Markham led way to provincial legistlation banning door-to-door sales

YorkRegion.com
Nov. 11, 2016
Amanda Persico

Markham was among the first municipalities to push for a provincewide ban on door-to-door sales by the home energy sector, including water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and water filtration systems.

This spring, Markham unanimously passed a motion calling on the province to ban unsolicited door-to-door sales, paving the way for more than 25 municipalities to follow suit.

Recently, the province introduced new legislation, the Putting Consumers Frist Act, which if passed, would ban unsolicited, door-to-door sales.

Door-to-door sales tactics have been one of the top complaints received by the government and consumer services ministry.

The movement gained momentum online after a couple of Vaughan residents started a petition to #StopTheKnocks.

Local councillor Colin Campbell led the #StopTheKnocks campaign in Markham.

“I first started this initiative last spring after hearing about thousands of consumers who continue to experience scare tactics, fraud and misrepresentation of the identity of sales persons, their products and services,” Campbell said. “I am happy to see the Ontario government has stepped in to protect homeowners.”

The proposed changes also introduce a licensing regime for home inspectors, minimum standards for home inspection reports and disclosures as well as extending repayment periods from payday loans, more time between loans and expanded rules against debt collection practices.