Posted on 07 July 2010
In response to a Written Question he tabled in the Senate, Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe has confirmed that despite over 300,000 complaints, the Federal Government is failing to enforce the National Do Not Call List.
As of March 1, 2010, the Federal Government has imposed fines of $73,000, but has only collected $250 (two hundred fifty dollars).
Canada’s Do Not Call List was supposed to help consumers reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls they receive. Instead, some Canadians who have registered their numbers are now receiving more calls than ever.
“It is clear that the Do Not Call List is a great idea, but under this Government, it has been totally useless for many Canadians. What isn’t clear is why the Government is not taking steps to rectify the problems,” said Downe. “It is time to start enforcing the rules, collect the fines and put a stop once and for all to these unwanted telephone calls.”
The Conservative Government boasts that fines for abusing the Do Not Call registry can be as high as $15,000 for a corporation and $1,500 for an individual, but Downe discovered that these fines have never been collected.
“The Conservative Government has failed to protect many Canadians from unwanted telemarketing calls—how many more Canadians need to file complaints for the Government to act?” asked Downe.
(Response by the Minister of Industry to Written Questions filed in the Senate by Senator Downe, March 24, 2010)
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For further information:
Senator Percy Downe: 613-943-8107
Or toll free at 1-800-267-7362
www.sen.parl.gc.ca/pdowne