Smart Regulation Will Need Public Input To Succeed
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Smart Regulation Will Need Public Input To Succeed
Smart Regulation, a new strategy for regulation recommended by a federal government appointed committee, will need considerable checks and balances, and in particular mandated public input, in order to achieve its goals. This was the conclusion of The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, (PIAC), an Ottawa-based non-governmental organization that specializes in issues involving the regulation of important public services and utilities. PIAC was a participant in the consultations conducted by the Privy Council appointed committee, the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation, that today issued its final report.
Michael Janigan, Executive Director and General Counsel of PIAC noted, “PIAC is heartened that the Committee rejected a strategy of deregulation and rather stressed reform to provide regulation that is accountable for its results”. Nevertheless, Janigan said that the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee will require vigilance to ensure that the appropriate public goals of consumer protection and public health and safety are maintained. “We support the observations and recommendation of the Committee that suggests the involvement of engaged Canadian citizenry on a level playing field with government and the regulated parties will be required.”
PIAC also cautioned that the suggested harmonization with regulatory standards of major international trading partners must never become a “race to the bottom” – in other words, common adoption of the lowest possible standard. “Canada must demonstrate leadership in issues involving health, environmental protection and consumer safeguards and attempt to develop sustainable commerce on a basis that is in keeping with Canadian values”, Janigan added.
PIAC hopes to be able to play a role in any future implementation of the EACSR report.
For more information please contact:
Michael Janigan
Executive Director/General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 562-4002 ext. 26
mjanigan@piac.ca
Canadians Want Increased Consumer Protection For Internet Services – Media Release
Canadians Want Increased Consumer Protection For Internet Services
A new study released today by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) highlights problems with consumer protection for customers of internet services. According to Michael Janigan, PIAC Executive Director and General Counsel, “Canadian internet customers are not being well served by the current hands-off approach to regulation of the Internet”. Janigan also noted “Our survey found that almost two thirds of consumers think that the government should develop and enforce consumer protection rules. In particular, sixty-two percent of customers thought it was very important for the government to develop rules with respect to quality of service.”
PIAC’s study, conducted with the financial assistance of Industry Canada, reviewed the current mechanisms for self regulation and the handling of customer complaints and found them wanting. Currently consumer problems such as spam, service outages and delays, and billing complaints are handled by individual internet service providers (ISPs) in ways which are frequently not transparent or standardized. ISP practices may create an imbalance in service arrangements to the customer’s disadvantage. The PIAC report also warns that the high level of concentration in the high speed Internet market, dominated by two suppliers cable and local telephone companies, bodes ill for future internet consumer welfare.
The report recommends action first by the ISPs themselves to more effectively deal with consumer problems by implementing more effective self regulation through a number of models currently available. Failing such initiative, the report finds public support for appropriate regulatory intervention.
For more information please contact:
Michael Janigan
Executive Director/General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 562-4002 ext. 26
mjanigan@piac.ca
You may download this publication free of charge from our web-site www.piac.ca or if you prefer a hard copy please contact our office at (613) 562-4002 or at piac@piac.ca and we will send you a copy for a charge of $10.00 plus postage which will cover our publication costs.
Canadians Want Increased Consumer Protection For Internet Services
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The Full Report in PDF [pdf file: 0.13mb]
The Full Report in Word [word file: 0.17mb]
MEDIA RELEASE
A new study released today by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) highlights problems with consumer protection for customers of internet services. According to Michael Janigan, PIAC Executive Director and General Counsel, “Canadian internet customers are not being well served by the current hands-off approach to regulation of the Internet”. Janigan also noted “Our survey found that almost two thirds of consumers think that the government should develop and enforce consumer protection rules. In particular, sixty-two percent of customers thought it was very important for the government to develop rules with respect to quality of service.”
PIAC’s study, conducted with the financial assistance of Industry Canada, reviewed the current mechanisms for self regulation and the handling of customer complaints and found them wanting. Currently consumer problems such as spam, service outages and delays, and billing complaints are handled by individual internet service providers (ISPs) in ways which are frequently not transparent or standardized. ISP practices may create an imbalance in service arrangements to the customer’s disadvantage. The PIAC report also warns that the high level of concentration in the high speed Internet market, dominated by two suppliers cable and local telephone companies, bodes ill for future internet consumer welfare.
The report recommends action first by the ISPs themselves to more effectively deal with consumer problems by implementing more effective self regulation through a number of models currently available. Failing such initiative, the report finds public support for appropriate regulatory intervention.
For more information please contact:
Michael Janigan
Executive Director/General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 562-4002 ext. 26
mjanigan@piac.ca
You may download this publication free of charge from our web-site or if you prefer a hard copy please contact our office at (613) 562-4002 or at piac@piac.ca we will send you a copy for a charge of $10.00 plus postage which will cover our publication costs.