TORONTO — Two Quebec-based representatives of a caulking service were recently convicted of two counts under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act relating to a contract they supplied that did not meet regulations.
Francis Lizotte and Steve Pasztor of Orleans Caulking based in Thurso, Que. pleaded guilty to and were convicted of two counts of providing a contract that did not comply with the regulations of the act.
The men were convicted Aug. 31.
A media statement noted that Justice of the Peace Louisette Girault ordered Lizotte, as the sole proprietor of Orleans Caulking, to pay $10,000 in restitution to one consumer and $7,000 to another.
Pasztor, an employee of Orleans Caulking, was fined $500.
Lizotte and Pasztor were also placed on probation for two years.
The consumers, who were seniors, lived in Orleans, Ont. Pasztor signed agreements with two households to do repair work. In both cases, the consumers paid the company in advance. One consumer disputed the quality of the work performed. The second consumer claimed the work was not completed.
The statement indicated Orleans Caulking provided contracts that did not indicate the consumers’ right to cancel the agreement nor the dates for beginning or completing the work.
The ministry statement informs consumers they are advised not to feel pressured to sign an agreement at the door or to pay in full before work is completed. To protect themselves, consumers are reminded to visit the ministry’s Consumer’s Beware List before entering into a contract with any company, and to visit Consumer Protection Ontario for tips on how to safely enter into a contract.
Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act provides for fines of up to $250,000 for corporations per charge and $50,000 per charge for individuals convicted of offences.
It also provides for jail terms of up to two years less a day for each offence for individuals.
The act empowers the court to order offenders to pay compensation or make restitution to victims.
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