Self Help

For services in Haldimand-Norfolk, Toby recommends visiting the Haldimand-Norfolk Information Centre Community Services Databases where you can find contact information for most Ontario Government Services, volunteer organizations, community service groups and much more. Visit: http://haldimand.cioc.ca/

For information on small business in Norfolk County, please visit the Norfolk District Business Development Corporation at: http://www.ndbdc.com/

For information on small business in Haldimand County, please visit:http://www.haldimandcounty.on.ca/Business.aspx?id=940

If you are looking for an Ontario Government form, you may click on the following link. You can search by form number, form name or search different forms according to the various ministries.

http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/ODAMainPage?openagent&lang=E

If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact Toby’s office at 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629.

Auto Insurance Charges
If you’re a driver and insured in Ontario, you are affected by recent changes to the province’s auto insurance system.
You can now:

  • Choose the insurance coverage that best meets your protection needs and budget
  • Customize your level of coverage for medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, housekeeping and home maintenance expenses
  • Better combine your auto insurance with private disability insurance coverage, or individual or group health insurance coverage

It is important to understand how these changes affect you, before you renew your existing auto insurance policy or buy a new auto insurance policy. The choices you make will affect your coverage and the price you pay for insurance.
For more information on auto insurance changes, visit the Financial Services Commission of Ontario’s website at www.fsco.gov.on.ca.

Energy Contracts
As an energy consumer, you should be well informed of your rights and responsibilities. Being informed can help you make the right energy decision for you and your family or small business.
If you are thinking about switching suppliers by signing a retail energy contract, here are some of the things you should keep in mind:

  • You have options. Take the time to understand your options and compare the price your utility offers with what the retail supplier is offering
  • People representing energy retailers are required to present proper identification that displays their photograph, name and the company they represent
  • You DO NOT have to show a sales agent your energy bill. Treat it like a credit card – keep it confidential until you’re ready to sign a contract
  • If you sign a contract with an energy retailer and then you change your mind, you have 10 days to cancel the contract. If you cancel the contract after that time, you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

For more information about energy pricing and energy contracts, visit the Ontario Energy Board’s website at www.oeb.gov.on.ca/OEB/consumers

Dealing with Telemarketers
Nowadays, many people buy goods and services over the telephone. Sometimes it’s quick and convenient, but be careful – phoney telemarketers cheat consumers out of millions of dollars each year. While you many not be able to avoid all unsolicited calls, here are some tips from the Ministry of Consumer Services to keep in mind when buying over the telephone:

  • Ask questions. Make sure you get the company’s name and contact information. Ask how long they’ve been in business.
  • Never pay any kind of fee for a prize or to claim lottery winnings.
  • Never share information about your finances, bank accounts or credit cards unless you know the person or company you’re dealing with.
  • Beware of high-pressure sales tactics. Reputable companies always respect.
  • Never send money to someone who insists on immediate payment or down payment
  • Be cautious if someone offers you a business or investment ‘opportunity’ from an unknown source.
  • Remember, it’s okay to simply hang up on any high-pressure sales person or a suspicious phone call.

Payday Loans
Thinking about getting a payday loan? Payday loans are a very expensive way to borrow money. Before obtaining a payday loan, explore other credit options. If you require payday loan services, be sure to deal only with licensed payday lenders.
Here’s a checklist to keep in mind:

  • Payday lenders must clearly set out the following important items on the first page of your payday contract – the amount you are borrowing, the number of days your loan agreement is for (for example, 10 or 14 days), the amount you will pay for your loan (your “total cost of borrowing)

Ontario has set a maximum on the total cost of borrowing that payday lenders can charge consumers who enter into a payday loan contract. Payday lenders can charge no more than $21 for every $100 that a consumer borrows.