Pesticides Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, Pesticides Act

Pesticides Act

R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER P.11

Historical version for the period December 31, 2019 to April 30, 2020.

Last amendment: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43-53.

Legislative History: 1993, c. 27, Sched.; 1994, c. 27, s. 117; 1997, c. 37, s. 5; 1998, c. 35, s. 77-102 (But see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006); 2000, c. 22, s. 3; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (But see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006); 2001, c. 17, s. 6; 2002, c. 4, s. 66; 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 22; 2006, c. 19, Sched. K, s. 4; 2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129; 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 46; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109; 2008, c. 11; 2009, c. 19, s. 71; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 2, s. 58; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9; 2017, c. 2, Sched. 11, s. 5; 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2; 2018, c. 3, Sched. 5, s. 46 (But see 2019, c. 1, Sched. 3, s. 5); 2019, c. 1, Sched. 4, s. 44; 2019, c. 7, Sched. 17, s. 141; 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43-53.

CONTENTS

1.

Interpretation

2.

Powers and duties of Minister

3.

Appointment of Directors

4.

Prohibited use of pesticides

5.

Licences relating to exterminations

6.

Licence to sell, offer to sell or transfer

7.

Where permit required

7.1

Prohibitions – pesticides used for cosmetic purposes

8.

Act of officer, etc., of corporation

9.

Liability insurance

10.

Advisory Committee

11.

Licences and permits: issue and renewal

12.

Term of licence

13.

Review, refusal to issue licences, etc.

14.

Hearings

15.

Appeals

16.

Protection from personal liability

17.

Provincial officers

18.

Calling for assistance of member of police force

18.

Calling for assistance of member of police service

19.

Inspection by provincial officer

19.1

Inspection of vehicles and vessels

19.2

Power to administer other Acts

19.3

Entry to dwellings

19.4

Identification

19.5

Entry, etc., may be prohibited

19.6

Order of justice: prohibiting entry, or use, etc., of things

19.7

Securing of place

20.

Order of justice: authorizing inspection

21.

Samples and copies

22.

Seizure during inspection

23.

Searches relating to offences

23.1

Detention or removal

24.

Report to justice re: seizure

24.1

Disposition of certain things

24.2

Notice of disposal

24.3

Forfeiture may be ordered

25.

Use of force

25.1

Order for use of monitoring device, etc.

26.

Permit or licence condition, permission to inspect

26.0.1

Power to require response to inquiries

26.1

Order by provincial officer: contraventions

26.2

Amendment or revocation of order under s. 26.1

26.3

Review, order under ss. 26.1 or 26.2

26.4

Non-application of notice requirement under s. 13

26.5

Appeal to Tribunal, order under s. 26.3

27.

Stop order

28.

Control order

29.

Discharge of pesticide, Director to be notified

30.

Damage repair, cleaning and decontamination

31.

Orders, successors, etc., bound, records

31.1

Definitions, ss. 31.1 to 31.6

31.2

Interpretation, ss. 31.3 to 31.6

31.3

Actions taken by municipalities

31.4

Actions taken by secured creditors

31.5

Receivers and trustees in bankruptcy

31.6

Obligations of fiduciaries

32.

The Crown

33.

Licences or permits not transferable

34.

Exemption from regulations, applicants for licence

35.

Regulations

36.

Scope of regulations

37.

Regulations made by Minister

38.

Service

39.

Enforcement of performance of things required to be done

41.

Presiding judge

41.1

Administrative penalties

41.2

Review of administrative penalty imposed by provincial officer

41.3

Hearing may be required

41.4

Failure to pay administrative penalty when required

41.5

Special purpose account

42.

Offences

43.

Penalties, general

44.

Penalty re monetary benefit

45.

Penalties, more serious offences

46.

Order to prevent damage, etc.

46.1

Restitution orders

46.2

Forfeiture on conviction

46.3

Where fine not paid

46.4

Costs of seizure, etc.

47.

Suspension for default in payment of fine

48.

Limitation

49.

Duty of director or officer of corporation

50.

Service of offence notice, etc., offences re: vehicles

50.1

Service of offence notice, etc., corporations, etc.

51.

Official documents, evidence

52.

Proceedings to prohibit continuation or repetition of contravention

52.1

Administrative changes to control orders and permits

53.

Conflict with other legislation

 

Interpretation

1 (1) In this Act,

“air” means open air not enclosed in a building, structure, machine, chimney, stack, flue or vehicle; (“air”)

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 1 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following definition: (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43 (1))

“active ingredient” means, subject to subsection (1.1), a pesticide,

(a) that is a component of a product that is a pesticide, and

(b) to which the intended effects of the product are attributed; (“principe actif”)

“administrative penalty” means a penalty imposed under section 41.1 or 41.2; (“pénalité administrative”)

“analyst” means an analyst appointed under the Environmental Protection Act; (“analyste”)

“Committee” means the Pesticides Advisory Committee; (“Comité”)

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the definition of “Committee” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act is repealed. (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43 (3))

“cosmetic” means non-essential; (“esthétique”)

“discharge”, when used as a verb, includes add, deposit, emit or leak and, when used as a noun, includes addition, deposit, emission or leak; (“rejet”, “rejeter”)

“document” includes a sound recording, videotape, film, photograph, chart, graph, map, plan, survey, book of account and information recorded or stored by means of any device; (“document”)

“environment” means the natural environment, a building, structure, machine and vehicle, or any of them; (“environnement”)

“extermination” means a land extermination, structural extermination or a water extermination; (“destruction”)

“extermination business” means an activity or enterprise carried on for the purpose of causing an extermination or exterminations to be performed for fee or payment; (“entreprise de destruction”)

“exterminator” means a person who, personally or through employees, assistants or agents, performs or enters into a contract to perform an extermination; (“destructeur”)

“inspection” includes an audit, examination, survey, test and inquiry; (“inspection”)

“justice” means a provincial judge or a justice of the peace; (“juge”)

“land” means surface land not enclosed in a building or structure, land covered by water and all subsoil, or any combination or part thereof; (“terrain”)

“land extermination” means the destruction, prevention or control in, on or over land of a pest or pests by the use of a pesticide but does not include a structural extermination, a water extermination or the destruction, prevention or control of termites; (“destruction de parasites terrestres”)

“licence” means a licence issued under this Act and the regulations; (“licence”)

“licensee” means a person who is the holder of a licence under this Act; (“titulaire de licence”)

“Minister” means the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks or such other member of the Executive Council as may be assigned the administration of this Act under the Executive Council Act; (“ministre”)

“Ministry” means the ministry of the Minister; (“ministère”)

“natural environment” means the air, land and water, or any combination or part thereof, of the Province of Ontario; (“environnement naturel”)

“operator” means a person who has the control and management of an extermination business, and “operate” has a corresponding meaning; (“exploitant”)

“permittee” means a person who is the holder of a permit under this Act; (“titulaire de permis”)

“person” includes a municipality, a corporation on behalf of Her Majesty in right of Ontario, and an agent of any of them; (“personne”)

“person responsible”, when used with reference to a pesticide, substance or thing, means,

(a) the owner,

(b) the person having the charge, management or control of the handling, storage, use, disposal, transportation or display, or

(c) the person having the charge, management or control,

of the pesticide, substance or thing; (“personne responsable”)

“pest” means any injurious, noxious or troublesome plant or animal life other than humans or plant or animal life on or in humans and includes any injurious, noxious or troublesome organic function of a plant or animal; (“parasite”)

“pesticide” means any organism, substance or thing that is manufactured, represented, sold or used as a means of directly or indirectly controlling, preventing, destroying, mitigating, attracting or repelling any pest or of altering the growth, development or characteristics of any plant life that is not a pest and includes any organism, substance or thing registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada); (“pesticide”)

“place” includes a building, structure, machine, vehicle or vessel; (“lieu”)

“prescribed” means prescribed by the regulations; (“prescrit”)

“provincial officer” means a person who is designated under section 17; (“agent provincial”)

“public servant” means a public servant appointed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006; (“fonctionnaire”)

“receiver” means a person who has been appointed to take or who has taken possession or control of property pursuant to a mortgage, hypothec, pledge, charge, lien, security interest, encumbrance or privilege or pursuant to an order of a court, and includes a receiver-manager and an interim receiver; (“séquestre”)

“regulations” means the regulations made under this Act; (“règlements”)

“secured creditor” means a person who holds a mortgage, hypothec, pledge, charge, lien, security interest, encumbrance or privilege on or against property, but does not include a person who has taken possession or control of the property; (“créancier garanti”)

“structural extermination” means the destruction, prevention or control of a pest that may adversely affect a building, structure, machine, vehicle or their contents or the use or enjoyment thereof by any person by the use of a pesticide in, on or in the vicinity of the building, structure, machine or vehicle and includes the destruction, prevention or control of termites; (“destruction de parasites dans une structure”)

“Tribunal” means the Environmental Review Tribunal; (“Tribunal”)

“water” means surface water and ground water, or either of them; (“eau”)

“water extermination” means the destruction, prevention or control in, on or over surface water of a pest by the use of a pesticide. (“destruction de parasites aquatiques”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 1 (1); 1993, c. 27, Sched.; 1998, c. 35, s. 77; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (1, 2); 2001, c. 17, s. 6 (1); 2008, c. 11, s. 1 (1); 2009, c. 19, s. 71 (1); 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (1-3); 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43 (2, 4).

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 1 of the Act is amended by adding the following subsection: (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43 (5))

Active ingredient

(1.1) For the purposes of the definition of “active ingredient” in subsection (1), active ingredient includes a synergist but does not include a solvent, diluent, emulsifier or other component that is not primarily responsible for the intended effects mentioned in clause (b) of the definition. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43 (5).

Idem, Director

(2) In this Act,

“the Director” means a Director appointed under section 3.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 1 (2).

Health or safety

(3) For the purposes of this Act, a danger to existing water supplies that are used for human consumption shall be deemed to be a danger to the health or safety of persons.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (2).

Use of pesticide

(4) For the purposes of this Act,

(a) the placement or application of a pesticide is a use of the pesticide; and

(b) the mixing, dilution or loading of a pesticide for the purpose of placing or applying it is a use of the pesticide.  2008, c. 11, s. 1 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1993, c. 27, Sched. - 31/12/1991; 1998, c. 35, s. 77 - 01/02/1999

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (1, 2) - 06/12/2000

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (1, 2) - 01/12/2002

2008, c. 11, s. 1 (1, 2) - 22/04/2009

2009, c. 19, s. 71 (1) - 01/01/2010

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (1-3) - 04/09/2018

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43 (1, 3, 5) - 01/05/2020; 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 43 (2, 4) - 10/12/2019

Powers and duties of Minister

2 The Minister, for the purpose of the administration of this Act and the regulations, may,

(a) investigate problems relating to pesticides and the control of pests;

(b) conduct research relating to pesticides and the control of pests;

(c) conduct studies of the effect of pesticides and the control of pests on the quality of the environment;

(d) convene conferences and conduct seminars and educational programs relating to pesticides and the control of pests;

(e) gather, publish and disseminate information relating to pesticides and the control of pests;

(f) make grants and loans for research related to pesticides and the control of pests in such amounts and upon such terms and conditions as the regulations may prescribe;

(g) appoint committees to perform such advisory functions as the Minister considers requisite;

(h) with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, enter into an agreement with any government or person relating to pesticides or the control of pests.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 2.

Appointment of Directors

3 (1) The Minister may appoint as Directors such public servants who work in the Ministry as the Minister considers necessary for the purposes of the sections of this Act or the regulations that are set out in the appointments. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5 s. 2 (4).

Limitation of authority of Director

(2) The Minister, in an appointment under subsection (1), may limit the authority of a Director in such manner as the Minister considers necessary or advisable.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 3 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (1) - 20/08/2007

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (4) - 04/09/2018

Prohibited use of pesticides

4 No person, whether acting or not acting under the authority of a licence or permit under this Act or an exemption under the regulations, shall discharge or cause or permit the discharge of a pesticide or of any substance or thing containing a pesticide into the environment that,

(a) causes or is likely to cause impairment of the quality of the environment for any use that can be made of it greater than the impairment, if any, for such use that would necessarily result from the proper use of the pesticide;

(b) causes or is likely to cause injury or damage to property or to plant or animal life greater than the injury or damage, if any, that would necessarily result from the proper use of the pesticide;

(c) causes or is likely to cause harm or material discomfort to any person greater than the harm or material discomfort, if any, that would necessarily result from the proper use of the pesticide;

(d) adversely affects or is likely to affect adversely the health of any person to a greater degree than the adverse effect, if any, that would necessarily result from the proper use of the pesticide;

(e) impairs or is likely to impair the safety of any person to a greater degree than the impairment, if any, of the safety of any person that would necessarily result from the proper use of the pesticide; or

(f) renders or is likely to render directly or indirectly any property or plant or animal life unfit for use by humans to a degree greater than the unfitness, if any, that would necessarily result from the proper use of the pesticide.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 4.

Licences relating to exterminations

Prohibition as to exterminations

5 (1) No person shall engage in, perform or offer to perform an extermination except under and in accordance with a licence of a prescribed class and except by the use of a pesticide of a class and under the conditions for use prescribed for that class of licence or unless exempt under the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 5 (1).

Licence required to operate extermination business

(2) No person shall operate an extermination business except under and in accordance with a licence of a prescribed class or unless exempt under the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 5 (2).

(3), (4) Repealed: 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (5).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (5) - 04/09/2018

Licence to sell, offer to sell or transfer

6 Unless exempt by the regulations, no person shall sell, offer to sell or transfer any pesticide unless the pesticide is classified in accordance with the regulations and except under and in accordance with a licence that shall be for such class and in respect of each premises on, in or from which the pesticide is or will be sold, offered for sale or transferred.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 6; 1997, c. 37, s. 5 (1).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1997, c. 37, s. 5 (1) - 18/12/1997

Where permit required

7 (1) Except under and in accordance with a permit for the extermination issued by the Director, or if the person is exempt under the regulations, no person shall perform a land extermination or a structural extermination,

(a) by means of a pesticide prescribed for the purpose of this section;

(b) by means of a pesticide of a class prescribed for the purpose of this section; or

(c) under the conditions of use prescribed for the purpose of this section. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (6).

Idem

(2) No person shall perform a water extermination except under and in accordance with a permit issued by the Director for the water extermination or if the person is exempt under the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 7; 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (7).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (6, 7) - 04/09/2018

Prohibitions – pesticides used for cosmetic purposes

7.1 (1) No person shall use or cause or permit the use in, on or over land of a pesticide that has been prescribed for the purpose of this subsection.  2008, c. 11, s. 2.

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 7.1 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44)

Use for cosmetic purpose

(1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall use or cause or permit the use in, on or over land of an active ingredient unless the active ingredient meets the following criteria:

1. The Director has determined, in accordance with the regulations, that the active ingredient is appropriate for use for a cosmetic purpose.

2. The Director has listed the active ingredient in a prescribed document, which may be amended from time to time, published by the Ministry and available on a website of the Government. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44.

