New rules in place for Manitoba cell phone contracts

Manitoba's new consumer protection law forcellphone contracts and fees is now in effect.

When the legislation was unveiled earlier this year, the government called itsome of the best consumer protection in Canada.

Under the law,companiesmust fully disclose and explain all charges, fees and terms. The law alsoletsconsumers cancel contracts at any time for a reasonable cancellation fee.

According to the province, in many cases customers will need only to pay the cost of any free phone they were given as part of a long-term contract. The payment would bepro-ratedbased on the remaining length of the agreement.

Service providers will also have to disclose all the details of a contract before it starts.

Consumer advocates called the new rules a goodfirst step and urged customers to be aware of their rights.

"It'simportant for consumers to know what they're now entitled to," Gloria Desorcy, from the Manitoba Branch of the Consumers Association, told CBC News. "Because if we don't know, that we're entitled to it, then we might not complain about it. And that's our responsibility as consumers."

Companies that violate the rules couldface fines of up to $1,000 for a first offence and increased penalties for subsequent transgressions.