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Public Input Sought on New Travel Club Regulation

EDMONTON, September 5, 2001 – With more and more Albertans expressing concerns about the operation of travel clubs, Alberta Government Services is considering developing a new regulation to deal with this growing industry.

Minister David Coutts announced today he is seeking public input on whether a travel club regulation is needed and, if so, what it should include. Any new regulation would become part of the Fair Trading Act, Alberta’s consumer protection legislation.

"Alberta has the strongest consumer protection legislation in Canada and we want to make sure it stays that way," said Coutts. "From time to time we will need to bring in new rules to make sure our legislation keeps pace with a constantly changing marketplace."

Travel clubs advertise that members obtain access to discounts or other benefits on the future purchase of transportation, accommodation or other services related to travel.

The number of callers to the department’s Consumer Information Centre with a question about travel clubs has almost quadrupled in one year, from 125 inquiries in 1999-2000 to 402 in 2000-2001.

A questionnaire regarding the regulation of travel clubs is posted on the Alberta Government Services Web site. Go to www.gov.ab.ca/gs and click on discussion papers. Albertans may also obtain a copy of the survey by calling 1-877-427-4088.

"Hearing from the public will help ensure any new regulation is fair to both consumers and the travel club industry," said Coutts.

The deadline for public input is September 30, 2001.

Albertans currently considering joining a travel club should be aware that they don’t automatically have cancellation rights. In addition, consumers are advised to:

• never sign a contract unless they have read and understood it,
• never purchase a travel club membership under pressure – think about it,
• shop around – compare prices offered by other businesses.

Consumers with questions or concerns are invited to contact the Consumer Information Centre at 1-877-427-4088.

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Media enquiries may be directed to:

Mary Lou Reeleder - Alberta Government Services - (780) 415-6051