Rogers CEO Met Premier Ford at Home to Discuss Ticket Legislation

Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at his Etobicoke home on a Sunday to discuss the government's new legislation capping resale ticket prices. The meeting, also attended by Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery Steven Crawford, occurred shortly after the 2026 budget tabled the populist measure.

The legislation aims to prevent scalping by prohibiting ticket listings above face value, with the government warning of significant fines for violations. However, sources indicate the law could have unintended consequences for companies that own major sports teams, such as Rogers' Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors. Season ticket holders who buy seats at a discount might struggle to resell tickets for high-demand games, effectively penalizing them for trying to subsidize their season ticket packages.

“

The rules are clear and so are the consequences: The days of scalpers ripping people off in Ontario are done.

Staffieri had registered as a lobbyist to discuss changes to the Ticket Sales Act. While the Premier's office stated no changes resulted from the meeting, critics view the private gathering as emblematic of the government's priorities. Rogers Communications, which receives funding from the Ontario government, stated it regularly engages with government and stakeholders on issues affecting customers and fans.

“

As with many topics that affect our customers, fans and communities, we regularly engage with government and other stakeholders.