Searching for Consumer Protection / Complaints

Public information and advice on consumer rights and responsibilities, complaints and consumer protection legislation

• attempts to mediate complaints arising from regulated sectors of the marketplace, unfair business practices and from the sale of goods and services
• investigation and enforcement of consumer protection legislation
• public education and awareness programs, including online searchable business Consumer Beware List, https://www.consumerbewarelist.mgs.gov.on.ca/en/cbl/search

Contact the following organisations as appropriate

Bank account or credit card, contact your bank

Call Canada's main credit reporting agencies and put a fraud alert on your credit report
Trans Union Canada 1-800-663-9980
Equifax Canada 1-800-465-7166
Credit card number, bank account number, social insurance number or passport number contact the Canada Revenue Agency 1-800-959-8281

If any of your federally-issued ID was compromised including passport, resident card and other, contact 1 800 O-Canada at 1-800-622-6232
Social Insurance Number (SIN) has been stolen, contact 1-800-206-7218
Driver's licence, contact your provincial ministry responsible for transportation in Ontario, 1-800-268-4686
Health card contact your provincial government department responsible for health in Ontario, 1-866-532-3161
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501
RCMP Fraud Reporting System using your online banking login
Crime stoppers 1-800-222-8477
Auto Insurance Fraud Prevention and Reporting
Identity theft issues, and report Spam contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (PIPEDA) 1-800-282-1376
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security 1-833-292-3788

Reviews and investigates complaints by Veterans Affairs clients

• facilitates client access to Veterans Affairs programs and services

Ombudsman

• independent investigation and resolution of complaints about the administration of all Regional and municipal departments, services and agencies
• systemic investigations into recurring problems
• confidential

Regional Municipality of York

Complaint submission form

East Gwillimbury

Complaint submission form

• Regulatory body
• assessment of qualifications prior to arrival in Canada
• education, training and professional development
• investigates complaints

Information and referral for City of Toronto services and programs


COVID-19 -- check website for information on how the current public health situation may affect City facilities, programs and services

• March 22, 2022 -- Toronto City Hall, and Civic Centres for North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke and York are now fully open to the public and face mask requirement has been lifted

Click here for changes to City services during the COVID-19 pandemic

• City of Toronto's response to COVID 19, including information on current health situation, lockdown status, vaccination booking, link(s) to city's immunization clinics
• COVID 19 MEDIA ROOM, including bylaws and special orders, information on enforcement

For Animals and Pets, including Animal Enforcement and Assistance CLICK HERE


BusinessTO Support Centre -- provides advice and resources to help businesses respond to the economic impact of COVID-19

• one-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete applications for Government of Canada COVID-19 funding programs
• to access the BusinessTO Support Centre CLICK HERE

For Bylaw Enforcement CLICK HERE


For Bylaws, Directives and Orders related to COVID-19 CLICK HERE


For Cool Spaces Near You CLICK HERE


Emergency Energy Fund -- financial assistance for low income residents with energy disconnections due to late payment of bills

• call Neighbourhood Information Post at 647-727-8988 or for more information CLICK HERE

For information on Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety Alerts CLICK HERE


For Financial and Employment Support CLICK HERE


For Garbage and Recycling CLICK HERE


For Graffiti and Postering bylaw information CLICK HERE


For information on Grants, Incentives and Rebates CLICK HERE


Hardship Fund -- for low income residents who are not receiving social assistance

• help with health-related expenses such as eyeglasses, emergency dental work, medication, walkers
• call 416-338-8888 or CLICK HERE

For Low or No Heat or other vital services (hydro, gas, water) in rental units CLICK HERE


Home Energy Loan Program -- low-interest loans to homeowners for energy retrofits

• loan is repaid through installments on the property tax bill
• call 416-392-1826 or CLICK HERE

For information on Marriage licenses CLICK HERE


Newcomer Service Kiosks -- information and referral to interpretation and translation services, employment training, community services, schools, health care

• locations throughout Toronto
• call 416-338-0688
• during Covid19, services provided virtually or by phone

For Noise Bylaw CLICK HERE


For Property Standards bylaw CLICK HERE


For Property Taxes and Utilities CLICK HERE


Property tax and water bill relief programs -- for low-income seniors and low-income people with disabilities

• call 311 Tax Utility Inquiry Line

For Roads and Road Maintenance CLICK HERE


Safe City Program - first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/defibrillation) training available from Toronto Paramedic Services CLICK HERE



Service and Benefit Finder Tool
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Sidewalk snow removal -- service for wherever the City does not clear the sidewalks

• for seniors and persons with disabilities in Toronto, East York, Etobicoke and North York wishing more information form CLICK HERE

For Streets, Parking and Transportation CLICK HERE


For Trees issues CLICK HERE


For Water issues CLICK HERE


For Winter Services CLICK HERE


For the City's Winter plan for those experiencing homelessness CLICK HERE



For information on Community Councils, Mayor and City Councillors see separate entries

Inquiries and complaints resolution for consumers of life and health insurance products and services including disability, employment health benefits, travel, and insurance investment products

