PIAC’s submission pointed to the underlying gaps that should be considered to have a more comprehensive national anti-fraud policy. PIAC also submitted that the measures being presently considered do not go far enough in terms of raising consumer awareness, as well as protecting against fraud. Consumer losses and liability are key issues that should be a central part of any anti-fraud strategy.

Importantly, PIAC noted that we need practical steps planned and executed to make any changes work, just peripheral discussion on these issues does not and cannot do much. Consumers have been suffering from fraud, particularly vulnerable consumers, including seniors with limited to no redress. Consumers in these cases are often left with considerable liabilities and/or losses that could in some cases jeopardize their entire life savings. It is about time for some clear and concrete action.

Last year in December 2025, PIAC appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy (BANC Committee) to discuss its views and concerns regarding Bill C-15, Division 16 (Bank Act, Consumer-targeted Fraud). The written brief submitted to the BANC Committee was sent with these comments.

See here for PIAC’s comments to the National Anti-Fraud Strategy consultation.

For PIAC’s Comments to the BANC Committee on Bill C-15, Division 16 (Bank Act, Consumer-targeted Fraud), see here.

The post PIAC Commented on the National Anti-Fraud Strategy appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Our Speaker

This year, the Dinner features remarks by Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Ms. Eatrides was appointed to the CRTC in January 2023. She joined the federal public service in 2005 and held a number of senior executive positions at the Competition Bureau, Natural Resources Canada, and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Ms. Eatrides held several leadership roles at the Competition Bureau over a twelve-year period, including Senior Deputy Commissioner in charge of enforcing criminal and civil provisions of the Competition Act. During her time at the arm’s-length organization, she developed expertise in telecommunications, broadcasting, and new technologies by leading merger reviews, civil and criminal investigations, and regulatory interventions. Dinner attendees will have the privilege of hearing the CRTC Chairperson’s addresses on consumer empowerment vs. consumer protection in communications.

Following the Chairperson’s remarks and a question or two, attendees will enjoy a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by the incomparable National Arts Centre chefs.

Musical Entertainment

During the remainder of the event, there will be door prizes and musical entertainment by Canadian Folk Music Awards-nominated bilingual band Moonfruits (moonfruits.ca) …

… with special guest, fellow folk music band Tragedy Ann (tragedyannmusic.com) !

Finally, PIAC will be presenting our annual consumer advocacy awards.

A limited number of individual tickets are still available for this collegial event which brings together key industry stakeholders and showcases some incredible speakers with important consumer perspectives concerning the world of regulated services. PIAC asks that any media identify themself and their media organization, ideally in advance.

To reserve one of the remaining individual tickets, kindly fill out the PDF form and return it to dbrady@piac.ca .

For further information, please contact PIAC at dbrady@piac.ca or call 613-562-4002.

The post PIAC Annual Dinner 2024 – Speaker: Vicky Eatrides, CRTC Chairperson and CEO – Limited Tickets Still Available – Musical entertainment by Moonfruits, with special guest, Tragedy Ann appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

PIAC Annual Dinner, Speaker: Vicky Eatrides, CRTC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
THURSDAY, November 28, 2024 at 6 p.m. (eastern time)
National Arts Centre (Rossy Pavilion)

To purchase an individual ticket, please fill out the linked PDF form and return it, ideally by Monday, November 18, 2024, to Donna Brady: dbrady@piac.ca

To sponsor a corporate table, please email Donna Brady: dbrady@piac.ca for details. Our corporate sponsors and their logos will appear at this space shortly, as they join in supporting PIAC.

About the Event

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre is thrilled to announce our Annual Dinner 2024, to be held on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the National Arts Centre in the Rossy Pavilion. Registration is now open and details can be found below.

PIAC’s Annual Dinner has a longstanding tradition of being a highlight of the year for advocates, regulators, responsible corporations and students alike. We even often welcome a politician or  exceptional community leaders to discuss issues of consumer protection in Canada at an incredible venue – the Rossy Pavilion at the National Arts Centre.

The Venue – National Arts Centre, Rossy Pavilion, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

The National Arts Centre is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Our dinner will be hosted in the Rossy Pavilion which features views of Parliament and the historic War Memorial through stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a beautiful backdrop for the evening’s events. In keeping with the formality of the venue, we ask that guests attire in business casual.

