With government officially proclaiming March 15 - 22, 2013 as Consumer Awareness Week, consumers and businesses in B.C. are set to take the spotlight and have the chance to educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace.

During B.C.'s first ever Consumer Awareness Week, the Ministry of Justice, Consumer Protection BC, and partner organizations will share important tips on a number of significant marketplace issues under the theme Take Five. These include:

• Top consumer tips of all-time.

• Tips if buying on credit.

• Car buying tips.

• Tips for choosing a business.

The theme represents not only the number of tips that will be released per day during the week (5), but also the need for consumers to pause before making a purchasing decision.

March 15 also marks World Consumer Rights Day - a day to promote the rights of consumers including the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to consumer education. Along with March having been declared Fraud Prevention Month, Consumer Awareness Week will continue to help promote a fair marketplace for B.C. consumers and businesses.

Quotes:

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Building on the success of Fraud Prevention Month, Consumer Awareness Week provides a great opportunity to help all British Columbians protect themselves, make informed decisions in the marketplace and encourage positive business practices. We are proud to join Consumer Protection BC and other organizations in this new initiative."

Manjit Bains, vice president, corporate relations, Consumer Protection BC -

"Consumer Protection BC is committed to empowering both consumers and businesses by providing a range of self-help tools, educational materials and assistance to help navigate a changing marketplace. Consumer Awareness Week highlights the rights consumers have under the law in British Columbia."

Quick Facts:

• The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority Act established Consumer Protection BC as a not for profit corporation in 2004 to strengthen consumer protection in B.C.

• Consumer Protection BC is responsible for a range of consumer education, licensing, inspection, investigation and enforcement activities.

• World Consumer Rights Day was established in 1983 to promote the basic rights of consumers everywhere. To find out more, visit: www.consumersinternational.org

Learn More:

To access the daily Consumer Awareness Week Take Five tips, go to:

• www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

• www.facebook.com/ConsumerProtectionBC

• Twitter @ConsumerProBC using the hashtag #TakeFive2013 and #CAW2013.

If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer in British Columbia, please contact Consumer Protection BC toll-free at 1 888 564-9963 or visit: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

Consumer Protection BC
1 888 564-9963 ext. 2824
media@consumerprotectionbc.ca