Ontario Contractor Faces Jail Time and $50,000 in Fines for Illegal Electrical Work

Aug 14, 2017

Performing electrical work without an electrical contractor’s licence and failing to apply for an electrical inspection has led to a five-day jail sentence and $50,000 in penalties for an Ontario contractor.

David John, who has been known to operate as Kenchiku Developments Inc. and Skookum Developments, was found guilty on two counts of working without an electrical contractor’s licence and two counts of failing to apply for an electrical inspection. The charges were related to illegal electrical work done in homes in Milton; specifically, the installation of interior and exterior pot lights.

The Justice of the Peace made clear in her sentencing that putting public safety at risk will not be tolerated. The severity of the fines and jail time sends a clear message that electrical work in Ontario must be done only with an electrical contractor’s licence and in compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

“Unfortunately it has become too common to see advertising on flyers, signs and online for electrical work particularly pot light installations,” says Scott Saint, Chief Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. “Homeowners need to know that electrical work done outside the law — even for something as commonplace as pot lights — is a safety risk if not done properly, and it’s illegal.”

“We are very pleased to see that the court has sent a strong message which we hope will deter others in the underground economy who consider working outside the law,” adds Saint.

Read more EIN articles about electrical offences:

• Unlicensed Electrical Contracting Company Convicted in Three Different Cities
• Electrical Worker Killed, Company Fined $110,000
• Fake U.K. Electrician Pleads Guilty to 11 Offences