Service NL Continues to Enhance Consumer Protection

In 2012, consumer protection remained a top priority for the department of Service NL as evidenced by modernized legislation and programs designed to better serve the people of the province.

“Service NL is responsible for public protection on a number of levels, including in the area of financial security and consumer affairs,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL. “After another year of extensive policy work and legislative amendments to better protect the public, we continue to take the steps necessary to enhance consumer protection.”

The Consumer and Commercial Affairs Branch enhanced consumer protection in 2012 with springtime amendments to the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act. As a result of these improvements to the act, distance service providers are now required to outline the terms and conditions of contracts in plain language for consumers, including provisions for contract cancellation and all associated fees, contract renewal and the use of security deposits. Suppliers of such services are now required under the new legislation to disclose total monthly costs in their advertising, thereby simplifying the process of informed decision-making for consumers.

Another major initiative undertaken by the branch in 2012 was the digitization of the Registry of Deeds. When complete, the entire registry will be available electronically to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, resulting in a much more accessible system to all stakeholders.

“Our goal is to deliver the best services we can to both businesses and the public, and to do everything we can to protect consumers and enhance their purchasing experience,” said Minister McGrath. “Through these enhancements to the act, and our ongoing work with the Registry of Deeds, we will continue to protect and serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

To learn more about Service NL, please visit www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/. 

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 

2012 12 27                        1:35 p.m.