Excepted uses

(2) Subject to the regulations, subsection (1) does not apply to the following uses of a pesticide:

1. Uses related to golf courses, if any prescribed conditions have been met.

2. Uses related to agriculture.

3. Uses related to forestry.

4. Uses related to the promotion of public health or safety.

5. Other prescribed uses, if any prescribed conditions have been met.  2008, c. 11, s. 2.

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 7.1 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44)

Exception, specified uses

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the following uses of an active ingredient:

1. Uses related to golf courses, if any prescribed conditions have been met.

2. Uses related to agriculture.

3. Uses related to forestry.

4. Uses related to the promotion of public health or safety.

5. Other prescribed uses, if any prescribed conditions have been met. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44.

Requirements related to excepted uses

(3) A person who, pursuant to subsection (2), uses or causes or permits the use of a pesticide prescribed for the purpose of subsection (1) shall comply with such requirements as may be prescribed.  2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (1).

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 7.1 (3) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44)

Same, requirements

(3) A person who uses or causes or permits the use of an active ingredient for a use referred to in subsection (2) shall, if the active ingredient does not meet the criteria set out in subsection (1), comply with such requirements as may be prescribed. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44.

Prohibition on sale, etc.

(4) Despite section 6, no person shall sell, offer to sell or transfer a pesticide that has been prescribed for the purpose of this subsection.  2008, c. 11, s. 2.

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 7.1 (4) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44)

Prohibition on sale, etc.

(4) Despite section 6, no person shall sell, offer to sell or transfer a pesticide that may be used in, on or over land unless it has been prescribed for the purpose of this subsection. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44.

By-laws inoperative

(5) A municipal by-law is inoperative if it addresses the use, sale, offer for sale or transfer of a pesticide that may be used for a cosmetic purpose.  2008, c. 11, s. 2.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2008, c. 11, s. 2 - 22/04/2009

2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (1) - 15/12/2009

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 44 - 01/05/2020

Act of officer, etc., of corporation

8 For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, an act or thing done or omitted to be done by an officer, official, employee or agent of a corporation in the course of his or her employment or in the exercise of his or her powers or the performance of his or her duties shall be deemed to be also an act or thing done or omitted to be done by the corporation.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 8.

Liability insurance

9 An operator shall insure against liability or furnish a bond as provided for by the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 9.

Advisory Committee

10 (1) The Committee known as the Pesticides Advisory Committee established under The Pesticides Act, being chapter 346 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1970, and consisting of not fewer than ten members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council one of whom may be designated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council as chair and for whom the Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint a person who is not a member as secretary, is continued under the name Pesticides Advisory Committee in English and Comité consultatif sur les pesticides in French.

Quorum

(2) Six members of the Committee constitute a quorum.

Functions

(3) The Committee shall,

(a) review annually the content and operation of this Act and the regulations and recommend changes or amendments therein to the Minister;

(b) inquire into and consider any matter the Committee considers advisable concerning pesticides and the control of pests, and any matter concerning pesticides and the control of pests referred to it by the Minister, and report thereon to the Minister;

(c) review publications of the Government of Ontario respecting pesticides and the control of pests, and report thereon to the Minister; and

(d) perform such other functions as the regulations prescribe.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 10.

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 10 of the Act is repealed. (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 45)

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 45 - 01/05/2020

Licences and permits: issue and renewal

11 (1) The Director shall,

(a) subject to subsection (2), issue or renew a licence referred to in section 5 or 6 to any person who,

(i) applies for the licence or a renewal of the licence in accordance with the regulations,

(ii) meets the requirements of the regulations for the particular class of licence applied for, and

(iii) pays the prescribed fee; and

(b) subject to subsection (3), issue a permit referred to in section 7 to any person who,

(i) applies for the permit in accordance with the regulations,

(ii) meets the requirements of the regulations for the permit applied for, and

(iii) pays the prescribed fee. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (8).

Director may refuse to issue or renew licence

(2) The Director may refuse to issue a licence to an applicant or renew a licence of an applicant if the following circumstances apply:

1. One of the following conditions is met:

i. In the case of an applicant who is an individual, a licence previously issued to the applicant or a corporation in which the applicant was an officer or director was suspended or revoked by the Director under section 13 during the five-year period preceding the date of the application, or is the subject of notice of a proposal to suspend or revoke by the Director under clause 13 (1) (b).

ii. In the case of an applicant who is a corporation, a licence previously issued to one of the following was suspended or revoked by the Director under section 13 during the five-year period preceding the date of the application, or is the subject of notice of a proposal to suspend or revoke by the Director under clause 13 (1) (b):

A. The applicant.

B. An officer or director of the applicant.

C. A corporation that has a common officer or director with the applicant.

2. One of the following conditions is met:

i. The Director is of the opinion that if the licence were issued or renewed, the applicant would fail to comply with the requirements under this Act or an order issued under this Act.

ii. A circumstance set out in subsection (2.2) exists or would exist if the licence were issued or renewed. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (8).

Same

(2.1) An individual was an officer or director of a corporation for the purpose of paragraph 1 of subsection (2) if the individual was an officer or director at the time the licence was suspended or revoked, or at the time the circumstances leading to the suspension or revocation arose. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (8).

Suspension and revocation of licence

(2.2) Subject to section 13, the Director may suspend or revoke a licence where the Director is of the opinion that,

(a) the licensee is in contravention of this Act or the regulations;

(b) the licensee has submitted false or misleading information in an application for a licence;

(c) the licensee is in breach of any term or condition of the licence;

(d) the licensee or, where the licensee is a corporation, its officers or directors, is or are not competent to carry on the activity authorized by the licence;

(e) the past conduct of the licensee or, where the licensee is a corporation, of any of its officers or directors, affords reasonable grounds for belief that the activity authorized by the licence will not be carried on with honesty and integrity;

(f) the licensee does not have available all premises, facilities and equipment necessary to carry on the activity authorized by the licence in accordance with this Act, the regulations and the licence;

(g) the licensee is not in a position to observe or carry out the provisions of this Act, the regulations and the licence;

(h) the licensee has been grossly negligent in carrying on the activity authorized by the licence;

(i) the licensee has fraudulently misrepresented its services in performing an extermination or in carrying on an extermination business; or

(j) the licensee is or has been in default of payment of a fine imposed on conviction for an offence under this Act. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (8).

Revocation and refusal of permit

(3) The Director may refuse to issue or may cancel a permit, may impose terms and conditions in issuing or after issuing a permit and may alter the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued where the Director is of the opinion, upon reasonable and probable grounds, that,

(a) an extermination for which the permit is required has not or will not be performed competently;

(b) an extermination for which the permit is required has not been or will not be carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the regulations or the permit;

(b.1) an extermination for which the permit is required has been or will be performed in a grossly negligent manner;

(b.2) the applicant or permittee has submitted false or misleading information in an application for a permit;

(b.3) the permittee is in breach of any term or condition of the permit;

(b.4) the applicant or permittee is or has been in default of payment of a fine imposed on conviction for an offence under this Act;

(c) there is or is likely to be danger to the health or safety of any person;

(d) there is or is likely to be harm or material discomfort to any person;

(e) there is or is likely to be impairment of the quality of the environment for any use that is being or is likely to be made of it;

(f) there is or is likely to be injury or damage to any property or to plant or animal life;

(g) any property or plant or animal life is or is likely to be rendered directly or indirectly unfit for use by humans;

(h) a different method of control or extermination will or will likely be substantially as effective as the proposed extermination for which a permit is required under section 7 and will or will likely cause less impairment of the environment, if any, for any use that is being or is likely to be made of it or less harm to or adverse effect, if any, on any plant or animal life, humans or property; or

(i) the use of the pesticide will not be or will not likely be effective or necessary to carry out the extermination.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 11; 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (9).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (1) - no effect - see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006 - 31/12/2011

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (8, 9) - 04/09/2018

Term of licence

12 A licence expires as prescribed by the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 12.

Review, refusal to issue licences, etc.

13 (1) Where the Director proposes,

(a) to refuse to issue or renew a licence;

(b) to suspend or revoke a licence; or

(c) to make, amend or vary a control order,

he or she shall serve notice of the proposal, together with written reasons therefor, on the applicant, licensee or person to whom the Director intends to direct the control order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (1).

Notice

(2) A notice under subsection (1) shall state that the applicant, licensee or person to whom the Director intends to direct the control order is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if they mail or deliver to the Director and the Tribunal, within fifteen days after the notice under subsection (1) is served on them, notice in writing requiring a hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (2); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Powers of Director where no hearing

(3) Where an applicant, licensee or person to whom the Director intends to direct the control order does not require a hearing by the Tribunal in accordance with subsection (2), the Director may carry out the proposal stated in the notice under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (3); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Powers of Tribunal where hearing

(4) Where an applicant, licensee or person to whom the Director intends to direct the control order requires a hearing by the Tribunal in accordance with subsection (2), the Tribunal shall appoint a time and place for and hold the hearing and may by order direct the Director to carry out the proposal or refrain from carrying out the proposal and to take such action as the Tribunal considers the Director ought to take in accordance with this Act and the regulations, and for such purposes the Tribunal may substitute its opinion for that of the Director.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (4); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Extension of time for requiring hearing

(5) The Tribunal may extend the time for the giving of notice requiring a hearing by an applicant, licensee or person to whom the Director intends to direct a control order referred to in subsection (1), either before or after the expiration of such time, where it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for applying for the extension and that there are apparent grounds for granting relief to the applicant, licensee or person to whom the Director intends to direct the control order referred to in subsection (1), and the Tribunal may give such directions as it considers proper consequent upon the extension.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (5); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Continuation of licence pending renewal

(6) Unless a notice served under subsection (1) indicates that subsection 11 (2) applies in respect of an application, if a licensee has applied for a renewal of the licence and paid the prescribed fee within the time prescribed or, if no time is prescribed, before expiry of the licence, the licence shall be deemed to continue for the shorter of the following periods:

1. From the expiry of the licence until the renewal is granted.

2. From the date the application is made and the fees are paid until the renewal is granted. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (10).

Emergency notice

(7) Despite subsection (6), where the Director is of the opinion that an emergency exists by reason of,

(a) danger to the safety or health of any person;

(b) impairment or immediate risk of impairment of the environment for any use that is being or is likely to be made of it;

(c) injury or damage or immediate risk of injury or damage to property, or to plant or animal life;

(d) the rendering or immediate risk of rendering directly or indirectly of any property or plant or animal life unfit for use by humans; or

(e) a failure by a licensee to have in force insurance against liability or to furnish or have in force a bond as required by section 9,

the Director, by a notice to a licensee or to a person to whom the Director intends to direct a control order, together with written reasons therefor, may refuse to renew, suspend or revoke a licence or make, amend or vary a control order and, even if the licensee or person to whom the control order is directed requires a hearing by the Tribunal, the licence shall not be deemed to continue or the suspension, revocation or the making, amendment or variation of the control order is effective upon the service of the notice, as the case requires.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (7); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Where permit cancelled or terms or conditions imposed or altered

(8) Where the Director issues a permit subject to a term or condition, refuses to issue or cancels a permit or imposes or alters a term or condition in a permit that has been issued, the Director shall forthwith thereafter serve or cause to be served notice of his or her decision, upon the applicant or permittee, together with written reasons therefor.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (8); 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (11).

Notice

(8.1) A notice served under subsection (8) shall inform the applicant or permittee of the following:

1. The applicant or permittee is entitled to make submissions to the Director under subsection (9) in person, or by a person authorized under the Law Society Act to represent the applicant or permittee, and by telephone or otherwise no later than seven days after the notice is served.

2. If the applicant or permittee does not make submissions, the applicant or permittee is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal upon mailing or delivering notice requiring a hearing to the Director and the Tribunal no later than fifteen days after the notice is served. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (12).

Submissions for reconsideration

(9) If the Director serves or causes to be served notice of a decision under subsection (8), the applicant or permittee, as the case may be, may make submissions to the Director no later than seven days after the notice was served. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (12).

Reconsideration

(9.1) No later than seven days after receiving submissions under subsection (9), the Director shall reconsider and vary, rescind or confirm the decision and shall serve or cause to be served notice of the variance, rescission or confirmation upon the applicant or permittee together with written reasons. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (12).

Same

(9.2) If the Director varies or rescinds the decision, the Director shall take such action as may be necessary to make the variation or rescission effective. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (12).

Notice

(10) A notice under subsection (9.1) shall inform the applicant or permittee that the applicant or permittee is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal upon mailing or delivering notice requiring a hearing to the Director and the Tribunal no later than fifteen days after the notice is served. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (12).

Effect of service of notice

(11) Despite the making of submissions by an applicant or a permittee under subsection (10), the issuance of a permit subject to a term or condition or the cancellation of a permit or the imposition or alteration of a term or condition in a permit that has been issued by the Director is effective upon the issuance of the permit or upon the service of the notice under subsection (8).  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (11).

Application of subss. (4), (5)

(12) Subsections (4) and (5) apply with necessary modifications to a hearing by the Tribunal required under paragraph 2 of subsection (8.1) and subsection (10).  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 13 (12); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4); 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (13).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4) - 06/12/2000

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (2) - no effect - see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006 - 31/12/2011

2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129 (1) - 01/05/2007

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (10-13) - 04/09/2018

Hearings

14 (1) The Director, the applicant, licensee, permittee or person to whom the Director intends to direct a control order who has required a hearing and such other persons as the Tribunal may specify are parties to proceedings before the Tribunal under section 13.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 14 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Notice of hearing

(2) The Tribunal shall afford to the applicant, licensee, permittee or person to whom the Director intends to direct a control order a reasonable opportunity to show or to achieve compliance before the hearing with all lawful requirements for the issue or retention of the licence or permit or to take such action as will preclude the necessity for making, amending or varying the control order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 14 (2); 1994, c. 27, s. 117; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4); 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (3).

Examination of documentary evidence

(3) An applicant, licensee, permittee or person to whom the Director intends to direct a control order who is a party to proceedings under section 13 shall be afforded an opportunity to examine before the hearing any written or documentary evidence that will be produced or any report the contents of which will be given in evidence at the hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 14 (3).

Members holding hearing not to have taken part in investigation, etc.

(4) Members of the Tribunal holding a hearing shall not have taken part before the hearing in any investigation or consideration of the subject-matter of the hearing and shall not communicate directly or indirectly in relation to the subject-matter of the hearing with any person or with any party or party’s representative except upon notice to and opportunity for all parties to participate, but the Tribunal may seek legal advice from an adviser independent from the parties and in such case the nature of the advice shall be made known to the parties in order that they may make submissions as to the law.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 14 (4); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

(5) Repealed:  1997, c. 37, s. 5 (2).

Findings of fact

(6) The findings of fact of the Tribunal following on a hearing shall be based exclusively on evidence admissible or matters that may be noticed under the Statutory Powers Procedure Act.  1998, c. 35, s. 78; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

(7) Repealed:  2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (3).

