Ontario International College and its director fined over $400,000 for failing to pay $185,000 in wages to 14 employees, court rules.
Toronto Private College and Director Hit with Major Fines Over Unpaid Wages
College and Director Face Court Action
A Toronto private college and its director are facing hefty penalties after failing to pay nearly $185,000 in wages owed to 14 employees. Ontario International College Inc., operating at 16 Wellebourne Crescent, and its director, Anchuan Jiang, were both named in a recent court bulletin from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Orders Ignored, Legal Action Follows
Between October 2019 and October 2020, employment standards officers issued orders to pay the outstanding wages. However, neither the college nor Jiang complied with these directives or sought a review, which is required under the Employment Standards Act2. The ministry escalated the matter, taking both the corporation and its director to court after continued non-compliance.
Court Delivers Guilty Verdicts and Stiff Fines
On March 28, the Provincial Offences Court in Toronto found both parties guilty on all counts. Justice of the Peace Ruby Wong imposed a $270,000 fine on Ontario International College Inc. and a $140,000 fine on director Anchuan Jiang. Notably, these fines are in addition to the wages still owed to the affected employees.
Additional Penalties and Victim Support
Both the college and its director were also ordered to pay a 25% victim fine surcharge, as mandated by the Provincial Offences Act. This surcharge will be directed to a provincial fund supporting victims of crime.
Prosecution and Broader Implications
The cases were prosecuted by Dave Simpson and Alexsis Qi on behalf of the province. This outcome underscores the Ontario government’s commitment to enforcing employment standards and ensuring workers receive their rightful compensation.
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