Proposed legislation would limit resale prices to original cost amid concerns over affordability and market fairness
TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce legislation that would cap ticket resale prices at their original purchase cost, marking a significant step aimed at curbing price gouging in the secondary ticket market and improving affordability for consumers.
The proposed amendments to the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, unveiled Friday by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, would make it illegal to resell tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment in Ontario at prices exceeding what the original buyer paid, including all fees and taxes.
The move is part of a broader consumer protection agenda, with the government positioning the changes as a way to address long-standing concerns about professional resellers inflating prices and limiting access to popular events.
Government targets “price gouging” in resale market
“We are taking action to help ensure Ontario fans have access to fair resale prices and are not exploited by price gouging when they buy resale tickets for their favourite events,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “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.”
If passed, the legislation would define the allowable resale price as the “all-in” original cost — including service charges and taxes — and apply the cap universally to individuals and platforms facilitating ticket resales.
The proposal also includes measures to strengthen consumer protections beyond pricing. These include enhanced ticket validity guarantees to reduce the risk of fraudulent sales and new regulatory powers aimed at limiting excessive service fees during the purchasing process.
Industry and consumer implications
The proposed cap is expected to have wide-reaching implications for the ticket resale ecosystem, including online marketplaces and professional resellers who rely on dynamic pricing strategies to generate profits.
“The use of resale practices that dramatically drive up the price of resale tickets for families to be able to attend major events isn’t fair, and we want more people to have the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of Ontario’s live entertainment scene,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport.
By targeting speculative buying and resale practices, the government aims to level the playing field for everyday consumers, particularly families who may be priced out of high-demand events.
However, the proposal could also raise questions within the industry about enforcement, compliance costs, and potential impacts on ticket availability in secondary markets.
Broader economic and tourism considerations
Officials framed the policy as part of a broader strategy to support Ontario’s cultural and tourism sectors by improving access to live events.
“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,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
The government argues that more affordable ticket access could boost attendance at events across the province, supporting local economies and enhancing Ontario’s appeal as a destination for entertainment and tourism.
Enforcement and next steps
The ministry indicated it will consult on potential administrative penalties tied to violations of the proposed rules. Under current regulations, ticket businesses can face fines of up to $10,000 for certain infractions.
The resale price cap, once implemented, would apply to all future ticket resales and cover both individual sellers and digital platforms facilitating transactions.
The legislation is expected to be introduced in the coming days, with further details potentially included in Ontario’s 2026 Budget, scheduled for release on March 26.
Addressing a long-standing issue
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of ticket resale practices globally, where automated purchasing tools and speculative buying have been blamed for driving up prices and reducing access for genuine fans.
By imposing a strict price ceiling, Ontario is positioning itself among jurisdictions taking a more interventionist approach to regulating secondary ticket markets.
While the effectiveness of such measures will depend on enforcement and market response, the government maintains that the changes are necessary to ensure fairness and transparency.
For now, consumers and industry stakeholders alike will be watching closely as the proposed amendments move through the legislative process.