P-30.01 - Petroleum Products Act

À jour au 10 décembre 2020

Ce document a valeur officielle.

chapter P-30.01

Petroleum Products Act

This Act was formerly entitled: “An Act respecting petroleum products and equipment”. The title of the Act was replaced by section 1 of chapter 10 of the statutes of 2005.

1997, c. 64, s. 1; 2005, c. 10, s. 1.

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

1997, c. 64, s. 2.

1. The objects of this Act are

(1)  to ensure the continuity and security of the petroleum products supply;

(2)  to ensure the quality of petroleum products and reduce the negative impacts on persons, property and the environment of manufacturing, distributing and using such products;

(3)  to ensure control of the sale price of petroleum products.

1987, c. 80, s. 1; 1996, c. 61, s. 137; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 2; 2020, c. 19, s. 60.

2. In this Act, “petroleum product” includes gasoline, diesel or biodiesel fuel, fuel ethanol, heating oil and any liquid hydrocarbon mixture determined by regulation of the Government.

1987, c. 80, s. 2; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 3.

3. This Act is binding on the Government, government departments and the bodies which are mandataries of the State.

1987, c. 80, s. 3; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 1999, c. 40, s. 326.

CHAPTER II STANDARDS REGARDING QUALITY AND IMPACTS

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 4; 2020, c. 19, s. 61.

4. Petroleum products must be manufactured and distributed in such a way as to ensure that, in normal conditions of use and when used as intended, they provide satisfactory levels of performance while minimizing the negative impacts on persons, property and the environment.

1987, c. 80, s. 4; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 5; 2020, c. 19, s. 62.

5. The Government may, by regulation, determine standards and specifications relating to any petroleum product and its components. Such standards and specifications may, in particular, include standards regarding their quality and impacts as well as prohibit or require the presence of certain elements in a petroleum product; they may also prescribe the acceptable quantity or proportion of such elements. The Government may also prescribe, subject to the conditions and procedure it determines, the setting up of a mechanism for the purchase and sale of credits to promote compliance with the standards and specifications determined by regulation. The Minister may determine the measurement methods and tools for the application of the standards and specifications.

A person who manufactures, distributes or sells a petroleum product must comply with the standards or specifications prescribed by regulation.

A regulation setting standards regarding environmental impacts and the integration of renewable fuels into gasoline and diesel may be made by the Government only following a joint recommendation by the minister responsible for the administration of this Act and the minister responsible for the administration of the Environment Quality Act (chapter Q‑2).

1987, c. 80, s. 5; 1994, c. 13, s. 15; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 6; 2016, c. 35, s. 18; 2020, c. 19, s. 63.

6. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 6; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

7. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 7; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

8. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 8; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

9. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 9; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

10. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 10; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

11. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 11; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

12. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 12; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

13. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 13; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

14. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 14; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 7.

15. No person may demolish a petroleum product manufacturing plant or any part thereof except with the prior authorization of the Minister and only on the conditions fixed by the Minister, if any.

1987, c. 80, s. 15; 1997, c. 64, s. 2.

CHAPTER III

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

DIVISION I

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

16. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 16; 1997, c. 43, s. 816; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

17. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 17; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

18. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 18; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

19. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 19; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1997, c. 43, s. 818; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

20. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 20; 1997, c. 43, s. 819; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

21. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 21; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1997, c. 43, s. 820; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

22. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 22; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1997, c. 43, s. 820; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

23. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 23; 1997, c. 43, s. 820; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

24. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 24; 1997, c. 43, s. 820; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

25. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 25; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1997, c. 43, s. 820; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

26. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 26; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1997, c. 43, s. 820; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

27. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 27; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

28. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 28; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

29. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 29; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 1999, c. 40, s. 326; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

30. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 30; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

31. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 31; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

32. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 32; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

33. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 33; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

34. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 34; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

DIVISION II

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

35. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 35; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

36. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 36; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

37. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 37; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

DIVISION III

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

38. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 38; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

39. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 39; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

40. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 40; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

41. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 41; 1996, c. 61, s. 138; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

42. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 42; 1996, c. 61, s. 138; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

43. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 43; 1996, c. 61, s. 138; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

44. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 44; 1996, c. 61, s. 138; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

45. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 45; 1996, c. 61, s. 138; 1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

46. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

47. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

48. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

49. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

50. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

DIVISION IV

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

51. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

52. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

53. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

54. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

55. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

56. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

DIVISION V

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

57. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

58. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

59. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

60. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

61. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

62. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

63. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

CHAPTER IV

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

64. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

65. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

66. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 2; 2005, c. 10, s. 8.

