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Ontario Reviewing Consumer Protections For Owners Of New Homes

The Canadian Press, 05 Nov, 2015 10:56 AM

TORONTO — A retired judge will head up a review looking at how to improve consumer protections for owners of new homes.

Ontario has appointed Douglas Cunningham, the former associate chief justice of the Ontario Superior Court, to review the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and the Tarion Warranty Corporation.

Tarion, the private company that administers Ontario's new home warranties, was slammed years ago by the province's ombudsman as a "puppet of the building industry."

Government and Consumer Services Minister David Orazietti says Tarion has made "some very significant improvements" in the last few years in how it offers the warranty program, including a builder registry, greater disclosure and changes to the board.

He says the review will look at strengthening consumer protection, including dispute resolution processes, warranty coverage levels and greater accountability and oversight of Tarion.

The review is set to wrap up by June 30.

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