“The product safety act has been a long time coming, and there has been ample time for the Government of Canada to prepare for its implementation,” said Consumers Council of Canada President Don Mercer. “Consumers need the Act’s protection without delay.”

Mercer says the new law will protect Canadians from unsafe products in the marketplace by giving government the power to order recall of identified unsafe products. He said the increase in penalty levels for non-compliance will deter the sale of unsafe products.

The new Act:

-Prohibits a manufacturer or importer from manufacturing, importing, distributing, promoting or marketing a product that is or likely to be a danger to the health or safety of the public.

Gives government the power to compel consumer product recalls or other corrective measures, and carry out measures if industry does not cooperate.

 Increases fines and penalties, including administrative monetary penalties, which will deter the existence of dangerous products in the market place and enhance consumer confidence in the marketplace.

Requires manufacturers and other suppliers to take necessary measures to ensure safety of consumer products, the mandatory reporting of defects and adverse events and mandatory record-keeping for traceability of products throughout supply chains, to help identify dangerous products at an early stage.