November 27, 2015
Consumer Protection Office Issues Administrative Penalty Against Motor Vehicle Dealership for Compliance Failure
Manitoba’s Consumer Protection Office advises a Manitoba motor vehicle dealer located in Winnipeg has been assessed an administrative penalty of $5,000.
On Nov. 13, a notice of administrative penalty was issued to Auto Gallery of Winnipeg for advertising the price of motor vehicles based on the inclusion of a special deduction or circumstance.
Provisions in Manitoba’s Consumer Protection Act protect consumers in a variety of ways including protection from false advertising and misleading pricing practices when purchasing a motor vehicle. In accordance with the legislation, a motor vehicle dealer must:
- ensure that advertisements indicate the total cash price of a vehicle including all additional charges, except for the retail sales tax and the federal goods and services tax;
- ensure that an advertisement about a used late-model vehicle indicates that it is a used vehicle;
- not engage in false advertising or provide false information about a vehicle;
- only advertise a vehicle currently in the dealer’s inventory; and
- indicate the time period applicable to limited time offers.
Under the act, corporations are subject to an administrative penalty of $5,000 for the first contravention, $10,000 for a second and $20,000 for a third and subsequent contravention.
For information on administrative penalties, including information on penalties that have been issued, visit www.manitoba.ca/cca/cpo.
Manitobans are encouraged to learn more about consumer protection issues and their rights under the law. For more information, contact the Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800 in Winnipeg, toll-free in Manitoba at 1-800-782-0067, via email at consumers@gov.mb.caor visit www.gov.mb.ca/cca/cpo/.
- 30 -