Alex Reid

Manitoba’s Consumer Protection Office has launched a public consultation on consumer cellphone contracts following Quebec’s introduction of their own legislation on cell phones in June 2010 (Ontario is currently considering similar legislation).

Consultation questions include equipment replacement, early termination of service, customer support and disclosure issues (PDF link). Email your thoughts to consumers@gov.mb.ca before the deadline of January 17, 2011.

The legislation in Quebec – the only so far in Canada – calls for information being displayed in a clear and detailed manner such as the requirement of using a “minimum font size for fine print in the contract.” Much of their legislation is good for consumers, requiring phone providers to be clear on contract agreements, written notice before contract renewal/expiry and addresses the long standing issue of phones breaking before the contract does.