René Jr. Major sentenced to paying more than $65,000 for importing prohibited small engines

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 5, 2016 /CNW/ - On September 14, 2016, René Jr. Major, a gas-powered equipment merchant, was ordered to pay fines and fees totalling more than $65,000 for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations. On June 6, Mr. Major pleaded guilty to four counts of importing non-compliant equipment and engines.

The investigation found that in 2011 and 2012, Mr. Major imported of more than 2,300 engines or equipment, including small engines, without being able to provide the elements to substantiate conformity with established emissions standards for off-road small spark-ignition engines that do not emit more than 19 kW (25 hp). The expertise then confirmed the non-conformity of engines and equipment seized, including chainsaws, hedge clippers and generators.

However, Mr. Major made a conscious choice to modify the state or position of objects seized by disposing of, selling or displacing 580 sealed engines or equipment, despite having been made aware that such action is prohibited.

Quick facts

• The counts concerned violations under sections 153(1)(b), 153(1)(d) and 223(6) of the CEPA. The court sentenced Mr. Major to pay a fine of $30,000, an additional fine of $15,000, to pay fees of $20,156.33 related to the seizure and retention of equipment seized and to repay the cost of destroying them or returning them to an educational institution. In addition, the accused must publish, at his own expense, a notice of violation in a known magazine or journal.
• Fuel combustion in small spark-ignition engines contributes to air pollution and, therefore, has adverse effects on the environment and health.
• The amount of fines will be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF), administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The EDF was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders and voluntarily payments toward priority projects that will be a benefit to our environment. All the fines paid as a result of violations to the CEPA are paid to the EDF.

Associated links

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations

Environmental Offenders Registry

Environmental Damages Fund

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Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)