Release of documentary evidence

(8) Documents and things put in evidence at the hearing shall, upon the request of the person who produced them, be released to the person by the Tribunal within a reasonable time after the matter in issue has been finally determined.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 14 (8); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1994, c. 27, s. 117 - 09/12/1994; 1997, c. 37, s. 5 (2, 3) - 18/12/1997; 1998, c. 35, s. 78 - 01/02/1999

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (3, 4) - 06/12/2000

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (3) - 29/06/2001

Appeals

15 (1) Any party to proceedings before the Tribunal may appeal from its decision or order on a question of law to the Divisional Court in accordance with the rules of court.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 15 (1); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

(2) Repealed:  1997, c. 37, s. 5 (4).

Minister entitled to be heard

(3) The Minister is entitled to be heard by counsel or otherwise upon the argument of an appeal under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 15 (3).

Appeal to Minister

(4) Any party to a hearing before the Tribunal, within thirty days after receipt of the decision of the Tribunal or within thirty days after final disposition of an appeal, if any, under subsection (1), may appeal in writing to the Minister on any matter other than a question of law and the Minister shall confirm, alter or revoke the decision of the Tribunal as to the matter in appeal as he or she considers in the public interest.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 15 (4); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1997, c. 37, s. 5 (4) - 18/12/1997

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4) - 06/12/2000

Protection from personal liability

16 (1) No action or other proceeding for damages or otherwise shall be instituted against any of the following persons for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of any duty or authority under this Act or for any alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of such a duty or authority:

1. A member of the Committee.

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 1 of subsection 16 (1) of the Act is repealed. (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 46)

2. An employee in the Ministry.

3. A provincial officer employed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006.

4. A public servant who is acting under the direction of a person described in paragraph 1, 2 or 3.  2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (2); 2009, c. 33, Sched. 2, s. 58; 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (14).

Exception

(1.1) Subsection (1) does not apply in the case of an application for judicial review or an action or proceeding that is specifically provided for with respect to a person described in subsection (1) in any Act or in a regulation made under this or any other Act.  2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (2).

Crown not relieved of liability

(2) Subsection (1) does not, by reason of subsection 8 (3) of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, 2019, relieve the Crown of liability in respect of a tort committed by a person mentioned in subsection (1) to which it would otherwise be subject and the Crown is liable under that Act for any such tort in a like manner as if subsection (1) had not been enacted. 2019, c. 7, Sched. 17, s. 141.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4) - 06/12/2000

2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (2) - 20/08/2007

2009, c. 33, Sched. 2, s. 58 - 15/12/2009

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (14) - 04/09/2018

2019, c. 7, Sched. 17, s. 141 - 01/07/2019; 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 46 - 01/05/2020

Provincial officers

17 (1) The Minister may designate as provincial officers one or more public servants who work in the Ministry or other persons to exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions under this Act as the Minister specifies. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (15).

Limitation of authority

(1.1) In a designation of a provincial officer, the Minister may limit the authority of the officer in the manner that the Minister considers necessary or advisable. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (15).

Provincial officers are peace officers

(2) A provincial officer is a peace officer for the purpose of enforcing this Act.  1998, c. 35, s. 79.

Investigation and prosecution

(3) A provincial officer may investigate offences under this Act and may prosecute any person whom the provincial officer reasonably believes is guilty of an offence under this Act.  1998, c. 35, s. 79.

Obstruction

(4) No person shall hinder or obstruct any provincial officer or any employee in or agent of the Ministry in the performance of his or her duties under this Act.  1998, c. 35, s. 79; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (4).

False information

(5) No person shall orally, in writing or electronically, give or submit false or misleading information in any statement, document or data to any provincial officer, the Minister, the Ministry, any employee in or agent of the Ministry or any person involved in carrying out a program of the Ministry in respect of any matter related to this Act or the regulations.  1998, c. 35, s. 79; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (4); 2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (5).

Same

(6) No person shall include false or misleading information in any document or data required to be created, stored or submitted under this Act.  1998, c. 35, s. 79.

Refusal to furnish information

(7) No person shall refuse to furnish any provincial officer, the Minister, the Ministry or any employee in or agent of the Ministry with information required for the purposes of this Act and the regulations.  1998, c. 35, s. 79; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (6).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 79 - 01/02/1999

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (4) - 29/06/2001

2006, c. 35, Sched. C, s. 109 (3-6) - 20/08/2007

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (15) - 04/09/2018

Calling for assistance of member of police force

18 Whenever a provincial officer is required or empowered by this Act or the regulations to do or direct the doing of anything, such provincial officer may take such steps and employ such assistance as is necessary to accomplish what is required, and may, when obstructed in so doing, call for the assistance of any member of the Ontario Provincial Police Force or the police force in the area where the assistance is required and it is the duty of every member of a police force to render such assistance.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 18.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 18 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2019, c. 1, Sched. 4, s. 44)

Calling for assistance of member of police service

18 Whenever a provincial officer is required or empowered by this Act or the regulations to do or direct the doing of anything, the provincial officer may take such steps and employ such assistance as is necessary to accomplish what is required, and may, when obstructed in so doing, call for the assistance of any member of the police service in the area where the assistance is required, and it is the duty of every member of a police service to render such assistance. 2019, c. 1, Sched. 4, s. 44.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2018, c. 3, Sched. 5, s. 46 - no effect - see 2019, c. 1, Sched. 3, s. 5 - 26/03/2019

2019, c. 1, Sched. 4, s. 44 - not in force

Inspection by provincial officer

19 (1) For the administration of this Act or the regulations, a provincial officer may, without a warrant or court order, at any reasonable time and with any reasonable assistance, make inspections, including,

(a) entering any place in which the provincial officer reasonably believes a pesticide can be found;

(b) entering any place in or from which the provincial officer reasonably believes a pesticide is being, has been or may be discharged into the environment;

(c) entering any place that the provincial officer reasonably believes is likely to contain documents related to,

(i) an activity or undertaking that is, or is required to be, the subject of a permit, licence or order under this Act,

(ii) an activity or undertaking that is exempted by a regulation from any requirement to have a permit or licence under this Act and that is regulated by the provisions of the regulation, or

(iii) the discharge of a pesticide into the environment; and

(d) entering any place that the provincial officer reasonably believes,

(i) is, or is required to be, subject to or referred to in a permit, licence or order under this Act, or

(ii) is subject to or referred to in a regulation that provides for an exemption from any requirement to have a permit or licence under this Act, where the regulation includes provisions that regulate the place.  1998, c. 35, s. 80; 2009, c. 19, s. 71 (2).

Same

(2) During an inspection under subsection (1), the provincial officer may,

(a) make necessary excavations;

(b) require that any thing be operated, used or set in motion under conditions specified by the provincial officer;

(c) take samples for analysis;

(d) conduct tests or take measurements;

(e) examine, record or copy any document or data, in any form, by any method;

(f) record the condition of a place or the natural environment by means of photograph, video recording or other visual recording;

(g) require the production of any document or data, in any form, required to be kept under this Act and of any other document or data, in any form, related to the purposes of the inspection;

(h) remove from a place documents or data, in any form, produced under clause (g) for the purpose of making copies; and

(i) make reasonable inquiries of any person, orally or in writing.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Limitation re records

(3) A record made under clause (2) (f) must be made in a manner that does not intercept any private communication and that accords with reasonable expectations of privacy.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Limitation re removal of documents, data

(4) A provincial officer shall not remove documents or data under clause (2) (h) without giving a receipt for them and shall promptly return the documents or data to the person who produced them.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Power to exclude persons

(5) A provincial officer who exercises the power set out in clause (2) (i) may exclude from the questioning any person except counsel for the individual being questioned.  1998, c. 35, s. 80; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 80 - 01/02/1999

2009, c. 19, s. 71 (2) - 01/01/2010; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (2) - 15/12/2009

Inspection of vehicles and vessels

19.1 (1) In this section,

“vehicle” includes a trailer or other equipment attached to the vehicle.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Requirement to stop

(2) For the administration of this Act or the regulations, a provincial officer may signal a vehicle or vessel to stop.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Same

(3) On the provincial officer’s signal to stop, the operator of the vehicle or vessel shall immediately come to a safe stop.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Same

(4) For the purposes of this section, a signal to stop includes,

(a) intermittent flashes of red light, in the case of a vehicle;

(b) intermittent flashes of blue light, in the case of a vessel; and

(c) a hand signal to stop by a provincial officer who is readily identifiable as a provincial officer.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Sign to report

(5) Where a clearly marked sign is posted indicating that a class of vehicles or vessels should report to a certain place in the vicinity of the sign, the operator of a vehicle or vessel that passes the sign and that falls within the class of vehicles or vessels indicated shall report forthwith to the place the sign directs.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Same

(6) Where the operator of a vehicle or vessel stops under subsection (3) or reports under subsection (5), the provincial officer may make any reasonable inquiries of the operator and the operator shall produce for inspection any documents related to the operation or ownership of the vehicle or vessel, including licenses, permits and any documents that are required to be kept by the law of any jurisdiction in relation to the carriage of any cargo or container.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Inspection powers

(7) Based on questioning or examination of documents conducted under subsection (6), the provincial officer may, without warrant or court order, inspect any means of containment that the provincial officer reasonably believes is being used for the handling or transportation of a pesticide.  1998, c. 35, s. 80; 2009, c. 19, s. 71 (3).

Same

(8) As part of an inspection under subsection (7), the provincial officer may open or require the operator to open any cargo hold, container or other means of containment.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Same

(9) During an inspection conducted under subsection (6) or (7), the provincial officer may exercise such powers under subsection 19 (2) as are reasonably required for the administration of this Act or the regulations.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Same

(10) Subsections 19 (3), (4) and (5) apply to the exercise of a power under subsection (9).  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 80 - 01/02/1999

2009, c. 19, s. 71 (3) - 01/01/2010

Power to administer other Acts

19.2 A provincial officer who exercises any power set out in section 19, 19.1, 22, 23 or 23.1 may, if the provincial officer is designated as such under the Environmental Protection Act, the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 or the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009, as the case may be, do anything authorized by,

(a) section 156, 156.1, 160, 161 or 161.1 of the Environmental Protection Act;

(b) section 13, 14 or 23 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002;

(c) section 15, 15.1, 19, 20 or 20.1 of the Ontario Water Resources Act;

(d) section 81, 82, 91, 92 or 93 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002; or

(e) section 15, 20 or 21 of the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009.  2009, c. 19, s. 71 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 80 - 01/02/1999

2002, c. 4, s. 66 (1) - 01/07/2003

2009, c. 19, s. 71 (4) - 01/01/2010; 2009, c. 19, s. 71 (5) - no effect - see 2009, c. 19, s. 65 - 31/12/2019

Entry to dwellings

19.3 A person shall not exercise a power conferred by this Act to enter a room actually used as a dwelling without the consent of the occupier except under the authority of an order under section 20.  1998, c. 35, s. 80.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 80 - 01/02/1999

Identification

19.4 On request, a provincial officer who exercises a power under this Act shall identify himself or herself as a provincial officer either by the production of a copy of his or her designation or in some other manner and shall explain the purpose of the exercise of the power.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 81 - 01/02/1999

Entry, etc., may be prohibited

19.5 (1) A provincial officer may by order prohibit entry into all or part of any land or place or prohibit the use of, interference with, disruption of, or destruction of any thing in any of the following circumstances:

1. During an inspection under section 19, section 19.1 or 20.

2. During a search under section 23.

3. During the time required for the provincial officer to obtain an order under section 20 of this Act or a warrant under section 158 of the Provincial Offences Act.

4. During a search carried out under a warrant issued under section 158 of the Provincial Offences Act.

Requirements for order

(2) An order under subsection (1) shall not be issued unless the provincial officer reasonably believes that,

(a) in the case of an order prohibiting entry, there is on the land or in the place a thing that will afford evidence of an offence under this Act;

(b) in the case of an order prohibiting the use of, interference with, disruption of, or destruction of a thing, the thing will afford evidence of an offence under this Act; or

(c) in the case of an order prohibiting entry or an order prohibiting the use of, interference with, disruption of, or destruction of a thing, there is a discharge or a likelihood of discharge of a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide into the environment, out of the normal course of events, from the land, place or thing, that has resulted or is likely to result in an effect referred to in any of clauses 29 (a) to (f).

Notice of order

(3) The provincial officer shall give notice of the order in the manner that he or she considers appropriate in the circumstances.

Contents of notice

(4) Notice of the order shall include an explanation of the rights provided by subsections (6) and (7).

Order not effective where no notice

(5) An order under subsection (1) is not effective in any court proceeding against a person where the person satisfies the court that the person neither knew nor should have known of the order.

Request for rescission

(6) A person aggrieved by the order may make an oral or written request to the Director to rescind it and may make oral or written submissions to the Director in support of the request.

Powers of Director

(7) The Director shall give prompt consideration to any request or submissions made under subsection (6) and may rescind the order.

Same

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7), the Director may substitute his or her own opinion for that of the provincial officer.

Same

(9) A Director who rescinds an order under subsection (7) shall give such directions to a provincial officer as the Director considers appropriate to bring the rescission to the attention of persons affected.

No stay

(10) A request for rescission of an order under subsection (1) does not stay the order, unless the Director orders otherwise in writing.

Duration of order

(11) An order under subsection (1) shall,

(a) subject to clause (b), be effective for the shorter of the length of time necessary to complete the inspection or search referred to in that subsection or a period not exceeding two days excluding holidays; or

(b) where the inspection or search referred to in subsection (1) is under an order under section 20 of this Act or under a warrant issued under section 158 of the Provincial Offences Act and a time limit for the inspection or search is specified in the order or warrant, be effective until the expiration of that time.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 81 - 01/02/1999

Order of justice: prohibiting entry, or use, etc., of things

19.6 (1) Where a justice is satisfied, on evidence under oath by a provincial officer, that there is reasonable ground for believing that it is appropriate for the administration of this Act or the regulations or necessary to protect human health or safety or to protect property, the justice may issue an order prohibiting entry into all or part of any land or place or prohibiting the use of, interference with, disruption of, or destruction of any thing.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Same

(2) The prohibition under the justice’s order shall, subject to subsection (3), be for such period of time as is set out in the order.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Expiry

(3) Unless renewed, an order under this section expires on the earlier of the day specified for the purpose in the order or the day that is 30 days after the date on which the order is made.  1998, c. 35, s. 81; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (3).

