Become a National Member of the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus

Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus - the governing body of the 14 Better Business Bureaus (BBB) across Canada

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Canadian Council National Membership Requirements

To be a member of the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus, an applicant must:

Encourage highest standards of responsibility and honesty in business practice, by advocating truth in advertising and by ensuring integrity in performance of business services.

Have a record of prompt attention to, and satisfactory treatment of, any customer complaints referred to it by the Better Business Bureau system on matters of selling, servicing and advertising.

Be active in their business community in promoting high ethical standards in business and consumer concerns through personal example.

Be in business not less than twelve (12) consecutive months, unless the principles are currently involved in another business which meets all criteria for CCBBB membership.

Applications for National Membership are taken by the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus, or from any of the individual member offices. The company or organization is accepted upon consideration of the above criteria, consultation with each Bureau, and thereafter is presented at a meeting of the CCBBB Board of Directors for approval.

Rights and Obligations of CCBBB National Members:

Canadian Council of Better Business Bureau members are eligible, where appropriate, to:

be nominated to the CCBBB Board of Directors

serve on the CCBBB's task groups and special committees

propose and sponsor special projects and programs

vote at the CCBBB's annual meeting on all policy matters before the organization, including election of officers and directors

participate in member programs on a local and national level

are automatic members of each of the Canadian Bureaus

Members cannot use their membership in the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus for endorsement of their product or services. The Better Business Bureau organization does not endorse the business.

Benefits of Membership:

General Comments

Public confidence in the marketplace benefits all business. Self-regulation is also easier, faster and less expensive than legislation. By becoming a member of the Better Business Bureau you are supporting the need for an ethical marketplace.

National Benefits

You are recognized by the public and other businesses as an advocate of ethical business and advisory practices.

Your membership dues are 100% tax deductible because we are a non-profit organization

Your business is listed on the CCBBB website as a National Member, which means instant recognition and publicity.

Your affiliate or branches are automatically members.

You are listed in each of the 14 BBB Bureau Membership (see CCBBB page of Member Bureaus) directories as a National Member.

You can be assured that scams are identified and communicated across the country as quickly as we learn about them.

You are on the mailing list to receive annual reports, newsletters, and reports from the CCBBB.

Local Benefits

As an automatic member of each local Bureau you can inquire about specific services at any time.

You are on the mailing list of each Bureau for regular newsletters, press releases and special reports.

Special Benefits

Local Bureau's "Hot Line" telephone number to obtain information without delay.

Service

Investigate and pursue instances of deceptive or unethical business practices.

Issue factual reports on individual business firms in response to inquiry.

When advertising appears to violate regulations or accepted standards, it is brought to our attention and we seek corrections where appropriate, and/or refer the information to the appropriate regulatory body or government agency.

Issue warnings on schemes and frauds that may be attempting to victimize businesses or consumers.

Cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to deal with situations that do not respond to self-regulation.

Cooperate with other BBBs in exchanging information on schemes and unethical operations.

Assist consumers in observing wise buying practices through printed materials and electronic media.

Bring information and economic education programs to the public, in order to promote a greater awareness of the workings of the free enterprise system and the interdependent role of business consumers.

Provide members, employees of members and the general public with complaint and inquiry service on both member and non-member companies.