OTTAWA-GATINEAU - In just three weeks, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will launch the National Do Not Call List (DNCL). Starting on September 30, 2008, Canadian consumers will be able to register their telephone numbers on the National DNCL for free to reduce the number of telemarketing calls and faxes they receive.
New responsibilities for non-exempt telemarketers
Telemarketers, including organizations that hire a third party to make calls for them, will have to register with the National DNCL. As of September 30, 2008, they must register online at www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca. There is no charge for registration.
Telemarketers must also purchase a subscription for the area codes they intend to call. Before making any calls, they will need to make sure they are using a version of the National DNCL that is not older than 31 days, and that they do not call the home phone, cellular and fax numbers that are on the list.
New responsibilities for exempt telemarketers
Certain telemarketing calls and faxes are exempt from the National DNCL Rules. Exempt telemarketers include:
- registered charities seeking donations
- newspapers looking for subscriptions
- political parties and their candidates
- companies that have an existing business relationship with a consumer (within the previous 18 months), and
- organizations directing calls and faxes to businesses.
Exempt telemarketers must register with the National DNCL. However, they do not have to purchase a subscription to, or download, the National DNCL.
Additional responsibilities
All telemarketers, whether exempt or non-exempt, have to maintain their own internal do not call lists. If a consumer asks not be contacted, his or her name and number must be added to the telemarketer's own internal do not call list within 31 days.
In addition, all telemarketers, whether exempt or non-exempt, must comply with the CRTC's Telemarketing Rules and Automatic Dialing and Announcing Device Rules.
Market research, polls and surveys
Calls made for the purpose of market research, polls or surveys are not considered telemarketing calls. Organizations making these types of calls are not required to register with the National DNCL, maintain their own do not call lists or comply with the CRTC's Telemarketing Rules and Automatic Dialing and Announcing Device Rules.
For more information, please see:
Telemarketing at a glance
Key facts for telemarketers
Key facts for exempt telemarketers
Key facts for consumers
The CRTC
The CRTC is an independent, public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.
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Date Modified: 2008-09-09
