NEW – ON: Provide your feedback! Ministry consulting on changes to the Consumer Protection Act

In December 2020, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services released a consultation paper on proposed revisions to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002.

The Consumer Protection Act governs most consumer transactions for personal, family and household purposes regardless of purchase platform in Ontario. It also sets out basic business rules and consumer remedies if businesses do not follow the rules.

The proposals are intended to update consumer protection legislation to reflect the current marketplace and consumer buying methods.

Core areas for revision members should be aware of include:

• consumer contracts and limitations to methods for changing them;
• controlling price changes and termination costs;
• clarifying and strengthening the treatment of unfair practices;
• protecting consumer rights to review business performance – including on-line reviews;
• forbidding dollar limits on implied warranty claims;
• stronger remedy rights for consumers; and
• enhanced enforcement of various sales practices – such as door-to-door sales.

The Ministry is seeking feedback on 15 areas targeted for revision. The discussion paper and areas for input may be accessed here.

Please provide your comments on these proposed changes to Ontario Government Relations Director, Marcelline Riddell at marcellineriddell@propane.ca by February 1, 2021.