C-4223751-52Elizabeth II2001An Act respecting the protection of the Antarctic EnvironmentAntarctic Environmental Protection ActAntarctic Environmental Protection20196
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200310
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A-11.44202003PreambleWHEREAS Canada is a party to the Antarctic Treaty, to the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals and to the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources;WHEREAS the Antarctic is a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science;AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada is committed to the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems;NOW, THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:Short Title
Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act.
Interpretation
DefinitionsThe following definitions apply in this Act.Antarctic meansthe continent of Antarctica, including its iceshelves;all islands south of 60o south latitude, including their iceshelves;all areas of the continental shelf that are adjacent to that continent or to those islands and that are south of 60o south latitude; andall sea and airspace south of 60o south latitude. (Antarctique)authorized representative has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. (représentant autorisé)Canadian meansa Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; ora corporation established or continued under the laws of Canada or a province. (Canadien)Canadian aircraft has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Aeronautics Act. (aéronef canadien)Canadian expedition means a journey undertaken by a person or personsthat is organized in Canada; orfor which the final place of departure of the person or persons is in Canada. (expédition canadienne)Canadian vessel has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. (bâtiment canadien)Chief Review Officer means the review officer appointed as Chief Review Officer under subsection 244(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and includes any review officer designated under subsection 244(3) of that Act to perform the functions of the Chief Review Officer. (réviseur-chef)conveyance includes any vehicle, vessel or aircraft. (moyen de transport)master includes every person who has command or charge of a vessel but does not include a pilot. (capitaine)Minister means the member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada who is designated by the Governor in Council as the Minister for the purpose of this Act. (ministre)permit means a permit issued under section 21. (permis)place includes any platform anchored at sea, shipping container or conveyance. (lieu)Protocol means the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, signed at Madrid on October 4, 1991, as amended from time to time, to the extent that the amendments are binding on Canada. (Protocole)registered owner has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Aeronautics Act. (propriétaire enregistré)Treaty means the Antarctic Treaty, signed at Washington on December 1, 1959, as amended from time to time, to the extent that the amendments are binding on Canada. (Traité)vessel means a boat, ship or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for navigation in, on, through or immediately above water, without regard to the method or lack of propulsion, but does not include a fixed platform. (bâtiment)Same meaningUnless a contrary intention appears, words and expressions used in this Act have the same meaning as in the Treaty or the Protocol.Another Party to the ProtocolA reference in this Act to another Party to the Protocol is a reference to a Party other than Canada.2003, c. 20, s. 2; 2009, c. 14, s. 2
Purpose
Purpose of the ActThe purpose of this Act is to protect the Antarctic environment, particularly by implementing the Protocol.
Application
Her MajestyThis Act is binding on Her Majesty in right of Canada and of a province.
Non-application to Canadian ForcesThis Act does not apply to a member of the Canadian Forces acting in that capacity or in respect of a vessel, facility or aircraft of the Canadian Forces or a foreign military force or in respect of any other vessel, facility or aircraft that is under the command, control or direction of the Canadian Forces.
[Repealed, 2012, c. 19, s. 60]
Prohibitions
Canadian expeditionsNo person who is on a Canadian expedition shall be in the Antarctic except in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.ExceptionsSubsection (1) does not apply to a person who istravelling through, on or above the high seas to an immediate destination outside the Antarctic; orin the Antarctic for the sole purpose of fishing for profit.
Canadian stationsNo person shall be in a Canadian station in the Antarctic except in accordance with a permit.
Canadian vesselsNo Canadian vessel shall be in the Antarctic except in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.ExceptionsSubsection (1) does not apply to a Canadian vessel that istravelling through or on the high seas to an immediate destination outside the Antarctic; orin the Antarctic for the sole purpose of fishing for profit.
Canadian aircraftNo person shall operate a Canadian aircraft in the Antarctic except in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.ExceptionSubsection (1) does not apply in respect of a Canadian aircraft travelling to an immediate destination outside the Antarctic.
Mineral resourcesNo Canadian or Canadian vessel shall, in the Antarctic, conduct any activity relating to mineral resources, including the recovery or exploitation of, or the prospecting or exploration for, mineral resources. This does not prohibit scientific research conducted in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.
Native speciesExcept in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol, no Canadian shall, in the Antarctic,kill, injure, capture, handle or molest a native mammal or native bird;remove or damage native plants in a manner that significantly affects their local distribution or abundance;fly or land a helicopter or other aircraft in a manner that disturbs any concentration of native birds or seals;use a vehicle or vessel, including a hovercraft and a small boat, in a manner that disturbs any concentration of native birds or seals;use an explosive or firearm in a manner that disturbs any concentration of native birds or seals;while on foot, wilfully disturb a breeding or moulting native bird;while on foot, wilfully disturb any concentration of native birds or seals;significantly damage any concentration of terrestrial native plants by landing an aircraft, driving a vehicle or walking on it, or in any other manner; orengage in any activity that results in the significant adverse modification of the habitat of any species or population of native mammals, native birds, native plants or native invertebrates.DefinitionsThe following definitions apply in subsection (1).native bird means a member, at any stage of its life cycle, including eggs, of any species of the class Aves that is indigenous to the Antarctic or that occurs there seasonally through natural migrations. (oiseau indigène)native invertebrate means any terrestrial or freshwater invertebrate, at any stage of its life cycle, that is indigenous to the Antarctic. (invertébré indigène)native mammal means a member of any species of the class Mammalia that is indigenous to the Antarctic or that occurs there seasonally through natural migrations. (mammifère indigène)native plant means any terrestrial or freshwater vegetation, including bryophytes, lichens, fungi and algae, at any stage of its life cycle, including seeds and other propagules, that is indigenous to the Antarctic. (plante indigène)
Introduction of non-native speciesNo Canadian or Canadian vessel shall introduce into the Antarctic any animal or plant of a species that is not indigenous to the Antarctic, except in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.ExceptionsSubsection (1) does not apply in respect ofany bird or mammal that occurs in the Antarctic seasonally through natural migrations; orfood other than poultry or live animals.
Specified substances and productsNo Canadian or Canadian vessel shall introduce into the Antarctic any substance or product specified in the regulations.
Specially protected areasNo Canadian or Canadian vessel shall be in an Antarctic specially protected area designated by the regulations except in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.
Historic sites and monumentsNo Canadian or Canadian vessel shall damage, destroy or remove any part of an historic site or monument in the Antarctic designated by the regulations.
Waste disposalNo Canadian shall dispose of waste in the Antarctic except in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.Absolute prohibitionDespite subsection (1), no Canadian shall, in the Antarctic, burn waste in the open air or dispose of waste in any ice-free area or in any fresh water system.
Discharge into seaNo Canadian vessel shall, while in the Antarctic, discharge into the sea any oil or oily mixture or any food waste except in accordance with a permit or under the written authorization of another Party to the Protocol.Absolute prohibition — garbageDespite subsection (1), no Canadian vessel shall, while in the Antarctic, discharge into the sea any garbage, plastic or other product or substance that is harmful to the marine environment.SewageDespite subsection (1), no Canadian vessel that is certified to carry more than 10 persons on board shall, while in the Antarctic,discharge into the sea any untreated sewage within 12 nautical miles of any land or any iceshelf; orinstantaneously discharge into the sea any sewage stored in a holding tank.Meaning of garbageIn subsection (2), garbage, in respect of a vessel, means all kinds of victual, domestic and operational waste, other than fresh fish and parts of fresh fish.
EmergenciesSections 7 to 18 do not apply in respect of emergencies involving the safety of a person, the protection of the environment or the safety of any vessel, aircraft, equipment or facility that has a significant value.
Things obtained in contravention of ActNo person or vessel in Canada, and no Canadian or Canadian vessel while in the Antarctic, shall possess, sell, offer for sale, trade, give, transport, transfer or send anything that has been obtained in contravention of this Act or the regulations.
PermitsIssuance
IssuanceThe Minister may, on application, issue permits for the purposes of this Act.ApplicationAn application for a permit must be in the form and contain the information prescribed by the regulations.Additional informationThe Minister may require an applicant for a permit to provide the Minister with any information that he or she considers necessary.ConditionsSubject to the regulations, the Minister may include in a permit any condition that he or she considers appropriate.Minister may refuse or suspend permitThe Minister may refuse to issue a permit, or may amend, suspend or cancel a permit, if he or she is of the opinion that the public interest warrants it.Statutory Instruments ActA permit is not a statutory instrument for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.
