Originally Posted by
Twickenham
In theory, this bill sounds like a great idea. In practice, it sends shivers down my spine. I fear what happened with contests - Quebec tightened the rules regulating contests open to Quebec residents, so now 90% of all contests simply exclude Quebec residents rather than comply. Will rewards programs really want to give up this much flexibility? Aeroplan has enough at stake to want to comply or fight this, but other programs? Worst-case scenario is that Quebec residents will be excluded from all outside rewards schemes - airline, hotel, etc. This potentially could be disastrous for Quebec point-collectors if it passes.
^
The problem isn't going to be with companies that are have a large presence in Quebec, like Aeroplan.
It'll be the US and international companies, who already organize their rewards programs however they see fit. If you're running the rewards program for SPG or Marriott or Delta, and someone comes in and says Quebec has some changes they want to impose on you, I think you have three choices:
1 • change your entire worldwide program to fit the Quebec rules
2 • offer a "no expiry" deal, but only for Quebec residents, thereby opening up your program to scrutiny by everybody who doesn't get that deal
3 • just decide you need to exclude Quebec residents from your program benefits... the same way you probably already do from contests you run.