Latest Trending
Last Updated, Oct 20, 2022, 4:31 PM
FAIR Canada – Consumer Coalition Calls for Action on Complaint Handling
Share This


Article content

TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On behalf of a coalition of concerned consumer advocates, FAIR Canada is calling on governments and regulators to strengthen the complaint-handling system in Canada.

It is time for urgent action on this important consumer protection issue. It has been almost a year since Prime Minister Trudeau called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, to create a single ombudsperson with binding authority.

Article content

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) have been contemplating the issue of binding authority since it was first identified as a significant issue more than 10 years ago. Earlier this month, the CSA finally announced they are developing a proposal for public comment in the coming year that “contemplates” providing the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) with the authority to make binding awards.

Advertisement 2

Article content

In June and September of this year, the results of Professor Poonam Puri’s independent reviews of OBSI and ADR Chambers Banking Ombuds Office were released. They added yet another compelling voice to the repeated calls to establish a single ombuds service with binding authority.

“We fully support binding decisions and, given OBSI’s long track record of serving the public interest, it should be selected as the sole complaint-handling service for banking and investment complaints,” said Jean-Paul Bureaud, Executive Director, FAIR Canada. “It’s time for governments and regulators to act on these recommendations and address the serious shortcomings in the current system,” added Mr. Bureaud.

We believe binding authority will help address the problem of low-ball complaint settlements, in which a financial institution offers to settle a complaint for a lower amount than the independent ombudsman recommends. Alarmingly, the recent independent review found that over a five-year period, investors received almost $3 million less in settlements from investment firms than what OBSI had recommended.

Advertisement 3

Article content

When it comes to having two different bodies handle banking complaints, Professor Puri makes it clear that it creates inefficiencies and increases complexities. And allowing banks to choose their external ombudsman negatively affects customers’ perceptions of the system’s fairness. Consumers could be prejudiced or have different rights, depending on which ombuds service the bank selects.  

“We’re pleased that the CSA will finally be publishing a proposal next year. But this issue has dragged on for too many years and concrete action is urgently required. We also need action from the federal government to address consumer harm,” said Mr. Bureaud. “In terms of selecting a single ombudsperson with binding authority, OBSI is the obvious choice. We should not entertain further delays in making the complaint system fair for consumers.”

Advertisement 4

Article content

For further information, contact any of the undersigned members of concerned consumer advocates:

Canadian Association of Retired Persons
Bill VanGorder
Chief Policy Officer and CEO
  CanAge
Jana Ray
Chief Operating Officer
Prosper Canada
Elizabeth Mulholland
CEO
  Option consommateurs
Christian Corbeil
Chief Executive
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
John Lawford
Executive Director/General Counsel
  Kenmar Associates
Ken Kivenko
President
FAIR Canada
Jean-Paul Bureaud
President, CEO and Executive Director
  CFA Societies Canada
Michael Thom
Managing Director

About FAIR Canada

FAIR Canada champions the rights of individual investors in Canada through advocacy, education, and regulatory advancements. We are the trusted, independent voice on significant issues that affect individual investors. As Canada’s only non-profit, investor-focused organization, we provide informed, objective comment on regulatory issues that have an impact on investor fairness and protection. Learn more about investor rights at FAIRCanada.ca and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For further information contact:

Jean-Paul Bureaud
Executive Director, FAIR Canada
jp.bureaud@faircanada.ca

Andrea David
Communications Specialist, FAIR Canada
andrea.david@faircanada.ca

Advertisement

Comments

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

24World Media does not take any responsibility of the information you see on this page. The content this page contains is from independent third-party content provider. If you have any concerns regarding the content, please free to write us here: contact@24worldmedia.com

Latest Post

4 Advantages of Owning Your Own Dump Truck

Last Updated,Oct 4, 2024

5 Characteristics of Truth and Consequences in NM

Last Updated,Sep 30, 2024

How To Make Your Wedding More Accessible

Last Updated,Sep 11, 2024

Ensure Large-Format Printing Success With These Tips

Last Updated,Sep 11, 2024

4 Reasons To Consider an Artificial Lawn

Last Updated,Sep 11, 2024

The Importance of Industrial Bearings in Manufacturing

Last Updated,Sep 11, 2024

5 Tips for Getting Your First Product Out the Door

Last Updated,Sep 11, 2024

Most Popular Metal Alloys for Industrial Applications

Last Updated,Sep 6, 2024

5 Errors To Avoid in Your Pharmaceutical Clinical Trial

Last Updated,Aug 20, 2024

Ways You Can Make Your Mining Operation Cleaner

Last Updated,Aug 12, 2024

Tips for Starting a New Part of Your Life

Last Updated,Jul 16, 2024

Easy Ways To Beautify Your Home’s Exterior

Last Updated,Jun 18, 2024