Transcript Slide 1

“A fair marketplace for
BC consumers and businesses”
History
• Prior to 2004, Consumer Services Division of BC
Government.
• Govt. explored industry self management and
other models of regulatory process.
• BC Govt. created single independent entity to
regulate specific business transactions and
investigate complaints from consumers.
Background
• Established in 2004 as the Business Practices
and Consumer Protection Authority.
• Independent from government
• Not-for-profit corporation working on cost
recovery model
• Rebranded to Consumer Protection BC in 2009
Mandate
BPCPA
Mandate
• Enforce consumer
protection laws and provide
regulatory services in BC.
• Promote fairness & understanding in the
marketplace – a balanced approach.
• Administer legislation in the public interest
Consumer Protection BC Governance
• Board of Directors
- Currently 5 members
- may be as many as 9 members
• 1 Minister’s (Govt.) appointment to board
• Board of Directors is self appointing
• CEO – Mr. Scott McBride
Legislation Administered
• Business Practices & Consumer Protection
Authority Act
• Motion Picture Act
• Business Practices & Consumer Protection Act
• Cremation, Interment & Funeral Services Act
Regulations
 Business Practices and
Consumer Protection
Regulation
 Consumer Contracts
Regulation
 Debt Collection Industry
Regulation
 Disclosure of the Cost of
Consumer Credit Regulation
 Fee Setting Criteria
Regulation
 Home Inspector Licensing
Regulation
 Payday Loans Regulation
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Administrative Penalties
Regulation
Cremation, Interment and Funeral
Services Regulation
Prepaid Purchase Cards
Regulation
Telemarketer Licensing Regulation
Travel Industry Regulation
What do we do?
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Licensing
Compliance
Enforcement
Inquiries and complaints
Education and awareness
Fund Administration
Recommendations to government on
changes to legislation
Licensed Businesses
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Debt collection agencies
Debt collectors
Bailiffs
Debt poolers
Funeral homes
Funeral directors and
apprentices
Embalmers and apprentices
Cemeteries
Home Inspectors
Payday Lending
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Crematoria
Travel agents
Travel wholesalers
Telemarketing companies,
including third party fundraisers
Theatres
Motion picture distributors
Video distributors
Video retailers
Licensing
• Issue licences for specific industries.
- Tracks compliance with licensing requirements
• May suspend, cancel or place conditions on a
licence.
- May impose Administrative Penalties for non-compliance
• Publish licensing actions
- Licensing Action Search
• May review businesses’ practices or operational
models prior to licensing
Compliance
• The Authority has the mandate to administer and enforce
consumer protection laws in BC.
• 5 Compliance and 3 enforcement Inspectors responsible
for risk based inspections and complaint investigations.
• 463+ inspections in 2011 YTD.
• Inspection powers allow for inquiry into licensed and
non-licensed businesses.
• Progressive enforcement model for compliance.
• Risk based inspections conducted as a pro-active
measure to encourage compliance.
Enforcement
• Some Enforcement Inspectors have peace officer status
as Special Provincial Constables under the Police Act.
• Dedicated to investigation of specific consumer
complaints related regulated and non-regulated
businesses.
• The Authority has established working relationships with
local and international law enforcement and regulatory
agencies.
• MOU’s and specific authority allows for sharing of
information with other law enforcement agencies.
Enforcement Actions
• Warning letters
• Voluntary compliance / undertakings
• Compliance orders
• Administrative penalties
• Direct sales prohibition orders
• Property freezing orders
• Court action
• Restitution
Other Services
• The Authority has entered into administrative
agreements with:
– Government of Saskatchewan (MPA)
– Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure
– Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General
– Outside agencies and Authorities
Inquiry Center
• 4 Full Time Staff
• 14,297contacts in 2010
• Central Referral Hub to other agencies and
consumer resources.
General Statistics 2010
• 10,728 licenses issued
• 233 inspections conducted
• 817 Investigations closed
• 14,297 calls taken at inquiry (95% answered live)
2011 YTD Statistics “Debt”
• 353 Active ‘Debt Industry” licensees
• 9 Risk based inspections
• 44 Complaint files opened
• 85 Inquiry contacts about bailiffs
• 87 Inquiry contacts about debt pooling
• 238 Inquiry contacts about credit reporting
• 2406 Inquiry contacts about debt collection
Questions?
Toll Free:
1-888-564-9963
www.consumerprotectionbc.ca
Consumer Protection BC Debt Portal