← Law Updates · Ontario · Consumer protection
New Consumer Protection Act, 2023 (not yet proclaimed)
Announced / proposed Announced · date not set
What it means for contractors
More for you →Renovation contract templates will need review for prohibited terms and disclosure before proclamation.
What to do
- Review your renovation contract templates for one-sided or unfair terms. Why: The new Act will void prohibited terms once proclaimed.
- Plan how you will handle a 10-day cooling-off period for direct agreements. Why: The Act gives consumers this right once it comes into force.
- Watch Ontario e-Laws for the in-force date. Why: The Act starts on proclamation after regulations are finalized.
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What changes
This replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 with broader unfair-practice rules, including unconscionable terms that are excessively one-sided. Prohibited terms are void, consumers have a 10-day cooling-off right for direct agreements and can cancel within one year for non-compliant contracts. It comes into force on proclamation once regulations are finalized, and no in-force date has been confirmed.
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Who it affects 3
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Contractors Renovation contract templates will need review for prohibited terms and disclosure before proclamation.
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Owners & developers When proclaimed, homeowners gain stronger cancellation rights for non-compliant or one-sided renovation contracts. What to do
- Watch for the proclamation date of Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, 2023.Why: It is not in force yet, and no date has been confirmed.
- Keep copies of renovation contracts you sign.Why: Once in force, non-compliant contracts may be cancelled within one year.
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Suppliers Door-to-door sellers of home equipment face direct-agreement cooling-off rules. What to do
- Review your door-to-door sales contracts for the new cooling-off rules.Why: The Act gives a 10-day cooling-off right for direct agreements once in force.
- Watch for the proclamation date before changing your contracts.Why: No in-force date has been confirmed yet.
Not directly affected: homebuyers & customers, trades, workers, designers.