Consumer protection laws in Ontario

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) governs most common consumer transactions in the marketplace and home. If your transaction isn’t covered under the CPA, it may be covered by other consumer protection acts listed here.

Descriptive transcript: Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act

Covered under the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement

If you have a complaint against a business related to one of the acts below, you may be able to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Branch of the ministry.

The Collections and Debt Settlement Services Act outlines your rights when dealing with a collection agency.

• Learn what you can do if you're contacted by a collection agency
• Read the Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act

Consumer Reporting Act ensures:

• that credit reporting agencies collect, maintain and report your credit and personal information in a responsible manner
• your right to know what is being reported about you and to whom
• your right to correct information about yourself that is inaccurate
• Read about protecting your credit
• Read the Consumer Reporting Act

Payday Loans Act provides rights for you as a borrower when you borrow from a payday lender.

• Read about payday loans and how Ontario protects consumers of payday loans
• Read the Payday Loans Act

Bailiffs Act regulates the appointment and jurisdiction of bailiffs in Ontario.

• Learn how to make sure you are dealing with a licensed bailiff
• Read the Bailiffs Act
• Your rights when dealing with a bailiff

Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act is enforced by the ministry and the Board of Funeral Services. The ministry enforces rules in the act about cemeteries, cremation, burials and scatterings.

• The Bereavement Authority of Ontario  is responsible for most of the FBCSA
• The ministry provides oversight for the Bereavement Authority of Ontario and is responsible for legislation, regulations and certain sections of the FBCSA related to burial site discoveries, war graves, cemetery closures, and abandoned cemeteries
• Read the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act

Personal Property Security Act ensures fair practices when personal items are held as collateral.

• Read about your rights under the Personal Property Security Act

Repair and Storage Liens Act outlines your rights for liens, redemptions and dispute resolutions.

• Read about your rights under the Repair and Storage Liens Act

Administrative authority

Administrative authorities are responsible for ensuring that a number of Ontario’s consumer protection and public safety laws are applied and enforced.

Learn more about administrative authorities

Consumer protection overseen by other organizations

The Energy Consumer Protection Act regulates the activities of licensed electricity retailers and gas marketers.

• Learn how the Ontario Energy Board is protecting consumers from unfair practices by energy retailers
• Read the Energy Consumer Protection Act