Proposal to revoke registration of Barrie RV Centre issued

Toronto, October 29, 2004 - A proposal to revoke the motor vehicle dealer registration of Barrie RV Centre has been issued by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) – the provincial regulator of car dealers.

All motor vehicle dealers and salespersons in Ontario must be registered with OMVIC and operate within the boundaries of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) and other key pieces of legislation. Registration can be refused or revoked if it is determined dealers or salespersons will not operate in accordance with the law, with financial responsibility or with honesty and integrity.

“The decision to propose to revoke the registration for Barrie RV Centre comes as a result of consumer complaints,” explains Mary Jane South, Deputy Registrar for OMVIC. South also says Barrie RV Centre, which operates at 1600 Highway # 11 South, has appealed OMVIC’s decision. The matter is now scheduled to be heard before the Licence Appeal Tribunal – an independent body – January 10, 2005.

The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act allows Barrie RV Centre to continue to do business as a motor vehicle dealer until the Tribunal issues a decision. Should the Tribunal support OMVIC’s decision, Barrie RV Centre will not be able to take part in the buying, selling or leasing of vehicles.

Consumers are asked to keep the following in mind when making a motor vehicle purchase:

• All dealers and salespeople in Ontario must be registered. To verify registration, visit www.omvic.on.ca or call 1-800-943-6002.
  If you believe someone is in the business of buying, selling or leasing vehicles and is not registered with OMVIC, you should contact OMVIC.
• OMVIC provides complaint handling services between consumers and dealers. To file a complaint, call OMVIC at 1-800-943-6002.
• Purchases made through a registered dealer are protected by a dealer-funded compensation plan. Consumers who purchase vehicles through private sales are not protected through this plan and cannot apply to it.
•  Curbsiders pose as private individuals, but are actually in the business of illegally selling vehicles. In most cases the vehicles are stolen, odometer-tampered or have liens against them. If you decide to buy privately, ensure the seller provides a Used Vehicle Information Package, and consider having the vehicle checked by an independent mechanic you trust.

OMVIC is the self-management organization of the motor vehicle dealer industry and administers the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act – a public protection statute – on behalf of the Minister of Consumer and Business Services. OMVIC’s mandate is to maintain a safe and informed marketplace by ensuring registration of dealers and salespeople, regularly inspecting all of Ontario’s 9,000 dealerships, maintaining a complaint line for consumers and conducting investigations. OMVIC’s Board of Directors includes 9 elected dealers and 3 consumer representatives appointed by government. OMVIC is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund.