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The charges relate to two separate CN train derailments that occurred on Feb. 14, 2015 near Gladwick, Ont., and March 7, 2015 near Gogama, Ont.

In total, the two derailments released more than 3.6 million litres of crude oil into the environment. Some of the oil reached area wetlands as well as Upper Kasasway Lake, the Makami River, and Minisinakwa Lake.

The two derailments occurred after a piece of railway track broke under the weight of the passing train. Federal enforcement officers concluded CN had failed to exercise due diligence in maintaining the tracks.

°µÍø½ûÇø and Climate Change Canada says as a result of this conviction, the company's name will be added to the federal °µÍø½ûÇøal Offenders Registry.

CN said in a statement Monday that it accepts responsibility for the spills. The company says it took a number of mitigation actions in the immediate aftermath of the spills, including working to contain and clean up the oil as well as providing continuous monitoring of groundwater, local drinking water, wildlife and air quality.

CN also says it employed local community members and Indigenous community members to help with creek, wetland and fish habitat restoration. The railway says it invested heavily in track infrastructure in the area in the aftermath of the derailments.

This report by °µÍø½ûÇø was first published July 22, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CNR)