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Understanding Your Rights as a Canadian Consumer In Alberta

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As a consumer in Alberta, Canada, it is important to understand your rights when making purchases and dealing with businesses. The local government has put in place several consumer protection laws to ensure that you are treated fairly and that your rights are respected.

First and foremost, you have the right to receive accurate and truthful information about the products and services you are considering purchasing. It is illegal for a business to make false claims about its products or services. This includes advertising, labelling, and other forms of promotion. This is incredibly important as it protects you from misinformation that could otherwise lead you to purchase a faulty product.

You also have the right to return or exchange a product if it is defective or does not meet the standards that were advertised, regardless of whether it is new or used. You do however, need to keep in mind that businesses have the right to refuse returns and exchanges if there is not a valid reason. If you do wish to return or exchange a product, you should do so as soon as possible and in the condition in which you received it.

When it comes to services, businesses must provide them in a timely and professional manner. They must also be performed according to the standards that were advertised. If the services do not meet these standards, you have the right to ask for a refund or have the services redone. This is applied in pretty much the same way as it is for products and similar purchases so it’s very good consumer protection.

Another important right that you have is the right to fair pricing. Businesses are not allowed to charge excessive prices for their products or services. Additionally, they must disclose any additional fees or charges that may apply. While the excessive prices part is a bit vague and is judged on a case-by-case basis, the fact that any additional charges need to be told to you is very important and keeps your funds safer.

Consumers also have the right to privacy when dealing with businesses. Businesses must protect personal information and cannot share or sell it without your consent. They must also provide you with the option to opt out of receiving any marketing or promotional materials. Not only does this allow you to keep your inbox and phone clear of annoying ads you don’t want, but it also makes it so that your private info isn’t jeopardised.

In addition to these rights, there are several consumer protection laws and regulations that businesses must follow. This includes the Fair Trading Act, the Consumer Protection Act, and the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. These laws cover a wide range of issues, including false advertising, gift card, and loyalty programs, and credit and debt collection. They serve as a catch-all for the most common issues and are pretty much your first line of defence against greedy companies.

It is also important to note that there are several government agencies and organisations that are dedicated to protecting consumer rights in Alberta. These include the Alberta Consumer Protection Office and the Better Business Bureau. If you ever run into some sort of issue and are unsure of what you should do it can be a pretty good idea to contact them and either ask them for help or simply inform them of the issue at hand.

If you believe that a business has violated your rights as a consumer, you can file a complaint with the appropriate government agency or organisation. They will investigate the matter and take appropriate action. They are generally very helpful and will assist you with any issue you may have, be it an actual violation or simply questions regarding the laws and of course protections you have. If you need extra help contacting a separate legal agency such as a Red Deer lawyer is a good idea.

In conclusion, as a consumer in Alberta, you have a number of rights that are protected by law. It is important to understand these rights and to know what to do if you believe that your rights have been violated. By being informed and aware of your rights, you can make more informed decisions when dealing with businesses and ensure that you are treated fairly.

6 Key Things You Need To Know About Consumer Proposals

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If you are struggling with debt, you may be considering a consumer proposal. This is a great option for people who want to avoid bankruptcy. However, there are some key things you need to know about consumer proposals before you make a decision. In this article, you will learn about the six most important things you need to know about consumer proposals!

It Will Save You From Bankruptcy

The main perk of this process is the fact that your wealth is actually well-protected. It’s known that a consumer proposal can help spread out payments, protecting you from bankruptcy. You’ll be able to protect your assets such as your home and car, which is not the case with bankruptcy. This process can help you keep what’s yours while getting a handle on your debt.

If you’re looking into consumer proposals in Canada, know that they can be an excellent way to get out of debt and protect your assets. Keep these key things in mind, and always speak to a professional before making any decisions about your finances.

Reducing Debts

Saving money is always important, and your debts will be largely reduced through a consumer proposal. In fact, you may only have to pay back a percentage of what you owe, and the rest is forgiven. This can provide much-needed relief if you’re struggling to make ends meet each month.

It’s important to note, however, that a consumer proposal does not eliminate all of your debts. You will still be responsible for any secured debts, such as a mortgage or car loan. However, unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, can be forgiven through a consumer proposal.

If you’re considering a consumer proposal to help reduce your debt burden, be sure to talk to a licensed insolvency trustee. They can help you understand the process and whether it’s the right option for you.

A consumer proposal is one way to deal with reducing your overall debt load. If you are struggling each month to make ends meet, this type of arrangement may provide some relief. With a consumer proposal, unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, can be forgiven.

No Extra Fees

When it comes to payments, there are usually lots of extra fees. These are the following:

  • Setup Fees
  • Amendments
  • Monitoring
  • Upfront Payment

With a consumer proposal, you don’t have to worry about any of these fees. You also don’t have to make a large upfront payment. This makes consumer proposals much more affordable than other debt-relief options.

For example, let’s say you have $30,000 in debt. With a consumer proposal, you may only have to pay back $15,000 over a period of 60 months. This means that you would save $15,000 in interest and fees.

It’s Legal

This is a completely legal process governed by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act of Canada.  A consumer proposal can only be made by a licensed insolvency trustee.

When you file a consumer proposal, an automatic stay of proceedings comes into effect.  This means that your creditors are legally prevented from taking any collection action against you.

This includes wage garnishments, freezing bank accounts, and legal actions such as lawsuits or seizure of assets.  The stay of proceedings is in place until your consumer proposal is completed or terminated.

It’s Flexible

You also have a lot of flexible options when it comes to consumer proposals. You can decide how much you want to pay each month, and for how long. If your situation changes, and you can’t afford your payments anymore, you can always adjust your proposal.

For example, let’s say you originally proposed to pay $600 per month for 60 months. But after 20 months, you lose your job and can only afford $300 per month. You can go back to the trustee and change your proposal to reflect your new budget.

Or, let’s say things are going great, and you want to get out of your consumer proposal early. You can do that too! If you have a lump sum of money (maybe from a tax refund or an inheritance), you can use it to pay off your consumer proposal in full.

You Pay What You Can Afford

It’s important that you’re able to protect your assets and with consumer proposals, you’ll be paying only what you can afford. This is determined by your monthly income and expenses. You’ll work with a consumer proposal administrator to develop a budget and propose an affordable payment plan to your creditors.

If you’re unable to make the payments outlined in your consumer proposal, the court may declare the proposal void and order that your estate is liquidated.

Consumer proposals are essential in protecting you from bankruptcy, and they will reduce all your debts. You won’t have any extra fees in this completely legal move, which allows you a lot of flexibility. Finally, you will only be paying what you can afford, giving you a lot of leverage over time!