The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has been granted the authority to charge any business or individual in violation of restrictions introduced by the federal and provincial governments in response to COVID-19.
Under the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, this includes enforcement of offences relating to the operation of a non-essential business and gatherings of five people or more, with some exceptions.
In addition, police have the authority to arrest those in non-compliance with the federal Quarantine Act at the request of a screening or quarantine officer.
“The OPP will continue to provide public safety services to the communities we serve and support the efforts of federal, provincial and local health authorities during the current situation involving COVID-19,” as stated in the press release. “We appreciate the public’s ongoing support of these measures.”
Those looking to file a report regarding non-compliance under the Quarantine Act can do so by contacting the Public Health Agency of Canada, their local police department or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Less serious incidents can be reported online by visiting opp.ca/reporting.
