23 October 2002: This event gathered 40 civil society representatives in Ottawa, Canada on 23 October 2002 to review the outcomes of and coordinate follow-up to the WSSD.

Organizers included Action Canada for Population and Development, Canadian Council for International Cooperation, Canadian Environmental Network, One Sky, United Nations Association in Canada with the Youth Summit Team and the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The group identified a series of priority issue-areas for action by Canada, as well as mechanisms for ensuring government accountability and transparency.

The priority issue-areas for Canada, as identified by participants, included: ratifying the Kyoto Protocol by December 2002; doubling ODA by 2010; increasing market access for less developed countries by January 2003; completing Canada’s Protected Areas Network; developing a National Sustainable Development Strategy by 2005; supporting sustainable development in Africa through the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD); and prioritizing environmental and social objectives over trade liberalization.
The accountability mechanisms discussed include: audits by and petitions to the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainable Development; a forthcoming review of Canada’s foreign affairs and defense policy; elections at all levels; Parliamentary/Standing Committee meetings and public hearings; engagement of civil society/citizens in the development and implementation of sustainable development policy; and consideration of and compliance with existing international commitments, agreements and principles.

The meeting also identified key issues that the WSSD did not adequately address, including: demilitarization and peace; sustainable production and consumption; corporate social responsibility; human security; and the spiritual dimension of sustainable development. For more information e-mail wssd@canada.com or visit http://www.cen-rce.org/wssd/activities.html