Application on behalf of othersA person may apply for a permit on behalf of a Canadian vessel or any other person and, if a permit is issued on behalf of a vessel or person other than the permit holder, that vessel or other person is subject to the conditions of the permit to the extent that those conditions are expressed in the permit to apply to them.Identification of person or vesselFor the purpose of subsection (1), a Canadian vessel or person need not be expressly named in a permit in order to be subject to its conditions so long as the vessel or person is sufficiently identified in the permit, either by class or other description.Deemed contravention by permit holderIf a Canadian vessel or person that is not a permit holder but that is bound by a condition of a permit contravenes the condition, the holder of the permit is also deemed to have contravened that condition.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Preliminary environmental evaluationThe Minister may issue a permit only if he or she is satisfied that a preliminary environmental evaluation in relation to the activities to which the permit is to relate has been conducted in accordance with the regulations.Initial or comprehensive evaluationIf the Minister, after having considered the preliminary evaluation, is of the opinion that the activities will likely have at least a minor or transitory impact on the environment, he or she must ensure that an initial environmental evaluation, or a comprehensive environmental evaluation, in relation to those activities is conducted in accordance with the regulations before the permit is issued.Comprehensive evaluationIf the Minister, after having considered an initial evaluation, is of the opinion that the activities will likely have more than a minor or transitory impact on the environment, he or she must ensure that a comprehensive environmental evaluation in relation to those activities is conducted in accordance with the regulations before a permit is issued.RestrictionThe Minister may not issue the permit if he or she is of the opinion, after having considered the comprehensive evaluation, that the activities are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact that cannot be justified in the circumstances.
Waste Management Plans and Emergency Plans
Requirement for plansThe Minister may issue a permit that authorizes persons on a Canadian expedition, or a Canadian vessel or Canadian aircraft, to be in the Antarctic only if the Minister is satisfied that a waste management plan and an emergency plan for the expedition, vessel or aircraft have been prepared in accordance with the regulations.
Security
Requirement to provide securityThe Minister may require an applicant for a permit to provide and maintain security with the Minister, in an amount specified in, or determined in accordance with, the regulations and in a form prescribed by the regulations or a form satisfactory to the Minister.How security may be appliedAny security may be applied by the Minister to reimburse Her Majesty in right of Canada, either fully or partially, for reasonable costs incurred by Her Majesty in preventing, mitigating or remedying any adverse environmental impact caused by the permit holder or persons or vessels bound by conditions of the permit.
Regulations
GeneralThe Governor in Council may make regulationsrespecting applications for permits, including the form of the applications, who may apply for permits and the information that must be provided in respect of permit applications;respecting the making of applications for a permit on behalf of a Canadian vessel;respecting the issuance, renewal, cancellation and suspension of permits, and the conditions that the Minister may include in a permit;respecting the activities that may be authorized by a permit;specifying substances and products for the purposes of section 14;designating Antarctic specially protected areas for the purposes of section 15;designating historic sites and monuments for the purposes of section 16;respecting environmental impact assessments for the purposes of section 23;respecting waste management plans and emergency plans for the purposes of section 24;respecting security for the purposes of section 25;designating provisions of the regulations for the purposes of paragraphs 50(1)(b) and 50.3(1)(b); andrespecting any other matter that the Governor in Council considers necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act.Incorporation by referenceRegulations made under subsection (1) may incorporate by reference any document, including a document prepared by an organization working under the Treaty or the Protocol or by another Party to the Protocol.Amended from time to timeMaterial may be incorporated by reference as it existed on a specified date or as amended from time to time.Incorporated material is not a regulationMaterial that is incorporated by reference in a regulation made under this Act is not a regulation for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.DefenceFor greater certainty, no person or vessel may be convicted of an offence or subjected to a penalty for the contravention of a provision of a regulation made under this Act that incorporates material by reference unless it is proved that, at the time of the alleged contravention,the material was reasonably accessible to the person or vessel;reasonable steps had been taken to ensure that the material was accessible to persons or vessels likely to be affected by the regulation; orthe material had been published in the Canada Gazette.2003, c. 20, s. 26; 2009, c. 14, s. 3; 2017, c. 26, s. 63(E)
Regulations — feesThe Minister may make regulationsprescribing the fees or a scale of fees or the manner of determining the fees to be paid for issuing, amending or renewing permits;prescribing the persons or vessels or classes of persons or vessels by whom or on whose behalf the fees are to be paid, and requiring the fees to be paid by those persons, vessels or classes;exempting any person or vessel, or class of persons or vessels, from the requirement to pay any of those fees; andgenerally, in respect of any condition or any other matter in relation to the payment of those fees.LimitFees that are prescribed by or under regulations made under subsection (1) in respect of the issuance, amendment or renewal of permits shall in the aggregate not exceed an amount sufficient to compensate Her Majesty in right of Canada for any reasonable costs incurred by Her Majesty in carrying out those functions.
RecoveryFees required by the regulations to be paid constitute a debt due to Her Majesty in right of Canada and may be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Enforcement in CanadaEnforcement Officers and Analysts
DesignationThe Minister may designate as an enforcement officer or analyst for the purpose of this Act or any provision of this Act any person or member of a class of persons who, in the Minister’s opinion, is qualified to be so designated.PowersFor the purposes of this Act, an enforcement officer in Canada has all the powers of a peace officer, but the Minister may specify limits on those powers when designating the enforcement officer.LimitsThe Minister may limit the powers that may be exercised by an enforcement officer or analyst under this Act.Production of certificateThe Minister must provide every enforcement officer and analyst with a certificate of designation that includes any limits under subsection (2) or (3). On entering any place, the enforcement officer or analyst must, if so requested, produce the certificate to the person in charge of the place.
ImmunityEnforcement officers and analysts are not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Act.2009, c. 14, s. 4
Inspections in Canada
EntrySubject to subsection (2), for the purposes of this Act, an enforcement officer may, at any reasonable time, enter any place in Canada in which the enforcement officer believes, on reasonable grounds, there is anything to which this Act applies or any document relating to its administration.Dwelling-houseAn enforcement officer may not enter a dwelling-house without the consent of the occupant or pursuant to a warrant issued under subsection (3).Warrant for inspection of dwelling-houseIf, on ex parte application, a justice is satisfied by information on oath thatthe conditions for entry described in subsection (1) exist in relation to a dwelling-house,entry to the dwelling-house is necessary for any purpose relating to the administration of this Act, andentry to the dwelling-house has been refused or there are reasonable grounds for believing that entry will be refused,the justice may issue a warrant authorizing the enforcement officer named in it to conduct an inspection of the dwelling-house, subject to any conditions that may be specified in the warrant, and authorizing any other person named in the warrant to accompany the enforcement officer and exercise any power specified in the warrant.Warrants for inspection of non-dwellingsIf, on ex parte application, a justice is satisfied by information on oath thatthe conditions for entry described in subsection (1) exist in relation to a place other than a dwelling-house,entry to the place is necessary for any purpose relating to the administration of this Act,entry to the place has been refused, the enforcement officer was not able to enter without the use of force or the place was abandoned, andsubject to subsection (5), all reasonable attempts were made to notify the owner, operator or person in charge of the place,the justice may issue a warrant authorizing the enforcement officer named in it to conduct an inspection of the place, subject to any conditions that may be specified in the warrant, and authorizing any other person named in the warrant to accompany the enforcement officer and exercise any power specified in the warrant.Waiving noticeThe justice may waive the requirement to give notice under paragraph (4)(d) if he or she is satisfied that attempts to give the notice would be unsuccessful because the owner, operator or person in charge is absent from the jurisdiction of the justice or that it is not in the public interest to give the notice.Use of forceIn executing a warrant issued under subsection (3) or (4), an enforcement officer shall not use force unless the use of force has been specifically authorized in the warrant.Stopping and detaining conveyancesFor the purposes of this Act, an enforcement officer may, at any reasonable time, direct that any conveyance be stopped — or be moved, by the route and in the manner that the officer may specify, to a place specified by the officer where an inspection can be carried out — and the officer may, for a reasonable time, detain any conveyance.Vessels and aircraftFor the purposes of this Act but subject to subsection (2), if an enforcement officer believes on reasonable grounds that there is, on any vessels or aircraft in Canada, anything to which this Act applies or any document relating to its administration, the officer may, at any reasonable time,direct that the vessel be stopped — or be moved, by the route and in the manner that the officer may specify, to a place specified by the officer where an inspection can be carried out — and the officer may, for a reasonable time, detain the vessel;board the vessel or aircraft; ortravel on the vessel or aircraft.Powers of inspectionIn carrying out an inspection of a place under this section, an enforcement officer may, for the purposes of this Act,examine any substance, product or other thing relevant to the administration of this Act that is found in the place;open and examine any receptacle or package found that he or she believes on reasonable grounds contains any substance, product or other thing;examine any books, records, electronic data or other documents that he or she believes on reasonable grounds contain any information relevant to the administration of this Act and make copies of them or take extracts from them;take samples of anything relevant to the administration of this Act; andconduct any tests or take any measurements.AnalystsAn analyst may, for the purposes of this Act, accompany an enforcement officer who is carrying out an inspection of a place under this section, and the analyst may, when accompanying the enforcement officer, enter the place and exercise any of the powers described in subsection (9).Disposition of samplesAn enforcement officer or analyst may dispose of a sample taken under paragraph (9)(d) in any manner that the officer or analyst considers appropriate.Operation of computer systems and copying equipmentIn carrying out an inspection, an enforcement officer mayuse or cause to be used any computer system or data processing system at the place being inspected to examine any data contained in, or available to, the system;reproduce any record, or cause it to be reproduced from the data, in the form of a printout or other intelligible output and remove the printout or other output for examination or copying; anduse or cause to be used any copying equipment at the place being inspected to make copies of any books, records, electronic data or other documents.Duty of person in possession or controlEvery person who is in possession or control of a place being inspected under this section shall permit the enforcement officer to do anything referred to in subsection (12).AssistanceThe owner or person in charge of a place being inspected under this section, and every person found in the place, shallgive the enforcement officer or analyst all reasonable assistance to enable the officer or analyst to carry out their functions under this Act; andprovide the enforcement officer or analyst with any information with respect to the administration of this Act that he or she may reasonably require.2003, c. 20, s. 30; 2009, c. 14, s. 5
Production of documents and samplesThe Minister may, for the purposes of this Act, by registered letter or by a demand served personally, require any person in Canada, within any reasonable time and in any reasonable manner that may be stipulated in the letter or demand,to produce at a place specified by the Minister any sample taken in Canada or any document; orto conduct any tests in Canada or take any measurements or samples there.ComplianceAny person who is required to do anything under subsection (1) shall, despite any other law to the contrary, comply with the requirement.
