Consumer and debt – Other help

Legal information and advice

Pro Bono Ontario offers toll-free phone advice to people living in Ontario. Call 1-866-466-7256.

Bankruptcy

The Bankruptcy Assistance Program is a government program helps individuals seeking to file for bankruptcy hire a bankruptcy trustee if they do not have the means to do so on their own.

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy provides more information about bankruptcy, such as:

• Bankruptcy and insolvency at a glance (infographic)
• What to do if you owe money
• Consumed by Debt? Information on the insolvency process

Credit Counselling

The Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services (OACCS) will help you find an agency in your area.

Credit Counsellors of OACCS member agencies can help you understand what went wrong, as well as your rights and responsibilities. They can also help you regain financial control.

Resolve Counselling Services Canada has many locations including Belleville, Napanee and Kingston. Call them at 613-966-3556 or 613-579-7850 (toll-free 1-800-379-5556). They can help you:

• Stop the collection calls
• Negotiate monthly payments you can afford
• Protect your assets

Consumer tips and making a complaint

Steps to Justice has a great online tool to help you create a consumer complaint letter.  Answer a series of questions to get an email with the contents of a letter you can then send to the business you want to complain to.

Get Cybersafe is a Government of Canada website, with online shopping tips, and how to stay safe online.

Consumers Council of Canada works collaboratively with consumers, business and government in support of consumers’ rights and responsibilities. Visit their page for tips on how to complain effectively.

Consumer Safety

The Canadian Standards Association is a not-for-profit membership-based association serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace, developing standards for public safety and health.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is a stand-alone, financially self-sustaining not-for-profit corporation. ESA is responsible for public electrical safety in Ontario as designated by Ontario Regulation 89/99. View their page on where to find licensed electrical contractor in your area.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) delivers a variety of public safety education and consumer information programs to increase knowledge around hazards, and promote safer behaviour.

Motor Vehicle Owners

The Automobile Protection Association (APA) is a membership-based non-profit association dedicated to promoting consumer interests in the marketplace.

The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan is a program where disputes between consumers and vehicle manufacturers about alleged manufacturing defects or implementation of the manufacturers’ new vehicle warranty can be put before a neutral third party (arbitrator) for resolution.

Car Help Canada is a non-profit consumer group, working to benefit the public in automotive related issues.

The Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) handles disputes between consumers and dealers. They are the regulator of motor vehicle sales in Ontario and enforce the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2010 on behalf of the Ontario government. See their website to learn more about what they do.

View webinars from Your Legal Rights on Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and Motor Vehicle Repairs.

First time car buyer?  See their helpful videos for first-time vehicle buyers and new Canadians.

Television, Radio, Telephone and Internet Services

Read our tip sheet on Wireless Service Contracts.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates and supervises all aspects of the Canadian broadcasting system, as well regulates telecommunications common carriers and service providers that fall under federal jurisdiction. See their Complaints and Questions page to make a complaint or ask a question online. They also have consumer fact sheets, such as:

• How to File A Complaint About Your Telephone Service
• How to File a Broadcasting Complaint
• Cellular (Wireless) Telephone Services

The Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunication Services (CCTS) is an independent agency which helps resolve eligible consumer and small business complaints relating to certain retail telecommunications services, if the communications provider is a member of the CCTS. Their site has an explanation of the complaint process and an online complaint form. Find out if your service provider is a member. If your service provider is not a member, call the CRTC (see above).

Property tax breaks for local residents

Belleville

The City of Belleville offers a property tax credit for people in receipt of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits or seniors (65 or older) living on a low income and who own their home. Apply at City Hall, the local Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services office or contact us.

This is offered every year, and the deadline is usually August 31 and the credit can be used for the September property tax payment.

Application forms for both programs are on the Property Tax Rebate & Credit Programs page of the City of Belleville website. For more information call the Taxation Department at 613-967-3200, ext 3243.

Quinte West

Quinte West also has tax relief programs (rebates) for seniors living on a low income and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients. Application forms are on their website (application deadline is August 31 each year).  Call their tax department at 613-392-2841 for more information.

Prince Edward County