"Lemons" Sold to Unsuspecting Consumers in Manitoba

Manitoba may be coming to the aid of used car buyers after learning American cars labelled "lemons" are being sold here.

"We may be able to relatively easily strengthen the regulatory powers under the Better Business Practices Act, to require disclosure and declaration that a vehicle has been a lemon before the purchaser decides whether or not they wish to buy it," Greg Selinger, Manitoba's finance minister, said Thursday.

"The bottom line is we're going to find a way to notify the public that if they're buying a lemon that they know about it before they make the purchase."

A used car labelled a "lemon" in the U.S. has significant problems that the manufacturer has been unable to resolve.

Last week, CBC Manitoba's I-Team investigative unit found more than 130 cars officially declared "lemons" under U.S. law are for sale in Manitoba.

Since there is no so-called Lemon Law on this side of the border, Canadian consumers may be unaware they are buying a lemon and have little protection if they get stuck with one.

The NDP government said last week it had no interest in enacting a Lemon Law but appears to have changed its mind after seeing the I-Team report.

Selinger further promised to call a meeting of all consumer ministers across the country to come up with a unified front.

"If there is an unwillingness at the national level to bring people together to look at it, we will consider moving on our own in Manitoba."

The amendment could be tabled as early as next spring.

11/23/07 - CBC News Online