Re: Changes to Canadian monitoring contract law

[Frank Olson <Use-the-email-links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

tourman wrote:
> Ok, I'll take that as a "no", you haven't heard anything specific.

Where have I said anything that would lead to this conclusion?  I think
you've been spending too much time in Florida.  :-)


> The
> source of this information was in a position to know about such things
> in Alberta, and it seems they are seriously looking at it.

Government's always "seriously thinking" of the next way they can fleece
the taxpayer.  It's not going to happen because any such legislation
would have to "piggyback" on the existing consumer protection laws.


> However,
> you are quite correct; those who are likely to be seen as an abuser
> under any new legislation would likely just adjust their approach to
> negate things. And since it does affect contract law, I hope they
> REALLY think this one through.

I can write anything I want in my contracts as long as certain
legislated clauses are also present and what I'm writing isn't against
the law or socially/morally unacceptable.  "Reasonable terms and
conditions of service" are good watch words.


>
> If they use as little common sense as they took vis a vis the long gun
> registry, we will all be in SERIOUS trouble...

Well I'm pretty optimistic considering it's a different government
looking at the thing.  The fact that they're also "Conservative" leads
me to suspect that they won't be interfering directly with the revenue
stream of legitimate alarm companies.  After all, we all pay our taxes,
business license fees, Workers Comp, etc.

On a side note, I respect your views in regard to the service you
provide your customers.  You see things a little differently from Jim
(who obviously doesn't have a son standing in the wings eager to take
over the business).  Jim is ensuring his business has equity that he'll
be able to bargain into a very comfortable retirement.  I see nothing
wrong with this.  All of our contracts are three year terms as well and
we haven't had a rate increase in the many years we've been in business.
  We've also never pursued a customer who's decided to opt out of our
service.  The legal means to do so is certainly there, but neither of us
would ever exercise it.  A contract is a set of terms and conditions
that both parties (to the contract) agree to.  I've never yet had to
coerce a client into signing one and I always make sure to go over the
wording with them before they do.  There are benefits to a guaranteed
term contract for both parties.

Now shake hands and go back to your corners.  :-)