Search and Seizure in Canada
Authority to issue warrant for search and seizureIf, on ex parte application, a justice is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is in any place in Canadaanything by means of or in relation to which any provision of this Act or the regulations has been contravened, oranything that there are reasonable grounds to believe will afford evidence with respect to the commission of an offence under this Act,the justice may issue a warrant authorizing an enforcement officer, or any other person named in the warrant, to enter and search the place and to seize anything referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), subject to any conditions that may be specified in the warrant.Warrant for seizure of vessel or aircraftIf, on ex parte application, a justice is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed by a Canadian vessel or any other vessel or the pilot in command of a Canadian aircraft, he or she may issue a warrant authorizing an enforcement officer, or authorizing any other person named in the warrant, to seize the vessel or aircraft anywhere in Canada.Search and seizureA person authorized by a warrant issued under subsection (1) or (2) mayat any reasonable time, enter and search a place referred to in the warrant;seize and detain anything referred to in the warrant; andexercise the powers described in subsections 30(9) and (11).Where warrant not necessaryAn enforcement officer may exercise the powers described in subsection (3) without a warrant if the conditions for obtaining the warrant exist but, by reason of exigent circumstances, it would not be practical to obtain the warrant.Exigent circumstancesFor greater certainty, exigent circumstances include circumstances in which the delay necessary to obtain a warrant under subsection (1) or (2) would result in a danger to human life or the environment or the loss or destruction of evidence.Operation of computer system and copying equipmentA person authorized under this section to search a place mayuse or cause to be used any computer system at the place to search any data contained in or available to the computer system;reproduce any record or cause it to be reproduced from the data in the form of a printout or other intelligible output;seize any printout or other output for examination or copying; oruse or cause to be used any copying equipment at the place to make copies of the record.Duty of person in possession or controlEvery person who is in possession or control of a place where a search is carried out under this section shall permit the person carrying out the search to do anything referred to in subsection (6).2003, c. 20, s. 32; 2009, c. 14, s. 6
CustodyAnything seized under section 32 must be delivered into the custody of a person whom the Minister designates.Discharge of cargoIf a thing seized under section 32 has cargo on board, the cargo may be discharged, under the supervision ofthe enforcement officer or other person by whom the thing was seized, orthe person into whose custody the thing was delivered in accordance with subsection (1),at the place in Canada that is capable of receiving the cargo and is nearest to the place of seizure, or at any other place that is satisfactory to the enforcement officer or other person supervising the discharge of the cargo.Sale of perishable cargoIf a thing seized under section 32 has cargo on board that is perishable,the enforcement officer or other person by whom the thing was seized, orthe person into whose custody the thing was delivered in accordance with subsection (1)may sell the cargo or the portion of it that is perishable, and the proceeds of the sale shall be paid to the Receiver General or shall be deposited in a bank to the credit of the Receiver General.Order for delivery of cargoThe owner of the cargo may apply to the Federal Court for an order requiring the person who has custody of the cargo or the proceeds of any sale of the cargo to deliver the cargo or proceeds to the owner, and the Court may make the order if it is satisfied that the applicant is the owner of the cargo to which the application relates.
Redelivery on deposit of securityIf a thing has been seized under section 32, the Federal Court may, with the consent of the Minister, order redelivery of the thing or delivery of the proceeds realized from a sale of any perishable cargo under subsection 33(3) to the person from whom the thing was seized if security in the form of a bond, in an amount and form satisfactory to the Minister, is given to the Minister.Seized vessel etc., to be returned unless proceedings institutedAnything referred to in subsection (1) that has been seized under section 32, or any security given to the Minister under subsection (1), shall be returned or paid to the person from whom the thing was seized within 30 days after the day of its seizure unless, before the expiry of that period, proceedings are instituted in respect of an offence under this Act alleged to have been committed by the owner of the thing.
Detention in Canada
SeizureWhenever, during the course of an inspection or search, an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an offence under this Act has been committed, the enforcement officer may seize and detain anythingby means of or in relation to which the enforcement officer reasonably believes the offence occurred; orthat the enforcement officer reasonably believes will afford evidence of the offence.LimitationAn enforcement officer shall not seize anything under subsection (1) unless the thing is required as evidence or for purposes of analysis, or unless the enforcement officer is of the opinion that the seizure is necessary in the public interest.Notice of contraventionAn enforcement officer who has seized and detained a thing under subsection (1) shall, as soon as practicable, advise the person in whose possession it was at the time of the seizure of the provision of this Act or the regulations that the enforcement officer believes has been contravened.Detention and releaseA thing seized under subsection (1) or section 32, other than a vessel or aircraft, shall not be detainedafter the owner of the thing or the person in whose possession it was at the time of the seizure applies to the enforcement officer or to the Minister for its release and the enforcement officer or the Minister is satisfied that it is not necessary in the public interest to continue to detain the thing or that the thing is not required as evidence or for purposes of analysis; orafter the expiry of 90 days after the day of its seizure, unless before that timethe thing has been forfeited under section 40,proceedings have been instituted in respect of the contravention in relation to which the thing was seized, in which case it may be detained until the proceedings are finally concluded, orthe Minister has, in accordance with section 36, served or made reasonable efforts to serve notice of an application for an order extending the period during which the thing may be detained.Storage of seized thingA thing seized by an enforcement officer under subsection (1) or section 32, other than a vessel, aircraft, platform or other structure, shall be kept or stored in the place where it was seized except ifin the opinion of the enforcement officer,it is not in the public interest to do so, orthe thing seized, or a sample of it, is required as evidence and removal and storage of the thing seized are necessary to ensure that the thing or sample will be available as evidence in any related proceedings, orthe person in whose possession it was at the time of its seizure or the person entitled to possession of the place requests the enforcement officer to have it removed to some other place,in which case, the thing may be removed to and stored in any other place at the direction of or with the concurrence of an enforcement officer and at the expense of the person who requested that it be removed.Interference with seized thingUnless authorized by an enforcement officer, no person shall remove, alter or interfere in any way with a thing seized and detained by an enforcement officer under subsection (1) or section 32, but an enforcement officer shall, at the request of the person from whom it was seized, allow that person or any person authorized by that person to examine it and, if practicable, provide a sample or copy of it to that person.
Application to extend period of detentionIf proceedings referred to in paragraph 35(4)(b) have not been instituted in respect of the contravention in relation to which a thing was seized under section 32 or subsection 35(1), the Minister may, before the expiry of 90 days after the day of its seizure and on serving prior notice in accordance with subsection (2) on the owner of the thing or on the person who at the time of the seizure was in possession of it, apply to a provincial court judge, as defined in section 2 of the Criminal Code, within whose territorial jurisdiction the seizure was made for an order extending the period during which it may be detained.NoticeThe notice shall be served by personal service at least five clear days before the day on which the application is to be made, or by registered mail at least seven clear days before that day, and shall specifythe provincial court in which the application is to be made;the place where and the time when the application is to be heard;the thing seized in respect of which the application is to be made; andthe grounds on which the Minister intends to rely to show why there should be an extension of the period during which the thing seized may be detained.Order of extension grantedIf, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the judge is satisfied that the thing seized should continue to be detained, the judge shall orderthat the thing be detained for any additional period and on any conditions relating to the detention for that additional period that the judge considers proper; andon the expiry of the additional period, that the thing be restored to the person from whom it was seized or to any other person entitled to its possession unless, before the expiry of the additional period, an event referred to in subparagraph 35(4)(b)(i), (ii) or (iii) has occurred.Order of extension refusedIf, on the hearing of an application made under subsection (1), the judge is not satisfied that the thing seized should continue to be detained, the judge shall order that, on the expiry of 90 days after the day of its seizure, it be restored to the person from whom it was seized or to any other person entitled to its possession unless, before the expiry of that period, an event referred to in subparagraph 35(4)(b)(i) or (ii) has occurred.
