Canada to take part in the Annual General Meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development

OTTAWA, Nov. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter Kent will travel to Beijing, China, from December 1 to December 3, for the Annual General Meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development. As the International Executive Vice-Chair of the China Council, Mr. Kent will preside over the Annual General Meeting with his Co-Chair, the Honourable Zhou Shengxian, Minister of Environmental Protection.

The China Council is a high-level international advisory body that provides China's State Council with research-based policy advice on environment and development issues. Canada supported the establishment of the China Council and has been its principal international supporter since its inception in 1992.  In this role, Canada has worked with China to address global environment challenges like transboundary air quality and mercury emissions to benefit the health and environment of both nations. 

Quick Facts

• Canada is the lead international partner of the China Council, and serves as the Executive Vice-Chair at the annual general meetings.
• Canada's participation in the China Council has allowed both nations to work together to address the issue of mercury emissions, which continue to impact Canada by accumulating in the Arctic.
• The China Council is a unique venue, providing China with an opportunity to work with international experts to learn best practices on a range of environmental issues.

Quotes

"Canada is a key international partner in the China Council and has provided valuable leadership to help develop solutions to address environmental challenges that span across multiple borders throughout the world."

– The Honourable Peter Kent, Member of Parliament for Thornhill

SOURCE: Environment Canada

Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Environment Canada, 819-934-8008