Premier Ford calls out companies price gouging during crisis

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Last Thursday (March 26), Premier Doug Ford held a press conference in Toronto to express his disgust and shame after seeing a sale of Lysol wipes being sold for $30 a pack in the city. 

“I have zero tolerance for price gouging. I'm calling him out - Pusateri's. I hear that they are selling Lysol wipes for $30 a tin. That's disgusting,” said Premier Ford. “Absolutely disgusting that a company like that would be selling handwipes for that cost. But I'll tell you what we're doing. We're bringing this to the Cabinet.” 

Ford made a promise to take swift and strict actions towards any individual or company who price gouges, telling reporters that anyone who proceeds to price gouge, “we're coming after you. We're going to come after you hard.” 

Premier Ford later announced new penalties that will be given out to those raising prices significantly on essential products used to battle COVID-19. Retail businesses and individuals are now prohibited to charge unfair and high prices for products such as masks and gloves, non-prescription medications, disinfecting agents and personal hygiene products. 

“As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve provincially and globally, we are seeing a shortage of necessary goods available to the public, such as hand sanitizers and household cleaners,” said Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Lisa Thompson in a news release. “We will not tolerate those taking advantage of these difficult times to charge unfair and unreasonable prices. It is not right, and our government is taking swift and decision action to put an end to it with extremely stiff penalties.” 

Offenders can face up to $750 fine, or in more crucial circumstances, if taken to court and convicted, could face a $100,000 fine or even one year in jail. Small to mid-size companies can face up to $500,000 fine, and corporations, if convicted risk a $10 million fine. 

“Starting today, we are taking serious steps to ensure our frontline workers, our families and our most vulnerable citizens have what they need to stay safe,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We are putting an end to those trying to profit off of one of the darkest periods in our province's history. If you're engaging in price gouging on necessary goods, we are going to slap you with a ticket, or you could face fines or jail time.”

Promptly after Premier Ford's press conference, Pusateri's responsed with an apology, claiming the prices of Lysol's wipes were due to an error. 

“While no excuse, our stores are facing immense pressure on all levels of the operation. As a result of this mounting pressure, critical elements were overlooked including the incorrect pricing of this product. This was our mistake, our error, our oversight and we apologize to everyone impacted. We are promptly reviewing and adjusting any and all products that may have been improperly listed and every individual who purchased this product will be refunded by emailing info@pusateris.com,” said President and CEO Frank Luchetta, in a statement made on their website. 

He added, “We are a family owned and operated business and we share the concern of the new realities that COVID-19 has created for everyone. This should have never happened, and it will never happen again.” 

The Ontario government is giving individuals the ability to file a complaint or to report on any person or organization that is selling products unfairly by calling 1-800-889-9768 or filing a report online.

For more information, please visit Ontario.ca.