Cancelling a course registration
Sports courses, driving lessons, music lessons, language courses, personal development courses, dance classes... There is no shortage of options when you want to learn a new activity or discipline. But what happens if you change your mind after signing the registration contract? We explain what the law says.
Cancellation before the start of classes
In Quebec, the law states that you can cancel your enrolment in a course at any time, regardless of whether you enrolled in person, online or by phone.
If you cancel before the start of classes, the merchant is not entitled to charge you any fees or demand compensation.
Cancellation after the start of classes
If you cancel after classes have already started, you will have to pay two amounts:
The cost of classes that have already taken place
A penalty provided for by law, which corresponds to the lesser of the following amounts: $50, or 10% of the price of the remaining classes.
How do I cancel my registration?
Fill out the cancellation form that the merchant gave you when you registered, or write a written notice and send it to them.
We recommend that you send this document via registered mail. Your contract is cancelled as soon as you send it.
The merchant has 10 days to refund you from the postmark date.
Can I cancel the purchase of equipment?
If you have purchased more than $100 worth of equipment from the merchant, you can.
You have 10 days to cancel, starting from either the delivery of the equipment or the start of classes (whichever date is most advantageous for you applies!).
To cancel your purchase, you must return the equipment to the merchant. You can also send them the cancellation form attached to the equipment purchase contract, or a written notice. You will then have 10 days to return the merchandise after sending the form or notice.
If you send the cancellation form to cancel your course registration, you can cancel the equipment purchase contract at the same time. You have 10 days to return the equipment after sending the form.
Once the contract is cancelled, the retailer has 10 days to refund you. They must cover the return shipping costs.
Please note! To cancel this purchase, you must have had the equipment for less than 2 months, or less than one-third of the total duration of the session (whichever is shorter).
If you have damaged the equipment, the merchant may refuse the cancellation.
To which courses do these rules apply?
The law governs any contract signed with a merchant offering a series of courses (sports, language, driving, etc.).
This law applies to:
Private establishments
Nonprofit organisations
Educational institutions that offer courses outside their educational program (e.g., swimming lessons for children given at a university)
This law does NOT apply to:
Public institutions (e.g., CEGEP or university programs, courses offered by a municipal recreational service)
Fitness or weight management centres
Do you have any other questions about cancelling courses? Contact us!