The following statement was issued today by Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Consumer protection information

I rise today to inform members of this House of new consumer protection information now available through my department.

In January, I attended the meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers for consumer affairs. An area of particular concern at that meeting was identity theft. We all agreed on the importance of giving consumers the most reliable and complete information on how to protect themselves from becoming a victim.

A consumer information kit has been developed for use in all provinces. I am pleased to announce today that the information is now available on the Government Services Web site.

This kit builds on identity theft information already available on the Web site. A tip sheet was posted in December on how people can protect themselves from this crime.

Stolen identities have been used to obtain loans and credit cards. People can reduce the risk of identity theft by guarding personal and financial information closely.

I encourage people to log on to our Web site to learn how to protect themselves from this crime, and how to know if they have become a victim. The Web address is www.gov.nl.ca/gs

This department is making sure the people of the province are aware of the dangers of scams, and other consumer issues. I am working with the other national consumer affairs ministers on areas of mutual concern. The ministers will meet again in Quebec City in the fall.

A massive amount of work has been done to protect Canadians. I believe the provinces working together is the right approach.

2004 03 25                                        1:50 p.m.