This study has two parts: In the first, the economics of rational policy formulation and the economic theory of social regulation in markets for consumer goods and services are developed. Building on the economic analysis developed formerly, the second part of the study summarizes the legal basis of social regulation in Canada, summarizes and critically reviews social regulation in Ontario, and provides our policy recommendations. The latter chapters address social regulation by the provincial government in Ontario and conclude with a brief summary of the preceding chapters and statement of the major policy conclusions. This research is intended to provide four main contributions: to develop an economic analysis of social regulation in markets for consumer goods and services, examine the division of regulatory powers between the federal and provincial governments, summarize the social regulatory activities of the provincial government in Ontario, and provide an extensive bibliography of the literature relating to social regulation.