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News Releases

2010

Consumers warned about Edmonton-area concrete company (August 11, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is alerting homeowners in the Edmonton area that Lopes Concrete Ltd. is continuing to solicit business in spite of several charges, including operating without a licence and refusing to provide refunds... (more)

Online auto sales company faces charges (July 29, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged Calgary-based internet sales company GreatCarsandTrucks.com for misleading consumers about its services and refund guarantee... (more)

Energy marketers convicted of forging contracts (July 27, 2010)
Edmonton... Three former Alberta Energy Savings salespeople charged with signing homeowners to contracts without their consent have been fined a combined total of $6,800 and sentenced to 12-months probation, which includes community service... (more)

Serving armed forces members now eligible for veterans’ plates (July 26, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is expanding eligibility requirements for veterans’ licence plates to include currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces... (more)

Right click on the below audio files (WAV) from the announcement to download them:

 - His Honour, Col. (Ret'd) the Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor

 - Premier Ed Stelmach

 - Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk

 - Mr. Harvey Shevalier, past-president, Royal Canadian Legion Alberta-Northwest Territories Command

Albertans warned lottery scam is a ticket to losing money (July 16, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans are advised not to reply to e-mails informing them they have won money from a group claiming to be the Alberta Lottery Fund & Prize America/Canadian Lottery Online Lucky Program... (more)

Homeowners advised to beware of repair scams (July 16, 2010)
Edmonton... Southern Alberta homeowners are reminded to be wary when hiring contractors to repair flood and storm damage... (more)

High River introduces online business permit and licence tool (June 30)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Edmonton... High River is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Beaver County introduces online business permit and licence tool (June 30, 2010)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Edmonton... Beaver County is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Contractor facing numerous charges after targeting seniors (June 22, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has laid charges against an unlicensed pre-paid contractor for violations of the province’s consumer protection legislation. Kenneth Gliddon faces several charges for allegedly misleading a senior citizen by asking for money up front and completing little or no work... (more)

Alberta strengthens protection for time share holders (June 17, 2010)
Edmonton... Consumers considering a time share in Alberta will have increased protection thanks to new tougher regulations being introduced by the Alberta government that include requiring time share businesses to be licensed and clearly disclose their terms and conditions... (more)

Changes to auction rules improve service to buyers and sellers (June 11, 2010)
Edmonton... Changes to the regulation for public auctions will improve transparency for bidders and allow businesses to speed up payment to Albertans who sell items at auctions. The changes are a result of a public consultation undertaken by the Alberta government last fall... (more)

Job agency charged for collecting illegal fees from workers (June 3, 2010)
Edmonton... An employment agency has been charged by the Alberta government for collecting fees from foreign workers to find them jobs in the province, a practice not allowed under Alberta law... (more)

Wild Rose Vacations charged under consumer protection laws  (May 26, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged Wild Rose Vacations travel club for deducting money from consumers’ accounts without their permission, failing to provide refunds as ordered, and misleading consumers... (more)

Company ordered to halt coupon book sales (May 19, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has ordered AMCOR Calgary Inc., operating as All Charities and Alberta All Charity Cancer Campaign, to stop its door-to-door sales activities until it obtains a provincial licence...(more)

Be careful with unexpected offers to buy your house (May 13, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans are advised to be wary of unsolicited offers to buy their house following complaints to the Alberta government about suspicious letters sent to homeowners... (more)

Be cautious when selling used jewelry (April 16, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans thinking of sending their unwanted jewelry to businesses offering cash in exchange for gold or diamonds are advised to be careful and do some research first...(more)

Government cautions Albertans about secret shopper scams (March 26, 2010)
Edmonton ... Albertans are cautioned to be suspicious of unsolicited e-mail and text messages advertising jobs for secret or mystery shoppers for retail and service stores... (more)

Input invited on regulations for employment agencies (March 22, 2010)
Edmonton... Albertans are invited to provide input on existing rules for employment agencies in the province to make sure they fit well with the province’s current and future economy... (more) 

Lloydminster introduces online permit and licence tool
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier (March 19, 2010)
Edmonton... Lloydminster is the most recent community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Six Alberta Consumer Champions recognized for efforts (March 8, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is acknowledging six consumer champions for their work in consumer protection for seniors, increasing renters’ consumer knowledge and providing legal research training for seniors... (more) 

Albertans reminded to use caution when shopping online (March 5, 2010)
Edmonton... In conjunction with Fraud Prevention Month, the Alberta government reminds consumers to learn more about their rights when shopping online... (more)

