Sunday 17 March 2013

Why are Quebec residents excluded in many contests ~ Life

There are most likely hundreds of contests currently running but have you ever wondered why Quebec residents are excluded?


I know each Canadian contest has are fine print, like if you work for the company you can't enter, the timeline of the contest, how many times you can enter (daily, weekly, monthly), you have to be 18 years of ages, answer a math skill question, and sometimes sign a waiver/release to order to receive your prize.

Did you know there is extra, extra fine print that explains the reason why contests excludes Quebec resident from participating?

The main points are:
1. Unless the prize is less than $2,000 you have to register the contest with Regie at least 10 days before the start of the contest and if you don't have a place of business in Quebec you need to give a security if the a single prize is worth $2,000 or the total prize worth more than $20,000...And on top, there is a tax up to 10% depending who can enter. via Financial Post 

2. Sweepstakes needs to registered at least 30 days prior before they start

3. The Quebec government has the ability to change or cancel the contests once it has started and allowing them to be mediator if there is a lawsuit from the contest.

4. There are strict guidelines of what is allow and what isn't that allows Quebec residents to participate

Already, big ticket items like trips, new furniture or electronics, home renovations/makeovers, and a new car is most likely excluding Quebec residents.  Who wants to pay additional fees?  I can't give a definite reason why most companies excludes Quebec but it could be likely of the extra work involved, the fee, or maybe avoid legal consequences in case they over looked a detail that maybe cause penalty fees - who knows...

But rest a sure there are contests includes Quebec residents. According to Montreal Gazette, from April 2010 to March 2011, there were 8,304 contests registered.  So don't fret my French neighbours, you might not be able to enter all that is available to Canadians but you might be surprise how many are available to Quebec residents.

Disclaimer - this is only a summary and my opinion.  Information is obtained from researching online and not from the actual Quebec contest guidelines.  No intention to be offensive.

17 comments:

  1. I have noticed and felt bad that so many contests exclude Quebec. Thank you for this article which gives us an idea why Quebec may be excluded. I am happy that there are others who wonder why this happens to Quebec residents and also feel it is unfair. Enjoyed this post, thank you Happy Chinadoll.

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  2. Well, at least they have a lot of Quebec only contests to help make up for it!

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  3. Thanks for this post -- I knew it had to do with unique government regulations on running contests, but I didn't know the details of it.

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  4. thanks for the post, I didnt know this

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  5. I knew there was something but wow, now I see why so many companies don't do it.

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  6. I've always wondered why alot of contests excluded Quebec residents and now I know. Thanks!

    RAFFLECOPTER NAME is Anne Taylor

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  7. I've always wondered... that's a lot of hoops to jump through. What a bummer. I'm glad I don't live in Quebec!

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  8. I had no idea that this is why Quebec was excluded! Very interesting. I love entering contests so I think I will avoid moving to Quebec any time in the near future :)

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  9. Too bad. I have noticed they are excluded from a lot of promotions.

    fossie@hotmail.com
    Florence

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  10. I had wondered about this. How interesting...I can see how companies wouldn't want to go through something so complicated.

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  11. This is something I've always wondered about. Interesting.

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  12. I guess it's just too much hassle for the hosts to include Quebec. I kind of feel bad for everyone who can't enter contests and giveaways in Quebec.

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  13. I'm glad I don't live in Quebec. My in laws are from Quebec.

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  14. Too bad people in Quebec can't enter a lot of contests, they really miss out on a lot!

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  15. I've always wondered about this! Thanks for explaining!

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