BY KELLY ROCHE
The provincial government is introducing framework legislation to ban door-to-door sales across Ontario — a move Ward 2 Coun. Karen Ras is calling “a win” for consumers.
“Thousands of Ontarians – whether young people or seniors, those who have lived here for years, or are new to Ontario – have gotten duped at the door by sales agents that misled, misrepresent, and use tactics of fear and pressure to sell people services they neither need nor want,” said Ras.
South Mississauga residents – specifically seniors – in the Clarkson Rd. N. and Hindhead Rd. area have been targeted.
If passed, the Putting Consumers First Act would ban unsolicited door-to-door sales of home appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and water filters sold by what the government describes as “aggressive” salespeople using “high-pressure tactics.”
Consumer-initiated contracts would still be allowed, though, such as a consumer calling a company for roofing or home renovations.
All consumer-initiated contracts signed in the home would also have a 10-day cooling-off period and mandatory disclosures.
This means consumers can change their mind about a purchase made in their home and, in most cases, cancel the contract without any reason. In addition, home inspectors would be regulated under one licensing regime if the bill passes.
City council passed a motion last April urging Queen’s Park to impose a ban specifically in the home services sector.
The motion, brought forth by Ras under the StopTheKnocks campaign, was unanimously approved.
More than 25 municipalities, including Toronto, have since joined the charge to protect energy services consumers.
“Today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction,” said Ras.
@qewsouthpost