Renewal

(4) An order under this section may be renewed for any reason set out in subsection (1), before or after expiry, for one or more periods each of which is not more than 30 days.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Notice of application

(5) An initial order under subsection (1) may be issued on application without notice.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Same

(6) A renewal order under subsection (4) may be issued on application made with such notice, if any, as is specified for the purpose under subsection (7).  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Same

(7) In an order under subsection (1) or (4), a justice may specify notice requirements that must be met by a person applying for a renewal of the order or for a further renewal of the order, as the case may be.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Notice of order

(8) A provincial officer may give notice of an order under subsection (1) or (4) in the manner that he or she considers appropriate in the circumstances.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Order not effective where no notice

(9) An order under subsection (1) or (4) is not effective in any court proceeding against a person where the person satisfies the court that the person neither knew nor should have known of the order.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 81 - 01/02/1999

2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (3) - 15/12/2009

Securing of place

19.7 Where an order under section 19.5 or 19.6 is in effect, a provincial officer may take measures to secure the land, place or thing to which the order relates by means of locks, gates, fences, security guards or such other means as the provincial officer deems necessary to prevent entry into the land or place or to prevent the use of, interference with, disruption of, or destruction of the thing.  1998, c. 35, s. 81.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 81 - 01/02/1999

Order of justice: authorizing inspection

20 (1) A justice may issue an order authorizing a provincial officer to do anything set out in subsection 19 (1) or (2) or section 19.1 if the justice is satisfied, on evidence under oath by a provincial officer, that there is reasonable ground to believe that it is appropriate for the administration of this Act or the regulations for the provincial officer to do anything set out in subsection 19 (1) or (2) or section 19.1 and that the provincial officer may not be able to effectively carry out his or her duties without an order under this section because,

(a) no occupier is present to grant access to a place that is locked or otherwise inaccessible;

(b) a person has prevented the provincial officer from doing anything set out in subsection 19 (1) or (2) or section 19.1;

(c) there is reasonable ground to believe that a person may prevent a provincial officer from doing anything set out in subsection 19 (1) or (2) or section 19.1;

(d) it is impractical, because of the remoteness of the place to be inspected or because of any other reason, for the provincial officer to obtain an order under this section without delay if access is denied; or

(e) there is reasonable ground to believe that an attempt by the provincial officer to do anything set out in subsection 19 (1) or (2) or section 19.1 without the order,

(i) might not achieve its purpose, or

(ii) might endanger human health or safety, property or the natural environment.  1998, c. 35, s. 82.

Same

(2) Subsections 19 (3), (4) and (5) apply to an inspection under an order under this section.  1998, c. 35, s. 82.

Expiry

(3) Unless renewed, an order under this section expires on the earlier of the day specified for the purpose in the order and the day that is 30 days after the date on which the order is made.  1998, c. 35, s. 82; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (4).

Renewal

(4) An order under this section may be renewed in the circumstances in which an order may be made under subsection (1), before or after expiry, for one or more periods each of which is not more than 30 days.  1998, c. 35, s. 82.

When to be executed

(5) An order under this section shall be carried out between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless the order otherwise authorizes.  1998, c. 35, s. 82.

Application without notice

(6) An order under this section may be issued or renewed on application without notice.  1998, c. 35, s. 82.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 82 - 01/02/1999

2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (4) - 15/12/2009

Samples and copies

21 A provincial officer may detain samples or copies obtained under section 19, 19.1 or 20 for any period and for any of the purposes of this Act and the regulations.  1998, c. 35, s. 83.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 83 - 01/02/1999

Seizure during inspection

22 During an inspection under section 19, 19.1 or 20, a provincial officer may, without a warrant or court order, seize any thing that is produced to the provincial officer or that is in plain view, if,

(a) the provincial officer reasonably believes that the thing will afford evidence of an offence under this Act;

(b) the provincial officer reasonably believes that the thing was used or is being used in connection with the commission of an offence under this Act and that the seizure is necessary to prevent the continuation or repetition of the offence; or

(c) the thing is discharging or is likely to discharge a pesticide, or a substance or thing containing a pesticide, into the environment out of the normal course of events and impairment of the environment has resulted or is likely to result.  1998, c. 35, s. 83.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 83 - 01/02/1999

Searches relating to offences

23 (1) In this section,

“offence” means an offence under section 4, 6, 7 or 7.1.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 23 (1); 2008, c. 11, s. 3.

Search by provincial officer re actual pollution

(2) A provincial officer may, without a search warrant, search any place other than a room actually used as a dwelling if the provincial officer has reasonable ground to believe,

(a) that an offence has been committed;

(b) that there is in such place any thing that will afford evidence as to the commission of the offence; and

(c) that there are exigent circumstances that make it impractical to obtain a search warrant.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 23 (2).

Seizure during search

(3) During a search under subsection (2), a provincial officer, without warrant or court order, may seize any thing if,

(a) the provincial officer reasonably believes that the thing will afford evidence of an offence; or

(b) the provincial officer reasonably believes that the thing was used or is being used in connection with the commission of an offence and that the seizure is necessary to prevent the continuation or repetition of the offence.  1998, c. 35, s. 84.

(4) Repealed:  1998, c. 35, s. 84.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 84 - 01/02/1999

2008, c. 11, s. 3 - 22/04/2009

Detention or removal

23.1 (1) A provincial officer who seizes any thing under section 22 or 23 may remove the thing or may detain it in the place where it is seized.

Receipt

(2) Where possible, the provincial officer shall inform the person from whom a thing is seized under section 22 or 23 as to the reason for the seizure and shall give the person a receipt for the thing seized.  1998, c. 35, s. 85.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 85 - 01/02/1999

Report to justice re: seizure

24 (1) A provincial officer who seizes any thing during an inspection or search under section 22 or 23 shall bring the thing seized before a justice or, if that is not reasonably possible, shall report the seizure to a justice.  1998, c. 35, s. 86.

Seizure

(2) Sections 159 and 160 of the Provincial Offences Act apply with necessary modifications in respect of a thing seized by a provincial officer during an inspection or search under section 22 or 23.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 24 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 86 - 01/02/1999

Disposition of certain things

24.1 (1) Where the Director believes that, given the nature of a thing seized under section 22 or 23, the thing may pose a risk to human health or safety or to property, the Director may direct the person having custody of the thing, to dispose of the thing in a manner satisfactory to the Director.

Disposition of seized perishables

(2) Where the person having custody of any thing seized under section 22 or 23 believes that the thing will rot, spoil or otherwise perish, the person may dispose of the thing.

Non-application of provision

(3) Section 24 does not apply to a thing disposed of in accordance with this section.

Forfeiture

(4) A thing disposed of in accordance with this section is forfeited to the Crown.  1998, c. 35, s. 87.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 87 - 01/02/1999

Notice of disposal

24.2 (1) Where a thing has been disposed of in accordance with section 24.1, the Director shall ensure that a provincial officer gives written notice of the seizure and disposal, within 15 days of the disposal,

(a) to every person whom the provincial officer knows or has reason to believe is an owner of the thing seized; and

(b) to every person who has a security interest in the thing that is perfected by registration under the Personal Property Security Act against the name of any person whom the provincial officer knows or has reason to believe is the owner.  1998, c. 35, s. 87.

Contents of notice

(2) Notice under subsection (1) shall include,

(a) a description of the thing seized sufficient to enable it to be identified;

(b) the location at which the thing was seized;

(c) the date of the seizure and disposal;

(d) the name and telephone number of the provincial officer who seized the thing or of his or her delegate;

(e) a statement of the reason for the seizure and disposal;

(f) a reference to the statutory provision authorizing the seizure and disposal; and

(g) a reference to the statutory provision permitting the person to apply to the Superior Court of Justice for relief against the forfeiture.  1998, c. 35, s. 87; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 87 - 01/02/1999

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17) - 29/06/2001

Forfeiture may be ordered

24.3 (1) On the application of the Director, the Superior Court of Justice may order that a thing seized under section 22 or 23 or under a warrant issued under the Provincial Offences Act in connection with the commission or suspected commission of an offence under this Act be forfeited to the Crown.  1998, c. 35, s. 87; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17).

Where no order to be made

(2) No order shall be made under subsection (1) unless the court is satisfied that,

(a) the seizure was lawful; and

(b) no later than seven days before the hearing of the application, written notice has been provided by a provincial officer,

(i) to every person whom the provincial officer knows or has reason to believe is an owner of the thing seized,

(ii) to every person who has a security interest in the thing that is perfected by registration under the Personal Property Security Act against the name of any person whom the provincial officer knows or has reason to believe is the owner,

(iii) where the thing seized is a vehicle, to every person who has a security interest in the vehicle that is perfected by registration under the Personal Property Security Act against the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, and

(iv) where the thing seized is a vehicle and the vehicle is registered under the Highway Traffic Act, to the registered owner.  1998, c. 35, s. 87.

Contents of notice

(3) Notice under subsection (2) shall include,

(a) a description of the thing seized sufficient to enable it to be identified;

(b) the location at which the thing was seized;

(c) the date of the seizure;

(d) the name and telephone number of the provincial officer who seized the thing or of his or her delegate;

(e) a statement of the reason for the seizure;

(f) a reference to the statutory provision authorizing the seizure;

(g) a statement that an order for forfeiture of the thing is being sought under this section; and

(h) a statement that the person to whom the notice is provided may make submissions to the Superior Court of Justice with respect to the issuance of an order under this section.  1998, c. 35, s. 87; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17).

Disposition of things forfeited

(4) A thing forfeited under this section may be disposed of as the Director directs.  1998, c. 35, s. 87.

Relief against forfeiture

(5) A person who had an interest in a thing forfeited under section 24.1 or this section may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for relief against the forfeiture and the court may make an order providing for any relief that it considers appropriate, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following orders:

1. An order directing that the thing or any part of the thing be returned to the applicant.

2. An order directing that any interest in the thing be vested in the applicant.

3. An order directing that an amount be paid by the Crown to the applicant by way of compensation for the forfeiture.  1998, c. 35, s. 87; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17).

When relief not to be ordered

(6) The court shall not make an order for relief under subsection (5) in respect of a thing forfeited if the person applying for the relief has been,

(a) served with an order requiring the person to pay an administrative penalty in connection with a matter that was associated with the seizure of the thing, unless the order has been revoked; or

(b) charged with an offence that was associated with the seizure of the thing, unless the charge has been withdrawn or dismissed. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 47.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 87 - 01/02/1999

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17) - 29/06/2001

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (16) - 04/09/2018

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 47 - 10/12/2019

Use of force

25 (1) A provincial officer may use such force as is reasonably necessary,

(a) to carry out an order issued under this Act, other than an order issued by a provincial officer;

(b) to execute a warrant issued under the Provincial Offences Act; or

(c) to prevent the destruction of any thing that the provincial officer reasonably believes may afford evidence of an offence under this Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 25; 1998, c. 35, s. 88 (1, 2).

Same

(2) For the purposes of clause (1) (a), an order issued by the Director that confirms or amends an order issued by a provincial officer is not an order issued by a provincial officer.  1998, c. 35, s. 88 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 88 (1-3) - 01/02/1999

Order for use of monitoring device, etc.

25.1 (1) In this section,

“device” means a substance or tracking device that, when placed or installed in or on any place, land or thing, may be used to help ascertain, by electronic or other means, the origin, identity or location of anything.

Order may be issued

(2) On application without notice, a justice may issue an order in writing authorizing a provincial officer, subject to this section, to use any device, investigative technique or procedure or to do any thing described in the order if the justice is satisfied by evidence under oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence against this Act has been or will be committed and that information concerning the offence will be obtained through the use of the device, technique or procedure or the doing of the thing.

Limitation

(3) An order under this section shall not authorize the interception of any private communication.

Same

(4) No device, technique or procedure shall be used to intercept any private communication under an order issued under this section.

Terms and conditions of order

(5) An order issued under this section shall contain such terms and conditions as the justice considers advisable in the circumstances.

Activities under order

(6) An order issued under this section may authorize a provincial officer,

(a) to place, install, maintain or remove a device in or on any land, place or thing; and

(b) to monitor, or to have monitored, a device or information from a device placed or installed in or on any land, place or thing.

Duration of order

(7) An order issued under this section is valid for a period of 60 days or for such shorter period as may be specified in the order.

Further orders

(8) A justice may issue further orders under subsection (2).  1998, c. 35, s. 89.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 89 - 01/02/1999

Permit or licence condition, permission to inspect

26 It is a condition of every permit or licence under this Act that the holder must forthwith on request permit provincial officers to carry out inspections authorized by the following provisions of any place, other than any room actually used as a dwelling, to which the permit or licence relates:

1. Section 19, 19.1 or 20 of this Act.

2. Section 156, 156.1 or 158 of the Environmental Protection Act.

3. Section 13, 14 or 16 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.

4. Section 15, 15.1 or 17 of the Ontario Water Resources Act.

5. Section 81, 82 or 89 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.

6. Section 15 or 18 of the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009.  2009, c. 19, s. 71 (6).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 90 - 01/02/1999

2002, c. 4, s. 66 (2) - 01/07/2003

2009, c. 19, s. 71 (6) - 01/01/2010; 2009, c. 19, s. 71 (7) - no effect - see 2009, c. 19, s. 65 - 31/12/2019

Power to require response to inquiries

26.0.1 (1) For the purposes of determining compliance of a person with this Act or the regulations, a provincial officer may, at any reasonable time and with any reasonable assistance, require the person, or any person employed by or providing services to the person, to respond to reasonable inquiries. 2017, c. 2, Sched. 11, s. 5.

Same

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a provincial officer may make inquiries by telephone or by any other means of communication. 2017, c. 2, Sched. 11, s. 5.

Production of document

(3) In requiring a person to respond to an inquiry under subsection (1), a provincial officer may require the production of any document or data, in any form, required to be kept under this Act and of any other document or data, in any form, related to the purpose of the inquiry. 2017, c. 2, Sched. 11, s. 5.

Records in electronic form

(4) If a record is retained in electronic form, a provincial officer may require that a copy of it be provided to him or her on paper or electronically, or both. 2017, c. 2, Sched. 11, s. 5.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2017, c. 2, Sched. 11, s. 5 - 22/03/2017

Order by provincial officer: contraventions

26.1 (1) A provincial officer may issue an order to any person that the provincial officer reasonably believes is contravening or has contravened,

(a) a provision of this Act or the regulations;

(b) a provision of an order made under this Act, other than an order requiring the person to pay an administrative penalty; or

(c) a term or condition of a licence or permit issued under this Act.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 48.

Information to be included in order

(2) The order shall,

(a) specify the provision, term or condition that the provincial officer believes is being or has been contravened;

(b) briefly describe the nature and, where applicable, the location of the contravention; and

(c) state that a review of the order may be requested in accordance with section 26.3.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

What order may require

(3) The order may require the person to whom it is directed to comply with any directions set out in the order within the time specified relating to,

(a) achieving compliance with the provision, term or condition;

(b) preventing the continuation or repetition of the contravention;

(c) the securing, whether through locks, gates, fences, security guards or other means, of any land, place or thing;

(d) where the contravention has any of the effects mentioned in subsection 28 (1), doing all or any of the things specified in subsection 28 (2);

(e) the removal of a pesticide or a substance or thing contaminated by or containing a pesticide;

(f) where the contravention has caused damage to or endangered or is likely to cause damage to or endanger existing water supplies, providing alternate water supplies;

(g) submitting a plan for achieving compliance with the provision, term or condition, including the engagement of contractors or consultants satisfactory to a provincial officer;

(h) submitting an application for a licence or permit;

(i) monitoring and recording in relation to the environment and reporting on the monitoring and recording; and

(j) posting notice of the order.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 91 - 01/02/1999

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 48 - 10/12/2019

Amendment or revocation of order under s. 26.1

26.2 (1) An order issued under section 26.1 may, by order, be amended or revoked by the provincial officer who issued it or by the Director.

