Starting a consumer complaint

I got this response to my request about an air conditioner lemon, and I'll do it.  It will go into my book.

Dear Harold Asmis,

Thank you for writing to Consumer Protection Ontario at the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

We recommend writing a complaint letter to the business in question and sending your letter by email or by registered mail so that you have a record of when you sent it.

Here’s a sample letter you can use as your template (PDF)

You can also include a notification of consumer complaint (PDF) with your complaint letter. This notification tells the business that you have started the complaint process and explains the consequences of ignoring a complaint that may fall under the Consumer Protection Act.

When you write your complaint letter:

·       Type it or make sure your handwriting is neat and easy to read

·       Explain what happened

·       Be specific about how you want to resolve the problem. For example, request for a refund, return, etc.

·       Specify the date by which you want a response (3 weeks is reasonable)

·       Keep it short and to the point

·       Be firm but polite

·       Include copies (not originals) of receipts, invoices, contracts, or other relevant documents

·       Include your signature and date

·       Keep a copy of the letter

·       Keep a record of its delivery. For example, send it by registered mail, fax or email

If a letter to the business does not resolve your issue, file a complaint with us by choosing one of the following:

·      Submit an online complaint

·      Print and complete our complaint form (PDF), and send it by mail, email or fax to:

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

Consumer Protection Branch

Consumer Services, Analytics and Partnerships Branch

Box 450

77 Wellesley Street West

Toronto ON M7A 2J6

Email: consumer@ontario.ca

Fax: 416-326-8665

Please call us at 416-326-8800 or toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 if you have any questions. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that your issue has been resolved.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services    

Consumer Services Operations Division

77 Wellesley Street West

PO Box 450

Toronto ON M7A 2J6

Telephone:    416-326-8800

Toll free:         1-800-889-9768

TTY:                416-229-6086          

TTY toll free:  1-877-666-6545

Fax:                416-326-8665

Email:             consumer@ontario.ca

Website:         ontario.ca/consumer

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.

ps.  I've stopped the book until I go through this.