Legislation has been passed to strengthen consumer protection, enhance the delivery of public services and modernize government in preparation for the future challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Real Estate Fraud: 

• Ensuring that ownership of a property cannot be lost as a result of the registration of a falsified mortgage, fraudulent sale or a counterfeit power of attorney
• Implementing a streamlined and expedited Land Titles Assurance Fund process for individuals who are victims of fraud so that title is returned and a decision on compensation is made within 90 days
• Introducing additional safeguards for suspending and revoking the accounts of fraudsters so that they cannot register documents
• Raising existing fines for real estate fraud related offences to $50,000 from $1,000.

Gift Cards:

• Give the government the authority to eliminate expiration dates on gift cards

Liquor Licence Act Reform:

• Broadening the scope of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s investigative powers and enhancing its enforcement through risk-based licensing
• Allow for establishments to have additional areas of their premises licensed, including hallways and washrooms, to deter the risks of date rape drugs being slipped in unattended drinks.

Identity Theft:

• Changes to the Consumer Reporting Act include giving consumers the right to have fraud alerts placed on their credit reports.
• To further ensure consumer protection across the province, the legislation will also:
• • Protect consumers from advertisements for illegal Internet gaming websites
  • Strengthen enforcement powers for unsafe electrical products
  • Limit bailiff seizure costs to a pre-determined fee schedule.

Public Services:

• To improve on delivering government services to Ontarians, ServiceOntario will be enhanced so that families can more easily access government services
• Amendments to the Ministry of Government Services Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act will support the mandate of ServiceOntario as the government’s public service expert 
• ServiceOntario will be able to deliver services on behalf of partner ministries while continuing to protect the personal information of their customers.

Modernization:

• In order to prepare government framework for the future challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the legislation will modernize: 
• • The province’s business laws to ensure that Ontario companies can tackle business challenges and be competitive on the international stage
  • The Archives of Ontario, to ensure that our provincial heritage is preserved and accessible through the best methods available, including electronically and digitally
  • The areas of privacy standards and records management to improve access to information and strengthen the protection of personal information.

Contacts:
Paul de Zara
Minister’s Office
416-327-3072 - office
647-388-9671 - cell 

Ciaran Ganley
Ministry of Government Services
416-325-8659