Ontario Proposes New Consumer Protection Law

Ontario has announced new legislation that would replace the existing consumer protection laws, with amendments focusing on prohibiting dark patterns such as subscription traps, auto-renewals and unenforceable contract terms like arbitration clauses and class action waivers. It also proposes doubling penalties, which would be increased to $500,000 CAD for corporations.

If implemented, the Better for Consumers, Better for Businesses Act, 2023 would bring about the following key changes for consumers and businesses in Ontario:

1. Prohibiting unfair business practices: Unfair business practices like price gouging, deceptive representations, and false claims will be specifically prohibited, non-compliance with which would give consumers the right to cancel their contract.