From: Teresa Williams (NCLC) Sent: February-28-14 9:34 AM To: Teresa Williams (NCLC); Consumer Code / Code consommateur Subject: Consultation Comments Below are a few comments to add for the federal consultation about consumer rights. Consumer Protection Framework Section 1 The federal government should adopt a set of principles to govern financial consumer protection. Creditors from provinces other than the Debtor of claim, tend to ignore provincial legislation where collections are concerned. There should be a better process for making complaints about federal rules/regulations and actually having process that resolves complaints. Section 2 Vulnerable and senior consumers are often not aware that they have appeal rights, or that they are able to dispute claims of debt, etc. They often do not understand what the actual fees and interest will total for contracts. Telephone – cell phones and land lines) to not have competitive rates, or enough options for people to choose a contract that will work best for them. In the case of seniors, a two-contract (formerly three) may put them at risk. Some seniors are not able to maintain a contract for two years, particularly if they are unwell. Estates may be required to pay penalties, or maintain contracts. Financial institutions ought to be required to advise consumers of their basic legal rights up front. Financial institutions should not be able to randomly contact credit reporting agencies/bureaus without first advising consumers that this is happening, and that they have the right to dispute claims. Section 3 The government should consider mechanisms for enhancing engagement, however, stakeholders should include consumers, representatives/advocates for seniors and vulnerable consumers. Consumer groups should be invited to consultations and be provided the opportunity to contribute to them. Thank you for reviewing our concerns, Teresa Williams, Community Legal Worker Northumberland Community Legal Centre The Fleming Building, Suite 301 1005 Elgin Street West COBOURG, ON K9A 5J4 Tel: 905-373-4464, ext. 27 Alt. 800-850-7882 Like us on Facebook - The Help Centre of Northumberland Contacting the Northumberland Community Legal Centre by email does not mean that we are acting for the person that sends the email. Contacting the Legal Centre by email does not mean that we are your representatives unless we have agreed to do so and a retainer has been signed. Unless you have already retained the Legal Centre, no information in an email will be considered confidential. Please do not send information without first contacting the Legal Centre by phone and getting consent. Our contact number is 905-373-4464 or 1-800-850-7882.