Government and Regulatory

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

The CRTC regulates Canada’s telecommunications and broadcasting systems. Its mandate is to ensure that both the telecommunications and broadcasting systems serve the interests of Canadians.

The CRTC accepts complaints about regulated telecommunications services provided by CCTS’ Participating Service Providers (for example, complaints about phone service in regulated exchanges, as well as complaints about emergency services, payphones, and 900 and 976 services) as well as about many services provided by companies that do not participate in CCTS.

The CRTC also accepts complaints about TV services (for example, complaints about accessibility, excessively loud commercials, signal substitution, and Canadian content). Their Support Centre can help you determine whether your complaint falls within its mandate.

You can submit a complaint to the CRTC or contact the CRTC by:

Toll-free phone: 1-877-249-2782
Toll-free TTY: 1-877-909-2782
Fax: 1-819-994-0218

For more information about the CRTC’s mandate, visit CRTC Mandate.

 

Competition Bureau

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency responsible for protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice. Headed by the Commissioner of Competition, the Bureau is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. The Bureau accepts consumer complaints that fall within the scope of this legislation.

To learn whether your complaint falls within the Bureau’s mandate or to submit a question or complaint online, visit the Competition Bureau’s website.

You can also contact them by:
Toll-free phone: 1-800-348-5358
Toll-free TTY: 1-800-642-3844
Fax: 819-997-0324

 

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Office of Consumer Affairs

The Office of Consumer Affairs promotes the interests and protection of Canadian consumers. It aims to ensure that consumers have a voice in the development of government policies, provides research on marketplace issues, and develops consumer information and awareness tools.

 

National Do Not Call List

The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) gives consumers a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls and allows consumers to file complaints regarding unwanted telemarketing calls they have received.

You can choose to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive by registering your phone number on the National DNCL. You can also check your registration, find out how to remove your number from the National DNCL, and file a complaint about telemarketing calls.

To register your number with the DNCL, visit the DNCL Registry

To submit a complaint through the DNCL, visit DNCL Complaints

You can also contact the DNCL by:

Toll-free phone: 1-866-580-DNCL (3625)
TTY: 1-888-DNCL-TTY (362-5889)
Fax: 1-888-DNCL-Fax (362-5329)

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

The role of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada is to promote privacy rights. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) oversees compliance with the Privacy Act, which covers the personal information-handling practices of federal government departments and agencies, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada’s federal private-sector privacy law.

The Commissioner is an advocate for the privacy rights of Canadians and has powers that include:

  • investigating complaints, conducting audits and pursuing court action under two federal laws
  • publicly reporting on the personal information-handling practices of public and private-sector organizations
  • supporting, undertaking and publishing research into privacy issues
  • promoting public awareness and understanding of privacy issues

To obtain information about the application of the Privacy Act or PIPEDA, or to file a complaint, visit The Office of the Privacy Commissioner – Report a concern

You can also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by:

Toll-free phone: 1-800-282-1376
TTY: 613-992-9190
Fax: 613-947-6850