Earlier this year, the federal government announced that it would eliminate funding for consumer associations across the country, representing a savings of $5 million.

And yet, after cutting the program, Minister of Industry committed to finding a way to ensure that civil society organizations have access to funding. However, the budget announced today includes no funding for consumer associations.

“In the end, consumers are the ones who will pay the price,” says Christian Corbeil, general manager of Option consommateurs. “Large corporations will have free reign to propose policies to elected officials that serve their own interests, without a watchdog to ensure that consumers get their money’s worth.”

From rising grocery costs to hidden fees on phone bills, to difficulty obtaining refunds for cancelled flights, bank fraud and greenwashing, consumer associations in Ottawa defend citizens on many fronts.

“Without the resources to do our work and advocate for the sustainability or safety of consumer products, it is people’s health and well-being that will suffer,” explains Cori Ferguson, executive director of the Consumers Council of Canada.

The funding program eliminated earlier this year helped consumer associations make gains on electronic devices and appliance repairability, the regulation of tip prompts and clearer price displays in grocery stores, expertise which will undoubtedly be lost.

“At a time when Canadians are struggling with affordability, consumers deserve a strong, independent voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Without meaningful support for consumer advocacy, industry interests risk overshadowing the public interest. This budget represents a missed opportunity to ensure that consumers have a seat at the table,” says Tahira Dawood, Acting General Counsel at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Without support from Ottawa, consumer associations in Canada may have to significantly scale back their activities or even close their doors.

Signatory organizations

Option consommateurs

Consumers Council of Canada

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

Forum for Research and Policy in Communications

Consumer’s Association of Canada (CAC) Manitoba

Car help Canada

Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP)

Automobile Protection Association (APA)

Fashion Takes Action

Union des consommateurs

Équiterre

Quebec Environmental Law Centre (CQDE)

Coalition des associations de consommateurs du Québec (CACQ)

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In its letter to Committee Chair, the Honourable Karina Gould, and members of the Committee, PIAC reiterated its serious concerns about the elimination of the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) and the Canadian Consumer Protection Initiative (CCPI), and the potential consequences for consumer representation in Canada.

For 50 years, PIAC has advocated for the interests of Canadian consumers, particularly lower-income and vulnerable consumers. Through our legal and research work, including our regular participation in regulatory proceedings and government consultations, PIAC has worked to ensure that consumers have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their rights.

Funding administered through OCA has supported important consumer research on issues such as communications affordability, privacy, broadband advertising, grocery competition and many other issues affecting consumers. These studies have informed PIAC’s advocacy and assisted us in presenting relevant evidence and recommendations that protect and advance consumer interests.

The loss of this funding threatens the ability of consumer organizations to continue this work. This would directly impact Canadians who would lose an important channel through which their concerns about affordability, access to essential services, privacy, unfair treatment and many other issues reach decisionmakers.

PIAC’s Key Recommendations

• Establish funding of at least $5 million annually for independent consumer organizations, indexed to inflation, beginning in 2027–28. Provide this funding on a stable basis through renewable five-year agreements.
• Prevent an interruption in funding after March 2027. Maintain the current OCA office or establish a clearly mandated and adequately resourced federal funding office, and provide bridge funding until the permanent arrangements are operational.
• Establish a formal framework for ongoing consultation and engagement with consumer organizations to ensure that consumer interests are consistently represented in federal policy and regulatory decision-making.

As new technologies, including artificial intelligence, create additional challenges for consumers, the need for research and effective consumer representation remains critical. We emphasize that while government regulators and enforcement agencies perform important functions, they do not replace the independent perspective that consumer advocacy organizations bring to policy development. PIAC urges the federal government to recognize the importance of consumer advocacy and ensure that organizations representing Canadians have the resources necessary to continue their work.

For the full letter, see here.

The post PIAC Calls for Sustainable Funding for Consumer Advocacy Groups appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is actively recruiting new members to its Board of Directors. We are looking for creative, curious and innovative people who want a hands-on role in strengthening a national voice for consumers.

You do not need to have sat on a board before. We are open to first-time directors and seasoned professionals alike, and we believe the best boards bring both around the same table.

