TERMS OF USE (TOU)

Preamble

These Terms of Use (the “Terms”) govern access to and use of the Site and of the services offered by FirstStep-OG (the “Services”). By browsing the Site or booking a Service, you unreservedly accept these Terms.

Definitions

  • User : any person browsing the Site.
  • Client : a User who has entered into a service contract with FirstStep-OG.
  • Content : texts, images, videos and data displayed on the Site.

Access to the Site

The Site is available 24/7 except in cases of force majeure, maintenance or network failure. FirstStep-OG makes no guarantee of uninterrupted service.

Account Creation (where applicable)

The Client agrees to provide accurate information, keep it up to date and keep their username and password confidential. All activity carried out through the account is deemed to be the Client’s.

Booking and Payment

Service descriptions, prices and payment terms are set out in the relevant Service pages. Secure payment is made via Stripe, Interac e-Transfer, cash or credit/debit card.

A booking is confirmed once payment is received, in accordance with the instructions in the confirmation e-mail.

Cancellation Policy

  • Up to 14 days before arrival: 90 % refund
  • Between day –14 and day –1: 70 % refund
  • No-show or same-day cancellation: no refund (except force majeure under s. 1470 C.c.Q.)

User Obligations

Users undertake to:

  • Use the Site in compliance with Canadian and Québec laws.
  • Refrain from posting defamatory, obscene, racist or rights-infringing content.
  • Not disrupt Site operation (viruses, intrusion attempts).

Intellectual Property

FirstStep-OG retains all rights in the Content. Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited. Apartment photos are non-contractual.

Limitation of Liability

FirstStep-OG shall in no event be liable for indirect damages, loss of profit, data or any other loss arising from use of—or inability to use—the Site.

Indemnification

Users shall indemnify FirstStep-OG for any claim or damage resulting from their breach of the Terms or unlawful use of the Site.

Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party platforms; access is at the User’s own risk.

Changes to the Terms

We may amend these Terms at any time. The version in force is the one posted on the Site at the time of consultation. Any material change will be notified 14 days before it takes effect.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Québec and the applicable federal laws of Canada. Any dispute shall be submitted exclusively to the courts of the judicial district of Gatineau.

Final Provisions

If any clause is deemed null, it is considered unwritten without affecting the validity of the remaining clauses. Failure by FirstStep-OG to enforce any clause shall not constitute a waiver of future enforcement.

Legal Basis for Electronic Contracts

  • Québec Civil Code ss. 1385 & 1412 (contract formation)
  • Act to Establish a Legal Framework for Information Technology (CQLR c. C-1.1), ss. 5 & 31–32 (electronic signature, evidence)
  • Consumer Protection Act (CQLR c. P-40.1), Ch. C (distance contracts, ss. 54.1–54.16)

Contract Process (s. 54.2 CPA)

  1. Detailed display of the service and total price (taxes included).
  2. Confirmation by the Client (“Book” button).
  3. Immediate electronic acknowledgement (s. 54.4 CPA).
  4. Copy of the contract supplied on a durable medium (PDF).

Right of Cancellation — Distance Contracts

Under s. 54.13 CPA, Québec consumers may cancel the contract if they have not received the summary document within 15 days of booking.

Statutory Warranties

Services are supplied in accordance with ss. 37 & 38 CPA (normal use, safety). Any defect must be reported within 10 days.

Prices, Taxes & Fees

Prices are in Canadian dollars and include GST (5 %) and QST (9.975 %) in accordance with the Excise Tax Act and the Québec Sales Tax Act.

Intellectual Property & User Licence

Users are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to view the Site (Copyright Act, s. 3(1)).

Additional Limitation of Liability

No party is liable for delays caused by an event of force majeure (s. 1470 C.c.Q.). Total liability is capped at the amount paid by the Client (case law: _Houard v. Campeau_, 2022 QCCA 1156).

Dispute Resolution

Written claim → info@firststep-og.ca. If unresolved within 30 days:

  • Québec consumers: : mediation via the OPC (s. 55 CPA) or Tribunal administratif du Québec for claims under $5,000.
  • All other cases : exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Gatineau district.

Contact

Questions? E-mail legal@firststep-og.ca or write to the postal address given in the Legal Notice.

Effective Date & Amendments

These TOU were published on 2 July 2025. Any material amendment will be announced by e-mail 14 days before coming into force (Québec Civil Code, s. 12 — duty of good faith).