Respond to the notice of intention
If you receive notice that an interim order is being considered, your written submissions are often your only chance to influence it.
Interim orders protect the public while a matter is investigated or awaits a hearing. They are not findings, but their practical effect can be severe. Most regimes require some form of notice and a chance to make written submissions, with exceptions for urgent cases. Licensing statutes often allow an immediate or temporary suspension alongside a Notice of Proposal, which then expires on a fixed timetable once you request a hearing.
Interim restrictions compared
| Regime | Who decides and the test | Notice | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated health colleges | ICRC; conduct exposes or is likely to expose patients to harm or injury | At least 14 days for submissions, unless urgent | Code, s. 25.4 |
| Ontario College of Teachers | Adjudicative Body of Chairs; risk of harm or injury to a student | At least 14 days, unless delay inappropriate | OCT Act, s. 29.2 |
| College of Early Childhood Educators | Council or Executive Committee; risk to a child | At least 14 days | ECE Act, s. 32.2 |
| Social workers | Council or Executive Committee, only after referral to a hearing | At least 14 days, unless delay inappropriate | SWSSW Act, s. 25(3)–(5) |
| Law Society | Hearing Division; significant risk of harm to the public or administration of justice | Under the Tribunal’s rules | Law Society Act, s. 49.27(2) |
| CPA Ontario | Discipline committee; significant risk of harm and order likely to reduce it | On referral or application | CPA Ontario Act, s. 36 |
| MVDA, TRESA, CMSA, NHCLA | Registrar, in the public interest, with a proposal to suspend or revoke | Immediate; expires 15 days after the LAT receives a hearing request unless extended | MVDA s. 10; TRESA s. 15; CMSA s. 43; NHCLA s. 45 |
| Mortgage licensing | FSRA CEO, if delay may adversely affect the public | Immediate; may be extended until the proposal is decided | MBLAA, s. 18(3)–(6) |
| Liquor and cannabis | AGCO Registrar, if necessary in the public interest | Immediate on service; hearing request within 15 days | LLCA s. 13(2)–(4); CLA s. 11(2)–(5) |
Summary only. Each regime has exceptions and conditions. Read the cited provision and get advice about your notice.
Key Points
Offer alternatives
Terms such as supervision, practice restrictions or monitoring can sometimes address the risk without a full suspension.
Watch the expiry rules
Licensing suspensions often expire automatically on a timetable unless the Tribunal extends them, so the hearing schedule matters.
Guides in This Topic
- Interim Orders Under the RHPA: The Test and How to RespondRead →
- Immediate Suspensions Under Ontario Licensing StatutesRead →
- Offering Undertakings to Avoid an Interim SuspensionRead →
- How Long Does an Interim Order Last?Read →
- Interim Orders in Teacher and ECE ProceedingsRead →
- Stop-Work Orders and Protection OrdersRead →
- When Criminal Charges Lead to an Interim OrderRead →
- Varying or Lifting an Interim OrderRead →
- Interim Orders and Your EmploymentRead →
- Without-Notice Orders: Your Right to Make Submissions AfterwardRead →
- Interim Orders for Health or Capacity ConcernsRead →
- Practice Monitors and Supervision as Alternatives to SuspensionRead →
Sources
- Health Professions Procedural Code, s. 25.4 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, s. 29.2 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, s. 32.2 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, s. 25 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Law Society Act, s. 49.27 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario Act, 2017, s. 36 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, s. 10 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006, s. 18 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, s. 13 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- Cannabis Licence Act, 2018, s. 11 — 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.