About PIAC

Since 1976, PIAC has represented consumers in the provision of essential, regulated services across many sectors, including telecommunications, broadcasting, energy, financial services, groceries, and transportation. We are a national non-profit and federally-registered charity, and we bring legal and research expertise to this work, with a particular focus on consumer protection, competition, and privacy.

Our mission is to protect the rights of Canadian consumers through advocating for lower prices fairer terms, and more protections in the provision of regulated services. We advocate before governments, regulators, tribunals, and the courts. PIAC regularly intervenes at the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in consumer-related proceedings to call for increased protections in the public interest. Most recently, PIAC was granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in North v. BMW, and we have weighed in on grocery pricing and competition in the food supply chain. Throughout our work, we focus on ensuring that the interests of vulnerable consumers are championed.

Why join now

PIAC has been fighting for consumers for 50 years. This work affects everyone in Canada, but it is also under-funded and increasingly complex. We are charting a course to sustainability to keep PIAC going for years to come. Our current organizational development project includes work on strategic planning, revenue diversification, communications, and fundraising.

New directors will have a real opportunity to help chart that course. Participation in PIAC’s board offers a great opportunity for people who like building things, trying new approaches, and seeing their contributions make a difference.

The work ahead

Our directors are volunteers who provide governance, strategic direction and oversight. New PIAC Board members should expect to participate in a variety of dynamic and hands-on tasks. Depending on your interests and expertise, you might:

• join or help lead a board committee [e.g., governance, fundraising, recruitment, communications];
• bring fresh ideas to fundraising, partnerships and funder relationships;
• help with budgeting, financial projection, and revenue diversification;
• assist with streamlining operations and adopting new systems and workflow processes;
• advise on digital outreach, social media or storytelling;
• help us reach new communities and build relationships with allied organizations; and
• act as an ambassador for PIAC in your networks and region.

Our staff lead day-to-day operations and casework. Directors’ hands-on contributions focus on strategy, organizational strength, modernizing operations and extending PIAC’s reach.

Who we are looking for

There is no single profile of an ideal director. We want people who are committed to the public interest and who bring diverse experiences, perspectives and skills. We are looking for team-players who communicate effectively and constructively. Previous board experience is welcome but not required.

We are especially interested in hearing from:

• people who are creative, collaborative and comfortable trying new things;
• people from equity-seeking and historically underrepresented communities;
• people from all regions of Canada, including rural, remote and northern communities;
• bilingual (English and French) candidates and members of Francophone communities;
• early-career and emerging leaders;
• individuals whose lived experience as consumers can inform and strengthen PIAC’s advocacy; and
• people with experience or expertise in fundraising, communications and digital outreach, non-profit governance or leadership, law, public policy, research, finance, technology, advocacy or community organizing, or in sectors such as telecommunications, broadcasting, financial services, energy and food policy.

The commitment

• Term: 1 year, renewable.
• Meetings: 8-12 meetings in person and/or virtual
• Time: approximately 4-6 hours per month, including committee work.
• Compensation: directors serve as volunteers. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Independence and conflicts of interest

PIAC’s credibility depends on its independence. Directors must be free from significant conflicts of interest and able to act solely in the interests of the organization and the consumers it represents.

As a result, individuals who are employed by, represent, or have substantial ongoing interests in industries that PIAC regularly engages with will generally not be eligible to serve on the Board. This includes sectors such as telecommunications, broadcasting, banking and financial services, transportation, and energy. Potential conflicts are assessed on a case-by-case basis, so if you are unsure, please ask.

How to apply

Please email board@piac.ca with:

1. a short introduction: why PIAC, what you would bring, and, if you have one, an idea you would like to try; and
2. a résumé, biography, and/or a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Application deadline: December 1, 2026. Following this deadline, additional Board recruitment will continue on an ongoing basis.

Not sure whether a board role is right for you? Get in touch anyway. We would be happy to arrange an informal conversation with a current director or staff member for more information.

PIAC is committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. If you need an accommodation at any stage of the process, please let us know.

