Stronger Consumer Protections Coming For B.C.

The BC government is making moves to crack down on predatory sales practices and ensure people are better protected when making new purchases.

“For too long, people in B.C. have faced unfair contract terms and predatory sales practices on everyday items,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General.

“These new amendments will better protect people from unfair business practices in an increasingly complex marketplace.”

The proposed legislative changes are designed to promote contract fairness and transparency and to strengthen consumer rights.

Key proposed changes in the legislation will require businesses to provide important contract terms up front, including improved remedies for consumers related to renewal, cancellation, return and refund policies, particularly for online orders. It would also introduce notification requirements for automatic subscription renewals and restrict significant contract changes without the customer's consent.

Other changes would ban direct sales of high-cost household products, such as air conditioners and furnaces, and prohibit offering credit as part of a direct sale.

The amendments would also give consumers the ability to use the Civil Resolution Tribunal to seek damages.

The Province says it will work with stakeholders to support a smooth transition to the changes and provide businesses with reasonable time to adjust their practices to meet the new requirements.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.