Our Speaker: Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

In addition to a multitude of wonderful guests and a beautiful venue, this year, we will have the pleasure of hearing an address from Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Ms. Eatrides was appointed to the CRTC in January 2023. She joined the federal public service in 2005 and held a number of senior executive positions at the Competition Bureau, Natural Resources Canada, and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Ms. Eatrides held several leadership roles at the Competition Bureau over a twelve-year period, including Senior Deputy Commissioner in charge of enforcing criminal and civil provisions of the Competition Act. During her time at the arm’s-length organization, she developed expertise in telecommunications, broadcasting, and new technologies by leading merger reviews, civil and criminal investigations, and regulatory interventions..

The Dinner

Following Ms. Eatrides remarks, attendees will enjoy a four-course dinner. Dinner will be accompanied by a beverage of choice, and there will be a cash bar available throughout the evening.

There will also be opportunities to enter to win various door prizes throughout the evening. While this event is an opportunity to showcase our incredible speaker who will be providing important consumer perspectives concerning the world of regulated services, this collegial event is also a unique opportunity to bring together industry stakeholders who may also be opponents from time to time in matters of regulatory or industry policy.

The Music – Moonfruits

Both during cocktail hour and during dessert, we will be enjoying live music provided by the exciting Canadian bilingual folk band Moonfruits – who will be playing songs from their large repertoire of original songs. PIAC is pleased to support Canadian artists and content! More on the band, soon.

Consumer Advocacy Awards

During the event, PIAC will also be announcing recipients of its two new annual consumer advocacy awards: the Harry Gow Award for outstanding advocacy in transportation, competition and essential services; and the Ken Rubin Award for outstanding advocacy in privacy, access to information and civic participation.

Come Celebrate PIAC – We Need You!

PIAC has been active in the area of consumer advocacy for over 40 years. Our small team represents consumer interests in the provision of important regulated services on behalf of consumers, and in particular vulnerable consumers. Our staff will be participating and will bring attendees up to date on PIAC’s extensive consumer protection work. The Annual Dinner provides some modest fundraising to support the important work that we do. We very much appreciate your support of our mission to protect consumers and in particular, vulnerable consumers.

We sincerely hope that you will join us for this evening of great conversations, great speakers and great prizes in the beautiful Rossy Pavilion in downtown Ottawa. Registration is now open for individual tickets and corporate sponsored tables.

The post PIAC Annual Dinner – Thursday, 28 Nov 2024; Speaker: Vicky Eatrides, CRTC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

We are excited to announce our Guest Speaker is Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Please watch this space in the coming days for information on ordering tickets and a reveal of a special musical guest.

The post Save the Date – PIAC’s Annual Dinner 2024! appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Verify, don’t trust, your cellphone company

CCTS Report Documents increasing wireless complaints

The post Verify, don’t trust, your cellphone company appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

This year, the Dinner features remarks by Jeanne Pratt, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Mergers and Monopolistic Practices Branch, Competition Bureau of Canada. Deputy Commissioner Pratt is a leading legal expert on competition law and had an active role in the Bureau’s recent major merger enforcement actions. Ms. Pratt has been with the Bureau since 2009, serving in various roles focusing on competitive markets and consumer protection. Dinner attendees will have the privilege of hearing the Deputy Commissioner’s addresses on consumer protection and competition.

Following the Deputy Commissioner’s remarks and a question or two, attendees will enjoy a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by the incomparable National Arts Centre chefs.

During the remainder of the event, there will be door prizes and musical entertainment by Canadian Folk Music Awards-nominated bilingual band Moonfruits (moonfruits.ca).

Finally, PIAC will be presenting our new annual consumer advocacy awards.

A limited number of individual tickets are still available for this collegial event which brings together key industry stakeholders and showcases some incredible speakers with important consumer perspectives concerning the world of regulated services. PIAC asks that any media identify themself and their media organization, ideally in advance.

To reserve one of the remaining individual tickets, kindly fill out the PDF form and return it to dbrady@piac.ca .

For further information, please contact PIAC at jlawford@piac.ca or call 613-562-4002 ext. 125.

