You may have a duty to co-operate
Health professionals must co-operate fully with a registrar’s investigator (Code, s. 76(3.1)). Lawyers and paralegals must produce information even if it is privileged (Law Society Act, s. 49.8).
Ontario regulators receive concerns in two main ways. A complaint is filed by someone, usually a client, patient or customer, who becomes a party and receives the decision. A report or registrar’s investigation starts from information the regulator acts on itself, such as an employer’s mandatory report, an inspection or a news story. The difference matters: review rights, timelines and who is told the outcome often depend on which route the matter took.
Whatever the route, the time to respond is set by statute and varies widely, from two weeks to sixty days. Most regulators can also shorten that time where they believe the public is at risk.
How long you have to respond to a complaint
| Regulator or statute | Time to respond in writing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated health colleges (RHPA Code) | 30 days after notice; may be shortened if patients are at risk | Code, s. 25.2 |
| Ontario College of Teachers | 60 days; may be shortened or extended | OCT Act, s. 26(3)–(4) |
| College of Early Childhood Educators | 60 days; may be shortened or extended | ECE Act, s. 31(3)–(4) |
| Social workers and social service workers | At least 30 days | SWSSW Act, s. 24(3) |
| Veterinarians | At least two weeks | Veterinarians Act, s. 24(1) |
| Professional engineers | At least two weeks | Professional Engineers Act, s. 24(1) |
| Architects | At least two weeks | Architects Act, s. 30(1) |
| Motor vehicle dealers; condo managers | Provide requested information as soon as practicable | MVDA, s. 14(3); CMSA, s. 57(3) |
Summary only. Each regime has exceptions and conditions. Read the cited provision and get advice about your notice.
Key Points
A complaint is not a finding
Most complaints end at the investigation stage with no action, advice or remediation. Only a hearing panel can make a finding of misconduct.
Shorter deadlines than you expect
Veterinarians, engineers and architects can have as little as two weeks. Check the date in your notice the day it arrives.
Guides in This Topic
- How to Respond to a Complaint Letter From Your RegulatorRead →
- Complaint or Registrar’s Investigation: Why the Difference MattersRead →
- What to Expect in an Investigator’s InterviewRead →
- Producing Records to Your Regulator: Privilege and PrivacyRead →
- Your Duty to Co-operate With a Regulatory InvestigationRead →
- Alternative Dispute Resolution and Complaint Resolution ProgramsRead →
- Complaints Arising From Lawsuits, Custody Disputes and Billing FightsRead →
- How Long Regulatory Investigations TakeRead →
- Expert Opinions in Standard-of-Care InvestigationsRead →
- Withdrawn Complaints: Can the Regulator Keep Going?Read →
- Responding When the Complainant Is Your EmployerRead →
- Writing Submissions to a Complaints CommitteeRead →
- Social Media Posts That Lead to ComplaintsRead →
- Record-Keeping Lessons From Regulatory InvestigationsRead →
Sources
- Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, Sched. 2 (Health Professions Procedural Code), ss. 25.2, 76 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, s. 26 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, s. 31 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, s. 24 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Veterinarians Act, s. 24 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Professional Engineers Act, s. 24 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Architects Act, s. 30 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Law Society Act, s. 49.8 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
Keep Learning About Your Proceeding
Read how Ontario regulatory proceedings typically unfold, or compare how other regulators handle complaints, hearings and appeals.