The trial of the company ArcelorMittal, which is accused of criminal negligence, continued on Tuesday at the Sept-Îles courthouse.
The day was dedicated to hearing a new motion before the meeting was adjourned to Monday. The public prosecutor's office has asked for permission to call two witnesses via video conference as part of a procedure to determine their recognition as experts.
Marc Bérubé reiterated that the use of the Teams software is suitable to give witnesses living in Pointe-Lebel on the north coast and Sainte-Julienne in Lanaudière the opportunity to testify remotely. The lawyer pointed out that this approach would be more practical and save money, both for the witnesses and for the Quebec government.
ArcelorMittal lawyer Michel Massicotte rejects this request. He reiterated that these were the most important witnesses in the case and that their physical presence was necessary.
Judge Vicky Lapierre will announce her decision later this week or next Monday, when the trial resumes with representations from lawyers on the question of the witnesses' identities. ArcelorMittal's lawyer will dispute the claims made in an affidavit in which employees say they are afraid to testify in a lawsuit against their employer.
At the same time as this criminal case, ArcelorMittal is the subject of a criminal complaint following a complaint filed by the CNESST, which investigated this matter. ArcelorMittal is accused of seriously endangering the health, safety and physical integrity of a worker who suffered serious injuries while lubricating a conveyor belt bearing at the Mount Wright mining complex. According to the CNESST investigation report, the danger had been known for five years.