June 2019

Consumer Edge

Office of Consumer Affairs

June 2019

What's new at the OCA?

Contributions Program

This year, the OCA aims to support consumer and voluntary organizations to produce even more robust research on consumer issues.

As such, changes were made to the Contributions Program for Non-profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations. The call for proposals will span over two years, from 2019 to 2021. In addition, the per-project funding limit has increased from $100,000 to $250,000.

Find out which non-profits were awarded funding for their proposed research projects.

Summer travel and activities

3 budget-wise tips for Parks Canada visitors

Parks Canada now offers free admission to their parks and sites for youth 17 and under. When planning a visit, travellers can check the full list of Parks Canada sites to take advantage of free admission for youth.

Avid campers can get big savings with the Discovery Pass—an unlimited admission for 12 full months from the date of purchase at over 80 Parks Canada sites that typically charge a daily entrance fee. This pass can pay for itself in as little as seven days.

For those looking to experience a true camping experience, but don't have the gear, Parks Canada offers a select number of Equipped Campsites.

AdventureSmart Trip Plan App

A new, free app lets Canadians create trip plans to send to family and friends. AdventureSmart Trip Plan lets others know where they have gone and when they expect to return, in case they get into trouble outdoors.

Help promote this Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) service. You can link to their website, share their infographic and tweets, and use the #AventureSmart hashtag when promoting the app on your social media channels.

New Air Passenger Protection Regulations

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) recently announced that the Air Passenger Protection Regulations are now final. The first stage of the regulations will come into force on July 15, 2019. See airpassengerprotection.ca for all the details.

Propane Quiz

Q: In Canada, you can buy propane for your barbecue:

Sorry! You have answered incorrectly.

The answer is e, all of the above. Make sure to get what you pay for—consult the Measurement Canada tool for regulation details and tips.

Congratulations! You chose the right answer.

The answer is e, all of the above. Make sure to get what you pay for—consult the Measurement Canada tool for regulation details and tips.