Ontario Lawmaker Urged to Combat Ticket Resale Price Gouging

The issue of ticket resale price gouging in Ontario has garnered renewed attention, prompting event organizers to call for legislative change. During the recent playoff run of the Toronto Blue Jays, Premier Doug Ford criticized resellers for charging exorbitant prices, with some lower bowl seats allegedly selling for as much as $10,000. Despite the Premier’s outcry, no substantial measures have been taken to address this problem nearly three months later.

Dave Ottenbrite, the founding director of Galt Jazz and chair of the Cambridge Jazz Festival, expressed his frustration. He emphasized the ethical implications of allowing ticket resellers to profit significantly, stating, “It’s totally unethical and immoral to be carting off millions of dollars in resale ticket prices.” Ottenbrite noted that much of the money from these sales ends up in the United States rather than benefiting local communities.

In a bid to address these concerns, Ottenbrite reached out to Cambridge MPP Brian Riddell, urging him to push for legislative solutions. “Ford is able to enact legislation very quickly,” Ottenbrite remarked, pointing to the Premier’s swift actions in other areas, such as the removal of bike lanes and speed cameras, which he claimed were seen as gouging the public. He questioned where the profits from ticket resales ultimately go, arguing they benefit corporate entities rather than local municipalities.

Riddell responded to Ottenbrite’s concerns in a message to 570 NewsRadio, affirming that the Premier is currently examining the scope of ticketing issues. He noted that the Ticket Sales Act offers essential protections, including the banning of bots, mandatory pricing disclosures in Canadian dollars, and guarantees for ticket validity or refunds. Riddell emphasized that the government’s focus is on transparency and accountability, indicating that individuals with concerns can file complaints with the Consumer Services Operations Branch under the Consumer Protection Act.

In a notable past action, Ford’s government had previously shelved proposed anti-scalping laws in 2018 that would have prohibited reselling tickets at prices exceeding a 50 percent markup. This history adds context to the current calls for legislative reform, as event organizers and concerned citizens alike seek to level the playing field in the ticket market.

As the debate continues, the pressure mounts on the Ontario government to take definitive action against ticket resale price gouging, reflecting a growing demand for fairer practices in the entertainment industry.