A New Consumer Protection Act Is Proposed For Ontario

The Ontario government recently proposed legislation to replace the existing Consumer Protection Act, 2002 with Bill 142, the Better for Consumers, Better for Businesses Act, 2023.

The Better for Consumers, Better for Businesses Act, 2023  will keep some aspects of the old Consumer Protection Act, 2002, but also introduces new components. There is currently no timing for when Bill 142 will come into effect and many details are still unknown; however, in a Consultation Paper released earlier this year in February, the Government set about the task of examining how to update the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 to strengthen protection for consumers, adapt to changing technology and marketplace innovations, and streamline and clarify requirements to improve consumer and business understanding and compliance. These changes are anticipated to support Ontario's continued economic growth.