‘No more Westrays’

Bill C-45, also known as the “corporate killing” bill, passes into law

The House of Commons has passed Bill C-45 — also known as the corporate killing law — in a move that union leaders are hailing as a victory for workers.

The federal government passed the bill on Oct. 27. It is an amendment to the Criminal Code that will hold organizations, including corporations, criminally liable for the acts of their representatives that endanger their workforce. It also establishes a legal duty for all persons directing work (officers, directors, partners and employees) to take reasonable steps to ensure worker safety.

Lawrence McBrearty, national director for the United Steelworkers union, called the legislation a true victory for the working people.

“Our union has fought long and hard for this legislation to hold corporations, their executives and directors criminally accountable for deliberately putting workers’ lives at risk,” said McBrearty.

The Westray coal mine disaster in Stellarton, N.S., that killed 26 workers on May 9, 1992, was a driving force behind the Steelworkers’ push to have the bill passed.

“I am deeply proud of our members and everyone who supported our efforts,” he said. “While their loved ones will be forever remembered for the terrible tragedy that killed them, the families of the Westray miners can also be proud of the fact that there will be no more Westrays.”

In an earlier interview with Canadian HR Reporter, Kevin Flaherty, executive director of the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre, a non-profit group based in Edmonton, said jail time might serve as a wake-up call for executives and business owners.

“If we had to send a couple of people like that to jail, even for a little while, I think it sends a big message because it’s such a violation of their own culture,” he said. “If you’re a petty criminal, you know you’re probably going to get caught eventually. But when you’re a corporate executive or a business owner, it’s a lot harder to look your colleagues in the eye when you’ve been sent to the big house.”

For more information about this legislation, click on the related articles link below.

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