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Consumer Information - Consumer Protection
Consumer
Purchases
The marketplace can be hazardous to consumers if they're not careful. While most businesses go to great lengths to achieve customer satisfaction, some businesses will do whatever it takes to part consumers and their cash. From bait and switch tactics, to high pressure sales, consumers are at a distinct disadvantage if a business wants to take their money and run. That's why legislation is in place that protects consumers from unscrupulous merchants. The Consumer Protection Act and the Sale of Goods Act both outline a consumer's rights in the marketplace. As well, the federal government regulates many aspects of the marketplace. Legislation Summary of Legislated Consumer Rights Articles In Nova Scotia, the Consumer Reporting Act establishes a consumer's rights related to consumer or credit reports. By law, companies that collect and distribute consumer credit information must ensure the information they hold is accurate, must only share the information with authorized recipients, and must provide consumers with access to the information held in the file. All of these rights are important, because the information in a consumer's credit file can have a great impact on their ability to qualify for a loan, rent an apartment, or in some cases, get a job. Legislation Summary of Legislated Consumer Rights Sometimes, when businesses are owed money by a consumer, they assign responsibility to collect the debt to a collection agency. Most times, the agency only gets paid if they can collect from the consumer. As a result, they are often very highly motivated. Sometimes, this translates into unacceptable collection practices. The Collection Agencies Act outlines what a collection agency can and cannot do when attempting to collect a debt from a consumer. Legislation Summary of Legislated Consumer Rights Buying goods or services from a direct seller is different than going to your local retail store. When you buy from a direct seller, the transaction might take place on your doorstep, at a product party, or over the telephone. Most of these sales are problem-free. But sometimes, pressure is used to encourage the purchase, or the product isn't all that it was promised to be. In Nova Scotia, consumers who purchase from direct sellers are protected thanks to the Direct Sellers' Regulation Act. This legislation outlines a consumer's rights, and a direct seller's responsibilities. Legislation Summary of Legislated Consumer Rights Article When Nova Scotians borrow money from a credit union, trust or finance company, they must be given vital loan information even before they sign the loan contract. When it comes time to sign for the loan, the contract must contain specific information on their rights and obligations. These disclosure and other rights are outlined in two key pieces of legislation that protect Nova Scotians when they borrow money. Legislation Summary of Legislated Consumer Rights Article Cemetery or funeral services are often purchased when individuals are experiencing great personal turmoil following the death of a loved one. Other times, individuals purchase or pre-arrange services in advance, to spare survivors the task. In each case, legislation is in place that establishes what cemeteries and funeral directors can and cannot do when conducting business in Nova Scotia. Legislation Summary of Legislated Consumer Rights Article
Starting in 2003, Nova Scotians will be able to shop on-line with more confidence, thanks to new safeguards being added to the Consumer Protection Act. Changes to the Act will give shoppers the right to basic information about sellers and the products they wish to purchase on-line. Consumers will also have the right to receive a contract that details information about the transaction, and they will have cancellation rights if the seller fails to meet certain standards. If a consumer pays for their purchase using a credit card, they may also be able to get a refund when things go wrong. Suppliers who sell their goods and services through the Internet will be required to disclose the following information to the consumer before the contract is entered into, and as part of the contract: the supplier's name, a description of the goods, an itemized price list, any additional costs, the total amount of the contract, the currency being used, the method of payment, delivery arrangements, refund or cancellation policies, and other restrictions. All provinces and territories in Canada will be adopting similar protections as those planned for Nova Scotia. Legislation Summary of Legislated Consumer Rights Resources
Before you buy a condominium, you should know the important differences between this kind of ownership, and owning a conventional single-family dwelling. This site will help you understand condominium ownership, and explain how condominium corporations are operated, what costs are involved in condominium ownership, and what to watch for when buying a new or existing condominium. Legislation Articles
Information on consumer issues not included on this site can be found at the following links: Advertising Air Carriers Automobiles Banking The Centre for the Financial Services Ombudsnetwork Broadcasting and Cable Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications
Commission Charities Identity Theft Legal Issues Legal Information Society of Nova
Scotia Direct Marketing Food Packaging & Labeling General Consumer Issues Canadian Consumer
Handbook Competition Bureau
Strategis Better Business Bureau of Nova Scotia
Consumer's Association of Canada Scanner
Price Accuracy
Regulation An important way consumers are protected is through the regulation of certain activities and industries. Here you'll find summaries of the areas that are regulated, and the requirements that permit holders must meet. For more information on regulatory activities, please phone (902) 424-5200 or toll-free in Nova Scotia 1-800-670-4357 or E-mail Public Enquiries. |
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