Syncrude to make constitutional challenge over duck deaths charges

Hanneke Brooymans, June 10, 2009, Edmonton Journal, SHERWOOD PARK - Syncrude wants to challenge the federal government's constitutional right to charge the company on the tailings pond ducks deaths last year.

Both the federal and provincial Crown prosecutors and the company agreed Wednesday in provincial court to meet again on Sept. 16 to tell the court when they want to argue the constitutional matter - before or after a trial.

Syncrude has not entered any pleas yet but if the matter does go to trial, three months of court time have been reserved starting March 1 next year in St. Albert.

The parties agreed to move the trial from Fort McMurray because there was no courtroom time avaialable there for a lengthy trial.

The company is facing charges under both federal and provincial legislation for failing to prevent the deaths of the 1,600 waterfowl that landed and perished on a tailings pond last spring.