The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit the resale of tickets at prices higher than their original value, aiming to protect consumers from inflated costs in the secondary ticket market.
The proposed changes, expected to be tabled when the legislature reconvenes next week, would make it illegal for individuals or businesses to profit from reselling tickets to major events, including sports games, concerts, and cultural performances. Officials say the move is intended to address ongoing concerns about price gouging and improve access for everyday fans.
In a statement released Friday, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford said the policy would help ensure fairness. He emphasized that the changes would allow more families to attend live events without facing excessive resale prices.
Premier Doug Ford has also voiced support for the initiative, particularly after witnessing steep ticket prices during recent high-profile events. During the Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff run, resale prices surged dramatically, drawing widespread criticism. Ford noted at the time that fans should not be subjected to such inflated costs, regardless of the event’s popularity.
The upcoming legislation marks a shift from the government’s earlier stance. A similar measure had been proposed by the previous Liberal government before 2018, which would have capped resale prices at 50 percent above face value. However, the Progressive Conservative government halted and later scrapped that plan in 2019, citing concerns over enforceability and the risk of pushing sales into unregulated markets.
Unlike the earlier proposal, the new plan is expected to impose a stricter rule by banning any resale above the original ticket price, at least for sports events. Details regarding penalties for violations have not yet been finalized.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While supporters argue it is a necessary step to protect consumers, critics stress the importance of ensuring the policy cannot be bypassed by resellers through loopholes or underground markets.
Opposition leaders have welcomed the move but say it comes late. They point to recent examples where fans faced exorbitant costs to attend major sporting events, urging the government to implement a robust system that effectively prevents exploitation.
If passed, the law would apply to all future ticket resales, marking a significant change in how Ontario regulates its ticket marketplace.
