WorkSafeBC Notice of Appeal
Richmond, B.C. — On February 26, 2016, the Supreme Court of British Columbia rejected WorkSafeBC's application for a finding that Seattle Environmental Consulting Ltd, Mike Singh and Shawn Singh, are in contempt of an earlier order of the court, which requires that they abide by the Workers Compensation Act (Act) and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (Regulation). Section 198(1)(d) of the Workers Compensation Act specifically empowers the court to order compliance with the Act and Regulation.
Although WorkSafeBC presented compelling evidence of breaches of the Act and Regulation following the earlier court order, the court was not prepared to find the Respondents in contempt of court because of concerns regarding the broad scope of the earlier order and the fact that the Regulation is "voluminous."
Although written reasons for judgment have not yet been provided by the court, on March 3, 2016, WorkSafeBC will file a Notice of Appeal to protect its right to appeal the decision. WorkSafeBC shall be asking the British Columbia Court of Appeal for clarity regarding the scope of the court's injunction powers under s. 198 of the Act and the ability of the court to enforce those powers.
Contact:
Scott McCloy
Director, Government, Community & Media Relations
Tel: 604.276.3141
Cell: 604.880.9164
Email: Scott.McCloy@worksafebc.com