OTTAWA,
August 28, 2006 – Environment Canada laid charges
against Metalex Products Ltd. of Richmond and
Davis Trading & Supply Ltd. of Vancouver,
British Columbia, on August 1, 2006. It is alleged
that these companies unlawfully imported hazardous
waste in 2004.
Metalex Products Ltd. has been
charged with three counts and Davis Trading &
Supply Ltd. was also charged with two counts,
under subsection 185(1) of the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act, 1999. The charges stem from the
alleged importation of a shipment of lead-acid
batteries as well as a shipment of lead pieces
and residues from the United States. The hazardous
waste was allegedly imported in October and November
of 2004, through the Pacific Highway Border Crossing
in Surrey, British Columbia.
These charges follow an investigation
by Enforcement Officers of Environment Canada's
Environmental Enforcement Division in Vancouver,
B.C. Environment Canada investigates alleged offences
under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act,
1999 and the Fisheries Act, with the objective
of ensuring that companies, governments, and the
general public comply with legislation and regulations
that protect the Canadian environment.
Subsection 185(1) of the
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 prohibits
the import of hazardous waste into Canada except
under a federal permit and in accordance with
the prescribed conditions. The maximum penalty
for such an offence is a $1,000,000 fine or three
years imprisonment on conviction by way of indictment,
or both, or a $300,000 fine or six months imprisonment
on summary conviction, or both.
John Dyck / Robin Barcham
