Quebec introduces new bill to ‘curb abusive ticket resales’ and ‘online subscription traps’
Posted December 2, 2025 3:46 pm.
Last Updated December 2, 2025 4:19 pm.
The provincial government says consumers could soon have stronger protection against abusive ticket resale practices and confusing online subscription renewals.
Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette tabled Bill 10 at the National Assembly on Tuesday. The bill aims to protect Quebecers from hidden fees, inflated resale prices and online platforms that make it hard to cancel subscriptions.
He was joined by Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe and Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré MNA Kariane Bourassa.
New rules for ticket resales
The proposed law sets out stricter requirements for anyone reselling event tickets.
Resale would be prohibited unless buyers are clearly informed that they are on a resale platform — and that the same ticket may be available elsewhere at a lower price. Sellers would also need to disclose:
- the seat or section the ticket grants access to
- the original price
- the name of the last ticket holder
Consumers would also need to be notified if a show is cancelled, moved or rescheduled.
Anyone trying to resell a ticket at a higher price than the original would need a formal agreement with the show’s producer.
Jolin-Barrette said the measures are needed to protect both families and the cultural sector.
“It’s not normal to have to pay seven times the original price of a ticket to see a show. And yet, these situations occur regularly. We must take action both for citizens who feel cheated and to protect Quebec’s cultural budget. Neither the Quebec entertainment industry nor Quebec artists see any of the profits made by resellers. Families already make a lot of effort to manage their budgets, and every dollar counts. We want to ensure that when they spend, they can do so in an informed manner and get their money’s worth.”
Clearer cancellation options for online subscriptions
Bill 10 would also force companies to make unsubscribing easier.
Online platforms would need to include a clearly accessible “Unsubscribe” button. Consumers would have to be notified between two and 10 days before a promotional price ends, and the new price and start date would need to be displayed clearly.
Any non-monthly fees would also have to be presented alongside the monthly price for automatically renewing subscriptions.
Protecting consumers’ right to speak out
The bill also bans contract clauses that prevent customers from posting negative reviews about a product or service.
Cultural sector says new rules will help artists
Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe said the changes will better protect Quebec’s artistic community.
“Culture is what gives Quebec its character and identity. Our performance venues are true drivers of artistic creation and access to our social culture throughout Quebec. The implementation of new protections against unfair practices by certain resellers will ensure that artists and their partners can truly reap the benefits of their efforts and better plan their marketing strategies. This protects both the cultural ecosystem and culture lovers.”
‘Concrete solutions’ for families, says MNA
Bourassa said the proposal responds directly to concerns raised by Quebecers during consultations.
“When I began consultations on this issue, I quickly realized that action was needed. I am therefore very pleased to see this issue resolved today. The government is sparing no effort to protect families’ wallets and purchasing power. Once again, we are tackling everyday irritants and providing concrete solutions so that Quebecers can make choices that fit their budgets and needs. Quebec draws inspiration from best practices around the world and continues to be a leader in consumer protection in North America.”
She added that Quebec continues to be a leader in consumer protection.
What’s next?
Bill 10 will undergo further study at the National Assembly.
Details about legislation handled by the Office de la protection du consommateur can be found on its website.
