Overview
Recent amendments to Alberta’s Consumer Protection Act strengthen price transparency requirements for accommodations and tourism experiences. These changes were introduced through the Traveller Protection and Destination Development Act to help people using these services in Alberta make informed booking decisions.
What businesses must disclose
Accommodation and tourism experience providers must disclose the full price at the time of booking, including all mandatory fees and charges. Fees must be presented before checkout and revealed before, not after, a booking decision is made. Prices must be shown clearly so that the person making the booking can compare options.
Mandatory fees include required charges needed to complete a booking, but do not include:
- government taxes
- optional or contingent charges that might arise after the booking, such as parking, pet, food services, or smoking-related charges
Right to information about fees
Upon request, the provider must explain the purpose of each mandatory fee and how the funds collected will be used before the person enters into the transaction.
If a business does not comply
Anyone who suspects that a business has not followed the Consumer Protection Act can file a complaint with Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction’s Consumer Investigations Unit (CIU). Enforcement action can result in warnings, director’s orders, administrative penalties, or undertakings where appropriate.
How to file a complaint
Complaints can be filed online or over the phone.
Online: File a consumer complaint against a business
Phone: 1-877-427-4088 (toll-free in Alberta)