Ottawa, Ontario – The recent sentencing of Eastway Tank, Pump, and Meter owner Neil Greene has left some critics feeling that the punishment does not adequately reflect the seriousness of the tragedy that unfolded two years ago. The company faced charges related to an explosion that took the lives of six workers in January 2022.
Justice Mitch Hoffman accepted a joint submission from legal representatives on both sides, resulting in fines and fees totaling $850,000 for Eastway and Greene. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the message it sends to the victims’ families and the wider community.
In response to the ruling, Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa and District Labour Council, noted the significance of the lives lost in the tragic event and expressed concerns about whether the penalties were proportional to the offense. The explosion claimed the lives of Rick Bastien, Etienne Mabiala, Danny Beale, Kayla Ferguson, Russell McLellan, and Matt Kearney.
The agreed statement of facts revealed that the blast was caused by contaminated diesel testing fuel being used in the wet test. Eastway and its owner were originally charged with six counts under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, ultimately pleading guilty to specific failures related to fuel storage and handling procedures.
The company was fined $600,000, while Greene faced an $80,000 penalty, in addition to victim surcharge fees, bringing the total penalty to $850,000. Despite the historic nature of the fine, critics argue that the repercussions still do not align with the significant loss of life and injury resulting from the explosion.
During the court proceedings, Greene’s lawyer acknowledged the immense grief experienced by the victims’ families and highlighted Greene’s remorse and lack of prior convictions. The judgment took into account several factors, including character references depicting Greene as a dedicated family man and employer.
Moving forward, the debate over the adequacy of the penalty in relation to the tragic incident continues, with some calling for more significant consequences to reflect the gravity of the situation. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for accountability in preventing future tragedies.