For Immediate Release
November 27, 2007

CONSUMER PROTECTION IN ONTARIO AND THE 2008 SMART CONSUMER CALENDAR

2008 Smart Consumer Calendar

The 2008 Smart Consumer Calendar provides consumers with helpful tips and resources, while educating them about frauds and scams in the marketplace.

• The ministry will distribute 275,000 English and 30,000 French copies of the calendar to individuals and organizations across Ontario
• The calendar will be available at all MPP constituency offices, and at all Service Ontario / government information centres
• The calendar can be ordered by individuals and groups, free of charge, by calling 1-800-668-9938, or by ordering online at www.serviceontario.ca/publications.  
• The calendar can also be downloaded from the ministry’s website at www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection.
• The 2008 Smart Consumer calendar is proudly sponsored by a number of private and public sector organizations, who work to protect both consumers and businesses across Ontario from frauds and scams, including:
• • Board of Funeral Services
  • Financial Services Commission of Ontario
  • Ministry of Health Promotion
  • Ontario Energy Board
  • Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council
  • Real Estate Council of Ontario
  • Bank of Canada
  • Investor Education Fund
  • Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
  • Canadian Health Care Anti-Fraud Association
  • Interac Association
  • Canada Revenue Agency – Charities Directorate

Recent Government Initiatives to Enhance Consumer Protection

• December 2006: Land Title and Mortgage Fraud provisions to protect homeowners from losing their property, a fraudulent sale, or a counterfeit power of attorney.
• December 2006: Streamlined the process to apply to the Land Titles Assurance Fund.
• June 2007: New powers to suspend or revoke liquor licences.
• July 2007: New regulation requiring electrical products to be certified and labeled.
• August 2007: New payday lending requirements that require all payday lenders to communicate to consumers with greater transparency.
• October 2007: New provisions for consumer gift cards prohibiting expiration dates and fees other than for replacement of a lost card or to customize a card.

Top Ten Consumer Complaints

1. 
   Collection Agencies
2. Home Repairs
3. Home Furnishing
4. Motor Vehicle Purchases
5. Motor Vehicle Repairs
6. Appliances
7. Health and Fitness Clubs
8. Credit Reporting
9. Personal Items (clothes, shoes, cosmetics)
10. Electricity Retailers / Natural Gas Marketers

Contacts:
Greg Dennis
Minister’s Office
Office: 416-327-3072
Cell:   647-281-4403  

Ciaran Ganley
Communications Branch
416-325-8659