The newest report from the Public Interest Network (PIN) of the Consumers Council of Canada supports government action to reduce speculation in housing markets, and general support for most of the consumer protection measures contained in the most recent federal budget.

The report is available online. The Council uses online questionnaires directed to the PIN to identify experiences and attitudes of consumers, and to help inform priorities for the Council’s leadership. The questionnaire, conducted in late May and early June, showed mostly favourable views of federal budget measures with consumer protection goals. Strong support was indicated for government measures to make housing more affordable and to act to reduce speculation, which was viewed as a catalyst for recent price escalation.

Participants also expressed support for efforts to harmonize provincial trade rules. Other topics covered the expectations for the Shaw-Rogers merger, in-person versus online price transparency and the end of a national, private-sector bus service.

The PIN is a national network of thoughtful, knowledgeable Canadian consumers organized by the Consumers Council of Canada. Joining the PIN is free for residents of Canada. Reports of prior PIN questionnaires dating back through 2020 are also available online.