Concerns about NOSIs draws a crowd at NDP MPP’s town hall

TORONTO – Official Opposition NDP critic for Consumer Protection Tom Rakocevic (Humber River – Black Creek) held a town hall for residents impacted by fraudulent business practices, specifically Notice of Security Interests (NOSIs), which allow liens to be put on people’s homes by bad actors.

“We need to see real action on door-to-door scams that are threatening people’s livelihoods,” said Rakocevic. “We heard devastating stories from people impacted by NOSIs, seniors who had no idea their home was at risk because of liens from their HVAC company with no way out. This needs to end now.”

Rakocevic and MPP Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale – High Park) co-sponsored a bill to ban NOSIs tabled by MPP Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre). Rakocevic has since introduced a motion to ensure no one has to pay to find out whether there is a lien on their property.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

“I applaud the political consensus that has emerged with respect to the scourge of NOSIs and their traumatic impact on the most vulnerable in our society, especially the elderly. I welcome interim measures to ensure the ongoing harm is addressed while the proposed legislation to outlaw NOSIs takes effect.”

-- Mohsen Seddigh, lawyer advancing class action for consumers impacted by NOSIs

“These Notices need to be abolished immediately, and in the interim anyone affected by such a Notice should be informed by the Province immediately at no cost. The cascade of unfortunate financial consequences of such a Notice to a person of modest means is fast and furious, potentially rendering them homeless.”

-- Jamie Hildebrand, Executive Director and staff lawyer, Huron Perth Community Legal Clinic