I think this one got under the radar screen and wasn’t picked up by the media here or in Canada but the Beast of Bentonville got slapped by the Canadians a few weeks ago. Here’s the press release from Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board:

Wal-Mart to pay fines totalling $500,000 for multiple Workplace Safety and Insurance Act violations.
Toronto (February 9, 2005) – Wal-Mart Canada Corp. (of 1940 Argentia Rd.,
Mississauga) has pleaded guilty to 25 charges of failing to notify the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) within three days of learning of injuries to its workers.

These are violations under Section 152(3) of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

Wal-Mart was fined a total of $500,000, and ordered by operation of statute to pay a Victim Fine Surcharge of $125,000 by the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. The matter proceeded by way of an Agreed Statement of Facts and a Joint Submission as to Sentence, and the fine and surcharge must be paid by February 28, 2005.

“People who fail to comply with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, are undermining the effective operation of Ontario’s workplace safety and insurance system,” said Wayne Pushka, Director, WSIB Security and Investigations Branch. “By prosecuting these offences, the WSIB is helping to ensure a fair and effective workplace safety and insurance system and safe and healthy workplaces for all Ontarians.”

Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) plays a key role in the province’s occupational health and safety system. The WSIB administers no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers and is committed to the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses. The WSIB provides disability benefits, monitors the quality of healthcare, and assists in early and safe return to work for workers who are injured on the job or contract an occupational disease.”

The lawlessness of Wal-Mart continues.