SAINT JOHN, NB, March 25, 2004 - A Saint John company appeared in provincial court today to enter a plea for alleged violations of the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations and subsection 272(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Donovan Distributors Ltd. was charged by Environment Canada on March 4, 2004, in Saint John Provincial Court after an investigation determined that in 2002 the company allegedly imported and sold a product containing CFC's (chlorofluorocarbon), a known Ozone-depleting substance. The product was pressurized containers of “Giant Size Party Streamer.”

A person found guilty of an offence under subsection 272(1) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of up to $300,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 6 months, or to both.

Enforcement of the Ozone Depleting Substances regulations is part of Canada's contribution and treaty obligation under the Montreal Protocol, which aims to remove ozone-depleting substances from the atmosphere. Products containing CFCs have been banned in Canada since 1991.

Environment Canada's Enforcement officers investigate potential pollution offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 99) and Canada's Fisheries Act. They help ensure that companies, government employees and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Canada's environment.

For more information, please contact:
David Aggett
Office of Enforcement
Environment Canada, Atlantic Region
(902) 426-1925