Many people faced with dealing with contractors and service provider disputes tend to just give up rather than face what they believe will be frustrating and expensive legal options. However, long before having to look for a lawyer or apply to Provincial Court, the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services, Consumer Protection Bureau stand ready to step in to help for free.
The Consumer Protection Bureau is manned by courteous and very knowledgeable staff who guide you toward resolution of your issues with the contractor or service provider, one step at a time. They offer a mediation service, which is not mandatory, but if refused by the other party can show the Court, if the dispute ends up there, that you have made every effort to resolve this with the other party to no avail because the other party refused to co-operate.
How the Consumer Services Bureau Operates
The Consumer Services Bureau has a user-friendly website which not only guides you step-by-step through the disputes resolution process, but offers guidelines as to how to approach the other party and even provides templates for writing the necessary letters of demand. Thus, if you do not feel comfortable writing original letters, you can feel assured of having a proper and effect letter nonetheless.
The website facilitates on-line application of dispute resolution, or you may choose to send your application directly to their main offices at the address that is found on their website. If you are unsure about your next step and simply want to investigate what is involved, they have a handy toll-free number you may call: 1-800-889-9768.
Their website takes you through clearly explained topics of importance, such as Consumer Protection Legislation, your rights as a consumer, how to initiate a complaint, how to write a complaint letter, how to file your complaint and consumer warnings and alerts, what a legal contract should and should not include, your cancellation rights and a whole host of other important information.
Who can Benefit from Consumer Services Bureau Services
While the Bureau’s Consumer Protection branch provides a valuable service to most clients seeking assistance with their disputes, there are some disputes which are exempt:
- Real estate
- Travel
- Motor vehicles
- New home purchases
- Electrical safety
- Funeral Services
- Amusement devices and fuel safety
- Upholstered and stuffed articles
- Cemeteries and Crematoria
These professions have their own complaints resolution mechanisms and complaints involving such services should be directed to their professional associations.
Consumer Protection Bureau, Protection Services Effectiveness
Part of the Protection Services branch effectiveness is due to the efforts they make to help consumers protect themselves. To this end they offer a free, easily downloadable Consumer Protection Survival Guide and a valuable Consumer Beware List. The Consumer Beware List makes it possible to quickly key in the name of the contractor or businesses you are considering involvement with to see what their compliance records reveal about them.
The Consumer Alerts help to protect consumers from Gift Card Fraud, closing businesses, payday loan frauds and provide information on individuals and businesses convicted of fraud and unethical behaviors.
Can the Consumer Protection Bureau Help You
Given that in 2009 alone, the CPB helped resolve over 15,000 complaints it is highly likely that you would be very satisfied with their process and assistance. Since it is free and very professional, this service would seem to be the best go-to place to start to settle your complaint in a cost-effective way.
Grace Joubarne - Welcome! I'm a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist practicing from a main office located in Ottawa, Ontario Canada and satellite offices ...
Join the Conversation