TORONTO — The McGuinty government has increased its capacity to enforce the Consumer Protection Act by 25 per cent in order to better protect Ontario’s consumers from
fraudulent and unfair business, Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips announced today.

“We will continue to be on the side of hard-working Ontario families and honest businesses by enforcing our consumer laws to the fullest extent,” said Phillips.  “That’s why the McGuinty government hired a number of new consumer protection investigators who will increase our ability to protect consumers and businesses.”

The Consumer Protection Act, which came into effect in July 2005, increased the maximum jail term for individuals to two years less a day and doubled the maximum fine to $50,000.  It also more than doubled the maximum fine for corporations to $250,000.  During the first half of 2006, the legislation has resulted in a total of 25 months in jail terms, 590 months of probation, $302,000 in fines and more than $209,000 in restitution.
 
The McGuinty government is cracking down on crime by toughening and enforcing laws to protect consumers.  Other initiatives include:

• Investing $51 million to help police get criminals and guns off our streets
• Putting 1,000 new police officers on the street
• Combatting domestic violence with a four-year, $68 million Domestic Violence Action Plan, and 
• Launching the Youth Challenge Fund, which provides $30 million for community-led programs for youth in the GTA.

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Backgrounder

Contacts:
Paul de Zara
Minister’s Office
416-327-3072

Jason Wesley
Ministry of Government Services
416-327-2805