Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Marginal note:Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses by Her Majesty

• 240 (1) Her Majesty in right of Canada may recover the costs and expenses of and incidental to taking any measures under subsection 239(1) from

  • (a) any person referred to in paragraph 235(3)(a); and

  • (b) any person referred to in paragraph 235(3)(b) to the extent of the person’s negligence in causing or contributing to the alleged contravention.

• Marginal note:Reasonably incurred

  (2) The costs and expenses referred to in subsection (1) shall only be recovered to the extent that they can be established to have been reasonably incurred in the circumstances.

• Marginal note:Liability

  (3) The persons referred to in subsection (1) are jointly and severally, or solidarily, liable for the costs and expenses referred to in that subsection.

• Marginal note:Limitation

  (4) A person referred to in paragraph 235(3)(b) shall not be held liable under subsection (3) to an extent greater than the extent of their negligence in causing or contributing to the alleged contravention.

• Marginal note:Procedure

  (5) A claim under this section may be sued for and recovered by Her Majesty in right of Canada with costs in proceedings brought or taken therefor in the name of Her Majesty in right of Canada in any court of competent jurisdiction.

• Marginal note:Recourse or indemnity

  (6) This section does not limit or restrict any right of recourse or indemnity that a person may have against any other person.

• Marginal note:Limitation period

  (7) Where events giving rise to a claim under this section occur, no proceedings in respect of the claim may be instituted after five years from the date on which the events occur or become evident to the Minister, whichever is later.

• Marginal note:Minister’s certificate

  (8) A document purporting to have been issued by the Minister certifying the day on which the events giving rise to a claim under this section came to the knowledge of the Minister shall be received in evidence and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the document shall be considered as proof of that fact without proof of the signature or of the official character of the person appearing to have signed the document and without further proof.