On June 7th, the Minister of Innovation Science and
Economic Development Canada issued a press release confirming that
the government has suspended the implementation of some of the
provisions of Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). More specifically the provisions
relating to a private right of action and class actions will not be
brought into force on July 1, 2017. It seems that this has
occurred in response to significant lobbying pressure exerted by
many interested parties.
The issue of a private right of action has been referred to a
parliamentary committee. Nothing was said as to when that
committee might complete its report.
The press release provides that:
"Canadians deserve an effective law that protects them from
spam and other electronic threats that lead to harassment, identity
theft and fraud. At the same time, Canadian businesses,
charities and non-profit groups should not have to bear the burden
of the unnecessary red tape and costs to comply
