Iqaluit, NU (May 3, 2023) – On May 2, 2023, the City of Iqaluit appeared in the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit and entered a guilty plea to an offence under the Safety Act.
The City pleaded guilty to a single count that it “did fail to take all reasonable precautions and adopt and carry out all reasonable techniques and procedures, to ensure the health and safety of every person in its establishment”, contrary to the Safety Act. They were issued a fine in the amount $50,000 to be paid to the Workers’ Protection Fund, plus a 5% Victim Fine Surcharge.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on July 16, 2021, at the city’s Maintenance Garage. A worker was performing maintenance and repairs on a wheelbarrow when a tire being inflated blew up and struck them on the face and arm causing injury.
On July 7, 2022, following an investigation, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) originally filed eight charges against the City of Iqaluit, in violation of the Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the remaining seven charges were withdrawn.
Sarah McLeod
Manager, Communications
T: (867) 920-3854