Key Takeaways
- Law Society costs can include investigation, audit and facility expenses (LSA, s. 49.28(2)).
- CPA Ontario costs can include investigation and prosecution expenses (CPA Act, s. 38(3)).
- CDHO says panels can order all or part of legal, investigation and hearing costs.
- Discipline fines in licensing regimes are often due within 60 days if no date is set (MVDA, s. 17(7)).
What Costs Can Include
The Law Society Act allows costs to include expenses for facilities, services, audits, investigations, reviews, searches and seizures related to the proceeding (s. 49.28(2)). The CPA Ontario Act allows costs to include investigation, prosecution and hearing expenses, but only against the member or firm (s. 38).
Managing Costs
- Ask for a breakdown early.
- Raise proportionality and ability to pay.
- Negotiate costs as part of any settlement.
- Seek payment terms where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the regulator be ordered to pay my costs?
Some statutes allow this where the proceeding was unwarranted (OCT Act, s. 30(9); Veterinarians Act, s. 30(6)).
When is payment due?
As the order specifies. For MVDA discipline fines, if no date is set, payment is due on or before the 60th day after the last order (s. 17(7)).
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Law Society Act, s. 49.28 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario Act, 2017, s. 38 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, s. 30 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Veterinarians Act, s. 30 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, s. 17 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- CDHO, “Discipline” — Checked November 10, 2026.