Directory of Organizations

Automobile

When you have a problem with an automobile, first try to work it out with the dealer. When the problem remains unresolved, contact the manufacturer. Contact information is listed below. Some companies have one customer service centre in the United States that serves both Canada and the United States.

Some companies ask that you have the following information available when you contact them. It allows them to better assist you:

• Vehicle Identification Number
• vehicle owner's name
• vehicle owner's address
• current odometer reading
• explanation of the problem.

When you still cannot resolve your problem, contact one of the dispute resolution services listed below.

For automobile-related information, you may also wish to contact a government office, a consumer group or non-consumer group that specializes in automotive issues.

Manufacturers

North America

Asia

Europe

Dispute Resolution

The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) provides a neutral third party to resolve disputes between consumers and vehicle manufacturers about alleged manufacturing defects or the implementation of the manufacturer's new vehicle warranty when the vehicle was made in the current or previous four model years. This service is available across the country. You can reach CAMVAP toll free at1-800-207-0685.

Ontario residents may also contact the Marketplace Standards and Services Branch of the Ministry of Government Services regarding car repair complaints. Staff review these complaints to see whether the company doing the repair has contravened the Ontario Motor Vehicle Repair Act. This includes reviewing warranty issues, old parts returned and estimates.

For complaints regarding dealerships, Ontario residents should contact the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC). OMVIC is a not-for-profit independent corporation responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act on behalf of the Government of Ontario.

OMVIC is responsible for registering motor vehicle dealers and salespeople, conducting inspections and investigations and mediating complaints. OMVIC administers the Motor Vehicle Compensation Fund, which serves as a "court of last resort" for consumers who have lost money in certain types of vehicle transactions involving dealers registered under the Act.

Manitoba residents should contact the Consumers' Bureau of the Department of Finance for assistance in resolving complaints about motor vehicle purchases, leases or repairs.

Alberta residents should contact the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) regarding complaints about the sale, lease and repair of motor vehicles. AMVIC is a not-for-profit, self-managed industry council delegated to administer the licensing of automotive businesses and the investigation of automotive complaints relating to the sale, lease and repair of motor vehicles under the Fair Trading Act and the Automotive Business Licensing Regulation.

British Columbia residents who have problems with their auto insurance may take advantage of a dispute resolution service offered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

Atlantic Canada and Nunavut Territory

CAMVAP Provincial Administrator
Better Business Bureau (BBB) of the Atlantic Provinces
Suite 805, 1888 Brunswick Street
Halifax NSB3J 3J8
Tel.:(902) 422-6581
Toll free:1-800-207-0685
Fax:(902) 429-6457
Email: bbbmp@bbbmp.ca
Web site: www.bbbmp.ca

Quebec

CAMVAP Provincial Administrators
Le Centre d'arbitrage commercial national et international du Québec
Suite 090, 295 Charest Boulevard East
Québec QCG1K 3G8
Tel.:(418) 649-1330(Quebec area)
Toll free:1-800-207-0685
Fax:(418) 649-0845

Ontario

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

CAMVAP Provincial Administrators
Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan Inc.
Suite 201, 2080 Broad Street
Regina SKS4P 1Y3
Tel.:(306) 352-7602 (Regina area)
Toll free:1-800-207-0685
Fax:(306) 565-6236

Alberta and Northwest Territories

British Columbia

Yukon

Consumer and Safety Services
P.O. Box 2703
Whitehorse YTY1A 2C6
Tel.:(867) 667-5111
Fax:(867) 667-3609
E-mail: consumer@gov.yk.ca

Consumer and Non-Governmental Groups

Automobile Protection Association (APA)

Automobile Journalists Association of Canada

The AJAC is an association of professional automotive experts who report on new vehicles and new industry trends.

P.O. Box 398, Main Post Office
Cobourg ONK9A 4L1
Toll free:1-800-361-1516
E-mail: beth@ajac.ca
Web site: www.ajac.ca

Automobile Associations

These associations offer information on a number of topics, including safety.

Government Offices

Transport Canada, Road Safety

This office provides information on road safety, as well as defects and recalls.

330 Sparks Street
Ottawa ONK1A 0N5
Tel.:(613) 990-2309
Fax:(613) 954-4731 /998-8620
TTY/TDD:(613) 990-4500
E-mail: webfeedback@tc.gc.ca
Web site: www.tc.gc.ca

Natural Resources Canada

This office provides information on topics such as reducing fuel consumption.

Office of Energy Efficiency
18th Floor, 580 Booth Street
Ottawa ONK1A 0E4
Fax:(613) 943-5190
E-mail: general.oee@nrcan.gc.ca
Web site: www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca