dennis.ca

This will be the first and last time you'll find me linking to a Marketing organization, so please don't blink.

Canada doesn't have a government-maintained list comparable to the US Do Not Call registry, but the Canadian Marketing Association does maintain an opt-in Do Not Contact service. The service is only effective for CMA member companies bound by a code of ethics, specifically Section G, Demonstration of Commitment:

"My company/organization agrees to comply with the CMA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, to participate in CMA's Operation Integrity program, and, for the purposes of marketing to consumers, to participate in the CMA Do Not Contact service".

I've been on the list for roughly five years and I must admit that it does provide some relief. You'll need to wait several weeks to see any positive effect, but it will reduce the number of voice calls, faxes, and junk mail you receive.

The only problem I've had with CMA member companies are banks (hint: Bank of Nova Scotia) and a few service providers (hint: Bell Canada, Rogers). Their claim is that since I am/was a customer, they are obligated by internal policy rather than CMA rules.

Registration takes less than a minute, and you'll be well on your way toward interruption-free evenings of TV dinners and Charles in Charge:

Register for the CMA Do Not Contact Service