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Starting this spring, shopping for groceries in Quebec is about to get way simpler. New rules aimed at making pricing more transparent are kicking in on May 15, 2025, and it’s all thanks to Bill 72, which was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly back in November 2024.
These changes mean no more getting duped by sneaky yellow-tag “deals.” According to the Office de la protection du consommateur, as of May 15, grocery stores must clearly display prices on goods by including the unit price, price per measure, regular price, and any “non-member” prices.
This will make it simpler for shoppers to see whether products are cheaper bought in bulk or separately, and will make it the difference between sale prices and regular prices clearer.
Bill 72 — meant to protect consumers and make pricing more transparent — also requires grocery stores to show which food items are taxed under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Quebec Sales Tax (QST). Basic groceries like milk, eggs, and vegetables are not taxed, but snacks like candy and carbonated drinks are. Under the new legislation, the total tax must be clearly shown at checkout.
But that’s not all. The province’s Price Accuracy Policy is also being altered for the first time in 25 years. As of the same date, if a store’s pricing error involves a product that costs $15 or less, the product is given to the customer free of charge. Until now, that policy only applied to items worth $10 or less.
If that wasn’t enough, tipping on card readers is getting a shake-up too. Terminals will soon calculate tip percentages before taxes and offer a clearer “no tip” option on purchases. That means no more payment terminals guilt-tripping you into choosing a 20% tip by default with “Amazing!” or “Great service!” labels.
Bill 72 also introduces changes to limit door-to-door HVAC sales, ensure more transparency in gas pricing, and reduce penalties for victims of banking fraud.
Some measures under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) are already in force, and several others will take effect in 2025 and 2026.
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