The Consumer Protection Act has several kinds of protections for consumers. It has general rules that apply to merchants providing products and services to consumers, and special rules for certain types of products and services.
If these rules are not respected, the law gives consumers the right to file a complaint with the Office de la protection du consommateur (consumer protection bureau). Also, in some situations, consumers can take legal action against a merchant to get compensation (money), to have a contract cancelled, etc. Merchants who do not respect the law can also be fined.
Consumer Protection Act: General and Special Rules
General Rules
Special Rules
- advertising
- price labelling and accuracy
- requirement to have a permit
- money of consumers held “in trust”
- rules on the making and contents of contracts
- false statements (business practices)
- statements not allowed in contracts
- remedies for consumers
- membership in a gym or weight loss clinic
- distance contracts (buying over the Internet or through catalogues, etc.)
- purchase of used cars or motorcycles
- prepaid cards
- contracts involving credit (credit cards, lines of credit, loans, purchases involving financing)
- contracts that are an “accessory” to a main contract
- dance classes, languages classes and training courses
- warranties
- long-term leases (rentals)
- repair of cars and motorcycles
- repairing an electronic or home appliance
- services provided at a distance (telephone, cable, etc.)
- door-to-door sales
- purchases with payment over several months
Protection of Consumers Under Other Laws
Consumers, clients and purchasers are also protected under other laws in these areas:
- contracts with contractors (for renovations, for example)
- contracts with providers of services
- rules on how contracts are made
- pre-arranged funeral services
- debt collection
- hidden defects
- travel
Did you Know…?
The Consumer Protection Act was introduced in July 1971.