Syncrude Canada on Trial

Syncrude Canada is on trial for the death of 1600 migrating birds. The ducks landed in a Syncrude toxic tailings pond in northern Alberta in April 2008. The destruction and toxicity of the tar sands was largely brought to the World’s attention after this deadly incident. The company is charged with failing to employ measures to protect the birds as required by federal and provincial law. This is the first case in which a tar sands company is facing criminal charges as a result of routine operations.

The charges came about only after Sierra Club Canada filed a Private Prosecution against Syncrude in January 2009. The embarrassed federal and provincial governments then took over the case.

Lindsay Telfer, Sierra Club Prairie Director, says the "tailings ponds themselves are on trial."

SCC is in court following the opening statements and is demanding that the government and the courts hold companies responsible for such harmful practices.

***Updated, May 3, 2010:

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