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You can download Press Release in PDF: Press Release - The New CEMA - May 6, 2010 and Backgrounder:  Backgrounder The New CEMA (19.84 kB)
Fort McMurray, Alberta – The new structure and operational mode of the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA) was approved by its Members at the Annual General Meeting. The key change is the adoption of a sector-based Management Board. CEMA will now have four caucuses: Aboriginal, Industry, Government & Non-Governmental Organizations. Each of these caucuses will have four members, guaranteeing equality in the decision making process. The new balanced board will ensure the Aboriginal and Environmental Nonprofit Groups a fair and equal voting process.
The new CEMA will ensure that the concerns of Métis and First Nations People living in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo are heard and addressed. As CEMA is an “interest based process” not a “rights based process”, the First Nation and Métis are involved in CEMA to share the interests of their communities. The improvements will be aided by the formation of an Aboriginal Coordination Committee. This committee will build on the work of the Aboriginal Round Table and the Traditional Environmental Knowledge Advisory Committee to facilitate Aboriginal involvement in all aspects of CEMA’s operation.
Members approved a new mission statement: “CEMA is a multi-stakeholder society that is a key advisor to the provincial and federal governments committed to respectful, inclusive dialogue to make recommendations to manage the cumulative environmental effects of regional development on air, land, water and biodiversity.”
Other important improvements include:
- The establishment of a Technical Advisory Pool,
- Strengthening of the CEMA Secretariat,
- Direction to pursue diversified funding sources,
- An Information Forum for plain language,
- The expansion of geographic area addressing environmental issues, if needed.
“CEMA listened to the concerns of the Aboriginal and ENGO communities. The new reinvigorated CEMA with a better structure and governance will facilitate better delivery of our mission for the association,” commented Rick Brown, CEMA President. “This process took a number of years of hard work by the CEMA team. The improvements announced today will benefit the association and all residents of Northeastern Alberta.”
CEMA formed the Joint Review Committee (JRC) in June 2009, composed of CEMA members and Federal and Provincial Government Regulators. It met several times in facilitated meetings to review background material, debate draft recommendations, and ultimately prepare a final report. The JRC used a process of presenting draft options to the Secretariat, CEMA Members
and former Members for feedback to develop the final recommendations. The items for consideration were selected from key areas identified during CEMA’s Revitalization Strategy and various independent reviews of CEMA. The association’s new goals, structure, and direction will take effect immediately and will be implemented by the Secretariat.
CEMA is a nonprofit association based in Fort McMurray, Alberta. CEMA’s work plan and area of study are independently produced and developed by CEMA members, management committee and working groups. Since its inception, CEMA has produced hundreds of reports and 10 Management Frameworks.
For more information please visit www.cemaonline.ca or contact:
Corey Hobbs
Communications Director
Cumulative Environmental Management Association
780-881-4943
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