R. v. Syncrude Canada Ltd. 2010 ABPC 229

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This case was a prosecution on behalf of Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) relating to the death of approximately 1600 migratory waterfowl in an oilsands tailings pond near Ft. McMurray, Alberta. This case is significant for its voluminous expert scientific evidence relating to migratory birds, including the effects of chemicals upon avian health and methods for discouraging bird landings in toxic areas. A lengthy (9 week) trial received media attention across the globe and resulted in convictions entered against Syncrude Canada Ltd. under s. 5.1 of the Migratory Birds Convention Act (S.C. 1994, c. 22). The petroleum giant was sentenced to a multi-million dollar penalty.