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‘Putting Ticket Scalpers on Notice’: Ontario Government Wants to Ban Resale Tickets That Exceed Face Value
The announcement arrives seven years after the Ford government scrapped part of the Ticket Sales Act in 2019, which capped ticket resale prices at 50% above the original price.
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Doug Ford is coming for ticket resellers.
The Ontario Premier has announced that the provincial government plans to ban ticket resale transactions at prices exceeding face value, making it illegal for tickets to concerts, cultural, sports and other live events to be resold for more than their original cost.
This new legislation would protect fans and consumers from “exploitative, professional resellers who artificially drive up ticket prices” and ensure Ontarians have a higher chance of attending live events across the province.
“With these new measures, consumers would no longer need to worry about being ripped off in the ticket resale market, and more families and fans would have the opportunity to see their favourite band or sports team perform live,” says Stephen Crawford, minister of public and business service delivery and procurement, in a statement.
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On social media, Ford doubles down on the decision: “We’re putting ticket scalpers on notice: Your days of ripping people off are done.”
The government says it also plans to “strengthen validity guarantee requirements” to protect buyers against the sale of fake tickets and stop unfair service fees during the purchasing process.
The announcement comes seven years after amendments were made to the Liberal government-implemented Ticket Sales Act, which banned the use of online bots and capped ticket resale prices at 50% above the original price.
In 2019, the Conservative Ford government scrapped the law. Then government and consumer services minister, Bill Walker, claimed the limit was “unenforceable” as sellers weren’t required to disclose the ticket’s original price.
It seems Ford had a change of heart and re-examined the law, following last year's World Series games in Toronto. Tickets were being resold for as high as $10,000, with the premier saying resellers were "gouging" buyers.
If passed, the new law would legally require ticket resellers to inform the buyer of the original price and any fees, service charges or applicable taxes charged on the resale.
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The decision has received a positive response among some Canadian music organizations. The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) is in favour of the law, but notes that the rollout is key.
“The effectiveness of any new framework will depend heavily on how it is enforced, and we are pleased to see new enforcement tools introduced,” the organization writes in a statement. “Without clear, consistent, and well-resourced enforcement, there is a real risk that bad actors will adapt in ways that undermine the intent of these changes.”
The CLMA notes that it will continue working alongside the Ontario government “to help ensure these measures are practical, enforceable and effective for both fans and the live events sector.”
According to the Toronto Star, buyers will be advised to report any suspicious violations to Consumer Protection Ontario, which can implement penalties set at a maximum of $10,000 but could go as high as $25,000.
The news comes at the same time that on the other side of the country, Consumer Protection B.C. has reached a deal with StubHub Canada, following claims that ticket buyers for Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour shows in Vancouver were sold undisclosed “obstructed view” seats. They may be eligible for refunds.
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“Ontario offers a wide range of live events, and by putting reasonable limits on resale ticket prices, we’re helping make them more affordable for residents and visitors,” says Stan Cho, Ontario's minister of tourism, culture and gaming.
The provincial government’s announcement is aptly timed with the FIFA World Cup, which is set to take over Toronto in June, 2026.
UPDATE (3/20): Live Nation Ontario has posted a statement in support of Doug Ford's announcement.
"We are in favour of measures that promote fair, transparent ticketing and curb exploitative resale practices. We welcome ongoing conversations with the government to continue safeguarding artists and fans while keeping live events accessible," the statement reads.
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See the full response below:
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