Media Release: Government of the Northwest Territories pleaded guilty to a charge under the Northwest Territories Safety Act

5th Jun 2015

Yellowknife, NT (June 5, 2015) – On June 4, the Government of the Northwest Territories, as represented by the Department of Public Works and Services and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, appeared in the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories and pleaded guilty to a charge of non-compliance with Section 4(1)(b) of the Safety Act.

As an employer, the Government of the Northwest Territories failed to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of persons on a worksite.

This charge stemmed from an incident resulting in workers being exposed to asbestos at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife.

All other charges in the matter were withdrawn.

The Government of the Northwest Territories was sentenced to a fine of $100,000, plus a 15% Victim of Crime Surcharge and given 30 days to pay the fine.

It is important that all employers take all reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of all persons at work sites, including preventing exposure to dangerous materials.

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Kim Walker
Manager, Communications
T: (867) 920-3846
TF: (800) 661-0792 ext. 3846