A Renfrew, Ont., contractor has been sentenced to 71 days in jail and his company fined $90,000 for making deceptive claims and failing to refund customers.

Phil Slobodzian and his company PSC New Home Construction Inc. were found guilty of:

engaging in unfair practices by making false, misleading or deceptive consumer representation.

failing to provide consumers with a direct agreement containing information required under the Consumer Protection Act.

failing to refund consumers within 15 days of being given notice of cancellation of their consumer agreements.

The Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services pursued charges against Slobodzian after receiving numerous complaints he failed to perform the work or removed existing shingles and siding and failed to deliver new materials.

Slobodzian was the subject of a series of reports by CBC Ottawa after customers complained he took their money and then either failed to show up to carry out the work, or did a poor job.

Slobodzian also drew the ire of fellow contractors, some of whom claim he subcontracted them to do work and then never paid them.