Canada: Consumer Law

Quebec's new Bill 24 prohibits businesses from using a person's identity or image in consumer advertising without consent, creating significant compliance obligations for companies using AI-generated content, synthetic voices, and digitally altered spokespersons. The legislation introduces broad enforcement powers and extends liability beyond content creators to platforms that distribute or facilitate unauthorized representations.

On July 1, we once again celebrated Canada Day, a statutory holiday across the country that commemorates the unification in 1867 of the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a single country called the Dominion of Canada.

Residential renovation contractors in Alberta must navigate two distinct legal frameworks that govern when and how they receive payment. Understanding the interplay between prompt payment legislation and prepaid contracting rules is essential for managing deposits, progress payments, and invoicing while preserving lien rights and avoiding costly disputes with homeowners.

L'Agence de la consommation en matière financière du Canada a publié une ligne directrice révisée sur les procédures d'examen des plaintes qui entrera en vigueur le 23 juin 2027.

Provincial governments across Canada are modernizing consumer protection legislation to address evolving digital practices, from subscription services to AI-generated content. British Columbia, Québec, and Manitoba have introduced significant amendments that expand consumer rights through enhanced disclosure requirements, stronger cancellation provisions, and new restrictions on algorithmic pricing. These reforms reflect a broader shift toward protecting consumers in an increasingly digital marketplace

Canada's Competition Bureau has announced a comprehensive examination of the country's food supply chain, from production to retail pricing practices. The review will scrutinize pricing algorithms, loyalty programs, shrinkflation, and distribution arrangements, with input sought from stakeholders by July 2026. Businesses operating in the food ecosystem should prepare for heightened regulatory scrutiny and ensure their commercial practices align with competition law requirements.

Le 10 juin 2026, Québec a adopté le Projet de loi 9, Loi visant à prévenir les effets nocifs des boissons énergisantes sur la santé des jeunes (« Loi 9 »), qui introduit un changement important dans la façon dont les boissons énergisantes contenant de la caféine seront commercialisées dans la province. La Loi 9 entrera en vigueur six mois après la sanction, qui devrait être imminente.

On June 10, 2026, Québec adopted Bill 9, An Act to prevent the harmful effects of energy drinks on the health of young people (“Bill 9”), introducing a significant shift in how caffeinated energy drinks will be commercialized in the province. Bill 9 will come into force six months following assent, which is expected shortly.

Manitoba has enacted two groundbreaking bills regulating artificial intelligence in both private and public sectors. Bill 49 prohibits businesses from using personalized algorithmic pricing without consumer consent...