2. Mandate

The AGCO is an arm’s length regulatory agency of the provincial government, reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). It was established on February 23, 1998 under the Alcohol, Cannabis and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996. The AGCO will continue as a corporation under a new corporate governance statute, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019, once that Act is proclaimed.

Since its inception, the AGCO’s mandate has continuously evolved in support of the growth of the alcohol, lottery and gaming, horse racing and, more recently, retail cannabis sectors.  Should proposed legislation be passed, this mandate will be further expanded to the iGaming sector. The AGCO’s regulatory approach has remained nimble and adaptive to ensure these sectors are regulated effectively and efficiently, while also ensuring that the sectors are conducted in accordance with the principles of honesty, integrity and in the public interest, as prescribed in the AGCO’s governing legislation.

The AGCO’s Strategic Plan articulates the vision, goals and key commitments the agency has made to fulfill its regulatory mandate and to support the achievement of the priorities outlined by the Ontario Government.

The AGCO’s People First strategic goal aligns with MAG’s values of collaboration, respect, integrity and inclusion. The strategic goal of Service Excellence reflects MAG’s own commitment to service excellence, as well as its commitment to accountability.

Text version of AGCO Alignment with Government and Ministry Priorities

In fulfilling its mandate, the AGCO reports to the Attorney General, and aims to operate efficiently and transparently. The AGCO is committed to fulfilling the expectations as set out in its 2020-21 mandate letter from the Attorney General. The AGCO has developed its 2021 Business Plan to align with the expectations in its mandate letter and in support of achieving the government’s objectives.