(Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada press release, May 17, 2018)
MONTREAL — Canadians recognize the importance of a safe and a clean environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers work to ensure that individuals comply with Canada’s environmental laws.
On May 14, 2018, the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) pleaded guilty to importing a fuel that does not meet the requirements of the Renewable Fuels Regulations. CN was fined $25,000 and was ordered by the court to pay a sum of $1,101,627 to promote the protection of the environment.
The investigation conducted by Environment and Climate Change Canada found that—between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012—CN imported over 224 000 000 litres of diesel fuel. Under the Regulations, 2 percent of that volume should have been renewable fuel unless compliance units were acquired. Despite the compliance units acquired during that period, CN’s renewable-fuel deficit was 3 672 090 litres below the 2 percent requirement.
The fine and penalty will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.