Billing Dispute Letter Template (Canada)

Received an incorrect charge on your telecom, utility, or service bill? A clear, professional dispute letter is often the fastest way to get it corrected. This tool generates a customized billing dispute letter tailored for Canadian consumers.

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See also: When a company ignores you | Second complaint after no response

What This Letter Is

A billing dispute letter is a formal written request asking a company to review and correct an error on your account. In Canada, this is commonly used when you have been overcharged by a telecom provider, utility company, or other service. The letter documents your complaint, identifies the specific charge in question, and states what resolution you expect. Having this in writing creates a record that may be useful if you need to escalate to a regulator or ombudsman later.

How This Works

1
Fill in your details
Enter the company name, account info, and describe the billing error.
2
Generate your letter
Our tool creates a professional dispute letter customized to your situation.
3
Send and follow up
Email or mail your letter, then track the company's response.
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Trusted by thousands of Canadian consumers to resolve billing issues.

When This Letter Works

  • You were overcharged or billed for services you did not receive
  • You were charged after cancelling a service or subscription
  • Promotional pricing was not applied as promised
  • You see duplicate or unauthorized charges on your account
  • The company has not responded to your phone or email complaints

When It May Not Be Enough

  • The charge is valid but you disagree with the price (you may still dispute, but success is less likely)
  • The issue involves fraud or identity theft (contact police and your bank immediately)
  • The company has already escalated to collections (you may need additional steps)
  • The dispute involves a contract you signed but later regretted (contract terms may apply)

What to Include

  • Your full name and account number
  • The billing period and specific charge in question
  • A clear explanation of why the charge is incorrect
  • Reference to any supporting documents (statements, receipts, contracts)
  • The specific resolution you are requesting (refund, credit, correction)
  • A reasonable deadline for response (10-14 business days)

Legal Context (Canada)

In Canada, consumers have certain protections when disputing billing errors with service providers. While specific rules vary by province, the general principle is that companies must provide accurate billing and respond to legitimate disputes in a reasonable timeframe.

For telecommunications services, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) sets standards that providers must follow. The Wireless Code and Television Service Provider Code include requirements for clear pricing and dispute handling. If a telecom provider does not resolve your billing complaint, you may escalate to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), a free and independent dispute resolution body.

For utility billing disputes, most provinces have an energy regulator or ombudsman that handles unresolved complaints. In many provinces, consumer protection legislation requires businesses to provide refunds or credits when billing errors are proven. Creating a written record of your dispute is often essential if you need to escalate later. This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation.

Escalation Options in Canada

If your service provider does not resolve your billing dispute, you may consider escalating to:

  • Telecom/TV/Internet: CCTS (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services)
  • Utilities: Your provincial energy regulator or ombudsman
  • General consumer issues: Your provincial consumer protection office
  • Small claims court: For amounts typically under $25,000-$35,000 depending on province

Frequently Asked Questions

Start by contacting the company's customer service in writing. Clearly state the error, provide your account details, and request a specific correction. If unresolved after 30 days, you may escalate to a regulator like CCTS for telecom or your provincial consumer protection office.

Include your account number, the billing period in question, the specific charge you are disputing, why you believe it is incorrect, any supporting documentation references, and what resolution you are requesting.

Most companies aim to respond within 10-30 business days. Telecom providers regulated by the CRTC must acknowledge complaints promptly. If you do not receive a response, you may escalate to CCTS or your provincial consumer protection agency.

Yes. If you paid a bill and later discovered an error, you can still dispute it and request a refund or account credit. Include proof of payment and explain why the charge was incorrect.

CCTS (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services) handles unresolved complaints about telecom and TV services in Canada. Contact them if your service provider has not resolved your complaint after you have tried their internal process.

Need a formal, escalation-ready version?

Generate a deadline-based letter that creates a paper trail for regulators.

Generate a formal letter (free preview)

Information is used only to generate your document and is automatically deleted.

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This tool provides general information and document templates, not legal advice.