Ottawa (Nov 08/04) - A new piece of federal legislation, if approved, would double the maximum possible fine for those found polluting Canada's ocean waters to $1 million.

Introduced for the second time in the House of Commons last week, Bill C-15 is intended to provide amendments and improvements to existing acts governing ocean pollution, such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

"The enforcement rights are more clear," said Steve Wendt, acting director of the Migrating Birds Branch with the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Five spills in last two years

Woodward's Oil Ltd. is responsible for five spills in Nunavut waters over the last two years.

Transport Canada has investigated the spills, but no charges have been laid. A spill this past summer in Pond Inlet was recently deemed accidental because of a lack of evidence, according to Transport Canada spokesperson Susan McLennan. But legal action may still be taken upon the conclusion of investigations into a Coral Harbour spill, along with another spill this past summer in Rankin Inlet.

While the process continues, the federal department can say little about the potential outcome.

"Think of it as a police investigation," McLennan said.

Wendt said he believed there was already a zero tolerance for fuel oil released in Arctic waters. And much of Bill C-15 is aimed at companies polluting waters outside the 12-mile territorial or provincial zones.

A third reading in the House of Commons is necessary for Bill C-15 to become law.