The Ontario government plans to ban exorbitant ticket resale prices, as stated in a recent news release.
“We’re putting ticket scalpers on notice: Your days of ripping people off are done,” Ford said on social media Friday.
The province is suggesting changes to the 2017 Ticket Sales Act – initially introduced by the former Liberal government – that would make it illegal for live event tickets to be sold for more than their original price.
This limit would apply to anyone reselling tickets and any platform that facilitates these sales.
This decision comes years after the Ford administration removed part of an anti-scalping law in 2019 that would have capped resale prices at 50 percent above the original face value.
“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 favorite events,” said Stephen Crawford, minister of public and business service delivery and procurement, in the release.
The Ford government also intends to enhance rules against selling fake tickets and create new policies aimed at stopping unfair service charges.
WATCH | Here’s a breakdown of Ontario’s lack of scalping regulations:
Still looking for FIFA tickets? Here’s what you need to know
With just over six months until the FIFA World Cup games, fans are already facing shocking resale prices. CBC’s Julia Knope explains what you should know about getting your hands on tickets – and how a lack of scalping regulations in Ontario might result in paying a steep price.
Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming, told CBC Toronto on Friday that it’s a great day for consumer protection, though he understands it doesn’t solve the supply-demand issue completely.
“Technology has changed. Bots are buying up many tickets and reselling them [for] outrageous prices, making it hard for those who just want to attend a game or see their favorite artist perform,” he said.
“If you’re one of the lucky few who gets into the concert, you won’t get ripped off for that experience.”
Cho mentioned that much consulting still needs to happen before implementing this cap, especially regarding enforcement methods. “The reality is it will be illegal if this bill passes.. so we’ll pursue those breaking the law accordingly,” he said.
Blue Jays fans react to World Series ticket and merch costs
Baseball enthusiasts are ready with their energy-and wallets-to watch Blue Jays play during their first two games at World Series. CBC’s Marianne Dimain and Meagan Fitzpatrick report on how much merchandise costs along with ticket pricing.
This policy shift is welcome news according to Ontario NDP shadow attorney general Kristyn Wong-Tam who commented via email statement.
“Doug Ford has left Ontarians vulnerable amidst frauds, automated bots, along with predatory resellers,” she mentioned while emphasizing that action must be taken which can’t easily be avoided by ticket resellers.”
“Supporting your team or enjoying your favorite artist shouldn’t force you into major financial decisions.”
If Ford genuinely wants change he’ll ensure there won’t be loopholes or “half-measures” similar like previous Liberal government’s plan,” noted Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles on social media.”
Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner expressed his concern stating Friday how nothing had been done regarding ticket pricing over seven years under Ford’s governance.”
“He’s led us backward,” Schreiner declared adding he’s shocked about this policy reversal.”
“This is from same government which claimed removing caps was due inability enforce them.”
“I’m glad he’s finally recognizing what needs fixing after prioritizing wealthy interests over everyday Ontarians,” he concluded.”
This sentiment echoed through Jay Goldberg Canadian affairs manager Consumer Choice Centre who warned against capping proposals calling out monopolies held primarily around major players involved with ticket sales industry claiming without competition original rates could skyrocket further again!
Live Nation Entertainment supports initiatives fostering equitable transparent marketplace yet also seeking mitigate exploitative reseller practices maintaining open dialogue alongside local governments regarding accessibility concerns towards attending events overall!
Back In October Ticketmaster vowed tighten crackdown against scalpers following U. S Federal Trade Commission lawsuit filed recently which brought attention onto industry-wide issues facing customers today!
Stub Hub spokesperson Jack Sterne critiqued recent moves likening them directly benefiting monopolistic structures while neglecting actual solutions needed relieve pressure off consumers struggling afford inflated pricing models currently dominating system today too.
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Ford revised his stance on resales last year
The original legislation from the Ontario Liberals was deemed “unenforceable” and merely “a nice soundbite” by former government and consumer services minister Bill Walker back in 2019. However, Ford changed his position last year amid soaring prices during the World Series in Toronto and indicated he’d reconsider the legislation. “They’re gouging the people,” Ford remarked in October. “We have one player controlling all ticket sales; that’s not right.” Both the Liberals and NDP pressed the province for action. The Liberals even proposed a bill last year aimed at reinstating the original resale price cap. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated at an unrelated press conference Friday that Ford has “always been on consumers’ side” wanting “fairness in secondary markets.” Sarkaria pointed out how scalpers utilize bots and AI software to grab numerous primary tickets as soon as they’re available only to sell them later at “exorbitant” rates. The province’s initiative aims to “curb” such practices along with those exploiting market conditions, he added.WATCH | Jays fans react to cost of World Series tickets last year:Blue Jays fans react to World Series ticket and merch costs
Baseball enthusiasts are ready with their energy-and wallets-to watch Blue Jays play during their first two games at World Series. CBC’s Marianne Dimain and Meagan Fitzpatrick report on how much merchandise costs along with ticket pricing.
This policy shift is welcome news according to Ontario NDP shadow attorney general Kristyn Wong-Tam who commented via email statement.
“Doug Ford has left Ontarians vulnerable amidst frauds, automated bots, along with predatory resellers,” she mentioned while emphasizing that action must be taken which can’t easily be avoided by ticket resellers.”
“Supporting your team or enjoying your favorite artist shouldn’t force you into major financial decisions.”
If Ford genuinely wants change he’ll ensure there won’t be loopholes or “half-measures” similar like previous Liberal government’s plan,” noted Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles on social media.”
Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner expressed his concern stating Friday how nothing had been done regarding ticket pricing over seven years under Ford’s governance.”
“He’s led us backward,” Schreiner declared adding he’s shocked about this policy reversal.”
“This is from same government which claimed removing caps was due inability enforce them.”
“I’m glad he’s finally recognizing what needs fixing after prioritizing wealthy interests over everyday Ontarians,” he concluded.”
Capping could worsen conditions for fans: Seat Geek VP
If no cap exists then sites like Ticketmaster, Stub Hub & Seat Geek can set any resale price they want-especially during high-demand events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour or World Series where some tickets soared into thousands dollars disappointing many fans. Seat Geek’s vice president Joe Freeman cautioned saying price controls might actually “make things worse” leading higher base costs or hidden fees within transactions instead. He explained: “When resale gets unnaturally capped beneath market values then legitimate channels get bypassed while informal ones rise causing consumers less protections if issues arise-thus increasing fraud risks altogether.” Freeman urged provinces take measures enhancing competition instead strengthening consumer rights overall.
This sentiment echoed through Jay Goldberg Canadian affairs manager Consumer Choice Centre who warned against capping proposals calling out monopolies held primarily around major players involved with ticket sales industry claiming without competition original rates could skyrocket further again!
Live Nation Entertainment supports initiatives fostering equitable transparent marketplace yet also seeking mitigate exploitative reseller practices maintaining open dialogue alongside local governments regarding accessibility concerns towards attending events overall!
Back In October Ticketmaster vowed tighten crackdown against scalpers following U. S Federal Trade Commission lawsuit filed recently which brought attention onto industry-wide issues facing customers today!
Stub Hub spokesperson Jack Sterne critiqued recent moves likening them directly benefiting monopolistic structures while neglecting actual solutions needed relieve pressure off consumers struggling afford inflated pricing models currently dominating system today too.Source link
