The company that employed an apprentice plumber who was killed on the job in a trench collapse will not face criminal charges, CBC News has learned.

Liam Johnston, 27, died in June 2023 while doing sewer repairs in the northwest community of Charleswood.

In May, Mr. Mike’s Plumbing was charged with 11 offences under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.

On Thursday, the company pleaded not guilty, and trial dates for those charges were set for June and July 2026.

Liam Johnston died on the job at 27. His loved ones want to see change and accountability

“The not guilty plea is not unexpected but still frustrating,” said Johnston’s girlfriend, Emily Gofton, after the court appearance.

“I think that they have notoriously hid from the truth of the matter from the day Liam

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