CHAPTER V ABUSIVE PRACTICES IN GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL SALES

1996, c. 61, s. 139; 1997, c. 64, s. 3.

67. Where, in a given zone, an enterprise sells gasoline or diesel fuel at retail for a price that is lower than the cost to a retailer in that zone of purchasing and reselling that product, the enterprise is presumed to be exercising its rights in an abusive and unreasonable manner, contrary to the requirements of good faith, and to have committed a fault against the retailer.

The court may condemn the enterprise having committed the fault to pay punitive damages.

For the purposes of the first paragraph,

(1)  the cost to the retailer is the sum of

(a)  the minimum price at the loading ramp published in the periodical designated by the Minister in a notice in the Gazette officielle du Québec;

(b)  the minimum transportation cost, that is, the cost to the retailer of conveying the product from the refinery to the service station by the most economical means of transportation;

(c)  the federal and provincial taxes;

(d)  the amount representing operating costs determined by the Régie de l’énergie under section 59 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’énergie (chapter R-6.01), unless the Régie decides otherwise;

(2)  a zone is the territory of a local municipality or a sale zone determined by the Régie de l’énergie, where that is the case.

1996, c. 61, s. 139; 1997, c. 64, s. 3.

CHAPTER VI PRICE CONTROLS

1997, c. 64, s. 4.

68. Where in its opinion such action is required in the public interest, the Government may fix, by an order in council, the maximum price at which a petroleum product may be sold or distributed.

The order in council may concern

(1)  one or several petroleum products;

(2)  the price or its components, except any component in relation to a duty or tax levied pursuant to any law of the Parliament of Canada;

(3)  all or part of the territory of Québec.

1987, c. 80, s. 46; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

69. Every contract concerning the sale or distribution of petroleum products that stipulates a higher price than that determined by an order in council shall be amended so as to bring the price stipulated in the contract into conformity with that fixed by the order in council.

The contract remains valid between the parties in every other respect.

1987, c. 80, s. 47; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

70. The Minister may, at any time, order any person to provide him with any required information concerning his sales or distribution of petroleum products other than gasoline and the prices, taxes and duties charged and paid therefor.

1987, c. 80, s. 48; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

71. Every person must comply with an order given by the Minister.

1987, c. 80, s. 49; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

72. No person may make a false or misleading statement or consent to such a statement in reply to an order given by the Minister.

1987, c. 80, s. 50; 1997, c. 64, s. 4; 2020, c. 19, s. 64.

73. No person may sell or distribute a petroleum product in Québec at a price higher than that determined by the order in council.

1987, c. 80, s. 51; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

74. No person may destroy, alter, mutilate or conceal a register, book of account or any other document relating to the sale or distribution of petroleum products.

1987, c. 80, s. 52; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

75. No person may make a false or misleading entry or consent to the making of such an entry.

1987, c. 80, s. 53; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

76. No person may omit to make an entry in a register or book of account or consent to the omission of such an entry.

1987, c. 80, s. 54; 1997, c. 64, s. 4.

CHAPTER VII

Repealed, 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

77. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

78. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

79. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

80. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

81. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

82. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

83. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

84. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

85. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

86. (Repealed).

1997, c. 64, s. 5; 2005, c. 10, s. 9.

CHAPTER VIII INSPECTION

1997, c. 64, s. 6.

87. The Minister shall appoint inspectors under the Public Service Act (chapter F-3.1.1), or authorize a personnel member of a government department or body or another natural person, by agreement, to ensure the enforcement of this Act and the regulations.

The provisions of this chapter that are applicable to inspectors are also applicable to persons authorized by the Minister under the first paragraph to ensure the enforcement of this Act. The same applies where inspection duties are assigned to the members of the personnel of a municipality as part of a pilot project conducted under the provisions of the Cities and Towns Act (chapter C-19) or the Municipal Code of Québec (chapter C-27.1), as amended by sections 2 and 44 of the Act to amend the Cities and Towns Act, the Municipal Code of Québec and other legislative provisions (1996, chapter 27).

1987, c. 80, s. 55; 1997, c. 64, s. 7; 2000, c. 8, s. 242; 2005, c. 10, s. 10.

88. To ascertain compliance with this Act and the regulations, an inspector may,

(1)  have access, at any reasonable time, to any place where petroleum products are located or where an activity governed by this Act and the regulations thereunder is carried on and inspect such place;

(1.1)  take photographs of the premises and of the petroleum products found on the premises;

(2)  take samples of any petroleum product with a view to having them analyzed;

(3)  examine and make copies of the registers, records and other documents relating to the activities and the petroleum products governed by this Act and the regulations thereunder;

(4)  require any information or document relating to the enforcement of this Act and the regulations thereunder;

(5)  require any person present on the premises to provide any reasonable assistance.

