Barbara Captijn
LATEST STORIES BY BARBARA CAPTIJN
CAPTIJN: Why I became a consumer advocate for new-home buyers
We need to un-break this faulty system.

CAPTIJN: Illegal building problematic in Ontario for decades, must be stopped
Imagine having to check whether a doctor is licensed to practice medicine before you go to a medical appointment, or whether a lawyer or engineer is licensed, before seeking their advice. We rely on regulators to be gatekeepers of these professions. Practitioners need to be licensed and meet certain standards of competence and conduct, to protect the public.

CAPTIJN: Want to sell more new homes? Listen to consumers
The late Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef and world traveller, left us with some thought-provoking quotes, not only about food, but about people. One of them applies to many human interactions: “I don’t have to agree with you, to like you or respect you.”

CAPTIJN: New home buyers flounder in complex legislation
Many of us have had the experience where household tasks are delegated to several siblings as a group, but if no specifics are given on who does what, the buck gets passed back and forth, and tasks often don’t get done.

CAPTIJN: Consumer protection anyone? Have some crumbs
It’s a good thing that members of the public can give feedback on bills under consideration at the Ontario Legislature. Before bills become law, they may go to a Committee for review, and individuals or corporations can request to give input. If the Committee MPPs decide they want to hear from you, you can make a three to five minute presentation, called a deputation, followed by questions.

CAPTIJN: Government agency has lost its way
Premier Doug Ford is the author of some of the most colorful, folksy expressions in Ontario politics. Many of these are refreshingly clear, some accompanied by memorable theatrics such as when he accidentally swallowed a bug mid-speech in 2022.
