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last mo.

Quebec Implements New Consumer Protection Rules on Pricing and Tipping

Effective May 7, businesses must adhere to updated policies on tip calculations, price accuracy, and food labeling to enhance transparency and fairness for consumers.

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Several changes are coming into effect on May 7, aimed at better protecting consumers in Quebec against abusive commercial practices.

Overview

  • Suggested tips must now be calculated on pre-tax prices, and tipping options must be presented neutrally without suggested percentages.
  • The Price Accuracy Policy threshold has increased to $15, offering free items for pricing errors on goods under $15 and $15 discounts for errors on higher-priced items.
  • Food retailers are required to clearly display unit prices, tax statuses, and non-member pricing to improve transparency for shoppers.
  • Exceptions to the Price Accuracy Policy include shoes, clothing, items without barcodes, and pharmacy-exclusive medications.
  • Industry groups, including the Retail Council of Canada, have called for clearer guidelines on applying the rules to online ads and regional price variations.