The sentencing for Dutchie’s Fresh Market and its business director, Michael Renkema, has been delayed again. Renkema and Dutchie’s pleaded guilty to 13 Employment Standard Act violations in December 2024. Originally scheduled for March 4th, the hearing was rescheduled to allow Renkema time to make payments. On Friday, a joint submission from the Crown and defense asked for more time to ensure any remaining administrative fees could be paid. According to the legal teams, the payment orders owed to the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Finance have been paid, but it’s not clear if the administrative fees are still outstanding. Joanna Mullen is an employment lawyer with Waterloo Region Community Legal Services. She said this process has been productive for the 13 victims involved in this case. “The workers whose outstanding orders to pay were part of those charges, it’s my understanding that they have now been paid,” Mullen said. Mullen said she is concerned about other potential victims who have filed a claim not included in this particular case. “It has not stopped the behavior that is at the root of this, which is the wage theft that is happening for workers who are working for Dutchie’s Fresh Market,” Mullen said. “[The payment] is not enough to discourage this particular employer from continuing to engage in these practices.” CTV News has previously reported there have been 72 Employment Standard claims against Dutchie’s between April 2018 and April 2024. New information received from the Ministry of Labour said there are eight claims that were under investigation from April 2024 to April 2025. According to Mullen, prosecution appears to be the best way for former employees to get paid. “What that really tells us is that we need the Crown, we need the Ministry of Labor to continue to charge and go through these types of prosecutions. It really seems that is the only way these workers are going to get their money,” said Mullen. The sentencing hearing has been rescheduled for June 20th at 3:00 p.m. Michael Renkema did not wish to provide comment on this story.
