Should Alberta Strengthen Consumer Protection Laws?

Official title: Consumer protection consultation

Closed Legislation Finance & Consumer Justice & Rights
Alberta asked residents how to modernize consumer protection laws. The 2017 consultation covered everything from car sales and ticket scalping to high-interest loans. Nearly 3,000 people responded, and the feedback shaped Bill 31, which proposed stronger rules for businesses and clearer rights for consumers.

Why This Matters

Ever bought a used car and wondered what the dealer wasn't telling you? Got burned by ticket scalpers? Struggled with a high-interest loan? This consultation tackled the everyday frustrations Albertans face in the marketplace. The results led to proposed laws that could affect how you buy cars, get repairs, purchase event tickets, and deal with unfair business practices.

What Could Change

Bill 31 proposed requiring dealers to disclose vehicle history and provide standard bills of sale. Ticket bots could be banned, with caps on resale markups. Businesses might need to give advance notice before changing contracts. Consumers could gain the right to sue over unfair practices and protection from being sued for honest negative reviews.

Key Issues

  • Should Alberta create a Consumer Bill of Rights?
  • Should car dealers be required to disclose vehicle history and provide written repair estimates?
  • Should ticket bots be banned and resale markups be capped?
  • Should consumers be protected from mandatory arbitration clauses and lawsuits over honest reviews?
  • Should high-cost credit products like title loans and rent-to-own contracts be more regulated?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. It ran from July to November 2017 and included an online survey, open houses across Alberta, and stakeholder meetings.

What Happened

The consultation received 2,954 survey responses, held 6 open houses across Alberta, conducted 40 meetings with business and consumer groups, and hosted 2 roundtables with Chambers of Commerce. Key findings showed strong support (85%+) for a Consumer Bill of Rights, mandatory vehicle history disclosure (80%+), and ticket bot bans (80%+). The feedback directly informed Bill 31: A Better Deal for Consumers and Businesses Act, introduced November 29, 2017.

Key Documents