07.04.07
Canada is one step closer to a DNC List
That's right... the United States has had a Do-Not-Call List for 4 years now, and Canada has still yet to launch one, even though the idea was announced 3 years ago.
The Do-Not-Call list, introduced by Bill C-37, is one step closer to becoming a reality as the CRTC announced the rules that will govern the DNC List and began it's search for an operator. Unfortunately, no one will willing to operate the DNC List. The reason? The government expects that money collected via 'subscription fees' collected from businesses accessing the DNC List will be sufficient to pay for the operation of the DNC List. This expectation caused the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) to back out as the expected operator, stating that they can't operate a project with no clear business model. The CRTC will be responsible for handling complaints related to DNC List violations and can levy fines to a maximum of $1,500 per individual and $15,000 per corporation. These dollar amounts are per violation and not total amounts that can be fined.
Even more interesting is the list of "organizations" that will not be affected by this. The largest amount of telemarketing calls I have are from businesses for which I'm already a customer. Bell Canada is a great example, attempting to up-sell current telephone customers with STS (Smart Touch Services) or Rogers Communication with their attempted up-selling of Rogers Home Phone service to customers with Cable TV and Internet through them. Well guess what, they'll still be able to call you... Bill C-37 has an exception for organizations with whom you are already doing business. Two more annoying groups that call repeatedly and refuse to stop calling even after you talk to them: Charities and Newspapers. The Diabetes Society called me 6 times one month to ask if I had any clothes to donate and the Toronto Star calls at least twice a month asking if we're interested in a subscription. Another group that politicians decided should be exempt is, surprise surprise, politicians. That's right... if they are running for office they are free to call you.
The Do-Not-Call List has been rebranded the Do-Not-Hesitate-To-Call List and that may be more accurate in the end... and that's only if we ever see it. Another interesting point is that DoNotCall.ca closed their doors June 23, 2006 because the CRTC would be introducing the government DNC List within the year... that didn't really happen.
While we wait for the official DNC List, the CMA has a Do Not Contact service. You can subscribe here and all customer lists associated with the CMA will have your name removed.
Canadian DNC List Wikipedia Entry
