Consumer Protection:

Question: Which Ontario consumer protection laws can help me if I suspect a corporation misled me or my contract terms were unfair, and who can help me take action?

Answer: In Ontario, if you think a corporation misled you, used unfair contract terms, or engaged in deceptive sales practices, Cross Legal Services can help you understand your rights and next steps as a paralegal offering practical consumer protection support across Ontario, including reviewing key documents, identifying potential claims, and helping you prepare for small claims or other dispute processes.  Common protections include Consumer Protection Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 30, Sch. A, along with Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34, and Sale of Goods Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.1.  You can also look to common law principles like implied warranties about fitness for the intended purpose, depending on the facts of your transaction.  If you want a clear, action-focused plan, call (289) 443-0675 for assistance.

In the world of commerce, and in particular matters of consumer transactions, the individual person as a purchasing consumer is often at significant disadvantage in business dealings, especially when such business dealings involve large corporations.  To help balance the playing field, so to help ensure that individual consumers receive fairness during business dealings, consumer protection laws were put into place.

Without the protection of consumer protection statutes, consumers would be subjected to the common law and the age old adage of buyer beware or caveat emptor as such is known in Latin) and often referred to within historical legal precedents.

The Law

The law contains many statutes that contain provisions providing protection to consumers including, among various others:

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, Chapter 30, Schedule A;
• The Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34; and
• The Sale of Goods Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.1.

In addition to the statute laws as above, and despite buyer beware principles, the common law as ruled by judges also contains protections for consumers such as implied warranties requiring that sellers to supply products appropriate for the intended purpose or for the performance of good work.

Common Issues Include: