How do I cancel a consumer contract, and within what time?

General information, not legal advice. The right to cancel a contract and the time limit depend on the type of contract: the Consumer Protection Act sets cancellation conditions for certain types of contract only. With an itinerant seller (door-to-door, street or mall kiosk), you generally have 10 days to cancel, at no cost and without giving a reason, but that time can extend to one year in some situations. For a distance purchase (Internet, phone, mail), cancellation is possible in specific situations, for example a good not received or a contract not sent. For other types of contract, the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) has a page for each type.

Key facts

Itinerant sale

Generally 10 days starting the day after you receive your signed copy; can extend to one year in some situations. No cost and no reason needed.

Distance purchase

Cancellation possible in specific situations (for example good not received: 30 days; contract not sent: 30 days after the purchase; missing information: 7 days after receiving the contract).

How to notify

Itinerant sale: in writing (registered mail advised; resolution form or letter). Distance purchase: verbally or in writing, with proof of transmission.

Refund

The merchant has 15 days. Distance purchase paid by credit card: chargeback possible, request no later than 60 days after the failure to refund.

Purchases not covered

The rules on the online purchase page do not apply to some purchases, for example a good that can quickly perish (such as food).

Other contracts

Cancellation conditions vary by type of contract: the OPC has a page for each type (automobile, credit, courses, telecommunications, etc.).

Steps

1. Identify the type of contract: itinerant sale (the seller approaches you away from their business, for example at your home or at a kiosk), distance purchase (Internet, phone, mail) or another service contract. The rules and time limits change depending on the type.
2. Itinerant sale: count 10 days, starting the day after you took possession of your signed copy of the contract. That time can extend to one year in some situations, for example if the merchant did not hold a valid OPC permit when you signed.
3. Distance purchase: check whether your situation matches a listed reason, with its time limit. Examples: good or service not received (30 days after the delivery date agreed in writing, or after the purchase if no date was given), contract not sent within 15 days of the purchase (cancellation possible 30 days after the purchase), missing mandatory information (7 days after receiving the contract). Also look at the merchant's exchange and refund policy.
4. Send the cancellation notice. Itinerant sale: inform the merchant in writing; the OPC advises registered mail, with the resolution form attached to the contract or a letter. Distance purchase: verbally or in writing, preferably by email or registered mail, and keep proof that you sent it. The OPC provides a model cancellation notice.
5. Return the good if you received one. In an itinerant sale, give it back in the condition you received it: the return costs are the merchant's responsibility.
6. Wait for the refund: the merchant has 15 days. In an itinerant sale, that period starts when you send your notice or hand back the good. For a distance purchase paid by credit card, if you are not refunded, you can make a chargeback request to your card issuer, no later than 60 days after the merchant failed to refund you.
7. Other service contracts (for example renovation, snow removal, lawn care): if the law sets no cancellation period, the Civil Code of Québec gives a right to terminate, even if the work has started. The OPC suggests reading articles 2125 and 2129 of the Civil Code, or contacting a legal advisor, before you contact the merchant.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.