Quebec’s latest consumer protection measures require ticket resale platforms and subscription businesses to provide clearer information before charging customers.
The rules, which took effect on September 12, 2026, apply to the resale of tickets for shows and events, as well as recurring services such as cellphone plans, meal-delivery programs and streaming subscriptions.
The Office de la protection du consommateur says the changes are intended to make online purchases more transparent and help consumers compare the true cost of an offer before committing, as outlined in its notice on ticket resale and subscriptions.
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Consumer protection rules for resale tickets
Ticket resale websites and applications must tell consumers when they are viewing tickets being resold rather than tickets offered directly by an authorized seller.
Platforms must also warn that tickets may be available for less through the event’s official box office.
Before a purchase is completed, the reseller must identify the official ticket seller, state whether tickets may still be available there and disclose the price advertised by that official seller.
The resale listing must also provide the seat or location associated with the ticket unless the event does not assign a specific location.
Another major change requires the reseller to break down the total price before the consumer buys.
| Information required | What consumers should see |
|---|---|
| Resale status | A clear statement that the ticket is being resold |
| Official seller | The name of the authorized box office or seller |
| Official price | The price advertised through the official seller |
| Total cost | The original ticket value and each additional fee |
| Seat information | The assigned seat or location, when applicable |
A ticket may be resold above the official box-office price only when the reseller has written authorization from the producer and, where applicable, the event presenter.
The rules also require sellers or resellers to notify buyers as soon as possible if an event is cancelled, moved or rescheduled.
New requirements for subscriptions
Consumer protection obligations also cover a range of recurring services that renew over time.
When a customer has the right to cancel an online subscription, the business must provide an accessible and easy-to-find button for exercising that right online.
The requirement can apply to services such as telecommunications, meal delivery, streaming video, music services, gyms, courses and other ongoing contracts.
Businesses must also send a written reminder between two and 10 days before a temporary promotional price ends.
That notice must clearly state the date the discount ends and the higher price that will apply afterward under the contract.
The measure is designed to reduce unexpected price increases after a trial period or introductory offer expires.
Businesses that advertise recurring services delivered at a distance must also disclose mandatory non-recurring fees next to the recurring price, according to the Office’s guidance for merchants on the new obligations.
For example, an internet provider advertising a monthly price must clearly show any required installation charge beside that monthly amount.
If the offer is made verbally, the one-time fee must be mentioned immediately after the recurring payment amount.
What consumers should check before paying
Consumers considering a resale ticket should compare the listing with the official box office before entering payment information.
They should review the original ticket value, all resale fees, the seat location and any difference between the resale price and the official price.
For subscriptions, consumers should save the promotional terms, cancellation instructions and the price that will apply after the discount ends.
A customer who cannot find a cancellation button or who receives no notice before a discounted rate expires may wish to document the problem with screenshots and copies of emails.
- Check whether the ticket is being sold through an official seller or a resale platform.
- Compare the full price rather than only the advertised base price.
- Look for mandatory installation, activation or other one-time charges.
- Record the end date of any promotional subscription price.
- Keep confirmation emails and screenshots if a dispute develops.
How to report a possible violation
The Office de la protection du consommateur accepts reports about commercial practices that may not comply with Quebec’s consumer rules.
Consumers seeking help with an individual dispute can also request information and tools from the Office to understand their options when dealing with a business.
The Office says complaints and reports help guide its monitoring activities and identify sectors where intervention may be needed.
The measures form part of a broader series of Quebec consumer-law changes introduced in 2026, including rules addressing unauthorized use of a person’s identity in commercial advertising and new protections for certain household appliances and electronic devices.
For consumers, the practical effect is that key prices, fees, renewal dates and resale conditions should be easier to see before a transaction is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Quebec’s new ticket resale and subscription rules take effect?
The measures took effect on September 12, 2026.
What must a ticket resale platform disclose?
It must identify the ticket as a resale, provide official seller and pricing information, disclose the full price breakdown and identify the seat or location when applicable.
Can a resale ticket be sold above the official price?
It can be sold above the official price only when the required written authorization has been obtained from the producer and, where applicable, the event presenter.
How much notice must consumers receive before a promotional subscription price ends?
Businesses must send a clear written notice between two and 10 days before the promotional period ends.
What should consumers do if a business may be breaking the rules?
Consumers can report suspected violations to the Office de la protection du consommateur and request information or assistance about their individual situation.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, obligations and consumer remedies were checked against current information published by Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur.
Disclaimer: This article provides general consumer information and is not a substitute for legal advice about an individual dispute.