News release

Nova Scotia Welcomes Liability Law

Justice

Criminal Code changes that were prompted in large measure by the Westray tragedy, take effect across Canada today, March 31, making organizations and their senior officers liable for criminal acts related to workplace safety.

"Nova Scotians applaud Bill C-45," said acting Justice Minister Ernest Fage. "These are important Criminal Code changes that hold organizations accountable to the public interest. We support these practical, progressive changes in the law, and we're glad to see them take effect today."

Under the federal legislation, there is now an explicit legal duty among those who have responsibility for directing the work of others to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm or fatal injuries among workers.

Mr. Fage said Nova Scotia is taking a proactive approach to the implementation of Bill C-45. The province brought together the key players who are often called to investigate accidents in the workplace.

Several provincial departments are working with the Public Prosecution Service, RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, Workers' Compensation Board and Human Resources Development Canada, to make sure staff are aware of the new law and to ensure that they are working together on common approaches to investigations.

Bill C-45 increases the maximum fine for lesser (summary conviction) offences. The old fine was $25,000; the new fine is $100,000. For more serious (indictable) offences, there is no limit on the fine that can be imposed by the courts.

The federal government has published a plain language guide to Bill C-45 on the website at canada.justice.gc.ca/en/dept/pub/c45/index.html .