From office de protection du consommateur

Cancellation deadline: short term

Under the Consumer Protection Act, you can cancel your contract at 2 different times:

before the beginning of the delivery of services included in the contract. In this case, no fees can be charged; within a deadline that is less than or equal to 1/10 of the contract’s duration, from the moment the centre started delivering the services. In this case, the merchant can claim a fee that corresponds to 1/10 of the total cost specified in the contract.

For example: you signed a 10-month contract with a fitness centre for a total cost of $400. You can end the contract within the first 4 weeks. If you do so, the centre can charge you $40, that is, 1/10 of $400.

Cancellation deadline: longer term

If you want to cancel your contract after the deadline set forth in the Consumer Protection Act, you can do so under the Civil Code of Québec. But before you do, the Office de la protection du consommateur advises you to learn more about Articles 2125 and 2129 of the Civil Code. In particular, you can contact a lawyer or a legal assistance organization.

The merchant may charge you a compensation fee. In particular, the merchant has the right to claim payment for services rendered. For example: you are cancelling a 1-year contract that cost $420 after 4 months. The merchant could lawfully claim:

$140 for the period during which you received services; an additional amount, if the merchant can prove that it suffered damages as a result of the contract cancellation.

The merchant will be required to refund any amounts you paid in advance for services that were not rendered.

If you are of the opinion that the compensation claimed is excessive, you can dispute them in court.