Ontario helps ensure fair access to entertainment tickets

NEWS RELEASE

GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO

**************************** Ensuring fair access to entertainment tickets

McGuinty government passes legislation to strengthen consumer protection

Ontarians will now have fair access to tickets for their favourite concerts, sporting events and theatrical performances.

A Bill passed today by the Ontario Legislature amends the Ticket Speculation Act to ensure that any companies, brokers or agents cannot withhold popular event tickets for sale on the primary market in order to sell them through a related company at a higher price on the secondary market to make a larger profit.

Violators will be subject to an individual fine of up to $5,000 and a corporate fine of up to $50,000.

Protecting the best interests of Ontarians and safeguarding fair business practices is part of the Open Ontario Plan to support the needs of Ontario families and create a thriving business environment that allows Ontario to compete in a global market.

Quotes

"Ontario is working to ensure fair business practices remain the standard in Ontario. This legislation is about fairness. We are determined to ensure that Ontarians have fair access to entertainment tickets for events taking place in the province." - Chris Bentley, attorney general

"Consumer confidence is vital to ensuring a strong Ontario economy. Ontarians deserve to know that they are getting fair and equitable access to event tickets." - John Gerretsen, minister of consumer services

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