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Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. See the list of services available during this time.

Young adult marketplace Reality Choices

Reality Choices is a consumer resource for young Albertans who are moving away from home for the first time.

Key consumer protection information

Authorized by Alberta Education as a teaching resource for the Grades 10 to 12 Career and Life Management course, the 5 modules are based on a national version of Reality Choices released by federal, provincial and territorial consumer affairs ministers. These modules have been adapted to give Albertans key information about consumer protection laws in Alberta.

Teachers: follow the links below to access teaching resources and student modules on each of the 5 topics.

Dealing with credit

Dealing with Credit talks about how to protect your credit history from the beginning, since credit checks are often used not just to grant credit, but also to determine eligibility for a job, renting an apartment or obtaining insurance.

You and your money

You and Your Money takes users through a financial check-up that asks how and why you spend and whether you are getting what you need and want. A money planner then helps people assess where their money goes, where they want to be financially and how to get there.

A roof over your head

A Roof over Your Head discusses landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, and gives tips on working out bills when roommates are involved. Tips on mortgages are also provided for new homebuyers.

In the driver’s seat

In the Driver’s Seat gives advice on shopping for your first vehicle, which is the largest purchase many young consumers make and offers tips on checking liens, deciding whether to purchase warranties and the differences between buying a vehicle from a dealer versus a private sale.

Shopping for satisfaction

Shopping for Satisfaction gives consumers who are on their own for the first time helpful tips about their rights when it comes to door-to-door sales, negative option sales, shopping online, booking travel and hiring moving companies.

Contact

Connect with the Consumer Contact Centre:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-4088 (Edmonton and area)
Toll free: 1-877-427-4088 (in Alberta)