Halton police ramp up COVID-19 compliance enforcement with new powers
Published April 2, 2020 at 12:41 pm
The Halton Regional Police Service says it will be actively enforcing the new provincial laws regarding self-isolation to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The Halton Regional Police Service says it will be actively enforcing the new provincial laws regarding self-isolation to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
On March 17, the Province of Ontario declared a provincial emergency through the authority granted under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).
Those being charged with an offence under the EMCPA will be required to identify themselves if asked by all law enforcement.
“We are fighting an invisible threat to our health and our way of life—we all need to work together and take action now,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “I can’t stress enough how important it is that everyone take direction from Public Health seriously. Thank you to all those who are taking action to help flatten the curve and for those who haven’t, you need to start now. We are all in this together.”
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Member’s of the public looking to report an incident of non-compliance with the emergency orders can contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline at 905-825-4722.
The enforceable orders that fall within the authority of the Halton Regional Police Service, the municipal by-law officers, and Conservation Halton officers include:
- Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses
- Prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people
- Closure of public places and establishments
- Closure of all outdoor recreational amenities and parks
Failing to identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply with an order made under the EMCPA or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket.
“These are unprecedented times. It is incumbent on every member of our community to do their part now to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner.
“The emergency orders that have been put in place by the provincial government are there for our collective protection. Our expectation is that residents will step up, comply with these measures, and contribute meaningfully to flatten the curve”.
Failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.
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