Public events begin 16 August with a forum on healthy communities and ecosystems in North America, organized by the CEC Joint Public Advisory committee (JPAC). The results of this forum will help JPAC to prepare recommendations to the CEC Council.

In its annual regular session, the CEC Council, consisting of the cabinet—level environment ministers (or the equivalent) of the three NAFTA countries—Jim Prentice of Canada, Juan Elvira Quesada of Mexico, and Lisa P. Jackson of the United States-will examine environmental issues of common concern and set direction for the Commission's work program.