The post Join PIAC’s Board of Directors appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Great news, as we approach our 50th anniversary fighting for consumers!

The post PIAC appoints two new directors appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Name and Location of Organization:  Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1

For Articling Year: 2025-2026

Deadline for Application: May 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT)
Interviews the weeks of: June 3, 2024 and if necessary, week of June 10, 2024

Offers will be made: June 20, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. (EDT)

Description of Organization and Areas of Law: The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) was federally incorporated in 1976 as a non-profit corporation and has charitable status for tax purposes. The organization’s purpose is to provide representation, research and advocacy on behalf of those elements of the public interest that would otherwise be unable to be adequately heard before courts, tribunals, and decision-makers. PIAC has tried to focus its mandate on issues arising from the delivery of important public services including telecommunications, broadcasting, competition law, energy, financial services, and transportation. PIAC seeks to represent and advocate on behalf of ordinary consumers, in particular vulnerable consumers, concerning the rates, policies, rules and regulations associated with the delivery of these services with a view to ensuring principles of access and affordability and fair treatment for the constituencies it tries to serve. PIAC’s work takes a variety of forms. First, the lawyers of PIAC represent organizations whose membership serves our target constituencies before boards and tribunals where the industries delivering such services are regulated. These organizations include ACORN Canada, the Vulnerable Energy Consumers Coalition, the Consumers Association of Canada, the Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO), National Pensioners Federation (NPF), Option consommateurs (OC), l’Union des consommateurs (UC), and Open Media among others. PIAC’s most significant commitments for such representation occur before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) where PIAC lawyers are full participants in administrative proceedings including the presentation of evidence and the making of written and oral submissions.

Because the delivery of the public services touches upon consideration of other important legal and policy matters, PIAC has also developed expertise and is frequently involved in funded and unfunded work (approximately 20% of PIAC’s work is unfunded) representing its constituencies in competition law and practice, electronic commerce, privacy, multilateral agreements, and general issues of consumer protection. PIAC carries out its work outside the hearing room in numerous ways. Its extensive studies and reports associated with the above are published and distributed to policy makers and the general public through its web site. PIAC staff participates in discussions with government officials, other industry stakeholders, other public interest communities, as well as groups representing its own constituencies to attempt to secure rights, rules, policies or consensus that will advance the interests of the communities that PIAC serves. PIAC frequently attends before parliamentary and legislative committees to pursue these same goals in legislation. Finally, PIAC’s staff are active in traditional and online media to present a coherent defense of those communities’ position when the delivery of important public services is in issue.

Description of Responsibilities:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Law School Transcripts
• Letters of reference (2)

Applications should be addressed to:

John Lawford
Executive Director and General Counsel

Public Interest Advocacy Centre
2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1

Email to: dbrady@piac.ca

** Please note: we no longer accept faxed applications.

Students will be interviewed during the week of June 3, 2024 and, if necessary, the week of June 10, 2024 with a view to extending an offer on June 20, 2024.

This position has been made available through The Law Foundation of Ontario Public Interest Articling Fellowships program.

The post Public Interest Articling Position Funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) 

2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1 

For Articling Year: 2024-2025 

Deadline for Application: May 30, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT) 

Interviews the weeks of: June 5, 2023 and if necessary, week of June 12, 2023 

Offers will be made: June 22, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) 

Description of Organization and Areas of Law: 

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) was federally incorporated in 1976 as a non-profit corporation and has charitable status for tax purposes. The organization’s purpose is to provide representation, research and advocacy on behalf of those elements of the public interest that would otherwise be unable to be adequately heard before courts, tribunals, and decision-makers. PIAC has tried to focus its mandate on issues arising from the delivery of important public services including telecommunications, broadcasting, competition law, energy, financial services, and transportation. PIAC seeks to represent and advocate on behalf of ordinary consumers, in particular vulnerable consumers, concerning the rates, policies, rules and regulations associated with the delivery of these services with a view to ensuring principles of access and affordability and fair treatment for the constituencies it tries to serve. 

