The CRTC announced today that it has levied fines of $84,000 against four Toronto-area companies stemming from violations of its telemarketing rules. The four companies, all of which sell home improvement services, have also agreed to end their current telemarketing practices.
The CRTC acted on consumer complaints against Ecosmart Home Services, Loyal Seal Windows and Doors, Home Comfort Group, and an individual named Brian Jones using the trade name Pegasus Peaks, for alleged violations of its unsolicited telecommunications rules.
The subsequent investigation found that companies were making unsolicited calls, either directly or through third-party firms, to Canadians who had registered their numbers on the National Do Not Call List. The companies also failed to register and subscribe with the list operator before making telemarketing calls.
In addition to monetary penalties, the companies have also committed to ensuring future compliance with unsolicited telecommunications rules and implementing a “comprehensive” compliance program including:
•The development and implementation of a corporate compliance program;
•The appointment of an internal compliance officer to ensure continued adherence to the unsolicited telecommunications rules;
•An education and training program for employees;
•The registration and tracking of future telemarketing complaints, and their resolution, and the implementation of effective enforcement measures for adherence to corporate compliance policies
The CRTC also announced that is has also issued a notice of violation to a fifth company, Action Windows and Doors, with a monetary penalty of $24,000.
The CRTC has levied more than $4 million in monetary penalties since the DNCL was established in 2008. More than 12 million Canadians are currently registered on the list.
