The province is ramping up inspections of big box stores, however, the focus is primarily on the GTA.

About 50 Ministry of Labour inspectors, local bylaw and police officers will be visiting stores in Toronto, Hamilton, Peel, York and Durham.

The blitz will focus on ensuring workers and patrons are wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and following every health and safety measure.

“We know most businesses are operating responsibly and taking the necessary steps to protect their workers and customers, and I want to thank them for their efforts,” says Minister of Labour, Training, and Skills Development Monte McNaughton. “Where we find an employer who has been acting in bad faith, we won’t hesitate to take action by immediately slapping them with a ticket and a fine. There will be real consequences for those who break the rules.”

Workplace health and safety inspectors will have the authority to ticket supervisors, employees and patrons who do not comply with COVID-19 safety requirements, temporarily close a premise and disperse groups of more than five people.