It's 6pm - do you know where your telemarketer is?

Chances are, they'll let you know pretty soon. The dinner time phone calls have become something of a punch line, and a definite annoyance, for many Canadians.

But those bite-interrupting rings may soon be coming to a merciful end.

As of September 30, you'll be able to register your number on a "do not call" list similar to that already available in the United States.

The catalogue will have exceptions, including charities, political parties, pollsters and established business relationships. Bell Canada will operate it on a five-year contract, and is responsible for investigating complaints.

Which means you may be able to finish a meal in peace come fall.

• The Canadian Direct Marketing Association has offered a "do not contact service" for several years. You can use it to request they take you off their mailing and calling lists for three years. But the Association is phasing it out once the new federal program begins. To find out how to opt out in the meantime, click here.

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