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1947 . 1948 . 1959 . 1967 . 1968 . 1970 . 1975 . 1983 . 1986 . 1995 . 1996 . 1997 . 1999 . 2001

1947- The newly formed Consumers' Association of Canada welcomes one of its first provincial associations, CAC Manitoba. The organization was forged by a number of dedicated volunteers with an abundance of enthusiasm and expertise, and a sincere desire to improve the marketplace in Manitoba.

1948- CAC Manitoba had its first opportunity to represent Manitoba consumers before the Manitoba Milk control Board.

1959- The first Annual Consumer Week Fair was held at the Hudson's Bay store in Winnipeg. It included displays of products and featured guests speakers. One week in April is now proclaimed National Consumer Week by the federal government.

1967- A $100.00 donation enabled CAC Manitoba to run a Consumer Help phone. Even after CAC had an office, a long-time volunteer continued to take calls in her home during off hours until 1985.

1968- The first issues of The Manitoba CONSUMER was mailed to CAC members in Manitoba. Originally an annual publication, it is now published six times a year.

1970- Two dedicated CAC volunteers began the Consumer Education night classes which were opened to the public. The classes held included topics such as wise shopping, budget management, and consumer rights.

1975- CAC's Consumer Resource Centre and office opened for business! Staffed initially with volunteers, the office was located on Portage Avenue. CAC occupied that office until 1986, when we moved to our present location on Osborne Street.

1983- The first two RRSP forums were hosted by CAC. These forums brought together representatives of the industry, government and CAC to answer consumers' questions and provide information on the purchase of RRSP's and a host of other financial products.

1986- CAC Manitoba was expanding. New standing committees were added to our Board which now met more often to keep up with the increasing demand. We moved again, to larger, more central offices in Osborne Village. The use of our services by consumers began to increase dramatically.

1995- CAC Manitoba stepped onto the Information Highway with our own website (www.mbnet.mb.ca/crm/law/cac01.html). Plans were made to find the money for a toll-free line (which became a reality), so that consumers outside of Winnipeg could access our services free of charge 1-888-596-0900.

1996- Despite the increased demand for our services, we realized that many groups of consumers were not aware of, or could not access information from our office. So, we decided to go to them. The Consumer Education Outreach mobile resource centre took to the road in May with materials and programs to inform vulnerable consumers. We began with a tour of Winnipeg schools that brought close to 7,000 children through its doors in the first two months of operation.

1997- CAC Manitoba began a weekly price survey which is aired on the CKY news Fridays at 6:00 pm. Initially, grocery prices were surveyed. Since then CAC has expanded its surveys to include everything from patio funiture to limo rentals.

1999- CAC Manitoba published the Consumer Guide for Newcomers to Manitoba. You can read it here.

2001- CAC Manitoba completely updated the website including much more information. Our new home in cyberspace became www.consumermanitoba.ca.

1947 . 1948 . 1959 . 1967 . 1968 . 1970 . 1975 . 1983 . 1986 . 1995 . 1996 . 1997 . 2001