Global Edmonton Trouble Shooter wins consumer awards

Global Edmonton Trouble Shooter Julie Matthews was honoured Monday for her work helping consumers in the province.

Matthews was presented with two Alberta Consumer Champion Awards in the media category for helping consumers learn their rights.

She won for her three-part feature on consumer protection for buyers in the used car market and another for her two-part series on civil court.

The "Lemon Aid" series outlines steps consumers can take when buying a vehicle and red flags to watch for while her "Civil Court" series outlines the basics of the justice system and gives a simple breakdown of how to file a claim in small claims court.

Service Alberta minister Heather Klimchuk handed out the awards, and said the role the media plays in helping consumers is vital.

"The partnership of media is absolutely important in serving Albertans," Klimchuk said.

"It means we can solve the problem together and get the word out quickly."

Klimchuk is reminding consumers to educate themselves and be aware of what they might be getting into with a purchase.

"Knowledge is power," she said. "At the end of the day, if it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true."

This is the Alberta Consumer Champion Awards fifth year and Matthews' third win and second consecutive win in a row.

View the award-winning stories below:

Civil Courts

Lemon Aid Part 1

Lemon Aid Part 2

Lemon Aid Part 3