Statement by the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry
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Ottawa, August 23, 2011 — The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today made the following statement regarding the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) settlement with GoodLife Fitness Centres Inc. respecting the company's unauthorized telemarketing practices:
"I am pleased with today's CRTC announcement concerning its settlement with GoodLife Fitness over the company's use of automated calling devices (robocalls). A CRTC investigation revealed that between May and December 2010, GoodLife was contacting its clients via robocalls without their express consent.
"The company has agreed to pay a $300,000 penalty, publish corrective notices in newspapers and on its website, cease using robocalls for telemarketing purposes without members' prior consent, organize a business education event with the CRTC to foster compliance with the telemarketing rules and review its compliance policies to ensure ongoing adherence to the CRTC's telemarketing rules.
"As defined in the CRTC's Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules, automatic dialing-announcing devices (ADAD) store and dial telephone numbers automatically. They may be used alone or with other devices to deliver a pre-recorded or synthesized voice message to the telephone number called. Under the rules, ADADs may not be used for telemarketing unless the consumer has given express consent to accept an ADAD telemarketing call.
"This announcement is good news for Canadian consumers and is another concrete example of the measures the Government of Canada is taking to protect Canadians. It complements the consultations the CRTC and Industry Canada are conducting on regulations pursuant to Canada's anti-spam legislation, the most comprehensive anti-spam and electronic commerce legislation in the world.
"Consumers may register on the National Do Not Call List or file a complaint about a telemarketer by calling 1-866-580-DNCL (3625) or visiting the National Do Not Call List website (www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca)."
For further information (media only), please contact:
Richard Walker
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502