The Consumers' Association of Canada (CAC), founded in 1947, is an independent, not-for-profit, volunteer-based, charitable organization. Our mandate is to inform and educate consumers on marketplace issues, to advocate for consumers with government and industry, and work with government and industry to solve marketplace problems.

CAC focuses its work in the areas of food, health, trade, standards, financial services, communications industries and other marketplace issues as they emerge.

CAC is on track for the new millennium. Revitalized and reorganized following a recent operational review, CAC is moving forward as an effective catalyst for consumer action. A national volunteer organization, CAC maintains a national secretariat in Ottawa with regional offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Montreal.

CAC's mission statement articulates a new strategic role:

To represent and articulate the best interests of Canadian consumers to all levels of government and to all sectors of society by continually earning recognition as the trusted voice of the consumer on a national basis.

CAC: 2000 and Beyond

CAC seeks solutions to the issues and the challenges for consumers in the new century. As Canada's most trusted national voice for consumer protection and fair play, CAC works with all levels of business, industry and government to address marketplace issues.

All CAC policies on specific issues are framed within a set of general, consumer-oriented principles. Eight such principles govern consumer associations belonging to the worldwide federation of consumer groups, Consumers’ International. Among these principles are the right to choose, the right to be heard and the right to redress. For more information about these principles, read our free publication titled "Be a Wise Consumer: We'll Show You How".

National Issues Committees, Networks and Task Forces

CAC volunteers are active on a wide variety of internal issues committees, networks and task forces listed below.

• Electronic Commerce Advisory Group
• Energy Network
• Environment Network
• Financial Services Committee
  • Subcommittee: Insurance Task Force
• Food Committee
  • Subcommittee: Food Biotechnology Task Force (Food & Health)
  • Subcommittee: Nutraceuticals Joint Task Force (Food & Health)
• CAC National Health Council
• Literacy Advisory Committee
• Policy Advisory Committee
• Privacy Advisory Group
• Standards Task Force
• Supply Management Network
• Telecommunications Industry Committee
• Trade Committee

CAC Involvement in Other Issues

CAC has also been involved with issues not covered by one of the committees listed above.

• Standards for Services
• Food Labelling
• Health Care Services
• Merger Issues
• Electrical Safety Standards
• International Trade
• Gasoline Pricing
• International Standards
• Harmonization of Provincial Legislation
• Pensions Insurance
• Utility Sector Privatization
• Airlines