A newly activated do-not-call registry that promises to block pesky telemarketers won't work, a consumer advocacy group predicts. More than 70 per cent of Canadians polled say they intend to put themselves on the national list, and when the program was launched Tuesday the registration website was soon overwhelmed.

It's being billed as a long-awaited way for Canadians to pull the plug on irritating unwanted calls. But the Consumers Association of Canada says Ottawa is allowing too many exemptions.

"All of the usual suspects will still be able to call," said president Bruce Cran.

Political pollsters will still be able to get through, as will companies that have an existing business relationship with the consumer – meaning a cable provider will be able to call to try to sell cell phone service, or your bank can call about new credit card offerings.

Political parties and candidates, registered charities and newspapers selling subscriptions are also among those exempted.

"This is a useless piece of legislation with no redeeming features," Cran said. "This will not give any solace or respite to consumers. They'll still be getting just as many calls." People who don't want marketing calls from exempted firms are advised to try to get on the company's internal do-not-call list.

Cran also noted the registry won't block the growing number of calls that come in from outside of Canada.

Consumers want the ability to completely eliminate calls at mealtimes, Cran said, adding they have no sympathy even for charities seeking money. He said the federal government should scrap the registry and "start again with something that's going to work."

To register your phone number, sign up online at www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca or call 1-866-580-3625. Besides residential home numbers, cell, fax and VOIP phone numbers can be registered.

Unexempted telemarketers have 31 days after a number is registered to cease calls.

Rule violators face fines up to $15,000 per infraction.