Event organizer urging Ford government to stop ticket resale price gouging
Posted Jan 6, 2026 10:56:31 AM.
Last Updated Jan 6, 2026 02:25:56 PM.
Anyone who’s looked to grab tickets to a big event in Waterloo Region knows that often the price of resale tickets on popular platforms like StubHub or Ticketmaster can be out of control.
During the Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff run, Premier Doug Ford criticized ticket resellers for outrageous prices, adding that he thought they were gouging Ontarians as lower bowl seats for the World Series were being sold for $10,000 each.
However, almost three months after those statements, his government has fallen short of enacting legislative change to defend against price gouging.
“I think it’s just totally unethical and immoral to be carting off millions of dollars that they charged in resale ticket prices,” said Dave Ottenbrite, founding director of Galt Jazz and the chair of the Cambridge Jazz Festival. “Do you know where that money ends up? In the United States of America.”
Ottenbrite sent a message to Cambridge MPP Brian Riddell, urging the representative to push Ford to enact change.
“Ford is able to enact legislation very quickly,” said Ottenbrite. “He got rid of bike lanes, he got rid of speed cameras simply because speed cameras seemed to be gouging the public. Where did that money go? It went back to our municipalities, who, quite honestly, could use the money. Where does the money go from ticket resellers? Corporate America.”
Dave Ottenbrite, Founding Director Galt Jazz; Chair Cambridge Jazz Festival on the Mike Farwell Show
MPP Riddell responded to Ottenbrite’s claims in a message to 570 NewsRadio: “The Premier has made clear we’re examining the scope of ticketing issues and whether legislative solutions are needed. The Ticket Sales Act delivers strong protections by banning bots, requiring full disclosure in Canadian dollars, and guaranteeing resale ticket validity or refunds. Our government is focusing on transparency, accountability, and results, not headline-driven gimmicks. Concerned individuals should file complaints with the Consumer Services Operations Branch under the Consumer Protection Act with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.”
In 2018, Ford’s government shelved anti-scalping laws introduced by his opposition that would have outlawed the resale of tickets at markups of more than 50 per cent.
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