Canada Launches Investigation Into Volkswagen Emissions Scandal

As Volkswagen deals with the fallout of a report that shows the company violated the Clean Air act in the United States, Canada has decided to follow suit.

On September 18^th the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of violation to the automaker after it was revealed that diesel cars included a defective device. The notice alleges that four-cylinder Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars from model years 2009 to 2015 contain the device that enables cars to circumvent EPA emission standards.

As a result of the news, Environment Canada has issued a statement as a Canadian investigation into the allegations will be launched.

“Upon becoming aware of this issue, Environment Canada acted quickly to examine potential implications for Canada and is in communications with its U.S. EPA counterparts and representatives of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc.

“After careful assessment of the known facts, Environment Canada has opened an investigation into this matter. An investigation involves gathering, from a variety of sources, evidence, and information relevant to a suspected violation.

“Canadian legislation and regulations prohibit vehicle manufacturers and importers from equipping a vehicle with a defeat device. If officers uncover sufficient evidence of violations, enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the Compliance and Enforcement Policy for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999).”

It is estimated that approximately 100,000 of these vehicles were sold in Canada and may be affected. While the device may hinder the effectiveness of a vehicle’s air pollutant control system, it is not a safety issue. If the investigation finds that an offence was committed by VW, the corporation could face a conviction on indictment at a maximum of $6 million for each offence.