On September 14, 2016, René Jr. Major, a gas-powered equipment merchant, was ordered to pay fines and fees totalling more than $65,000 for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations. On June 6, Major pleaded guilty to four counts of importing non-compliant equipment and engines.
The investigation found that in 2011 and 2012, Mr. Major imported more than 2,300 engines or equipment, including small engines, without being able to provide the elements to substantiate conformity with established emissions standards for off-road small spark-ignition engines that do not emit more than 19 kW (25 hp). The non-conformity of engines and equipment seized, including chainsaws, hedge clippers and generators, was then confirmed.
However, Mr. Major made a conscious choice to modify the state or position of objects seized by disposing of, selling or displacing 580 sealed engines or equipment, despite having been made aware that such action is prohibited, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
According to the Ministry, small spark-ignition engines contribute to air pollution and, therefore, have adverse effects on the environment and health. The counts concerned violations under sections 153(1)(b), 153(1)(d) and 223(6) of the CEPA.
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