Consumer Research Post

SCC Leads Development of International Standard for Safe Consumer Products

The Standards Council of Canada is proud to announce Canada’s leadership role in the much-anticipated ISO 10377:2013, Consumer product safety – Guidelines for suppliers, which has just been released. This international standard will strengthen consumer product safety throughout the supply chain. This standard offers product suppliers practical guidelines for making decisions to ensure that safe consumer products are provided throughout the global supply chain. The collaborative efforts of Health Canada and CSA Group provided key assistance.

Posted on May 7, 2013

Consumer Protection BC Appoints New President and CEO

Consumer Protection BC has announced the appointment of Rob Gialloreto as its new President and CEO. Rob’s career history includes holding the position of President and CEO at Tourism Victoria, CEO at Travel Alberta International and serving as a senior manager with the City of Calgary. Rob replaces Scott McBride who retired earlier this spring. Until Rob’s official start date in the summer, Mr. Tayt Winnitoy is acting president and CEO of Consumer Protection BC, as well as the organization’s VP of Operations.

Posted on May 7, 2013

Ontario Government to Introduce New Rules for Wireless Contracts and Services

Ontario is taking steps to ensure that consumers are provided with clear information and fewer surprises when they enter into cell phone and wireless services contracts. The proposed legislation, if passed, would benefit wireless consumers by:

• Requiring contracts to be written in plain language;
• Ensuring contracts clearly outline which services come with the basic fee, and which would result in a higher bill;
• Requiring providers to get consent from the consumer before amending, renewing or extending a fixed-term contract; and
• Enforcing a cap on the cost of cancelling a contract or no fee at all, making it less expensive for consumers to walk away from fixed-term contracts

Posted on April 26, 2013

2015 Consumers International World Congress to be held in Montreal

Union des consommateurs and Option consommateurs are pleased to have been chosen to organize the 20th Consumers International World Congress. The event, which takes place every four years, will be hosted in Montreal in the fall of 2015. The theme of the upcoming congress is Rights, Power, Action! A new vision for consumer justice and protection. Further details on the event will be announced in the coming months.

Posted on April 19, 2013

The Office of Consumer Affairs Publishes List of Funded Research Projects for 2013-14

The Office of Consumer Affairs has published the list of research projects that received funding under its Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations for 2013-2014.

Posted on April 19, 2013