New legislation promises to protect consumers

Tracy McCharles

Consumers are to expect strengthened rights and more protection when it comes to door-to-door sales, debt settlement services, real estate transactions and real estate fees and commissions with today’s passage of the Stronger Protection for Ontario Consumers Act, which passed third reading in a vote supported by all parties.

“Passage of this new law is a win for consumers,” said Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Consumer Services. “As we take action on consumer concerns, we are helping to ensure that Ontario consumers are better informed about their rights. This will help build consumer confidence when consumers enter into a contract, even when dealing with salespeople at their front door. I thank everyone who worked so hard to pass this important bill that protects and empowers Ontario consumers.”

The new legislation is intended to protect consumers by:
–    Curbing aggressive door-to-door sales tactics for water heater rentals
–    Safeguarding vulnerable, indebted consumers against the abusive practices of some companies that offer debt settlement services
–    Helping protect home buyers in real estate bidding
–    Giving home sellers and buyers more power to negotiate both fees and commissions when working with a real estate professional

The Ontario government has received more than 2,240 complaints and inquiries about water heater rentals, including those peddled door-to-door in 2013.
The Bank of Canada has declared household debt to be the number one domestic risk to the economy.

LEARN MORE on the Ministry of Consumer Services website:
Protect yourself when buying products at the door.

Find out more about debt settlement services.

Learn more about rights of home buyers and sellers through the Real Estate Council of Ontario.

The Stronger Protection for Ontario Consumers Act