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Government auctions in Québec: how CAG and GCSurplus work
Two ways in: the Centre d'acquisitions gouvernementales (Québec) and GCSurplus (Canada). The rules differ.
Dates, locations and terms change often. Always confirm directly with the auction house or agency before you travel or bid. Montréal Auctions is not affiliated with any organization listed here and sells nothing.
The CAG (Québec government)
The Centre d’acquisitions gouvernementales auctions vehicles and equipment the government no longer needs: cars, SUVs, pickups, trucks, snowmobiles, trailers and machinery (Québec.ca).
In Montréal, sales take place at 3675 boul. Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles (schedule).
How it works, according to the official pages (in French):
- Register online on the auctioneer’s site before you go to the inspection, with a refundable $1,000 deposit by credit card.
- Inspect on site during the scheduled days (usually the Monday and Tuesday before closing, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Print the sheets for lots you like so you can take notes.
- Timed online bidding closes on award day.
- Payment: credit card, debit card, certified cheque or bank draft; wire transfers are not accepted.
- Pickup within 3 business days of the sale. A transit permit can be issued on site when the vehicle’s status allows.
Sources: buyer’s guide, schedule. Listing: CAG.
GCSurplus (Government of Canada)
GCSurplus lists goods declared surplus by federal departments. The Québec region sales centre is at 2350 Dickson St. in Montréal (sales centres).
- Create an account, then bid on what interests you. Bids are sealed: only you can see your bid.
- The winner gets an emailed invoice with a pickup deadline.
- No buyer’s premium: the invoice is your bid plus applicable taxes.
- Pickup is by appointment; shipping is only offered for some items.
Sources: GCSurplus help, how GCSurplus works (FR). Listing: GCSurplus.
CAG vs GCSurplus at a glance
| CAG (Québec) | GCSurplus (Canada) | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Timed online auction, set dates | Sealed online bids, ongoing |
| Deposit | $1,000, refundable | Not mentioned |
| Buyer’s fee | 10% + taxes | None; taxes only |
| Inspection | Set days before the sale | Depends on the item (see listing) |
Also worth watching
Revenu Québec sells some unclaimed property (estates, safe-deposit boxes) through the CAG and IEGOR (Revenu Québec). See also the City of Laval municipal auction.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a buyer's fee?
At the CAG, yes: a 10% auction fee is added to the hammer price, plus taxes (buyer’s guide). On GCSurplus, no: you pay your bid plus applicable taxes (GCSurplus FAQ).
Can I withdraw a bid?
At the CAG, no: bidders cannot withdraw a bid (article 1761 of the Civil Code, cited in the buyer’s guide). On GCSurplus you can’t withdraw a bid, but you can change it before the sale closes (GCSurplus help).
When is the next CAG auction in Montréal?
In 2026, Montréal sales were held on April 29, June 17 and September 16. The next announced sale is in Québec City (November 2–4, 2026). Check the official schedule for 2027 dates.
Is there a legal warranty?
No. According to the CAG buyer’s guide, goods are sold as is, with no warranty, and the Consumer Protection Act does not apply to these sales.
Information checked on 2026-10-27.