Detention of Vessels
DetentionAn enforcement officer may make a detention order in respect of a Canadian vessel, or any other vessel in Canada, if the enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe thatthe vessel has committed an offence under this Act; oran authorized representative of the Canadian vessel or of the other vessel, or the master of the Canadian vessel, has committed an offence under this Act and that the vessel was used in connection with the commission of the offence.Order in writingThe detention order shall be in writing and be addressed to all persons at any port in Canada where the vessel to which the order relates is or will be who are empowered to give a clearance in respect of the vessel.Notice of detention orderNotice of the detention order shall be served on the master of the vessel in respect of which the order is made.Duty of authorized representative or masterIf the notice has been served on the master of the vessel, the authorized representative or master of the vessel shall not give an order for the vessel to go into an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(f) or (g) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 during the term of the detention order.Duty of persons empowered to give clearanceSubject to subsection (6), no person to whom a detention order is addressed shall, after notice of the order is received by the person, give clearance in respect of the vessel to which the order relates.When clearance givenA person to whom a detention order is addressed and who has received notice of the order may give clearance in respect of the vessel to which the order relates ifthe vessel or the authorized representative or master of the vessel, as the case may be,has not, within 30 days after the day on which the order was made, been charged with the offence that gave rise to the order, orhas, within 30 days after the day on which the order was made, been charged with that offence and appears in Canada to answer to the charge;security for payment of the maximum fine that might be imposed as a result of a conviction of the vessel or the person charged with that offence and of costs related to proceedings in connection with the charge, or security for payment of any lesser amount that is approved by the Minister or a person designated by the Minister for the purpose, is given to Her Majesty in right of Canada; orproceedings in respect of the alleged offence that gave rise to the making of the detention order are discontinued.Foreign state to be notifiedIf a vessel to which a detention order relates is registered in a foreign state, that state is to be notified that the order was made.2003, c. 20, s. 37; 2009, c. 14, s. 8
Direction of Vessels
Power to directAn enforcement officer may direct a Canadian vessel, or any other vessel in Canada, to proceed, by the route and in the manner that the enforcement officer may specify, to any place specified by the enforcement officer if the officer has reasonable grounds to believe thatthe vessel is committing, has committed or is about to commit an offence under this Act; ora person on board the vessel is committing, has committed or is about to commit such an offence and the vessel was, is being or is about to be used in connection with the commission of the offence.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Environmental Protection Compliance Orders
Meaning of orderFor the purpose of sections 37.03 to 37.12, order means an environmental protection compliance order issued under section 37.03.2009, c. 14, s. 9
OrderWhenever, during the course of an inspection or a search, an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that any provision of this Act or the regulations has been contravened by a person who is continuing the commission of the offence, or that any of those provisions are likely to be contravened, the enforcement officer may issue an environmental protection compliance order directing any person described in subsection (2) to take any of the measures referred to in subsection (3) that are reasonable in the circumstances and consistent with the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems, and with public safety, in order to cease or refrain from committing the alleged contravention.Persons subject to orderSubsection (1) applies toany person who causes or contributes to the alleged contravention;any person who is likely to cause or contribute to the alleged contravention; orin the case of an alleged contravention by a person to whom a permit applies, any person to whom that permit applies.Specific measuresThe order may specify that the person to whom the order is directed take one or more of the following measures:refrain from doing anything in contravention of this Act or the regulations, or do anything to comply with this Act or the regulations;stop or shut down any activity, work, undertaking or thing for a specified period;cease the operation of any activity or any part of a work, undertaking or thing until the enforcement officer is satisfied that the activity, work, undertaking or thing will be operated in accordance with this Act and the regulations;move any conveyance to another location including, in the case of a Canadian vessel, moving the vessel into port or, in the case of an aircraft, landing the aircraft;unload or reload the contents of any conveyance; andtake any other measure that the enforcement officer considers necessary to facilitate compliance with the order — or to restore the components of the environment damaged by the alleged contravention or to protect the components of the environment put at risk by the alleged contravention — includingmaintaining records on any relevant matter,reporting periodically to the enforcement officer, andsubmitting to the enforcement officer any information, proposal or plan specified by the enforcement officer that sets out any action to be taken by the person with respect to the subject matter of the order.Contents of orderSubject to section 37.04, an order must be made in writing and must set outthe name of the person or persons to whom it is directed;the provision of this Act or the regulations that is alleged to have been or that is likely to be contravened;the relevant facts surrounding the alleged contravention;the measures to be taken;the time or the day when each measure is to begin or the period during which it is to be carried out;subject to subsection (5), the duration of the order;a statement that a request for a review may be made to the Chief Review Officer; andthe period within which a request for a review may be made.Duration of orderAn order may not be in force for a period of more than 180 days.Failing to file reportFor the purposes of subsection (1), a person who commits an offence by failing to file a report required by this Act or the regulations is deemed to be continuing the commission of the offence each day that the report is not filed.Statutory Instruments ActAn order is not a statutory instrument for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.2009, c. 14, s. 9; 2017, c. 26, s. 63(E)
Exigent circumstancesIn the case of exigent circumstances, an order may be given orally on the condition that it is followed, within seven days, by a written order issued in accordance with section 37.03.Meaning of exigent circumstancesFor greater certainty, exigent circumstances includes circumstances in which the delay necessary to issue a written order that meets the requirements of subsection 37.03(4) would result in danger to human life or the environment.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Notice of intentExcept in exigent circumstances, an enforcement officer shall, whenever practicable, before issuing an order,provide every person who will be subject to the order with an oral or written notice of the officer’s intention to issue it; andallow a reasonable opportunity in the circumstances for the person to make oral representations.Contents of notice of intentThe notice of intent to issue the order must includea statement of the purpose of the notice;a reference to the statutory authority under which the order is to be issued; anda statement that the party notified may make oral representations to the enforcement officer within the period stated in the notice.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Compliance with orderA person to whom an order is directed shall, immediately on receipt of the order or a copy of it or on being directed by an enforcement officer in an order given orally under subsection 37.04(1), comply with the order.No bar to proceedingsThe issuance of or compliance with an order in respect of a person’s alleged contravention of this Act or the regulations is not a bar to any proceedings against the person under this or any other Act in relation to the alleged contravention.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Intervention by enforcement officerIf a person to whom an order is directed fails to take any measures specified in the order, an enforcement officer may take the measures or cause them to be taken.Access to propertyAn enforcement officer or other person authorized or required by an enforcement officer to take measures under subsection (1) may enter and have access to any place or property and may do any reasonable thing that may be necessary in the circumstances.Personal liabilityAny person, other than a person described in paragraph 37.03(2)(a) or (b), who provides assistance or advice in taking the measures specified in an order or who takes any measures authorized or required by an enforcement officer under subsection (1) is not personally liable either civilly or criminally in respect of any act or omission in the course of providing assistance or advice or taking any measures under that subsection unless it is established that the person acted in bad faith.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses by Her MajestyHer Majesty in right of Canada may recover the costs and expenses of and incidental to any measures taken under subsection 37.07(1) from any person referred to in paragraph 37.03(2)(a) to the extent of the person’s negligence in causing or contributing to the alleged contravention.Costs must have been reasonably incurredThe costs and expenses may only be recovered to the extent that they can be established to have been reasonably incurred in the circumstances.LiabilityThe persons referred to in subsection (1) are jointly and severally, or solidarily, liable for the costs and expenses referred to in that subsection.ProcedureA claim under this section may be sued for and recovered by Her Majesty in right of Canada with costs in proceedings brought or taken in the name of Her Majesty in right of Canada in any court of competent jurisdiction.Recourse or indemnityThis section does not limit or restrict any right of recourse or indemnity that a person may have against any other person.Limitation periodIf events giving rise to a claim under this section occur, no proceedings in respect of the claim may be instituted more than five years after the day on which the events occur or become evident to the Minister, whichever is later.Minister’s certificateA document purporting to have been issued by the Minister certifying the day on which the events giving rise to a claim under this section came to the knowledge of the Minister shall be received in evidence and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the document is to be considered as proof of that fact without proof of the signature or of the official character of the person appearing to have signed the document and without further proof.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Request for reviewAny person to whom an order is directed may, by notice in writing given to the Chief Review Officer within 30 days after the day on which the person receives a copy of the written order or after the oral order is given, make a request to the Chief Review Officer for a review of the order.Extension of period for requestThe Chief Review Officer may extend the period within which a request for a review may be made if, in his or her opinion, it is in the public interest to do so.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Variation or cancellation of orderAt any time before a notice requesting a review of an order is received by the Chief Review Officer, the enforcement officer may, after giving reasonable notice,amend or suspend a term or condition of the order, or add a term or condition to, or delete a term or condition from, the order;cancel the order;correct a clerical error in the order; orextend the duration of the order for a period of not more than 180 days less the number of days that have passed since the day on which the order was received by the person who is subject to it.Notice of intentExcept in exigent circumstances, an enforcement officer shall, whenever practicable, before exercising a power under paragraph (1)(a) or (d),provide every person who will be subject to the order with an oral or written notice of the officer’s intention to exercise the power; andallow a reasonable opportunity in the circumstances for the person to make oral representations.Contents of notice of intentThe notice of intent to exercise a power under paragraph (1)(a) must includea statement of the purpose of the notice;a reference to the statutory authority under which the power is to be exercised; anda statement that the party notified may make oral representations to the enforcement officer within the period stated in the notice.2009, c. 14, s. 9
RegulationsThe Minister may make regulationsprescribing the form of reporting to enforcement officers under subparagraph 37.03(3)(f)(ii) and specifying the information required to be contained in or to accompany the report; andof either particular or general application, respecting representations made to enforcement officers under paragraph 37.05(1)(b) or 37.1(2)(b).2009, c. 14, s. 9
ReviewSections 257 to 271 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, to a review requested of any order.2009, c. 14, s. 9
Assistance to Enforcement Officers and Analysts
Right of passageAn enforcement officer, analyst or any other person may, while carrying out their functions under this Act, enter on and pass through or over private property without being liable for exercising that power or without the owner of the property having the right to object to that use of the property.
