Environmental charges laid against Husky Energy Inc. and Husky Oil Operations Limited in relation to the pipeline release of blended heavy crude oil into the North Saskatchewan River

Press Release

March 26, 2018 – Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

Our government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. We enforce laws that protect Canada’s air, water, and natural environment. Our government takes this responsibility very seriously.

On March 22, 2018, Environment and Climate Change Canada laid a number of charges against Husky Energy Inc. and Husky Oil Operations Limited relating to the blended heavy crude-oil spill, in July 2016, which impacted the North Saskatchewan River, near Maidstone, Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan also filed a charge under the Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010. These charges result from a 19-month joint federal-provincial investigation.

There are a total of ten charges which include one charge under subsection 36(3) of the federal Fisheries Act, one charge under subsection 38(5) of the federal Fisheries Act, six charges under subsection 38(6) of the federal Fisheries Act, one charge under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and one charge under Saskatchewan’s Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010.

The first appearance is scheduled on March 29, 2018, at the Lloydminster Provincial Court office.

All charges are currently before the Court, and they have not yet been proven. Under Canadian law, those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency, which has a responsibility for the specific charge under the provincial Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010, will not be commenting further at this time.

Quick facts

• These charges are the result of a 19-month joint federal-provincial investigation.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, which prohibit the deposit of deleterious substances into water frequented by fish.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada is responsible for administering and enforcing the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, which aims to protect and conserve migratory bird populations as well as individual birds and their nests. The Act prohibits the deposit of harmful substances into areas frequented by migratory birds and other human activities that are potentially harmful to migratory birds.
• The provincial Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010 protects the air, land, and water resources of the province through regulating and controlling potentially harmful activities and substances.
• The potential penalties for these offences can be found in the acts listed below.
• Enforcement officers strive to ensure that businesses and individuals comply with the federal laws and regulations administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which protect the natural environment and its biodiversity.

Associated links

• Fisheries Act
• Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
• The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca

Patrick Boyle
Executive Director, Communications and Client Services
Water Security Agency
306-694-8914
patrick.boyle@wsask.ca

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