Earlier this week, the federal CRTC announced that it has taken sweeping enforcement steps against 85 companies for breaching Canada’s telemarketing rules.
In making the announcement, the CRTC said:
“Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) concluded a five-month investigation and took enforcement action against 85 companies for breaking the telemarketing rules. This investigation marks the latest step in the CRTC’s efforts, using a variety of enforcement strategies, to reduce unwanted calls made to Canadians.
The CRTC issued citations to 74 telemarketers who had failed to register with the National Do Not Call List operator or subscribe to the National Do Not Call List. Notices of violation were issued to an additional 11 companies for more significant breaches. Administrative monetary penalties totalling $41,000 were imposed on those 11 companies. In setting the penalty amounts, the CRTC recognized that many of these telemarketers are small businesses.”
According to the CRTC, it has imposed penalties of $2.1 million to date.
Under Canada’s National Do Not Call List (“DNCL”) rules, established under the federal Telecommunications Act, consumers may register their residential, wireless, fax or VoIP telephone numbers to reduce the number of telemarketing calls received. Registrations are valid for five years and become effective 31 days after registration (consumers must periodically renew their registrations before expiry).
Telemarketers are required to register as subscribers of the DNCL, pay fees to the National DNCL operator, comply with certain record-keeping obligations under the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules and make certain required disclosure during telemarketing calls.
Telemarketers that fail to comply with the DNCL rules are subject to administrative monetary penalties of up to $1,500 (for individuals) and $15,000 (for corporations) for each violation.
For the CRTC’s news release see:
CRTC takes enforcement action against 85 companies for breaking the telemarketing rules
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