TORONTO, June 30, 2026 – Ontario will expand its consumer protection enforcement tools beginning July 1, allowing provincial inspectors to issue tickets directly for certain frequently identified violations found during inspections. Residents who regularly purchase renovation, repair, household or online services, or enter into other consumer contracts, should note that the new system may speed up enforcement against non-compliant businesses. However, a ticket will not automatically cancel a consumer’s contract or recover their losses.
The province said the new enforcement approach will apply to common violations identified through inspection programs. Inspectors will be able to issue tickets under the Provincial Offences Act without first going through a lengthy investigation or prosecution process in every case.
The new system mainly changes how the government responds to businesses that break the rules. It does not replace consumers’ existing rights to seek refunds, cancel contracts or pursue compensation. A business receiving a ticket also does not mean an individual consumer will automatically receive payment.
Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act applies to most transactions involving goods and services between individuals and businesses, including certain renovation, moving, repair, fitness, online shopping and door-to-door sales contracts.
The law prohibits businesses from making false, misleading or deceptive representations. Certain consumer transactions valued at more than $50 must also be provided in a written contract that clearly sets out information such as price, payment terms, services and delivery arrangements.
Consumers who face unauthorized charges, services that were not provided as promised, prices that significantly exceed a written estimate, or goods and services that do not match advertising should first keep copies of contracts, invoices, advertisements, proof of payment and communications with the business.
The province recommends that consumers first contact the business in writing, clearly explain the dispute, identify the amount involved and state the outcome they are seeking. They should also provide a reasonable deadline for the business to respond. After a phone conversation, consumers can confirm what was discussed by email.
If the issue cannot be resolved, consumers can file a formal complaint with Consumer Protection Ontario. After receiving the complaint, the province will first determine whether the matter may involve a breach of consumer protection law and may contact the business to help resolve it.
If the business does not cooperate, or an inspection or investigation identifies possible violations, the province may issue warnings, compliance orders, public consumer alerts, tickets, charges or begin prosecution proceedings.
Before signing a contract or making a payment, consumers can also check Ontario’s Consumer Beware List to see whether a business has recently been linked to consumer complaints, compliance notices, charges or convictions.
The change is intended mainly to improve government enforcement efficiency and does not mean the province will recover money on behalf of consumers in every dispute. Consumers should still raise objections in writing as soon as possible and pay attention to cancellation and refund deadlines in their contracts.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
