Cosmetology Amendments to Improve Consumer Protection

Proposed amendments to the Cosmetology Act will give additional protection to consumers of hairdressing and esthetics services.

"We've been working with the Nova Scotia Cosmetology Association to update the legislation to improve consumer protection," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "The association's members want a safe, well-regulated industry and we're happy to make legislative changes to achieve that."

Under the act, the Nova Scotia Cosmetology Association has responsibility for regulating its industry in the province.

Changes were made in the fall of 2002 to update the act and improve consumer protection. The changes expanded the definition of cosmetology to include esthetics and gave the association the authority to set entrance requirements for cosmetology training programs.

The major changes in amendments tabled in the legislature today, May 13, aim to further improve consumer protection. They include provisions for the association to receive and address complaints through a disciplinary process and to inspect places where cosmetology services are delivered.

"Safety for the Nova Scotians we serve is our number one concern," said Amy O'Keefe, president of the cosmetology association. "These amendments give us a greater ability to ensure that cosmetology services are performed safely and professionally across the province."

Once the amendments are passed, the association will further detail discipline and inspection processes in its bylaws.