trade with partners that share our broad national ideals and our fundamental commitment to caring for nature. We believe that the European Union is one such partner, maintaining some of the highest environmental and biodiversity benchmarks in the world.
3. Exploring the "Legal Teeth" of Chapter 24
Embedded within the Canada-EU agreement is Chapter 24, a legally binding responsibility for both Canada and Europe to maintain strict environmental standards. Under this chapter:
- States may not give national industrial actors unjust price advantages by allowing them to poison lands and waters.
- States may not lower domestic conservation bars to pillage the natural heritage that belongs to all citizens.
CEDAG’s explicit role is to ensure both governments meet their obligations under Chapter 24, advancing public transparency and holding bad actors accountable.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of how Canada navigates this treaty will shape our environmental landscape for a generation.
| If the Treaty Succeeds | If the Treaty Fails |
|---|---|
| We will increase economic prosperity for all Canadians while systematically lifting environmental standards across our country. | Canada will remain highly vulnerable to the coercive trade policies of states prepared to lay waste to their own ecosystems and demand that we do the same. |
Focus Areas
To support public transparency, Nature Canada tracks and reports on CEDAG activities, where our Director of Policy, Akaash Maharaj serves as an independent advisory member. We inform our supporters on trade and environmental policy to ensure international agreements protect nature rather than encourage environmental degradation.
Our ongoing priorities include:
- Monitoring trade mechanisms so no loopholes allow the unsustainable exploitation of Canada’s shared natural heritage, species at risk, or vital habitats.
- Tracking policy frameworks to ensure neither trade partner lowers domestic environmental standards to gain an economic advantage.
- Keeping our members and the public informed about whether the federal government meets its binding environmental obligations under Chapter 24.
Media & Member Toolkit
Are you a journalist covering trade policy, or a Nature Canada member looking for deep-dive information? Use the resources below.
- [Download Full Press Release]
- Read CETA Chapter 24: Environment Text
- Media Contact: For interviews with our Director of Policy, Akaash Maharaj regarding CEDAG activities, contact media@naturecanada.ca.
- Official Overview of the Advisory Group: Environment and Climate Change Canada - CEDAG Hub
- Historical Advisory Actions and Reports: Open Government Portal - CEDAG Joint Statements and Annual Reports