The Public Interest Advocacy Centre

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is a Canadian national non-profit and federally registered charity. Founded in 1976, PIAC is dedicated to protecting consumer interests in regulated industries such as telecommunications, energy, financial services, privacy, and transportation. It achieves this through legal and research expertise, ensuring that important services remain affordable and accessible to all Canadians.

Mission and Activities

PIAC's mission revolves around ensuring fairness and accessibility in essential services for Canadians. The organization focuses on areas like telecommunications, broadcasting, energy, privacy, financial services, competition law, consumer protection, and transportation. It provides advocacy services, often representing public interests without charging, relying on its legal and research capabilities to address these concerns.

PIAC also engages in educational efforts to inform consumers about their rights and interests. This includes initiatives such as the "We Fight for That!" podcast, which explores consumer protection issues and features discussions with experts in the field.

Structure and Funding

PIAC has a structured membership that includes individual members who serve on its board of directors, group members which are non-profit organizations that support PIAC's goals, and associate members classified under group membership.

The organization has received funding from domestic government institutions in the past, contributing to its operational capabilities in advocating for public interests.

Impact

PIAC's activities have a significant impact on consumer rights and service affordability in Canada. By advocating for policies that benefit unrepresented or underrepresented groups, PIAC ensures that consumer voices are heard in regulatory processes. This ongoing advocacy helps maintain a balance between service providers' interests and those of the consumers they serve.