Consumers in Alberta have better protections in place to assist them when making a purchase.
Following four years of work, the provincial government has released the Consumer Bill of Rights summarizing the main points in the Consumer Protection Act to help people understand their rights, be protected against potential financial loss, and know where to turn if they're treated unfairly.
"It's fantastic to have a bill of rights in place that will protect consumers when they're out there from unfair business practices," explained Serina Parsons, executive director for the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce. "We all know too often, or we see issues, where people have been taken advantage of for the sake of a sale and this is something to really limit that. It ensures the right to fair treatment, and really outlines the right to take action when you're treated unfairly."
Included in the bill are strengthened consumer laws for banning the use of ticket-buying bots and improved customer access to refunds from resellers. Another aspect added was the introduction of industry-wide standards for vehicles sales and repairs to improve accountability in the sector, and to better protect buyers from unexpected or unauthorized charges.
In a press release, Minister of Service Alberta Brian Malkinson said, "We know educated consumers are confident consumers. The Consumer Bill of Rights will help educate people making purchases in Alberta... From cracking down on payday lending to banning door-to-door energy sales and ticket bots, we've spent four years beefing up consumer protection in Alberta."
When someone believes they're treated unfairly, they have the right to make a complaint to Service Alberta through the Consumer Investigation Unit. They investigate potential violations of consumer protection laws, review complaints about transactions between businesses and customers, and recommend enforcement action where legislative breaches have occurred.
Cracking down on payday loans and high-interest rates was another area Albertans wanted focus on. Now, payday loan borrowers pay lower fees, have more time to pay off their loans, and are able to pay them in smaller instalments.
Courtney Naumann, vice president of marketing and communications with Cashco Financial, noted they're working with the government to ensure the best practices for their customers.
"I think because we're starting to put more focus on these parts of different industries, regardless of if it's ours or I've seen some indication on the car business side, the point is we need to continue to have these conversations and we have to be willing to adjust and make sure we're making the right decisions for the consumers," she detailed.
The bill bans door-to-door sales of energy products and services, such as hot water tanks and air conditioners, a practice Parsons believes can be unethical in certain situations.
"I think it's really important consumers understand the transactions that are being made, to not worry about asking questions, and if something doesn't feel right to take a step back. You absolutely have that right," she stressed.
Another aspect is new home buyer protection, which introduced a builder licensing framework meant to protect consumers as well as the reputation of builders.
"We need to see contractors and builders more regulated and licensed in the province of Alberta as much as the other provinces," noted Rick McCarthy, owner of HR2 Construction in Bonnyville.
Construction companies are required to provide information on their business to get the license, which ensures they won't go bankrupt or out of business during a build.
McCarthy believes the process will help the industry overall.
"It certainly makes builders and contractors have to meet and maintain an ethical business platform, and I think that's going to, for the consumer... it's going to build consumer confidence overall when they're hiring a general contractor and a builder. That's always good for business. It will also take out unethical contractors and businesses out of the business environment," he explained.
Parsons agreed it will eliminate unfair business practices.
"It's not going to affect honest business practices that are happening. It's going to affect business practices that are dishonest in nature, and that needs to be recognized early on."
A copy of the Consumer Bill of Rights, as well as the consumer complaint form, is available online at alberta.ca.
