News Releases

2013

September

• Randle Reef Clean-Up Project takes important step forward

  HAMILTON, Ont. – September 30, 2013 – An important milestone for the Randle Reef sediment remediation project has been reached, with the partners announcing today that all legal agreements to fund and implement the project have been completed and signed. The Governments of Canada and Ontario, the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton Port Authority, U.S. Steel Canada, the City of Burlington, and Halton Region are working together on this $138.9 million clean-up project.

• Canada and B.C. renew water monitoring agreement

  VICTORIA, B.C. – September 29, 2013 – The governments of Canada and British Columbia (B.C.) have renewed their water quantity monitoring agreement, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council and B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak announced today on World/B.C. Rivers Day.

• Snoc (2010) Inc. Fined $20,000 for Violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

  SAINT-HYACINTHE, Que. – September 27, 2013 – On September 10, 2013, at the Saint-Hyacinthe courthouse, Snoc (2010) Inc., a company specializing in light fixture manufacturing in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, pleaded guilty to a charge of violating the Solvent Degreasing Regulations, thus also violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999). The company was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $15,000 to the Environmental Damages Fund. The company must also publish an article in the business magazine Les Affaires and train company officials on the criminal consequences of failing to comply with CEPA, 1999.

• The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: A Must-see for Fall Outings

  QUEBEC CITY, Que. – September 25, 2013 – Environment Canada’s Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area invites you to visit its exceptional site, a must see destination that will inspire you with its wide variety of natural environments, its colours and the Greater Snow Geese.

• Toronto Dry Cleaner Fined $60,000 for Environmental Offences

  TORONTO, Ont. – September 23, 2013 – Ashford Cleaners Inc., a dry cleaner operating in Toronto, Ontario, was sentenced on August 19, 2013, in the Ontario Provincial Court of Justice for offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999).

• Government of Canada taking action to protect the Greater Sage-Grouse

  OTTAWA, Ont. – September 17, 2013 – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced today the Government’s intention to introduce an Emergency Protection Order for the Greater Sage-Grouse in the coming months.

• Minister Aglukkaq Travels to Norway to Attend the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

  OTTAWA, ON – September 1st, 2013 – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, will travel to Oslo, Norway from September 2-3 to participate in the high-level assembly of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants.

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August

• The Harper Government Announces Investment in Community Environmental Projects Across Canada

  Winnipeg, Man. – August 28, 2013 – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today announced $4.5 million in funding under the EcoAction Community Funding Program for new and existing projects in 2013-14. We have already approved 83 new projects this year.

• Government of Canada Supports Water Quality Education Project in Kenora, Ontario

  KENORA, Ont. – August 26, 2013 – The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State for Science and Technology, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, today announced $24,636 in support to the Lake of the Wood Development Commission from the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund.

• Joint Canada/Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring begins summer air monitoring project

  FORT MCMURRAY, AB – August 12, 2013 – A comprehensive environmental field study to gather information on air contaminants in the Wood Buffalo region will occur from August 12 to mid-September 2013. The collaborative study between government, non-government, university and community partners will collect both airborne and ground-based measurements to determine how air pollutants are transformed and transported across the landscape.

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June

• Government of Canada Celebrates Canada’s 1000th Ecogift in Manitoba—Over 150,000 Hectares of Wildlife Habitat Conserved since 1995

  PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. – June 8, 2013 – Candice Bergen, Member of Parliament for Portage—Lisgar, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today celebrated Canada’s 1000th Ecogift south of Austin, Manitoba. This Ecogift consists of 59 hectares of prairie grassland and aspen parkland that is ideal habitat for a large variety of birds. The land is also in the core range of the endangered northern prairie skink, Manitoba’s only lizard.

• Harper Government Moves to Strengthen Regulations on Air Pollution to Provide Cleaner Air to Canadians

  TORONTO, Ont. – June 7, 2013 – Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced that, in order to provide cleaner air to Canadians, the Government of Canada intends to align its transportation-related air pollution emission standards with the more stringent United States

• The Government of Canada Invites Canadians to Highlight Environment Week

  OTTAWA, Ont. – June 3, 2013 – The Government of Canada invites all Canadians to reflect on their environment during Canadian Environment Week, observed annually during the first full week of June. Canada’s Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, noted that the week was a time to reflect on our collective environmental achievements and stewardship, for all Canadians today and tomorrow to enjoy.

