Learning & Communications

Consumer Protection Resources (details)

Better Business Bureaus
 

 
Its mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence. The fourteen Canadian Better Business Bureaus (BBBs) are located in the following cities from coast to coast: Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Windsor, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Ottawa/Gatineau, Montreal, Halifax, and St. John's.
 
-If you want to register a complaint against a company or inquire about a company, you must contact the Better Business Bureau serving that area. Some of the Better Business Bureaus in Canada have reports on companies available online.
613-789-5151
 
Site will tell you which local bureau to contact

Canadian Health Network

(Partnered with Health Canada)
 
 
If consumers send specific questions to CHN (“Contact us”), they will research it, provide information (what it is, why it is controversial), which is free of charge. They use only factual support (evidence-based info), but does not make judgement. They do not link to info from profit-oriented or private websites. They will look to affiliates and experts in the field for info through medical facilities or their own network. They try to show all sides of a controversial issue. They summarize the info in an email response, and provide references to sources of info, links to online articles, email of phone numbers of experts, references to print

Canadian Consumer Information Gateway

(Office of Consumer Affairs Industry Canada)
 
 
Government Online initiative Government Online initiative that includes over 35 federal government departments and agencies, as well as over 250 provincial and territorial partners. partnership to promote Canadian consumer interests and awareness.
Helping Canadian consumers avoid confusion while seeking help - a multi-agency "portal" to improve public access to all levels of consumer information services
 
-File a complaint online.
-Immediate help, must wait for involved parties to respond.
-Very user-friendly
Online 6-step process:
  1. Answer questions regarding concern.
  2. Site will give info on your rights and responsibilities as a consumer.
  3. Gives tips on how to contact business to voice complaint . If that doesn't work, says to write formal letter to business.
  4. If that doesn't work, helps you write letter (Wizard) to someone higher up in company.
  5. If that doesn't work, gives list of regulatory agencies and will email your complaint directly to the correct one and prints receipt with details, date sent, etc.
  6. If all else fails it gives advice on possible legal action.
**EXCELLENT SITE - WALKS YOU THROUGH ALL OF THE STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE HAULING OUT THE BIG GUNS, THEN TELLS YOU HOW TO CONTACT THE BIG GUNS!
 
-info revised every 6 mos - partners responsible for updating own info; broken link reports run every week
 
1-613-946-2576
 
235 Queen Street
Room 965 A
Ottawa ON
K1A 0H5
E-mail:consumer.information@ic.gc.ca
 

Competition Bureau at Industry Canada
 

The information will be examined to determine whether an issue is raised under the legislation. Bureau staff have formal powers of inspection under these Acts, as well as a variety of remedial powers to address issues of non-conformity.
In appropriate cases, criminal matters under any of the four statutes may be referred to the Attorney General for possible prosecution before the criminal courts. Civil law matters under the Competition Act may be referred to the Competition Tribunal for decision.
 
**STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE
 
1-800-348-5358 (toll free in Canada)
1-819-997-4282 (outside of Canada)
1-800-642-3844 (TDD - hearing impaired)
Fax: 1-819-997-0324
 
Information Centre
Industry Canada
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Hull, Quebec
K1A 0C9
 

Health Canada - Consumer Product Safety
 

 
By administering the Food and Drugs Act, Health Canada helps protect Canadians from potential health hazards by releasing Advisories and Warnings on foods, drugs, medical devices, natural health products and consumer products, and by providing information and policies on Novel and Genetically Modified Foods and Nutrition Labeling.
It also monitors health and safety risks related to the sale and use of drug products, natural health products, medical marijuana, medical devices, pesticides, radiation-emitting devices and certain other consumer products. In addition, Health Canada negotiates agreements regarding hazardous materials in the workplace, performs medical assessments for pilots and air traffic controllers and conducts environmental health assessments.
 
