Coordination

The effectiveness of the CEAM Framework depends not only on the strength of each individual component, but also on their ability to work together. Weaving these components into an integrated system is a challenge because many organizations have mandates, responsibilities and initiatives related to CEAM. The roles and responsibilities of these organizations and their relationships to one another are not always clearly defined. No single organization or regulatory process has overall authority for the full range of components in the CEAM Framework. At the same time, no organization or regulatory process is without some responsibility for the assessment or management of cumulative effects. Coordination is further complicated because important aspects of the CEAM Framework will likely be implemented at the regional level. While a regional approach to CEAM is essential in the NWT, reliance on regional delivery mechanisms may not be appropriate for all functions. In some cases, coordination at the territorial level can achieve economies of scale and may reduce duplication of effort. Transboundary issues may also require an overarching approach to CEAM.

The Steering Committee recognizes the need to avoid creating a new institution or layer of bureaucracy to oversee implementation of the CEAM Framework. Coordination or leadership at a territorial level may nonetheless be the most effective and efficient way of delivering some functions relating to CEAM and ensuring that the CEAM Framework operates as an integrated system to the greatest extent possible. As one of the options to improve coordination, a mechanism could be established to bring together the key organizations involved in each of the components of the CEAM Framework in order to determine which functions would benefit from a coordinated or territory-wide approach and which can be accomplished most effectively at the regional level. This mechanism could operate as a 'board of boards' to identify which organizations should take leadership roles in relation to specific aspects of CEAM.

Implementing the NWT CEAM Blueprint - 2006 Gathering, May 16 & 17, 2006, Deline, NT.   Summary Report, July 2006. pdf,  1.3 MB. 

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