to the contract. If you are charged more than 10 per cent above a written estimate without agreeing to it, you can demand that the final price be adjusted. Make sure the contract contains a timeline and end date of when work will be completed. Under the Consumer Protection Act, when you order a product or service, it must be delivered within 30 days of the promised delivery date or you can ask for a refund. Under the CPA, you cannot be charged for receiving an item or service that you did not request. What contractors must provide: licences, accreditation or certification, and WSIB insurances needed to start and finish the work; references of their work upon request – al-though be aware that some cons stage good references to make a sale; proof of all necessary permits required before proceeding. When dealing with electricians make sure to call the Electrical Safety Authority to see if they are licensed in your province. More tips: • Never give more than 10 per cent upfront and the rest only upon completion, and never pay the full amount of the contract before the work is all done. Remember, le-gitimate home renovation companies have enough credit to buy the materials they need to start and finish the job. • Set, review, and adhere to timelines of the work to be done. Remember if the work is not completed within 30 days of the due date then the contract is void if a revised contract is not agreed upon. • If you are ‘ripped off’ go to the local police and report the crime as a fraud. Frauds command more serious attention and investigation. If police are not taking your complaint seriously then ask to speak to the staff sergeant on duty to accelerate the wheels of justice. • If the person you hired is under bankruptcy protection but took greater than $1,000 from you as down payment, you can contact the RCMP as it is a federal crime. • In addition to all of this you may file a complaint with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services Mis-representation: 1-877-376-9902. It is illegal for businesses or individuals to give you false information about them-selves or the product/service they offer. • If law enforcement gets involved and presses charges, one option at recouping the lost monies is by ordered restitu-tion where the judge orders the defendant to pay you to avoid a more serious sentence. Alternatively, you may also proceed with a civil case through small claims court to sue for the return of what was taken from you. www.canadianchiropractor.ca October 2016 Canadian Chiropractor 19
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