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.
|