Charges laid under the Water Act

Aqua is alleged to have contravened multiple terms and conditions of its licence. Both Aqua (the corporation) and Robert Rettie (the individual) are alleged to have failed to provide required information, and provided false or misleading information to Alberta Environment and Parks.

The corporation is facing nine charges:

• seven charges for contravening term(s) or condition(s) of a licence – Section 142(1)(e) of the Water Act
• one charge for providing false or misleading information – Section 142(1)(a) of the Water Act
• one charge for failing to provide information, data, or records as required – Section 142(1)(b) of the Water Act

The individual is facing one charge:

• providing false or misleading information – Section 142(1)(a) of the Water Act

Offences under these sections of the Water Act are subject to a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or up to $500,000 for a corporation.

The first court date is scheduled for September 19, 2022.

Quick facts

• Alberta’s Water Act supports and promotes the conservation and management of water in Alberta.
• The Water Act addresses Albertans’ rights to divert water, the types of instruments and decision-making processes available for diversion and use of water, and enforcement measures available to ensure the goals of the act are met.