Brampton Contractor Sentenced to 24 Days in Jail

December 9, 2010

Contractor convicted of unfair practices received 24 months probation  

Mr. Bradley Stewart, a general contractor in Brampton, Ontario, operating as B. Stewart Contracting was sentenced to 24 days in jail and 24 months probation on November 24, 2010 for violations of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.

Stewart was charged under the Consumer Protection Act after the Ministry of Consumer Services received complaints from four of his customers in the Greater Toronto area who, between November 2007 and August 2008, entered into direct sales contracts to renovate basements and/or effect repairs on their residences.

The customers paid deposits in instalments to Stewart ranging from $3,500 to over $21,000. Although three of the customers were supplied with some materials and work was begun, no further work was performed and the jobs were abandoned upon receipt of the last instalment.

After entering a guilty plea to all 11 charges, Stewart was sentenced to 24 days in jail, followed by 24 months probation with a condition that he make restitution totalling $33,500 and not accept up front deposits from customers before work is undertaken.

QUICK FACTS

• The Consumer Protection Act provides for fines of up to $250,000 for corporations and $50,000 for individuals convicted of offences. It also provides for jail terms of up to two years less a day for each offence. The act also empowers the court to make restitution to victims.

LEARN MORE

• Be a smart consumer. Know your rights. The Ministry of Consumer Services is here to help.  Call the Ministry’s Consumer Protection Branch, 1-800-889-9768 (toll free) or 416-326-8800.