Ontario consumers can express their opinion on how to improve the province’s Consumer Protection Act until February 1.

The Ontario government has prepared a discussion document that sets out 15 proposals to revise the act, which governs most personal and household transactions by setting out the rules that businesses must follow and the remedies for consumers if businesses do not follow the rules.

The government noted that the act has not had a complete review in more than 15 years, and many measures are challenged by changes in technology, such as an increased reliance on online transactions. The 15 proposals cover contracts, unfair practices, basic consumer rights and remedies, while aiming to “enhance consumer protection and reduce burden for the business community in general, while addressing specific problems more effectively than the current law”.

The Consumers Council of Canada’s submission on revisions to the Ontario Act is available for download in the Counci’s online store.