Federal consumer protection bill unveiled

The federal government is taking a third shot at passing a new consumer protection law to replace the 40-year-old Hazardous Products Act.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq told a news briefing in Ottawa Wednesday that the new legislation will ban the manufacturing, import or marketing of any product considered unsafe.

It will also require manufacturers or importers to report any serious incident or death involving its products. They'll also be obliged to present Health Canada with any test results if asked.

The bill also gives the federal government the power to initiate a product recall, even if a manufacturer or importer refuses. Under the current law, the government can request a recall but not order one.

Aglukkaq describes the changes as "real and tangible measures" to protect consumers.

"Consumers want better protection for their families," she said, "nothing more, nothing less."

The new legislation is a revamped version of Bill C6, which died when the Harper government prorogued parliament in December 2009.

The earlier version of the bill had passed the House of Commons but had a rough ride in the Senate.

Aglukkaq acknowledged the concerns of the Senate and has made changes to the new legislation aimed at appeasing those worries.

For example Aglukkaq said, the new bill has a more detailed definition of the rights, powers and limitations of government inspectors.

She's calling on the House of Commons to give the new legislation unanimous support.

This is the Harper government's third attempt at passing a new consumer act. The first bill died when a federal election was called in the fall of 2008.