What does the CPTPP mean for the environment sector?

Summary / Overview

• The CPTPP Agreement includes an enforceable chapter on the environment that represents Canada’s most ambitious environment chapter in a free trade agreement to date.
• The CPTPP Environment Chapter also establishes a binding and enforceable dispute resolution process to address any questions regarding compliance. This includes recourse to the broader CPTPP dispute settlement mechanism if countries are not able to resolve the matter through consultation and cooperation.
• The enforcement of the Environment Chapter through the CPTPP’s dispute settlement mechanism is a first for Canada.
• Environment commitments outlined in CPTPP are designed to help ensure that environmental protection is upheld as trade is liberalized and to prevent countries from lowering environmental standards to promote trade or attract investment.

How the CPTPP makes commitments toward the environment

The Environment Chapter’s core obligations commit member countries to:

• pursue high levels of environmental protection;
• enforce environmental laws effectively;
• not derogate from these laws to encourage trade or investment; and
• promote transparency, accountability and public participation.

The Agreement also addresses global environmental challenges. Through these commitments, member countries will:

• combat illegal wildlife trade, including through the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora;
• combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and promote sustainable fisheries management, including through obligations to prohibit subsidies that negatively affect fish stocks;
• conserve species at risk;
• conserve biological diversity;
• take measures to control ozone-depleting substances and marine pollution, in line with member countries’ obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships; and
• work together to address climate change and combat invasive alien species.

CPTPP country cooperation for the environment

The CPTPP Environment Chapter also establishes a framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest in support of the Chapter’s commitments. This includes, for example, working together to address climate change, promote and conserve biodiversity, address illegal wildlife trade, combat invasive alien species, and promote sustainable fisheries practices.