Protecting the environment supports healthy communities and a strong economy in Canada. Environmental laws establish clear expectations for businesses and individuals that help reduce pollution and support fair competition. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers help ensure those laws are respected and applied consistently.
On September 23, 2026, Mark's Auto Air Conditioning & Car Accessories Ltd. of Strathcona County, Alberta, was fined $25,000 at the Provincial Court of Manitoba after pleading guilty to one count of violating section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act). The offence relates to importing a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant in violation of the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (the Regulations), made under the Act. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada's Environmental Damages Fund to support projects that have a positive impact on the environment.
In May 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers inspected a shipment being held at a Canada Border Services Agency controlled storage facility in Edmonton, Alberta. Mark's Auto Air Conditioning & Car Accessories Ltd. had imported the shipment into Canada through Emerson, Manitoba. The shipment included refrigerant containers suspected of containing HFC-134a, a hydrofluorocarbon commonly used in air conditioning systems and subject to requirements under the Regulations. The shipment was refused entry into Canada and analysis of samples collected confirmed the presence of HFC‑134a. Officers launched an investigation that found that the company did not have the permit required under the Regulations to import the substance into Canada.
Hydrofluorocarbons are powerful greenhouse gases that pose a threat to the climate. Verifying that businesses are complying with federal regulations is an important part of managing these substances and their environmental impacts. Under the Regulations, importers of regulated hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants must obtain a permit before importing them into the country to help prevent their release into the atmosphere.
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 corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws.
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