PIAC Reports

The Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) dispute resolution mechanism has a closed consultation process, a lack of third-party oversight and uncertain applicability, according to a new Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) report. PIAC’s new report, entitled, “Dispute Resolution in the Agreement on Internal Trade: A Consumer Perspective,” concludes that a series of structural, jurisdictional and procedural amendments are required in order for the Agreement to meet its objectives – and serve the ultimate beneficiaries, Canadian consumers – in a more efficient manner.

A new PIAC report examines the conduct of debt collection agencies in Canada and the impact on consumers. The report recommends a series of measures to provide enhanced protection for consumers, greater guidance for debt collection agencies, and suggested areas where government agencies can increase transparency and streamline debt collection regulations.

“A majority of consumers have indicated their disapproval of being charged extra for a paper bill. Most Canadians believe supplying a paper bill in the mail without having to pay an extra fee is part of the company’s cost of doing business,” noted Jonathan Bishop, PIAC’s Research Analyst and author of the report.

Canadian online consumers have no clear recourse when encountering a problem involving international retailers, according to a report released today...

The report studies virtual worlds, which are sometimes described as “massively multiplayer online role-playing games” (MMPORGs) [...] Many virtual worlds have developed virtual economies based on a virtual currency that may be exchanged for real-world currency. Players will play the role of consumer and entrepreneur within virtual worlds.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today released a report entitled “Point of No Return: Consumer Experiences Returning Online Purchases”.

[...] examines the technique of whitelisting and provides examples of how whitelisting is being deployed in Canada by security companies.

An Ottawa-based consumer organization is calling for action by federal and provincial governments to curb the practice of businesses inventing separate extra charges to be paid by customers as part of the bill for services or products provided.

Interprovincial trade agreements can impact adversely on consumer protection...

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today released a report comparing consumer protection in Canada with the regime provided by the European Commission.