1987, c. 80, s. 56; 1997, c. 64, s. 8; 2005, c. 10, s. 11.

89. The inspector shall, on request, identify himself and produce a certificate of his quality signed by the Minister.

1987, c. 80, s. 57; 1997, c. 64, s. 9.

90. The Minister may ban the sale or use of a petroleum product not compliant with the standards prescribed by regulation based on the findings of an analysis report to that effect commissioned by an inspector.

1987, c. 80, s. 58; 1997, c. 64, s. 10; 2005, c. 10, s. 12.

91. The Minister shall lift the ban when satisfied that the petroleum product is once again compliant and that noncompliant residues of the product have been disposed of in keeping with the standards prescribed by regulation.

1987, c. 80, s. 59; 1997, c. 64, s. 11; 2005, c. 10, s. 13.

92. The inspector shall give the person in default a notice of correction specifying the irregularities ascertained and the time allowed to correct them.

If the holder of a permit or registration certificate fails to conform to the notice within the time allowed, the Minister may direct the carrying out of the corrective measures specified in the notice at the expense of the person in default.

1987, c. 80, s. 60; 1997, c. 64, s. 12; 2005, c. 10, s. 14.

93. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 61; 1997, c. 64, s. 13; 2005, c. 10, s. 15.

94. No person may hinder an inspector in the performance of his duties, mislead him by concealment or false statements or refuse to disclose to him information which he is entitled to obtain under this Act.

1987, c. 80, s. 62; 1997, c. 64, s. 13; 2020, c. 19, s. 64.

95. No inspector may be prosecuted for official acts performed in good faith in the performance of his duties.

1987, c. 80, s. 63; 1997, c. 64, s. 13.

CHAPTER IX REGULATORY POWERS

1997, c. 64, s. 14; 1997, c. 64, s. 14.

96. In addition to the regulatory powers provided for in the other provisions of this Act, the Government may, by regulation,

(1)  determine the methods, conditions and procedure for taking samples and analyzing petroleum products;

(2)  determine which provisions of a regulation are to be under the administration of the minister responsible for the Environment Quality Act (chapter Q-2);

(3)  require that all or part of a report, study or analysis required under this Act be transmitted to the minister responsible for the Environment Quality Act or to a municipality;

(4)  determine, among the provisions of a regulation, those whose violation constitutes an offence;

(5)  determine how the continuity and security of the petroleum products supply are to be ensured;

(6)  prescribe the transmission to the Minister or any other person or body, at the intervals and on the conditions the Minister determines, any information, statement or other document by a person governed by this Act or the regulations and prescribe the keeping of a register by such a person in the form and on the conditions the Minister determines.

No regulation may be made by the Government under subparagraph 2 or 3 of the first paragraph except on the joint recommendation of the minister responsible for the administration of this Act and the minister responsible for the administration of the Environment Quality Act (chapter Q-2).

1987, c. 80, s. 64; 1992, c. 61, s. 647; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 16; 2020, c. 19, s. 65.

97. The standards, specifications and fees determined by regulation may vary according to the petroleum product or its components and how, in which territories and by which class of persons they are used.

1987, c. 80, s. 65; 1990, c. 4, s. 947; 1996, c. 61, s. 140; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 17; 2020, c. 19, s. 66.

CHAPTER X PENAL PROVISIONS

1997, c. 64, s. 14.

98. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 66; 1990, c. 4, s. 947; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2020, c. 19, s. 67.

99. Anyone who contravenes any of the provisions of section 15 commits an offence and is liable to a fine in the amount of $5,000 to $125,000 in the case of a natural person and $10,000 to $250,000 in all other cases or in an amount corresponding to the cost to rebuild the petroleum product manufacturing plant, if the latter amount is higher.

1987, c. 80, s. 67; 1990, c. 4, s. 947; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2020, c. 19, s. 68.

100. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 68; 1990, c. 4, s. 947; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 18.

101. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 69; 1990, c. 4, s. 948; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 18.

102. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 70; 1990, c. 4, s. 948; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 18.

103. Anyone who

(1)  contravenes a provision of the second paragraph of section 5 or of one of sections 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 or 94,

(2)  in carrying out this Act and the regulations, enters false or misleading data in a register or a document or makes a false or misleading statement to the Minister or to any other person or body, or who participates in such entries or statements, or

(3)  contravenes a regulatory provision whose violation constitutes an offence

commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $5,000 to $125,000 in the case of a natural person and $10,000 to $250,000 in all other cases.

