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In addition to the Working Groups there are also Task Forces that operate within the framework of the Arctic Council. The Task Forces are appointed at the Ministerial meetings to work on specific issues for a limited amount of time. The Task Forces are active until they have produced the desired results, at which point they become inactive.

On 21-22 May, the Arctic Council’s Task Force for Action on Black Carbon and Methane met for the fourth time. The task force, which is co-chaired by Canada and Sweden, has the mandate to “develop arrangements on actions to achieve enhanced black carbon and methane emission reductions in the Arctic, and report at the next Ministerial meeting in 2015”.

The Arctic Council recognizes the central role of business in the sustainable development of the Arctic. During Canada’s Chairmanship (2013-15), the Arctic states and indigenous permanent participant organizations are facilitating the creation of a circumpolar business forum - the Arctic Economic Council.

Canada hosted the meeting of the Emergency, Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) Working Group of the Arctic Council in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory which took place June 15-16, 2011.