Canadian Tire Pleads Guilty to Importing Ozone Depleting Substance

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO, November 4, 2004 – Canadian Tire Corporation was sentenced yesterday in the Ontario Court of Justice, Brampton, Ontario, on one count of violating the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The corporation was fined $5,000. An additional amount of $20,000 was directed to the Canadian Dermatological Association to increase public awareness of skin cancer and other health concerns related to the thinning of the ozone layer.

The corporation illegally imported rear view mirror attachment kits that contained 1,1,1, trichloroethane - a substance known to deplete the earth’s ozone layer. The charges were laid by Environment Canada after an investigation.

In support of the Montreal Protocol, Canada prohibits the importation of products containing 1,1,1, trichloroethane. This prohibition reduces the stock of similar products already in use in Canada and contributes to the overall reduction of and dependence on substances harmful to our environment.

Environment Canada’s enforcement officers investigate potential pollution offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the federal Fisheries Act. They help ensure that companies, government employees and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Canada’s environment.

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