Majority of Northern Environmental Prosecutions Resulting in Fines are Under Fisheries Act

Since 2000, nearly all of the environmental charges and fines that companies have faced in the North have been brought under the federal Fisheries Act.  Most charges resulted from the deposition of harmful substances into water frequented by fish.  The fines for these offences ranged from $1,000 to $75,000 per charge, exclusive of additional financial penalties, which ranged from $25,000 to $425,000. 

There are several principles of sentencing that are unique to the North.  Northern companies should ensure that they are operating in compliance with the Fisheries Act to maintain a good environmental record and avoid financial penalty.

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