Need to cancel a contract?

A future performance contract is an agreement where you do not pay in full upfront, or you don’t get the goods or services immediately. For example, you paid a deposit on home repairs, which will occur at a later date. Contracts for $50 or less or preneed cemetery or funeral services don’t qualify as future performance contracts.

Future performance contracts can also capture door-to-door sales, gym memberships or a membership to a travel club.

If you are looking for help with a television, cell phone, cable, internet or landline issue, contact the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services (CCTS).

By law, your contract must contain specific information. If certain information is not included, or you did not receive a copy of the contract within 15 days, you may be within your right to cancel.

Your future performance contract must have:

• The supplier’s information
• The date the contract was entered into
• The description of the goods or services
• The cost of the items
• The taxes and shipping charges
• The description of customs duties, brokerage fees, or additional charges
• The terms of payment
• The total price under the contract, including the total cost of credit
• The description and dollar value of any trade-in (if applicable)
• (If credit is extended or arranged by the supplier) a description of the subject matter of any security interest
• Notice of the consumer’s rights of cancellation, if any
• The restrictions, limitations or other terms or conditions that may apply to the supply of the goods or services
• Any other prescribed information

This is a summary of requirements, not an exhaustive list of requirements or legal advice.

Read the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, Part 4.

If your future performance contract is missing any of the required contents, you have one year to cancel by giving notice to the business.

To cancel your contract, send a cancellation request directly to the business in a way that allows you to get proof of delivery (registered mail, fax or email). Keep copies for your records and be sure to follow up with the business! It is always a good idea to confirm a contract cancellation. The law gives the business 15 days to respond.

Cancel a future performance contract within the first year

If you are unhappy with the quality of the goods or service and the business is not addressing your concerns, your next step is to take the matter to court.

For claims up to $5,000 use Civil Resolution Tribunal

For disputes up to $35,000 use Small Claims Court