Government investigation of energy sales scam leads to charges (February 24, 2010)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged three former Alberta Energy Savings salespeople for impersonating consumers and signing up homeowners to energy contracts without their consent... (more)

Limit on costs of payday loans protects Alberta consumers (February 19, 2009)
Edmonton... Payday loan companies in Alberta will only be able to charge a maximum of $23 for every $100 consumers borrow beginning March 1... (more)

Third year running for record births in Alberta (February 18, 2010)
Edmonton... Alberta’s delivery rooms were kept busy in 2009 as the province marked its third record-breaking year in a row for births... (more)

Government warns about self-improvement online ads (February 5, 2010)
Edmonton... Consumers are cautioned about online ads promising free trials or discounts for self-improvement products in light of an increasing number of complaints to the Alberta government... (more)

Parkland County introduces online permit and licence tool
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier  (February 5, 2010)
Edmonton... Parkland County is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Wood Buffalo introduces online permit and licence tool
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier  (January 28, 2010)
Wood Buffalo... The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Government investigation gets foreign workers their money back (January 22, 2010)
Edmonton... Thanks to an Alberta government investigation, an unlicensed employment agency has paid back $15,000 in illegal fees it charged to find jobs for foreign workers. It also faces $4,500 in fines. Under Alberta’s Fair Trading Act, employment agencies must be licensed by the provincial government and cannot charge workers a fee for finding them jobs... (more)

Government warns consumers about contractor facing charges (January 20, 2010)
Edmonton... Calgary-area homeowners are warned that Samuel Bogale is believed to be operating as a general contractor despite 24 charges against him for violations of Alberta’s consumer protection legislation... (more)

Albertans reminded to only donate to legitimate charities (January 14, 2010)
Edmonton... With many people seeking to donate money to help with disaster relief in Haiti, Albertans are reminded to ensure they donate carefully, only to legitimate charitable organizations... (more)

Brooks introduces online permit and licence tool
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier (December 18, 2009)
Brooks... The City of Brooks is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)

Government warns consumers about home reno contractor (December 11, 2009)
Edmonton... Edmonton-area homeowners are warned that John Alexander Lazerman is believed to be soliciting business as a home renovation contractor despite recent charges for unfair practices and unlicensed activity... (more)

Job agency charged for collecting illegal fees from workers (December 9, 2009)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged an employment agency for collecting thousands of dollars in fees to place foreign workers in fast-food jobs in Calgary and for operating without a provincial licence… (more)

Government issues alert about unauthorized donation boxes
Unik Chocolates does not have permission of charity to collect money (December 4, 2009)
Edmonton... Donors and businesses are advised that Unik Chocolates is placing counter-top chocolate bar donation boxes in business locations across Alberta without the permission of the charity… (more)

Government provides tips to ensure donations go where intended (December 4, 2009)
Edmonton... Asking a few simple questions can help ensure donations end up in the stockings of legitimate charitable organizations and not in the pockets of door-to-door scam artists… (more)

Albertans warned about unlicensed payday loan company (December 1, 2009)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is warning the public about an unlicensed payday lender called Call4Cash currently operating in Calgary. The company has refused to meet new licensing and regulatory requirements introduced in September, and is no longer permitted to operate as a payday lender until it becomes licensed… (more)

New regulations restrict landlords from billing tenants with heat sub-meters (November 18, 2009)
Edmonton… Renters can no longer be charged for the energy used to heat their apartments with uncertified heat sub-meters under new regulatory changes introduced by the government... (more)

Camrose and area introduce online permit and licence tool
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier (November 13, 2009)
Edmonton... The City of Camrose and Camrose County are the most recent Alberta communities to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)


Gift card rules help Albertans give a gift that lasts
Government reminds consumers to ask about terms or conditions (November 13, 2009)
Edmonton... With the holiday season approaching, Albertans are reminded that rules introduced last year ensure consumers receive full value for gift cards... (more)

Amendments to Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act will strengthen security of personal information (October 27, 2009)
Edmonton... Proposed changes to the Personal Information Protection Act will clarify and strengthen existing protections for Albertans’ personal information and keep the legislation in line with emerging business practices... (more) 

Energy sales agent charged for misleading a consumer (October 2, 2009)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has charged a door-to-door energy salesperson for using misleading practices to get a consumer to sign a utility contract... (more)

Charges laid against home renovation contractor (October 1, 2009)
Edmonton... Edmonton-area home renovation contractor John Alexander Lazerman is charged with 15 offenses under the Fair Trading Act as a result of complaints from consumers... (more)

