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Lynda Steele on luggage dispute
A B.C. couple has found themselves caught in a blame game between U.S. security agencies and Air Canada after their belongings went missing on a flight from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
Lynda Steele on ICBC rate hike
B.C. drivers are being forced to pay higher premiums for their ICBC basic car insurance even though a rate hike has yet to be formally approved by the province's utility commission.
Lynda Steele on online flower deliveries
The beautiful floral arrangement you buy online isn't always the one that arrives at the destination, as Steele on Your Side learned after an experiment using the FTD floral service.
Lynda Steele on best chocolate values
If you're shopping for a romantic box of chocolates to give as a Valentine's Day gift, there's good news. Consumer Reports has just found some of the best, at modest prices.
Lynda Steele on finding the right pink product
There are thousands of products that display a pink ribbon in support of breast cancer, but consumers need to do their homework because not all pink products are legitimate.
Lynda Steele with more on smart meters
The strata president of a B.C. condo complex claims that smart meter installers broke into its meter room earlier this month to install the BC Hydro devices against the residents' wishes.
Lynda Steele on future of smart meters
BC Hydro will not say whether B.C. residents are able to opt out of its controversial Smart Meter program, a frustrating proposition for consumers who distrust the devices.
Lynda Steele on weight-loss app
Starting a diet is relatively easy but the hard part is sticking to it. Consumer Reports just polled more than 3,200 of its subscribers on losing weight to find out what they do to keep on target.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
U.S. entertainment industries are hoping that a "notice and notice" program which sends warnings about illegal downloading will deter internet users from sharing copyrighted material.
Lynda Steele on consignment shopping
The sale of consignment clothing is up 25 per cent in Vancouver this year, and sellers say it's a sign that fashionistas are getting more frugal.
Lynda Steele on addressing hoarding problems
Hoarders forced to clean up their homes will suffer trauma and begin collecting again at an even faster rate, according to the City of Vancouver, which is struggling to deal with the issue.
Landlord urges caution after hoarder tenant
A junk removal company manager is urging caution to landlords after a hoarder turned his tidy one-bedroom apartment into a den of garbage, rotting food and human waste in less than two months.
Lynda Steele on the best paper towels
Consumer Reports put Bounty and nearly two dozen other paper towels brands through some serious tests to find out which one performs best.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
Just how much fat is in the ground meat you buy at your local supermarket can be confusing.
Lynda Steele on innocent iPad mules
Fraud artists perpetrating a major scam involving fake iPad 2s recruited unsuspecting "mules" online to return the bogus products to major retailers under the guise of a secret shopper assignment.
Lynda Steele on even more fake iPads
A growing scam involving fake Apple iPad 2s being sold at retail giants is spreading, with more people coming forward to say they've purchased the fraudulent tablets.
Lynda Steele on saving cash on drugs
Drug dispensing fees at the pharmacy counter can range from around $4 to almost $14, a big discrepancy for anyone who isn't covered through insurance.
Lynda Steele on more fake iPads
Retailers Walmart and London Drugs confirm they've been hit by a fake iPad 2 scam, a day after Future Shop and Best Buy said they are launching a major fraud investigation into the scam.
Lynda Steele on fake iPads
Future Shop and Best Buy have launched a major fraud investigation after as many as 10 fake iPad 2 models made of modeling clay were sold in Metro Vancouver retail stores.
Shannon Paterson on low mortgage rates
With banks lowering their five-year interest rates to a record low this week, many people are considering whether or not it's the right time to buy a new home.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
A Penticton, B.C., father said he was shocked to have to pay $60.21 in taxes and duty on presents he received for his children from relatives in the U.S.
