SAINT JOHN – The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick is inviting feedback from New Brunswick businesses, consumers and other stakeholders on eight proposed rules to support a new consumer protection framework for the province.
“These rules are designed to bring the province’s new Consumer Protection Act (Act) to life in a practical and balanced way – enhancing protections for consumers while providing clear, workable requirements for businesses,” said Marissa Sollows, the Commission’s director of communications and public affairs.
A 120-day comment period begins today, giving the public ample time to review and provide feedback. Businesses and consumers can review the rules and the process for providing comments on the Commission’s website. The province will hold a separate comment period on amendments to its Payday Lending Regulation at a later date.
The Act received Royal Assent on June 7, 2024, marking a significant step toward a modernized consumer protection framework for New Brunswick. It consolidates and updates six existing regulatory areas overseen by the Commission and elevates consumer protection laws by introducing six new consumer protection areas.
The six existing regulatory areas being incorporated into the Act are: gift cards, direct sellers, cost of credit disclosure, credit reporting services, collection and debt settlement and payday loans. The six new areas include: unfair practices, unsolicited goods and services, internet and distance sales contracts, future performance contracts, personal development services contracts and high-cost credit products.
While the Act establishes the overall legal framework and standards for consumer protection in the province, the proposed rules set out the specific requirements, exemptions and procedures that businesses and consumers must follow to comply with the Act. The Act will come into force on a fixed date decided by government following the finalization of the rules.
“We are seeking thoughtful, constructive feedback to help refine and finalize the rules before they come into force,” Sollows said. “Once in place, this legislation will benefit both businesses and consumers, enhancing confidence in the marketplace and ensuring businesses that comply with the legislation are not disadvantaged by competing against those that do not.”
The comment period will close on June 17, 2026.
Media Contact:
1 866 933-2222 or media@fcnb.ca.
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick has the mandate to provide regulatory services that protect the public interest while enhancing public confidence, and to promote understanding of the regulated sectors through educational programs. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of financial and consumers services legislation for mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, cooperatives, the unclaimed property program, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. It is a Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online educational tools and resources are available at www.fcnb.ca.