{April 5, 2005} VICTORIA - The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority is calling for expressions of interest from consumers and businesses to volunteer to serve on the Authority’s Telemarketing Advisory Group (TELAG).

This group is being formed to identify consumer and industry related issues and potential solutions for consideration by the Authority. The group will also provide feedback on any matters put forward by the Authority for consideration.

On March 18, 2005, the BC government announced the regulation of telemarketers, effective October 1, 2005. The regulation will be administered by the Authority. The new Telemarketer Licensing Regulation requires the licensing of all telemarketers operating in British Columbia, or who contact consumers in British Columbia for the purpose of entering into a contract over the phone or by fax, or undertaking third party fund raising.

The Authority will work closely with consumer and industry stakeholders in regulating this industry, beginning with this call for expressions of interest. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is April 29, 2005.

For additional information about the regulation of telemarketers, please download the Frequently Asked Questions on the Authority’s website.

Download the Call for Expressions of Interest

Download the Terms of Reference for Advisory Groups