Industrial-supply company pleads guilty to contravening the Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations, 1998

September 13, 2017 – Kitchener, Ontario

Canadians value a safe and a clean environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers work hard every day to make sure individuals and companies are following Canadian environmental laws.

On September 7, 2017, Fastenal Canada Ltd., of Kitchener, Ontario, was fined $265,000 after pleading guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice to two counts of contravening the Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations, 1998 made pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers investigated Fastenal Canada Ltd., revealing that, from November 2012 to January 2015, the company imported and sold aerosol products containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons--a regulated ozone-depleting substance.  

As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect our natural environment.

Quick facts

  • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are mainly used for foam blowing, refrigeration and air conditioning, solvent cleaning, aerosols, and fire protection.
  • Ozone depletion is the term commonly used to describe the thinning of the Earth’s ozone layer, which acts as a natural filter absorbing most of the Sun’s ultraviolet rays.
  • The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Created in 1995, it provides a way to direct funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our natural environment.

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

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