Murray Wood: Who's scary... and who's scary good?
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week, in a specia...
The provincial government is looking for input from the public as it deliberates the repeal and replacement of rules surrounding those who solicit goods and services door-to-door or by telephone.
The Direct Sellers Act regulates direct sellers and has done so since 1958. As part of its review of consumer protection legislation, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, according to government documents, wants to determine whether there are issues that need to be addressed regarding direct sellers and if the legislation in place is suitable for current practices.
Some key issues up for discussion include exactly who should be considered a direct seller, whether the current exemptions from licensing should be maintained, what activities should constitute as direct selling, and cancellation rights, among others.
Currently, the act does not include solicitation through electronic means, such as internet or text messages, or sales at places other than the consumer’s residence. The government is also curious if the regulations should apply to other methods of selling, such as trade shows or displays in malls.
Expanding the regulations to a number of sellers who are excluded from the act, such as those selling newspapers, water, propane gas or fuel petroleum products, unfrozen food or a farmer selling products raised in Saskatchewan on the person’s own farm, is also to be mulled.
The length and automatic renewal of direct sale contracts are also under review. Currently, there is no restriction on the length of a direct sales contract and some contain provisions that automatically renew the deal.
Things like limitations on returns, rental and leasing solicitation, contracts for services and installation of products and licensing processes are also under the microscope.
Feedback will be accepted until Nov. 15.
