Canada Update: No need to register international contests in Quebec now.

Over the last few weeks, a new development has come out of Quebec that international contests no longer need to be registered in Quebec. Emily Vickers, Paralegal, explains what has now changed.

The previous Régie rules were seen as being too complicated and resulted in sponsors voiding Quebec eligibility rather than engage with the registration process.

However, the Quebec legislature passed changes removing the requirements of having to register contests with prizing worth more than $100, paying non-refundable fees, post-contest filing of winner information and the obligation to post security with the Régie for high value prizes. The change means that if any sweepstakes or contests are open to Quebec residents AND those outside of Canada, are not subject to any of the Régie requirements.

On the other hand, if contests or sweepstakes are open in Quebec only, or open to Canadians but not internationally, the Régie requirements will continue to be enforced. There are also some other points of interest. If there is an international contest or sweepstake which, for example, can only be entered from within Quebec or if the sponsor’s main commercial interests are in Quebec, the Régie requirements might continue to apply.

Nevertheless, this is still a big change in running international contests or sweepstakes. The previous restrictive requirements of the Régie were seen as a burden to international sponsors and the market was widely avoided. Now however, the easing of the Régie requirements will allow international sponsors to break into the Quebec market and improve their visibility in that area.