Record $2.4 Million Fine Imposed for Fatality at Excavation Pit

A truck driver was killed when a 15-metre-high wall of dirt and rock collapsed on him at an excavation pit. The prosecution argued that two related companies cut corners to complete the project and knew of the dangers associated with an improperly shored-up wall of the pit for about two months. The court convicted the companies of nine and three charges and fined them $1,437,500 and $1,035,000 respectively plus the 15% victim surcharges, for a record total fine of $2,472,500. But because the companies are now bankrupt, the chance of collecting the fines is remote. The owner of both companies faces 10 charges that are still pending [Perera Development Corp. and Perera Shawnee Ltd., Edmonton Journal, June 5, 2012].