Lions Group Inc. Fined $50,000 For Asbestos Violation

Whitby, Ont. - Lions Group Inc., a Caledon-based demolition company, was fined $50,000 on February 22 for an asbestos violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

On June 27, 2008, five Lions Group workers were demolishing a building in Whitby. Ministry of Labour inspectors attended the project that day. The inspectors found that workers were not protecting themselves from exposure to asbestos-containing material found in the partially demolished building.

Lions Group Inc. pleaded guilty under the OHSA to failing to ensure that the demolition of a building was carried out only when any asbestos-containing material that could be disturbed had been removed to the extent possible.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Jack Leblanc. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Court Information at a Glance

Location:                     Ontario Court of Justice

                                    605 Rossland Rd. E., Courtroom 103

                                    Whitby, Ont.

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Jack Leblanc

Date of Conviction:      February 22, 2010

Defendants:                 Lions Group Inc.

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                 Ontario Regulation 278/05, Section 6(1)

Crown Counsel:         Courtney Harris

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