Over Half Million Dollars Returned to Albertans From Consumer Investigations by Alberta Government Services

Albertans benefited from stronger consumer protection in 2000 from the provincial department responsible for this important area. More than1,500 investigations were conducted that resulted in close to $650,000 being returned to Albertans in the form of refunds or compensation.

"With tough, but fair rules and regulations in place, we were able to successfully take action on behalf of Albertans," said Patricia Nelson, Alberta Government Services Minister. "We are committed to ensuring consumers are protected and that the many legitimate businesses in our province have a level playing field to operate."

Some highlights of investigations that resulted in compensation for thousands of Albertans included more than $184,000 from a Florida-based travel company, $175,000 from a marketing company in the State of Kentucky, $113,000 in home renovation investigations and $55,000 from inquiries into complaints against direct sellers.

Nelson noted that in the first full year of the Fair Trading Act (FTA), which spells out in plain language the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses as they relate to consumer transactions, 105 charges were brought against 26 companies in the province.

"Another success for Alberta Government Services in the year 2000 was in making more Albertans aware of their consumer rights through consumer alerts, increased consumer awareness campaigns like the ‘Know Your Consumer Rights Initiative for Seniors’ and through our toll free Consumer Information Centre."

In 2000, more than 79,000 Albertans were assisted through the department’s Consumer Information Centre.

The Minister said Alberta Government Services will build from the successes in 2000 and look for new ways to strengthen consumer protection in Alberta.

"It is important that we continue to be aggressive in looking for new and effective methods to ensure Albertans are protected as consumers. One area is with consumer sales over the Internet," added Nelson, who noted that a new regulation, which will further protect Albertans who purchase goods or services on-line, will be announced in the new year.

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Contact:
Ed Greenberg - Alberta Government Services, Communications - (780) 415-6051 - (780) 718-5699 (cell)