Canadian National Railway Company fined over $1 million for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

May 17, 2018 – Montréal, Quebec– Environment and Climate Change Canada

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.

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Quick facts

• The Renewable Fuels Regulations require fuel producers and importers to have an average renewable content of 5 percent in gasoline and 2 percent in diesel fuel and heating distillate oil, based on volume. A trading system is in place whereby renewable fuel compliance units may be traded.
• The Department’s enforcement officers conduct inspections and investigations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to ensure that individuals comply with the environmental protection laws to which they are subject.
• The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. It was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our environment.

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca