Report Deceptive Ads & Price Gouging in Montréal

Business and Consumer Protection Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Quebec

In Montréal, Quebec, consumers and businesses can report deceptive advertising or suspected price gouging to municipal staff and provincial or federal authorities. This guide explains who enforces rules, how to report misleading ads or unfair price increases, typical enforcement pathways, and what information to gather before you file a complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

Responsibility for deceptive advertising and price gouging can involve multiple authorities: municipal by-law enforcement for local signage or permit breaches, the Office de la protection du consommateur (provincial) for consumer protection issues, and the Competition Bureau (federal) for deceptive marketing and unfair business practices. Specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the municipal pages referenced in Resources; complainants should consult the provincial and federal pages for statutory penalties.

Report clear evidence—pricing screenshots and receipts speed investigations.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited municipal page; provincial or federal penalties apply as set out by Québec or Canada.
  • Escalation: enforcement may start with an inspection or warning, then administrative orders or prosecution for repeat or continuing offences; exact escalation steps are not specified on the municipal page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct advertising, product seizures, injunctive court orders, or administrative remedies may be used by relevant authorities.
  • Enforcers: Ville de Montréal by-law enforcement for local rules, Office de la protection du consommateur (Québec) for consumer rights, and the Competition Bureau (Canada) for deceptive marketing.
  • Inspection & complaint pathways: complaints can be filed online or by phone with the relevant agency; include dates, copies of ads, receipts, and witness names when possible.
  • Appeals & review: appeal routes vary by enforcing authority; timelines and tribunal venues are not specified on the municipal page and depend on the agency that issues any order.

Applications & Forms

Where municipal forms exist for by-law issues they appear on the City’s online services; for consumer complaints the Office de la protection du consommateur provides an online complaint form. No single municipal form for price-gouging complaints is published on the City pages cited in Resources.

How to document a report

Good documentation speeds resolution. Gather dated photos or screenshots of the advertisement, dated receipts showing the price charged, store location and hours, the name and ID of staff (if available), and the exact text or imagery used in the ad. Keep originals and make clear copies for submission.

Save timestamps and geolocation data if your device includes them when you photograph evidence.
  • Record the date and time the ad was seen or the price charged.
  • Keep receipts and take clear photos of the price tags and promotional materials.
  • Note the business name, address, and any employee you speak with.
  • Retain copies of online listings, screenshots, or URLs showing the advertised price or claim.

FAQ

Who should I contact first about deceptive ads in Montréal?
Start with the Office de la protection du consommateur for consumer matters; for local by-law or signage issues contact Ville de Montréal by-law enforcement. See Resources for links.
Can the City force a business to refund a customer?
Municipal authorities may order compliance with local by-laws, but the City’s ability to order refunds is not specified on municipal pages; consumer remedy requests are generally handled by the provincial consumer office.
What if a business raises prices during an emergency?
Report suspected price gouging promptly to the provincial consumer office and the Competition Bureau; enforcement and available remedies depend on the authority that takes the file.

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: photos/screenshots of the ad, dated receipts, and business details.
  2. Check jurisdiction: if it is primarily a consumer sale, file with the Office de la protection du consommateur; for deceptive marketing with cross-border or competition elements, consider the Competition Bureau.
  3. Use the City of Montréal online report for local by-law or signage issues if the problem involves a municipal permit or sign.
  4. Submit complaints using the relevant online forms or phone lines and attach your evidence; keep a copy of the report confirmation.
  5. If you receive an order you disagree with, follow the authority’s appeal instructions and note deadlines for review.
Act quickly—evidence from the time of the incident is most useful for investigators.

Key Takeaways

  • Document ads and prices with dated evidence before filing a report.
  • File consumer complaints with the Office de la protection du consommateur for Québec issues.
  • Use the City’s online services for local by-law or signage complaints in Montréal.

Help and Support / Resources

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