Lynda Steele on furnace industry practices
Less than half of Canadians trust outside contractors and repairmen to be honest in their home, according to an Angus Reid Public Opinion poll commissioned by Steele on Your Side.
Lynda Steele on furnace investigation
A Steele on Your Side undercover investigation exposing questionable tactics used by furnace contractors is raising concerns about the industry.
Lynda Steele on visiting the dentist
A new Consumer Reports survey on oral health shows most people gave their dental care a thumbs up -- even when it came to painful surgeries like a root canal.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
More and more Canadians are taking advantage of lower mortgage rates, but is it worth it to break your existing loan to get a lower rate somewhere else?
Lynda Steele on outsmarting the iPhone
There has been plenty of buzz about Apple's new iPhone 4S, but Consumer Reports says there are plenty of other smartphones out there that perform just as well, or even better, than the 4S.
Lynda Steele on manly paint colours
CIL Paints is appealing to men this winter with an amusing campaign designed to get men more pumped for painting, but will the macho makeover really get men into home décor?
Lynda Steele on Canucks ticket policy
The Vancouver Canucks have changed their ticket policy after a disabled hockey fan was unable to get a last-minute ticket discount because he uses a wheelchair.
Lynda Steele on earthquake insurance
Less than 50 per cent of homeowners in earthquake prone areas in B.C. carry quake insurance even though there's a good chance a big quake will hit Vancouver in the next 50 years.
Lynda Steele on noisy restaurants
There's a growing movement to turn down the volume in Canadian eateries, and part of the problem may be a generational clash.
Lynda Steele on bra sizes
While British Columbian women spend millions of dollars on bras, experts say up to 90 percent of them are still wearing the wrong size.
Lynda Steele on vanity sizing
Clothing manufacturers have started altering their sizing to make us feel better about ourselves. The shrinking sizes appeal to the ego, but have little to do with reality.
Lynda Steele on e-readers
If you're a big reader and you've been thinking about making the switch to e-books, now's a good time. CTV's Lynda Steele did some field testing to see which e-book readers come out on top.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
A Steele on Your Side viewer angry that WestJet has bumped up some of its holiday airfares by around 100 per cent says she could spend the same amount of money to fly to Europe that it would cost her to fly to Alberta.
Lynda Steele on a wonky remote
A Surrey woman says she's concerned for safety in her neighbourhood after finding out the wireless device she uses to turn on her Christmas lights also opens her garage door.
Lynda Steele on gifts that give back
There are scores of great gifts that give back this holiday season, from eco-friendly shoes and lingerie to luxurious hand creams and herds of African goats.
Lynda Steele on slimming down drinks
Champagne, cocktails and coffee drinks with whipped cream are part of many holiday celebrations, but you need to watch those liquid calories to avoid packing on the pounds.
Lynda Steele with TV 101
From 3D to LED and LCD, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to buying a new television, but which one is best for you really depends on what you want to use it for.
Lynda Steele on tablets for tots
Consumer Reports just tested four tablet computers made specially for young children.
Lynda Steele on the best tech toys
British Columbians are the most likely shoppers to purchase a smartphone or computer for a child this Christmas -- but how do you know which one fits the bill?
Lynda Steele on choosing batteries
Consumer Reports just did some battery tests to find out which ones work best in toys and electronic gadgets.
Lynda Steele on hot toys
From tots to teenagers, if you played with it as a kid the chances are your children will too this holiday season.
Lynda Steele with Christmas pet tips
Flying with your four-legged friend can be a hairy experience, but there's a lot you can do to make sure the journey is stress-free for yourself and your animal companion.
Lynda Steele answers viewers' questions
Email spam is an everyday occurrence, but there's a new nuisance in town: text spam -- and it's hitting Telus wireless customers.