Same

(2) A provincial officer or Director who amends or revokes an order shall give written notice of the amendment or revocation to the person to whom the order is directed.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 91 - 01/02/1999

Review, order under ss. 26.1 or 26.2

26.3 (1) A person to whom an order under section 26.1 or 26.2 is directed may, within seven days after being served with a copy of the order, request that the Director review the order.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Manner of making request

(2) The request may be made orally, with written confirmation served on the Director within the time specified in subsection (1), or in writing.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Contents of request for review

(3) A written request for review under subsection (1) or a written confirmation of an oral request under subsection (2) shall include,

(a) the portions of the order in respect of which the review is requested;

(b) any submissions that the applicant for the review wishes the Director to consider; and

(c) for the purpose of subsection (7), an address for service by mail or by facsimile transmission or by such other means of service as the regulations may prescribe.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

No automatic stay

(4) The request for review does not stay the order, unless the Director orders otherwise in writing.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Decision of Director

(5) A Director who receives a request for review may,

(a) revoke the order of the provincial officer; or

(b) by order directed to the person requesting the review, confirm or amend the order of the provincial officer.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Same

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), the Director may substitute his or her own opinion for that of the provincial officer.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Notice of decision

(7) The Director shall serve the person requesting the review with a copy of,

(a) a decision to revoke the order of the provincial officer; or

(b) an order to confirm or amend the order of the provincial officer, together with reasons.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Automatic confirmation of order

(8) If, within seven days of receiving a written request for review or a written confirmation of an oral request for review, the Director does not make a decision under subsection (5) and give oral or written notice of the decision to the person requesting the review, the order in respect of which the review is sought shall be deemed to have been confirmed by order of the Director.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Same

(9) For the purpose of an appeal to the Tribunal, a confirming order deemed to have been made by the Director under subsection (8),

(a) shall be deemed to be directed to each person to whom the order of the provincial officer was directed; and

(b) shall be deemed to have been served, on each person to whom the order of the provincial officer was directed, at the expiry of the time period referred to in subsection (8).  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 91 - 01/02/1999

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4) - 06/12/2000

Non-application of notice requirement under s. 13

26.4 Section 13 does not apply to orders under sections 26.1, 26.2 and 26.3.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 91 - 01/02/1999

Appeal to Tribunal, order under s. 26.3

26.5 (1) Where the Director has made an order under section 26.3, any person to whom the order is directed may, by written notice served on the Director and the Tribunal within 15 days after service on the person of a copy of the order require a hearing by the Tribunal.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Extension of time for requiring hearing

(2) The Tribunal may extend the time for giving notice under subsection (1) where it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the extension and that there are apparent grounds for granting relief.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Same

(3) The Tribunal may give such directions as it considers proper consequent on the extension.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Effect of Director’s order

(4) Section 143 of the Environmental Protection Act applies with necessary modifications to orders made under section 26.3 of this Act.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Examination of documentary evidence

(5) The person requiring the hearing by the Tribunal shall be afforded an opportunity to examine before the hearing any written or documentary evidence that will be produced or any report the contents of which will be given in evidence at the hearing.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Rules governing Tribunal hearings

(6) Subsections 14 (4) to (8) apply to hearings under this section.  1998, c. 35, s. 91.

Parties

(7) The Director, the person requiring the hearing and any other person specified by the Tribunal are parties to the hearing.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Powers of Tribunal

(8) The Tribunal may by order confirm, alter or revoke the order of the Director and for the purpose the Tribunal may substitute its own opinion for that of the Director.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Appeals from Tribunal hearings

(9) Section 15 applies to decisions of the Tribunal under this section.  1998, c. 35, s. 91; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 91 - 01/02/1999

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4) - 06/12/2000

Stop order

27 (1) Where the Director or a provincial officer is of the opinion, upon reasonable and probable grounds, that an emergency exists by reason of,

(a) danger to the health or safety of any person;

(b) impairment or immediate risk of impairment of the quality of the environment for any use that is being or is likely to be made of it;

(c) injury or damage or immediate risk of injury or damage to any property or to any plant or animal life; or

(d) the rendering or the immediate risk of rendering directly or indirectly any property or plant or animal life unfit for use by humans,

consequent upon the handling, storage, use, disposal, transportation or display of a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide, the Director or provincial officer, as the case may be, may make an oral or written stop order directed to the person responsible for the pesticide or the substance or thing containing the pesticide ordering such person to stop immediately the handling, storage, use, disposal, transportation or display of the pesticide or the substance or thing containing the pesticide either permanently or for a specific period of time.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (1).

Immediate appeal

(2) A person who is affected by a stop order made by a provincial officer under subsection (1) may appeal therefrom in person or by a person authorized under the Law Society Act to represent the person affected and by telephone or otherwise to the Director and the Director, after receiving the submissions of the person and of the provincial officer, shall vary, rescind or confirm the stop order of the provincial officer.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (2); 2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129 (2).

Written reasons for order

(3) Where the Director makes a stop order or varies or confirms a stop order under subsection (2), the Director shall forthwith thereafter serve or cause to be served a written copy of the stop order or a written copy of the stop order as varied or confirmed, as the case requires, together with written reasons therefor, upon the person to whom the stop order or the stop order as varied or confirmed is directed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (3).

Public notice

(4) The Director shall give notice of the stop order or the varied or confirmed stop order, together with written reasons therefor, to the municipality in which the emergency exists and to the public in such manner as the Director considers appropriate.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (4).

Notice

(5) A stop order, or a stop order as varied or confirmed under subsection (3) shall state that the person to whom it is directed is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if the person mails or delivers to the Director and the Tribunal, within fifteen days after a copy of the stop order, or the stop order as varied or confirmed, under subsection (3), is served on the person, notice in writing requiring a hearing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (5); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Effect of stop order

(6) Even if an appeal is taken against a stop order, the stop order is effective at and from the time it is communicated to the person to whom it is directed until confirmed, varied or rescinded on appeal and such person shall comply with the stop order immediately.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (6).

Appeal to Tribunal

(7) Where the Director has made a stop order or has varied or confirmed upon appeal to the Director a stop order made by a provincial officer, any person to whom the order is directed may, by written notice mailed to or served upon the Director and the Tribunal within fifteen days after service upon the person of a copy of the stop order or of the stop order as varied or confirmed, as the case requires, require a hearing by the Tribunal.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (7); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Powers of Tribunal where hearing

(8) Where a person to whom a stop order is directed requires a hearing by the Tribunal in accordance with subsection (7), the Tribunal shall appoint a time and place for and hold the hearing and the Tribunal may by order confirm, alter or rescind the order of the Director and for such purposes the Tribunal may substitute its opinion for that of the Director.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (8); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Parties

(9) The Director, the person who has required the hearing and such other persons as the Tribunal may specify are parties to proceedings before the Tribunal under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (9); 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4).

Procedure

(10) Subsection 13 (5), subsections 14 (2), (3), (4), (6) and (8) and section 15 apply with necessary modifications to proceedings under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (10); 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (5).

Revocation of stop order

(11) The Director, by an order, may rescind a stop order and in such case shall serve or cause to be served a copy of the rescinding order upon the person to whom the stop order was directed and shall give notice of the rescinding order to the municipality referred to in subsection (4) and to the public in such manner as the Director considers appropriate.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 27 (11).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4) - 06/12/2000

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (5) - 29/06/2001

2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129 (2) - 01/05/2007

Control order

28 (1) Where the handling, storage, use, disposal, transportation or display of a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide,

(a) causes or is likely to cause impairment of the quality of the environment for any use that is being or is likely to be made of it;

(b) causes or is likely to cause injury or damage to property or to plant or animal life;

(c) causes or is likely to cause harm or material discomfort to any person;

(d) adversely affects or is likely to affect adversely the health of any person;

(e) impairs or is likely to impair the safety of any person;

(f) renders or is likely to render directly or indirectly any property or plant or animal life unfit for use by humans,

the Director, subject to section 13, may make a control order directed to the person responsible for the pesticide or the substance or thing containing the pesticide.

Content of control order

(2) The Director, in a control order, may order the person to whom the order is directed to,

(a) limit or control the rate of discharge of a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide into the environment in accordance with the directions set out in the order;

(b) stop the discharge of a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide into the environment,

(i) permanently,

(ii) for a specified period of time, or

(iii) in the circumstances set out in the order; and

(c) comply with any directions set out in the order relating to the manner in which a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide or the container of either of them may be handled, stored, used, disposed of, transported or displayed.

Amendment of control order

(3) The Director, under any of the circumstances set out in subsection (1) and in accordance with subsection (2), by a further order, may amend or vary a control order and sections 13, 14 and 15 apply with necessary modifications.

Revocation of control order

(4) The Director, by an order, may rescind a control order and in such case shall serve or cause to be served a copy of the rescinding order upon the person to whom the control order was directed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 28.

Discharge of pesticide, Director to be notified

29 Every person who discharges a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide in or into the environment out of the normal course of events that,

(a) causes or is likely to cause impairment of the quality of the environment for any use that can be made of it;

(b) causes or is likely to cause injury or damage to property or to plant or animal life;

(c) causes or is likely to cause harm or material discomfort to any person;

(d) adversely affects or is likely to adversely affect the health of any person;

(e) impairs or is likely to impair the safety of any person; or

(f) renders or is likely to render directly or indirectly any property or plant or animal life unfit for use by humans,

shall forthwith notify the Director.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 29.

Damage repair, cleaning and decontamination

Minister may order repair of damage

30 (1) Where any person discharges or causes or permits the discharge of a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide that causes or is likely to cause injury or damage to or impairment of,

(a) the quality of the environment for any use that is being or is likely to be made of it;

(b) any property or water;

(c) plant or animal life; or

(d) a person,

the Minister, where he or she is of the opinion that it is in the public interest to do so, may order the person responsible for the pesticide or the substance or thing containing the pesticide to do all things and take all steps within such time or times as may be specified in the order for the purpose of preventing or repairing, as the case requires, such injury or damage or impairment or to restore such quality.

Cleaning and decontamination

(2) Every person responsible for a pesticide or a substance or thing containing a pesticide shall take such measures and do such things within such time or times with respect to the cleaning and decontamination of the environment, or any plant or animal life, substance or thing that has come into contact with a pesticide by any means other than in accordance with this Act and the regulations or a licence, permit or order thereunder as may be prescribed.

Idem

(3) No person shall use the environment or any plant or animal life, substance or thing that has come into contact with a pesticide by any means other than in accordance with this Act and the regulations or a licence, permit or order thereunder unless the cleaning and decontamination thereof has been completed in the prescribed manner or has been approved by the Director in writing.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 30.

Orders, successors, etc., bound, records

Successors and assigns

31 (1) An order of a court, the Minister, the Director or a provincial officer under this Act is binding on the executor, administrator, administrator with the will annexed, guardian of property or attorney for property of the person to whom it was directed, and on any other successor or assignee of the person to whom it was directed.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Limitation

(2) If, pursuant to subsection (1), an order is binding on an executor, administrator, administrator with the will annexed, guardian of property or attorney for property, their obligation to incur costs to comply with the order is limited to the value of the assets they hold or administer, less their reasonable costs of holding or administering the assets.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Receivers and trustees

(3) An order of a court, the Minister, the Director or a provincial officer under this Act that relates to property is binding on a receiver or trustee that holds or administers the property.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Limitation

(4) If, pursuant to subsection (3), an order is binding on a trustee, other than a trustee in bankruptcy, the trustee’s obligation to incur costs to comply with the order is limited to the value of the assets held or administered by the trustee, less the trustee’s reasonable costs of holding or administering the assets.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Exception

(5) Subsection (3) does not apply to an order that relates to property held or administered by a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy if,

(a) within 10 days after taking or being appointed to take possession or control of the property, or within 10 days after the issuance of the order, the receiver or trustee in bankruptcy notifies the Director that they have abandoned, disposed of or otherwise released their interest in the property; or

(b) the order was stayed under Part I of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and the receiver or trustee in bankruptcy notified the Director, before the stay expired, that they abandoned, disposed of or otherwise released their interest in the property.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Extension of period

(6) The Director may extend the 10-day period for giving notice under clause (5) (a), before or after it expires, on such terms and conditions as he or she considers appropriate.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Notice under subs. (5)

(7) Notice under clause (5) (a) or (b) must be given in the manner prescribed by the regulations referred to in subsection 19 (7) of the Environmental Protection Act.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Index record

(8) The Ministry shall maintain an alphabetical index record of the names of all persons to whom orders are directed under this Act.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Expiry of order, etc.

(9) When an order has expired or is rescinded or set aside, the Ministry shall note that fact in the index rec­ord.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Search of index record

(10) The Ministry shall, on the request of any person, make a search of the index record and inform the person making the request as to whether or not the name of a particular person appears in the index record and shall permit inspection of any order relating to that person.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3) - 01/12/2002

Definitions, ss. 31.1 to 31.6

31.1 In this section and in sections 31.2 to 31.6,

“fiduciary” means an executor, administrator, administrator with the will annexed, trustee, guardian of property or attorney for property, but does not include a trustee in bankruptcy or trustee in bankruptcy representative; (“représentant fiduciaire”)

“fiduciary property” means property held or administered by a fiduciary in the capacity of fiduciary, or property in respect of which a fiduciary has powers or duties in the capacity of fiduciary; (“bien fiduciaire”)

“fiduciary representative” means, with respect to a fiduciary, an officer, director, employee or agent of the fiduciary, or a lawyer, consultant or other advisor of the fiduciary who is acting on behalf of the fiduciary; (“représentant d’un représentant fiduciaire”)

“municipality” includes a local board, as defined in the Municipal Affairs Act, and a board, commission or other local authority exercising any power with respect to municipal affairs or purposes, including school purposes, in an unorganised township or unsurveyed territory; (“municipalité”)

“municipal representative” means, with respect to a municipality, an officer, employee or agent of the municipality, or a lawyer, consultant or other advisor of the municipality who is acting on behalf of the municipality; (“représentant municipal”)

“non-municipal property” means, with respect to a municipality, property that is not owned, leased or occupied by the municipality; (“bien non municipal”)

“receiver representative” means, with respect to a receiver, an officer, director, employee or agent of the receiver, or a lawyer, consultant or other advisor of the receiver who is acting on behalf of the receiver; (“représentant d’un séquestre”)

“secured creditor representative” means, with respect to a secured creditor, an officer, director, employee or agent of the secured creditor, or a lawyer, consultant or other advisor of the secured creditor who is acting on behalf of the secured creditor; (“représentant d’un créancier garanti”)

“trustee in bankruptcy representative” means, with respect to a trustee in bankruptcy, an officer, director, employee or agent of the trustee in bankruptcy, or a lawyer, consultant or other advisor of the trustee in bankruptcy who is acting on behalf of the trustee in bankruptcy. (“représentant d’un syndic de faillite”)  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 22 (1).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3) - 01/12/2002

2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 22 (1) - 01/01/2003

Interpretation, ss. 31.3 to 31.6

31.2 Sections 31.3 to 31.6 shall not be construed as affecting any cause of action that a person would have in the absence of those sections.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3) - 01/12/2002

Actions taken by municipalities

31.3 (1) For the purposes of this Act, a municipality or a municipal representative who takes an action described in subsection (2) is not, for that reason alone,

(a) the person having the charge, management or control of the handling, storage, use, disposal, transportation or display of a pesticide, substance or thing; or

(b) the person having the charge, management or control of a pesticide, substance or thing.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Actions

(2) The actions referred to in subsection (1) are the following:

1. Any action taken for the purpose of conducting, completing or confirming an investigation relating to non-municipal property.

