RCMP to investigate death of Cargill worker from COVID-19

The first COVID-19 criminal probe of its kind in Canada. Alberta RCMP are reviewing a complaint filed in connection to the death of a Cargill meat plant employee, killed by the coronavirus in early May. Jonathan Muma reports.

ALDERSYDE (660 NEWS) – For the first time, Canadian police are investigating the death of a worker due to COVID-19.

In April 2020, 51-year-old Benito Quesada was hospitalized with COVID-19 and died on May 7.

He was a worker at Cargill’s meat plant outside High River.

Quesada’s 16-year-old daughter has since filed a police complaint asking the RCMP to investigate the potential of criminal negligence in the death of her father.

WATCH: Alberta’s Cargill meat packing plant reopens after 2 week coronavirus shutdown

The complaint alleges the company failed to provide adequate personal protective equipment, proper distancing measures weren’t in place on the line, lunchrooms were overcrowded, and workers who didn’t show up because of fear over the virus were temporarily laid off.

The union representing workers at the Cargill plant issued a statement saying it fully supports the Quesada family in filing the complaint.

“The Quesada family has suffered an unimaginable loss. They are courageously taking this step in an effort to seek justice for Benito, asking the R.C.M.P. to investigate the possibility of criminal negligence in Benito’s death.

“As a criminal matter, the outcome of the Quesada family’s complaint is in the hands of RCMP. and the Crown. Benito’s death was a tragedy. As a union shop steward, Benito stood up for his coworkers every day. The best way we can honour Benito is to stand by his family as they stand up for him.

“As Benito’s union, we will continue to stand in solidarity with his family and all workers who face the threat of COVID-19 in their workplaces.”

The Cargill facility closed for two weeks in April following an outbreak that resulted in 951 employees testing positive for the novel coronavirus.

A total of three deaths were linked to the outbreak.

In July a class-action lawsuit was filed against Cargill Ltd. claiming the meat-packing company failed to take reasonable precautions to protect its workers during the pandemic.

The lawsuit sought damages for harm done to family members, friends and other people who were in close contact with other employees who contracted the virus.

The RCMP investigation is in its preliminary stages.

-With files from The Canadian Press

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