Should Alberta Strengthen Consumer Protection Laws?
Official title: Consumer protection consultation
Why This Matters
Ever bought a used car and wondered if the dealer was hiding something? Got burned by ticket scalpers using bots? This consultation tackled everyday frustrations Albertans face in the marketplace. The results led to proposed laws that could affect how you buy cars, concert tickets, and handle disputes with businesses.
What Could Change
Bill 31 proposed several concrete changes: mandatory vehicle history disclosure when selling cars, banning ticket-buying bots, capping resale prices on event tickets, and requiring vets to disclose fees upfront. Consumers could also gain the right to sue businesses operating unfairly.
Key Issues
- Should Alberta create a Consumer Bill of Rights?
- Should car dealers be required to disclose vehicle history and provide standard bills of sale?
- Should ticket-buying bots be banned and resale prices capped?
- Should high-cost credit products like title loans and rent-to-own contracts be more regulated?
- Should veterinarians be required to disclose fees before providing services?
How to Participate
- This consultation is now closed. It ran from July to November 2017 and included an online survey, 6 open houses across Alberta, and 40 stakeholder meetings.
- Review Bill 31: A Better Deal for Consumers and Businesses Act to see the proposed legislative changes that resulted from this consultation.
What Happened
The consultation received 2,954 survey responses and held 6 open houses across Alberta plus 40 stakeholder meetings. Key findings: 85% supported a Consumer Bill of Rights, 80% backed mandatory vehicle history disclosure, 80% wanted protections against ticket bots, and 70% supported regulating high-cost credit. The feedback directly informed Bill 31, introduced November 29, 2017.