McGuinty government aggressively moves to protect consumers and modernize services

October 19, 2006 - QUEEN’S PARK —The McGuinty government has introduced legislation that, if passed, will improve the quality of life for Ontario families by strengthening consumer protection, bolstering public safety, and making it easier for Ontarians to access the services they need, Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips announced today.

“We are taking real action by moving on a wide range of important consumer issues. Property owners will not lose their home as a result of real estate fraud. We are helping families safeguard their children from illegal Internet gambling. Other reforms will protect women from the threat of date rape drugs in bars, and we are working to make sure shoppers get full value from gift cards they purchase,” Phillips said. “Over the last few years Ontario has become a leader in consumer protection, and this new legislation continues this trend by protecting the people of this province through laws that reflect the current realities faced by today’s consumer.”

The proposed Consumer Protection and Service Modernization Act includes:

• Combating identity theft by giving consumers the right to have fraud alerts placed on their credit report to help stop identity thieves from using their personal information to commit fraud
• Amending the Land Titles Act to ensure that ownership of a property cannot be lost as a result of the registration of a falsified mortgage, fraudulent sale or a counterfeit power of attorney
• Amending the Liquor Licence Act to improve public safety and increase service delivery. Other regulatory and policy changes would protect bar patrons from dangers such as date rape drugs
• Strengthening provisions to deal with unsafe electrical products by increasing enforcement powers for the Electrical Safety Authority
• Significantly modernizing the province’s corporate and business laws.

The legislation also includes proposed changes to enhance ServiceOntario to make it easier for Ontarians to access government services. The proposed amendments will enable ServiceOntario to deliver services on behalf of partner ministries while continuing to protect the personal information of their customers.

“We know that easy access to government services is important to people,” Phillips continued. “These proposed changes will make government service even better by further enhancing ServiceOntario’s ability to provide easy access to government services for families throughout the province.”

Additional reforms to the framework of the Archives of Ontario will guarantee that our provincial heritage is preserved and accessible through the best methods available, including electronic and digital media.

This proposed legislation is another example of the McGuinty government ensuring the safety of Ontario families and preparing for the future challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Contacts:
Paul de Zara
Minister’s Office
416-327-3072 - office
647-388-9671 - cell

Ciaran Ganley
Ministry of Government Services
416-325-8659