Court orders former cannabis exec to reimburse Quebec hospital network over sale of faulty respirator masks during onset of COVID-19Michael Caridi defrauded one of Quebec’s largest hospital networks during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by selling millions of dollars’ worth of substandard respirator masks, an Ontario judge has ruled.
John Pirie, a lawyer for the hospital network, said: “Our client is pleased with this trial result. We are mindful that related proceedings are ongoing and we have no further comment at this time.”During the trial, Justice Wilton-Siegel found Mr. Caridi provided inconsistent testimony. Throughout the entire pretrial period and through the trial itself, Mr. Caridi’s position was that CHU had contracted for KN95 masks that were manufactured to NIOSH standards rather than NIOSH-certified N95 masks.
“Caridi did not offer any explanation for this change of position,” the decision said. “Further, in his testimony, he sought to maintain both positions.” Justice Wilton-Siegel’s decision said Mr. Caridi personally received at least US$1.1-million from the money paid by the hospital network.