2. Any action taken for the purpose of preserving or protecting non-municipal property, including action to,

i. ensure the supply of water, sewage services, electricity, artificial or natural gas, steam, hot water, heat or maintenance,

ii. secure the property by means of locks, gates, fences, security guards or other means, or

iii. ensure that the property is insured under a contract of insurance.

3. Any action taken on non-municipal property for the purpose of responding to,

i. any danger to the health or safety of any person that results from the presence or discharge of a pesticide, or any substance or thing containing a pesticide, on, in or under the property,

ii. any impairment or serious risk of impairment of the quality of the natural environment for any use that can be made of it that results from the presence or discharge of a pesticide, or any substance or thing containing a pesticide, on, in or under the property, or

iii. any injury or damage or serious risk of injury or damage to any property or to any plant or animal life that results from the presence or discharge of a pesticide, or any substance or thing containing a pesticide, on, in or under the property.

4. Any action taken with respect to non-municipal property to exercise a right under any Act to collect rent or levy by distress in relation to an unpaid amount.

5. Any action taken on non-municipal property under or for the purpose of Part XI of the Municipal Act, 2001 or Part XIV of the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

6. Any action taken on non-municipal property under or for the purpose of the Building Code Act, 1992, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 or an Act prescribed by the regulations referred to in paragraph 6 of subsection 168.12 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act.

7. Any other action prescribed by the regulations referred to in paragraph 7 of subsection 168.12 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 22 (2); 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 46.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3) - 01/12/2002

2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 22 (2) - 01/01/2003

2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 46 - 01/01/2007

Actions taken by secured creditors

31.4 (1) For the purposes of this Act, a secured creditor or a secured creditor representative who takes an action described in subsection (2) is not, for that reason alone,

(a) the person having the charge, management or control of the handling, storage, use, disposal, transportation or display of a pesticide, substance or thing; or

(b) the person having the charge, management or control of a pesticide, substance or thing.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Actions

(2) The actions referred to in subsection (1) are the following:

1. Any action taken for the purpose of conducting, completing or confirming an investigation relating to the secured property.

2. Any action taken for the purpose of preserving or protecting the secured property, including action to,

i. ensure the supply of water, sewage services, electricity, artificial or natural gas, steam, hot water, heat or maintenance,

ii. secure the property by means of locks, gates, fences, security guards or other means,

iii. ensure that the property is insured under a contract of insurance, or

iv. pay taxes due or collect rents owing with respect to the property. 

3. Any action taken on the secured property for the purpose of responding to,

i. any danger to the health or safety of any person that results from the presence or discharge of a pesticide, or any substance or thing containing a pesticide, on, in or under the property,

ii. any impairment or serious risk of impairment of the quality of the natural environment for any use that can be made of it that results from the presence or discharge of a pesticide, or any substance or thing containing a pesticide, on, in or under the property, or

iii. any injury or damage or serious risk of injury or damage to any property or to any plant or animal life that results from the presence or discharge of a pesticide, or any substance or thing containing a pesticide, on, in or under the property.

4. Any other action prescribed by the regulations referred to in paragraph 4 of subsection 168.17 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3) - 01/12/2002

Receivers and trustees in bankruptcy

31.5 (1) A receiver or trustee in bankruptcy is not required to comply with any order under this Act that is issued by the Minister, the Director or a provincial officer if the order did not arise from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, or of a receiver representative or trustee in bankruptcy representative, and,

(a) not later than 10 days after being served with the order, or within such longer period as may be specified by the Director in the order, the receiver or trustee in bankruptcy notifies the Director that they have abandoned, disposed of or otherwise released their interest in the property to which the order relates; or

(b) the order was stayed under Part I of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and the receiver or trustee in bankruptcy notified the Director, before the stay expired, that they abandoned, disposed of or otherwise released their interest in the property.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Notice under subs. (1)

(2) Notice under clause (1) (a) or (b) must be given in the manner prescribed by the regulations referred to in subsection 168.20 (8) of the Environmental Protection Act.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3) - 01/12/2002

Obligations of fiduciaries

31.6 If the Minister, the Director or a provincial officer issues an order under any provision of this Act to a fiduciary or fiduciary representative with respect to fiduciary property, the obligation of the fiduciary or fiduciary representative to incur costs to comply with the order is limited to the value of the assets they hold or administer on the date they are served with the order, less their reasonable costs of holding or administering the assets, unless the order arose from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the fiduciary or fiduciary representative.  2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 17, s. 6 (3) - 01/12/2002

The Crown

32 This Act binds the Crown.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 32.

Licences or permits not transferable

33 A licence or a permit under this Act is not transferable.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 33.

Exemption from regulations, applicants for licence

34 (1) Where, in the opinion of the Director, it is in the public interest to do so, the Director may exempt an applicant for a licence issued by the Director under section 6 or the holder of such a licence from any provision of the regulations and issue a licence to the applicant or modify the licence of the licensee, as the case may be, upon such terms and conditions, or alter or revoke the terms and conditions, as the Director considers necessary.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 34.

Exception

(2) Subsection (1) does not authorize the Director to exempt a person from a provision of a regulation made with respect to section 7.1.  2008, c. 11, s. 4.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2008, c. 11, s. 4 - 22/04/2009

Regulations

35 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations,

1. prescribing classes of licences and the requirements for the issue and renewal of licences;

2. exempting any person or class of persons from this Act or the regulations or any provision thereof and prescribing terms and conditions attaching to any such exemption;

3. providing for the issue and renewal of licences;

4. prescribing expiry dates or the method of determining the expiry dates of licences or any class of licences;

5. providing for the issue of permits and the requirements for permits;

5.1 governing applications for the issue of licences and permits and for renewals of licences, including the timing of applications and the manner of making applications, and prescribing the circumstances in which an application may not be submitted;

5.2 prescribing requirements to be met by applicants for the issue and renewal of licences and the issue of permits, including qualifications, education and training of applicants;

6. prescribing terms and conditions with respect to sales, offers to sell, transfers or premises in, on or from which sales, offers to sell or transfers of a pesticide are or will be made that shall attach to any class of licence;

7. providing for the examination of applicants for permits and licences and renewals of licences;

8. providing for the appointment of examiners for applicants for the issue of licences and permits, the period for which such appointments may be made and the remuneration of examiners;

9. requiring applicants for the issue and renewal of licences to undergo medical examinations;

9.1 providing for such transitional matters as the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable in relation to electronic applications for licences;

10. prescribing the procedures, conditions and notices for exterminations and for the airing out of buildings, structures and vehicles;

11. fixing the amount and type of insurance or bond that shall be carried or furnished by operators and prescribing the form, requirements and terms thereof;

12. prescribing pesticides, classes of pesticides and conditions of use for the purpose of section 7;

13. prescribing that a type or class of structural extermination may be deemed a land extermination and prescribing that a type or class of land extermination may be deemed a structural extermination for the purpose of this Act and the regulations;

14. permitting any class of operator or exterminator to perform or to undertake to perform any extermination for which the members of the class are not licensed and prescribing the conditions that shall attach to the permission;

15. exempting any machine, apparatus, equipment, or class thereof, from this Act or the regulations, or any provision thereof;

16. exempting any type or class of building, vehicle or structure from this Act or the regulations or any provision thereof;

17. excluding any land or water from the operation of this Act or the regulations or any provision thereof;

18. regulating or prohibiting the installation, operation, maintenance and use of any machine, apparatus or equipment used for extermination;

19. governing the signs, marking or other identification of vehicles or machines used in exterminations;

20. regulating the construction of any enclosed space or vault in which movable property may be placed during the periods of extermination and airing out;

21. prescribing functions, practices and procedures, tenure of office and remuneration of the Committee;

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 21 of subsection 35 (1) of the Act is repealed. (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 49 (1))

22. prescribing forms and providing for their use for the purposes of this Act;

23. governing, regulating or prohibiting the use, handling, storage, display or disposal of pesticides;

24. prohibiting or regulating the sale, offering for sale or transfer of pesticides;

24.1 classifying pesticides or providing for the classification of pesticides by the Minister or a person designated by the Minister, or by another method of classification, and providing for a means of informing the public of the classifications;

25. prohibiting the holders of any class of licence from using any pesticide or class of pesticides;

26. regulating the type of containers and the labelling of containers for pesticides, other than the containers in which pesticides are sold or offered for sale;

27. regulating the disposal of containers of pesticides;

28. prescribing documents or data required to be created, stored and submitted by any person and the methods of creating, storing and submitting the documents and data;

28.1 prescribing the location at which documents or data must be created or stored;

28.2 providing for the inspection and examination of documents and data;

28.3 providing for the preparation and signing of documents by electronic means, the filing of documents by direct electronic transmission and the printing of documents filed by direct electronic transmission;

29. exempting any plant or animal life, organism, substance or thing or any class of any of them or any quantity or concentration of any organism or substance from this Act or the regulations or any provision thereof;

30. respecting premises on, in or from which any pesticide or class of pesticide is sold, offered for sale or transferred;

31. regulating and controlling, for the purpose of preventing or reducing the contamination by pesticides of the environment, property, plant or animal life, or of any person, the transportation of any pesticide or class of pesticides by any vehicle operated on any highway or road or the transportation of any pesticide or class of pesticides together with any commodity or class of commodities by a vehicle operated on any highway or road;

32. prohibiting the transportation of any pesticide or class of pesticides together with any commodity or class of commodity by a vehicle operated on any highway or road;

33. prescribing the records to be kept by persons responsible for the transportation of any pesticide or class of pesticides by a vehicle operated on a highway or road;

34. requiring, regulating or prohibiting the removal or disposal of any substance or thing that has come into contact with any pesticide by any means other than in accordance with this Act and the regulations or a licence, permit or order thereunder;

35. requiring and prescribing measures to be taken and things to be done with respect to the cleaning and decontamination of the environment or any plant or animal life, substance or thing that has come into contact with a pesticide by any means other than in accordance with this Act and the regulations or a licence, permit or order thereunder and the time or times within which such measures shall be taken and things done;

36. providing for the method of service of any document given, served or delivered under this Act;

37. deeming a person to be a person involved in carrying out a program of the Ministry for the purpose of subsection 17 (5);

38. prescribing pesticides for the purpose of subsection 7.1 (1) or (4);

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 38 of subsection 35 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 49 (2))

38. governing a process for submitting a request to the Director for a determination of whether to list an active ingredient under subsection 7.1 (1);

39. defining golf courses for the purpose of paragraph 1 of subsection 7.1 (2);

40. defining agriculture for the purpose of paragraph 2 of subsection 7.1 (2);

41. defining forestry for the purpose of paragraph 3 of subsection 7.1 (2);

42. defining promotion of public health or safety for the purpose of paragraph 4 of subsection 7.1 (2);

43. prescribing uses for the purpose of paragraph 5 of subsection 7.1 (2);

44. prescribing conditions that must be met for paragraph 1 or 5 of subsection 7.1 (2) to apply;

45. prescribing requirements that must be complied with for the purpose of subsection 7.1 (3);

46. prescribing sales, offers to sell or transfers to which subsection 7.1 (4) does not apply;

47. providing for such transitional matters as the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable in relation to section 7.1;

48. prescribing municipal by-laws to which subsection 7.1 (5) does not apply;

49. prescribing or respecting any matter that this Act refers to as a matter prescribed by the regulations or as otherwise dealt with by the regulations except prescribing or respecting any matter regarding which the Minister may make regulations under section 37.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 35; 1997, c. 37, s. 5 (5, 6); 1998, c. 35, s. 92; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (9); 2008, c. 11, s. 5 (1); 2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (5); 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (17-25).

Pesticides prescribed for s. 7.1

(2) A regulation made under paragraph 38 of subsection (1) shall not prescribe a pesticide unless the pesticide may be used for a cosmetic purpose.  2008, c. 11, s. 5 (2).

Note: On May 1, 2020, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 35 (2) of the Act is repealed. (See: 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 49 (3))

Municipal by-laws to which s. 7.1 (5) does not apply

(3) A regulation made under paragraph 48 of subsection (1) shall not prescribe a municipal by-law unless the passing of the by-law is required under an Act.  2008, c. 11, s. 5 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1997, c. 37, s. 5 (5) - 18/12/1997; 1998, c. 35, s. 92 (1, 2) - 01/02/1999

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (6-8) - no effect - see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006 - 31/12/2011; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (9) - 29/06/2001

2008, c. 11, s. 5 (1, 2) - 22/04/2009

2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (5) - 15/12/2009

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (17-25) - 04/09/2018

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 49 (1-3) - 01/05/2020

Scope of regulations

36 (1) Any regulation may be general or particular in its application and may be limited as to time or place or both.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 36 (1).

Adoption of documents in regulations

(2) A regulation may adopt by reference, in whole or in part, with such changes as the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary, any document, including a code, formula, standard, protocol or procedure, and may require compliance with any document so adopted. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (26).

Rolling incorporation by reference

(3) The power to adopt by reference and require compliance with a document in subsection (2) includes the power to adopt a document as it may be amended from time to time. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (26).

When effective

(4) The adoption of an amendment to a document that has been adopted by reference comes into effect upon the Ministry publishing notice of the amendment in The Ontario Gazette or in the registry under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (26).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (6) - 15/12/2009

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (26) - 04/09/2018

Regulations made by Minister

37 (1) The Minister may make regulations in respect of the following matters:

1. Imposing fees for anything done or requested to be done under this Act, prescribing the manner in which and the period within which fees must be paid, and authorizing the refund of fees in prescribed circumstances. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (27).

Exemptions

(2) A regulation made under subsection (1) may exempt a person or class of persons from a specified requirement imposed by the regulation, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, or provide that a specified requirement does not apply to the person or class in such circumstances as may be prescribed. 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (27).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (10) - 29/06/2001

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (27) - 04/09/2018

Service

38 (1) Any document given, served or delivered under this Act is sufficiently given, served or delivered if it is,

(a) delivered personally;

(b) sent by mail addressed to the person to whom it is required to be given, served or delivered at the latest address for the person appearing on the records of the Ministry; or

(c) given or served in accordance with regulations respecting service.

