The CRTC, Canada's telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, issued a decision on May 21, 2004 which strengthens the regulations for telemarketers in Canada. The tougher rules are a result of extensive public consultations, and are effective October 1, 2004.
At the same time, the CRTC came out in support of the creation of a Do Not Call list, however it said the effective implementation of such a list and registry would require
adequate start-up funding
the appointment of an administrator of the list and database
the ability to charge fees to cover ongoing administrative expenses, and
the power to impose penalties on persons violating rules.
All of these would require new legislation.
Company-specific Do Not Call Requests
If a customer asks to be put on a company's Do Not Call list, telemarketers must act on the request during the same call, and not require the customer to call another number or take any other action.
Telemarketers must provide a unique registration number to any customer making a Do Not Call request to confirm receipt of the request.
When receiving a Do Not Call request, the telemarketer must ask if the customer wants the request to apply to just the specific organization's list, or to the telemarketer's full list of organizations.
So..... Answer the phone, ask to be put on the do not call list, and you should be fine