Consumer Information

Online Databases - Resources Requiring Login (Library card and password)

Canadian Periodical Index (CPI.Q) - A 20-year index of nearly 200 Canadian magazines. Also includes full-text articles (from 1995) Canadian biographies, company profiles, and historical information.

EBSCOhost MasterFILE Premier - Covering virtually every subject area of general interest, the MasterFILE Premier database provides full text for nearly 1,700 general reference publications including hundreds of popular magazines such as Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, and People, as well as full text for nearly 500 reference books. Also included are 165,000 primary source documents and an Image Collection of over 502,000 photos, maps, and flags. 

Subject Guides - Open Resources (no login required)

In the Library

General Consumer Resources

Canadian Consumer Information Gateway - Information about fraud, consumer protection and other subjects for Canadian consumers. Does not include product reviews.

Canadian Toy Testing Council - Useful information for toy consumers.

Consumer Search.com - A U.S. site that claims to find the best reviews, analyze the choices and provide the best products.

Better Business Bureau. - US and Canadian, including Vancouver Island BBB.

Marketplace - Website for CBC's consumer information TV show. Shows list of recalled products.

Strategis for Consumers - From Industry Canada. Links to National Do Not Call List.

iOptOut - View a categorized list and opt-out of further contact from exempt organizations. Include charities, business with prior relationships, political parties, survey companies and newspapers.

Automotive

See Automotive eResource page

Housing

BC Housing Rental Assistance Program - Program gives eligible low-income, working families with cash assistance to help with monthly rent payments.

British Columbia Real Estate Association - Information for real estate professionals, as well as buyers and sellers.

Mortgage Calculator - Calculates monthly, bi-monthly or weekly mortgage payment.