Fish-processing company in Newfoundland and Labrador fined for offence under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador – November 15, 2018 – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Canadians value a safe and clean environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers strive to ensure that businesses and individuals comply with federal environmental laws and regulations that protect Canada’s natural environment.

On November 7, 2018, Notre Dame Seafoods Inc. was ordered in the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador to pay $115,000 for contravening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The company pleaded guilty to one count of violating paragraph 124(1)(b) of the Act (disposal at sea provisions). The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund, which is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. In addition, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry as a result of this conviction.

In May 2017, enforcement officers inspected the company’s fish-processing facility in Comfort Cove-Newstead, Newfoundland and Labrador. During the inspection, officers observed the loading of waste in a manner that was contrary to the conditions of the disposal at sea permit issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

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Quick facts

• Canada has a permit system to control disposal of wastes or other matter into the ocean. Only a small list of wastes or other matter can be considered for permits, and these are individually assessed to ensure that disposal at sea is the environmentally preferable and practical alternative, that pollution is prevented, and that any conflicts with other legitimate uses of the sea are avoided.
• Created in 1995, the Environmental Damages Fund is a Government of Canada program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Fund follows the polluter pays principle and ensures that court-awarded penalties are used for projects with positive environmental impacts.

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