Where ComplaintCA Fits
ComplaintCA helps you identify which of these bodies actually applies to your situation and drafts the formal complaint, in your own language, with the documentation these regulators typically ask for (bill of sale, inspection report, repair invoices).
Frequently Asked
Who regulates car dealers in Ontario?
OMVIC — licenses dealers and handles complaints, but not private sales, manufacturers, or repair shops.
Who regulates car dealers in BC?
The Vehicle Sales Authority of BC (VSA).
Who regulates car dealers in Alberta?
AMVIC — can investigate and discipline, and administers a compensation fund, but can't force a business to pay damages directly.
Can I complain about a mechanic the same way as a dealer?
Usually not — dealer regulators cover vehicle sales. Repair shop complaints typically go to your province's general consumer protection office.
What if the regulator can't force a refund?
Most can discipline or revoke a licence but not order payment. For money back, small claims court may be the next step after filing the regulatory complaint.
How do I resolve a car dealer dispute in Ontario?
If you bought from a registered Ontario dealer, file a complaint with OMVIC at omvic.ca. OMVIC doesn't cover private sales, manufacturers, or repair shops — and because it can discipline a dealer but usually can't order a refund, small claims court is the next step if you want your money back.
What is ComplaintCA?
A Canadian civic platform that identifies the correct authority for a complaint, drafts it with AI in 7 languages, and helps track it through to resolution.
I'm Deaf or hard of hearing — how do I call a phone-only authority?
Use Canada VRS (free sign-language video relay, available 24/7) or dial 711 for a text-based relay operator — both let you place a real phone call to any number listed on this page.
Sources & Verification
This guide is maintained by ComplaintCA and checked against the official sources linked throughout, including:
Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.
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