Grande Prairie introduces online permit and licence tool (September 23, 2009)
BizPaL makes starting a business faster and easier
Grande Prairie... The City of Grande Prairie is the most recent Alberta community to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for businesses... (more)


Alberta Consumer Champion Awards accepting submissions (September 11, 2009)
Edmonton... Do you have what it takes to be a consumer champion? Albertans are invited to put their best work forward by making submissions to the fourth annual Alberta Consumer Champion Awards. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that display dedication and commitment to consumer awareness in the province... (more)

Albertans invited to provide input on auction regulations (September 8, 2009)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is reviewing existing rules governing public auctions and auctioneers. Input from the public is welcome as part of the review... (more) 

Government cautions Albertans about online car ad scams (August 28, 2009)
Edmonton... The Alberta government is warning Albertans about an increase in fraudulent Internet vehicle sales advertisements that attempt to defraud unsuspecting consumers... (more)

Protect yourself from storm repair scams (July 21, 2009)
Edmonton... With homes in the Edmonton area damaged by the recent storm, the Alberta government advises homeowners to take some precautions when hiring someone to do repairs... (more)

Government announces new Utilities Consumer Advocate (July 16, 2009)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has selected Karin Gashus as the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) to begin immediately... (more)

Tenant-landlord dispute resolution service expands to central Alberta (June 29, 2009)
Edmonton... Tenants and landlords in central Alberta now have access to a fast and inexpensive way to settle disputes outside the courtroom... (more)

Alberta health care insurance plan registration services expand to Medicine Hat (June 26, 2009)
Medicine Hat... Medicine Hat residents will now be able to register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan or update their information at a local registry agent... (more)

Innovative online tool makes starting a business easier (June 19, 2009) 
BizPaL expands to Strathcona County and Fort Saskatchewan
Strathcona County and Fort Saskatchewan... Strathcona County and Fort Saskatchewan are the latest Alberta communities to launch BizPaL, an innovative online business permit and licence service that saves time and paperwork for entrepreneurs... (more)

Alberta government protects payday loan consumers (June 3, 2009)
Payday loan companies will have to follow new rules limiting borrowing costs, banning rollover loans and giving borrowers a cooling-off period under a consumer protection regulation introduced by the Alberta government... (more)

Government enhances protection for domestic workers (May 27, 2009)
The Alberta government is repealing a decades-old exemption that allowed employment agencies to charge extra fees to nannies, live-in caregivers, cooks and other people looking to work in private homes... (more)

Government cautions Albertans about home renovation scam (May 25, 2009)
The Alberta government warns that unlicensed itinerant contractors are believed to be operating in the province and may be taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners... (more)

Input from Albertans sought on regulations for home inspectors (May 14, 2009)
Albertans are invited to provide input on whether the government should create regulations for the home inspection industry and what they should include. Currently, there are no specific provincial rules governing the industry... (more)

Businesses benefit from Alberta-B.C. trade agreement
Seamless corporate registration reduces fees and paperwork (April 24, 2009)
Businesses operating in both Alberta and British Columbia will save time and money under a streamlined process for registering in the two provinces… (more)

Registration services for Alberta health care insurance expand (March 23, 2009)
Beginning April 1, Albertans will be able to register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan or update their information at 20 different registry agent offices across the province. The service will be provided at no cost to Albertans… (more)

Albertans recognized for excellence in consumer protection and information (March 9, 2009)
A money management coaching program, a consumer newspaper column, a business referral service, and a program educating youth on financial issues are examples of some of the initiatives recognized this year as part of the Alberta Consumer Champion Awards... (more) 

New licence plate design put on hold (February 18, 2009)
The introduction of a new licence plate design for the province has been postponed, and instead a lower cost approach will be taken by adding a fourth number to the existing plate once the available plate configurations run out later this year... (more)

Do your homework before hiring contractors for renovations (February 13, 2009)
Are you getting ready to tear down a wall, lay out new hardwood or replace an old heating system? The new federal Home Renovation Tax Credit might have you considering improvements to your home. Before hiring a contractor, be sure to understand the rules and protections in place... (more)

Alberta parents deliver record number of babies in 2008 (February 13, 2009)
Alberta had another record-breaking year for births, with more than 50,543 babies born in the province during 2008… (more)

Motor vehicle and land title services not available during Family Day long weekend (January 30, 2009)
Due to computer maintenance, motor vehicle and land title transactions done online and through registry offices will not be available during the Family Day long weekend, Feb. 14-16. … (more)

