Ministry News
January 29, 2010
Top 10 Consumer Complaints In 2009
McGuinty Government Protects Ontarians in the Marketplace
NEWS
Concerns about collection agencies and home repairs and renovations lead the list of top 10 consumer complaints in 2009.
The province prepares the list every year in an effort to educate, empower and protect consumers when purchasing goods and services. Last year, the government received more than 55,000 complaints from consumers. The top 10 complaints for 2009, which represented almost one-third of all complaints, include:
- Collection agencies/debt collectors
- Home repairs/renovations
- Motor vehicle purchases/sales
- Appliances
- Credit reporting
- Home furnishings
- Motor vehicle repairs
- Health and fitness clubs
- Energy brokers
- Telephone/long distance.
Consumers looking for advice on dealing with these topics or who have a complaint can contact the Ministry of Consumer Services at (416) 326-8800 in the Greater Toronto Area, toll-free across Ontario at 1-800-889-9768 or via e-mail at consumer@ontario.ca.
QUOTES
“Consumers in Ontario work hard for their money and we’re here to help them make smart consumer purchases. Consumers can e-mail us, call us or visit our website for information, help and advice on a range of consumer goods and services, including our top ten list.”
- Sophia Aggelonitis, Minister of Consumer Services
QUICK FACTS
- From January 2008 to November 2009, the Ministry of Consumer Services obtained over $740,000 in mediated refunds for consumers.
- In same time frame, the ministry conducted 597 compliance inspections and field visits and laid 2,777 charges.
LEARN MORE
- Are you a consumer with questions? Know your rights under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.
- Get information on how to file a complaint.
- Need more information on dealing with collection agencies?
- Learn about what’s new in Ontario when it comes to buying a new car.
- Here’s what Ontario proposes to do to protect energy consumers even more.
For more information:
Douglas Tindal, Minister’s Office, 416-326-1946
Sue Carroll, Communications, 416-326-7408