AssistanceThe owner or the person in charge of a place entered by an enforcement officer or analyst under section 32, and every person found in the place, shallgive the enforcement officer or analyst all reasonable assistance to enable the officer or analyst to carry out their functions under this Act; andprovide the enforcement officer or analyst with any information with respect to the administration of this Act that the enforcement officer or analyst may reasonably require.
Forfeiture in Canada
Forfeiture on consentIf an enforcement officer has seized a thing under section 32 or subsection 35(1) and the owner or person who was in lawful possession of it at the time of the seizure consents in writing at the request of the enforcement officer to its forfeiture, it is forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada.Disposal or destructionThe Minister may dispose of or destroy a thing forfeited under subsection (1) and, if the Minister so directs, the costs of the disposal or destruction shall be paid by the owner or the person who was in lawful possession of the thing at the time it was seized.
Forfeiture by order of courtSubject to sections 42 and 43, if a person is convicted of an offence under this Act and anything seized under section 32 or subsection 35(1) is then being detained,the thing is, on the conviction and in addition to any punishment imposed for the offence, forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada if the court so directs, in which casethe Minister may dispose of or destroy the thing, andthe costs of the forfeiture and disposal or destruction shall be paid by the offender; orthe thing shall, on the expiry of the period for taking an appeal from the conviction or on the final conclusion of the proceedings, be restored to the person from whom it was seized or to any other person entitled to its possession on any conditions that may be imposed by order of the court and that, in the opinion of the court, are necessary to avoid the commission of a further offence under this Act.Things deemed not to have been seizedFor the purpose of subsection (1), anything released from detention under paragraph 35(4)(a) or (b) is deemed not to have been seized under section 32 or subsection 35(1).
Court may order forfeitureIf the authorized representative of a Canadian vessel or the registered owner of a Canadian aircraft has been convicted of an offence under this Act, the convicting court may, if the vessel or aircraft was seized under section 32 or subsection 35(1), in addition to any other penalty imposed, order that the vessel or aircraft, or any security given under subsection 34(1) be forfeited, and on the making of the order, the vessel or aircraft or security is forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada.
Disposal of forfeited vessel, aircraft, etc.If proceedings referred to in subsection 34(2) are instituted within the period referred to in that subsection and, at the final conclusion of those proceedings, any vessel or aircraft, or any security given under subsection 34(1), is ordered to be forfeited, it may be disposed of as the Governor in Council directs.Return of seized vessel, etc., where no forfeiture orderedIf a thing has been seized under section 32 and proceedings referred to in subsection (1) are instituted, but the thing is not, at the final conclusion of the proceedings, ordered to be forfeited, it must be returned to the person from whom it was seized, the proceeds of any sale of the cargo under subsection 33(3) must be paid to that person and any security given to the Minister under subsection 34(1) must be returned to that person.ExceptionIf, at the conclusion of proceedings referred to in subsection (1), the person from whom the thing was seized is convicted of an offence arising out of a contravention of this Act or the regulations, the thing and any cargo or the proceeds or security may be retained until the fine is paid, or the thing and any cargo may be sold under execution in satisfaction of the fine, or the proceeds realized from the sale of the cargo or the security or any part of the cargo or security may be applied in payment of the fine.
Application by person claiming interestIf a thing has been ordered to be forfeited under this Act, any person, other than a person who was a party to the proceedings that resulted in the order, who claims a right or an interest in the thing as owner, holder of a security established on property or other right in rem or holder of any other claim under Canadian law may, within 30 days after the day on which the thing is ordered to be forfeited, apply by notice in writing to the Federal Court for an order under subsection (5).Date of hearingThe Federal Court must fix a day for the hearing of the application.NoticeAn applicant for an order under subsection (5) must, at least 30 days before the day fixed under subsection (2), serve a notice of the application and of the hearing on the Minister and on all other persons claiming a right or an interest in the thing that is the subject-matter of the application as owner, holder of a security established on property or other right in rem or holder of any other claim under Canadian law of whom the applicant has knowledge.Notice of interventionEach person, other than the Minister, who is served with a notice under subsection (3) and who intends to appear at the hearing of the application to which the notice relates must, at least 10 days before the day fixed for the hearing, file a notice of intervention in the Registry of the Federal Court and serve a copy of the notice on the Minister and on the applicant.Order declaring nature and extent of interestsIf, on the hearing of an application under this section, the Federal Court is satisfied that the applicant, or the intervenors, if any, or any of them,is innocent of any complicity in any conduct that caused the thing to be subject to forfeiture and of any collusion in relation to any such conduct, andexercised all reasonable care in respect of the persons permitted to obtain possession and use of the thing so as to be satisfied that it was not likely to be used contrary to the provisions of this Act or, in the case of a holder of a security established on property, other than the holder of a maritime lien or statutory right in rem, that the applicant or intervenor exercised such care with respect to the person who gave the property as security,those of the applicant and the intervenors in respect of whom the Court is so satisfied are entitled to an order declaring that their rights or interests are not affected by the forfeiture and declaring the nature and extent of each of their rights or interests and the ranking among them.Additional orderIf an order is made under subsection (5), the Court may, in addition, order that the thing to which the rights or interests relate be delivered to one or more of the persons found to have a right or an interest in it or that an amount equal to the value of each of the interests so declared be paid to the persons found to have those interests.
Liability for Costs
Liability for costsIf a thing is seized under this Act, the person who owned the thing at the time it was seized, the person who had charge or control of the thing immediately before it was seized and the person who possessed it immediately before it was seized are jointly and severally, or solidarily, liable for all the costs of seizure, detention, maintenance and forfeiture, including any destruction or disposal costs, incurred by Her Majesty in right of Canada in relation to the thing in excess of any proceeds of its disposition, if any.2009, c. 14, s. 10
Inspections in the Antarctic
Designation of inspectorsThe Minister may designate as an inspector, for the purpose of this Act or any provision of this Act, any person or any member of a class of persons who, in the Minister’s opinion, is qualified to be so designated.LimitsThe Minister may, including on the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, limit the powers that may be exercised by an inspector under this Act.Production of certificateThe Minister must provide every inspector with a certificate of designation that includes any limits specified under subsection (2). On entering any place, the inspector must, if so requested, produce the certificate to the person in charge of the place.
