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An Alberta provincial court judge has fined two companies responsible for the death of a toddler crushed by falling building materials.
The seemingly low amount of the fine - $15,000 - is because the circumstances of the accident fall under a general provincial safety statute rather than occupational health and safety legislation.
"I think there is no amount of money that will appease someone who has lost a three-year-old child," said Calgary Construction Association executive vicepresident Dave Smith.
"It's a no-win situation in terms of the judge's decision."
Provincial Court Judge Gerry Meagher levied the maximum $15,000 penalty against Flynn Canada and Germain Residences for violating the Alberta Safety Code Act in connection with the death in 2009 of Michelle Krsek. The companies will also pay a $2,250 surcharge.
A charge against a third company, Grenville Germain Calgary Ltd., was withdrawn.
All three companies had previously pleaded not guilty...