Blog Post #506 – Langtry Lawn Care Fined $17,000 for Ignoring Orders to Pay

Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s “Newsroom’

Ryan Langtry, operating as Langtry Lawn Care, an Ottawa lawn care business, was fined $17,000 for violations of the Employment Standards Act after ignoring orders to pay employees.

Between May 2009 and January 2011, the Ministry of Labour received claims from 13 employees of Langtry Lawn Care for unpaid wages. An employment standards officer determined that the employees were owed a total of $10,450.90 and issued 13 Orders to Pay. Mr. Langtry did not comply with the orders.

After a trial, Ryan Langtry, operating as Langtry Lawn Care, was found guilty of 13 counts of failing to comply with an Order to Pay. He was fined $17,000 for ignoring orders and ordered to pay back the wages still owed.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Linda Pearson. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

My opinion

The law(s) in contravention:

Ryan Langtry was found guilty of a contravention of section 103 sub-section 8, of the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA)which states,

“Every employer against whom an order is issued under this section shall comply with it according to its terms.”

Can you believe, in this day and age, someone not paying his/her employees when the work has been completed? Can you believe, in this day and age, someone deliberately withholding funds?

The above scenario happens more often than one might imagine. The Employment Standards Act protects the workers in many ways including the right to be paid for services rendered.

I wonder how long it took for the workers to finally have been paid.

It is stupid for an employer to think he/she can get away with this. That is why the $17,000 fine is appropriate in the circumstances.

Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’, ‘Employment Standards’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Foundation Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.