Consumer Protection Lawyers

A product that breaks too soon, a car that keeps going back to the garage, a contractor who took a deposit and vanished: the law gives consumers real rights when a merchant doesn't deliver. On this page you can compare each consumer protection lawyer listed, see their rates and availability, and book a consultation online.

What a consumer protection lawyer does

This lawyer helps you enforce your rights against a merchant, a manufacturer or a service provider. That can mean reading your contract and telling you where you stand, writing a formal demand, negotiating a refund or a repair, or taking the case to court when it is worth it.

In Quebec, dealings between consumers and merchants are governed mainly by the Consumer Protection Act, alongside the Civil Code, because Quebec is a civil-law province. Its rules differ from those in other provinces. Most lawyers listed on this page practise in Quebec.

Common consumer problems

• Defective goods: appliances, electronics or furniture that stop working.
• Car purchases: a new or used vehicle with serious problems, undisclosed damage, or a dealer who won't honour what was promised.
• Contractors and renovations: poor workmanship, unfinished work, surprise extra charges or a deposit that was never returned.
• Contracts and subscriptions: a gym, phone or internet plan or other subscription that is hard to cancel, or charges you never agreed to.
• Misleading advertising: a price, feature or promise in an ad or sales pitch that turned out to be false.

The legal warranty

When you buy goods from a merchant in Quebec, the law adds a legal warranty to the sale: the goods must be fit for their normal use, and they must stay that way for a reasonable length of time given the price, the contract and how they are used.

The legal warranty applies automatically, at no extra cost, and it adds to any manufacturer's warranty rather than being replaced by it. A lawyer can tell you whether your situation is covered and who to claim against.

Buying or repairing a car

Buying a used car from a dealer gives you more protection than a private sale. The merchant must disclose key information about the vehicle, and the legal warranty applies: the car must work normally for a reasonable time given its age, mileage and price.

For repairs, a garage generally has to give you a written estimate first, unless you waive it in writing. Keep the contract, estimates and invoices. The Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) explains your rights, and a lawyer can tell you whether a recurring problem gives you a claim against the dealer or the manufacturer.

Contractors and home renovations

Before work starts, get a written contract describing the work, the price, the payment schedule and the materials, check that the contractor holds the licence required by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, and be wary of large deposits.

If the work is unfinished, badly done or costs more than agreed, complain in writing and keep photos, quotes and messages; a demand letter often leads to a settlement. When the problem involves the structure of the home, a new build or a hidden defect in a property you bought, it may overlap with real estate and construction law, and you can also compare real estate lawyers.

Online purchases, subscriptions and cancellations

Buying online or by phone is a distance contract. The merchant must disclose clear information about the product, the total price and the delivery terms, and send you a copy of the contract. If it fails to do so or does not deliver, the law may let you cancel.

Ongoing services such as a gym or a phone plan can often be cancelled before the end of the term, with limits on what the merchant may charge. Dispute unexpected charges with the merchant in writing first. The OPC explains your rights, and if you paid by credit card, your card issuer may be able to reverse a charge in some situations.

Demand letter, the OPC and small claims

Most consumer disputes start with a formal demand letter, called a mise en demeure. It tells the merchant what went wrong, what you want (a repair, a replacement or a refund) and by when. A demand letter written or reviewed by a lawyer often settles the matter on its own.

The Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) is the Quebec government body that informs consumers about their rights, and it can receive complaints about merchants. It does not act as your lawyer.

If the merchant still won't settle and the amount is modest, the small claims division of the Court of Québec is designed for people to present their own case. In general, lawyers cannot represent you at the small claims hearing itself, but a lawyer can help you assess your claim and prepare your file beforehand. The amount limit and rules are on the Quebec government's small claims page.

What it costs

Each lawyer sets their own rates, and on JustiConnect you see them up front, before you book. At your first consultation, ask how the lawyer charges for your type of file and what other costs, such as court fees or an expert's report, could come on top.

When to get a lawyer

• The amount at stake is large, or above the small claims limit.
• The merchant or manufacturer already has a lawyer.
• A deadline may be approaching and you are not sure you can still act.
• The problem involves a car, a home renovation or a contract with complicated terms.
• Many other consumers seem to have the same problem, which can sometimes lead to a class action.

For plain-language explanations of your rights, Éducaloi is a useful free resource. To pick the right professional, read our guide on how to choose a lawyer in Quebec.

Compare and book on JustiConnect

Browse the lawyers listed below, filter by location, rates and availability, and book a consultation directly. You can also search all consumer protection lawyers or see the consumer protection lawyers in Montreal.

Frequently asked questions

What does consumer protection cover?

It covers most dealings between an individual and a business: purchases, service contracts, subscriptions, credit, advertising and warranties. Disputes between two private individuals, or between two businesses, generally fall outside it.

Can I get a refund or repair?

Often, yes. If goods are defective or a merchant did not respect the contract, you may be entitled to a repair, a replacement, a price reduction or a refund, depending on the situation. Start by asking the merchant in writing; a lawyer can tell you what you can realistically claim.

Can a lawyer help with small claims?

Yes, before the hearing. A lawyer can assess your claim, help you organize your evidence and explain what to expect, even though you present the case yourself.

What evidence should I keep?

Keep the contract, receipts and invoices, any warranty documents, the ads or quotes you relied on, photos of the problem, and every email, text or letter exchanged with the merchant, including your demand letter.

Can I join a class action?

Class actions exist in Quebec and are often used when many consumers were affected by the same practice. A lawyer can tell you whether one already covers your situation and what that means for your own claim.