Thursday, November 05, 2015
Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
Ontario Appoints Special Advisor to Review Protections for Owners of New Homes
Province Taking Action to Strengthen Consumer Protection for Buyers of New Homes
Ontario has appointed the Honourable J. Douglas Cunningham, QC as special advisor to review protections for owners of new homes and identify opportunities to improve consumer protection measures. Justice Cunningham, former Associate Chief Justice of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, will conduct a public, independent review of the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and the Tarion Warranty Corporation. His final report will provide recommendations on how to improve consumer protection, accountability, transparency and board governance.
Tarion has made recent improvements, such as enhancements to warranty coverage and improved enforcement against illegal building. This review will help build on these improvements in order to further protect owners of new homes across the province.
Improving consumer protection for all Ontarians is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Tarion has responsibility for administering the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act that was passed in 1976. The act deals with new home warranty protections and builder regulation.
- New homes built for resale or under contract with an owner must be enrolled in the statutory home warranty program and builders must be registered with Tarion.
- In 2014, more than 49,000 new homes were enrolled in the warranty program — 62 per cent were freehold homes; 38 per cent were high rise condominium units.
Background Information:
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"It is important that government continually review policies and programs to ensure consumers are benefitting from strong consumer protection measures. Justice Cunningham has the expertise, experience and sound judgment that is critical for this review. We look forward to his recommendations, which will help improve protection for owners of new homes in Ontario."
— David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services
"I am looking forward to recommending changes that will improve consumer protection for owners of new homes. I intend to consult broadly with the public and industry experts on measures that will strengthen Ontario’s new home warranty program. "
— The Honourable J. Douglas Cunningham,
Media Contacts:
Lauren Souch
Minister’s Office
416-212-3721
Anne-Marie Flanagan
Communications Branch
416-314-6626
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