Regional Home Improvement Group Fined $2,850
September 3, 2009
Offender must repay $4,500 to consumer
Hamilton Provincial Offences Court has sentenced Jason Dennis of Regional Home Improvement Group Inc. to 30 days in jail for misrepresentation, using deficient contracts and failing to provide refunds required under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.
Dennis’ sentence was handed down on July 22, 2009 and included fines of $2,850 and an order to repay $4,500 in restitution owed to a consumer. The court further ordered that he not enter into contracts directly with any consumer for two years.
In December 2007, a Hamilton-area homeowner contracted Dennis for roof re-shingling. Work was promised to be completed in one week and a $4,500 deposit paid. Despite ongoing assurances, work never commenced and in January 2008 the shingles were removed from the consumer’s property. In January 2008 the consumer cancelled the contract, but was denied a deposit refund. In Ontario, it is an offence to withhold a refund to which a consumer is legally entitled.
Quick Facts
- The Consumer Protection Act imposes fines of up to $250,000 for corporations and $50,000 for individuals convicted of infractions. It also provides for jail terms of two years less a day on each offence. The act also empowers courts to order offenders to pay compensation or make restitution to victims.
Learn More
- Know your rights. Call the Consumer Protection Branch (416) 326-8800 in the GTA, toll-free at 1-800-889-9768.
- E-mail consumer@ontario.ca to get help.