Powers of inspectorsSubject to subsections (2) and (6), for the purposes of this Act, an inspector may, at any reasonable time, enter any place in the Antarctic in which the inspector believes, on reasonable grounds, there is anything to which this Act applies or any document relating to its administration.Dwelling-housesAn inspector may not enter a dwelling-house without the consent of the occupant.Stopping and detaining conveyancesFor the purposes of this Act, an inspector may, at any reasonable time, direct that any of the following be moved to a place where an inspection can be carried out and may, for a reasonable time, detain any of the following:a Canadian vessel or Canadian aircraft in the Antarctic; orany other conveyance in the Antarctic that is owned by a Canadian except a vessel or aircraft that is not a Canadian vessel or Canadian aircraft.Powers in relation to vessels, etc.Subject to subsection (2), for the purposes of this Act, an inspector may, at any reasonable time,board a Canadian vessel or Canadian aircraft in the Antarctic; ortravel on the vessel or aircraft.Powers of inspectorsIn carrying out an inspection of a place under this section, an inspector may exercise any of the powers referred to in subsections 30(9), (11) and (12).Foreign ownershipAn inspector may not exercise any powers under this section in respect of any station, installation, equipment, platform anchored at sea, shipping container or conveyance (other than a Canadian vessel or Canadian aircraft) that is owned by a person who is not a Canadian unless the inspector first obtains the consent of the person in charge of the station, installation, equipment, platform, container or conveyance.AnalystsAn analyst may, for the purposes of this Act, accompany an inspector who is carrying out an inspection of a place under this section, and the analyst may, when accompanying the inspector, enter the place and exercise any of the powers referred to in subsection (5).AssistanceThe owner of a place or a Canadian or permit holder in charge of a place being inspected under this section, and every Canadian or permit holder found in the place, shallgive the inspector or analyst all reasonable assistance to enable the inspector or analyst to carry out their functions under this Act; andprovide the inspector or analyst with any information with respect to the administration of this Act that he or she may reasonably require.
ImmunityInspectors are not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Act.2009, c. 14, s. 11
Production of documents and samplesThe Minister may, for the purposes of this Act, by registered letter or by a demand served personally, require any Canadian, or any permit holder, who is in Canada or the Antarctic, within any reasonable time and in any reasonable manner that may be stipulated in the letter or demand,to produce at a place specified by the Minister any sample taken in the Antarctic or any document; orto conduct any tests in the Antarctic or take any measurements or samples there.ComplianceA person who is required to do anything under subsection (1) shall, despite any other law to the contrary, comply with the requirement.
Obstruction and False Information
ObstructionNo person in Canada, and no Canadian or permit holder in the Antarctic, shall obstruct an enforcement officer, inspector or analyst or hinder any of them in carrying out their functions under this Act.
Knowingly providing false or misleading information, etc.No person in Canada, and no Canadian or permit holder in the Antarctic, shall, with respect to any matter related to this Act, knowinglyprovide any person with false or misleading information, results or samples; orfile a document that contains false or misleading information.Negligently providing false or misleading information, etc.No person in Canada, and no Canadian or permit holder in the Antarctic, shall, with respect to any matter related to this Act, negligentlyprovide any person with false or misleading information, results or samples; orfile a document that contains false or misleading information.2003, c. 20, s. 49; 2009, c. 14, s. 12
Offence — personsEvery person commits an offence who contravenessection 11, subsection 12(1) or 13(1), section 14, 16, 17 or 20, subsection 37(4) or 37.06(1), section 48 or subsection 49(1);any provision of the regulations designated by regulations made under paragraph 26(1)(j.1); orany order or direction made under this Act, including one made by a court.Penalty — individualsEvery individual who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $15,000 and not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than three years, or to both, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $30,000 and not more than $2,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years, or to both; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $300,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $10,000 and not more than $600,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.Penalty — other personsEvery person, other than an individual or a corporation referred to in subsection (4), that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $500,000 and not more than $6,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000,000 and not more than $12,000,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $100,000 and not more than $4,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $200,000 and not more than $8,000,000.Penalty — small revenue corporationsEvery corporation that commits an offence under subsection (1) and that the court determines under section 50.2 to be a small revenue corporation is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $75,000 and not more than $4,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $150,000 and not more than $8,000,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $25,000 and not more than $2,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $50,000 and not more than $4,000,000.2003, c. 20, s. 50; 2009, c. 14, s. 12
Offence — personsEvery person commits an offence who contravenesany provision of this Act or the regulations, other than a provision whose contravention is an offence under subsection 50(1); orany obligation arising from this Act, whose contravention is not an offence under subsection 50(1).Penalty — individualsEvery individual who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $100,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $200,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $25,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $50,000.Penalty — other personsEvery person, other than an individual or a corporation referred to in subsection (4), that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $500,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $1,000,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $250,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $500,000.Penalty — small revenue corporationsEvery corporation that commits an offence under subsection (1) and that the court determines under section 50.2 to be a small revenue corporation is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $250,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $500,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $50,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $100,000.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Determination of small revenue corporation statusFor the purpose of sections 50 and 50.1, a court may determine a corporation to be a small revenue corporation if the court is satisfied that the corporation’s gross revenues for the 12 months immediately before the day on which the subject matter of the proceedings arose — or, if it arose on more than one day, for the 12 months immediately before the first day on which the subject matter of the proceedings arose — were not more than $5,000,000.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Offence — vesselsEvery Canadian vessel or other vessel commits an offence that contravenessubsection 9(1), section 11, subsection 13(1), any of sections 14 to 16, any of subsections 18(1) to (3) or section 20;any provision of the regulations designated by regulations made under paragraph 26(1)(j.1); orany order or direction made under this Act, including one made by a court.Penalty — vessels of 7 500 tonnes deadweight or overEvery Canadian vessel or other vessel of 7 500 tonnes deadweight or over that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $500,000 and not more than $6,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000,000 and not more than $12,000,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $100,000 and not more than $4,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $200,000 and not more than $8,000,000.Penalty — other vesselsEvery Canadian vessel or other vessel of less than 7 500 tonnes deadweight that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $75,000 and not more than $4,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $150,000 and not more than $8,000,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $25,000 and not more than $2,000,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $50,000 and not more than $4,000,000.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Offences — vesselsEvery Canadian vessel or other vessel commits an offence that contravenes any provision of this Act or the regulations, other than a provision whose contravention is an offence under subsection 50.3(1).Penalty — vessels of 7 500 tonnes deadweight or overEvery Canadian vessel or other vessel of 7 500 tonnes deadweight or over that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $500,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $1,000,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $250,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $500,000.Penalty — other vesselsEvery Canadian vessel or other vessel of less than 7 500 tonnes deadweight that commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable,on conviction on indictment,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $250,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $500,000; oron summary conviction,for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $50,000, andfor a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $100,000.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Deeming — second and subsequent offenceFor the purposes of subsections 50(2) to (4), 50.1(2) to (4), 50.3(2) and (3) and 50.4(2) and (3), a conviction for a particular offence under this Act is deemed to be a conviction for a second or subsequent offence if the court is satisfied that the offender has been previously convicted — under any Act of Parliament, or any Act of the legislature of a province, that relates to environmental or wildlife conservation or protection — of a substantially similar offence.ApplicationSubsection (1) applies only to previous convictions on indictment and to previous convictions on summary conviction, and to previous convictions under any similar procedure under any Act of the legislature of a province.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Relief from minimum fineThe court may impose a fine that is less than the minimum amount provided for in section 50 or 50.3, as the case may be, if it is satisfied, on the basis of evidence submitted to the court, that the minimum fine would cause undue financial hardship. The court shall provide reasons if it imposes a fine that is less than the minimum amount provided for in any of those sections.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Additional fineIf a person or a Canadian vessel or other vessel is convicted of an offence under this Act and the court is satisfied that, as a result of the commission of the offence, the person — or, if the offender is a Canadian vessel or other vessel, the owner or operator of the vessel — acquired any property, benefit or advantage, the court shall order the offender to pay an additional fine in an amount equal to the court’s estimation of the value of that property, benefit or advantage. The additional fine may exceed the maximum amount of any fine that may otherwise be imposed under this Act.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Notice to shareholdersIf a corporation that has shareholders is convicted of an offence under this Act, the court shall make an order directing the corporation to notify its shareholders, in the manner and within the time directed by the court, of the facts relating to the commission of the offence and of the details of the punishment imposed.