Corporate Vision
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Corporate Vision “To be a responsive, innovative, world leader in customer service and consumer protection by delivering quality products for a safe, fair, dynamic, and informed Ontario marketplace” Presentation to : The Canadian Association of Movers Chris Ferguson, Director, MSSB November 23, 2004
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Corporate Vision “To be a responsive, innovative, world leader in customer service and consumer protection by delivering quality products for a safe, fair, dynamic, and informed Ontario marketplace”. Presentation to : The Canadian Association of Movers Chris Ferguson, Director, MSSB - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Corporate Vision
Corporate Vision“To be a responsive, innovative, world leader in customer service and consumer protection by delivering quality products for a safe, fair, dynamic, and informed Ontario marketplace”
Presentation to :
The Canadian Association of Movers
Chris Ferguson, Director, MSSB
November 23, 2004
Marketplace Standards and
Services Branch Our Mission is:
“To protect, inform and empower Ontario’s consumers while promoting a positive business environment in the province.”
Consumer Services Bureau
Registration and Licensing
Compliance Inspections
Investigations
Four Key Functions Directly administer 20 statutes including:
Arthur Wishart Act (Franchises)Athletics Control ActBailiffs ActBusiness Practices Act*Cemeteries Act (Revised)Collection Agencies ActCondominium ActConsumer Protection Act*Consumer Protection Bureau Act*Consumer Reporting ActDiscriminatory Business Practices ActLoan Brokers Act*Motor Vehicle Repair Act*Paperback and Periodical Distributors Prepaid Services Act*Theatres Act
*to be replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2002.
Cemeteries
Registration & Licensing
- Regulates operation of 5,000+ cemeteries
- Monitors more than $300m in trust accounts
- Licenses theatres, distributors, retailers
- Supports Ontario Film Review Board
Theatres
Registration & Licensing
(ctd)-Licenses pro boxers, kick-boxers, wrestlers and officials re: safety.
Credit Reporting
Regulates consumer credit bureau re: access, accuracy of credit reports
- Licenses 3,900+ collection agencies and collectors
-Cross-Canada harmonization efforts
Athletics Debt Collection
1,686 compliance inspections in 2003 + numerous education visits.
242 investigations completed, 330 charges.
$615,801 in consumer restitution and fines.
Violators got total 8 months of jail time and 379 months of probation
MSSB has received various awards such as the Amethyst, Institute of Public Administration Canada Award (IPAC), and US Consumer Agency Achievement Awards for successful enforcement initiatives.
Compliance Inspections & Investigations
Consumer Services Bureau
- Consumer Services Bureau staff handle more than70,000 consumer complaints and inquiries per year.
- Provide advice, mediation and consumer education (Fraud-free calendar, high school education modules, public outreach to high schools, community organizations,etc.)
Top Ten Complaints – 2004
to date1. Collection Agencies 4,5142. Home Renovations 2,3073. Car Repairs 1,5934. Motor Vehicle Purchases 1,5865. Personal Items 1,1656. Home Furnishings 1,2087. Credit Reporting 1,0878. Health/Fitness Memberships 9129. Timeshare/Vacation Clubs 73010. Computers 524
Complaints Against Movers
Year Written Inquiries
Total
2002 83 223 306
2003 77 281 358
2004 86 257 343
Top 5 Consumer Issues
-Holding goods hostage/renegotiate price-Disputes re: overcharges & billing-Quality of service-Reputation of company-Lost/damaged goods
Current Law in Ontario
- Business Practices Act (misrepresentation, failure to state a material fact, unfair business practice)
- Consumer Protection Act (Executory contracts, Direct Sales Contracts)
New Law: CPA 2002
- Final cost to within 10% of written estimate- Prohibition against using a consumer’s goods to force
the renegotiation of the terms of a contract- Warranty of reasonably acceptable quality- Conviction for an offence can lead to a maximum fine of
$50K for individuals and/or a term of imprisonment of not more than 2 years; a corporation can be fined $250K
Shop Smart Tips
- Don’t arbitrarily choose the cheapest company in the telephone directory
- Ask relatives/friends for recommendations- Call at least 3 moving companies to set up estimate
appointments- Book early if possible to avoid making choices under
pressure- Ask for references and check them- Ensure verbal representations/promises are written into the
final contract before signing- Ask the mover if they offer liability coverage.
CAM’s Excellent Initiatives
· Code of Ethics· Certified Canadian Mover Program· Online Membership Directory· Tips for Consumers· Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers· Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company
How to Reach usConsumer Services Bureau
- 1-800-889-9768- (416) 326-8800
- www.cbs.gov.on.ca- www.e-laws.gov.on.ca
