The AGCO’s mandate is to regulate the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
Throughout the pandemic, the AGCO has continued its compliance monitoring activities to ensure the individuals and businesses working in these sectors continue to follow the laws and regulations in place to protect Ontarians. The AGCO’s Compliance Officials are responsible for conducting regulatory inspections and investigations across the four sectors regulated by the AGCO.
Since March 2020, the Government of Ontario has issued a number of Emergency Orders to address ongoing public health and safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the government’s broader efforts to keep the province safe and open, Ontario’s Solicitor General has now designated AGCO’s Compliance Officials as Provincial Offences Officers who can enforce the Reopening Ontario Act. This designation gives AGCO Compliance Officials the authority to lay charges for violations of Emergency Orders in the AGCO-regulated sectors.
The AGCO currently has over 90 Compliance Officials across the province who regularly work in collaboration with bylaw, public health officials and law enforcement to ensure public safety.