The Sector Compliance Branch: Our Story

PROGRAM

In order to achieve our vision and mission, the Sector Compliance Branch uses innovative business practices, state-of-the-art technologies and strategic partnerships to maximize our enforcement capabilities. The program includes the following approaches:

• Using a risk assessment framework, the branch selects sectors to inspect based on factors such as, the sectors' histories of non-compliance and the potential for major human health and/or environmental impacts.
• Working in partnership with the ministry's district offices, which provide important background information, the Sector Compliance Branch inspectors then conduct province-wide inspection sweeps of these sectors to ensure they are in compliance with Ontario's environmental legislation. The inspectors have a range of options to consider when making a decision on how to address a specific violation or environmental situation. Options may include outreach/education, Provincial Officer orders, tickets, or they may refer cases for further investigation. They also follow up to ensure the companies have taken appropriate corrective action.
• While conducting inspections, the team uses leading-edge practices and technologies such as GIS and mobile computing systems to gather information about inspections and about existing and emerging environmental trends within the sectors. The Sector Compliance Branch then communicates the inspection results with the public and sector associations to promote proactive compliance activities. The branch also provides diagnostic information about the sectors to other areas of the ministry for additional follow up.

Here is more information about the program:

• Conducting Inspections
• Enforcing and Ensuring Compliance

Conducting Inspections

The inspectors in the Sector Inspections Unit of the Sector Compliance Branch normally arrive unannounced at inspection sites and conduct surprise inspections. Depending on the complexity of the sector, the inspectors may spend anywhere from hours to days inspecting a company. During inspections, the inspectors survey the site, meet with employers, and take samples of materials for testing. The inspectors also document their findings and provide copies of the inspection reports to the owners/operators of the facilities.

The Vehicle Emissions Enforcement Unit (VEEU) is a mobile on-road enforcement unit within the Sector Compliance Branch. The inspectors in this unit enforce the standards for vehicle emissions pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act through inspections of light and heavy duty vehicles.

Enforcing and Ensuring Compliance

After the inspection is complete, the inspectors have a variety of enforcement powers in order to ensure the company/individual takes corrective action. Their authority includes issuing Provincial Officer Orders, writing tickets and/or issuing court summons under the Provincial Offences Act. Tickets carry a maximum fine of $500.

Cases that require further investigation are referred to the ministry's Investigations and Enforcement Branch. Further investigation could result in laying charges. A company convicted of its first major offence could be fined up to $6 million per day. Individuals could be fined $4 million per day and face jail terms of 5 years less a day.

The Sector Compliance Branch then conducts compliance follow ups to ensure that the individuals/companies have taken corrective action.

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