Crooked contractor charged with defrauding seniors in Alberta

The Alberta government has laid charges against an unlicensed pre-paid contractor for violations of the province’s consumer protection legislation. Kenneth Gliddon faces several charges for allegedly misleading a senior citizen by asking for money up front and completing little or no work.

“Seniors are particularly vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors,” said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk. “That’s why we have clear rules for contractors that protect consumers and we work hard to enforce them. Before hiring a contractor, it’s important to do some homework and make sure you’re are dealing with a reputable contractor.”

Gliddon is charged with three offences under the Fair Trading Act and two under the criminal code as a result of a complaint from an Alberta senior. He is charged with fraud under $5,000, theft under $5,000, operating as a prepaid contractor without a provincial licence, using a prepaid contract that does not meet regulatory requirements, and misleading or deceiving a consumer. The allegations have not been proven in court. 

Gliddon has a long record of complaints from consumers dating back to 1990 and has a criminal record for several of the complaints. Past complaints indicate he primarily targets senior citizens, allegedly asking them for money to buy materials but then doing minimal work, if any, and often asking for additional money later.

Contractors who take money up front and negotiate a job away from a normal place of business must be licensed as a prepaid contractor with the Alberta government and post a security.

Contracts must contain information such as the name and phone number of the contractor, itemized prices of goods and services, the completion date and a statement of consumers’ cancellation rights.