The "Do Not Call" List is such a joke! people are rushing to sign onto it, but the worst offenders are exempt -- namely registered charities, political parties, and newspapers! Registering my number (as I just succeeded in doing) might save me from a dozen or so unwanted calls a year -- mainly from duct cleaners and lawn-care companies -- but it won't protect me from countless others. I can see why charities were made exempt, but political parties and newspapers??! Give me a break!

Some of the worst offenders are the charities. They call from 800 numbers, and it's all computerized. If you answer, 9 times out of 10 you get nothing. It's all computerized, and the computer didn't pick you that time. I don't answer them anymore (yay call display) but I still have to run to the phone to see who it is.

And then when they do get somebody, but not the person they asked for, they'll lie and say it's one of that person's charities.

I did registered to the "do-not-call-list" as well as to the "iOptout.ca" but I am afraid that the telemarketers will find a loop hole and called me now that they have my number. If marketing firms contract oversea telemarketers do they have to oblige to Canadian laws? If for an example if 623-657-3676 and 623-657-3678 have registered to the no call list this could easily give telemarketers carte blanche to call 623-657-3677. I think telemarketers need to be screened by some sort of central dispath.

This assessment is ridiculous.
First: The legislation is new. If successful, It can be expanded. The government can't introduce legislation off the bat that completely cripples the industry.

Second: There are 5 ways to register. Phone, Web, Fax, Live Agent and even TTY

Third: The site didn't crash. The volume was higher than expected, and so they needed to make adjustments to compensate.

Fourth: The web site is up.

Fifth: This is vastly different that iOptOut. One registration here applies to all telemarketers (other than exceptions). Even those that have never called you before. It stops the calls BEFORE they happen

Sixth: The do not call list is free to citizens. Telemarketers pay for the privilege of not calling you. (You have to love that).

Seventh: The complaints process is fantastic news for citizens. Never before has it been so easy to report telemarketers, and the processes will be there to enforce the regulations and heavily fine them

The Do Not Call list is absolutely fantastic news for Canadians.

I agree with SandyP. The charities can be bullies, especially to old people who can't remember how many times they have already given to the same charity, and who end up getting calls four times a year from them.

I don't want anyone to call me at all. I don't understand why they made exceptions. The exceptions are the worst offenders.