PIAC’s work takes a variety of forms. First, the lawyers of PIAC represent organizations whose membership serves our target constituencies before boards and tribunals where the industries delivering such services are regulated. These organizations include ACORN Canada, the Vulnerable Energy Consumers Coalition, the Consumers Association of Canada, the Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO), National Pensioners Federation (NPF), Option consommateurs (OC), l’Union des consommateurs (UC), and Rural Dignity of Canada among others. PIAC’s most significant commitments for such representation occur before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) where PIAC lawyers are full participants in administrative proceedings including the presentation of evidence and the making of written and oral submissions. 

Because the delivery of the public services touches upon consideration of other important legal and policy matters, PIAC has also developed expertise and is frequently involved in funded and unfunded work (approximately 20% of PIAC’s work is unfunded) representing its constituencies in competition law and practice, electronic commerce, privacy, multilateral agreements, and general issues of consumer protection. 

PIAC carries out its work outside the hearing room in numerous ways. Its extensive studies and reports associated with the above are published and distributed to policy makers and the general public through its web site. PIAC staff participates in discussions with government officials, other industry stakeholders, other public interest communities, as well as groups representing its own constituencies to attempt to secure rights, rules, policies or consensus that will advance the interests of the communities that PIAC serves. PIAC frequently attends before parliamentary and legislative committees to pursue these same goals in legislation. Finally, PIAC’s staff are active in traditional and online media to present a coherent defense of those communities’ position when the delivery of important public services is in issue. 

Description of Responsibilities: 

(a) Research and writing on legal and policy issues to support studies and reports of the Centre; 

(b) Research and writing to support regulatory interventions in tribunals; 

(c) Assistance and attendance with PIAC counsel for tribunal work, meetings with government officials and presentation before parliamentary committees; 

(d) Participation in discussions of advocacy strategy and position with Counsel and Centre clients 

Salary/benefits: $ 62,000 for the articling term, Medical and Dental plus paid vacation 

Application includes: 

Σ Resume 

Σ Cover letter 

Σ Undergrad transcripts 

Σ Law school transcripts 

Σ Letters of reference 

Applications should be addressed to: 

John Lawford 

Executive Director and General Counsel 

Public Interest Advocacy Centre 

2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1 

Email to: dbrady@piac.ca 

** Please note: We no longer accept faxed applications. 

Students will be interviewed during the week of June 5, 2023 and, if necessary, the week of June 12, 2023 with a view to extending an offer on June 22, 2023. 

This position has been made available through The Law Foundation of Ontario Public Interest Articling Fellowships program. 

The post Description for Social Justice Articling Positions Funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario – 2024-25 – Apply now! appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Name and Location of Organization:

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1

For Articling Year: 2023-2024

Deadline for Application:     May 31, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT)

Interviews the weeks of:      6 June and if necessary, 13 June 2022

Offers will be made:             June 23, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) 

Description of Organization and Areas of Law:

 The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) was federally incorporated in 1976 as a non-profit corporation and has charitable status for tax purposes. The organization’s purpose is to provide representation, research and advocacy on behalf of those elements of the public interest that would otherwise be unable to be adequately heard before courts, tribunals, and decision-makers. PIAC has tried to focus its mandate on issues arising from the delivery of important public services including telecommunications, broadcasting, competition law, energy, financial services, and transportation. PIAC seeks to represent and advocate on behalf of ordinary consumers, in particular vulnerable consumers, concerning the rates, policies, rules and regulations associated with the delivery of these services with a view to ensuring principles of access and affordability and fair treatment for the constituencies it tries to serve.

PIAC’s work takes a variety of forms. First, the lawyers of PIAC represent organizations whose membership serves our target constituencies before boards and tribunals where the industries delivering such services are regulated. These organizations include ACORN Canada, the Vulnerable Energy Consumers Coalition, the Consumers Association of Canada, the Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO), National Pensioners Federation (NPF), Option consommateurs (OC), l’Union des consommateurs (UC), and Rural Dignity of Canada among others. PIAC’s most significant commitments for such representation occur before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) where PIAC lawyers are full participants in administrative proceedings including the presentation of evidence and the making of written and oral submissions.

