BILL NO. 55

(as introduced)

1st Session, 64th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
70 Elizabeth II, 2021

 

Private Member's Bill

 

Consumer Protection Office Act

 

Fred Tilley
Northside–Westmount

First Reading: October 26, 2021

Second Reading:

Third Reading:

 

An Act to Establish a Nova Scotia
Office of Consumer Protection

Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:

1 This Act may be cited as the Consumer Protection Office Act.

2 In this Act, "Office" means the Nova Scotia Office of Consumer Protection to be established under Section 3.

3 Subject to Section 6, the Government shall establish a Nova Scotia Office of Consumer Protection.

4 The Office's mandate must include

(a) promoting the consumer rights of Nova Scotians;

(b) educating Nova Scotians on their consumer rights, including their rights under the Consumer Protection Act;

(c) receiving and addressing consumer complaints submitted to the Office;

(d) creating and maintaining a record of businesses in the Province that have failed or refused to address consumer complaints or have been charged or convicted under the Consumer Protection Act; and

(e) providing recommendations for legislation and regulations to address emerging issues facing consumers, including

(i) inflationary costs,

(ii) predatory business practices and price gouging,

(iii) scams and identity theft,

(iv) best practices when hiring contractors for home renovations, and

(v) resources to help businesses comply with consumer protection laws.

5 The Office shall receive and address consumer complaints relating to businesses in the Province whether or not those businesses are licensed or administered by the Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services.

6 The money required for the purpose of this Act must be paid out of money appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature.

 

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