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Fundamental purpose of sentencingThe fundamental purpose of sentencing for offences under this Act is to contribute to respect for the law protecting the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems in light of the global significance of the Antarctic and the Treaty through the imposition of just sanctions that have as their objectivesto deter the offender and any other person from committing offences under this Act;to denounce unlawful conduct that damages or creates a risk of damage to the environment; andto reinforce the “polluter pays” principle by ensuring that offenders are held responsible for effective clean-up and environmental restoration.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Sentencing principlesIn addition to the principles and factors that the court is otherwise required to consider, including those set out in sections 718.1 to 718.21 of the Criminal Code, the court shall consider the following principles when sentencing a person who is convicted of an offence under this Act:the amount of the fine should be increased to account for every aggravating factor associated with the offence, including the aggravating factors set out in subsection (2); andthe amount of the fine should reflect the gravity of each aggravating factor associated with the offence.Aggravating factorsThe aggravating factors are the following:the offence caused damage or risk of damage to the Antarctic environment or any dependent and associated ecosystem;the damage caused by the offence is extensive, persistent or irreparable;the offender committed the offence intentionally or recklessly;the offender failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence despite having the financial means to do so;by committing the offence or failing to take action to prevent its commission, the offender increased revenue or decreased costs or intended to increase revenue or decrease costs;the offender committed the offence despite having been warned by an enforcement officer or an inspector of the circumstances that subsequently became the subject of the offence;the offender has a history of non-compliance with federal or provincial legislation that relates to environmental or wildlife conservation or protection; andafter the commission of the offence, the offenderattempted to conceal its commission,failed to take prompt action to prevent, mitigate or remediate its effects, orfailed to take prompt action to reduce the risk of committing similar offences in the future.Absence of aggravating factorThe absence of an aggravating factor set out in subsection (2) is not a mitigating factor.Meaning of damageFor the purposes of paragraphs (2)(a) and (b), damage includes loss of use value and non-use value.ReasonsIf the court is satisfied of the existence of one or more of the aggravating factors set out in subsection (2) but decides not to increase the amount of the fine because of that factor, the court shall give reasons for that decision.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Proceedings against vesselsThe provisions of this Act and the Criminal Code relating to indictable or summary conviction offences that apply to persons apply also to Canadian vessels and other vessels, with any modifications that the circumstances require.Direction binds vesselFor the purpose of prosecuting a Canadian vessel or any other vessel for contravening a direction made under subsection 30(8), section 37.01 or subsection 46(3), any direction made under any of those provisions that is given to the master or a crew member of the vessel binds the vessel as though it had been given to the vessel.ServiceIf a Canadian vessel or other vessel is charged with having committed an offence under this Act, the summons may be served by leaving it with the authorized representative, master or any officer of the vessel or by posting the summons on some conspicuous part of the vessel.Appearance at trialIf a Canadian vessel or other vessel is charged with having committed an offence under this Act, the vessel may appear by counsel or representative. Despite the Criminal Code, if the vessel does not so appear, a court may, on proof of service of the summons, proceed to hold the trial.2009, c. 14, s. 12
Liability of directors, officers, etc., of corporationsIf a corporation commits an offence under this Act, any director, officer, agent or mandatary of the corporation who directed, authorized, assented to, acquiesced in or participated in the commission of the offence is a party to and guilty of the offence and is liable on conviction to the penalty provided for by this Act for an individual in respect of the offence committed by the corporation, whether or not the corporation has been prosecuted or convicted.Liability of directors and officers of corporate owners of vesselsIf a Canadian vessel or other vessel commits an offence under this Act, every director or officer of a corporation that is an owner or an operator of the vessel who directed or influenced the corporation’s policies or activities in respect of conduct that is the subject matter of the offence is a party to and guilty of the offence and is liable on conviction to the penalty provided for by this Act for an individual who commits an offence under subsection 50(1), whether or not the vessel has been prosecuted or convicted.Duties of directors and officers of corporationsEvery director and officer of a corporation, including every director and officer of a corporation that is the owner or operator of a Canadian vessel or other vessel who is in a position to direct or influence the corporation’s policies or activities relating to conduct prohibited by this Act, shall take all reasonable care to ensure that the corporation or the vessel, as the case may be, complies withthis Act and the regulations; andany orders and directions of, and prohibitions and requirements imposed by, any court, the Minister, enforcement officers, inspectors and analysts.2003, c. 20, s. 51; 2009, c. 14, s. 12
Liability of owners, operators, masters and chief engineers of vesselsIf a Canadian vessel or other vessel commits an offence under this Act and the owner, operator, master or chief engineer of the vessel directed, authorized, assented to, acquiesced in or participated in the commission of the offence, the owner, operator, master or chief engineer, as the case may be, is a party to and guilty of the offence and is liable on conviction to the penalty provided for by this Act for an individual who commits an offence under subsection 50(1), whether or not the vessel has been prosecuted or convicted.Duties of owners, operators, masters and chief engineers of vesselsThe owner, operator, master and the chief engineer of a Canadian vessel or other vessel shall take all reasonable care to ensure that the vessel complies withthis Act and the regulations; andany orders and directions of, and prohibitions and requirements imposed by, any court, the Minister, enforcement officers, inspectors and analysts.2003, c. 20, s. 52; 2009, c. 14, s. 12
Continuing offenceIf an offence under this Act is committed or continued on more than one day, the person or Canadian vessel that committed the offence is liable to be convicted for a separate offence for each day on which it is committed or continued.
Offences involving more than one animal, plant, etc.If an offence involves more than one animal or plant, or more than one native bird or native plant as defined in subsection 12(2), the fine to be imposed in respect of that offence may, despite sections 50, 50.1, 50.3 and 50.4, be the total of the fines that would have been imposed if each of the animals, plants, native birds or native plants had been the subject of a separate information.2009, c. 14, s. 13
Identifying authorized representative, master, etc.The authorized representative or master of a Canadian vessel or the registered owner or pilot in command of a Canadian aircraft may be charged with an offence under this Act as authorized representative, master, registered owner or pilot in command of the vessel or aircraft if it is adequately identified, and no such charge is invalid by reason only that it does not name the authorized representative, master, registered owner or pilot in command.
Due diligenceNo person may be found guilty of an offence under this Act if it is established that the person exercised all due diligence to comply with this Act or to prevent the commission of the offence.ExceptionSubsection (1) does not apply to an offence relating toa contravention of paragraph 12(1)(f) or (g);a contravention of section 48; ora contravention of section 49 committed knowingly.
No proceedings without consentNo proceedings in respect of an offence under this Act may be instituted except by or with the consent of the Attorney General of Canada.
Limitation periodNo proceedings by way of summary conviction in respect of an offence under this Act may be instituted more than five years after the day on which the subject matter of the proceedings arose, unless the prosecutor and the defendant agree that they may be instituted after the five years.2003, c. 20, s. 57; 2009, c. 14, s. 14
Documents admissible in evidenceA document made, given or issued under this Act and appearing to be signed by an analyst is admissible in evidence and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the statements contained in the document without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the document.Attendance of analystThe party against whom the document is produced may, with leave of the court, require the attendance of the analyst who signed it.NoticeNo document referred to in subsection (1) may be received in evidence unless the party intending to produce it has given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention together with a copy of the document.
InjunctionIf, on the application of the Minister, it appears to a court of competent jurisdiction that a person or Canadian vessel in Canada, or a Canadian, Canadian vessel or permit holder in the Antarctic, has done, is about to do or is likely to do any act or thing constituting or directed toward the commission of an offence under this Act, the court may issue an injunction ordering any person or vessel named in the applicationto refrain from doing any act or thing that, in the opinion of the court, may constitute or be directed toward the commission of an offence under this Act; orto do any act or thing that, in the opinion of the court, may prevent the commission of an offence under this Act.NoticeNo injunction may be issued under subsection (1) unless 48 hours notice is given to the party or parties named in the application or the urgency of the situation is such that service of notice would not be in the public interest.
Proof of offenceIn any prosecution of an offence under this Act, it is sufficient proof of the offence to establish that it was committed by an employee, agent or mandatary of the accused, whether or not the employee, agent or mandatary is identified or prosecuted for the offence.Proof of offenceIn any prosecution of the master of a Canadian vessel or any other vessel or the pilot in command of a Canadian aircraft for an offence under this Act, it is sufficient proof of the offence to establish that it was committed by a crew member or other person on board the vessel or aircraft, whether or not the crew member or other person is identified or prosecuted for the offence.2003, c. 20, s. 60; 2009, c. 14, s. 15
[Repealed, 2009, c. 14, s. 15]
Importing substances by analystsThe Minister may, subject to any reasonable condition specified by the Minister, authorize in writing an analyst to import, possess and use a substance for the purpose of conducting measurements, tests and research with respect to the substance.
[Repealed, 2009, c. 14, s. 16]
Absolute or conditional dischargeIf an offender has pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of an offence, the court may, instead of convicting the offender, by order direct that the offender be discharged absolutely or on conditions having any or all of the effects described in paragraphs 66(1)(a) to (n).Conditions of orderIf an order is made under subsection (1) and the offender contravenes or fails to comply with it, or is convicted of an offence under this Act, the prosecutor may apply to the court to revoke the discharge, convict the offender of the offence to which the discharge relates and impose any sentence that could have been imposed if the offender had been convicted at the time the order was made.
Suspended sentenceIf an offender is convicted of an offence under this Act, the court may suspend the passing of sentence and may, having regard to the nature of the offence and the circumstances surrounding its commission, make an order under section 66.Application by prosecutorIf the passing of sentence has been suspended under subsection (1) and the offender contravenes or fails to comply with an order made under section 66, or is convicted of an offence under this Act, the prosecutor may apply to the court to impose any sentence that could have been imposed if the passing of sentence had not been suspended.
