GARAGE OWNER JAILED SEVEN DAYS FOR OBSTRUCTING MINISTRY INSPECTORS

    BURLINGTON, ON, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - The owner of Ace Automotive, an

automobile repair business in Oakville, Ont., was sentenced to seven days in

jail and six months probation on September 21, 2005 for preventing Ministry of

Labour inspectors from conducting a routine inspection, contrary to the

Occupational Health and Safety Act.

    On January 9, 2003, two Ministry of Labour inspectors arrived at Ace

Automotive to conduct a routine, unannounced inspection of the premises. The

owner of the business prevented the inspectors from entering the workplace, as

is required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The owner was verbally

abusive and intimidating toward the inspectors.

    The owner was convicted on May 3, 2005 for obstructing an inspector,

contrary to Section 62(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

    Justice of the Peace Lina Mills of the Ontario Court of Justice in

Burlington, imposed the sentence of seven days in jail and six months

probation.