Canada page (English)

The Canadian federal government administers national marketplace laws and regulations to ensure a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. The Competition Bureau within Industry Canada administers laws that have general application to trade and commerce while other federal departments administer legislation related to specific matters. Many of the provinces also administer legislation to control unfair business practices.

Industry Canada
Competition Bureau IMSN Contact: Johanne D'Auray Deputy Commissioner of Competition Fair Business Practices (819) 997-1231 (819) 953-4792 (fax) d[email protected]	The Competition Act	The Competition Act is federal law governing business conduct in Canada. It aims to promote competition in the marketplace. Among other things, the Competition Act prohibits misleading advertising and deceptive marketing practices in promoting the supply or use of a product or service, or any business interest.
	Fair Business Practices	The Fair Business Practices Branch promotes fair competition in the marketplace by discouraging deceptive business practices and by encouraging provision of sufficient information to enable informed consumer choice. The Branch applies the provisions of the Competition Act that deal with false or misleading advertising and other deceptive practices, as well as three laws promoting fair representation in the marketing of consumer products: the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act, and the Precious Metals Marking Act. The Branch also administers voluntary guideline concerning the use of environmental claims, the care labelling of textiles, and the marketing of diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls.
Office of Consumer Affairs	The Office of Consumer Affairs provides research and analysis and information and coordination in the area of consumer protection.
Measurement Canada	Measurement Canada sets the rules with respect to the measurement of goods and services in the marketplace, and ensures that these rules are effectively implemented and enforced. The organization administers the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act and their attendant Regulations

Health Canada

Health Claims and Product Safety

The Health Protection Branch conducts programs to ensure the safety of the food supply, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, medical or radiation-emitting devices and the environment, as well as to protect Canadians from hazardous consumer products, or materials in the work place. It carries out regulatory and field inspection activities, has surveillance and research responsibilities, and investigates disease outbreaks and product hazards.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Food Products

Providing labelling and advertising requirements, policies and guidelines which deal with statements and claims made for foods, including alcoholic beverages.

Food Division, Food Inspection Directorate, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.