Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to address an issue of growing concern in my constituency and the North. In the booming market of real estate, cars and telemarketing, it is obvious that the NWT legislative framework to protect consumers from scams does not go far enough. This leaves consumers vulnerable and allows for dishonest practices to go unchecked in the NWT. Consumers need to be fully protected. Current NWT laws do not require disclosure on the integrity of a house or used car and there are no regulations for telemarketing. Our protection laws are minimal and we are behind the times. We are putting residents at risk and some have already been stung by this lack of protection.

Other jurisdictions in Canada and the United States have comprehensive consumer protection laws covering a variety of disclosure requirements and spell out consumers’ rights and unfair practices. For example, Ontario’s law also addresses rights and obligations for Internet and remote purchase agreements and provides for a cooling off period when consumers enter into contracts. Consumers have rights and remedies should they find out that they bought a lemon car or they bought a house that has a leaking roof or a cracked foundation. There are serious consequences for previous owners who do not disclose this kind of information, Mr. Speaker, when they sold the song to that buyer.

It is nice to see the consumer affairs division within the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs offers consumer tip sheets. The information is so general that it can be used by the entire company so there is no reference to specific laws, rights or any type of remedies. The problem is that we have no laws that require disclosure and consequently there are no remedies because, as we all know, if the person did not receive the goods that they were promised, or bought the song that they were sold, it is their own tough luck. It falls on their own shoulders.

The Minister indicated to me that he and the department are aware of this increasing concern regarding lack of consumer protection and that he will look into it. We need to catch up to the times, Mr. Speaker. We need to catch up to the other Canadian jurisdictions as to what they have been doing for years. We need stronger comprehensive disclosure laws to protect our consumers. I urge the Minister to create a proper disclosure law as a priority in this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause