Released on September 2, 2014
The new Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act that came into effect September 1, 2014, updates new rules protecting consumer rights in Saskatchewan.The Act is designed to protect consumers from unfair practices and covers a variety of marketplace activities including contracts, gift cards, ticket sales, warranties for consumer products and more.
“This legislation updates the consumer protection framework for Saskatchewan making the legislation more accessible and easier for consumers to understand,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “The new Act adds consistency and flexibility, by allowing consumer protection licensing and regulation to be governed by the same set of regulations.”
The legislation includes the existing provisions of The Consumer Protection Act and also adds new provisions respecting licensing of certain businesses that are currently licensed under separate Acts.
Steps taken to protect consumers include; strengthened authority for the investigators and increased penalties and fines. Another change that benefit businesses is predictability between different regulations.
Public feedback has been an integral part of this process to ensure the legislation meets the needs of consumers and stakeholders. Additional consultations will be held as new licensing rules are incorporated.
Consumer protection legislation is administered by the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Matthew Barton
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6067
Email: matthew.barton@gov.sk.ca