Canada - Polluters Will Face Tougher Enforcement Measures

May 2004

Tabled legislation will allow Canada to more forcefully protect its marine environments from polluters.

“Marine waters off Canada’s coasts are among the world’s richest in terms of seabird life, and we are determined to better protect them”, said Canadian Environment Minister David Anderson. “The legislation we are tabling today will raise fines to $1 million. It will also make the ships’ officers accountable for their actions and help harmonize our approach with that of the United States.”

An Act to amend the Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994, and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 will more effectively address enforcement issues in cases of marine pollution. The legislation will also provide clarity for enforcement officials, as well as owners and operators of vessels in waters under Canadian jurisdiction, including the 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone.

“Amending these essential pieces of environmental legislation will complement the Canada Shipping Act 2001 and allow for more cooperative enforcement actions,” said Minister Anderson. “We are providing the judicial system with the tools to prosecute offenders and to enable fines that appropriately reflect the damages caused to the environment.”

Environment Canada’s research shows that more than 300,000 sea birds are being killed each year off the coast of Atlantic Canada, by the illegal discharge of oily bilge waste from passing ships.

 

Based on a News Release of 6 May 2004 from Environment Canada.