The proposed Canadian Information System for the Environment (CISE) aims to ensure easy & timely access by decision makers, citizens, communities, and the private sector to the reliable information they need to make informed decisions relating to the environment. The introduction to this interim report explains the need for the CISE, the problems it will address, and the resulting benefits to Canadians. Chapter 2 lays out the basic foundations to guide the design & implementation of the CISE, including its principles & scope. Chapter 3 addresses the data resource infrastructure of the CISE and chapter 4 focusses on cross-cutting requirements that support an integrated & strategic approach to environmental management or are common across policy sectors. Chapter 5 addresses how data & information can be made accessible to information users, and considers methods of raising citizen awareness & encouraging involvement in environmental issues. The final chapter outlines future steps & the forthcoming consultations on the CISE. Appendices include descriptions of conceptual frameworks for the CISE and a preliminary analysis of current gaps in environmental information.