Consumer Protection

When you purchase something, you have certain rights as a consumer. Learn about consumer protection, including identity theft and fraud.

Consumer Protection Basics

What are my consumer rights and responsibilities?
As a consumer, you have the right to expect the marketplace to be fair. You also have the responsibility to be fair and deal with problems quickly.
How do I make a consumer complaint?
If you are not satisfied with a purchase or a service you paid for, you can complain. In fact, it is your responsibility as a consumer to complain about poor services and products.
What is fake news and how to stop the spread of misinformation?
Helping you identify what information is reliable and information should not be shared online.
What is a sextortion, and how can I protect my child?
Children, in particular boys, are most at risk of sextortions in Canada. Tips on what to do if your child is being sextorted.
What should I know about the Canadian Census?
The census is how the government counts the population and gathers information that helps different levels of government make plans and decisions. The next census will be in May 2026.
Business Guide to Consumer Protection
This guide provides businesses with general information on the Consumer Protection Act. It helps businesses comply with the law and avoid consumer complaints.

What is the Ombudsman of Ontario?
The Ombudsman of Ontario investigates complaints about services provided by the provincial government and its organizations.
How do I make a consumer complaint?
If you are not satisfied with a purchase or a service you paid for, you can complain. In fact, it is your responsibility as a consumer to complain about poor services and products.
What is a sextortion, and how can I protect my child?
Children, in particular boys, are most at risk of sextortions in Canada. Tips on what to do if your child is being sextorted.

What if my Canadian citizenship certificate is lost or stolen?
Report your lost or stolen citizenship certificate to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can apply for a new citizenship certificate.
What do I do if my SIN is lost or stolen?
Report a lost or stolen SIN to your local Service Canada Centre as soon as possible.
What if my Canadian passport is lost or stolen?
You are required to report a lost or stolen passport.
What if my driver's licence is lost or stolen?
You may want to report it to the police. You can apply for a replacement licence.
What if my Ontario birth certificate is lost or stolen?
If you were born in Ontario you can apply for a replacement birth certificate through Service Ontario.
What if my Permanent Resident (PR) Card is lost or stolen?
Call the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre to report it. You can apply for a new PR Card.

What do I do if my SIN is lost or stolen?
Report a lost or stolen SIN to your local Service Canada Centre as soon as possible.
Mortgage Fraud
This brochure has information about how to protect yourself from mortgage fraud when purchasing or refinancing a home. It describes what mortgage fraud is and some common mortgage scams.
What do I need to know about identity theft?
Identity theft can have serious financial and personal consequences. It is important to protect yourself against it.