Grant’s Law

Grant De Patie’s death prompted his family, in collaboration with the BC Federation of Labour, to advocate for new safety regulations for late-night workers. These efforts led to the creation of “Grant’s Law” in early 2008, which was the first of its kind in Canada. The law initially required “pay before you pump” at gas stations to prevent “gas and dash” incidents, and mandated better safety protocols for all late-night retail workers, including those in convenience stores. It also included requirements for training for new and young workers, hazard assessment, and either two staff members on night shifts or a physical barrier between clerks and customers.

However, in 2012, some of the protections in Grant’s Law were “watered down” due to pressure from large convenience store companies and other employers. Employers were then allowed to implement alternative measures like time-lock safes, cameras, and panic buttons, which focused more on protecting money and products rather than workers.

The booklet highlights that young and new workers face the highest risk of injury at work due to lack of training, inexperience, and pressure. In response to the weakening of Grant’s Law, the BC Federation of Labour’s young workers’ committee began “Grant’s Law sit-ins” to raise awareness about the risks to late-night workers and gather petition signatures to reinstate the full force of the law.

Grant’s family continues to advocate for the adoption of “Grant’s Law” in other provinces, with success in Alberta in 2017 after a similar gas and dash fatality led to pay-at-the-pump legislation. The story of Grant De Patie inspires young workers to fight for improved workplace safety.

This article was written to coincide with the unveiling of a heritage plaque in 2018 remembering Grant, and the laws to protect similar workers. The plaque is located along Dewdney Trunk Road at 248 Street in Maple Ridge, BC.