Environment Canada Lays Charges Against Metalex Products and Davis Trading

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.

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