CBC Digital Archives

Marketplace: Christmas tree ornament shock hazard

Shoddy products and shady businesses: these were the enemies of CBC-TV's Marketplace, a half-hour program that stood up for the Canadian consumer. Beginning in 1972, Stompin' Tom Connors sang the theme as hosts Joan Watson and George Finstad presented a lively parade of product tests, safety alerts and money advice. CBC Digital Archives presents full episodes from 1974 and 1975, a period when Marketplace regularly drew over 1.7 million weekly viewers.

'Tis the season for the jingling of bells, the singing of children and the chirping of novelty electronic Christmas tree ornaments. But that ornament can also give you a dangerous zap, and despite a recall it's still available across Canada. On the Christmas theme, this 1975 episode of CBC-TV's Marketplace offers advice on Super-8 cameras to capture those special holiday moments and rates electric razors for men and women. The show also examines biofeedback cures for migraine headaches and informs consumers about a class action lawsuit in the works for owners of prematurely rusty Fords.   
• Over the years Marketplace has called attention to safety issues that have resulted in product bans, legislation changes and heightened public awareness.

• For example, a 1989 episode of Marketplace documented the dangers posed by lawn darts and pointed out that they were already banned in the United States. After the broadcast, Canadian regulators also enacted a ban.

• In 1993 Marketplace aired an item on tractor-trailers that were so unsafe, wheels were flying off on the highway and killing people. As result of the program, and of the efforts of Cam Woolley of the Ontario Provincial Police, fines for unsafe trucks are much higher and the inspection system has been greatly improved. 

• As of 2013, Marketplace is still on the air with hosts Erica Johnson and Tom Harrington. 

Medium: Television
Program: Marketplace
Broadcast Date: Dec. 14, 1975
Guest(s): Ron Cohen, Keith Conners, Dodie Smith
Host: George Finstad, Joan Watson
Duration: 26:31

Last updated: April 15, 2013

Page consulted on April 15, 2013

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