The post PIAC Annual Dinner Next Friday: Speaker – Competition Bureau Deputy Commissioner Pratt – Musical Entertainment – Moonfruits – Limited Tickets Still Available! appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

PIAC Annual Dinner, Speaker: Jeanne Pratt, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Mergers and Monopolistic Practices Branch, Competition Bureau of Canada
Friday, November 24, 2023 at 6 p.m. (eastern time)
National Arts Centre (Rossy Pavilion)

To purchase an individual ticket, please fill out the linked PDF form and return it, ideally by Monday, November 20, 2023, to Donna Brady: dbrady@piac.ca

To sponsor a corporate table, please email Donna Brady: dbrady@piac.ca for details. Our corporate sponsors and their logos will appear at this space shortly, as they join in supporting PIAC.

About the Event

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre is thrilled to announce our Annual Dinner 2023, to be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the National Arts Centre in the Rossy Pavilion. Registration is now open and details can be found below.

PIAC’s Annual Dinner has a longstanding tradition of being a highlight of the year for advocates, regulators, responsible corporations and students alike. We even often welcome a politician or  exceptional community leaders to discuss issues of consumer protection in Canada at an incredible venue – the Rossy Pavilion at the National Arts Centre.

The Venue – National Arts Centre, Rossy Pavilion, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

The National Arts Centre is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Our dinner will be hosted in the Rossy Pavilion which features views of Parliament and the historic War Memorial through stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a beautiful backdrop for the evening’s events. In keeping with the formality of the venue, we ask that guests attire in business casual.

Our Speaker, Jeanne Pratt, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Competition Bureau of Canada

In addition to a multitude of wonderful guests and a beautiful venue, this year, we will have the pleasure of hearing an address from Jeanne Pratt, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Mergers and Monopolistic Practices Branch, Competition Bureau of Canada. Ms. Pratt is a leading legal expert on competition law and had an active role in the Bureau’s recent major merger enforcement actions. Ms. Pratt has been with the Bureau since 2009, serving in various roles focusing on competitive markets and consumer protection.

The Dinner

Following Ms. Pratt’s remarks, attendees will enjoy a four-course dinner. Dinner will be accompanied by a beverage of choice, and there will be a cash bar available throughout the evening.

There will also be opportunities to enter to win various door prizes throughout the evening. While this event is an opportunity to showcase our incredible speaker who will be providing important consumer perspectives concerning the world of regulated services, this collegial event is also a unique opportunity to bring together industry stakeholders who may also be opponents from time to time in matters of regulatory or industry policy.

The Music – Moonfruits

Both during cocktail hour and during dessert, we will be enjoying live music provided by the exciting Canadian bilingual folk band Moonfruits – who will be playing songs from their large repertoire of original songs. PIAC is pleased to support Canadian artists and content! More on the band, soon.

Consumer Advocacy Awards

During the event, PIAC will also be announcing recipients of its two new annual consumer advocacy awards: the Harry Gow Award for outstanding advocacy in transportation, competition and essential services; and the Ken Rubin Award for outstanding advocacy in privacy, access to information and civic participation.

Come Celebrate PIAC – We Need You!

PIAC has been active in the area of consumer advocacy for over 40 years. Our small team represents consumer interests in the provision of important regulated services on behalf of consumers, and in particular vulnerable consumers. Our staff will be participating and will bring attendees up to date on PIAC’s extensive consumer protection work. The Annual Dinner provides some modest fundraising to support the important work that we do. We very much appreciate your support of our mission to protect consumers and in particular, vulnerable consumers.

We sincerely hope that you will join us for this evening of great conversations, great speakers and great prizes in the beautiful Rossy Pavilion in downtown Ottawa. Registration is now open for individual tickets and corporate sponsored tables.

The post PIAC Annual Dinner – Friday, 24 Nov 2023; Speaker: Jeanne Pratt, Competition Bureau of Canada appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

“The public can only be suspicious that the powers that be want this deal to close – even if it means a decade of high wireless and Internet prices for Canadians,” said John Lawford, PIAC Executive Director and General Counsel. “We also believe that the Court’s ruling means the Canadian Competition Act is utterly broken and needs to be radically rewritten to actually provide tools to block anticompetitive mergers,” he added.

For more information, please contact:

John Lawford (he/him)
Executive Director/General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
285 McLeod Street – Suite 200
Ottawa, ON K2P 1A1
jlawford@piac.ca
613-562-4002 ext 125 [new!]
Fax 562-0007
Cell: 613-447-8125
https://www.piac.ca
@CanadaPIAC

The post PIAC horrified at Federal Court of Appeal instant dismissal of Rogers-Shaw appeal appeared first on Public Interest Advocacy Centre.