1987, c. 80, s. 71; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 19; 2020, c. 19, s. 69; I.N. 2020-12-10.

104. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 72; 1990, c. 4, s. 949; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 20.

105. (Repealed).

1987, c. 80, s. 73; 1992, c. 61, s. 648; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 20.

106. Despite section 103, the Government may set the minimum and maximum fines to which a person who contravenes a regulatory provision whose violation constitutes an offence is liable.

The maximum penalties under the first paragraph may not exceed those prescribed in section 103.

1987, c. 80, s. 74; 1992, c. 61, s. 648; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2020, c. 19, s. 70.

107. For any subsequent offence, the amount of the fine is doubled.

1987, c. 80, s. 75; 1992, c. 61, s. 648; 1997, c. 64, s. 14.

108. Where an offence has resulted in a financial gain for the offender, the applicable minimum and maximum fines shall be either the fines fixed for the offence under this Act, or the amount of the financial gain and twice the amount of the financial gain, whichever is higher.

1987, c. 80, s. 76; 1997, c. 64, s. 14.

109. The court may order an offender to remedy the failure for which he was convicted.

1987, c. 80, s. 77; 1996, c. 61, s. 141; 1997, c. 43, s. 821; 1997, c. 64, s. 14.

110. Where an offence referred to in section 99, 103 or 106 has continued for more than one day, it shall be counted as a number of offences equal to the number of days during which the offence has continued.

1987, c. 80, s. 78; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 21; 2020, c. 19, s. 71.

111. The directors, officers, representatives and employees of an enterprise or legal person who failed to take all reasonable steps, having regard to the circumstances, to prevent the commission of an offence, or who ordered, authorized, consented to or participated in the offence, are guilty of an offence and liable to the penalty prescribed for the offence, whether or not the enterprise or legal person has been prosecuted or convicted.

The same rule applies to a person who employs or retains the services of another person or enterprise to perform activities governed by this Act.

1987, c. 80, s. 79; 1997, c. 64, s. 14.

112. In any proceedings, a report relating to the analysis of a petroleum product, signed by an analyst recognized by the Minister, shall, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, be accepted as evidence of its content and of the authority of the person signing the report without further proof of appointment or signature.

The cost of such analysis shall form part of the costs of the offender.

1987, c. 80, s. 80; 1997, c. 64, s. 14.

113. Penal proceedings must be instituted within two years of the commission of an offence.

However, where a false or misleading statement is made to the Minister or an inspector, penal proceedings must be instituted within two years from the date on which the investigation record was opened or from the date on which the inspection which led to the discovery of the offence began.

The certificate of the Minister, investigator or inspector, as the case may be, indicating the date on which the investigation or inspection began constitutes, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, conclusive proof of such fact.

1987, c. 80, s. 81; 1997, c. 64, s. 14.

CHAPTER XI MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

1997, c. 64, s. 14.

114. The Minister may, by order, generally or specially and on the conditions he determines, delegate to any person or body the exercise of the powers and functions conferred on him by this Act and the regulations. The delegation comes into force on the date of its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date specified in the order.

1987, c. 80, s. 82; 1994, c. 13, s. 15; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2005, c. 10, s. 22; 2020, c. 19, s. 72.

114.1. For the purposes of paragraph 1 of section 1, the Minister may obtain access from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec to contact information for the holder of a permit for the use or operation of a petroleum equipment installation issued under the Building Act (chapter B-1.1) and to information on the capacity and characteristics of the petroleum equipment covered by the permit and the type of products used.

2005, c. 10, s. 23.

115. Interest shall be charged on any unpaid balance of fees payable under this Act at the rate determined under section 28 of the Tax Administration Act (chapter A-6.002). The interest is capitalized monthly.

1987, c. 80, s. 83; 1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2010, c. 31, s. 175.

116. The Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife is responsible for the administration of this Act.

1997, c. 64, s. 14; 2003, c. 8, s. 6; 2006, c. 3, s. 35.

The Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy exercises the functions of the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife. Order in Council 1113-2024 dated 17 July 2024, (2024) 156 G.O. 2 (French), 5361.

REPEAL SCHEDULE

In accordance with section 9 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes and regulations (chapter R-3), chapter P-29.1 of the Revised Statutes, in force on 1 August 2008, is repealed effective from the coming into force of chapter P-30.01 of the Revised Statutes.