Advocacies

Advocacy

Advocacy for Consumer Protection

Advocacy is the core purpose of this site.

We focus on protecting consumers — particularly seniors and other vulnerable people — from unfair, misleading, or unsafe practices related to home services, energy systems, and major financial decisions.

Some advocacy work arises directly from Group RFP experiences. Other issues are raised by individuals, families, or community groups who need independent information or support.

The topics below reflect areas where consumers most often encounter risk, confusion, or pressure — and where informed advocacy can make a meaningful difference.

Current advocacy focus areas:

Advocacy for consumer protection is the primary purpose of this site.

We focus on areas where complexity, safety risks, or aggressive sales practices can place consumers — particularly vulnerable seniors — at a disadvantage.

Our advocacy work is independent of vendors and is not tied to any requirement to participate in Group RFPs or to purchase products or services.

Why advocacy is needed

Many major home-related decisions involve:

  • High upfront costs
  • Long-term financial commitments
  • Technical complexity
  • Safety considerations
  • Contracts that are difficult to understand or compare

In these situations, consumers may feel pressure to decide quickly or may receive incomplete or inconsistent information.

Advocacies.ca helps restore balance by encouraging transparency, fairness, and informed decision-making.

Areas of focus

Advocacy topics currently include:

  • Roofing and worker safety
    Concerns about fall protection, job-site practices, and quality control.
  • Solar installations and electrical safety
    System design, performance claims, monitoring, and safe installation practices.
  • Battery storage and EV warranty issues
    Clarity around warranties, exclusions, and long-term risks.
  • Utilities and regulatory matters
    Including policies and practices affecting BC Hydro customers.
  • Estate law and decision-making considerations affecting seniors
    Issues related to capacity, consent, and the financial impact of major home investments.

Some advocacy issues arise from individual experiences; others reflect broader, systemic concerns.

How advocacy relates to Group RFPs

Group RFPs help fund advocacy work — but advocacy is not dependent on Group RFP participation.

At the same time, advocacy principles shape how Group RFPs are designed, including:

  • Clear minimum requirements
  • Transparent evaluation criteria
  • Emphasis on safety and contract clarity

This relationship helps ensure that practical projects do not overshadow consumer protection.

Learning before deciding

Many people encounter advocacy issues while researching a potential project.

For that reason, advocacy topics are often discussed during free online seminars, alongside information about Group RFPs and decision-making frameworks.

There is no obligation to proceed with any project.

👉 Register your interest in a Group RFP or register for a Free Seminar