Our offices are located on the traditional lands of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen), hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Hun’qumyi’num), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Secwepemctsín (Shuswap)-speaking Peoples and ancestors, and our work extends across the homelands of the Indigenous Peoples within what we now call British Columbia. We honour the many territorial keepers of the lands and waters where we work. 

Who we are

Consumer Protection BC is the regulator of a variety of sectors and specific types of consumer transactions in British Columbia. Our purpose is to license and inspect regulated businesses, respond to consumer inquiries, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. Our vision is a province where all citizens of BC are empowered in their transactions as a result of rigorous and consistent business compliance and through the provision of information. Licensed industries described in a wheel shape. Industries listed are payday lending, high cost credit granting, debt collection & bailiffs, debt repayment agents, home inspectors, cemetery & funeral services, travel agents, telemarketing and motion pictures. Regulated industry wheel is listed on the right and it includes credit reporting, ticket sales, gift cards and consumer contracts. In the public interest and through the authority delegated by the Province of British Columbia, Consumer Protection BC is responsible for administering three Acts and a variety of regulations. We operate using a cost-recovery model and are financed primarily through licensing revenues of the industries we regulate.

What we do

We deliver consumer protection services throughout British Columbia by:

  • Educating consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities
  • Responding to inquiries and complaints from BC consumers and businesses
  • Licensing specific businesses and occupations
  • Inspecting licensed businesses and occupations to ensure they are following BC’s consumer protection laws
  • Investigating alleged violations of consumer protection laws, then resolving through progressive enforcement
  • Classifying all motion pictures exhibited in BC
  • Overseeing all retail adult video products sold or rented to consumers through listed establishments
  • Providing recommendations to government regarding enhancements to consumer protection laws

Read our Strategic Business Plans, Annual Reports and Financial Statements.