Dutchie’s Fresh Market and its business director, Michael Renkema, have been sentenced after more than a year of allegations, protests, orders to pay and court delays.

Renkema plead guilty to 13 counts of wage theft under the Employment Standards Act in December 2024.

On Friday, a joint submission was filed by the Crown and lawyer for Dutchie’s and Renkema. It recommended a $25,000 fine for Dutchie’s as a corporation and an additional $7,500 for Renkema alone.

Justice Michael Cuthbertson agreed with that sentence.

He also decided Renkema and Dutchie’s would not have to pay any additional victim surcharges...

Renkema sent CTV News a statement on the day the sentence was delivered.

“We are deeply sorry for the lengthy process and burden this has been for all involved, especially the employees. Though the Gateway [Kitchener] location sustained losses in the millions, primarily due to poor workmanship of the refrigeration contractor, we understand we have obligations to our employees and our suppliers. It is our goal to continue to honor these obligations. We do thank customers who have supported us in honoring this goal. We will do better as we rebuild.”...