Over the past few months, particularly in the current political
and economic climate, we have observed an increasing use of claims
emphasizing "Canada." While this marketing trend may
offer certain advantages, it must be approached with caution to
avoid significant risks, including the potential for
"maple-washing."
In line with this trend, it is not surprising that last March
the Competition Bureau (the "Bureau") updated its
guidelines relating to "Product of Canada" and "Made
in Canada" claims. With the holiday season approaching, a
period synonymous with high sales volumes, this is an appropriate
time to revisit best marketing practices in this area to avoid
missteps.
In short, very little has changed in the Bureau's most
recent guidelines. Despite the passage of time, the criteria remain
the same. It is important to note that the guidelines issued by the
Bureau pertain only toconsumer products that are not food items, as
food products fall under the