On Your Side Stories

Consumer Reports just tested keyboards for the iPad. (CTV)

The best keyboards for your iPad

If you've got an iPad you may find it frustrating to type on the small virtual keypad. Manufacturers now make a variety of iPad keyboards, and Consumer Reports just put some of them to the test.    

The Dewars returned home from a trip to California to discover items missing from their luggage, and a notice from TSA saying their bags had been searched (CTV)

Air Canada, TSA play blame game after belongings stolen

A B.C. couple has found themselves caught in a blame game between U.S. security agencies and Air Canada after their belongings went missing on a flight from Los Angeles to Vancouver.   11     1

The Tassimo Hot Beverage System is shown in a handout photo. Close to a million Tassimo coffee makers are being recalled in Canada after reports of the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves onto people.Some 900,000 Tassimo coffee makers are being recalled in Canada. (Kraft Foods)

Single-cup coffee makers recalled over burn hazard

More than 1.7 million Tassimo single-cup coffee makers have been recalled in the U.S. and Canada amid reports of a malfunction that sprays users with burning hot grounds.   8  

ICBC estimates that drivers aged 30 to 50 were involved in 18,000 crashes in 2009.

ICBC hikes basic insurance rates 11.2-per-cent

B.C. drivers are being forced to pay higher premiums for their ICBC basic car insurance even though a rate hike has yet to be formally approved by the province's utility commission.   63     1

The $74.99

The gamble of online flower delivery

The beautiful floral arrangement you buy online isn't always the one that arrives at the destination, as Steele on Your Side learned after an experiment using the FTD floral service.   9     1

Production at Thomas Haas' chocolate factory is running overtime for Valentine's Day. (CTV)

The best chocolates to melt your (sweet)heart

If you're shopping for a romantic box of chocolates to give as a Valentine's Day gift, there's good news. Consumer Reports has just found some of the best, at modest prices.   3     1

Nicklas Andersen shakes the hand of a North Shore Rescue team member after the crew rescued him and a friend off of Mount Seymour on Feb. 22, 2011. (CTV)

Should skiers be liable for out-of-bounds rescues?

Searchers who rescue skiers who deliberately go out-of-bounds say they shouldn't be held financially liable, despite repeated outcries from the public that offenders should be.   43  

The Big Pink Sightseeing Bus donates $1 for every rider to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. (CTV)

Think twice before you buy pink

There are thousands of products that display a pink ribbon in support of breast cancer, but consumers need to do their homework because not all pink products are legitimate.   4     1

Condo strata president Brian Beckwall said installers broke in to the complex's meter room to install smart meters against the wishes of the tenants. (CTV)

Smart meter installers broke in: condo president

The strata president of a B.C. condo complex claims that smart meter installers broke into its meter room earlier this month to install the BC Hydro devices against the residents' wishes.   43     2

Ross Dunseith is concerned about the bank of 27 hydro meters that share a wall with his dining room. (CTV)

Choice to opt out of smart meters unclear

BC Hydro will not say whether B.C. residents are able to opt out of its controversial Smart Meter program, a frustrating proposition for consumers who distrust the devices.   51     1

Leslie Beck reveals the top five diet blunders that could be keeping you from losing weight.

How to lose weight and keep it off

Starting a diet is relatively easy but the hard part is sticking to it. Consumer Reports just polled more than 3,200 of its subscribers on losing weight to find out what they do to keep on target.   5     1

Websites such as this one offer the latest pirated movies and music for free download Wednesday, September 15, 2010 in Montreal.  (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remior)

Telus weighs in on users' illegal downloading

U.S. entertainment industries are hoping that a "notice and notice" program which sends warnings about illegal downloading will deter internet users from sharing copyrighted material.   15     1

A Chanel leather vest which retails for $2,000 is being sold for $575 secondhand in a Vancouver consignment shop (CTV).

Consignment sales up as fashionistas get frugal

The sale of consignment clothing is up 25 per cent in Vancouver this year, and sellers say it's a sign that fashionistas are getting more frugal.   5     1

A hoarder was found dead inside this Vancouver home after a fire in October 2011. (CTV)

Buried alive: hoarders can't help themselves

Hoarders forced to clean up their homes will suffer trauma and begin collecting again at an even faster rate, according to the City of Vancouver, which is struggling to deal with the issue.   12     2

In less than two months, a hoarder turned this Vancouver apartment into a junk pile. (CTV)

Junk company manager falls prey to hoarder

A junk removal company manager is urging caution to landlords after a hoarder turned his tidy one-bedroom apartment into a den of garbage, rotting food and human waste in less than two months.   33     1

Consumer Reports tested 21 paper towels including ones from Viva, Bounty, and Scott to see which brands hold up the best to tough messes. May 28, 2010. (CTV)

Putting paper towels to the test

Consumer Reports put Bounty and nearly two dozen other paper towels brands through some serious tests to find out which one performs best.       1

Shoppers are bringing home much more than they bargain for when they come home from the grocery store.

How much fat is really in ground meat?

Just how much fat is in the ground meat you buy at your local supermarket can be confusing.       1

Jeff Rae shows the hunk of clay he found when his new iPad 2 Christmas present was opened. (CTV)

'Mules' recruited online to return fake iPad 2s

Fraud artists perpetrating a major scam involving fake iPad 2s recruited unsuspecting "mules" online to return the bogus products to major retailers under the guise of a secret shopper assignment.   7     2

Future Shop and Best Buy have launched a major fraud investigation after as many as 10 fake iPad 2 models made of modeling clay have turned up in Metro Vancouver stores. (CTV)

Fake iPad 2 fraud grows bigger

A growing scam involving fake Apple iPad 2s being sold at retail giants is spreading, with more people coming forward to say they've purchased the fraudulent tablets.   9     3