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May

• Minister Kent Highlights the Importance of Science to Deliver Weather, Water and Climate Services to Canadians

  Minister Kent Highlights the Importance of Science to Deliver Weather, Water and Climate Services to Canadians

• Harper Government Delivers on Clean Air Commitments for Canadians

  OTTAWA, Ont. – May 24, 2013– Canadians will soon benefit from improved air quality, Environment Minister Peter Kent and Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced today, as a result of the new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS).

• Canadian Hurricane Centre Ready for the 2013 Hurricane Season

  HALIFAX, N.S. – May 24, 2013 – Environment Canada’s Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) is encouraging Canadians to prepare for the 2013 hurricane season. The season officially starts on June 1st. The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlook, released earlier today, predicts a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms, of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes. These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

• Minister Kent Highlights Canada’s Environmental Achievements

  BRUSSELS, Belgium - May 15, 2013 - Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, spoke today with the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels, Belgium, on Canada’s environmental achievements and the importance of collaborating with international partners to advance mutual goals in ensuring a clean, safe and sustainable environment and addressing climate change.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Manitoba

  BRANDON, Man. - May 14, 2013 - Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon—Souris, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Brandon, Manitoba. Brandon Riverbank Inc. will receive $99,856 in federal funding to support local action to protect wildlife and natural habitat.

• Canada's Environment Minister to Meet with Officials during European Tour

  OTTAWA, Ont. – May 12, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, will travel to Europe this week to speak on Canada’s environmental achievements and to highlight advancements made in key sectors.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in London

  LONDON, Ont. – May 4, 2013 – Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in London, Ontario. ReForest London will receive $55,000 in federal funding over three years to support local action to protect wildlife and natural habitat.

• Federal Ministers Meet With Members of Hunting and Angling Advisory Panel

  OTTAWA, Ont. – May 3, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, and Canada’s Fisheries and Oceans Minister, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, met with members of the Hunting and Angling Advisory Panel (HAAP) over the past two days.

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April

• The Government of Canada Invests in Community Action to Preserve Biodiversity in St-Simon-les-Mines

  SAINT-SIMON-LES-MINES, Que. – April 30, 2013 – The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced $26,610 in funding from the Habitat Stewardship Program for a project in St-Simon-Les-Mines, Quebec.

• Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. Ordered to Pay $500,000 for Federal Fisheries Act Violations

  ST. STEPHEN, N.B. - April 26, 2013 - On April 26th, Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. pleaded guilty and was sentenced in St. Stephen Provincial Court for violations of the Fisheries Act. The violations related to the illegal use of a pesticide resulting in lobster kills in the nearby waters of southwestern New Brunswick.

• The Governments of Canada and of Alberta Launch New Online Portal for Accessing Oil Sands Environmental Monitoring Data and Information

  OTTAWA, Ont. – April 22, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, and Alberta’s Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister, the Honourable Diana McQueen, today announced that access to federal and provincial environmental monitoring data on air, water, land and biodiversity in the oil sands is now available through an online data portal (www.JointOilSandsMonitoring.ca).

• Spring Family Activities at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

  QUÉBEC, Que. – April 19, 2013 – Environment Canada’s Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area announces the resumption of public services and the reopening of the Interpretation Centre. Every day, from April 20 to October 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the public is invited to discover, learn about and protect nature at this exceptional site.

• Toxco Waste Management Ltd. Fined $17,500 for Importing Hazardous Recyclable Material

  ROSSLAND, B.C. -- April 12, 2013 -- Toxco Waste Management Ltd., of Trail, B.C., was ordered to pay $17,500 to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) in the Provincial Court of British Columbia after pleading guilty to importing waste lithium batteries exceeding the quantity set out in the import permit.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Ontario

  TORONTO, Ont. -- April 15, 2013 -- John Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Don Valley-West, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Ontario.

• Canada Invests in Global Climate and Clean Air Solutions

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 10, 2013 – Today, the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister, announced an additional $10 million contribution to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC), and a $2.5 million contribution to the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN).

• Environment Canada announces funding to fight threat of White-nose Syndrome to Bats

  OTTAWA, Ont. – April 5, 2013 – Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding to respond to the threat of White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that is threatening bat species in North America.

• Bringing Back the Whooping Cranes

  CALGARY, Alta – April 4, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, announced today that he has approved a one-year funding agreement with the Calgary Zoo for their Whooping Crane captive-breeding program. The Government of Canada is contributing $20,000 to the program.

