Canadian Navigable Waters Act

Marginal note:Powers of Minister

16 If, in the opinion of the Minister,

• (a) the navigation of any navigable water over which Parliament has jurisdiction is obstructed, impeded or rendered more difficult or dangerous by reason of the wreck, sinking, partial sinking, lying ashore or grounding of any vessel or part thereof or other thing,

• (b) by reason of the situation of any wreck, vessel or part thereof or other thing so lying, sunk, partially sunk, ashore or grounded, the navigation of any such navigable water is likely to be obstructed, impeded or rendered more difficult or dangerous, or

• (c) any vessel or part thereof, wreck or other thing cast ashore, stranded or left on any property belonging to Her Majesty in right of Canada is an obstacle or obstruction to such use of that property as may be required for the public purposes of Canada,

the Minister may cause the wreck, vessel or part thereof or other thing to be removed or destroyed, in such manner and by such means as the Minister thinks fit, if the obstruction, obstacle, impediment, difficulty or danger continues for more than twenty-four hours.