Environmental Damages Fund Applicant's Guide

The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) helps ensure that those who cause damage to the environment take responsibility for their actions.  The EDF is a specified purpose account to manage funds received as compensation for environmental damage.  Environment Canada administers the EDF on the behalf of the Government of Canada.  Funds may be received through fines, court-ordered payments, out-of-court settlements, voluntary payments, and international liability funds.  Environment Canada collaborates with other government departments such as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Parks Canada and Transport Canada responsible for the enforcement of legislation such as the Fisheries Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999, Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994, and the Canada Shipping Act 2001 that may be used to direct funds to the EDF.

The purpose of any contribution to the EDF, is to restore the environment and conserve wildlife in a scientifically sound and cost-effective way.  Each award directed to the EDF is accounted for separately, and is used to fund projects in the region where the offence occurred.