for Journalists
Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)
Contact1: Brenda McIntyre, Communications Coordinator
Phone (Bus): (416) 512-3167; toll free: 1-800-943-6002 ext. 3167
(Fax): (416) 512-3757
E-mail: brenda.mcintyre@omvic.on.caAddress: 789 Don Mills Road, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M3C 1T5
Web Site: www.omvic.on.ca
Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-943-6002
Keys: Advertising Codes and Guidelines; Automobile Dealers; Certification Program; Consumer Affairs; Consumer Complaints; Consumer Issues; Consumer Protection; Corporate Ethics; Curbsider (this is an individual selling vehicles illegally); Motor Vehicle Dealer Industry; Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA); Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund; Motor Vehicle Industry; Regulatory Board; Self-regulation; Used-car Dealer; Ontario.
Year Established: January 7, 1997
Number of Employees: 55
Mandate:
OMVIC’s mandate is to promote a fair, safe and informed marketplace for Ontario’s consumers and registered dealers. OMVIC ensures registration of dealers and salespeople, regularly inspects Ontario’s dealerships, maintains a complaint line for consumers and conducts investigations.
Features:
OMVIC's Certification Program is the first mandatory course for dealers and salespersons in Canada. It was developed by a collaborative effort between OMVIC and the Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) from Georgian College in Barrie.
In 1997 the motor vehicle dealer industry in Ontario became the first regulated business sector to move to self-management.
Industry integrity and corporate ethics: OMVIC’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice go beyond the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act in ensuring that dealers and salespeople conduct business with high levels of integrity. The Code of Ethics was developed by a committee of dealers and consumer advocates and adopted as a bylaw of OMVIC in November 2000.
Story Ideas:
May 10, 2005: Curbsiders Slammed With Heavy Fines As Courts Take Off The Gloves
February 17, 2005: Barrie R.V. Loses Licence to Operate
December 9, 2004 - Revoked Dealer under Court Order Not to Sell Cars
November 23, 2004 - Curbsider Nets Half Million Dollar Fine and Jail Time
October 29, 2004 - Proposal to Revoke Registration of Barrie RV Centre issued
June 21, 2004 - OMVIC Launches Online Consumer Publication
March 23, 2004 - Ottawa Area Curbsider Fined
updated: December 10, 2007