Ontario Supporting Stronger Rights for a Fair, Safe and Informed Marketplace
Ontario is strengthening rights and providing more protection for consumers 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. The new legislation - the ninth government bill to pass in 2013 - will 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
QUOTES
" Passage of this new law is a win for consumers. 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." - Tracy MacCharles Minister of Consumer Services
QUICK FACTS
- The Ontario government has received more than 2,240 complaints and inquiries about water heater rentals, including those made door-to-door in 2013.
- The Bank of Canada has declared household debt to be the number one domestic risk to the economy.
