Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations promotes fairness in the marketplace and champions consumer protection through education, regulation and complaint resolution.

Knowing your rights as a consumer protects you in the marketplace. By being a savvy shopper, you can walk away when a deal doesn't feel right, or when you know you're not being offered value for your money. How do you know when a deal is actually a scam? How can you tell when your rights are being ignored? These are lessons you don't want to learn first-hand.

Your rights are protected in several key marketplace areas (menu on the left), but, you must do your part. Learn what rights you have, and what you can do if you're being treated unfairly.

This site also contains links and information on consumer rights that exist through federal laws. This includes information on chartered banks, charities and advertising.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

New scams are being invented daily. Scam artists are up-to-date and well organized. They use the latest trends and sophisticated techniques.

Everyone is a potential fraud victim, but there are precautions you can take to prevent becoming one. Click the following link for more information on fraud prevention.

Internet Safety la sécurité dans Internet

Debt l'éndettement

Identity Theft le vol d'indentite

Special Features

Travel Protection

Travel plans are often made and paid for in advance. This can pose a risk to the travel purchaser. Over the years, thousands of Canadians have had to cope with the sudden failure of travel providers, such as air carriers. Canada 3000, Jetsgo and Zoom Airlines are high profile examples.

When a carrier fails

• Citizens may be affected mid-journey
• Citizens may abandon or reschedule travel plans
• Value paid for travel (cash, credit, travel points) may be difficult to recover

Protecting your travel investment

There are things you can do to help reduce your risk

• Travel with a reputable carrier
• Keep your paperwork handy, including contact information for your carrier or travel agent
• Consider buying travel insurance that covers carrier failure. Being stranded at a vacation destination can be expensive
• Know whether your credit card company provides travel insurance as a perk or an option
• When paying by credit card, you may be able to reverse the charge if the services are not supplied
• When buying travel services online, web sites registered in Ontario, Quebec or British Columbia can provide you with access to compensation funds when airlines or tour companies shut down.
• Ontario: Travel Industry Council of Ontario (www.tico.on.ca)
• Quebec: Quebec Travel Compensation Fund (www.opc.gouv.qc.ca)
• BC: BC Travel Compensation Fund (www.bcppca.com)

Flight Rights Canada

Transport Canada requires that air carriers prominently display their terms and conditions of carriage at their business offices and to post this information on their web sites. As well, prominent signage at key airports will remind travelers that they are entitled to ask for and receive a carrier’s terms and conditions, and explains the complaint mechanisms in place to ensure carriers are held to account for their commitments.

More information on Flight Rights Canada can be found at:
www.tc.gc.ca/flightrights/menu.htm

Online Lien Check (en français) - Before purchasing a previously owned item, use the Lien Check service to help ensure there are no outstanding loans against it.

Consumer Alert: Check vehicles for flood damage before you buy

Stolen & Wrecked Vehicles  - How consumers are protected.

Consumer Information for Young Adults:

• Dealing with Credit - 3.95 MB
• Le crédit - 3.95 MB

• You and your Money - 3.96 MB
• L'argent et vous - 11.9 MB

• A Roof over your Head - 12.2 MB
• Se Loger - 12.4 MB

• In the Driver's Seat - 9.77 MB
• Volant sans se faire voler - 10.5 MB

• Shopping for Satisfaction - 12.7 MB
• Magasiner en toute qui étude - 13.1 MB

 

- Consumer information from federal, provincial and territorial governments.