Complain about a product or service

Educational Partners Association

Ottawa, Ontario

Liane of Ottawa, ON October 22, 2009

My husband and I were solicited at our home address on September 18th, 2007, to purchase a package through Educational Partners Association to obtain Infant-Child First Aid and CPR training. We were assured that this course would give us certification in Child and Infant First Aid and CPR and that our certification would be valid for 3 years. We were also told that we would be welcome to take the course as many times as we like within the 3 year period, from the date of purchase. We felt inclined to register for the course, as we were expecting a child in February 2008.

Since paying for the course (cost $90.00 paid by personal cheque), I have attempted to register for a date (as seen on the website) on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, each and every time I call to register for the course I am told by a man named Serge L that the class is full and that I will have to call back at a later date to inquire about other upcoming dates. I decided to contact one of the locations that were listed on the website to inquire as to whether or not a course in the past in fact took place.

I was informed by the Orleans Canadian Legion that this course does not appear on their calendar for September and that it did not take place. I contacted EPA - Serge L again and explained to him that I have been trying to register for this course for over a year... he became very defensive and rude with me. I asked further questions to inquire as to what certification the trainers have. He informed me that the trainers are certified through the Canadian Council of Safety and Families. When I researched this company name, I discovered that it is Serge L and Richard T who own/operate this business name as well as the Educational Partners Association business name. Both business names list the same business address and contact info.

I further investigated these company names under the Better Business Bureau site and discovered that these men have been wrongfully using the BBB trademark without authorization and wrongfully claimed to be accredited. They have been using 3 different business names: Education Pro Active, EPA and Canadian Council for Family Safety. Furthermore, there have been 37 complaints filed against them to which none have been resolved. Also, it appears that the President Richard Tyo has been charged in the past under other business names (Globovision Marketing) and Pro Active Education (EPA) for various violations to the consumer protection act and for using service contracts inconsistent with the law. Also noted on the Better Business Bureau website is this paragraph, which I have copied and pasted for your information:

In recent years, at least 1,400 consumers do not have courses or seminars in first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sold and promised by companies run by Mr. T. Recently, former clients of Globovision (Community Cooperation in Quebec) and Education Pro Active were contacted by phone to be offered for a fee, the first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) never provided. The courses are now offered by the Association of instructors in first aid Family of Quebec (AISFQ), whose company Mr. Richard Tyo is a director. The Office therefore suggests the utmost caution when representations could be made to consumers by AISFQ, which offers similar services as Globovision or Education Pro Active.

I am certain my husband and I are victims of fraud and would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter. I would like a full refund if at all possible but if this is not possible, I would at least like to see this matter investigated. I hope that these two people are dealt with accordingly so that others do not suffer a loss in the future.

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