NLIS 2
May 19, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)


Bill C-15 passed in the senate without amendment

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne is pleased to announce that Bill C-15 � An Act to Amend the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act passed in the senate yesterday without amendment.

"The passing of Bill C-15 is very significant for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Osborne. "It will ensure better protection of our marine environment and address illegal oil bilge dumping off our coastlines which is an issue this government takes very seriously."

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 new legislation allows for expanded jurisdiction, greater surveillance and enforcement capability and stiffer fines for offenders.

Minister Osborne stressed he is extremely pleased with the Senate for a speedy passage of Bill C-15 so that it can now be proclaimed into law. "Bill C-15 is the last major step toward becoming law that will ensure better protection of our marine environment and wildlife."

"The ongoing problem of deliberate dumping of bilge oil in our waters showed the need to proclaim the legislation into law," said Minister Osborne. "Ships who illegally dump bilge oil at sea will now realize that there will be zero tolerance for such heedless abuse of our environment."

Shipping companies and the people who operate these vessels can be fined a minimum of $500,000 and up to $1 million if they are convicted of illegally dumping bilge oil in Canadian waters.

Over 300,000 birds die each year off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador from deliberate discharges of bilge oil in our oceans. For every oiled bird found on our shores, there are 10 others that are not found.

Minister Osborne stated that amending the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act is in line with government�s Blueprint commitment to the protection of our environment. "We will continue to work diligently to ensure our environment and natural heritage are protected for the benefit of present and future generations."

Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications, (709) 729-5783, 728-8650

2005 05 19                                    1:25 p.m.
 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement