Online Shopping and Returns in Alberta
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Canada has no general right to a refund just because you changed your mind. However, provincial laws do give you cooling-off periods for internet and distance sales:
- Ontario and Quebec: 7 days
- British Columbia: 10 days
These cooling-off periods apply to qualifying distance sales over $50. The seller must provide clear disclosure — their name, address, a description of the product, the total price, the delivery date, and your cancellation rights.
If goods are not delivered within 30 days of the promised date, you can cancel the order. Credit card chargebacks are also available, typically within a 60-day window.
When does it apply?
- Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail from sellers operating in Canada.
- Cooling-off periods apply to qualifying distance sales over $50.
What to Do If an Online Seller in Canada Refuses to Refund You
- Keep order confirmations and receipts for every online purchase.
- Check the cancellation policy before you buy.
- Exercise cooling-off rights in writing within the deadline — email or registered mail works.
- Request a chargeback from your credit card issuer if the seller won't refund you.
- File a complaint with your provincial consumer protection agency if needed.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you can always return for any reason — there is no general right to a refund for change of mind.
- Don't miss the cooling-off deadline — once it passes, you lose that right.
- Don't use debit for large online purchases — debit cards have no chargeback protection.
- Don't ignore undelivered orders — if the delivery is more than 30 days late, you have cancellation rights.
How Alberta differs from federal law
Online shopping and internet sales in Alberta are regulated by the Internet Sales Contract Regulation under the Fair Trading Act, and by federal competition law.
- Under the Internet Sales Contract Regulation, Alta. Reg. 81/2001, online sellers must provide specific information before you complete a purchase: the seller's name and contact information, a detailed description of the goods or services, the total price (including all fees, taxes, and delivery charges), delivery arrangements, and cancellation and return policies.
- If the seller does not provide the required information, you can cancel the contract within 1 year. If the seller provided the required information, you can still cancel within 7 days of receiving a copy of the contract.
- If goods are not delivered within 30 days of the delivery date in the contract (or if no date was specified, within 30 days of the contract date), you can cancel the contract.
- Upon cancellation, the seller must refund all payments within 15 days. If the seller does not refund, you can request a chargeback through your credit card issuer.
- Alberta's Fair Trading Act also prohibits unfair practices in online transactions, including false or misleading advertising and deceptive pricing.
Additional Steps in Alberta
If an online seller will not honour a cancellation or refund, file a complaint with Service Alberta at 1-877-427-4088 or online at alberta.ca/consumer-protection. If you paid by credit card, contact your card issuer to request a chargeback. For cross-border online purchases, you can also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Keep copies of all order confirmations, emails, and payment records.
Relevant Law: Fair Trading Act, RSA 2000, c. F-2; Internet Sales Contract Regulation, Alta. Reg. 81/2001; Consumer Protection Act, RSA 2000, c. C-26.3
Common Questions
When does online shopping and returns apply?
Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail from sellers operating in Canada.Cooling-off periods apply to qualifying distance sales over $50.
What should I do if an online retailer in Canada won't give me a refund or my order never arrived?
Keep order confirmations and receipts for every online purchase.Check the cancellation policy before you buy.Exercise cooling-off rights in writing within the deadline — email or registered mail works.Request a chargeback from your credit card issuer if the seller won't refund you.File a complaint with your provincial consumer protection agency if needed.
What mistakes should I avoid with online shopping and returns?
Don't assume you can always return for any reason — there is no general right to a refund for change of mind.Don't miss the cooling-off deadline — once it passes, you lose that right.Don't use debit for large online purchases — debit cards have no chargeback protection.Don't ignore undelivered orders — if the delivery is more than 30 days late, you have cancellation rights.
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