January 19, 2016
Manitoba Consumer Protection Office Investigation Leads to Charges Under the Business Practices Act
The department of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection advises that a 45-year-old man has been convicted of committing an unfair business act against a Manitoba consumer following an investigation by the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office.
In April 2010, Garvin De La Mothe and his company, Canadian Custom Cabinets, entered into a contract with a consumer to supply and install custom kitchen cabinets at the consumer’s home. The consumer paid a deposit of $15,000 to have the cabinetry manufactured and installed.
After several delays, De La Mothe supplied what the consumer felt were incomplete and sub-standard cabinets. De La Mothe would not address the consumer’s concerns regarding the poor workmanship and his failure to meet his contractual obligations. He also refused to refund any of the deposit paid by the consumer.
The Consumer Protection Office investigated, and on Nov. 26, 2015, De La Mothe was found guilty of one count of breaching of the Business Practices Act and one count of failing to attend court. De La Mothe was fined a total of $5,100 and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victim of the unfair business practice.
For information on administrative penalties and penalties 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, 1-800-782-0067 (toll-free in Manitoba) or via email at consumers@gov.mb.ca.
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