About Us
The Consumer Protection Office hears, mediates and investigates consumer-related complaints. When the Office receives a complaint, it considers the rights and responsibilities of each party. Not all matters are covered by legislation. In those situations, the Office offers an opportunity to resolve the problem through a voluntary process of dispute resolution/mediation.
History
The Office was established in January 1970 to administer The Consumer Protection Act. It also administered The Landlord and Tenant Act upon its inception until the Rentalsman's Office was created and became a separate Branch in 1972.
In January 1992 the Consumer Protection Office was given the responsibility to administer The Business Practices Act, which has become a vital tool strengthening the effectiveness of service to clients.
Major Functions
- Licenses vendors who "direct sell" and their direct sellers, collection agents and collectors, hearing aid dealers, payday lenders and high-cost credit grantors.
- Assists consumers in resolving complaints about consumer transactions for goods or services.
- Investigates complaints involving breaches of consumer protection legislation and, where appropriate, refers matters to Justice for prosecution.
- Provides information and education to Manitoba consumers and businesses about consumer legislation and marketplace issues.
Legislation
Consumer protection is a right of every Manitoba resident. Whether we are buying, selling, repairing or leasing goods or services, we all have rights.
Statutes Administered
The Consumer Protection Act
The Business Practices Act
The Hearing Aid Act
The Personal Investigations Act
In the course of our duties, we:
- Licence and regulate payday lenders
- Licence companies and individuals that direct sell
- Licence collection agents and register collectors
- Certify hearing aid dealers
Special Investigations
All complaints involving breaches of the consumers protection legislation administered by the Consumer Protection Office are investigated and, where appropriate, referred to Justice for the consideration of the laying of charges.