Orders of courtIf an offender has been convicted of an offence under this Act, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed under this Act, the court may, having regard to the nature of the offence and the circumstances surrounding its commission, make an order having any or all of the following effects:prohibiting the offender from doing any act or engaging in any activity that may result in the continuation or repetition of the offence;directing the offender to take any action that the court considers appropriate to remedy or avoid any harm to the environment that results or may result from the act or omission that constituted the offence;directing the offender to carry out environmental effects monitoring in the manner established by the Minister or directing the offender to pay, in the manner prescribed by the court, an amount for the purposes of environmental effects monitoring;directing the offender to implement an environmental management system that meets a recognized Canadian or international standard specified by the court;directing the offender to pay Her Majesty in right of Canada an amount of money that the court considers appropriate for the purpose of promoting the conservation or protection of the Antarctic environment or dependent and associated ecosystems;directing the offender to have an environmental audit conducted by a person of a class and at the times specified by the court and directing the offender to remedy any deficiencies revealed during the audit;directing the offender to publish, in the manner specified by the court, the facts relating to the commission of the offence and the details of the punishment imposed, including any orders made under this subsection;directing the offender to notify, at the offender’s own cost and in the manner directed by the court, any person aggrieved or affected by the offender’s conduct of the facts relating to the commission of the offence and of the details of the punishment imposed, including any orders made under this subsection;directing the offender to post any bond or pay any amount of money into court that will ensure compliance with any order made under this section;directing the offender to submit to the Minister, on application by the Minister made within three years after the date of conviction, any information with respect to the offender’s activities that the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances;directing the offender to compensate any person, monetarily or otherwise, in whole or in part, for the cost of any remedial or preventive action taken, caused to be taken or to be taken as a result of the act or omission that constituted the offence, including the costs of assessing appropriate remedial or preventive action;directing the offender to perform community service, subject to any reasonable conditions that may be imposed in the order;[Repealed, 2009, c. 14, s. 17]directing the offender to pay, in the manner prescribed by the court, an amount for the purposes of conducting research with respect to the Antarctic;directing the offender to pay, in the manner prescribed by the court, an amount to an educational institution including for scholarships for students enrolled in studies related to the environment;requiring the offender to comply with any other conditions that the court considers appropriate in the circumstances for securing the offender’s good conduct and for deterring the offender and any other person from committing offences under this Act;requiring the offender to surrender to the Minister any permit issued to the person; andprohibiting the offender from applying for any new permit during any period that the court considers appropriate.PublicationIf an offender fails to comply with an order made under paragraph (1)(e), the Minister may, in the manner that the court directed the offender to do so, publish the facts relating to the commission of the offence and the details of the punishment imposed and recover the costs of publication from the offender.Debt due to Her MajestyIf the court makes an order under paragraph (1)(c.2) or (i) directing a person to pay an amount to Her Majesty in right of Canada, or if the Minister incurs publication costs under subsection (2), the amount or the costs, as the case may be, constitute a debt due to Her Majesty in right of Canada and may be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.EnforcementIf the court makes an order under paragraph (1)(i) directing an offender to pay an amount to a person, other than to Her Majesty in right of Canada, and the amount is not paid without delay, the person may, by filing the order, enter as a judgment, in the superior court of the province in which the trial was held, the amount ordered to be paid, and that judgment is enforceable against the offender in the same manner as if it were a judgment rendered against the offender in that court in civil proceedings.Cancellation or suspension of permitsIf the court makes an order under paragraph (1)(o), any permit to which the order relates is cancelled unless the court makes an order suspending it for any period that the court considers appropriate.Coming into force and duration of orderAn order made under subsection (1) comes into force on the day on which it is made or on any other day that the court may determine and shall not continue in force for more than three years after that day unless the court provides otherwise in the order.2003, c. 20, s. 66; 2009, c. 14, s. 17
Compensation for loss of propertyIf an offender has been convicted of an offence under this Act, the court may, at the time sentence is imposed and on the application of the person aggrieved, order the offender to pay to that person an amount by way of satisfaction or compensation for loss of or damage to property suffered by that person as a result of the commission of the offence.EnforcementIf the amount ordered to be paid under subsection (1) is not paid without delay, the aggrieved person may, by filing the order, enter as a judgment, in the superior court of the province in which the trial was held, the amount ordered to be paid, and that judgment is enforceable against the offender in the same manner as if it were a judgment rendered against the offender in that court in civil proceedings.2009, c. 14, s. 18
Variation of sanctionsSubject to subsection (2), if a court has made, in relation to an offender, an order or direction under section 64, 65 or 66, the court may, on application by the offender or the Attorney General of Canada, require the offender to appear before it and, after hearing the offender and the Attorney General, vary the order in one or any combination of the following ways that is applicable and, in the opinion of the court, is rendered desirable by a change in the circumstances of the offender since the order was made:make changes in the order or the conditions specified in it or extend the time during which the order is to remain in force for any period, not exceeding one year, that the court considers desirable; ordecrease the time during which the order is to remain in force or relieve the offender, either absolutely or partially or for any period that the court considers desirable, of compliance with any condition that is specified in the order.NoticeBefore making an order under subsection (1), the court may direct that notice be given to any persons that the court considers to be interested and may hear any of those persons.
Subsequent applications with leaveIf an application made under section 67 in respect of an offender has been heard by a court, no other application may be made under that section with respect to the offender except with leave of the court.
Application of finesAll fines received by the Receiver General in respect of the commission of an offence under this Act, other than fines collected under the Contraventions Act, are to be credited to the Environmental Damages Fund, an account in the accounts of Canada, and used for purposes related to protecting, conserving or restoring the environment or for administering that Fund.Recommendations of courtThe court imposing the fine may recommend to the Minister that all or a portion of the fine credited to the Environmental Damages Fund be paid to a person or an organization specified by the court for a purpose referred to in subsection (1).2009, c. 14, s. 19
Publication of information about contraventionsFor the purpose of encouraging compliance with this Act and the regulations, the Minister shall maintain, in a registry accessible to the public, information about all convictions of corporations for offences under this Act.RetentionInformation in the registry is to be maintained for a minimum of five years.2009, c. 14, s. 19
Contraventions ActIf an offence under this Act is designated as a contravention under the Contraventions Act, subsection 8(5) of that Act does not apply in respect of the fine that may be established for that contravention.2009, c. 14, s. 19
ReviewThe Minister shall, 10 years after the day on which this section comes into force and every 10 years after that, undertake a review of sections 50 to 68.3.Report to ParliamentThe Minister shall, no later than one year after the day on which the review is undertaken, cause a report on the review to be tabled in each House of Parliament.2009, c. 14, s. 19
Disclosure of Information
Purposes for which information may be disclosedInformation obtained in the administration of this Act may be disclosedas may be necessary for the purposes of the administration or enforcement of this Act;in order to notify other Parties to the Protocolof the number and nature of permits issued under this Act, including their conditions,of any environmental emergency that has been discovered in the Antarctic or of any information relevant to a potential environmental risk in the Antarctic, andof an emergency in the Antarctic referred to in section 19 and any activities undertaken in relation to that emergency by a Canadian or other person on a Canadian expedition, a Canadian vessel or a Canadian aircraft;in order to make publicly available annual reports on the steps taken by Canada to implement the Protocol, including administrative actions, enforcement measures and the preparation and implementation of emergency plans and waste management plans;in order to make the following publicly available:an initial environmental evaluation,any significant information obtained from procedures put in place to assess and verify the impact of an activity that has been the subject of an initial or comprehensive environmental evaluation, and any action taken in relation to that information, anda draft comprehensive environmental evaluation, any comments received on the draft, the final comprehensive environmental evaluation, notice of any decision relating to the final evaluation and any evaluation of the significance of the predicted impacts in relation to the proposed activity;under an agreement or arrangement between the Government of Canada or any of its institutions and any other government in Canada, the government of a foreign state or an international organization or any of its institutions, or between the Minister and any other minister of the Crown in right of Canada, ifthe purpose of the agreement or arrangement is the administration or enforcement of a law, andthe government, international organization, institution or other minister undertakes to keep the information confidential; orunder an agreement or arrangement between the Government of Canada and the government of a foreign state or an international organization, if the government or organization undertakes to keep the information confidential.Disclosure of personal informationPersonal information as defined in section 3 of the Privacy Act may not be disclosed under subsection (1) unlessthe disclosure is in the interest of public health, public safety or the protection of the environment; andthe public interest in the disclosure clearly outweighs in importance any damage to the privacy, reputation or human dignity of any individual that may result from the disclosure.
Coming into Force
OrderThe provisions of this Act come into force on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.[Note: Act in force December 1, 2003, see SI/2003-176.]