Manitoba Axes Fees on Inactive Gift Cards

Gift cards are perhaps the most fail-safe “gift” you can give somebody, so the Manitoba government is enacting new rules surrounding the plastic.

Inactive shopping mall gift cards will no longer incur fees while not being used. The new rules take effect on Tuesday.

“Manitobans already enjoy strong consumer protection with respect to gift cards but there is room for improvement,” said Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux.

Manitoba already prohibits gift cards from expiring, and prohibits suppliers from charging fees to replace lost or stolen cards.

Failure to comply with the new rules could yield a penalty of between $1,000 to $5,000 for an individual and from $5,000 to $20,000 for a corporation.