Consumer Affairs & Relations

British Columbia invoked extraordinary emergency powers Thursday to protect consumers from profiteers and to maintain the steady supply of goods and services for those who need them during the COVID-19 pandemic.The powers will also unify provincial response efforts while taking an inventory of public spaces that could serve as possible COVID-19 pandemic treatment facilities.Premier John Horgan said the measures are required to ensure the flow of essential goods and services and support B.C.'s fight against the novel coronavirus, which has resulted in 14 deaths and infected more than 650 people."The steps we've taken today are unprecedented,'' he said at a news conference.

Ontario is preparing an order to fight what Premier Doug Ford is calling "disgusting'' price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the province ramps up its testing capacity to handle the growing number of infections.Details of the order were not immediately available, but Ford said anyone price gouging after the order goes through will be "done.''"A message to anyone who price gouges: We're coming after you,'' Ford said Thursday.