Public Counsel is a Public Consumer Advocate

I would encourage readers to take a good look at the office of Public Counsel. We have been advocating for the staff of Public Counsel to be increased so that it could handle a larger work load.

The office of public counsel is outfitted with an attorney-at-law; an investigating arm; and within its mandate is the responsibility to educate the public.

Consumer Protection: The role of the Office of Public Counsel in consumer protection matters includes:(a) advising and educating consumers generally on matters relating to the proposed Consumer Guarantees Act; and(b) representing individual consumers bringing civil claims under the Consumer Guarantees Act before the Fair Trading Tribunal where Public Counsel deems this necessary or desirable.

Where a consumer believes that a right that he has under the Act has been breached he may refer the matter to the Office of Public Counsel who may, mediate on his behalf with the person whom he believes has breached those rights. If no settlement has been reached the matter may be referred to the Consumer Claims Tribunal and Public Counsel may also represent the consumer before the Tribunal.

Public Counsel is the only Pulic advocate that exists.