Consumer Handbook Released

From signing a contract to mail-order shopping or dealing with door-to-door salespeople, Nova Scotians face a marketplace full of consumer choices. In its ongoing commitment to consumer protection and education, the Department of Business and Consumer Services today released the Canadian Consumer Handbook, a joint publication of the federal government, and provincial and territorial ministers responsible for consumer issues.

"Business and Consumer Services is committed to consumer awareness," said Robbie Harrison, Minister of Business and Consumer Services. "The best protection in today's marketplace is being a smart shopper, and I am pleased to offer the Canadian Consumer Handbook as a resource to Nova Scotians."

Mr. Harrison added that savvy shoppers are informed about purchases, understand their rights as consumers, and practise responsible management of their private financial and personal information.

"Today, more than ever, consumers need to make informed purchasing decisions," he said. "An increasingly competitive marketplace offers a broad range of products and services. The unfamiliar territory of online shopping and e-commerce increases the need to understand our rights as consumers and the standards of quality we should expect."

The consumer resource handbook offers advice on consumer rights, consumer tips, information on advance-fee scams, special contracts, door-to-door sales, home renovations, multi-level marketing, pyramid schemes, and much more.

The Canadian Consumer Handbook will be available as a reference book at Access Nova Scotia centres across the province, public libraries, trade and consumer associations, and seniors' organizations. An electronic copy of the handbook is also available on the Business and Consumer Services' website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/bacs and Industry Canada's site at http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/oca .