Ferruginous Hawk Wikimedia CC License
DND fined for destroying hawk nest at CFB Suffield, but most of the money just circles back to Ottawa
CALGARY — The federal government has fined itself $10,000 after the Department of National Defence (DND) pleaded guilty to destroying a threatened ferruginous hawk nest at Canadian Forces Base Suffield in southern Alberta.
In what could be described as a “Blackhawk down” moment, $9,500 of the fine will go to Ottawa’s own Environmental Damages Fund and the remaining $500 to the Receiver General of Canada.
Environment and Climate Change Canada said its officers launched an investigation in April 2024 after a report of nest materials, eggs and heavy equipment tracks on the ground of a fallen nest platform. Officials determined that DND crews had used heavy machinery to remove fencing at the base, inadvertently destroying an active nest and three eggs.
The ferruginous hawk, the largest hawk in North America, is listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act. Federal officials estimate Canada’s population at between 3,000 and 4,000 mature birds.
The incident occurred despite DND’s own internal policies meant to protect wildlife on its lands.
The Environmental Damages Fund, which will receive most of the money, directs fines and penalties to projects that repair or benefit the environment in the region where the harm occurred.
Comments