Released on May 31, 2013
The Ministry of Justice and the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) will be holding consultations in stages with stakeholders and the public on regulations to support The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act.
In the upcoming months, various discussion topics will be raised and public input sought.
“Stakeholder and public participation in these consultations is essential to creating regulations that benefit the industry and Saskatchewan consumers,” FCAA Chair and CEO Dave Wild said. “We encourage the public to participate and help the government develop fair and balanced regulations that protect consumers, while allowing Saskatchewan businesses to thrive.”
To start the discussions, the government has published two papers on the FCAA website that focus on The Motor Dealers Act and the consumer contract provisions of The Consumer Protection Act and Regulations. To promote participation, interested groups and individuals are invited to provide their input by reviewing and responding to the consultation papers at www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/consumer_protection_business_practices_consultations.
These new regulations will become part of The Consumer Protection and Businesses Practices Act, which was passed in spring 2013 and will come into effect at a later time.
The Act updates and streamlines Saskatchewan’s consumer protection framework by making the legislation more accessible and easier to understand. Currently, consumer protection in Saskatchewan encompasses several statutes, each with different standards, enforcement mechanisms and results. Through regulations, the new Act will ensure consistent treatment and co-ordinated administration.
The current Motor Dealers Act was passed in 1966. Some of the issues raised in the discussion paper include the limited definition of motor dealer, warranty protection on low cost vehicles, and whether there is a need for better advertising rules.
Consumer contracts regulations, which were enacted in 2006 after extensive consultations, will be reviewed to address any existing issues.
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For more information, contact:
Daniela Machuca
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4160
Linsay Rabyj
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775