Federal Budget - Option consommateurs proposes a consumer-oriented budget

OTTAWA, Oct. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Option consommateurs, the Montreal-based consumer rights organization, appeared before the Standing Committee on Finance of the House of Commons, in Ottawa on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 to present their recommendations for the forthcoming federal budget.

Despite some improvement in the overall economy since the end of the recession, the economic climate remains uncertain. Option consommateurs is particularly concerned about the large increase in the numbers of people living below the poverty line in Canada and the dangerous levels of personal indebtedness. "Indeed, debt-income ratio has reached a record high of 146% in the first quarter of this year which means that for each dollar earned the Canadian household owes $1.46. More and more Canadians use credit to finance everyday consumption," says Dr. Anu Bose, Head of the Ottawa office of Option consommateurs. "It is essential that the government adopt measures that allow consumers to make ends meet".

Option consommateurs has recommended that the government eliminates the waiting period for EI and extends the benefit period to reflect the changing nature of unemployment in Canada. Furthermore, it has recommended that the government convene a job-creation summit, raises the maximum benefit payable under the GIS programme, increases the GST credit and reconsiders the terms of student loans and their repayment in view of the uncertain job market, especially for new entrants

Founded in 1983, Option consommateurs is a not-for-profit association whose mission is to promote and defend the rights and interests of consumers and ensure that they are respected. The organization has been involved in over thirty class-action suits. It has particular expertise in energy, agri-food, financial services and commercial practices.

For further information: Anu Bose, PhD, Head, Ottawa office, Option consommateurs, 613 244-2111, cell: 613 293-6828, [email protected]; Jacinthe Lauzon, Press Officer, Option consommateurs, 514 598-7288, ext. 226, cell: 514 777-6133, [email protected]