"Our goal at the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is to promote a fair, safe and informed marketplace - one in which your rights as a consumer are fully protected." (excerpted from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services web-site)
The Ontario Government conveniently set up the Tarion Warranty Corporation as a private corporation; as such the Ombudsman does not have the jurisdiction to investigate Tarion itself.
As some of you may know, Canadians for Properly Built Homes (CPBH) has been encouraging the Ombudsman of Ontario to investigate on behalf of home buyers.
In a press release today, CPBH President, Karen Somerville said, "We are delighted to advise you that an Ombudsman's investigation is now underway, concerning the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services."
CPBH has stated a particular interest in the following two aspects of this investigation:
- how the Ministry represents itself to the public regarding its relationship with Tarion; and - the degree of consumer protection new homeowners can expect to receive from the Ministry.
This is a chance for members of the Ontario public who have complaints or information relevant to this investigation to try to improve consumer protection for newly built homes by speaking up!
It will be interesting to see how effective the bite of "Ontario's Watchdog" is in getting to the bottom of so many home buyer complaints, but more importantly, what actions are taken to improve consumer protection by the Ontario government from the findings and recommendations.
The lack of proper protection for home buyers in general is well known and reported frequently throughout North America; everyone has, or knows someone who has, a horror story to tell. Do you think an investigation into the lack of buyer protection should take place in your area?
2 Comments on Investigation into the lack of buyer protection welcomed...
This is really encouraging news. Many Ontarians are anxiously awaiting the Ombudsman's results from this investigation, as there continues to be serious problems with many new homes in Ontario, and the support systems are woefully inadequate.
The ineffectiveness of the Homeowner Protection Office and the Financial Institutions Commission in protecting BC consumers necessitates a similar review.
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...skilled writing about an unimportant subject, or is that unskilled writing about an important subject?
Well I don't know so as things unfold please judge for yourself...
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John Grasty is a REALTOR® serving the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam - Port Coquitlam - Port Moody) real estate market.
Please check out John's website: http://www.johngrasty.ca
John Grasty - Homeowner Advocate
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This is really encouraging news. Many Ontarians are anxiously awaiting the Ombudsman's results from this investigation, as there continues to be serious problems with many new homes in Ontario, and the support systems are woefully inadequate.