Manitoba Plans Substantial Hikes in Safety Violation Fines

Safety Violation Fine Hikes

Manitoba Labour Minister Jennifer Howard has introduced legislation to boost fines levied for workplace health and safety breaches.

“These amendments will substantially increase the fine levels under the (Workplace Safety and Health) Act to better reflect the serious nature of violating laws that protect workers,” she says.

Manitoba’s current fines for occupational health and safety violations are among Canada’s lowest, remaining the same since 1997. The current maximum fine under the Workplace Safety and Health Act is $150,000 for the first offence and $300,000 for a second or subsequent offence.

Acting on a recommendation from the Minister’s Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health, the Manitoba government intends to increase maximum fine levels to $250,000 for a first offence and $500,000 for a second or subsequent offence.”