Yes, ticket scalping is legal in Canada but heavily regulated under provincial laws, with penalties for violations. The Competition Bureau and provincial consumer protection agencies enforce rules, while recent 2026 amendments in Ontario and Quebec tighten transparency requirements for resellers.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Canada
- Provincial Licensing Requirements: Most provinces (e.g., Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia) mandate a business license for ticket resellers, with fees ranging from $50 to $500 annually. Failure to register may result in fines up to $10,000 under the Consumer Protection Act.
- Price Disclosure & Transparency: Sellers must prominently display the original face value, service fees, and total resale price. Ontario’s 2026 updates require digital receipts with itemized costs to curb hidden markups.
- Event-Specific Restrictions: High-demand events (e.g., NHL playoffs, Taylor Swift concerts) may trigger temporary bans on resale platforms like StubHub or Kijiji under provincial Ticket Speculation Act provisions. Violations can lead to confiscation of tickets or civil penalties.
Enforcement Agencies:
- Competition Bureau Canada: Investigates deceptive pricing under the Competition Act.
- Provincial Consumer Protection Offices: Handle complaints (e.g., Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur imposes fines for non-compliance).
- Event Organizers: Retain rights to void scalped tickets under contractual terms, leaving buyers unprotected.
Penalties:
- Individuals face fines up to $50,000 for repeat offenses (e.g., Ontario’s Ticket Sales Act).
- Corporate resellers risk license revocation and criminal charges under fraud provisions.