The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail announced Thursday that it had issued 11 offence reports to nine Dollarama locations in Quebec "for failure to comply with health measures." 

The announcement comes after the CNESST visited 68 Dollarama stores in the province. The commission also issued 124 "correction notices."

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9 Dollarama locations received offence reports

The nine Dollarama locations are in the Gaspésie, Yamaska, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Valleyfield, Saguenay and Capitale-Nationale regions and areas.

In a statement shared with MTL Blog, a Dollarama spokesperson said that "since the beginning of the pandemic, Dollarama has implemented COVID-19 protocols in all its stores that are in line with public health directives, and regularly reviews these with its employees."

The spokesperson said the company is "both surprised and disappointed to have been targeted in such a manner, especially since we are in regular communication with the CNESST and that in the last several weeks neither their concerns nor these fines were brought to our attention."

"CNESST inspectors ensure that workplaces have implemented and apply the preventive measures required to protect the health and safety of everyone," the commission said in a statement on its website.

"Failing this, CNESST requires the correction of hazardous situations and issues statements of offence to offenders."

"The government wants to send a clear message: health guidelines must be followed by all workplaces to contain the pandemic," Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity Jean Boulet added.

"In all workplaces, large and small, we must remain vigilant. No one is above the law. The protection of the vulnerable and the proper functioning of our health care system are at stake."