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March

• Harper Government Invests in Great Lakes Clean-Up

  NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – March 22, 2013 – Today, the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister, announced a major investment under the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund to support 57 clean-up projects in officially designated Great Lakes Areas of Concern.

• Minister Kent Discusses Canada’s Green Economy at European Union–Canada Conference

  MONTREAL, Que. – March 20, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, spoke at the European Union–Canada Going Green Conference in Montreal today on Canada’s approach to creating a greener economy.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Discusses Environmental Technologies in Montreal

  MONTREAL, Que. – March 19, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, spoke today at AMERICANA 2013, the International Environmental Technology Trade Show and Conference, about the Government of Canada’s engagement toward clean technology. This unique forum encourages scientific, technical and commercial dialogue and allows expertise to be disseminated on an international scale.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Lunenburg

  LUNENBURG, N.S. -- March 15, 2013 -- Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in the Maritimes

  AMHERST, N.S. – March 14, 2013 – Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in the Maritimes.

• Canada and B.C. Accept Japanese Funding to Address Tsunami Debris

  VANCOUVER, B.C. -- March 13, 2013 -- Today, Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, accepted on behalf of Canada a one-time grant of approximately $1 million from the Government of Japan to support clean-up work associated with debris from the March 2011 Japanese tsunami.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Discusses Environmental Initiatives in Vancouver

  VANCOUVER, B.C. – March 13, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, spoke to the Vancouver Board of Trade today about the Government of Canada’s initiatives to strengthen environmental protection.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Waterloo

  WATERLOO, Ont. – March 12, 2013 – Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Centre, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Waterloo, Ontario. REEP Green Solutions will receive $56,000 in federal funding over two years to support local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Pigeon Lake

  KAWARTHA LAKES, Ont. – March 11, 2013 – Chris Alexander, Member of Parliament for Ajax—Pickering, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Pigeon Lake, near Lindsay, Ontario. The Gamiing Nature Centre will receive $71,402 in federal funding over three years to support local action to improve water quality and aquatic habitat while increasing ecosystem biodiversity.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Bruce County, Ontario

  RIPLEY, Ont. -- March 8, 2013 -- Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Bruce County, Ontario.

• Registration for the Greater Snow Goose Fall Hunt at Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

  QUÉBEC, Que. -- March 5, 2013 -- Environment Canada wishes to inform waterfowl hunters that they can register for the random draw to hunt Greater Snow Geese next fall at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.

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February

• Canada Continues to Align Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measures with the United States

  MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – February 25, 2013 – Today the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister, announced final regulations to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines. This is another step in our plan to align our environmental regulations with the United States.

• Harper Government Continues to Make Concrete Progress in Environmental Sustainability

  OTTAWA, Ont. – February 15, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today released the 2012 Progress Report on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) and the 2013-16 draft Strategy for a 120 day period of public consultations.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Quebec

  QUÉBEC, Que. – February 14, 2013 – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Lévis—Bellechasse, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Quebec. The Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique will receive $88,000 in federal funding to support action across Quebec to promote best practices regarding energy efficiency.

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January

• MacKenzie Petroleums Limited Sentenced for Failing to Meet Fuel Reporting Requirements

  WHITEHORSE, Y.T. – January 28, 2013 – On January 11, 2013, MacKenzie Petroleums Limited, based in Dawson, Yukon, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Yukon Territorial court for offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Discusses Environmental Initiatives in Guelph

  GUELPH, Ont. – January 25, 2013 – Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, spoke to the Guelph Chamber of Commerce today about Government of Canada initiatives to strengthen environmental protection.

• Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Lévis, Quebec

  LÉVIS, Que. – January 23, 2013 – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Lévis—Bellechasse, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental project in Lévis, Quebec.

• Canada’s Environment Minister Discusses Environmental Initiatives in Sault Ste. Marie

  SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. -- January 22, 2013 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, spoke to the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie today about Government of Canada initiatives to strengthen environmental protection.

• Harper Government Announces Funding for Lake Simcoe and South Eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Projects

  JACKSON’S POINT, Ont. -- January 7, 2013 -- Today, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister, announced that funding is available for clean-up projects through the Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund.

• Discover the Network of Bird Feeding Stations at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

  QUEBEC CITY, Que. -- January 4, 2013 -- Environment Canada’s Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) invites everyone to go birdwatching along the NWA’s trails, which will be open every weekend from January 5 to March 10, 2013, and also during the spring break from March 4 to 8.

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