Council approves motion banning door-to-door sales in Mississauga

City council passed a motion supporting a ban on door-to-door sales on Wednesday, Apr. 27, 2016. Ward 2 Coun. Karen Ras put forth the motion. (Photo: karenras.ca) — City council passed a motion supporting a ban on door-to-door sales on Wednesday, Apr. 27, 2016. Ward 2 Coun. Karen Ras put forth the motion.
(Photo: karenras.ca)

BY KELLY ROCHE

City council is backing Ward 2 Coun. Karen Ras’ motion calling on the province to impose a ban on door-to-door sales.
Residents in the Clarkson Rd. N. and Hindhead Rd. area are recent targets — including many seniors, “who open their doors when someone knocks,” said Ras.
The motion, unanimously passed Wednesday, specifically addresses the sale or lease of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, water heaters, water filtration systems and other related home energy products and services by door-to-door sales agents.
It comes on the heels of a Mississauga-based company, the Ontario Energy Group, being charged by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services on Apr. 15. More than 100 charges against the OEG and its director, Eugene Farber, were laid under the Consumer Protection Act.
Charges – which haven’t been proven in court – include using false, misleading or deceptive practices, failing to deliver a valid contract, and failing to refund.

NOT JUST A GTA PROBLEM

If convicted, each charge carries a fine of up to $250,000 for corporations and $50,000 for individuals.

The hearing is before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket next month.

But it’s a matter stretching beyond the Greater Toronto Area.

Province-wide, homeowners are experiencing “unsolicited, aggressive and misleading sales tactics at their door from companies seeking to sell home energy products,” said Ras.
She said shady sellers are “thumbing their noses” at existing provincial legislation and targeting vulnerable residents, ranging from first-time homeowners to newcomers.
“They misrepresent their identities, pose as government safety inspectors and tell their victims that they are there to conduct so-called mandatory checks. I’ve experienced this kind of behaviour myself, and we need to put a stop to it,” Ras said.
The motion is part of the ‘StopTheKnocks’ campaign, encouraging homeowners across Ontario to lend their voices by signing the petition.
@qewsouthpost