Telephone: (613) 957-2991
Fax: (613) 941-5366
TTY: 1-800-267-1245*
 
Health Canada
A.L. 0900C2
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0K9
E-mail:info@hc-sc.gc.ca
 

Healthwatcher
 

 
This site does not have a stated mandate. From a cursory review it appears to be an information only site.
 
1-519-725-2263
 
Dr. Terry Polevoy
938 King St. W.
Kitchener, ON
N2G 1G4
 


Natural Health Products Directorate
 

 
Over 50% of Canadians now consume natural health products in the form of traditional herbal products, vitamins and mineral supplements, and homeopathic preparations. To ensure that these products are safe, in 1999, Health Canada established the Office of Natural Health Products, now known as the Natural Health Products Directorate.
Site offers:
FAQ on natural health products Natural health remedies (info sheet) and Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods (Nutraceuticals are purified or isolated natural health products in a medicinal form. Functional foods are foods consumed as a food for the purpose of improving or maintaining health)
 
-Does not take complaints/offer advice etc.
 
Telephone (613) 952-2558
Fax (613) 946-1615
 
171 Slater St.
9th floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L3, Canada
E-mail:nhpd_general@hc-sc.gc.ca
 

Phone Busters
 

 
National deceptive telemarketing call centre, operated by the Ontario Provincial Police.
Educates the public about specific fraudulent telemarketing pitches, collection and dissemination of victim evidence, documentation, statistics and tape recordings to outside investigations.
 
-Information; contact with RCMP to persecute. Very helpful on the phone.
-1-800 number to call, give them your info and evidence, they will hand it off to a “fraud squad” in your region, as well as give you advice to protect you from further scams, if you need to take action (i.e. if you need to cancel credit card, stop payment etc) and call to follow up to make sure you haven’t been a victim again.
 
1-888-495-8501
Fax: (705) 494-4008
Toll Free Fax 1-888-654-9426
 
Box 686
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8J8
E-mail:info@phonebusters.com


Provincial/Territorial

Alberta Government Services
 

 
Alberta Government Services focuses on complaints that relate to the laws that the department is responsible for. Where appropriate, we will take enforcement action following an investigation. Enforcement action may include a warning letter, cancellation or suspension of a licence or prosecution. In some cases you may be able to claim on a business's security or bond. In some instances the department may be able to request a restitution order when the business has been convicted of an offense.
Investigations where a business has frequently broken the law or where a large number of consumers are affected will get the highest priority. We can't act as your legal counsel if you want to start a legal action for compensation.
 
Edmonton and area: (780) 427-4088
Outside Edmonton: 1-877-427-4088
 
Alberta Corporate Service Centre
11th Floor, Seventh Street Plaza
10030 - 107 Street, Edmonton AB T5J 3E4
Service Alberta
3rd Floor, John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street, Edmonton AB T5J 3W7
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
British Columbia
 
 
-works to ensure that British Columbians are treated fairly in the marketplace.
-investigates consumer complaints, seeks redress for consumers who have been treated improperly by business and prosecutes businesses that have violated consumer protection legislation. Provides public information through written material
 
-resolve complaint with business first
-File a complaint online
 
Telephone: 250 356-9596
Fax: 250 387-1753
 
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
P.O. Box 9282, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9J7
Click here for Online Email Submission

The Consumers’ Bureau
Manitoba
 

 
-government agency
-administers consumer protection legislation for the province of Manitoba.
-hears, mediates and investigates consumer-related complaints. When the Bureau receives a complaint, it considers the rights and responsibilities of each party
***When contacted by email they referred me back to the website for information
 
After the Consumers’’ Bureau receives a complaint, an officer contacts the business and asks for a response. The officer then advises the consumer of that response. The process continues until an agreement is reached or until the parties reach an impasse. Dispute resolution can take place only when all parties are willing. The Bureau cannot impose a settlement or guarantee the results. If an agreement cannot be reached, either party may take the matter to court.
 
BBB Manitoba - can provide with info on company; can act as intermediate between disputing business and consumer but cannot force a company to respond or rectify complaint
-when they receive a letter from a consumer, they send the complaint to the company for a response, will send up to 3 follow up letters at 2 week intervals; sends a copy of response to consumer. If there is no response consumer can go to small claims.
 
(204) 945-3800 (24-hour voice mail)
1-800-782-0067 (24-hour voice mail)
Fax: 204-945-0728
 
Consumer's Bureau
302-258 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 0B6
E-mail:consumersbureau@gov.mb.ca


Department of Justice & Consumer Affairs
New Brunswick

 
 
Consumer Affairs provides day-to-day enforcement and administration of a wide range of consumer legislation including: Auctioneers Licence Act, Collection Agencies Act, Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act, Consumer Product Warranty and Liability Act, Cost of Credit Disclosure Act, Direct Sellers Act, Pre-arranged Funeral Services Act and Real Estate Agents Act. Activities include investigating consumer complaints, advising consumers of their rights and respsonsibilities, promoting consumer education and information and issuing licences for the regulation of businesses under consumer legislation
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
-will advise consumer of rights under Consumer Product Warranty & Liability Act, if not resolved they suggest small claims court.
 
Tel: 1-506-462-5100
Fax: 1-506-453-7483
 
Department of Justice
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, N.B. Canada
E3B 5H1
Click here for Online Email Submission

Consumer Affairs
Department of Government Services
Newfoundland and Labrador
 

 
SITE OFFERS:
-brochures
-legislation
-links
-awareness
-coming soon: complaints
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
Tel.: (709) 729-2600
Fax: (709) 729-3205
 
Consumer Affairs
Department of Government Services
2nd Floor, Confederation Building West Block
PO Box 8700
St. John's NF A1B 4J6
 
 

Consumer Affairs
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Northwest Territories
 

 
-handle consumer complaints, consumer education and other consumer services
-offer advice and general information about various consumer products and services
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
Tel.: (867) 873-7125
Fax: (867) 873-0152
 
#600 5201-50th Avenue
Yellowknife NT
X1A 3S9
E-mail:mgagnon@maca.gov.nt.ca
 

Business & Consumer Services
Consumer Complaints
Nova Scotia
 

 
-consumer protection through education, regulation and complaint resolution
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
Tel.: (902) 424-5531
Fax: (902) 424-8652
Toll Free: 1-800-670-4357
 
P.O. Box 2502
Halifax NS
B3J 3N5

Department of Justice
Territorial Government
Nunavut

 
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
Tel.: (867) 793-3303
Toll Free: 1-866-456-2304
Fax: (867) 793-3321
 
Consumer Affairs
Community Government and Transportation
PO Box 440
Baker Lake NU X0C 0A0
 

Ministry of Consumer and Business Services
Ontario
 

 
-handles consumer complaints relating to certain legislation designed to protect consumers
 
-print form from online, mail
 
Toll-Free: 1-800-889-9768
Toronto: (416) 326-8800
TTY: (416) 325-3408 or 1-800-268-7095
Fax: (416)326-8665
 
250 Yonge St., 32nd Floor
Toronto, ON
M5B 2N5
E-mail:cbsinfo@cbs.gov.on.ca


Department of Consumer and Corporate Services
Prince Edward Island
 

 
-do not act as consumer advocates but rather take complaints and try to help consumers by either doing some informal mediation to resolve a problem or by directing consumers to the appropriate department or agency
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
-contact business with complaint
-explain the resolution you want
-if you aren’t satisfied contact the manufacturer
-if you’re still not satisfied contact Consumer Services Division
-they will take complaints regarding LOCAL businesses and services; they don’t act as consumer advocates but take complaints and try to informally mediate or direct consumers to the appropriate department or agency.
 