Senior Ralph Lyons acted as roving reporter for Lynda Steele as he visited Surrey pharmacies to determine dispensing fees. (CTV)

Save big bucks at the pharmacy counter

Drug dispensing fees at the pharmacy counter can range from around $4 to almost $14, a big discrepancy for anyone who isn't covered through insurance.   9     1

Dayna Chabot purchased a bogus 32-gigabyte iPad 2 at Walmart on Jan. 5, 2012. (CTV)

Fake iPad 2s hit more major retailers

Retailers Walmart and London Drugs confirm they've been hit by a fake iPad 2 scam, a day after Future Shop and Best Buy said they are launching a major fraud investigation into the scam.   17     3

Future Shop and Best Buy have launched a major fraud investigation after as many as 10 fake iPad 2 models made of modeling clay have turned up in Metro Vancouver stores. (CTV)

Fake Apple iPad 2s made of clay sold in B.C.

Future Shop and Best Buy have launched a major fraud investigation after as many as 10 fake iPad 2 models made of modeling clay were sold in Metro Vancouver retail stores.   29     4

A new construction development offers realestate options for sale in the west end of Ottawa on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Sean Kilpatrick

With low mortgage rates, can you afford to buy?

With banks lowering their five-year interest rates to a record low this week, many people are considering whether or not it's the right time to buy a new home.   6     1

A Penticton, B.C., father said he was shocked to have to pay $60.21 in taxes and duty on presents he received for his children from relatives in the U.S.

Special delivery: Dad charged $60 to receive gifts

A Penticton, B.C., father said he was shocked to have to pay $60.21 in taxes and duty on presents he received for his children from relatives in the U.S.   16     1

The technician from Burnaby's Pro Ace Heating and Cooling is seen as part of a Steele on Your Side undercover investigation. (CTV)

Almost half of people don't trust contractors: poll

Less than half of Canadians trust outside contractors and repairmen to be honest in their home, according to an Angus Reid Public Opinion poll commissioned by Steele on Your Side.   7     1

CTV Producer Darcy Wintonyk questions a technician from Burnaby's Pro Ace Heating and Cooling during a Steele on Your Side undercover investigation. (CTV)

Unscrupulous repairmen out there: furnace probe subject

The owner of a furnace company whose technician was videotaped engaging in questionable practices claims his employee did nothing wrong and that his company is honest.   7  

The technician from Burnaby's Pro Ace Heating and Cooling is seen as part of a Steele on Your Side undercover investigation. (CTV)

Furnace company practices in question after CTV probe

A Steele on Your Side undercover investigation exposing questionable tactics used by furnace contractors is raising concerns about the industry.   7     1

Dental care

Don't fear the dentist

A new Consumer Reports survey on oral health shows most people gave their dental care a thumbs up -- even when it came to painful surgeries like a root canal.   4     1

Real Estate

Is it worth the penalty to break your mortgage?

More and more Canadians are taking advantage of lower mortgage rates, but is it worth it to break your existing loan to get a lower rate somewhere else?   7     1

Siri, the new virtual assistant, is displayed on the new Apple iPhone 4S in San Francisco, Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. (AP / Eric Risberg)

Can other smartphones outsmart the iPhone?

There has been plenty of buzz about Apple's new iPhone 4S, but Consumer Reports says there are plenty of other smartphones out there that perform just as well, or even better, than the 4S.   17     1

CIL is renaming dozens of its dramatic paint colours in its Ultimate Man Caves Collection, which bears the slogan “Given the right time – he’ll agree to any colour.”

Beer Foam white? Paint colours get macho makeover

CIL Paints is appealing to men this winter with an amusing campaign designed to get men more pumped for painting, but will the macho makeover really get men into home décor?   2     1

Victor De Bonis, Chief Operating Officer of Canucks Sports and Entertainment, meets Scott Poulsen after our interview. (CTV)

Disabled Vancouver Canucks fan denied last-minute ticket

The Vancouver Canucks have changed their ticket policy after a disabled hockey fan was unable to get a last-minute ticket discount because he uses a wheelchair.   7     1

Rubble is seen in a main road in front of the damaged minarets of a mosque in the city center of Ercis, Turkey, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011. (AP / Burhan Ozbilici))

Are you protected when the Big One hits?