When service deemed made

(2) Where service is made by mail, the service shall be deemed to be made on the fifth day after the day of mailing unless the person on whom service is being made establishes that the person did not, acting in good faith, through absence, accident, illness or other cause beyond the person’s control receive the document until a later date.  1998, c. 35, s. 93.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 93 - 01/02/1999

Enforcement of performance of things required to be done

39 Where the Minister or the Director has authority to order or require that any matter or thing be done, the Minister may order that, in default of its being done by the person ordered or required to do it, such matter or thing shall be done at the expense of such person, and the Minister may recover the cost of doing it, with costs, by action in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Crown by such person.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 39.

40 Repealed:  1998, c. 35, s. 94.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 94 - 01/02/1999

Presiding judge

41 The Crown, by notice to the clerk of the Ontario Court of Justice, may require that a provincial judge preside over a proceeding in respect of an offence under this Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 41; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (11); 2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (11) - 29/06/2001

2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129 (3) - 01/05/2007

Administrative penalties

41.1 (1) The purpose of an administrative penalty issued under this Act is,

(a) to ensure compliance with this Act; and

(b) to prevent a person or entity from deriving, directly or indirectly, any economic benefit as a result of non-compliance with this Act. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Order by Director, provincial officer

(2) If the Director or, in the circumstances prescribed by the regulations, a provincial officer, is of the opinion that a person has committed a contravention prescribed by the regulations, the Director or provincial officer, as the case may be, may issue an order requiring the person to pay an administrative penalty in respect of the contravention. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Prescribed contraventions

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a prescribed contravention may be in respect of,

(a) a provision of this Act or the regulations;

(b) a provision of an order under this Act; or

(c) a term or condition of a licence or permit under this Act. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Limitation

(4) An order mentioned in subsection (2) shall be served not later than one year after the day on which evidence of the contravention first came to the attention of a provincial officer or the Director. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Orders, corporations

(5) If the person who has contravened a provision or a term or condition referred to in subsection (3) is a corporation, the order shall not be issued to an employee, officer, director or agent of the corporation unless the circumstances prescribed by the regulations, if any, exist. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Amount of penalty

(6) The amount of the administrative penalty shall be determined by the Director or the provincial officer, as the case may be, in accordance with the regulations. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Total penalty

(7) Subject to subsection (8), the total amount of the administrative penalty shall not exceed $100,000 for each contravention. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Same, monetary benefit

(8) The total amount of the administrative penalty referred to in subsection (7) may be increased by an amount equal to the amount of the monetary benefit acquired by or that accrued to the person as a result of the contravention. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Contents of order

(9) An order mentioned in subsection (2) shall be served on the person who is required to pay the administrative penalty and shall,

(a) contain a description of the contravention to which the order relates, including, if appropriate, the date of the contravention;

(b) specify the amount of the penalty;

(c) give particulars respecting the time for paying the penalty and the manner of payment; and

(d) provide information to the person as to the person’s right to require,

(i) a hearing under section 41.3, if the order is issued by the Director, or

(ii) a review under section 41.2, if the order is issued by a provincial officer. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Absolute liability

(10) A requirement that a person pay an administrative penalty applies even if,

(a) the person took all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention; or

(b) at the time of the contravention, the person had an honest and reasonable belief in a mistaken set of facts that, if true, would have rendered the contravention innocent. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Payment prevents conviction

(11) A person who pays an administrative penalty in respect of a contravention prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection shall not be convicted of an offence under this Act in respect of the same contravention. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Contraventions where conviction not prevented

(12) With respect to a contravention, other than a contravention to which subsection (11) applies, a person may be charged, prosecuted and convicted of an offence under this Act in respect of that contravention, regardless of whether the person has paid an administrative penalty in respect of and has remedied that contravention and, for greater certainty, nothing in subsection (10) affects the prosecution of the offence. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

No admission

(13) If a person pays an administrative penalty in respect of a contravention, the payment is not, for the purposes of any prosecution in respect of the contravention, an admission that the person committed the contravention. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Regulations

(14) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations,

(a) specifying the form and content of orders under this section;

(b) prescribing circumstances in which a provincial officer is authorized or prohibited from issuing an order under subsection (2);

(c) governing the determination of the amounts of administrative penalties, for individuals and for corporations, including providing the maximum amount the Director or a provincial officer, as the case may be, may determine under subsection (6);

(d) prescribing circumstances in which a person is not required to pay an administrative penalty;

(e) prescribing procedures related to administrative penalties;

(f) governing the payment of interest and late payment penalties, including prescribing how the amounts of interest and late payment penalties are determined;

(g) respecting any matter necessary for the administration of the system of administrative penalties. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 95 - no effect - see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006 - 31/12/2011

2000, c. 22, s. 3 (1, 2) - no effect - see 1998, c. 35, s. 95; 2000, c. 26, Sched. F, s. 14 (4) - 06/12/2000

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (12, 13) - no effect - see 1998, c. 35, s. 95

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50 - 10/12/2019

Review of administrative penalty imposed by provincial officer

41.2 (1) A person who is required by an order issued by a provincial officer to pay an administrative penalty may, within seven days after being served with the order, request that the Director review the order. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Request for review

(2) A request for a review shall be made in writing and shall include,

(a) a statement of whether the review applies to the liability to pay the penalty, the amount of the penalty or both;

(b) any submissions that the person requesting the review wishes the Director to consider; and

(c) for the purposes of subsection (7), an address for service by mail, fax or such other means of service as the regulations may prescribe. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Stay

(3) If a person requests a review, the requirement to pay the administrative penalty is stayed until the disposition of the matter. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Decision of Director

(4) A Director who receives a request for a review may,

(a) revoke the order of the provincial officer; or

(b) by order directed to the person who requested the review, confirm or alter the order of the provincial officer. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Same

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), the Director may substitute his or her opinion for that of the provincial officer. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Amount of penalty

(6) For greater certainty, if the review applies to the amount of the penalty, the regulations made under clause 41.1 (14) (c) apply for the purposes of the review. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Notice of decision

(7) The Director shall serve a person requesting a review with a copy of,

(a) the Director’s decision or order under subsection (4); and

(b) if the Director issues an order under clause (4) (b), the reasons for the order. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Automatic confirmation of order

(8) If the Director does not comply with subsection (7) within seven days after receiving a request for a review, the order in respect of which the review was requested shall be deemed to have been confirmed by order of the Director. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Same

(9) For the purposes of section 41.3, a deemed confirmation by order of the Director under subsection (8) shall be,

(a) deemed to be directed to the person to whom the order of the provincial officer was directed; and

(b) deemed to have been served on the person mentioned in clause (a) on the last day of the time period mentioned in subsection (8). 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Exception

(10) Subsections (8) and (9) do not apply if, within seven days after receiving the request for a review, the Director gives written notice to the person requesting the review stating that the Director requires additional time to make a decision. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Regulations

(11) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations specifying the form and content of orders under this section. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50 - 10/12/2019

Hearing may be required

41.3 (1) A person who is required to pay an administrative penalty may, within 15 days after service of the order on the person, by a written notice served on the Director and the Tribunal, require the Tribunal to hold a hearing with respect to the matter to which the notice relates and, in such case, the requirement to pay is stayed until the disposition of the matter. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Tribunal’s powers on hearing

(2) At a hearing by the Tribunal in respect of an order to pay an administrative penalty, the Tribunal shall determine whether in the circumstances, the order should be confirmed, revoked or amended. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Amount of administrative penalties

(3) For greater certainty, if a hearing by the Tribunal is required under this section in respect of an order to pay an administrative penalty, the regulations made under clause 41.1 (14) (c) governing the determination of the amounts of administrative penalties apply to the Tribunal. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Same

(4) Subject to subsection (3), if a hearing by the Tribunal is required under this section in respect of an order to pay an administrative penalty, the Tribunal shall not substitute its opinion for that of the Director with respect to the amount of the penalty unless the Tribunal considers the amount to be unreasonable. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Extension of time for requiring hearing

(5) The Tribunal shall extend the time in which a person may give a notice under subsection (1) requiring a hearing where, in the Tribunal’s opinion, it is just to do so because service of the order on the person did not give the person notice of the order or decision. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Contents of notice requiring hearing

(6) An applicant for a hearing by the Tribunal shall state in the notice requiring the hearing,

(a) the portions of the order in respect of which the hearing is required; and

(b) the grounds on which the applicant for the hearing intends to rely at the hearing. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Effect of contents of notice

(7) Except with leave of the Tribunal, at a hearing by the Tribunal an applicant is not entitled to appeal a portion of the order or to rely on a ground that is not stated in the applicant’s notice requiring the hearing. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Leave by Tribunal

(8) The Tribunal may grant the leave referred to in subsection (7) where the Tribunal is of the opinion that to do so is proper in the circumstances, and the Tribunal may give such directions as the Tribunal considers proper consequent upon the granting of the leave. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50 - 10/12/2019

Failure to pay administrative penalty when required

41.4 If a person who is required to pay an administrative penalty fails to comply with the requirement,

(a) the order that requires payment may be filed with a local registrar of the Superior Court of Justice and the order may be enforced as if it were an order of the court;

(b) the Director may, by order, suspend any permit or licence issued to the person under this Act until the administrative penalty is paid; and

(c) the Director may refuse to issue any permit or licence to the person or refuse to renew any permit or licence issued to the person under this Act until the administrative penalty is paid. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50 - 10/12/2019

Special purpose account

41.5 Administrative penalties paid under this Act shall be deposited in the account referred to in section 182.2 of the Environmental Protection Act. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 50 - 10/12/2019

Offences

Contravention of Act or regulations

42 (1) Every person who contravenes this Act or a regulation is guilty of an offence.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 42 (1).

Offence, orders

(2) Every person who fails to comply with an order, other than an order requiring the person to pay an administrative penalty under this Act, is guilty of an offence. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 51.

Offence, licence or permit

(3) Every person who fails to comply with a term or condition of a licence or permit made or issued under this Act is guilty of an offence.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 42 (3).

Offence re fees

(4) Every person who fails to pay a fee that the person is required to pay under section 37 is guilty of an offence.  2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (14).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (14) - 29/06/2001

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 51 - 10/12/2019

Penalties, general

Individuals

43 (1) Every individual convicted of an offence under this Act is liable,

(a) on a first conviction, for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $20,000; and

(b) on each subsequent conviction,

(i) for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $50,000,

(ii) to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or

(iii) to both such fine and imprisonment.

Corporations

(2) Every corporation convicted of an offence under this Act is liable,

(a) on a first conviction, for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $100,000; and

(b) on each subsequent conviction, for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $200,000.  1998, c. 35, s. 96.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 96 - 01/02/1999

Penalty re monetary benefit

44 The court that convicts a person of an offence under this Act, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, may increase a fine imposed upon the person by an amount equal to the amount of the monetary benefit acquired by or that accrued to the person as a result of the commission of the offence, despite any maximum fine elsewhere provided.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 44.

Penalties, more serious offences

Application of subss. (2) and (3)

45 (1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply to the following offences:

1. An offence under subsection 42 (1) or 49 (2) that posed, poses or may pose a risk of an effect mentioned in subsection 49 (3).

2. An offence under subsection 42 (2), other than an offence of failing to comply with an order under section 27.

3. An offence of contravening section 17.

4. An offence under subsection 42 (3).  1998, c. 35, s. 97 (1); 2000, c. 22, s. 3 (3).

Corporations, subs. (1)

(2) Every corporation convicted of an offence described in subsection (1) is liable, in substitution for any penalty provided in section 43, for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $250,000 on a first conviction and not more than $500,000 on each subsequent conviction.  1998, c. 35, s. 97 (1).

Individuals, subs. (1)

(3) Every individual convicted of an offence described in subsection (1) is liable, in substitution for any penalty provided in section 43,

(a) for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $50,000 on a first conviction and not more than $100,000 on each subsequent conviction;

(b) to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year; or

(c) to both such fine and imprisonment.  1998, c. 35, s. 97 (1).

Application of subss. (3.1) and (3.2)

(3.0.1) Subsections (3.1) and (3.2) apply to the following offences:

1. An offence under this Act that causes an effect mentioned in subsection 49 (3).

2. An offence of failing to comply with an order under section 27.  2000, c. 22, s. 3 (4).

Corporations, subs. (3.0.1)

(3.1) Every corporation convicted of an offence described in subsection (3.0.1) is liable, in substitution for any penalty elsewhere provided, for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $6,000,000 on a first conviction and not more than $10,000,000 on each subsequent conviction.  1998, c. 35, s. 97 (1); 2000, c. 22, s. 3 (5).

Individuals, subs. (3.0.1)

(3.2) Every individual convicted of an offence described in subsection (3.0.1) is liable, in substitution for any penalty elsewhere provided,

(a) for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues, to a fine of not more than $4,000,000 on a first conviction and not more than $6,000,000 on each subsequent conviction;

(b) to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years less one day; or

(c) to both such fine and imprisonment.  1998, c. 35, s. 97 (1); 2000, c. 22, s. 3 (6).

Subsequent conviction

(4) For the purposes of determining the penalty to which a person is liable under section 43 or under this section, a conviction of the person for an offence under this Act is a subsequent conviction if the person has previously been convicted of an offence under,

(a) this Act;

(b) the Environmental Protection Act, other than for an offence related to Part IX of that Act;

(b.1) the Nutrient Management Act, 2002;

(c) the Ontario Water Resources Act;

(d) the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002; or

(e) the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009.  1998, c. 35, s. 97 (2); 2002, c. 4, s. 66 (3); 2009, c. 19, s. 71 (8).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 97 (1, 2) - 01/02/1999

2000, c. 22, s. 3 (3-6) - 21/11/2000

2002, c. 4, s. 66 (3) - 01/07/2003

2009, c. 19, s. 71 (8) - 01/01/2010

Order to prevent damage, etc.

46 (1) On its own initiative or on the request of the prosecutor, the court that convicts a person of an offence under this Act, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, may order the person,

(a) to take such action as the court directs, including but not limited to providing an alternate water supply, within the time specified in the order to prevent, eliminate or ameliorate damage that results from or is in any way connected to the commission of the offence; and

(b) to comply with any order that the Director has issued to the person in relation to damage that results from or is in any way connected to the commission of the offence.  1998, c. 35, s. 98 (1).

Other conditions

(2) An order under subsection (1) may contain such other conditions relating to the circumstances of the offence and of the person that contributed to the commission of the offence as the court considers appropriate to prevent similar unlawful conduct or to contribute to rehabilitation.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 46 (2); 2006, c. 19, Sched. K, s. 4.

Variation of order

(3) The court that made an order under subsection (1) may make any changes in or additions to the conditions prescribed in the order that in the opinion of the court are rendered desirable by a change in circumstances,

(a) on its own initiative at any time; or

(b) on application by counsel for the prosecutor, by the person convicted or by the person authorized under the Law Society Act to represent the person convicted, with notice to the other party, after a hearing or, with the consent of the parties, without a hearing.  2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129 (4).