Telephone: (902) 368-4550
Facsimile: (902) 368-5283
Toll-free: 1-800-658-1799
 
Attorney General, Consumer Division
P.O. Box 2000
95 Rochford St.
4th Floor, Shaw Building
Charlottetown PE
C1A 7N8


Office de la protection du consommateur
Gouvernement du Québec
 

http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/
**website is in french
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
Tel.: (418) 643-8652
Fax: (418) 643-8686
(514) 873-3701 (Complaints and information - Regional Office)
 
Office de la protection du consommateur
400, boulevard Jean-Lesage
Bureau 450
Québec QC
J1K 8W1
 

Consumer Protection Branch
Saskatchewan
 

 
The objectives of the Consumer Protection Branch are to empower the public to deal with problems they encounter in the marketplace and to act directly for those who are unable to protect themselves. While consumer protection is paramount, it is recognized that marketplace goods and service providers must not be unduly restricted in carrying out their activities.
• Administers legislation respecting direct sellers, collection agents, credit reporting agencies, auctioneers, motor dealers, training course providers, cemeteries and charitable fund-raising businesses.
• Investigates consumer complaints and provides direction/information to the public to assist them in addressing their problems.
• Responsible for administering The Consumer Protection Act (unfair practices, product warranties and unsolicited goods)
• Responsible for overseeing the activities of the Funeral and Cremation Services Council.
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
-can provide direction, information and sometimes investigate consumer complaints. May be abl to apply Consumer Protection Act via false advertising. If the violation is to the extent that the director believes it is ‘in the public interest’ to take action, this department may pursue court action against the supplier on behalf of the public.
Usually takes a month or 2.
 
Phone: (306) 787-5550 or
1-888-374-4636 (Toll Free in Saskatchewan)
Fax: (306) 787-9779
 
5th Floor
1919 Saskatchewan Drive
Regina SK S4P 3V7
E-mail: consumerprotection@justice.gov.sk.ca


Department of Justice - Consumer Services Branch
Territorial Government
Yukon Territory
 

 
Consumer Services' primary goal is to create and encourage a fair, efficient and informed marketplace for business and consumers. Consumer Services ensures that professionals are qualified to be licensed pursuant to Yukon legislation, fosters business and consumer confidence in the marketplace and administers a regulatory framework that contributes to a competitive Yukon economy.
 
-information; contact to file a complaint
 
Phone: (867) 667-5111
1-800-661-0408 local 5111 (toll free in the Yukon)
Fax: (867) 667-3609
 
Third Floor, Law Centre,
2130 - Second Avenue, Whitehorse
Box 2703,
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 (C-5)
E-mail:consumer@gov.yk.ca


Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
 

 
FDA is responsible for ensuring that foods are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled. It also oversees medicines, medical devices (from bandages to artificial hearts), blood products, vaccines, cosmetics, veterinary drugs, animal feed, and electronic products that emit radiation (such as microwave ovens and video monitors), ensuring that these products are safe and effective.
Product marketed with false or misleading claims.Adverse reaction to an herbal product or dietary supplement
 
-Information, voluntary reporting
 
1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
 
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
 

 
-enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. False advertising. FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, your complaint helps us investigate fraud, and can lead to law enforcement action. -Information. File a complaint online.
-does not resolve individual complaints
-looks for patterns of complaints the acts if its thinks it’s appropriate (how widespread practice is, how many consumers hurt, how much harm done, how much evidence, how much staff time and effort it would take)
 
-Information. File a complaint online.
 
-does not resolve individual complaints
-looks for patterns of complaints the acts if its thinks it’s appropriate (how widespread practice is, how many consumers hurt, how much harm done, how much evidence, how much staff time and effort it would take)
 
toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
 
Federal Trade Commission
CRC-240
Washington, D.C. 20580


The National Council Against Health Fraud
 

 
Professionals in the health sciences, academia, law and business as well as government agencies share a responsibility to help consumers protect themselves from deception and exploitation in health-related matters.
 
-Provides information
 
Telephone: (978) 532-9383
Fax: (978) 532-9450
 
The National Council Against Health Fraud
Robert S. Baratz, MD, DDS, PhD
119 Foster Street, Building R, Second Floor
Peabody, MA 01960
E-mail:sbinfo@quackwatch.com


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