Toronto, ON, September 19, 2005 – Consumers who are considering buying a new home and homeowners who have recently purchased one can learn about the statutory warranty that comes with their home at Tarion Warranty Corporation’s consumer seminars, to be held on October 24 & 25, 2005. The two free seminars – a first for Tarion in the Ottawa-area – will provide consumers with what they need to know before and after buying a newly constructed home.

Tarion is a private corporation that administers the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. Tarion licenses new home builders and sets the minimum customer service standards they must follow. Its mandate also includes providing educational programs for builders and consumers.

The first seminar, called ‘Buying a New Home’, will be held on Monday, October 24 and features a panel of experts – including a real estate lawyer and a mortgage specialist – who will guide new home buyers through the purchasing process and provide helpful tips.  In addition, Tarion representatives will explain the terms and benefits of the warranty which all builders are required to provide to new home buyers in Ontario.

A second seminar called ‘Understanding Warranty Coverage’ will take place on Tuesday, October 25.  It is designed for homeowners who would like to better understand their warranty rights and responsibilities as well as the process involved in resolving warranty-related issues should they arise.

“Buying a new home is a complex process and home ownership comes with many responsibilities. Consumers need to know what they can expect from a builder and how the process works if and when a warranty-related issue comes along,” said Greg Gee, President and CEO of Tarion. “Ottawa-Carleton has experienced a building boom and we know there are a lot of new homeowners and potential buyers who will benefit from the valuable information provided in our seminars. We will explain Tarion’s role, including what we do for homeowners and builders. The seminars have been a great success in Toronto and we are pleased to be taking our consumer education program on the road.”

The seminars will be held at the Centurion Conference and Event Center on 170 Colonnade Road South. Both seminars will begin at 7:00 PM and light refreshments will be served. Registration is free, but space is limited.

For more details or to register for a seminar, consumers can visit www.tarion.com. Under ‘What’s New at Tarion,’ click on the seminar information page link or call 1-877-9TARION.

About Tarion

Tarion Warranty Corporation is a private corporation established in 1976 to administer the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act which outlines the warranty protection that all builders must provide to new home and condominium buyers in Ontario. Tarion licenses home builders and ensures that they abide by this legislation, and that consumers are protected when builders fail to fulfill their warranty obligations. Since its inception, over 1.3 million homes have been enrolled by the Corporation.

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For more information, please contact: Janice Wong, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs at 416-229-3863 or janice.wong@tarion.com