*** "Not Available in Quebec"

Years ago, my wife and I descended from our cruise ship to try our luck at a local casino, in one of the Caribbean islands (I can't recall which.)  A very pleasant black taxi driver drove us over and in the course of the conversation, we learned that locals were banned from entering the casino (likely to save them from ruin.) The driver told us that he had no interest in going in, but objected that white islanders weren't denied access. Hmm... It made me feel a bit queasy.

A couple of days later when we returned to our disembarkation point in Miami, I bought a chocolate bar and noticed that the candy company was running a contest which was described the terms on the back of the packaging. I was disappointed to spy the depressingly familiar disclaimer, in the tiniest of print at the end of the contest conditions.

"**NOT AVAILABLE IN QUEBEC" 

Sheesh, all the way down in Florida and we're still reminded that Quebec is different, more often than not, not in a good way. Perhaps we are as needy of protection as the aforementioned taxi driver.

We who live in the province are used to being excluded from all sorts of opportunities, contests, toys, deals, shopping opportunities and product offers, all because of the famous disclaimer.

"**NOT AVAILABLE IN QUEBEC"

For this we have to thank the various branches of the Quebec government who wish to protect us from the evils that lie outside our provincial border. Heaven protect us!!!

If you're an Anglo Quebecker, don't tell me you've never read an offer that interested you, only to be frustrated by the ubiquitous disclaimer which always comes at the end, after you've read the whole damn thing!

Loto-Quebec is the Quebec government corporation in charge of anything that has to do with gambling, contests and promotions that occur in the sacred territory of Quebec. Ostensibly, this oversight insures fairness and protects contest entrants by making sure that any prize offered, is actually awarded. For this, the agency exacts a fee from the contest holder, even from national and international organizations.
For most, it's just easier to exclude Quebec than go through the hassle and expense of dealing with the government bureaucrats.

Another reason we are excluded from so many opportunities, is that most everything sold into Quebec must have either a French version, and/or French instructions. It leads to the unfair situation where Anglophones can't enjoy products, services and offers made in their own language.

Financial institutions also fall prey to overzealous regulation and so credit card deals or special mortgage financing is subject to the famous disclaimer as well.

Here's but a smattering of examples.;

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Who can apply for a Citizens Bank VISA*?
You must be of legal age to apply for a VISA.
You must be resident of Canada.
Citizens Bank VISA accounts are not currently available to residents in the province of Quebec.

______________________________________________________

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This from a video game bulletin board;

"I was like ''wtf?''

Then I went on playstation network to see if there were any new demos, but it says:

''This service is not availble in your country or region'' then I was more like ''WTF!?!?!?!?!?!YOU MOTHERF***ING PIECE OF GOD DAMN SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!''

So I called many of my friends, and they all had the same problem.

Conclusion: I think no one in Quebec can actually play online.My guess is that this due is to law 101 on french language... fuck."

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Moving Service: "Our qualified and insured employees can make your move easy, we provide this service to commercial and residential customers. Currently Not available in Quebec."

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Construction Sub Contractor Factoring
"Specialized factoring financing for Canadian construction subcontractors. We are one of the few firms in the nation that offers this service in most provinces (this service is not available in Quebec)"

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DivorceOnline

"Our experienced team of legal professionals have prepared thousands of Canadian divorce papers which the courts have........"...accepted in every province and territory (not available in Quebec)." (Ha! Ha!, that last part a good one!)

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 I know you can find literally thousands of web sites with similar disclaimers, but I'm sure you'll agree with me that this one takes the cake;

** For visitors 18 years of age or over who have reserved a package through one of our tourism partners. This offer may be changed without notice and may not be combined with any other promotion. Any abuse related to this promotion, failure to respect the conditions or use deemed fraudulent may void this offer and the member's Casino Privilèges Club membership. One original Privilèges passport per person per package, up to a total of two passports per year. The Privilèges Passport is non-transferable. All amounts specified are in Canadian funds. Exclusive offer valid until March 15, 2010.

*** Offer not available to Québec residents.

The offer is called 'Sweet Deal' and is offered by none other than Loto-Quebec's Montreal Casino!!!
Can you believe that? We're even banned in Quebec!!! WTF!!!