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Consumer Alert - New Charges Laid Against Contractor Operating in Edmonton Area

September 8, 2004

Edmonton... Edmonton area home renovation contractor David Butlin, operating as Burglar Bars Ltd., has been charged a second time by the Alberta government with fraud and a number of offences under the Fair Trading Act following an investigation into new complaints from consumers who dealt with the company.

Burglar Bars Ltd. and directors David Butlin and Sandy Butlin face a total of 24 charges for operating without the required prepaid contracting licence, failing to provide goods or services promised and failing to refund deposits within the time required by the Fair Trading Act when consumers exercised their cancellation rights. The directors are also charged with a total of six counts of fraud under the Criminal Code. The first provincial court appearance is scheduled for September 22, 2004.

Butlin and the companies he directed, Burglar Bars Ltd. and Art of Steel Ltd., were also charged on February 18, 2004 with six counts each of operating as a prepaid contractor without a licence and five counts each of failing to provide a refund after the consumer cancelled the contract. Butlin was also charged with fraud. All matters relating to the February charges have been set for trial dates in October 2004.

Butlin continues to operate without a valid licence. Individuals who have dealt with Butlin since February 2004 are asked to contact Alberta Government Services toll-free at 1-877-427-4088.

Under the Fair Trading Act, special rules apply to contractors who ask for money before a job is completed and who negotiate contracts away from their normal place of business. Such contractors must be licensed as prepaid contractors and post a security bond.

If a renovator signs a contract in a consumer's home and demands money upfront, Albertans can ask to see proof of an active prepaid contracting business licence. Albertans also have an unconditional right to cancel within 10 days any prepaid contract solicited, discussed or finalized in their homes and to receive a full refund within 15 days. If the contractor is not licensed, cancellation rights extend to one year.

For more information on dealing with home renovators, a tipsheet called is available at www.gov.ab.ca/gs under Forms, Publications and Tipsheets, or by calling 1-877-427-4088. Consumers are also encouraged to check for information on a company's complaint history through the local Better Business Bureau.

Gwen Vanderdeen-Paschke
Alberta Government Services
(780) 415-6051