Consumer Agencies

In Canada there are a number of Government agencies established to help the consumer, and links to these agencies are provided below. There are also other agencies including those in the United States, some of which are cross-border. The problems are common to consumers and small investors everywhere. With new age communication, borders are no longer a restriction for financial predators.

Industry Canada has developed a website to provide help for consumers which was re-launched on April 11, 2002, with many new partners. 

The Canadian Consumer Information Gateway

The Small Investor Protection Association is proud to be partners with the Canadian Consumer Information Gateway. This website opens the door to reliable consumer information you may not have realized was available. It gives you the tools you need to make informed decisions, and safe and healthy product choices, alerts you to recalls and scams, and provides you with contacts to seek recourse.

This on-line portal is the first of its kind in Canada.  Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it gives you access to comprehensive consumer information compiled by more than 25 federal government departments and agencies, and many non-government organizations, including SIPA, to provide a comprehensive resource for consumer information.

Better Business Bureaus U.S. and Canada

The Better Business Bureaus U.S. and Canada provides consumer alerts and news. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system in the U.S. extends over 98% of the United States; coast-to-coast, and in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. It also has a partner BBB system that serves much of Canada.

Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (CCBBB)

The Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (CCBBB) is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and is the governing body of the 14 Better Business Bureaus across Canada. Its mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports provide consumer information, including the latest on consumer concerns. It reports on matters that affect your health, money, well-being, and offer other consumer information.

Consumers' Association of Canada (CAC)

The Consumers' Association of Canada (CAC) informs consumers on marketplace issues, acts as a consumer advocate, and works with government and industry to solve marketplace problems.

Consumers Council of Canada

The Consumers Council of Canada is concerned with a wide variety of consumer issues but uses its financial and personnel resources in areas where it can effectively represent consumer rights.  These areas change and expand as resources grow and issues arise. At present, the Consumers Council of Canada is spending its resources on Consumer Protection, Energy and Financial Issues.

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is responsible for enforcing many of the federal laws that protect consumers in their dealings with financial institutions. The FCAC has a responsibility to ensure that federally regulated financial institutions comply with federal consumer protection laws and regulations, and is one of three agencies regulating the activities of financial institutions under federal jurisdiction.

Office de la protection du consommateur

Office de la protection du consommateur (French only) – Quebec’s Consumer Protection Agency.

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) provides legal and research services on behalf of consumer interests concerning the provision of public services, especially telecommunications, broadcasting, energy, and banking, and with regard to privacy and competition.

Réseau de protection du consommateur

Réseau de protection du consommateur (French only) - Vous trouverez sur le site du RPC des informations fournies par vingt-huit associations de consommateurs, des organismes qui oeuvrent aux quatre coins du Québec et dont la principale mission est d'informer et défendre les consommateurs.