• online insurance finder tool
• policy search assistance may be available in locating lost Canadian policies of deceased persons 3 months to 2 years following death -- call or visit website for details
• consumer publications

Offices also in Montreal and Edmonton

Homelessness services, including eviction prevention, shelters and respite centres, and street outreach

• cold weather response, including winter respite
• see branch listings for services

Receives and investigates complaints regarding housing and homelessness services delivered or funded by the City of Toronto

• Central Intake, shelters, Streets to Homes and Assessment and Referral Centre complaints, contact 416-392-8741, fax 416-338-1144, email ssha@toronto.ca
• Drop-in and Out of the Cold program complaints, contact 416-392-4126, fax 416-696-3718, email hss@toronto.ca
• Complaint form can be mailed to SSHA Complaints, 55 John St, 6th Floor

COVID-19 -- office currently closed to in-person service; phone lines are OPEN -- leave voicemail and staff will do their best to return your call within 2 business days during working hours; complaints may be made using online complaint form on website, or via email to info@ombudsman.on.ca


Children and Youth Unit will respond to calls from children and youth in care


Confidential investigation of public complaints about Ontario government services that could not be resolved through regular complaints procedures

• includes provincial ministries, Crown corporations, tribunals, agencies, boards and commissions
• Ontario universities and school boards
• child protection services (handled by the Children and Youth Unit -- see separate entry)
• French language services (handled by the French Language Services Unit -- see separate entry)
• municipalities (excluding matters handled by Ombudsman Toronto -- see separate entry)

Cannot deal with matters regarding federal government, courts or decisions of judges, lawyers, local police, politicians, doctors, hospitals, long-term care homes or the private sector

Operates as an office of the provincial legislature, independent of the government and political parties

COVID-19 -- office currently closed to in-person service; toll free and local phone lines are OPEN; complaints may be made using online complaint form on website, or via email to sf-fls@ombudsman.on.ca

• reviews and investigates complaints, including systemic issues
• makes recommendations regarding provision of French language services by the provincial government
• promotes compliance with French Language Services Act (FLSA)

Regulatory and licensing body for legal services in Ontario

Complaint Service -- handles complaints about lawyer or paralegal conduct and services -- 416-947-3310 or 1-800-268-7568

Accepts and investigates complaints about the conduct of Ontario lawyers and licensed paralegals

Independent organization that investigates customer complaints against financial service providers, including banks and other deposit-taking organizations, investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and mutual fund companies

Regulating body of physiotherapy in Ontario * investigates consumer complaints * maintains a list of currently registered physiotherapists on the Find a Physiotherapist website * Physiotherapy Information Advisor is available to answer patient questions

Establishes professional practice standards, regulations, statutory programs, and disciplinary processes to govern psychotherapists in Ontario * maintains a public register of members

COVID-19 -- office closed to the public and in-person meetings canceled until further notice; contact office by phone or email, or use online complaint form


Independent investigation and resolution of complaints about the administration of all City divisions and many City agencies, corporations and adjudicative bodies (for complete list CLICK HERE)

• systemic investigations into recurring problems
• review and oversight of fairness of Toronto Police procedures and programs
• confidential
• reports to Toronto City Council

Licensing and compliance reviews of children's residential programs, including group homes, foster care and staff-model homes, in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act; licensing, inspection and investigation of complaints; information and assistance for those with intent to provide licensed residential care

Manages financial and/or personal affairs of persons who are mentally incapable where no one else is able to do so

• makes medical treatment decisions for persons who are mentally incapable where no one else is able to do so
• investigates allegations of serious harm against vulnerable adults
• administers certain estates of persons who die without a will and without any family in Ontario
• deals forfeited personal property not located in, on or under forfeited land
• as the Accountant of the Superior Court of Justice retains all money, mortgages and securities paid into, or lodged with, the Court on behalf of minors and litigants
• protects the public interest in charitable property
• invests perpetual care funds of some cemeteries
• free power of attorney kits -- contact local office or visit website
• brochures available online

Assesses lawyers' bills in case of dispute

• if past one month of receiving bill, client may file a notice of application at the motions counter (393 University Ave, 10th Fl)
• fees vary for different services

Regulating body of the profession representing chiropodists and podiatrists * investigates complaints * website offers membership directory by name or location

Works to resolve and investigate complaints regarding services in Ontario in public hospitals, long-term care homes and the home and community care services coordinated by the Local Health Integration Neworks (LHINs)

Regulating and registering body of the profession * investigates consumer complaints * optician search available on website

Licenses and regulates the insolvency profession

• supervises the administration of estates in bankruptcy, commercial reorganizations, consumer proposals and receiverships
• maintains a public record of bankruptcy and insolvency filings
• records and investigates complaints from debtors and creditors regarding the insolvency process

Find a licensed Insolvency Trustee

Regulates and governs Ontario's early childhood educators

• sets registration requirements, and ethical and professional standards
• receives complaints, undertakes discipline process
• online public register of members