CMA Members are reminded that new telemarketing rules come into effect on September 30, the same day on which the National Do Not Call List goes into operation. Of important note, the new telemarketing rules will apply to any organization that uses the telephone to market goods and services, including those exempt from the National Do Not Call List (DNCL). In preparation for the September 30 implementation date, CMA Members should: ·         Conduct a final review of their obligations as they relate to the National Do Not Call List and the new telemarketing rules. Details can be found on the CRTC website. Update their websites and customer information materials to help consumers make informed choices about the do-not-call options available to them. We suggest wording as follows: "We respect your right to control the marketing information you receive from our organization. With regard to telemarketing calls, which are defined as those made with the express purpose of selling a product or service, there are several ways to accomplish this. National Do Not Call List -- This service will come into operation on Sept. 30, 2008. The list will remove your name for a period of three years from the telemarketing lists of all organizations that place calls to Canadian consumers, with the exception of those phone calls that qualify as an exemption (see below). The National Do Not Call List applies to telemarketing only – that is to unsolicited calls that sell or promote a product or service, or calls that solicit money or donations in lieu of money. Certain telemarketing and other calls are exempt from the list, including: Telemarketing calls from a company with whom you have an existing business relationship. Telemarketing calls from charities registered under Section 248 of the Income Tax Act. Telemarketing calls from political parties calling on behalf of a candidate running for nomination or as part of an official campaign for said candidate. Telemarketing calls to solicit subscriptions for a newspaper of general circulation. Telemarketing calls made to a business consumer. Calls from market research firms that are conducting public opinion polls. As of Sept. 30, 2008, consumers can register their home phone, cellular or fax number(s) on the National DNCL. You can sign up online at www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca or by calling the toll-free numbers 1-866-580-DNCL (1-866-580-3625) or 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889). Internal Do Not Call List -- To be placed on our internal do-not-call list, you may call us at xxxx and/or write to us at xxxx and/or contact us at xx@xx.xx. Alternatively, when you are contacted by a telemarketer calling on our behalf, you may ask to be placed on our organization’s internal do-not-call list."

NOTE: On Wednesday, September 24, CMA will be holding a special webinar on the new telemarketing rules and the National DNC List. This online briefing will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and will feature presentations by the CRTC’s Nancy Webster, Senior Manager, Telemarketing Regulations and CMA’s Vice-President of Public Affairs and Marketing, Wally Hill. For registration details, visit the CMA website.