Consumer Resources

Ombudsman Associations

International Network of Financial Services Ombudsman Schemes (INFO Network)

The INFO Network is a worldwide association of financial services ombudsman schemes.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

The CAFC operates pursuant to a joint management team structure consisting of representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Competition Bureau Canada.

Canadian Foundation for Advancement of Investor Rights (FAIR)

Non-profit organization representing the interests of Canadian investors in securities regulations.

Canadian Foundation for Economic Education

This site has several resources that help increase financial capability.

Office of Consumer Affairs

Consumers will find resources that will help them make informed decisions when participating in the marketplace.

GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca (OSC Investor Education)

GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca is a website founded by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) that provides unbiased and independent financial tools to help you make better financial decisions.

The Get Smarter About Money tool is run by the OSC's Investor Office which sets the strategic direction and leads the OSC's efforts in investor engagement, education, outreach and research. The Office also brings the investor perspective to policy-making and operations.

Osgoode Investor Protection Clinic

The Investor Protection Clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School provides free legal advice to people who believe their investments were mishandled and who cannot afford a lawyer.

U of T Investor Protection Clinic

The Investor Protection Clinic at University of Toronto provides free legal services and public legal education to members of vulnerable communities who are at risk of suffering harm, or may have suffered harm, relating to their investments.

Understanding Registration

The Canadian Securities Administrator's guide to different types of firm registrations and the services each type of firm provides.

Prosper Canada

Prosper Canada is a national charity dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for Canadians living in poverty through program and policy innovation. 

ACORN Canada

ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) Canada is an independent national organization of low- and moderate-income families.  They connect community members -- low and moderate income consumers -- with information about their rights, financial literacy education, tax and benefit services, and leadership development training. 

This umbrella organization for the provincial securities regulators includes links to member sites and consumer information.

Nova Scotia Securities Commission (NSSC)

Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)

CIRO is the national self-regulatory organization that oversees all investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and trading activity on Canada’s debt and equity marketplaces.

The national forum for pension, securities and insurance regulators to co-ordinate, harmonize and streamline financial services regulation in Canada.

The federal marketplace conduct regulator of federally regulated financial services firms including banks.

Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)

The federal government regulator for financial services firms in federal jurisdiction.

The federal government office that monitors and enforces the privacy law.

Consumer Advocacy Groups 

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

PIAC is a non-profit organization and charity that provides legal and research services on behalf of consumer interests, and, in particular, vulnerable consumer interests, concerning the provision of important public services.

Option Consommateurs

Their mission is to promote and defend the interests of consumers while ensuring that these interests are respected. They take interest in questions related to personal finances, financial services, business practices, private life, and telecommunications.

The national industry association for Canada's banks.

Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA)

The trade association and central finance facility for credit unions in Canada.

The trade association for the mutual fund industry in Canada.

Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC)

The trade association for the investment industry in Canada.

Payments Canada

The organization responsible for Canada's financial clearing and settlement infrastructure, processes and rules.

Portfolio Management Association of Canada (PMAC)

The association for portfolio management firms in Canada.

Private Capital Markets Association of Canada (PCMA)

The association for exempt market dealers and issuers in Canada.

RESP Dealers Association of Canada (RESPDAC) 

The industry association for Scholarship Plan Dealers in Canada.

The trade association for life and health (including disability) insurance companies in Canada.

The OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance (OLHI) is a national independent complaint resolution and information service for consumers of Canadian life and health insurance products and services, including life, disability, employee health benefits, travel, and insurance investment products such as annuities and segregated funds.

The trade association representing the home, auto and business insurance industry in Canada.

For Canadian consumers of home, automobile and business insurance, there is an alternative. The General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) is an independent dispute resolution service that is responsive, thorough and focused on the successful resolution of consumer complaints.

Prepare for Canada

Their program helps immigrants before and after they arrive in Canada, delivering essential information focusing on job search, financial first steps, settlement and more.