Ontario issued new Emergency Orders pursuant to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) this week.
The North Bay Police Service wants to advise citizens of Callander and North Bay of what the EMCPA is and what the effects are on your daily life.
The EMCPA allows the government certain powers in this type of an emergency.
An emergency means a situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise.
Because Covid 19 is easily spread what has been done?
- outdoor recreational amenities (parks) are closed
- sports fields and playgrounds are closed
- Gathering of over 5 people are banned
- 14-day mandatory quarantine after returning from outside the country (this is federal)
- A provincial fire ban is in effect in Ontario
- Designated non-essential businesses
In Callander and North Bay who is enforcing the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act?
"At this point, our officers who are out in the community or responding to calls about violations are attempting to educate the public concerning the prohibitions in place. As we progress through this difficult time enforcement action may become necessary," say police spokesman John Shultz.
Enforcement penalties for failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of;
- up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual
- $500,000 for a director of a corporation
- $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons
Police can also use arrest provisions for certain circumstances and sections of the Criminal Code can come into effect during the course of an investigation.
More information may be accessed on the Province of Ontario Website here.
