The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the environment and the health and safety of Canadians. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers work to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the laws and regulations designed to protect Canada's natural environment.
On March 19, 2024, Groupe Marcelle inc. was ordered by the Court of Québec, at the Montréal Courthouse, to pay a fine of $500,000. The company pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The fine will be paid to the Government of Canada's Environmental Damages Fund.
Between April 15, 2021 and May 18, 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers conducted various audits and an inspection at the premises of Groupe Marcelle inc., a cosmetics company in Dorval, Quebec. They were able to identify the marketing of cosmetic products (Lise Watier, Marcelle and Annabelle brand eye and lip pencils) containing Perfluorononyl Dimethicone.
In this case, the marketing of cosmetic products containing Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is considered a new activity under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Act requires a person or company to provide certain information to the government when Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is used in a new activity that may pose a risk to the environment.
By using Perfluorononyl Dimethicone in cosmetic products, without having previously provided the government with the required regulatory information, Groupe Marcelle inc. has committed an offence under subsection 81(4) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The products concerned have been withdrawn from the distribution chain.
As a result of this conviction, the company's name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of companies for violations of federal environmental laws.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to keep Canadians informed about what the Government of Canada is doing to protect the natural environment.
