The following authorities are responsible for implementation of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act . The Minister of the Environment has responsibility for the administration of the Act. The Minister must act in accordance with the legislation and is accountable to Parliament for his or her actions. Enforcement Officials Enforcement officials are individuals designated as inspectors under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and other government employees who are assigned responsibility to ensure that the legislation is enforced. Inspectors Inspectors will have the most frequent and regular contact with those companies, individuals and government agencies affected by the legislation.
Inspectors have four roles.
The specific powers of inspectors, including entry, search, seizure and detention of items related to the enforcement of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act , and the power to require the production of documents and electronically stored data as well as the power to issue tickets are detailed in the statute. Some inspectors may specialize in the investigation of offences, although all inspectors are trained to carry out the four roles described above. If, during an inspection, an inspector must shift to the investigative role, he or she will so indicate to the individual, company or government agency. The inspector will act similarly if, in an emergency, he or she must direct or cause action to be taken following an unauthorized release or to prevent such a release. Investigation specialists will maintain close communication and regularly exchange information with inspectors who are involved in routine inspections, spot checks and special inspections to ensure adherence to warnings, orders by the Minister, injunctions, and orders issued by the court upon conviction of an offender.