January 2021

Consumer Edge

Office of Consumer Affairs

January 2021

COVID-19: Managing financial health in challenging times

Read the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)'s latest information on what to do if you have financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FCAC continues to monitor the rapid evolution of COVID-19 and assess its impacts on banks and other regulated entities. Learn about how the FCAC is responding during this difficult time.

FCAC also offers free educational resources and tools on budgeting, credit, savings, debt management and more.

Consumer product recalls and safety alerts

Wondering if the new gadgets, toys, cosmetics or other consumer products you received during the holidays have been reported for health and safety concerns?

Search these items on Health Canada's Recent consumer product recalls and alerts database.

To report any injuries or safety concerns about such items, consult the Report an incident involving a consumer product or cosmetic web page.

Deadline approaching: Apply for consumer research funding

The Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations is accepting applications for funding! Apply before January 29, 2021.

The program provides financial assistance to organizations in support of activities that promote the consumer's interest, such as:

  • Research projects that examine emerging marketplace issues in order to inform, empower and protect consumers
  • Development projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of consumer organizations

To learn more and find out if your organization is eligible to apply, visit the Office of Consumer Affairs website or contact us at ic.ocacontributions-contributionsbc.ic@canada.ca or by telephone at 343‑998‑7313.

Automotive advertising practices

The Automobile Consumer Coalition (ACC) recently published its report titled Automotive advertising and shopping practices: A financial risk to consumers? It examines whether advertising discloses the true costs and fees associated with purchasing a vehicle, compliance with all-in price advertising legislation and other issues consumers may encounter when buying a car online.

The ACC received funding from the OCA's Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations to complete this study.

For more information on this report, please contact the ACC by email at info@carhelpcanada.com.