Important Announcement - Youths Be Aware, Parents Be Aware

March 30, 2010

MANITOBA CONSUMERS' BUREAU ISSUES ALERT
The Manitoba Consumers’ Bureau advises the public and businesses to be aware that Y.E.P. Youth Employment Program is no longer licensed as a direct seller in Manitoba. Y.E.P. Youth Employment Program hires young people to sell candy products, usually at shopping malls or outside large retailers, but the company is not licensed effective March 26.
The Consumer Protection Act requires any company or individual selling goods and services directly to consumers to be licensed. The bureau places important conditions on the licence of a business that employs young workers to direct sell. These conditions have been developed by the bureau in co-operation with the Workplace Safety and Health Division and the Employment Standards Division of Manitoba Labour and Immigration and are intended to protect young people. In addition, all direct sellers must comply with legislation and must not engage in deceptive practices or make misleading statements.
Retailers are asked to check with the Consumers’ Bureau before permitting any type of direct selling on their property. Consumers should also confirm that a direct seller is properly licensed before making a purchase.
To find out if a business needs to be licensed and is properly licensed, to make a complaint or to get more information, contact the Consumers’ Bureau at 204-945-3800, 1-800-782-0067 (toll-free) or by email at consumersbureau@gov.mb.ca.To obtain information on the protections that are in place for young workers, contact the Workplace Safety and Health Division at 945-6848 or toll-free at 1-800-282-8069, and the Employment Standards Division at 945-3352 or toll-free at 1-800-821-4307.



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