Sintra fined $15,000 for destroying Bank Swallow nests
Québec, Quebec - May 13, 2016 - Environment and Climate Change Canada
On April 27, 2016, Sintra Inc. pleaded guilty in the Court of Quebec and was fined $10,000 for violating section 13 of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. The Court also ordered Sintra Inc. to pay $5,000 to promote the proper management, conservation or protection of migratory birds or their habitat.
An investigation revealed that in June 2013, approximately 25 Bank Swallow nests were destroyed in a sand quarry near Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon, Quebec. The Bank Swallow population has been declining significantly for about 40 years. Sand quarries are preferred nesting areas for this species, which has been designated a threatened species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The Act prohibits the destruction of migratory birds’ nests. As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.
Penalties totalling $15,000 will be remitted to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF).
The EDF, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada, was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our environment.
Quick fact
- Wildlife enforcement officers make considerable efforts to ensure that companies and individuals comply with the protection of wild species and their habitats. Unlawful activities can be reported to the National Environmental Emergencies Centre at 514-283-2333 or 1-866-283-2333.
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