Because the delivery of the public services touches upon consideration of other important legal and policy matters, PIAC has also developed expertise and is frequently involved in funded and unfunded work (approximately 20% of PIAC’s work is unfunded) representing its constituencies in competition law and practice, electronic commerce, privacy, multilateral agreements, and general issues of consumer protection.

PIAC carries out its work outside the hearing room in numerous ways. Its extensive studies and reports associated with the above are published and distributed to policy makers and the general public through its web site. PIAC staff participates in discussions with government officials, other industry stakeholders, other public interest communities, as well as groups representing its own constituencies to attempt to secure rights, rules, policies or consensus that will advance the interests of the communities that PIAC serves. PIAC frequently attends before parliamentary and legislative committees to pursue these same goals in legislation. Finally, PIAC’s staff are active in traditional and online media to present a coherent defense of those communities’ position when the delivery of important public services is in issue.

Description of Responsibilities:

• Research and writing on legal and policy issues to support studies and reports of the Centre;
• Research and writing to support regulatory interventions in tribunals;
• Assistance and attendance with PIAC counsel for tribunal work, meetings with government officials and presentation before parliamentary committees;
• Participation in discussions of advocacy strategy and position with Counsel and Centre clients

Salary/benefits: $51,000 for the articling term, Medical and Dental plus paid vacation 

Application includes:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Undergrad transcripts
• Law school transcripts
• Letters of reference

Applications should be addressed to:

John Lawford

Executive Director and General Counsel

Public Interest Advocacy Centre

2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1

Email to: dbrady@piac.ca

**         Please note: We no longer accept faxed applications.

Students will be interviewed during the week of 6 June 2022 and if necessary, the week of 13 June 2022 with a view to extending an offer on June 23, 2022

This position has been made available through The Law Foundation of Ontario Public Interest Articling Fellowships program.

The post Applications for Social Justice Articling Year 2023-2024 Now Open at PIAC – Funded by Law Foundation of Ontario appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Name and Location of Organization:

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1

For Articling Year: 2022-2023

Deadline for Application:     May 25, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT)

Interviews the weeks of:      31 May and if necessary, 7 June 2021

Offers will be made:             June 18, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. (EDT)

Description of Organization and Areas of Law:

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) was federally incorporated in 1976 as a non-profit corporation and has charitable status for tax purposes. The organization’s purpose is to provide representation, research and advocacy on behalf of those elements of the public interest that would otherwise be unable to be adequately heard before courts, tribunals, and decision-makers. PIAC has tried to focus its mandate on issues arising from the delivery of important public services including telecommunications, broadcasting, competition law, energy, financial services, and transportation. PIAC seeks to represent and advocate on behalf of ordinary consumers, in particular vulnerable consumers, concerning the rates, policies, rules and regulations associated with the delivery of these services with a view to ensuring principles of access and affordability and fair treatment for the constituencies it tries to serve.

PIAC’s work takes a variety of forms. First, the lawyers of PIAC represent organizations whose membership serves our target constituencies before boards and tribunals where the industries delivering such services are regulated. These organizations include ACORN Canada, the Vulnerable Energy Consumers Coalition, the Consumers Association of Canada, the Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO), National Pensioners Federation (NPF), Option consommateurs (OC), l’Union des consommateurs (UC), and Rural Dignity of Canada among others. PIAC’s most significant commitments for such representation occur before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) where PIAC lawyers are full participants in administrative proceedings including the presentation of evidence and the making of written and oral submissions.

Because the delivery of the public services touches upon consideration of other important legal and policy matters, PIAC has also developed expertise and is frequently involved in funded and unfunded work (approximately 20% of PIAC’s work is unfunded) representing its constituencies in competition law and practice, electronic commerce, privacy, multilateral agreements, and general issues of consumer protection.

