The Canada-wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization envisions governments working in partnership to achieve the highest level of environmental quality for all Canadians. Under the accord, each government will retain its existing authorities but will use them in a coordinated manner to achieve enhanced environmental results. Each government will undertake clearly defined responsibility for environmental performance and will report publicly on its results.

Under the Accord governments, except for Québec, have also agreed to the Canada-wide Environmental Standards Sub-Agreement, the Environmental Assessment Sub-Agreement, the Inspections and Enforcement Sub-Agreement, a Statement of Principles on Monitoring and Reporting, and an Annex to the Accord elaborating on public accountability and stakeholder consultation.