On March 1 of this year Ontario band unsolicited, door-to-door sales of certain household appliances to better protect consumers from aggressive and misleading contracting at home.

Businesses will only be able to enter into a contract in the consumer’s home if the consumer has contacted the business ahead of time and invited them into their home for the purpose of entering into a contract. Contracts that are in violation of the new rules relating to door-to-door contract solicitation will be considered void, and consumers will be able to keep the goods and services with no obligations.

The new rules apply to air cleaners, air conditioners, air purifiers, duct cleaning services, furnaces, water filters, water heaters, water purifiers. water softeners, water treatment devices and bundles of these goods and services.

In addition, businesses will be required to keep a record of how contact with the consumer entering the contract was made, and all contracts signed in the home for these goods and services will also have a 10-day cooling-off period, allowing consumers to cancel the contract for any reason without penalty.

The government made these changes because door-to-door contracts have been among the top complaints received by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Ontario is the second province in Canada to restrict door-to-door solicitation and contracts. If a consumer calls for a repair, maintenance or any other reason, businesses will only be allowed to leave information about the products and services they offer, unless the business has a written contract in place with the consumer and secures the consumer’s approval in advance of the visit to solicit a contract for the restricted goods or services.

Businesses will need to keep a record of how contact with the consumer was made and provide consumers with clear information about their rights.

Picton Seniors Luncheon Social

Seniors are invited to enjoy lunch with old and new friends on Wednesday, June 6 at noon in Picton. The menu features homemade soup, chopped beef with onion gravy, potatoes, coleslaw, vegetables, blueberry pie, bread and butter, coffee and tea catered by Bill Grieve, the chef with Wheel House and Occasions Catering. The cost is $10 per person.

Also, there will be a presentation by Community Care for Seniors who will speak about “Seniors Month in Ontario”. This event is sponsored by Community Care and will be held in the Picton Town Hall which has an elevator.

Reserve by the Tuesday prior at noon by calling 613-476-7493. Take-out and delivery are available.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes