Canada: Consumer Protection

A Federal Court ruling clarifies that displaying itemized fees on the same screen does not constitute drip pricing under Canada's Competition Act, provided all mandatory charges are visible simultaneously in legible type. The decision establishes that while concealment and sequential disclosure trigger the prohibition, transparent partitioned pricing remains lawful, leaving businesses to navigate the line between compliant fee disclosure and misleading price representations.

An innocent passenger checks a suitcase at Toronto Pearson International Airport. A baggage tag is allegedly removed from that suitcase and placed on another bag containing illegal drugs. The passenger then travels abroad and is detained because authorities believe the drug-filled suitcase belongs to them. For some travellers, this scenario has become reality.

Canada's language laws create distinct obligations for businesses operating across the country, with Quebec's Charter of the French Language imposing comprehensive requirements on commercial operations, workplace communications, and consumer interactions.

A Federal Court ruling clarifies that displaying itemized fees on the same screen does not constitute drip pricing under Canada's Competition Act, provided all mandatory charges are visible simultaneously in legible type. The decision establishes that while concealment and sequential disclosure trigger the prohibition, transparent partitioned pricing remains lawful, leaving businesses to navigate the line between compliant fee disclosure and misleading price representations.

An Act to protect consumers against abusive practices in ticket resale and online subscription renewal (Bill 10) was adopted on June 12, 2026.

Ad Standards Advisory has issued new guidance to help Canadian advertisers navigate environmental claims and avoid greenwashing.

Starting October 5, 2026, Quebec will implement a new legal warranty of good working order for household appliances and electronic devices, requiring merchants and manufacturers to adapt their practices from price display to claims handling. What obligations will businesses face under Bill 29's amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, and how can they prepare for compliance before the deadline?

Health Canada has introduced mandatory performance standards for consumer products containing button/coin batteries, requiring immediate compliance from manufacturers, importers, advertisers, and sellers. Companies must now certify that their products, packaging, and labelling meet specified safety criteria or equivalent standards to mitigate ingestion hazards. This regulatory update offers a more flexible, outcomes-based approach compared to the prescriptive requirements of Reese's Law in the United States

A Quebec Superior Court partially authorized a class action against 13 automakers over smart key vulnerabilities that enable relay attacks, raising critical questions about manufacturer liability for cybersecurity flaws and the extent of their duty to inform consumers about technology-related risks. The decision also breaks new ground by addressing whether AI-generated translations can be admitted as evidence in court proceedings.

Ontario has introduced a proposed new home rebate that could significantly impact buyers of new construction and pre-construction properties. Real estate lawyer Jonathan Dippolito examines how this rebate may interact with existing HST programs and explains the critical importance of reviewing purchase agreements carefully. This video provides essential guidance for anyone considering a new home purchase in Ontario during this period of regulatory change.

Could Ontario homebuyers save up to $130,000 through a proposed expansion of the HST rebate program? Jonathan Dippolito of Woitzik Polsinelli LLP discusses a significant proposed change that could affect purchasers of new...

Le ministère des Finances du Canada a publié un projet de règlement qui modifierait le Règlement sur le régime de protection des consommateurs en matière financière en vertu de la Loi sur les banques pour lutter contre la fraude ciblant les consommateurs. Ce projet établit des exigences opérationnelles détaillées concernant les fonctionnalités de compte, les mécanismes de consentement, les limites de transaction et les obligations de divulgati