The use of Administrative Monetary Penalties in Consumer Protection

Author

Amanda Tait

Organization

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

Published

2007

Summary

The use of “Administrative Monetary Penalties”, otherwise known as “AMPs”, is a unique enforcement scheme that has gained significant attention from international regulators. AMPs are increasingly used to engender compliance and cooperation from the ‘regulated community’, to secure environmental or consumer protection, and to encourage the timely rectification of market problems. Regulators in Canada have used AMPs for some time; however, it is only relatively recently that they have become a favorite tool among regulators. In this report, PIAC examines the use of AMPs in the Canadian regulatory field, with a particular emphasis on the use of AMPs in consumer protection. The Report examines the nature and scope of AMPs, as well as, the various theories that underscore the use of AMPs as a regulatory tool. The Report also addresses the objections to AMPs, as cited by AMP critics, and analyses the use and effectiveness of AMPs in Canada, and other countries that are actively engaged in their use. Finally, the Report draws conclusions, offers warnings, and proposes recommendations that PIAC believes will improve consumer protection regulation in Canada.

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OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database