NLIS 2
April 18, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)
NOTE TO EDITORS: Minister to appear
before Standing Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and
Natural Resources on Bill C-15
Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, will appear
before the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and
Natural Resources on Bill C-15 � An Act to Amend the Migratory Birds
Convention Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in
Ottawa tomorrow, Tuesday, April 19.
Bill C-15 outlines significant legislative changes to strengthen
existing federal legislation that deals with marine pollution and
illegal dumping of bilge oil in our ocean. The proposed new
legislation allows for expanded jurisdiction, greater surveillance
and enforcement capability, and stiffer fines for offenders.
Minister Osborne said he is urging the Senate for speedy passage of
Bill C-15 so that it can be proclaimed into law. "I fully support
Bill C-15, which will help ensure better protection of our marine
environment and wildlife," said Minister Osborne. "The ongoing
problem of deliberate dumping of bilge oil in our waters, such as
the incident last month where hundreds of oiled seabirds were
discovered on our shores, shows the need to urgently proclaim the
legislation into law. Ships who illegally dump bilge oil at sea must
be sent a strong message that there will be zero tolerance for such
heedless abuse of our environment."
The minister will appear before the Standing Senate Committee at 5
p.m.(Ottawa time).
Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575,
685-6612
2005 04 18
10:20 a.m. |