Conference of the Parties: Canadian consultation process

Canada is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).  Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES regulates international trade in specimens of species of wild fauna and flora based on a system of permits which can only be issued if certain conditions are met. The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices according to the degree of protection they need, and different trade controls are applied depending on the Appendix in which the species is listed.

The CITES Conference of the Parties is the primary decision-making body of the Convention. It usually meets every three years. Any Party may propose an amendment to the list of species in Appendix I or II or an administrative measures to improve implementation of the Convention for consideration at the meeting.  Each Party gets a vote in decisions made at the Conference of the Parties.

Environment Canada is the lead agency responsible for the implementation of CITES in Canada, and coordinates its work with other federal departments (Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada (Canadian Forest Service) and provincial and territorial governments.

In order to facilitate transparency in decision-making, and provide an opportunity for all interested parties to participate in the development of Canadian-led proposals and Canadian positions, Environment Canada has developed a national process for consultation.

We begin consultations for the CoP about one year prior to the meeting, with an invitation for the public to submit proposals for Canada to consider bringing to the Conference of the Parties. The public has 60 days to respond to the call for proposals, after which responses are shared with federal, provincial and territorial authorities for comment. The results of the public call are posted on the website. We post, as well, proposals that are eventually put forward to the CoP by Canada and by foreign countries.  We then hold a public meeting to discuss the proposals. Finally, once the Conference of the Parties has taken place, we post a summary of decisions made.

Please contact us if you wish to be included in the distribution list to receive this information:

Species Assessment (CITES)
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H3
Telephone: (819) 938-3951
Facsimile: (819) 994-3984
E-mail: ec.scientificauthority.ec@canada.ca