Government to amend Do Not Call bill
By Adnews Staff
The Government of Canada has introduced several amendments to Bill C-37, which proposes a national "do not call" list for telemarketers. The amendments would exempt professional organizations, such as medical establishments, from the list where existing relationships with call recipients exist. Charities would also be exempt under certain conditions. Individual Canadians would have the option to receive calls from charities while blocking unsolicited commercial calls. The amendments also stipulate a review after five years to gauge the effectiveness of the list. Finally, a proposed administrative amendment would improve the French terminology of the list. "We believe that these amendments strike a good balance between parties' interests while maintaining the protection that a national do not call list should provide," said Industry Minister David Emerson. "Canadians want intrusive telemarketing stopped, and we want to protect consumer interests while allowing charities and organizations to pursue their legitimate business." If the bill becomes law, the CRTC will begin consultations with Canadians to define its scope, including the definition of an existing relationship.