The Consumer Protection Act gives AMVIC the authority to inspect all licensed automotive businesses in Alberta, including service and repair businesses. The purpose of the inspection is to determine compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and related regulations.
This is a reminder that AMVIC inspectors will not be advising the business during an inspection whether Administrative Action will be recommended to the Director of Fair Trading (as delegated). Recommendations for Administrative Action are made by management following a review of the inspection findings. Where applicable, notice of a potential recommendation by management will be identified at the bottom of the Inspection Findings Letter. If an automotive or service and repair business inquires about possible administrative actions, inspectors will direct them to AMVIC’s website and advise that AMVIC follows a progressive enforcement model.
AMVIC’s progressive enforcement model follows these steps:
- A findings letter is sent to the licensee urging voluntary compliance.
- A condition may be added to a licence.
- AMVIC’s peace officers have the authority to lay charges under the Consumer Protection Act, Traffic Safety Act and Criminal Code against a business or an individual. Charges are laid when the offence and circumstances are of sufficient seriousness in nature and/or the accused is likely to re-offend.
- A notice of administrative review, which could include proposed enforcement action, may be sent.
Visit amvic.org for more information about AMVIC’s progressive enforcement model inspection process.