🍁 civid v1

Purpose

Bill C-244 would amend two federal laws to increase liability for damage to marine areas.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

• Clarifies that, for the purposes of section 125, a disposal occurs whether or not the act or omission resulting in it was intentional.

Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act

• Would prohibit an owner from transferring a vessel unless they have taken steps to satisfy themselves that the recipient has the resources and intent to maintain, operate and dispose of it in a way that prevents it becoming a wreck, hazard or abandoned.
• Before transfer, the owner would have to disclose information about the vessel’s condition in writing and obtain written confirmation from the recipient about their resources and intent.
• The transfer requirement would not apply to vessels at least 24 metres long, other than pleasure craft.
• Would add the new transfer provision to a list in subsection 90(1) and replace a regulation-making provision to cover conditions on vessel sales, acquisitions and other ownership transfers, including measures required beforehand.

Status and limits

The source identifies the stage as second reading but also describes the text as reprinted after committee amendments for report stage. The provided text specifies no costs, implementation deadline or coming-into-force date.