Online business licence and permit tool expands to Calgary (January 23, 2009)
Starting and running a business in Calgary just became easier thanks to BizPaL, an online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster…(more)

Unlicensed prepaid contractor working in the Edmonton area (September 26, 2008)
Homeowners should be aware of a home renovator named John Alexander Lazerman who may be operating in Edmonton and the surrounding communities. In February Lazerman registered the trade name Foundation Man. Lazerman does not have a provincial prepaid contractor’s license and has not provided a security bond to the Government of Alberta. The province has started an investigation in response to a recent complaint from a consumer...(more)

Alberta Consumer Champion Awards now accepting submissions (September 12, 2008)
Are you a consumer champion? Albertans are invited to put their best work forward and send in submissions to the third Alberta Consumer Champion Awards. The awards recognize those who demonstrate commitment and innovation in educating consumers and promoting fairness in the Alberta marketplace...(more)

Government ensures Albertans get full value for gift cards (September 10, 2008)
New rules in Alberta will eliminate expiry dates and inactivity fees on gift cards starting November 1, ensuring consumers receive full value for gift cards. “Gift cards have become incredibly popular in our province and we want to make sure Albertans get what they pay for,” said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Service Alberta. “This new regulation will ensure that if a consumer buys a $50 gift card, it will be worth $50 no matter when it is redeemed.”...(more)

Thousands provide input on Alberta's licence plate (June 17, 2008)

More than 33,000 Albertans took part in the consultation on Alberta’s licence plate earlier this year, providing input on colours, themes, the slogan, and other issues. The results of the consultation along with decisions on the future direction of Alberta’s licence plate, were announced by Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk...(more)

Landlord-tenant dispute resolution service opens doors in Calgary (June 4, 2008)
Landlords and tenants in Calgary will now be better able to settle disputes outside the courtroom. Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is expanding to Calgary, and area, and will begin accepting applications from landlords and tenants on June 16… (more)

Government terminates Smoky Lake registry agent agreement (March 13, 2008)
This action is based on the findings of an investigation into a complaint involving a serious breach of registry agent policy. Termination of the agreement means Smoky Lake Registries, located at 45 White Earth St. in Smoky Lake, will no longer provide government registry services...(more)

Smoky Lake registry employee suspended pending investigation (March 12, 2008)
Smoky Lake... The Government of Alberta has suspended the registry database access of an employee of Smoky Lake Registries, 45 White Earth St., pending the outcome of an internal investigation into concerns about the employee’s performance... (more)

BizPaL launched in Edmonton (February 1, 2008)
Starting and running a business in the City of Edmonton just became easier thanks to BizPaL, a new online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster... (more)

Ethan, Ava still most popular names for Alberta's booming babies (January 28, 2008)
Alberta is in the midst of what appears to be a baby boom, yet another indication of the province’s rising prosperity... (more)

Unlicensed employment agency fined $3,000; pays restitution (January 12, 2008)
An unlicensed employment agency that attracted clients seeking employment in Alberta's red hot economy was fined $3,000 in provincial court on January 10, 2006 and has made restitution of more than $11,000... (more)

New high-security birth certificate designed to stop identity thieves (December 10, 2007)
The Government of Alberta and its partners on the Vital Statistics Council for Canada have developed a new high-security birth certificate designed to protect Albertans from one of the oldest crimes in the book - fraud and identity theft. The new birth certificate will be available starting February 1 next year... (more)

Get full value for your gift cards this holiday shopping season (November 30, 2007)
Canadian retailers estimate shoppers will stuff more that $1.25 billion worth of gift cards into stockings this Christmas, testimony to the growing popularity of a present that is easy to carry, easy to wrap and easy to use... (more)

Right to Know Week highlights the importance of access to information and privacy of personal records (October 1, 2007)
Albertans’ right to obtain records and have their personal information protected is being highlighted during Right to Know Week, September 28-October 5... (more)
 
New education program helps Albertans combat identity theft (September 11, 2007)
The Alberta government and the Edmonton Police Service have joined forces to create a new tool for preventing identity theft... (more)
 
Younger travellers now eligible for photo ID cards (September 6, 2007)
Albertans age 12 and older planning to travel by air can now obtain a government-issued photo identification card from the province’s registry agents… (more)
 
Students and other first-time renters should do their homework before signing a lease (August 24, 2007)
Students looking for a place to call home while they attend post-secondary programs should do a little homework before making a final decision... (more)

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