SASKATCHEWAN MOVES FORWARD WITH CONSUMER PROTECTION INITIATIVES

Justice Minister Frank Quennell met last week with his counterparts in other provincial, territorial and federal governments to discuss a series of co-operative initiatives to promote consumer protection in the areas of interjurisdictional transactions, credit card chargebacks, the short-term credit market, identity theft, and the need to provide reliable and relevant information to consumers.

"These are serious issues that require a co-operative approach," Quennell said. "We are anxious to move forward on these initiatives in Saskatchewan in our continued effort to safeguard consumer interests and promote a fair and effective marketplace."

Consumers are increasingly buying goods and services from suppliers outside of their own province. Quennell stressed the need for harmonized legislation that will help protect consumers and resolve disputes across borders. He supported the model legislation presented at the meeting and called on other ministers to implement a national legislative approach. Saskatchewan is continuing consultations as it moves forward on this initiative.

Quennell endorsed a proposal to extend the credit card chargeback provisions that will soon apply to Internet sales to other forms of distance sales, like mail order or telemarketing. This would allow consumers to reverse credit card charges in certain circumstances. If the seller fails to refund the money, a consumer who has charged the purchase to a credit card will be able to require the credit card company to cancel or reverse the charge as long as the consumer has complied with the cancellation procedure.

"We fully support this proposal and we will continue to consult with the credit card industry to determine the most effective way to move forward with it," Quennell said.

Provinces also agreed to harmonize efforts to provide consumers with the most reliable and complete information on how to reduce the risk of being victimized by identity theft. Identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in the marketplace, occurs when someone uses another person's personal information without their knowledge or consent, to commit a crime.


"As a very practical step toward helping victims of identity theft, we have, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, consumer groups, and the private sector, developed a consumer information kit," Quennell said. "Part of the kit is an identity theft statement, which can be used by victims to notify most major creditors of what has happened. Using this one standard form can help streamline the process of correcting the victim's credit report and restoring their good reputation."

Ministers also discussed the need for improved consumer protection within the short-term credit market which includes businesses that offer payday loans, cheque cashing services and rent-to-own options. Quennell agreed to sit on a Ministerial sub-committee to examine options and challenges associated with regulating this market.

The ministers released a comprehensive package of information for young adults called "Reality Choices". This is a series of online booklets for first-time consumers dealing with topics like owning a vehicle, finding accommodation, and understanding warranties and refunds. The kit can be accessed at http:\\cmcweb.ca.

The federal, provincial, and territorial ministers will meet again in late fall of this year in Quebec City.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-6043