Montreal, April 8, 2022 - Option consommateurs is pleased that the federal government intends to set up a single external body to handle consumer complaints about banks, but is disappointed to find no recurring measures to support those most affected by rising inflation in this 2022 budget.
We're hopeful that designating a single agency to handle complaints in the banking sector will help restore a degree of fairness between consumers and Canada's banks," says Christian Corbeil, Executive Director ofOption consommateurs. "However, it would have been optimal if the government had also included in this budget, as it did in its previous budget commitment, the creation of a federal consumer protection agency covering all sectors.
Option consommateurs also deplores the fact that, in addition to the one-time $500 assistance for people having difficulty finding housing, there are no recurring assistance measures to help low-income households and seniors cope with the rising cost of living, such as increasing the GST/HST credit or the Guaranteed Income Supplement on a permanent basis.
"The tax-free savings account for first-time homebuyers is a good thing, but will probably only be targeted at people who are financially comfortable. We won't see the impact of this measure for several years yet either," insists Mr. Corbeil.
In closing, Option consommateurs is also disappointed that funding for the contribution program for non-profit consumer and volunteer organizations has not been increased. The program has had the same budget envelope for over 20 years.
About Option consommateurs
Option consommateurs is a non-profit association whose mission is to defend the rights and interests of consumers. It focuses on issues related to personal finance, business practices, financial services, privacy, energy, debt and access to justice.
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Marie-Ève Dumont, Communications Consultant
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