Guide to Government of Canada Services for Seniors
Consumer Issues Consumer Information You Can TrustThe Canadian Consumer Information Gateway gives you online consumer information that is accurate, reliable and relevant. The information comes from Canadian federal, provincial and territorial sources, plus trustworthy non-governmental organizations.
Enter the Gateway to find topics like:
- Ways to protect yourself from telephone and other consumer fraud.
www.ConsumerInformation.ca Click on "Fraud/Deceptive Practices", and select your province or territory.
- The Complaint Courier is an interactive online system to help you express your complaint more effectively. The Complaint Courier will walk you through a range of options, from writing letters to making effective phone calls.
www.ConsumerInformation.ca Click on "File a Complaint" to access the resources and expert advice you need.
Personal Finances
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) offers free information on a variety of financial products and services.
It can help you better understand banking, credit cards, mortgages and more.
- You can cash your Government of Canada cheques for free at any bank in Canada, even if you are not a customer. And there are steps you can take if you've been refused.
- Many banks offer special account packages for seniors. Use the FCAC's Cost of Banking Guide to compare banking account packages for seniors. It includes side-by-side comparisons of the features and fees offered by the various institutions.
- All banks or federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies must have a consumer complaint-handling process. The FCAC has information on the complaint-handling procedures of all these institutions.
- Some credit cards offer lower annual fees for seniors. Use the FCAC's guide, Credit Cards and You, to compare features on over 200 credit cards from different financial institutions across Canada. You'll find side-by-side comparisons of the interest charges, reward programs, features and costs associated with each card.
For more information on these or other consumer finance topics, or to order free publications, contact the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada:
1 866 461-3222 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time
www.fcac.gc.ca
Email: info@fcac.gc.ca
Energy $avings
Save energy and money at home, at work and on the road. The Government of Canada has programs to help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
- In Your Home: Standardized labelling on household appliances, electronics and windows, as well as on lighting, heating and cooling products, lets you compare models and choose energy-efficient products for your home.
The EnerGuide rating label gives comparative information on a product's energy performance, while the ENERGY STARŪ symbol identifies the most energy-efficient products.
- On The Road: All new cars sold in Canada have an EnerGuide Label on the side window. Check it out to compare the fuel efficiency ratings.
Use the annual Fuel Consumption Guide to compare fuel consumption ratings of new vehicles and their estimated annual fuel costs, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
The Auto$mart program provides helpful energy-efficiency tips on how to buy, drive and maintain your vehicle, save fuel and money, and help the environment.
To order publications on these topics:
1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 926-9105
www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca Click on "Publications" from the menu bar on the left.
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