"A basket case:" The state of consumer protection in Canada

In a country with highly concentrated industries, consumer protection should be a top priority for government, right?Not in Canada, according to the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and Open Media, two of the nation’s most prolific consumer groups. Through lack of funding, red tape and a general lack of seriousness from the government, both say they’re on life support. It’s a dire situation because they’re important voices that represent the public interest when it comes to writing laws.That’s not necessarily the case in Quebec, though, where consumer protection is part of the DNA. Option consommateurs, the province’s main public advocacy group, suggests a better way. Could consumer protection be Quebec’s best export to the rest of Canada since poutine?Do Not Pass Go is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Do Not Pass Go at www.donotpassgo.ca/subscribe