Police have authority to issue $2,000 violation tickets to people who are price gouging and reselling medical supplies and other essential goods in B.C. during the pandemic. (File photo)

Osoyoos Times Staff

Police have been given the authority to issue $2,000 violation tickets for price gouging and the reselling of medical supplies and other essential goods in B.C. during the pandemic.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth made the announcement today under the provincial state of emergency.

“These orders are not suggestions, they are the law,” said Farnworth. “These measures will provide enforcement officers and police agencies the ability to enforce the law on these criminal acts and despicable practices, like the reselling of medical supplies and price gouging.”

If required, police and other enforcement officers will also be able to actively enforce and ticket those who exceed the quantity limits on the sale of specified items; and those who do not comply with the requirement for hotel and other lodging operators to provide accommodation (at the request of the province) to serve as self-isolation facilities or to support essential workers.

The Province is also working with Consumer Protection BC (CPBC) to keep British Columbians safe from businesses and individuals who are trying to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic. CPBC will be the first and main point of contact for all complaints related to price gouging of essential goods and supplies.

These measures are in concert with the federal government’s announcement that allows local and provincial police forces to issue tickets to returning travellers who do not comply with the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days under the federal Quarantine Act.

To report provincial health order violations, contact your local government. Local governments can dispatch bylaw and other compliance officers to follow up on concerns and report appropriately to public health.

To report concerns around price gouging, visit: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/report-price-gouging/