Legal advice from the pro's
Have you ever been charged more for a car repair than what was stated in your written estimate? Have you ever purchased an item or service that did not live up to its reputation? Have you ever been told that you could not cancel a newly purchased gym membership? At one time or another we have all felt mistreated in the marketplace. People should be informed of their rights to avoid these situations.
As a consumer you have rights that are protected by law. Consumer protection laws are designed to protect consumers from misleading, deceptive, hazardous, and inferior goods and services. By knowing and enforcing these rights you can help maintain and promote a fair and informed marketplace. Knowledge is the key.
For example if a mechanic surprised you with a large bill you can advise him that he has broken the law. Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) the total costs of repairs to an automobile cannot exceed the amount in a written estimate by more than ten percent without written authorization from the consumer.
If a vendor sold you a defective product, you can demand your money back. Under the CPA a consumer is entitled to rescind their contract (meaning you get your money back) when goods are represented to be of a particular quality or standard and they are not.
If you purchased a gym membership and the gym owner will not let you cancel the membership you just purchased, you can tell them you are legally entitled to break your contract. Under the CPA, a consumer is entitled to a “cooling off period” after signing a contract. This means you can break a prepaid service contract, for any reason, by providing written notice within ten days of signing the contract or by providing written notice within ten days of the services becoming available, whichever is the later.
These are just some of the examples of the consumer protection laws that are out there to protect you. To learn more about consumer protection laws go to the Ontario Ministry of Government Services website at http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/welcome.htm and click on “Protecting Consumers.” Here you will find a number of links which will provide you with helpful information concerning your rights as a consumer.
As a consumer you have rights that are protected by law. Consumer protection laws are designed to protect consumers from misleading, deceptive, hazardous, and inferior goods and services. By knowing and enforcing these rights you can help maintain and promote a fair and informed marketplace. Knowledge is the key.
For example if a mechanic surprised you with a large bill you can advise him that he has broken the law. Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) the total costs of repairs to an automobile cannot exceed the amount in a written estimate by more than ten percent without written authorization from the consumer.
If a vendor sold you a defective product, you can demand your money back. Under the CPA a consumer is entitled to rescind their contract (meaning you get your money back) when goods are represented to be of a particular quality or standard and they are not.
If you purchased a gym membership and the gym owner will not let you cancel the membership you just purchased, you can tell them you are legally entitled to break your contract. Under the CPA, a consumer is entitled to a “cooling off period” after signing a contract. This means you can break a prepaid service contract, for any reason, by providing written notice within ten days of signing the contract or by providing written notice within ten days of the services becoming available, whichever is the later.
These are just some of the examples of the consumer protection laws that are out there to protect you. To learn more about consumer protection laws go to the Ontario Ministry of Government Services website at http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/welcome.htm and click on “Protecting Consumers.” Here you will find a number of links which will provide you with helpful information concerning your rights as a consumer.
