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ARTICLE · 24 AUGUST 2026

Major Increase In Environmental Fines In Québec For Certain Designated Industrial Activities

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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Effective August 13, 2026, organizations carrying out certain industrial activities in Québec may face minimum environmental fines up to 10 times higher for violations of the Environment Quality Act (EQA).

CanadaEnvironment
Alexandre Fallon
Alexandre Fallon
Josy-Ann Therrien
Josy-Ann Therrien
Laurence Cournoyer
Laurence Cournoyer
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Key takeaways

  • Fines for environmental violations in Québec have increased up to tenfold under the Environment Quality Act.
  • The updated fines target certain industry types with significant environmental impact, including battery operations, petroleum refineries and mining.
  • Organizations should review their compliance programs to mitigate exposure to these enhanced penalties.

Effective August 13, 2026, organizations carrying out certain industrial activities in Québec may face minimum environmental fines up to 10 times higher for violations of the Environment Quality Act (EQA). According to Québec’s Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, the reform is intended to strengthen deterrence and encourage greater investment in environmental compliance and risk prevention.

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