Fines increasing for breaking Quebec Consumer Protection Act [Video]

Quebec’s consumer protection office (OPC) will begin imposing increased fines for merchants or individuals in the province who breach sections of the Consumer Protection Act.

Starting Sunday, the office can impose fines of up to $1,750 per day for individuals and $3,500 in “other cases” for “objectively observable breaches” such as hidden fees, not providing services that are advertised or not having a proper business permit.

The office says on its website that when a breach is noted, the person may receive a non-compliance notice asking them to correct the error. If the error is not corrected, a fine can be issued.

Merchants can then have their permits pulled and face further fines.

“Administrative monetary penalties are not a substitute for criminal prosecution,” the office says. “They are an additional tool to enforce the law and encourage a rapid return to compliance. In the event of a breach, the Office …