Canadian Collection Agency Legislation Still Awaiting Final Cabinet Approval

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Member of the Legislative Assembly Graham Steele is calling on Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm to have his cabinet finally proclaim amendments to the Collection Agencies Act and Consume Creditors’ Conduct Act that were intended to help consumers being harassed by collection agencies, originally passed in October 2003.

“This legislation has been gathering dust for two years,” says Steele. “What possible reason explains a two-year delay in proclamation?”

“There are people in our province who are being affected by collection practices of agencies from within and outside of Nova Scotia who need the protection of this legislation now.”

“This was the government’s own legislation. Why would they introduce it, negotiate with the Opposition to have it passed, and then just let it sit there? Whose side are they on?”

Amendments to both bills resulted in changes that would require collection agencies to approach consumers in a more fair and reasonable manner.

Bill No. 11, Collection Agencies Act (Amended) and Consumer Creditors’ Conduct Act (amended), contains a clause stating it only becomes law after it is proclaimed by the Cabinet. It was introduced by the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Barry Barnet, in October 2003, was passed and received royal assent on October 30, 2003.