Ticketmaster Canada Enforces Face Value Resale Cap in Ontario as Province Targets Scalpers
Ticketmaster Canada is taking significant steps to regulate ticket reselling in Ontario. The company has informed ticket holders that listings on its secondary marketplace will be removed due to new provincial legal requirements aimed at capping resale prices.
New Legislation Mandates Compliance
Effective April 23, 2026, tickets in Ontario cannot be resold for more than the original cost, which includes service fees and taxes. Ticketmaster has begun notifying Ontarians with tickets listed for resale, indicating that their listings will be delisted in accordance with the new regulations. This move aligns with the Ontario government’s recent declaration to cap resale ticket prices that exceed face value.
As reported by www.billboard.com, Ticketmaster confirmed its compliance with the new rules, stating that updates to its resale marketplace will allow users to relist their tickets in line with the legal requirements.
Legislative Background
The new regulations are part of Bill 97, recently passed by the Ontario government, which is still awaiting royal assent. The legislation mandates that secondary sellers provide proof of the original price when listing tickets for resale. It also requires that both original and resale prices be disclosed to potential buyers. Additionally, secondary market platforms must retain records for a minimum of three years post-event.
Following the announcement from the Ford government, Live Nation, which operates Ticketmaster, expressed its support for the new measures. A spokesperson for Ticketmaster Canada stated that the company has started contacting fans with tickets listed on its platform to inform them of the delisting.
Implications for the Ticketing Industry
The implications of this legislation are significant for the ticketing industry. While it aims to promote fair and transparent ticketing practices, questions remain regarding how Ticketmaster’s policies will integrate with the new legal framework. Specifically, it is unclear whether the company will recover service fees and taxes from resellers.
In the wake of the recent antitrust verdict against Live Nation in the United States, industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation. The jury found that Live Nation was acting as an illegal monopoly, controlling various aspects of ticketing services and concert promotion. This verdict may have repercussions beyond the U.S., potentially influencing regulatory scrutiny in Canada.
Industry Reactions
Lucas McCarthy, founder and CEO of Showpass, one of Canada’s largest independent ticketing companies, remarked on the importance of the recent developments. He indicated that the ruling signifies a shift in the perception of live events, comparing their significance to essential items like food and shelter.
Stéphane McGarry, who heads operations for Tixr in Canada, expressed optimism that the verdict could lead to increased scrutiny of monopolistic practices in the Canadian market. He emphasized that the U.S. ruling provides a blueprint for Canadian authorities to consider similar actions.
The Competition Bureau of Canada is currently monitoring the impact of the U.S. trial. A spokesperson confirmed awareness of the verdict and stated that they are observing the actions of international counterparts while acknowledging the distinct legal frameworks in each jurisdiction.
Funding for Live Music Initiatives
In a related development, FACTOR has announced plans to invest over $2 million in the Canadian live music industry. This funding will support its Promoter Program and Festival Program, aimed at fostering local artists and events. Meg Symsyk, president and CEO of FACTOR, highlighted the importance of supporting Canadian businesses in the face of rising costs and competition from foreign entities.
The Promoter Program, initially launched in 2024, aims to recognize and support concert promotion staff while promoting diverse voices in the industry. Maddy Oliver, interim executive director of the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), expressed satisfaction with the return of these programs, noting their potential to enhance opportunities for homegrown artists.
News of this investment follows the renewal of the Canadian Music Fund, which allocates $48 million to support music initiatives over the next three years.
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Published on 2026-04-25 00:07:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk