Officers in B.C. can now issue tickets to those who are caught price gouging amid COVID-19 pandemic

Those who are caught price gouging in British Columbia could be hit with a ticket.

Officers can now issue $2,000 violation tickets to those who price gouge and resell medical supplies and “other essential” goods during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, made the announcement on Sunday morning. He said British Columbians have enough to deal with at the moment and called price gouging a “shameful” practice.

“I assure you, we will not allow these practices to continue,” added Farnworth.

Farnworth said he is aware of the problem of price gouging, adding that Consumer Protection BC, the provincial regulator, has received 800 complaints about the practice already.

“I know many of you have expressed concerns over keeping your shelves stocked, concerns over the worst segments of society taking advantage of the most vulnerable,” he said. “In the past month, many of us have heard cases of price gouging or someone selling essential supplies illegally.”

Police officers, municipal bylaw officers, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gaming inspectors, conversation officers, park rangers, natural resource officers, community safety officer and commercial safety vehicle safety officials and sheriffs will all be able to issue violation tickets to those caught price gouging, according to Farnworth.

Consumers can also report price gouging to Consumer BC or their local bylaw or police officers.

The enforcement measures are effective immediately.

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