Federal Budget Leaves Consumers Behind

Earlier this year, the federal government announced that it would eliminate funding for consumer associations across the country, representing a savings of $5 million.

And yet, after cutting the program, Minister of Industry committed to finding a way to ensure that civil society organizations have access to funding. However, the budget announced today includes no funding for consumer associations.

“In the end, consumers are the ones who will pay the price,” says Christian Corbeil, general manager of Option consommateurs. “Large corporations will have free reign to propose policies to elected officials that serve their own interests, without a watchdog to ensure that consumers get their money’s worth.”

From rising grocery costs to hidden fees on phone bills, to difficulty obtaining refunds for cancelled flights, bank fraud and greenwashing, consumer associations in Ottawa defend citizens on many fronts.

“Without the resources to do our work and advocate for the sustainability or safety of consumer products, it is people’s health and well-being that will suffer,” explains Cori Ferguson, executive director of the Consumers Council of Canada.

The funding program eliminated earlier this year helped consumer associations make gains on electronic devices and appliance repairability, the regulation of tip prompts and clearer price displays in grocery stores, expertise which will undoubtedly be lost.

“At a time when Canadians are struggling with affordability, consumers deserve a strong, independent voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Without meaningful support for consumer advocacy, industry interests risk overshadowing the public interest. This budget represents a missed opportunity to ensure that consumers have a seat at the table,” says Tahira Dawood, Acting General Counsel at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre.

Without support from Ottawa, consumer associations in Canada may have to
significantly scale back their activities or even close their doors.

Signatory organizations

• Option consommateurs
• Consumers Council of Canada
• Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
• Forum for Research and Policy in Communications
• Consumer’s Association of Canada (CAC) Manitoba
• Car help Canada
• Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP)
• Automobile Protection Association (APA)
• Fashion Takes Action
• Union des consommateurs
• Équiterre
• Quebec Environmental Law Centre (CQDE)
• Coalition des associations de consommateurs du Québec (CACQ)

For more information or an interview:
Amandine Hupel
514-777-6133
ahupel@option-consommateurs.org