Online Shopping and Returns in Manitoba
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: 10 days (Consumer Protection Act, 2002, s. 40)
- British Columbia: 7 days (Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, s. 49)
- Quebec: 7 days (Consumer Protection Act, art. 54.8)
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 120-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 Manitoba differs from federal law
Online shopping and e-commerce in Manitoba are regulated by The Consumer Protection Act, CCSM c. C200, which includes specific rules for internet agreements (online purchases).
- Before completing an online purchase from a Manitoba business, the seller must provide clear information about: the total price (including taxes and shipping), a description of the product, the delivery date, the seller's contact information, and the cancellation and return policy.
- If the seller does not deliver the goods or services within 30 days of the promised delivery date (or within 30 days of the purchase if no date was given), you can cancel the contract and get a full refund.
- If you cancel a qualifying internet agreement, the seller must refund you within 15 days.
- Manitoba law does not require a general right of return for change-of-mind purchases. Return policies are at the seller's discretion unless the product is defective, not as described, or the sale violated the Consumer Protection Act.
- For credit card purchases, you may also be able to request a chargeback through your credit card issuer if the seller does not deliver or the product is significantly not as described.
Additional Steps in Manitoba
If an online seller fails to deliver or refuses a valid cancellation, contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800 or 1-800-782-0067. For cross-border purchases, contact the Canadian Consumer Handbook at consumerhandbook.ca. For credit card chargebacks, contact your credit card issuer directly.
Relevant Law: The Consumer Protection Act, CCSM c. C200, Part XVI (Internet Agreements)
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.
Online Shopping and Returns in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.