Doug Ford Vows to Eliminate Ontario Ticket Scalpers
Premier Doug Ford announced plans to tighten rules on ticket resellers in Ontario. He said the government will act to stop resale prices above face value.
Proposed legal changes
The province will move to amend the Ticket Sales Act of 2017. The change would bar resellers from charging more than the original ticket price.
The ban would include original fees, service charges and taxes. Officials also plan measures to curb unfair service fees and ensure ticket validity.
Government statements and aims
Ford posted the announcement on X on Friday. He said scalpers would be put on notice and that profiteering must end.
Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, said the goal is consumer protection. He called the measures a way to prevent fans from being ripped off.
Background and past actions
The premier has raised this issue before after rapid price spikes for World Series tickets in Toronto last year. He has criticized dominant resale platforms such as Ticketmaster.
In 2019, the government abandoned a plan to cap resale prices at 50 percent of face value. Officials said enforcement of that cap proved impractical.
Timing and next steps
Authorities say the amendments will be introduced in the coming days. Additional investment details will appear in the province’s 2026 budget on March 26.
Public reaction
Online responses were mixed. Some praised the crackdown and urged action against platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub and Gametime.
Others called the move a distraction from issues such as education and healthcare. Several critics reminded voters of the 2019 policy reversal.
What to watch
- Exact legislative text of the Ticket Sales Act amendments.
- Enforcement mechanisms for limiting resale prices and fees.
- Details in the March 26, 2026 provincial budget.
Filmogaz.com will follow developments as the government moves to eliminate exploitative ticket scalpers across Ontario.
