Every Friday, Consumer Reporter Lynda Steele dips into the mailbag to answer your questions. This week, Steele on Your Side investigates a soggy Purolator delivery and electric vehicle rebates.
Soggy Purolator delivery
Patti wrote Steele on Your Side after two parcels were delivered by Purolator to her home. She and her son were both home at the time, but there was no ring of the bell or knock on the door.
When her husband arrived home, he discovered the two packages on their doorstep, soaking wet from the rain. Patti says when she contacted Purolator she was told no signature was required for the parcels, so the driver was not required to knock. She wants to know what the company's requirements are to ensure that parcels are secure.
Purolator told CTV News that protocol for delivering a shipment that doesn't need a signature is to knock on the door and take steps to secure the shipment is in a safe place, like a mailbox or between doors of the entrance, or at the rear of the residence.
The company says it's following up with the local manager.
Electric vehicle rebates
Andrew recently purchased an electric vehicle and was upset to learn that the new government rebates only start on April 1st.
The previous rebate program ended in March of 2014, which means people who bought electric cars in between the two dates will not be eligible for rebates. Andrew doesn't think that's fair, and wants to know why. But we didn't have much luck getting clarification.
When Steele on Your Side asked the Ministry of Energy and Mines, which is responsible for the rebates, if there were any incentives available to electric vehicle buyers who purchased cars between March 2014 and April 2015 it responded, "No rebates during that period." When we ask the Ministry to elaborate on why that is, CTV News received an even shorter, two word response of, "Not retroactive."
