TORONTO – Companies caught price-gouging on goods like masks and hand sanitizer will face stiff penalties under a new emergency order issued by Ontario premier Doug Ford. The premier encouraged citizens to report companies and individuals violating the rules with a new phone line and online reporting tool.
Ford announced large fines for companies significantly increasing prices on items necessary to protect against the spread of COVID-19 at a press conference Saturday. Those include masks and gloves, soap, disinfectants and other personal hygiene products, and non-prescription medications that treat symptoms of the virus.
"We are putting an end to those trying to profit off of one of the darkest periods in our province's history,” Ford said in a release. “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."
Corporations can be fined up to $10 million under the order, while company directors and officers face fines of up to $500,000 and up to a year in jail. Individual offenders can be ticketed with a $750 fine, or if convicted in court, penalties of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail.
Consumers can report an individual who is price gouging by filing a complaint at 1-800-889-9768 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or by filing a report online.
