Melissa Tehrani
Partner
Leader, National Advertising & Product Regulatory Group
Article
3
The Quebec legislature has enacted legislation exempting "international" publicity contests from the province's registration requirements.
Previously, virtually all publicity contests open to Quebec participants were subject to registration with the Régie des alcools, des courses et de jeux (the "Régie"). This requirement was amended, however, by Bill 82, An Act respecting mainly the implementation of certain provisions of the Budget Speech of 10 March 2020, which came into force in June 2021.
Under Bill 82 "international" publicity contests are exempt from registration. A publicity contest is considered "international" for the purposes of this exemption when, in addition to Quebec participants, it is also open to participants from outside of Canada. Note that a publicity contest open to participants from other Canadian jurisdictions, but not contestants from other countries, is not considered "international" for the purposes of this exemption.
A contest is also not considered "international," and thus remains subject to registration requirements, if:
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