Canadian Environmental Network

Description

The Canadian Environmental Network, known as RCEN, is a national umbrella organization connecting environmental groups across Canada. It was founded in 1977 by six environmental organizations and today links more than 700 member groups through eleven regional and affiliate networks.

RCEN’s mission is to connect, support and mobilize an informed network to secure a healthy environment and a stable climate. It coordinates national caucuses on issues such as environmental assessment, toxics, biodiversity and sustainable development, and organizes networking events and educational webinars for its members.

The network is independent and non-partisan, and works to amplify the voices of environmental advocates in government consultations and public policy debates. It holds an annual general meeting to elect its board and organizes a national conference on the environment. It also supports affiliated provincial and regional environmental networks across the country. Government funding that once supported its regional networks was reduced in 2011, though the network continues its work today.