Complaints by Canadians about telemarketing calls lead to $420,000 in penalties for six home-improvement companies

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Oct. 4, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that six Canadian companies received Notices of Violations with penalties totalling $420,000 for making non-compliant telemarketing calls to Canadians.

The companies and the penalties are: 

• Just Energy Corp. – $240,000
• Green Planet Home Services Inc. – $90,000
• 4140800 Canada Inc. (operating as Coolheat Comfort Systems Inc.) – $36,000
• Canglow Windows and Doors Inc. – $30,000
• Budget Heating and Plumbing Services – $12,000
• Natures Carpet Cleaning (2012) Ltd. – $12,000

Further to investigations, the CRTC's Chief Information and Enforcement Officer found that the companies called Canadians whose numbers were registered on the National Do Not Call List (DNCL). In addition, certain companies had failed to register with or subscribe to the National DNCL, made calls to Canadians during restricted hours and used inaccurate versions of the list. The six companies cooperated with the CRTC during its investigations.

This week, the CRTC also issued a decision finding that Robert Gendron, carrying on business as Dynique Restoration and Victorian Restoration, failed to register with or subscribe to the National DNCL. Mr. Gendron is required to pay $18,000 in penalties.

About the National Do Not Call List

The National DNCL was launched in 2008 to protect Canadians from unsolicited telecommunications. Canadians may register their numbers permanently on the List at no charge. Over 13 million numbers are currently registered on the List.

Canadians can register their numbers, verify whether a number is on the List or file a complaint about a telemarketer by calling 1-866-580-DNCL (3625) or visiting the National DNCL website.

Quick facts

• The Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules are a strict set of rules that individuals, companies and organizations must follow when making telemarketing calls.
• Acting on complaints filed by Canadians, the Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer of the CRTC conducted investigations into the activities of the companies for alleged violations of Canada's Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules.
• The CRTC reminds telemarketers that it is their duty to comply with the Rules, whether they make the calls themselves or hire a third-party agency to make calls on their behalf, and whether they are based in Canada or abroad.
• The CRTC is continuing to enhance its monitoring to ensure telemarketers follow the Rules, and to reduce the number of unwanted calls to Canadians.
• The CRTC can discuss corrective actions with individuals, firms or organizations engaged in telemarketing, which may lead to a settlement that includes an administrative monetary penalty and other corrective measures. The CRTC can also issue warnings and citations, conduct inspections and issue notices of violation.
• To date, the CRTC has imposed over $8 million in penalties payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

Quote

"Today's announcement shows how complaints submitted by Canadians about allegedly illegal telemarketing calls play an important role in our investigations. The information they provide help us to identify trends and more effectively target our enforcement actions. We are committed to ensuring that telemarketers follow the rules and respect the privacy of Canadians."

Manon Bombardier, CRTC Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer

Related Products

Notices of violation
Telemarketing and Unwanted Calls
National Do Not Call List

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Media Relations, [phone]; General Inquiries, [phone], Toll-free 1 (877) 249-CRTC(2782), TTY [phone]