CCME has addressed a  range of issues associated with the completion of provincial/territorial and federal environmental assessments (EA) in Canada, including process inefficiencies, overlapping mandates and responsibilities, lack of timeliness, and differing criteria triggering EAs.  CCME has also advanced understanding about the use of regional strategic environmental assessments as a tool for improved planning and decision-making, including its role in addressing cumulative effects.

In October 2009, ministers affirmed their commitment to reducing federal-provincial duplication in environmental assessment while ensuring high environmental standards are met.