It's 6pm - do you know where your telemarketer is?
Chances are, they'll let you know pretty soon. The dinner time phone calls have become something of a punch line, and a definite annoyance for many Canadians.
But those bite-interrupting rings should soon be coming to a merciful end.
As of September 30th, you'll be able to register your number on a "do not call" list similar to ones that have been made available in the United States for roughly half a decade.
Numbers can be registered free of charge, though it'll take about 31 days before the sweet sound of silence can be assured.
Koray Parmaks, V.P. of Telemarketing for Telax Hosted Call Centre, says the legislation is long overdue.
"Giving a phone book to the boiler room group and letting them call you during dinner, that's not good marketing," he said. "We're a little disappointed that it took so long for the sentiment from the public to translate into the government."
But now that it has, it's sweet music to the ears of many who live on, or by, their phones.
"I find that they call my cell phone more than anything, which can be embarrassing in the middle of the day," said Maggie Marcot.
The prohibitions will have exceptions, including charities, political parties, pollsters and established business relationships. Bell Canada will operate it on a five-year contract, and is responsible for investigating complaints.
Which means you may be able to finish a meal in peace come fall.
- The Canadian Marketing Association has offered a "do not contact service" for several years. You can use it to request they take you off their mailing and calling lists for three years. But the Association is phasing it out once the new federal program begins. To find out how to opt out in the meantime,
click here.
Do Not Call List overview
CRTC Telemarketer rules
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Phone Bill Of Rights supposed to stop telemarketers
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