June 1, 2011
Province to Strengthen Rights for Manitobans who use Travel Services: Mackintosh
– – –Public Input Sought on Travel Ads, Sales, Travel Agent Standards, Compensation Under Let's Make a Better Deal Consumer Protection Strategy
Following public consultations, Manitoba will introduce measures to improve consumer protection in the advertising and sale of travel services, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Manitoba families are saving their hard-earned money to use on vacation, either in our province or abroad,” said Mackintosh. “People shouldn’t be shocked by hidden fees and misleading advertising and should not be out of pocket or stranded abroad if a travel supplier closes its doors. Manitobans deserve fairness in the travel marketplace and we want to hear from them what that protection should look like.”
The province has established a working group consisting of members of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies, the Consumers’ Association of Canada (Manitoba), the Tourism Secretariat and independent travel agencies to advise the province on potential regulations to better protect consumers.
“We are pleased Manitoba is going to address consumers’ needs in buying travel packages,” said Philip Houde, president of the Manitoba chapter of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies. “Our industry will benefit from the increased professionalism that comes with regulation. Manitoba travel businesses will also benefit from a level playing field, as they will be better able to compete with companies in other provinces that have these kinds of measures.”
A consultation paper has been developed to serve as a starting point for discussion on consumer protection in travel. It can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/cca/cpo. Feedback is being sought on three key areas:
- honesty and accuracy in travel advertisements, for example, whether all-inclusive pricing be required;
- regulation of travel agents to ensure professional standards and oversight, for example, whether agents be licensed for training and standards; and
- protection for consumers in the event of a supplier going out of business, for example, whether a compensation fund be established.
The Consumer Protection Office is accepting written comments on consumer protection in travel from now until June 24. To make a submission, either as a group or as an individual, send comments to consumers@gov.mb.ca or the Consumer Protection Office, Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs, 302-258 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B6.
This initiative is part of Manitoba’s Let’s Make a Better Deal consumer protection strategy.
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