Yes, restaurant owners, there are gift card laws in Canada

Many restaurants have discovered the marketing benefits of gift cards, however the laws pertaining to the sale of gift cards varies by province. Gift card terms and conditions need to be considered on a province-by-province basis, with particular attention paid to expiry dates and fees.

British Columbia law prohibits charging fees for gift cards. Certain fees, such as those that correspond to the replacement of a lost card, the customization of a card, or in respect of cards which may be applied to purchases at multiple unaffiliated sellers are allowed.

Alberta, on the other hand, allows suppliers of gift cards to charge, upon purchase, a one time activation fee for the card. The only other fees that are permitted are those that apply to replacing lost cards and/or customizing cards. Moreover, restaurants offering gift cards are required to accept them for partial payments and may not withhold any unused balance.

Gift cards sold in Manitoba are allowed to have expiry dates where they are sold for a specific good or service, or where the holder provides nothing of value when the card is issued.  Fees, on the other hand, may only be charged for replacing lost or stolen cards, or customizing cards which may be used at multiple, unaffiliated sellers has been inactive for 12 months.