Big box store COVID-19 inspection blitz to begin this weekend in Hamilton

Labour inspectors are set to conduct an inspection blitz of big box stores over the weekend.

Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton says 50 inspectors will visit stores in Hamilton, Toronto, Peel, York and Durham.

They will have the power to issue tickets of up to $750 to store supervisors, workers, or patrons if they’re not following public health rules.

“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,” said 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.”

The blitz is one of a series of measures meant to curb spread of COVID-19 that was announced earlier this week.