Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced new penalties for price-gouging on goods consumers need for protection against COVID-19. Ford made the announcement as part of his daily briefing.
The Province will enact an emergency order effective immediately that retail businesses and individuals in Ontario cannot charge unfair prices for necessary goods. Goods include:
- Masks and gloves used as personal protective equipment in relation to infections.
- Non-prescription medications for the treatment of the symptoms of the coronavirus.
- Disinfecting agents intended for cleaning and disinfecting objects or humans.
- Personal hygiene products, including soap products and paper products.
“We are putting an end to those trying to profit off of one of the darkest periods of our province’s history. If you’re engaging in price gouging on necessary goods, we are going to slap you with a ticket or you could face fines or jail time.
Penalties for individuals violating the order range from a $750 ticket to a $100,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail. Corporations could face up to a $10 million. The province has set up a complaint line at: 1-800-889-9768 open 8:30 am-5pm Monday-Friday. Or they can file a report online
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