[September 18, 2009] - VICTORIA, BC - Consumer Protection BC is advising consumers and travel agencies that Exclusively Canada has ceased operations, effective immediately. The agency’s travel licence has been suspended by Consumer Protection BC pending further investigation.

In British Columbia, travel agencies and wholesalers are required to be licensed with Consumer Protection BC. We recommend that consumers and travel agencies confirm their upcoming travel arrangements that were booked through Exclusively Canada Ltd.

If consumers have booked their travel through a travel agency, Consumer Protection BC recommends pursuing the following avenues to inquire into obtaining refunds:

1. If the trip was booked through a travel agent other than Exclusively Canada Ltd., ask them for assistance or to request a refund.
2. If they purchased travel services with a credit card, call or write to find out if the charges can be reversed.
3. If they have purchased insurance, contact the carrier to confirm the coverage.

If all of these options have been exhausted, the consumer may be eligible to claim under the Travel Assurance Fund (TAF). The TAF is a fund of last resort which offers compensation to consumers who have booked travel through a BC licensed travel agent but did not receive their travel services.

The BC Travel Assurance Fund, under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the BC Travel Industry Regulation, protects both consumers and travel agents licensed in British Columbia in their transactions. The Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) is a fund of last resort that compensates consumers who did not receive the travel services they purchased. Please note that the TAF doesn’t cover all situations, including the cost of alternate travel arrangements, gift certificates, unused credits, nor will it top up insurance payments. Consumers have up to six months from the date they did not receive the travel services to make a claim to the TAF. If your claim meets the eligible criteria, we may be able to help.

Please contact our Inquiry Centre or visit our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca for more information about the Travel Assurance Fund and for a list of licensed BC travel agencies and wholesalers.

Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforce consumer protection laws. We balance the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and businesses. We license collection services, cemetery and funeral services, motion picture theatres, distributors, and video retailers, telemarketing services, travel services and home inspectors.