Conflict

(4) Nothing in subsection (1) authorizes the making of an order that conflicts with an order previously made under this Act by the Minister or the Director, but an order may be made under subsection (1) supplementing the provisions of an order in respect of the prevention, decrease or elimination of harm to the environment and the restoration of the environment.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 46 (4).

(5) Repealed:  1998, c. 35, s. 98 (2).

Continuation in force

(6) Where a person bound by an order under subsection (1) is imprisoned, the order continues in force except in so far as the imprisonment renders it impossible for the person to comply for the time being with the order.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 46 (6).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 98 (1, 2) - 01/02/1999

2006, c. 19, Sched. K, s. 4 - 22/06/2006; 2006, c. 21, Sched. C, s. 129 (4) - 01/05/2007

Restitution orders

46.1 (1) On its own initiative or on the request of the prosecutor, the court that convicts a person of an offence under this Act, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, may make an order for restitution against the person convicted of the offence, requiring the person to pay another person for reasonable expenses actually incurred by the other person on account of damage to property in which the other person has an interest that results from or is in any way connected to the commission of the offence, in such amount and on such terms and conditions as the court considers just.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Expenses incurred, interpretation

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), expenses are incurred on account of damage to property if they are incurred,

(a) to prevent, eliminate or ameliorate the damage;

(b) to replace the property that suffered the damage; or

(c) to restore the property to the state that it was in before the damage.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Same

(3) For greater certainty, for the purposes of clause (2) (a), expenses incurred to provide an alternate water supply may be expenses incurred to prevent, eliminate or ameliorate damage.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Amount of order

(4) The amount of the order for restitution shall not exceed the replacement value of the property as of the date the order is issued.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

No restitution to person who committed offence

(5) The court shall not make an order for restitution in favour of any person on account of damage that is the result of,

(a) the commission of an offence by the person; or

(b) a contravention in respect of which an order has been served on the person requiring the person to pay an administrative penalty, unless the order has been revoked. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 52.

Notification of order

(6) Where a court makes an order for restitution, it shall cause a copy of the order or a notice of the content of the order to be given to the person to whom the restitution is ordered to be paid.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Filing of order in court

(7) An order for restitution may be filed with a local registrar of the Superior Court of Justice and the responsibility for filing shall be on the person to whom the restitution is ordered to be paid.  1998, c. 35, s. 99; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17).

Enforcement of order

(8) An order for restitution filed under subsection (7) may be enforced as if it were an order of the court.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Same

(9) Section 129 of the Courts of Justice Act applies in respect of an order for restitution filed under subsection (7) and, for the purpose, the date of filing shall be deemed to be the date of the order.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Civil remedy

(10) A civil remedy for an act or omission is not affected by reason only that an order for restitution under this section has been made in respect of that act or omission.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 99 - 01/02/1999

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17) - 29/06/2001

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (28) - 04/09/2018

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 52 - 10/12/2019

Forfeiture on conviction

46.2 (1) On its own initiative or on the request of the prosecutor, the court that convicts a person of an offence under this Act, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, may, if conviction is in relation to an offence in connection with which a thing has been seized under section 22 or 23 or under a warrant issued under the Provincial Offences Act, order that the thing be forfeited to the Crown.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Same

(2) The court shall not make an order under subsection (1) unless the court is satisfied that,

(a) the seizure of the thing was lawful; and

(b) no later than seven days before the hearing of the request, written notice was provided by a provincial officer,

(i) to every person whom the provincial officer knows or has reason to believe is an owner of the thing seized,

(ii) to every person who has a security interest in the thing that is perfected by registration under the Personal Property Security Act against the name of any person whom the provincial officer knows or has reason to believe is the owner,

(iii) where the thing seized is a vehicle, to every person who has a security interest in the vehicle that is perfected by registration under the Personal Property Security Act against the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, and

(iv) where the thing seized is a vehicle and the vehicle is registered under the Highway Traffic Act, to the registered owner.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Contents of notice

(3) Notice under subsection (2) shall include,

(a) a description of the thing seized sufficient to enable it to be identified;

(b) the location at which the thing was seized;

(c) the date of the seizure;

(d) the name and telephone number of the provincial officer who seized the thing or of his or her delegate;

(e) a statement of the reason for the seizure;

(f) a reference to the statutory provision authorizing the seizure;

(g) a statement that an order for forfeiture of the thing is being sought under this section; and

(h) a statement that the person to whom the notice is provided may make submissions to the court with respect to the issuance of an order under this section.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Disposition of things forfeited

(4) A thing forfeited under this section may be disposed of as the Director directs.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Relief against forfeiture

(5) A person who had an interest in a thing forfeited under this section may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for relief against the forfeiture and the court may make an order providing for any relief that it considers appropriate, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following orders:

1. An order directing that the thing or any part of the thing be returned to the applicant.

2. An order directing that any interest in the thing be vested in the applicant.

3. An order directing that an amount be paid by the Crown to the applicant by way of compensation for the forfeiture.  1998, c. 35, s. 99; 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17).

When relief not to be ordered

(6) The court shall not make an order for relief under subsection (5) in respect of a thing forfeited if the person applying for the relief has been,

(a) served with an order requiring the person to pay an administrative penalty in connection with a matter that was associated with the seizure of the thing, unless the order has been revoked; or

(b) charged with an offence that was associated with the seizure of the thing, unless the charge has been withdrawn or dismissed. 2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 53.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 99 - 01/02/1999

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17) - 29/06/2001

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (29) - 04/09/2018

2019, c. 14, Sched. 8, s. 53 - 10/12/2019

Where fine not paid

46.3 (1) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this Act and a fine is imposed,

(a) a thing seized in connection with the offence and not forfeited to the Crown under section 24.1, 24.3 or 46.2 shall not be returned until the fine has been paid; and

(b) if payment of the fine is in default within the meaning of section 69 of the Provincial Offences Act, a justice may order that the thing be forfeited to the Crown.

Application of subss. 46.2 (2) to (6)

(2) Subsections 46.2 (2) to (6) apply with necessary modifications in relation to an order under clause (1) (b).  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 99 - 01/02/1999

Costs of seizure, etc.

46.4 If a person is convicted of an offence under this Act, the justice may, in addition to any other penalty, order the person to pay all or part of the expenses incurred by the Ministry with respect to the seizure, storage or disposition of any thing seized in connection with the offence.  1998, c. 35, s. 99.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 99 - 01/02/1999

Suspension for default in payment of fine

47 (1) Where a person is in default of payment of a fine imposed upon conviction for an offence against this Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 or the regulations made under any of them, on the application of the Director, an order may be made under subsection 69 (2) of the Provincial Offences Act directing that,

(a) one or more of the person’s licences be suspended; and

(b) no permit be issued to the person,

until the fine is paid.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 47 (1); 2002, c. 4, s. 66 (4); 2009, c. 19, s. 71 (9); 2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (30).

Duty of Director

(2) The Director shall,

(a) on being informed of an outstanding order referred to in subsection (1), suspend the person’s licence, if it is not already suspended under another order referred to in subsection (1); and

(b) on being informed that the fine and any applicable prescribed administrative fee for the reinstatement of the licence are paid, reinstate the licence, unless the Director has been informed that,

(i) there is another outstanding order referred to in subsection (1) directing that the licence be suspended, or

(ii) the licence is suspended under any other order or under another statute.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 47 (2).

Regulations

(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing forms and procedures and respecting any matter considered necessary or advisable to carry out effectively the intent and purpose of this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 47 (3).

Definition

(4) In this section,

“licence” means a licence or permit under this Act or the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 47 (4).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (15) - no effect - see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006 - 31/12/2011

2002, c. 4, s. 66 (4) - 01/07/2003

2009, c. 19, s. 71 (9) - 01/01/2010

2017, c. 20, Sched. 5, s. 2 (30) - 04/09/2018

Limitation

48 (1) Proceedings for an offence under this Act or the regulations shall not be commenced later than two years after the later of,

(a) the day on which the offence was committed; and

(b) the day on which evidence of the offence first came to the attention of a provincial officer or Director.  2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (7).

Same

(2) Clause (1) (b) does not apply in respect of offences committed before the day this section comes into force.  2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (7).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2009, c. 33, Sched. 15, s. 9 (7) - 15/12/2009

Duty of director or officer of corporation

49 (1) Every director or officer of a corporation that engages in an activity that may cause an effect mentioned in subsection (3) contrary to this Act or the regulations has a duty to take all reasonable care to prevent the corporation from causing or permitting such unlawful effect.

Offence

(2) Every person who has a duty under subsection (1) and who fails to carry out that duty is guilty of an offence.

Effects

(3) The effect referred to in subsection (1) is any one or more of,

(a) impairment of the quality of the environment for any use that can be made of it;

(b) injury or damage to property or plant or animal life;

(c) harm or material discomfort to any person;

(d) an adverse effect on the health of any person;

(e) impairment of the safety of any person; or

(f) directly or indirectly rendering any property or plant or animal life unfit for human use,

from a pesticide or any substance or thing containing a pesticide to a greater degree than would necessarily result from the proper use or storage of the pesticide.

Liability to conviction

(4) A director or officer of a corporation is liable to conviction under this section whether or not the corporation has been prosecuted or convicted.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 49.

Service of offence notice, etc., offences re: vehicles

50 (1) In this section,

“commercial motor vehicle” and “motor vehicle” have the same meanings as in the Highway Traffic Act; (“véhicule utilitaire”, “véhicule automobile”)

“offence notice or summons” means,

(a) an offence notice or summons under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act, or

(b) a summons under Part III of the Provincial Offences Act. (“avis d’infraction ou assignation”)  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 50 (1); 1998, c. 35, s. 100 (1).

Service of offence notice or summons

(2) Delivery of an offence notice or summons to the operator of a commercial motor vehicle in respect of an offence under this Act related to the use of the vehicle shall be deemed to be personal service of the offence notice or summons on the owner or lessee of the vehicle who is named in the offence notice or summons.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 50 (2).

Employer

(3) Delivery of an offence notice or summons to the operator of a motor vehicle in respect of an offence under this Act related to the use of the vehicle in the course of the operator’s employment shall be deemed to be personal service of the offence notice or summons on the employer of the operator of the vehicle.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 50 (3).

(4) Repealed:  1998, c. 35, s. 100 (2).

Exception

(5) Subsection (2) does not apply if, at the time of the offence, the vehicle was in the possession of the operator without the consent of the owner or lessee of the vehicle, as the case may be, but the burden of proof of that shall be on the owner or lessee of the vehicle.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 50 (5).

Permit holder deemed owner

(6) For the purposes of this section, the holder of a permit under Part II of the Highway Traffic Act shall be deemed to be the owner of the vehicle referred to in the permit if a number plate under that Part bearing a number that corresponds to the permit was displayed on the vehicle at the time the offence was committed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 50 (6).

Application of subs. (6)

(7) Subsection (6) does not apply if the number plate was displayed on the vehicle without the consent of the holder of the permit, but the burden of proof of that shall be on the holder of the permit.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 50 (7).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 100 (1, 2) - 01/02/1999

Service of offence notice, etc., corporations, etc.

Service on municipal corporations

50.1 (1) Service of an offence notice or summons on a municipal corporation may be effected by delivering it personally to the mayor, warden, reeve or other chief officer of the municipal corporation or to the clerk of the municipal corporation.

Service on other corporations

(2) Service of an offence notice or summons on a corporation other than a municipal corporation may be effected by delivering it personally to the manager, secretary or other officer of the corporation or to a person apparently in charge of a branch office of the corporation.

Service on partnership

(3) Service of an offence notice or summons on a partnership may be effected by delivering it personally to a partner or to a person apparently in charge of an office of the partnership.

Service on a sole proprietorship

(4) Service of an offence notice or summons on a sole proprietorship may be effected by delivering it personally to the sole proprietor or to a person apparently in charge of an office of the sole proprietorship.

Substituted service

(5) On application without notice, a justice, on being satisfied that service cannot be made effectively in accordance with subsections (1) to (4), may by order authorize another method of service that has a reasonable likelihood of coming to the attention of the municipal corporation, other corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship.  1998, c. 35, s. 101.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 101 - 01/02/1999

Official documents, evidence

51 (1) In this section,

“official document” means,

(a) an approval, certificate, consent, licence, notice, permit, order or return under this Act or the regulations,

(b) a certificate as to service of a document mentioned in clause (a),

(c) a certificate or report as to the analysis, description, ingredients, quality, quantity or temperature of any solid, liquid or gas or any combination of any of them,

(d) a certificate or report as to the analysis, description, quality or quantity of any odour, heat, sound, vibration, radiation or any combination of any of them,

(e) a certificate or report as to the custody of any solid, liquid or gas or any combination of any of them,

(f) a certificate as to the custody of any book, record or report or as to the custody of any other document, or

(g) a certificate as to whether or not any document or notification was received or issued by the Minister or the Ministry under this Act or the regulations.

Same

(2) An official document, other than an official document mentioned in clause (1) (c) or (d), that purports to be signed by the Minister or an employee in the Ministry shall be received in evidence in any proceeding as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the facts stated in the official document without proof of the signature or position of the person appearing to have signed the official document.

Idem

(3) An official document mentioned in clause (1) (c), (d) or (e) that purports to be signed by an analyst shall be received in evidence in any proceeding as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the facts stated in the official document without proof of the signature or position of the person appearing to have signed the official document. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 51.

51.1

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 35, s. 102 - no effect - see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006 - 31/12/2001

Proceedings to prohibit continuation or repetition of contravention

52 (1) Where any provision of this Act or the regulations or any direction, order, licence or permit made, served, delivered or issued by the Minister or the Director under this Act is contravened, despite any other remedy or any penalty imposed, the Minister may apply to a judge of the Superior Court of Justice for an order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the contravention or the carrying on of any activity specified in the order that, in the opinion of the court, will or will likely result in the continuation or repetition of the contravention by the person committing the contravention, and the judge may make the order and it may be enforced in the same manner as any other order or judgment of the Superior Court of Justice.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 52 (1); 2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17).

Appeal

(2) An appeal lies to the Divisional Court from an order made under subsection (1).  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 52 (2).

Power to restrain by order upon conviction

(3) Upon its own initiative or upon application by counsel for the prosecutor, the court that convicts a person of an offence under this Act, in addition to any other remedy and to any other penalty imposed by law, may make an order prohibiting the continuation or repetition by the person of the act or omission for which the person is convicted.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 52 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (17) - 29/06/2001

Administrative changes to control orders and permits

52.1 The Director may rescind or amend a control order, cancel a permit or alter a term or condition in a permit if the Director is satisfied that the rescission, amendment, cancellation or alteration is in the public interest and is desirable for administrative reasons to,

(a) reflect changes that have occurred with respect to the identity or description of any person or place; or

(b) eliminate provisions that are spent or obsolete.  2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (16).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

2001, c. 9, Sched. G, s. 7 (16) - 29/06/2001

Conflict with other legislation

53 Where a conflict appears between this Act or the regulations and any other Act or regulation in a matter related to pesticides and the control of pests, this Act or the regulations shall prevail.  R.S.O. 1990, c. P.11, s. 53.