Regulatory Update
Ontario Doubles Maximum Fines for Consumer Protection Violations
March 28, 2026 · CCB Research Division
Ontario is overhauling its consumer protection framework, and the changes could have meaningful implications for online auction consumers. Bill 142 proposes doubling the maximum penalties for consumer protection offences and introducing new requirements for businesses operating in the digital marketplace.
What's Changing
The key amendments under the new consumer protection legislation include:
- Doubled maximum fines — up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations, from the previous maximums of $50,000 and $250,000
- Streamlined disclosure requirements for online transactions
- Expanded definitions of unfair practices and unconscionable conduct
- New protections against unilateral agreement changes by businesses
- Updated rules for online sales practices, expected to take effect in 2026
These changes represent the most significant update to Ontario's consumer protection framework in over two decades.
How This Applies to Online Auctions
Under the current Consumer Protection Act, auction houses operating in Ontario are already subject to prohibitions against unfair practices, including misrepresentation and shill bidding. The expanded legislation strengthens these protections in several ways:
Broader definition of unfair practices: The new legislation expands the examples of conduct that constitutes an unfair practice, making it easier to bring enforcement actions against auction houses that engage in deceptive conduct.
Stronger disclosure requirements: Online auction platforms will need to provide clearer upfront disclosure of all fees, including buyer's premiums and handling charges. The practice of adding hidden fees after the hammer price becomes more explicitly actionable.
Higher stakes for non-compliance: With fines doubled, the cost of getting caught engaging in deceptive practices increases significantly. For auction houses that have historically treated occasional fines as a cost of doing business, the higher maximums may change that calculation.
The Enforcement Gap
There is, however, a significant caveat. Legal observers have noted that Ontario has historically engaged in little active enforcement of consumer protection offences. Higher maximum fines only matter if they are actually imposed.
The Law Commission of Ontario has recommended increasing the use of investigations, systemic investigations, consent agreements, and interpretive guidance to address this gap. Whether the legislative changes will be accompanied by increased enforcement resources and political will remains to be seen.
What This Means for You
If you are an Ontario consumer who has experienced unfair practices at an online auction:
- Your rights are getting stronger — the expanded definitions of unfair practices and unconscionable conduct provide more grounds for complaints
- Document your experience — as enforcement ramps up, well-documented complaints become more valuable. See our guide to documenting auction fraud.
- File complaints now — even before the new provisions take effect, the existing CPA provides robust protections. File with Consumer Protection Ontario and the CCB.
- Know your existing rights — the current CPA already allows rescission within one year for unfair practices, and this right cannot be waived by an auction house's terms and conditions. Read our full guide to the Ontario CPA and online auctions.
The CCB welcomes these legislative changes and will continue to monitor their implementation and enforcement.