Are the findings from an environmental assessment binding?
• The Framework is informed by the 2004 Cabinet Directive on Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, which does not impose binding responsibilities on the recommendations flowing from a strategic environmental assessment. • The Guidelines for Implementing the Cabinet Directive highlight the principle of flexibility. Departments and agencies have discretion in determining how strategic environmental assessments are undertaken and are encouraged to adapt and refine tools and methodologies appropriate to their circumstance. • How is the environment considered after an agreement is concluded? • The mechanisms that are used to consider the environmental impacts of a specific trade or investment agreement will vary based on the agreement and the anticipated environmental effects. • Within the WTO, trade-related environmental issues are discussed in various committees, including the Committee on Trade and Environment. • Environmental cooperation agreement agreements ha
