Competition Bureau's Position on Advertising During
COVID-19 Pandemic
In the context of COVID-19, the Competition Bureau
("Bureau"), in coordination with Health
Canada, has indicated its intention to take action against
companies that fail to comply with the Competition Act
(the "Act") and, in particular, its
provisions relating to misleading advertising and performance claims. The Act includes a wide
range of civil and criminal deceptive marketing practices
provisions that apply to anyone who is promoting a product, service
or business interest. Failing to comply with these provisions can
have serious consequences, including financial penalties,
restitution and reputational harm - and in some cases criminal
fines and jail time.
