Complaints of high-pressure sales and safety concerns have led to a direct seller having its license revoked.

Atlantic Health and Safety (724682 NB INC.) in Dieppe was found unsuitable to be licensed after engaging in dangerous product demonstrations inside New Brunswick homes.

It was found unsuitable to be licensed under the Direct Sellers Act after complaints of high-pressure sales and the use of dangerous and fear-inducing tactics to demonstrate fire-safety products.

The company sells items including alarms and fire blankets.

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission determined the company put individuals at risk of personal harm and injury, and the safety of homes at risk.

In March 2023, the Office of the Fire Marshall contacted the Commission to advise of significant concerns, which were targeting consumers in Greater Moncton through Facebook.

According to the Commission, the complaints received via the Fire Marshal raised significant concerns and included allegations of:

• Conducting product demonstrations using flammable liquids inside the complainants’ homes
• Encouraging the complainants to come into close contact with open flames
• Using statements that might reasonably deceive or mislead the complainants

In April 2023, Commission staff emailed Atlantic Health and Safety to inform it of the complaints against the company and the staff’s recommendation to cancel its direct seller’s vendor licence.

The Director’s decision states that the complaints demonstrate the licensee is not competent or trustworthy, and not suitable to carry on business under the Direct Sellers Act.

“Companies and individuals working in the direct sales industry are asking people to open their doors so they may sell products or services to them within the safety of their homes,” said Marissa Sollows, spokesperson for the Commission. “They do need to behave in both a safe and ethical manner.”