Less than 50 per cent of homeowners in earthquake prone areas in B.C. carry quake insurance even though there's a good chance a big quake will hit Vancouver in the next 50 years.       1

Younger B.C. residents like the loud music and clatter of a bustling restaurant but many Baby Boomers with fat wallets are looking for a reprieve from the noise. (CTV)

The generational battle over noisy restaurants

There's a growing movement to turn down the volume in Canadian eateries, and part of the problem may be a generational clash.   4     1

Diane Thompson of Diane's Lingerie says up to 90 percent of women wear the wrong sized bra, leading to cosmetic and health concerns. July 27, 2011. (CTV)

Most women wearing the wrong bra size

While British Columbian women spend millions of dollars on bras, experts say up to 90 percent of them are still wearing the wrong size.   1     1

Clothing manufacturers have started altering their sizing to make us feel better about ourselves. The shrinking sizes appeal to the ego, but have little to do with reality.

Vanity sizing: one size fits no one

Clothing manufacturers have started altering their sizing to make us feel better about ourselves. The shrinking sizes appeal to the ego, but have little to do with reality.   1     1

Sizing up the best ebooks.

Sizing up the best e-book readers

If you're a big reader and you've been thinking about making the switch to e-books, now's a good time. CTV's Lynda Steele did some field testing to see which e-book readers come out on top.   1

Westjet airplane

WestJet 100-per-cent fare increase questioned

A Steele on Your Side viewer angry that WestJet has bumped up some of its holiday airfares by around 100 per cent says she could spend the same amount of money to fly to Europe that it would cost her to fly to Alberta.   20     1

Karen Granholm discovered that the $15 device she bought to control her Christmas lights also opens her garage door. (CTV)

Misfiring holiday light remote control opens garage door

A Surrey woman says she's concerned for safety in her neighbourhood after finding out the wireless device she uses to turn on her Christmas lights also opens her garage door.   13     1

The B.C. SPCA has an amazing program that provides dog, cat and wildlife care for as little as $10.

Holiday gifts that give back

There are scores of great gifts that give back this holiday season, from eco-friendly shoes and lingerie to luxurious hand creams and herds of African goats.   1     1

Jacob Sweetapple of Vancouver's Chambar mixes up a holiday cocktail using maple bacon ice cream.

Slimming down fattening holiday drinks

Champagne, cocktails and coffee drinks with whipped cream are part of many holiday celebrations, but you need to watch those liquid calories to avoid packing on the pounds.   1     1

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to buying a new television, but which one is best for you really depends on what you want to use it for.

TV 101: Finding the best television

From 3D to LED and LCD, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to buying a new television, but which one is best for you really depends on what you want to use it for.       1

Consumer Reports just tested four tablet computers made specially for young children. (CTV)

Top tablets for kids

Consumer Reports just tested four tablet computers made specially for young children.   3     1

British Columbians are the most likely shoppers to purchase a smartphone or computer for a child this Christmas -- but how do you know which one fits the bill? (CTV)

Netbook or notebook? Tech toys 101

British Columbians are the most likely shoppers to purchase a smartphone or computer for a child this Christmas -- but how do you know which one fits the bill?   3     1

Consumer Alert: The best batteries

Batteries: Which AAs rate an A?

Consumer Reports just did some battery tests to find out which ones work best in toys and electronic gadgets.   1     1

Toys “R” Us has released its Holiday Hot 20 toy list and it’s jam-packed with retro favourites. (CTV)

Retro toys top holiday wish lists

From tots to teenagers, if you played with it as a kid the chances are your children will too this holiday season.       1

One of 14 future assistance dogs seeking a temporary home. Sept. 2, 2011. (CTV)

Tips for flying with your jet-set pet

Flying with your four-legged friend can be a hairy experience, but there's a lot you can do to make sure the journey is stress-free for yourself and your animal companion.       1

A viewer in Abbotsford wrote to say that he received a strange text message claiming he was the recipient of a $2-million lotto prize – a lottery that he'd never entered.

Text spam targets Telus wireless customers

Email spam is an everyday occurrence, but there's a new nuisance in town: text spam -- and it's hitting Telus wireless customers.   4     1

More

Lynda Steele is a consumer reporter and host  for CTV News British Columbia's consumer segment Steele On Your Side. June 9, 2011. (CTV)

Contact Lynda Steele

Got a great story idea or consumer tip for Steele On Your Side? Email us here.

Lynda Steele's bio

Lynda is CTV British Columbia's consumer reporter and host of Steele on Your Side.