Ontario's Consumer Protection Act

CONSUMERS: BE AWARE !

Ontario’s new Consumer Protection Act, which came into effect on July 30, 2005, gives consumers better protection than in the past. All Unifor members should be aware of the following:

  1. Internet contracts are now included under consumer protection law. Consumers must be given the opportunity to expressly accept or decline an internet agreement before it becomes valid.
  2. The ten-day cooling off period has been extended, to cover not only door-to-door sales contracts, but also time share vacation contracts and pre-paid services (e.g. fitness clubs).
  3. Some consumer contracts must disclose certain information. If that information is not set out in the contract, a consumer has one year to cancel the contract.
  4. If the consumer goods are not delivered or services not performed within thirty days from the date agreed upon for delivery or performance, the consumer can cancel the contract.
  5. Any cancellation of a consumer contract must be in writing. The effect of the cancellation is to make it as though the contract never existed.

It is important to contact a lawyer within a few days of signing the consumer contract, to be advised of your rights and to be provided with an opportunity to take advantage of your rights under the Consumer Protection Act.

If you enter into a consumer contract and are not sure if it is valid
or if you wish to cancel it

Ron Reaume, Assistant Managing Lawyer, Windsor Office 2345 Central Avenue
519-944-5222 or 1-800-381-2209

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and not to provide specific legal advice. There is no attorney-client relationship established by reading this article. It does not replace competent legal advice from a lawyer who is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.