Vancouver Tribunal Orders Refund for Cancelled Formula E Race

UPDATE: A British Columbia tribunal has just ruled that a secondary ticket seller must issue a refund to a ticketholder after the cancellation of the Vancouver Formula E race, which was set for Canada Day weekend in 2022. This significant decision marks a victory for consumers as it reinforces their rights in ticket sales.

The race, organized by One Stop Strategy Group Inc., was abruptly cancelled and has never been rescheduled, leaving more than tens of thousands of ticketholders in a difficult situation. Sean Charlton, who purchased four tickets for a total of $1,092, took his case to the Civil Resolution Tribunal after the event was called off.

Tribunal member Jeffrey Drozdiak emphasized the importance of resolving the claim within British Columbia, stating, “Mr. Charlton bought tickets in British Columbia for an event that was scheduled to take place in British Columbia.” This ruling allows local consumers to seek justice without the burden of navigating legal disputes in another province.

ATPI Travel and Events Canada Inc. argued that it should not be liable for the refund, claiming it had already disbursed Charlton’s funds to the organizer, One Stop Strategy Group. However, the tribunal found that legislation in B.C. mandates secondary ticket sellers to guarantee full refunds if an event is cancelled. This key point underscores the responsibilities of sellers under the Ticket Sales Act.

In a notable ruling, Drozdiak stated, “A seller cannot include a contract term that removes this guarantee.” This highlights a critical consumer protection framework that affects how ticket sales are conducted in the province. ATPI had previously launched a lawsuit against One Stop Strategy Group in Quebec, seeking $2.78 million to cover refunds for multiple ticketholders.

The tribunal awarded Charlton $1,363.55, including pre-judgment interest and fees associated with the Civil Resolution Tribunal. This outcome not only impacts Charlton but could also influence the ongoing class-action lawsuit in Quebec involving other ticketholders.

This development is significant for consumers who may feel vulnerable when purchasing tickets for events that are later cancelled. The ruling serves as a reminder of the protections available to ticket purchasers in British Columbia and the obligations of secondary ticket sellers.

As the ticketing landscape continues to evolve, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about their rights, especially in light of this recent decision. The tribunal’s findings may set a precedent for similar cases, urging other ticketholders to seek justice in the face of cancellations.

Stay tuned for further updates on this story and what it means for the future of ticket sales in Canada.