PIAC carries out its work outside the hearing room in numerous ways. Its extensive studies and reports associated with the above are published and distributed to policy makers and the general public through its web site. PIAC staff participates in discussions with government officials, other industry stakeholders, other public interest communities, as well as groups representing its own constituencies to attempt to secure rights, rules, policies or consensus that will advance the interests of the communities that PIAC serves. PIAC frequently attends before parliamentary and legislative committees to pursue these same goals in legislation. Finally, PIAC’s staff are active in traditional and online media to present a coherent defense of those communities’ position when the delivery of important public services is in issue.

Description of Responsibilities:

• Research and writing on legal and policy issues to support studies and reports of the Centre;
• Research and writing to support regulatory interventions in tribunals;
• Assistance and attendance with PIAC counsel for tribunal work, meetings with government officials and presentation before parliamentary committees;
• Participation in discussions of advocacy strategy and position with Counsel and Centre clients

Salary/benefits: $51,000 for the articling term, Medical and Dental plus paid vacation

Application must include:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Undergrad transcripts
• Law school transcripts
• Letters of reference

Applications should be addressed to:

John Lawford

Executive Director and General Counsel

Public Interest Advocacy Centre

2-285 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1A1

Email to: dbrady@piac.ca

 **         Please note: We no longer accept faxed applications.

Students will be interviewed during the week of 31 May and, if necessary, the week of 7 June with a view to extending an offer on June 18, 2021 by ZOOM videoconference.

This position has been made available through

The Law Foundation of Ontario Public Interest Articling Fellowship program.  We thank the Law Foundation of Ontario for their support.

The post Applications for Social Justice Articling Year 2022-2023 Now Open at PIAC – Funded by Law Foundation of Ontario appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

• Konrad von Finckenstein is a lawyer and consultant based in Ottawa. He was previously Chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), an Honourable Justice of the Federal Court of Canada and the Commissioner of Competition at the Competition Bureau of Canada. In addition, he has held senior posts in the Government of Canada in positions related to international trade, telecommunications, competition and electronic commerce. Mr. von Finckenstein has been elected as PIAC’s Chair of the Board.
• Suzanne Lamarre is a lawyer and engineer with the firm of Therrien, Couture and is a former Commissioner of the CRTC. Maitre Lamarre works in the areas of telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting law as a strategic advisor on regulatory and governmental matters at both the national and international level.
• Monica Auer is a lawyer and the Executive Director of Canada’s Forum for Research & Policy in Communications (FRPC), a non-partisan organization focused on Canada’s communications system. She previously worked at the CRTC and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Ms. Auer has been elected as PIAC’s Vice-Chair.
• Jonathan Schachter is a Toronto based lawyer with Sotos LLP, with his practice areas including class actions, consumer protection litigation, competition and price fixing, privacy litigation, professional liability litigation, and trademarks and intellectual property litigation and arbitration.

“PIAC’s extensive work on behalf of consumers before the CRTC requires the utmost guidance and insight,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel of PIAC.  “We are therefore thrilled to add to our Board persons with unparalleled experience to guide our communications advocacy, as well as an expert in consumer class actions as this sector becomes more litigious,” he added.
PIAC is a federally incorporated not-for-profit and registered charity that advocates for consumer interests, and in particular vulnerable consumer interests, in the provision of important public services.  PIAC is known for its representation of consumer, low-income and seniors groups before the CRTC, arguing for better services, more choice and consumer protection for customers of Internet, wireless, telephone and broadcasting services.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawford
Executive Director and General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 562-4002 ×25
jlawford@piac.ca
www.piac.ca
– 30 –

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DONATE NOW TO KEEP PIAC’S WORK GOING

PIAC’s business model has always balanced on a knife-edge. PIAC staff and legal counsel do expert legal and advocacy work, and regulators like the CRTC reimburse these modest costs.
Over the last few years, our cost awards have been paid later and later, hurting our ability to operate. Now, after another unreasonable delay, PIAC needs your help now to keep our work going.
Will you donate today to keep us fighting for affordable internet, cheaper phone bills, airline passenger rights, and more?
I believe in the work we do, and our long record of consumer wins is a testament to the success we’ve had together. It’s crucial that this work continues. If you agree, please support us now.
For our consumer rights,
John Lawford
Executive Director
Public Interest Advocacy Centre

DONATE NOW

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