Doug Ford has announced that people and businesses caught price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic will face sky-high fines and penalties.

Over the last week, Ford has repeatedly spoken out against people and businesses who significantly overcharge for common essentials and necessary goods during the provincial state of emergency.

He’s even called out some of the businesses that he says are jacking up their prices, including a specialty foods store in Toronto.

If this is true, it’s despicable. We’re following up and coming down hard. Stay tuned for an announcement later today. pic.twitter.com/CtRLmrMket — Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 28, 2020

On Saturday, Ford announced that individuals caught price gouging will be slapped with a $750 ticket.

If the case makes it to court and the individual is found guilty, they could wind up with a much steeper $100,000 fine and even a year in jail.

The fine for businesses is much more significant.

Company directors or officers could face fines of up to $500,000 and a year in jail, while corporations themselves could have to pay a fine of up to $10-million.

“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 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,” Ford concluded.

You can also report price gouging to the province, click here for more information or to make a report.

We’re coming down hard on price gougers. If you see anyone taking advantage by jacking up prices on essential items, we want to hear about it. https://t.co/9OyZprvG7I pic.twitter.com/AJqF0c1jbJ — Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 28, 2020

Photo courtesy of @OntarioPCParty on Twitter