Quebec appeal court upholds criminal negligence conviction

A Quebecer who was found guilty of criminal negligence causing the death of a passenger in a speed boat he was operating lost his bid to overturn his conviction after the Quebec Court of Appeal dismissed his argument that the victim’s death was caused by the boat’s faulty design.

In a 25-page unanimous ruling that examined the reach of incriminating statements made to police while not being detained and the actus reus and mens rea required for criminal negligence causing death, the appeal court held that the verdict was not unreasonable or tainted by an error of law. The appellant was ordered to serve his 32-month prison sentence.

Continue reading “Quebec appeal court upholds criminal negligence conviction”

Workplace injury leads to criminal charges

Nearly a year after a Quebec paving-stone company became the first Canadian company convicted of criminal negligence causing the death of an employee under the Criminal Code of Canada, a Montreal garage service manager was accused of two counts of criminal negligence causing injuries to two mechanics who were seriously burned after using a hand-crafted gas guzzler.

After holding a four-day preliminary hearing, Quebec Court Judge Jean Sirois held there was sufficient evidence to charge Mark Hritchuk, marking the first time an employee has been charged under new provisions of the Criminal Code.

Continue reading “Workplace injury leads to criminal charges”