Ministry of Consumer Services to Speak at April Chapter Meetings – "What You Need to Know"

Information posted March 18, 2014

Consumer awareness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For our April meetings at both Milton and Burlington we have invited the Ministry of Consumer Services to discuss  “What you need to know”. Among the topics they will talk about are:

  • Contracts – If youve ever signed an agreement to buy goods and services, youve entered the complex world of contracts. Its a world where most of the time things go smoothly. Once in a while things can and do go wrong. Businesses do not always deliver promised goods on time. Or goods arrive on your doorstep in a damaged condition. Or you may be unhappy with the service you receive. Join us to learn how to avoid problems like these and what to do if something goes wrong.
  • Gift cards – Have you ever received or given someone a gift card? Has the store ever:  Refused to honour a gift card because it  had expired? Charged you a fee to reactivate a gift card after a certain time?  Tried to restrict what you could buy with  the card? In most cases this is against the law. Ontario has banned expiry dates and fees on most gift cards bought after September 1, 2008.
  • Home, Phone and On-line shopping- Have you ever: Ordered and paid for tickets online but never received them? Changed your mind about something you bought at your door but couldnt get your money back? If so, you know some of the things that can happen if you shop at home, by phone or on the Internet. The good news is that there are laws to protect you. Learn how to avoid problems and what to do if something goes wrong.
  • Car repairs – Have you ever taken a car in for repair and: Been unhappy with the quality of the work? Paid more than you expected? Had to pay for repairs that you thought were covered by the warranty? Most repair shops are honest, but most people dont know a lot about cars. Finding a business you can trust is the key to getting good,  reliable service.

The Ministry has many other topics of interest and you are welcome to ask your questions.

At the end of the meeting we are sure you will be better prepared and indeed will “Be a Smart Consumer” so please plan to join us at either Milton or Burlington.

Our  Milton meeting will be held on Wednesday April 9th at the Seniors Activity Centre, 500 Childs Drive, Milton.

Our  Burlington meeting will be held on Tuesday April 22nd at the Seniors Centre, 2285 New Street, Burlington.

Please be aware that if room capacity limits are reached we may have to restrict entrance in order to comply with building safety code regulations. Typically there is more space available at Milton.

Doors will open at both locations at 6.30pm. The meetings will begin at 7.00pm and end at about 9.00pm. Coffee and tea will be available.

Both evenings will begin with a short welcoming address from our Chairperson, Tom Carrothers. Tom will also provide a brief update on your CARP Halton Chapter and CARP National activities.

This will be followed by the featured presentation.

As usual we have a number of sponsors for both meetings.  We will be very pleased to welcome them and to thank them for their support. They will all have tables where you will be able to chat with their representatives and pick up additional information.

There will be a break at a convenient point in the presentation which will allow time to socialize with fellow members and to spend more time visiting our sponsors.

Sponsors at Milton:

Burlington Memorial Gardens: Established in 1979, Burlington Memorial Gardens features over 100 acres of beautifully landscaped and immaculately manicured gardens, and is part of the historic Niagara Escarpment.

Sun Life Financial: Learn about the services offered and our customized approach to financial planning. It’s never too late to start!

Disability Tax Solutions: Do you or your dependant suffer from physical or mental disabilities? Our company helps you obtain the tax credits you deserve.

Sponsors at Burlington:

Burlington Memorial Gardens: Established in 1979, Burlington Memorial Gardens features over 100 acres of beautifully landscaped and immaculately manicured gardens, and is part of the historic Niagara Escarpment.

Sun Life Financial: Learn about the services offered and our customized approach to financial planning. It’s never too late to start!

Geritol Follies: Presenting variety shows in every sense of the word, consisting of an extensive musical line-up with everything from sketch-comedy to Broadway, romance to rock’n roll, all presented by a talented cast of entertainers

Burlington Bandits: With their home opener coming up on Saturday May 10th (against rival Hamilton Cardinals) it’s time to learn all about Burlington’s very own Intercounty Baseball team playing at the top rated Nelson Park.

The meetings will conclude with a few closing remarks from Tom and our 50/50 draw. We encourage you to support this draw as proceeds help defray the costs of putting on our meetings.

Our meetings are FREE. Please support your Chapter. We look forward to welcoming all members and their friends.