Quebec Online Returns (2026) - 7-Day Cancellation Right

Source: Provincial consumer protection acts (Ontario CPA, 2002; BC BPCPA, 2004; Quebec CPA)

About this article

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

Canadian Federal Law

What is this right?

Surprise: there's no general right to a refund in Canada just because you changed your mind. The store's posted policy is the policy.

What provincial law gives you for online and distance sales is narrower than most people think, and it pays to be precise about it. These are not unconditional change-of-mind windows. They are cancellation rights that open up when the seller got something wrong — typically by failing to give you the required disclosure, an express chance to accept or decline before you committed, or a copy of the agreement:

  • Ontario: 7 days after you receive a copy of the agreement, if the seller didn't disclose the prescribed information or didn't give you that express accept-or-decline opportunity (Consumer Protection Act, 2002, s. 40(1)). If the seller never gave you a copy at all, you get 30 days from the date of the agreement (s. 40(2)). These rules apply to internet agreements where your total payment obligation exceeds $50 (s. 37).
  • British Columbia: 7 days after receiving a copy if the contract doesn't meet the required contents, or 30 days from the contract date if the seller never provided a copy (Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, s. 49).
  • Quebec: 7 days after receiving your copy if the merchant didn't set out the mandatory information in the prescribed way (Consumer Protection Act, art. 54.8).

Don't confuse these with the 10-day figure often quoted for Ontario. That one covers direct agreements — door-to-door sales — and it genuinely is a no-reason cooling-off period (CPA 2002, s. 43). Buying online does not get you that.

The other useful rule: if delivery is more than 30 days late, you can cancel. And the credit card chargeback is the lever most people forget — typically a 120-day window from the transaction.

One thing to watch: Ontario passed a new Consumer Protection Act, 2023 to replace the 2002 Act, but it only takes effect on a day named by proclamation. The 2002 Act is still the operative law, so confirm current section numbers with Consumer Protection Ontario before you rely on them.

When does it apply?

  • Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail from sellers operating in Canada.
  • Cooling-off rules apply to distance sales over $50.

What to Do If an Online Seller in Canada Refuses to Refund You

  • Keep every order confirmation and receipt. Email folders are fine.
  • Read the cancellation policy before you click buy — that's still the document the dispute will turn on.
  • Exercise cooling-off rights in writing inside the deadline — email or registered mail.
  • Request a chargeback through your card issuer when the seller stonewalls. It's your strongest practical lever.
  • Escalate to the provincial consumer protection agency if the issue holds.

What should you NOT do?

  • Don't assume you can always return. "Change of mind" isn't a Canadian consumer right.
  • Don't drift past the cooling-off deadline. The window closes hard.
  • Don't use debit for big online buys. Debit doesn't get chargeback protection.
  • Don't shrug off an undelivered order. Day 31 is your cancellation right — use it.
Quebec Law

How Quebec differs from federal law

Quebec's Consumer Protection Act provides some of the strongest online shopping protections in Canada, with specific rules for distance contracts (contracts made online, by phone, or by mail).

  • Before you pay, an online merchant must clearly disclose their name and address, a detailed description of the goods or services, the total price (including all fees and taxes), delivery date, and cancellation policy (section 54.4).
  • The merchant must send you a copy of the contract within 15 days of the transaction. If they fail to do so, you can cancel the contract within 30 days of placing the order (section 54.8).
  • If the goods are not delivered within 30 days of the promised date (or within 30 days of the contract date if no date was specified), you can cancel the contract by written notice (section 54.9).
  • If you cancel a distance contract under these provisions, the merchant must refund all amounts paid within 15 days of the cancellation. If the merchant does not refund you, you can request a chargeback from your credit card issuer within 60 days (section 54.14).
  • Quebec's Consumer Protection Act also bans advertising directed at children under 13 (sections 248-249). This includes online advertising and is enforced by the OPC.

Additional Steps in Quebec

If an online merchant does not deliver or refuses a valid cancellation, send a written cancellation notice (email or registered mail). If the merchant does not refund within 15 days, request a chargeback from your credit card company. File a complaint with the OPC at opc.gouv.qc.ca. For cross-border online purchases, the OPC can coordinate with other jurisdictions through the Canadian Consumer Protection Framework.

Relevant Law: Consumer Protection Act (CQLR c P-40.1), ss. 54.1-54.16 (distance contracts), 248-249 (advertising to children)

You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to assert your rights.

Answer a few questions. We generate a personalized letter citing your jurisdiction's exact statutes, deadlines, and penalties — ready to print and send in minutes.

Lawyers charge $350+. Your letter: from $9.

See all 8 letter types →

Common Questions

What is the online shopping and returns right in Canada?

Surprise: there's no general right to a refund in Canada just because you changed your mind. The store's posted policy is the policy.What provincial law gives you for online and distance sales is narrower than most people think, and it pays to be precise about it. These are not unconditional change-of-mind windows. They are cancellation rights that open up when the seller got something wrong — typically by failing to give you the required disclosure, an express chance to accept or decline before you committed, or a copy of the agreement:Ontario: 7 days after you receive a copy of the...

When does online shopping and returns apply?

Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail from sellers operating in Canada.Cooling-off rules apply to 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 every order confirmation and receipt. Email folders are fine.Read the cancellation policy before you click buy — that's still the document the dispute will turn on.Exercise cooling-off rights in writing inside the deadline — email or registered mail.Request a chargeback through your card issuer when the seller stonewalls. It's your strongest practical lever.Escalate to the provincial consumer protection agency if the issue holds.

What mistakes should I avoid with online shopping and returns?

Don't assume you can always return. "Change of mind" isn't a Canadian consumer right.Don't drift past the cooling-off deadline. The window closes hard.Don't use debit for big online buys. Debit doesn't get chargeback protection.Don't shrug off an undelivered order. Day 31 is your cancellation right — use it.

Online Shopping and Returns in other states

Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.

You came here to know your rights — help someone else know theirs.

Support This Mission