Ontario region issues warning about aggressive tactic using loophole to pressure sales
Following years of aggressive tactics from sales staff in Ontario, the government banned door-to-door sales of many items in March 2018.
However, Durham Region has just issued a warning after reports of high pressure sales tactics being used by companies trying to sell or rent water filtration equipment.
While it's illegal in Ontario to go door-to-door trying to sell water filtration equipment, if the company calls you and you agree to invite them over the ban does not apply.
"These people are trying to get inside your home to try and sell you water filtration equipment," said John Presta, The Director of Environmental Services for Durham Region.
Leading up to the ban CTV News Toronto did many stories with viewers who felt they were mislead by sales staff, which is why the province banned unsolicited door to door sales of water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and water filters.
Presta said Durham Region has been getting complaints from residents that companies want to come and test their water or check their water meter.
In some cases the caller will claim to be a municipal employee.
"There are people out there who want to get access to your home. They claim they are with the region, the city or the town," said Presta.
Durham Region also is reminding residents the water is safe to drink and while someone may choose to filter their water it is not required or necessary.
In a statement Durham Region also said it doesn't endorse or sell water filtration equipment and that if you get a phone call that’s a water filtration sales pitch don’t feel pressured to allow a home visit.
If someone comes to your door don’t sign contracts on the spot, never give out your personal information and ask for identification as regional employees carry photo ID.
Presta says there are various ways residents are being contacted for the sales pitch adding "it can come in the form of a prize ticket, a telephone call or in an email link."
In the event you have signed a contract for an in home purchase there is cooling off period that allows you to cancel the contract within 10 days.
Also, keep in mind not all door-to-door sales are banned in Ontario. Some companies are still selling security systems, thermostats and smoke detectors usually in longer term expensive contracts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.