Blog Post #28 – Potash Corporation – Receives Maximum Penalty

The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan received the maximum penalty amount under the provincial health and safety legislation in connection with the death of miner, Robert Tkach, in September 2008. They were fined a total of $420,000 on March 15, 2010 after pleading guilty to one charge of failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of a worker, contrary to Section 3(a) of the Occupational Health & Safety Act. The fine includes the maximum penalty of $300,000 plus the maximum victim fine surcharge of $120,000.

The widow, Sylvia Tkach, says she is disappointed with the decision and believes that any fine amount needs to be greater in the province. “I don’t think they are high enough in Saskatchewan and they are not providing a deterrent,” she says. “It is not enough of a deterrent to change behaviours,” she argues.
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