
By Marie Lussier of Fogler, Rubinoff LLP and Celia Ohayon
Since the start of the year, Canadian consumers and businesses have rallied behind the “Elbows Up!” movement and are looking to “buy Canadian”. Homegrown goods are in high demand, and origin claims like “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” are getting more attention than ever. These claims, however, are not just feel-good slogans. They are legal statements and their misuse can lead to penalties, regulatory action, and a loss of consumer trust.
What Changed (and What Didn’t)
On March 7, 2025, the Competition Bureau released updated enforcement guidelines for “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims. The updates did not change the legal requirements but clarified them to make the rules easier to understand and to apply.