MPP Yvan Baker Tables Bill Banning Telemarketing Calls

New Pathway.

Yvan Baker, MPP for Etobicoke Centre announced on May 29 his introduction of a Private Member’s Bill to ban telemarketing for products and services that have resulted in consumers receiving countless unwanted and harassing phone calls. This new legislation builds on his previous work to protect seniors and consumers from aggressive door-to-door sales tactics.

If passed, the Bill would ban certain products and services from being sold as a result of unsolicited phone calls to consumers. The Minister of Government and Consumer Services would have the ability to select the products and services to be banned.

The Bill was tabled after extensive research and a significant volume of concerns from constituents in Etobicoke Centre regarding unwanted and harassing phone calls. Under the legislation, penalties would be put in place for offenders who violate the ban including giving consumers the option to void the contract, a reimbursement of any money paid under the contract, and the return or replacement of any product taken under the contract. Fines on individual and corporate offenders would range from $500 to $25,000.

“I have heard from far too many consumers who are harassed by telemarketers who call them multiple times a day every day and use aggressive tactics to sell them services that they don’t want or need. It is disgraceful to me that some organizations have a business model that is based on harassing consumers. We must take action to protect Ontarians and end this predatory practice,” said Yvan Baker.

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