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September 12, 1997
(Government Services and Lands)


Ernie McLean, in his capacity as minister responsible for Consumer Affairs, released the following statement today after meeting with his federal and provincial counterparts in Regina this week to adopt proposals for cooperative enforcement and harmonization in the area of consumer protection:

We have agreed to establish a nation-wide computer-based consumer law enforcement network. This system will provide access to information across jurisdictions to prevent cross-border fraud and misrepresentation. The use of world-wide-web technology and electronic data sharing will provide for quick and efficient identification of offenses against consumers, and will enable the identification of trends in fraud. Ultimately, this will reduce the number of victims of fraud which costs Canadian consumers millions of dollars annually.

Gas pricing has also become an issue across Canada this summer. Newfoundland and Labrador has taken a lead role in protecting consumers by appointing Dennis Browne to investigate their concerns. I have informed my colleagues of the approach that we have taken. They, in turn, have resolved to invite consumer and industry representatives and governments who choose to participate to create a joint working group to address consumer issues.

All ministers have agreed on the importance of a well informed consumer in preventing consumer fraud. We have committed to building on existing consumer-awareness measures with additional initiatives aimed at specific problems such as telemarketing fraud and loan broker scams. These new initiatives include the development and publication of a national consumer resource guide that will also be made available through our provincial web site.

All governments have become very concerned about the growing problem of telemarketing fraud. We have been updated on and continue to support the efforts of the Canada-US Working Group on Telemarketing Fraud, and have directed our officials to explore additional measures to enhance cooperative enforcement of consumer protection across provincial and international borders.

1997 09 12 10:30 a.m.

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