Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. Mr. Chairperson, the Environmental Protection Act already makes it an offense to discharge contaminants. In the event that someone is found guilty of environmental offenses, the extent to which they have already been aware of their own non-compliance may be something the courts would take into consideration during sentencing. One of the ideas that was discussed during the standing committee, was that there may be a need for a specific offense to deal with instances in which a person might undertake an environmental audit or environmental site assessment, and then not report any non-compliance to the Chief Environmental Protection Officer. Given that offenses already exist within the existing Environmental Protection Acts, we felt that this would be unnecessary. Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
Mr. Downe on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on September 23rd, 1998. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
September 22nd, 1998
Page 181
Downe
See context to find out what was said next.