Evolving Consumer Protection Laws Will Affect Suppliers

key takeaways

• Consumer protection reforms in Québec, Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick will require many suppliers to update online sales practices in 2026.
• New laws will prohibit certain contractual provisions and, in some provinces, allow consumers to rescind contracts with such prohibited terms.
• Restrictions on automatic renewals of, and amendments to, consumer agreements will have significant implications for suppliers, particularly those using a subscription sales model.

A recent wave of legislative consumer protection reform in Québec, Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswickhas introduced a range of new requirements and restrictions for consumer-facing suppliers. Over the course of 2026, suppliers will need to rethink contract terms, streamline pre-contract disclosure practices, revisit consent and cancellation processes and update compliance practices throughout their operations in order to prepare for these changes.