Conservatives have failed to help consumers

Stephen Harper’s Conservatives claim they are ready to help protect Canadian consumers, but the truth is they’ve been blocking NDP initiatives designed to help consumers for years.

Here are examples of NDP initiatives to help consumers that Stephen Harper’s Conservatives have rejected.

CONSERVATIVES FAIL TO ACT ON CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS

In April 2009, the NDP introduced a motion calling for improved protections for consumers left vulnerable to credit card companies’ abusive practices. Despite being passed by the House of Commons, Conservatives failed to implement the motion.

In 2010, Conservatives introduced the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry in Canada. However, the voluntary regulations were toothless and remain riddled with holes. As a result, credit card companies continue charging hidden fees, gouging businesses and consumers alike.

In 2012, Conservatives promised regulations for prepaid credit cards. But it is now a year later and the government has done nothing.

CONSERVATIVES BLOCK NDP’S AIR PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS

New Democrats have twice introduced legislation to establish an Air Passenger Bill of Rights – and both times the NDP’s attempt to help airline customers was blocked by the Conservatives.

• In 2009, the NDP bill Act to Provide Certain Rights to Air Passengers passed on first reading – only to be later defeated in the Transport Committee.
• In 2013, Conservatives voted unanimously against bill C-459 the NDP’s Private Members Bill, An Act Respecting the Rights of Air Passengers.

NO ACTION TO HELP CABLE CUSTOMERS

From rural broadband to better choice for cable customers, for seven years Conservatives have done little to keep up-to-date with helping consumers in an era of new digital media.

CONSERVATIVES INCREASE TAXES AND HIKE USER FEES

Not only did Budget 2013 fail to make life more affordable and increase tariffs on more than 1,200 everyday goods, the Conservatives even decided to increase parking taxes at public institutions like hospitals, schools and municipal lots.

CANADIANS DESERVE BETTER

Only now – facing the worst ethics scandals of their government – are Conservatives willing to talk about helping consumers.

In contrast, New Democrats have been proposing measures to help for years – the only party consistently offering practical solutions to protect consumers and make life more affordable.