The province is asking for input on gift card legislation to ensure continued fairness and protection for Manitoba families. This announcement was made by Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau.
“Our province is recognized as a leader in consumer protection,” said Rondeau. “We want to hear from Manitobans to ensure our strong rules continue to meet their needs and reflect changes in the marketplace.”
The province’s Consumer Protection Office review of gift card legislation will determine whether adjustments are needed to ensure Manitoba’s consumer protection remains strong, the minister said.
Information on how the public can provide input is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/cca/cpo/gc_public_consultation.html.
The province made changes to the Consumer Protection Act in 2007. These changes focused on protecting Manitoba families from prohibitive fees and expiry dates on their gift certificates and gift cards, and requires suppliers to clearly communicate information with consumers about fees and expiry dates.
The federal government recently announced a new draft regulation regarding prepaid credit cards. The proposed prepaid products regulations would require prominent disclosure of fees in connection with the cards and prohibit expiry dates on most cards. Manitoba has forwarded a detailed response to the federal government in the hope it will follow the provincial lead in providing the same level of protection that Manitoba has enjoyed since 2007, said Rondeau.
This review is part of the province’s ongoing commitment to protect Manitoba families and ensure fairness in the marketplace, he said. As part of a wider strategy, the government has introduced:
• rules that are more clear for cellphone contracts,
• tougher rules for payday lending and debt settlement, and
• safeguards against unfair car repair bills.
This past fall, the province also introduced legislation aimed at protecting Manitoba families purchasing newly constructed homes and buying vehicles.
Group or individual submissions can be sent to consumers@gov.mb.ca or the Consumer Protection Office, Manitoba Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs, 302-258 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0B6.
