Community Operations

Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets

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Consumer Services - Who Are We?

Consumer Services deals with the concerns of anyone who buys or uses goods or services.

The Consumer Services office, a section of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provides answers to consumer concerns in the Northwest Territories.

Consumer Services will handle any complaints or questions you may have about the services our section offers.

Under Northwest Territories law, the Consumer Services office is responsible for the administration of the following pieces of legislation:

  1. Lotteries Act and Regulations
    Any charitable or religious organization planning to raise money through a lottery must get a licence. We currently license bingos, pull tickets (nevada tickets), raffles, territorial wide raffles, casinos and sports drafts.
  2. Consumer Protection Act
    Under this act, Consumer Services licences vendors, direct sellers and collection agencies.

    The Consumer Services office also handles consumer complaints about business practices and specific items or goods. The Consumer Services office can tell you how to make a consumer complaint. The officer will also mediate consumer complaints.
  3. Real Estate Agents' Licensing Act
    Consumer Services licences and regulates all real estate agents and salespersons in the Northwest Territories.

    If you need information concerning the educational requirements to practice real estate sales in the Northwest Territories or if you have a question or complaint about a real estate agent or salesperson, Consumer Services can help.
  4. Film Classification Act
    Consumer Services regulates the classifications of movies exhibited in a public theatre. If you have questions or concerns about the rating system or access by minors to films shown in a public theatre, Consumer Services can help.
  5. Second Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act
    Consumer Services also licenses and regulates pawn brokers and second hand dealers. If you have questions or concerns about a pawnbroker or second hand dealer, Consumer Services can help.
  6. Business Licensing Act
    Consumer Services licenses a wide range of businesses operating in small communities or outside municipal boundaries. If you are unsure if you business needs a license, please contact Consumer Services and we can help.

Many of the forms you need for our licensing activities are also available on our world wide web site at: http://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/forms/forms.html

For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.