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ARTICLE · 01 SEPTEMBER 2026

Significant Increase In Environmental Fines For Certain Industrial Sectors In Quebec

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Starting August 13, 2026, certain companies engaged in industrial activities deemed high-risk will be subject to minimum fines ten times higher in the event of a violation of the Environment Quality Act (EQA). This reform is part of a broader trend aimed at strengthening the deterrent effect of environmental sanctions and encouraging companies to ensure their compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.

CanadaEnvironment
Jean-Philippe Therriault
Jean-Philippe Therriault
Marie-Pierre Boudreau
Marie-Pierre Boudreau
Gabrielle Goodfellow
Gabrielle Goodfellow
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Starting August 13, 2026, certain companies engaged in industrial activities deemed high-risk will be subject to minimum fines ten times higher in the event of a violation of the Environment Quality Act (EQA). This reform is part of a broader trend aimed at strengthening the deterrent effect of environmental sanctions and encouraging companies to ensure their compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.

A Major Tightening of the Environmental Penalty Regime

On August 12, 2026, the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) announced the entry in force of a new regime applicable to companies carrying out certain industrial activities deemed high-risk. According to the government, this reform aims to better align penal sanctions with the environmental risks associated with certain industrial activities and their potential impacts on the environment.1 The previously established fines were deemed insufficient by the

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