Business director of Dutchies pleads guilty to Employment Standards Act offences [Video]

The business director of Dutchie’s Fresh Market, a Waterloo Region-based grocer, has pleaded guilty to more than a dozen offences.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour confirmed Tuesday that Michael Renkema plead guilty to 13 offences.

They relate to sections of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and, specifically, the failure to comply with an order or direction from the Ministry of Labour. The province cited section 132, contrary to section 103 and section 136 of the ESA.

Section 132 states anyone contravening the Act could face a maximum fine of $100,000 or up to 12 months imprisonment.

The ESA also sets out rules for corporations caught flouting the rules multiple times.

If a corporation has previously been convicted under the ESA, a second offence could result in a fine of up to $250,000. Fines for subsequent infractions could be as much as $500,000.

Section 136 of the ESA specifically addresses the liability …