The applicant sought a declaration that the Director under the Consumer Protection Act improperly kept information about its charge and conviction posted on the Government of Ontario website beyond the period permitted by Ontario Regulation 17/05.
The applicant argued the regulation allowed publication of either charges or convictions for a maximum period of 21–27 months, but not both sequentially.
The court held that the word “or” in the regulation is presumptively inclusive, permitting the Ministry to post information about charges and later convictions separately for their own permitted periods.
Interpreting the provision consistently with the consumer protection purpose of the legislation, the court found that both postings were authorized.
The application was dismissed.
